For a summary of a settler’s listing in the Township Papers click on alphabetic listing in the right hand column.

The following description of Willoughby Township and its villages is quoted from The History of the County of Welland, Ontario, Its Past and Present. Welland Tribune Printing House, 1887.

The Township of Willoughby is bounded on the north by the Welland River, which separates it from the Township of Stamford, on the east by the Niagara River, on the south by the Township of Bertie, and on the west by the Township of Crowland. It is the smallest township in the county, containing only 18,738 acres. In 1779, we find Michael Gonder with his family had settled on the Niagara River, and was probably its first pioneer. In 1784, almost ten families of United Empire Loyalists took up their residence on lands granted to them by the Crown, under the supervision of the officer commanding the garrison of Niagara. The township was subsequently surveyed in the year 1787, when wild land could be purchased for a shilling an acre. It is an almost unbroken level, slight depressions occurring on the northerly and westerly portions of it. The soil varies from clay to a black loam. The unvarying levelness of the township has rendered the advantages of waterpower impossible. In no place could a fall of ten feet be secured, except along Lyons’ Creek (which has a dull, sluggish current) without inundating a large tract of country. The drainage, however seems to be sufficient to make agriculture a success; some parts of the township being highly cultivated, producing excellent crops, and the most of the cleared land being fairly well tilled. The price of farming land at present varies from thirty to eighty dollars per acre. In the early settlement of the township the people invariably made their homes near the Niagara River, along the bank of which, following the curves of the streams, was a road leading from Chippawa to Fort Erie. As settlement increased, and the lands were taken up along the Niagara River, others, in order to secure suitable locations, began to ascend the Chippawa and settle on its banks. The cause for obtaining a place fronting on some stream was two-fold: first, the pleasure all experience in living near the water; and second, in the then primitive state of the country it afforded an easy means of communication with the older settled parts, and the mills that were early established on the Niagara River in the vicinity of the Falls. Although a frontier township, the inland progress of its settlement was slow, owing to several causes; among others may be mentioned the holdings of large tracts by non-residents, who contributed scarcely anything for local improvements, and who, holding their lands higher than farms could be purchased for in other parts of the county, forced the settlers to buy elsewhere. During the war of 1812 the frontier settlements of the township were especially ravaged by American soldiers; many houses were destroyed, and the inhabitants impoverished. The large and impenetrable tamarack swamp that traversed the township diagonally in a northeasterly and southwesterly direction, dividing it into two nearly equal parts, rendered its settlement slow and difficult in the interior and western portion. The township in 1817, including the principal part of the present Village of Chippawa, contained only sixty three inhabited houses, with a probable permanent population of a little more than three hundred persons, and there was no church, and but one school. A small settlement was soon afterwards formed at the northwest angle of the township, from which a narrow road followed the windings of Lyons’ Creek to the Village of Chippawa, and for many years formed the only means of communication between the river front and the interior of the township. About 1830, a number of German families immigrated into the township, and being thrifty and industrious, soon acquired small farms and created comfortable homes. During Mackenzie’s rebellion, the township was threatened by invasion, and marauding parties from Navy and Grand Island frequently landed and plundered houses near the river. Travellers were fired at, and as the road along the river formed the only highway in the township leading from north to south traffic of all kinds almost ceased. Several persons were injured and a few killed, and many houses were damaged by shot from Navy Island. The progress of the township was seriously retarded by these unfortunate events. In 1850, the population of the township, still including Chippawa, numbered nine hundred and fifty, and there was as yet but a single road crossing the “tamarack swamp.” Land at this date was valued at twenty-five shillings an acre. Since that time, the progress of the municipality in wealth and comfort has been very satisfactory. Roads have been opened and improved, the greater part of the swamp has been drained and converted into fields of unsurpassed fertility, churches have been built, and school houses erected. The area of undrained marsh has been reduced to three hundred and sixty acres, and it is probable that in the course of a very few years much of this will be reclaimed.

Willoughby extends along the west shore of the Niagara River for upwards of seven miles, and the prospect from the road which winds along the bank, and is usually elevated several feet above the water, is extremely agreeable, especially in an early summer morning when the sun is rising over the trees on the islands in the river. The riverside is bordered by comfortable homes seated among orchards and well-cultivated gardens, and boat-houses line the shore. The soil is principally a rich loam, although clay predominates in some parts of the township. The Lyons’ Creek, with its principal tributary the Tee Creek, traverses the western and northern sides of the township, winding along from the south-west angle till it falls into the Welland River near the Village of Chippawa, in the north-eastern corner of the municipality. Ussher’s or Street’s Creek takes its rise in a swamp in the south-west angle, and meanders in a north-easterly direction through the centre of the township until it falls into the Niagara about a mile south of the Village of Chippawa. On a plain near the mouth of this creek, and between it and the Village of Chippawa, an engagement was fought on July 5th, 1814, between the British army under General Riall and the American forces under General Brown, which is known as the battle of Chippawa. Black Creek, that has its source in the Township of Bertie, falls into Niagara on the south eastern part of this township. Navy Island, in the Niagara River, is included in Willoughby. It lies nearly half a mile from the western shore of the river, and contains about three hundred acres, one hundred and fifty of which are in orchard; apples, pears, plums, peaches and grapes are cultivated with gratifying success, and many tons of fruit are annually exported.

In 1885 there were one thousand eight hundred and eighty-seven acres sown with winter wheat in Willoughby Township, and nearly fifty thousand bushels threshed. The yield, in some cases, was as high as forty bushels per acre of wheat, and from fifty to sixty bushels of oats. Other cereals were equally successful, whilst roots yielded a magnificent return. As high as seven hundred bushels of turnips have been harvested from an acre. Mangolds have been known to produce from six hundred and fifty to seven hundred bushels to the acre, and potatoes between two hundred and fifty to three hundred bushels. There are two hundred and thirty-five acres of orchard in the township; and in 1885 it contained one thousand two hundred and sixty-eight sheep, six hundred and twenty-two horses, one thousand three hundred and thirty-nine horned cattle, and had a population exceeding one thousand one hundred persons. It has six churches, six public schools, one roller grist-mill, one saw mill, one planing mill, one wagon shop, blacksmith shops, and a general store. W. E. Tench’s shearing mill, near the Village of Chippawa, on the Welland River, is one of the largest in the county, and does an extensive trade. The Welland River, which forms the northern boundary of the township, is navigable the entire distance, as well as the Niagara, which forms the eastern limit. The Erie and Niagara branch of the Canada Southern Division of the Michigan Central Railway traverses the township from north to south, and has one station in it, at Black Creek, and another at Chippawa, and the facilities for shipping both by water and rail are excellent. The actual value of real and personal property in the township at present exceeds seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars. A large proportion of the population are of German origin, but all alike are thrifty, industrious and progressive.

The office of Township Clerk has been held by the following gentlemen: 1850, Beauchamp Coleleugh; 1851-2, Thomas Wilkinson; 1853-8, John Dobbie; 1859-79, John Smith; 1880-2, Isaac H. Allen; 1883-7, James Smith. The office of Treasurer has been filled as follow: 1850-5, Martin Dell; 1856-8, John Dobbie; 1859-69, Elijah Shainholds; 1870, George Weaver; 1871-2, Nicholas Myer; 1873-87, Robert McCredie. Rev. A. Christy was Local Superintendent of Schools from 1856 to the end of 1863, and Rev. D. J. F. McLeod filled the office from the beginning of 1864 to the end of 1870.

Lying on the southern border of Willoughby Township, and partly within the Township of Bertie about three miles from the nearest point on the Niagara River, is the little village of New Germany, in which has recently been established the post office named Snyder, taking its name from the Rev. T. Snyder, professor of English and education, through whose influence and energy the post office was established. Previous to this year the inhabitants received their mail matter at Stevensville a village one mile south, on the Loop Line and Michigan Central Railways. The convenience of a post office in the village is highly appreciated by the citizens, a due need of praise being given to the Rev. gentleman for the success of his efforts. In the west end of the village stands the Lutheran church, a handsome frame structure with stained windows, and the interior finished in a superior manner, and capable of seating about one hundred and fifty persons. The Rev. T. Snyder is the pastor. On the north side of the road, in the east end of the village, is the German Roman Catholic Church, which has a large congregation. Some distance north from the main street, on the road leading to the Village of Chippawa, stands the second Lutheran Church of the place. There are, besides the above, two stores, two hotels, a blacksmith shop, wagon shop, tailoring establishment, shoe shop, and about one hundred inhabitants.

On the banks of the Niagara River, and about midway between Niagara Falls and Buffalo, is situated the little village of Black Creek, so named from the dark color of the water in the stream that empties into Niagara River at this point. The village now contains but a post office, one general store and a wagon and blacksmith shop, Mr. I. H. Allen’s steam saw-mills having burned in 1886. Owing to the increasing scarcity of timber in this district it is doubtful if these mills will ever be rebuilt. At one time, and especially while reciprocity with the United States was in force, this was an extensive grain market, long processions of teams laden with wheat at times awaiting an opportunity to unload their grain, which was rapidly shipped to find a ready market on the other side. With renewed reciprocity, Black Creek would, no doubt, enjoy a return of the good old times again. The Erie and Niagara Branch of the M. C. R. R. affords good railway accommodation. The principal shipments from here of late years are timber, by way of the river, to Buffalo and other American ports, Mr. I. H. Allen getting out over a million feet for that purpose the past winter, to be used principally in the ship and deck building at Buffalo. Among the pioneers of this locality the names of the Beams, the Gonders and Bakers, figure prominently, the grandfather of the Messrs. Beams having taken up 800 acres here about 1797. The Morningstars were already settlers, and are closely identified with the growth and advancement of this part of the county. The first store in Black Creek was kept by Robert Ingram, who continued farming, mercantile business, and blacksmithing. As far back as 1842, there were three hotels here, the place being at that time on the stage road between Chippawa and Fort Erie. The towing of rafts up the Niagara River was then exclusively done by oxen, it being no uncommon sight to see ten or twelve yoke slowly plodding along the bank with a raft of timber in tow. About a mile above here another tavern, kept by one Kinney, flourished in those days; and farther on the Elmer hotel offered liquid and solid fare for man and beast; still another tavern catered to the public appetite at a point below the village—six taverns in all within a distance of about three miles. Today there is but one hotel in room of all these—the Willow Bay summer hotel. Kinney, above referred to, lost his wife while on a smuggling expedition. He was crossing in a boat, which capsized. By some means he reached a small island, where he perished, his body being recovered some time afterwards. In 1849 Mr. I. H. Allen settled in Black Creek, and has since carried on a general store and lumber business. In 1855 Allen’s first mill was built, which, in 1866, was replaced by the larger steam mill which was destroyed by fire in January, 1886 a disastrous blow to the prosperity of the village as well as a severe loss to Mr. Allen, who had no insurance thereon. For the past twenty-three years Mr. Allen has had the valuable aid of Mr. Chas. Jenks, his son-in-law, in the management of his extensive business. A post-office was established here in 1854. Alex. McMurray was first postmaster of Black Creek for a short term, being succeeded in that position by Mr. Allen, who has since held that office. M. R. Barnhard, present reeve of Willoughby Township, carries on the wagon making and blacksmithing business here, and enjoys a steady trade. Fortnightly services are held by the United Brethren, the same edifice being used at intervals by the Methodists; no regular pastor being appointed for this place for either denomination. Black Creek is navigable for rafts for about two miles. About a mile above the village, on the creek, is found an excellent soil for brick-making; this was utilized by the Messrs. Morningstar several years ago, but has fallen into disuse of late. Many and interesting are the reminiscences one may listen to of personal experiences during the Fenian raid of 1866. The writer calls to mind the exploit of one party, composed of Messrs. I. H. Allen, George Detenbeck, Thos. McLaughlin (customs officer, lately deceased), and Thos. H. Allen. Learning that the Fenians had crossed into Canada, and impatient to learn something of their whereabouts and strength, the gallant party with Mr. Allen’s team, started up the river, armed with a marine glass, and fully expecting to keep a distance beyond the reach of the naked eye. Supposing they were many miles above Black Creek, the horses were jogging steadily along when suddenly they came upon a body of some 250 Fenians at Miller’s Bend. A semi-drunken Fenian on horseback, with a belt bristling with revolvers, hailed the party and demanded a halt. They moved on. “Halt or I’ll—,” said the sentinel, and they did halt. The team was pressed into Fenian service, and the quartette of amateur scouts were placed before the bayonet point and marched to the headquarters of General O’Neil at Frenchman’s Creek. After some deliberation the General decided to let them go, remarking that it would be too much bother to watch them. The Fenians were then busily engaged in burning muskets and throwing their iron remains into Frenchman’s Creek, more muskets finding their way into Canada than there were bold Fenians to handle them. For years afterwards muskets were as plentiful as minnows in Frenchman’s Creek. Two weeks after this, Mr. Allen recovered his team in the woods back of Fort Erie. Here as elsewhere along the frontier, local trade is depressed by the fact that many residents do the bulk of their trading on the American side. The village, however, possesses many natural advantages as a resort for families wishing to escape the bustle and heat of city life during the summer months. Boating is both pleasant and safe at this point, from the fact that Niagara’s current is here more gentle than at any other place along its banks. The fishing, too, is excellent. Within a dozen miles of Buffalo and but ten from Niagara Falls, this village is conveniently and delightfully situated for those seeking rest and recreation. The location of a large and properly conducted summer hotel here would largely tend to bring the attractions of the place before the public eye, and should proved a good investment financially.

Village of Chippawa

At the mouth of the Welland River is situated the incorporated Village of Chippawa. The word is an Indian one, and has been variously spelled “Chippewa” and “Chippeway.” The modern spelling is “Chippawa.” The Indian signification of the word is “people without moccasins.” Previous to the date of incorporation of the Village of Chippawa—about 1850 that part of the village lying on the right bank of the Welland formed part of the Township of Willoughby, while that on the right bank was a part of Stamford.

Chippawa is rich in historic reminiscence, the French having built a stockade at this place before the conquest, and during the war of the American Revolution a block house was constructed, which was subsequently known as Fort Welland. The situation of the place at the head of the portage on the left bank of the river, caused it to become a place of some importance at an early period, and a small settlement soon sprang up around the stockade, which was usually occupied by a dozen regular soldiers. In the spring of 1814, a long line of breastworks and intrenchments was constructed by the 1st battalion of the 8th regiment, on the left bank of the Welland at this place, but they were abandoned by General Riall two days after being repulsed in his attack on the American position, near Street’s Creek, on the 5th July, and the bridge over the stream was destroyed. Colonel Allan McNabb, when observing the movements of the rebels encamped on Navy Island in December, 1837, made this place his headquarters.

As long as the portage around the Falls was used in transporting goods between Lakes Ontario and Erie, Chippawa grew and prospered, and bid fair to become one of the centres of trade in the Niagara District, but the completion of the Erie and Welland Canals, and the construction of railways sealed its fate.

According to the census of 1881, the population was 664. The recently completed assessment roll fixes it now at 562, while in 1864 the population of the place was 1450.

In the days of Chippawa’s prosperity, the late James Cummings and the late Oliver T. Macklem were among the most enterprising of the citizens, and the evidences of their enterprise are apparent on every hand. The old foundry that now presents so deserved an appearance, once turned out forty stoves daily, while the adjoining machine shop had constructed in it engines for some of the steamers that navigated the lakes. The tannery did so extensive a business in days gone by, that it is described in Smith’s Canada, published in 1870, as having manufactured during the previous year “twenty-two thousand sides of leather, four thousand calf skins, and two thousands sides of upper leather.” The tannery is still in operation, its present proprietor confining his attention principally to the manufacture of leather belting. A large distillery, which was formerly in operation just outside the corporation limits, in the Township of Willoughby, has been converted into a roller flour mill. Malt is also manufactured on the premises. Mr. Tench, the proprietor, has also a saw mill adjoining. At present Chippawa has six stores, four hotels, two blacksmith shops, two shoe shops, and one tinshop. It is a station on the Erie and Niagara branch of the Michigan Central Railway. The total value of real and personal property exceeds $111,000 at present, and there was a time in the history of the place, when it was as $185,000. The rate of taxation is comparatively low, and the village is out of debt.

Thomas C. Street, Welland County’s “millionaire,” and for many years its representative in Parliament, owned and raised on a beautiful property on the riverside, adjoining this village. The Street family are perhaps the best known of any to the older residents of Welland County, a large portion of its lands having passed through their hands in transit from the Crown to actual settlers. A further reference to the late Mr. Street appears in our Stamford biographies.

The Episcopalians built a church in Chippawa at an early date, on the site of the present one. The present church, which has been built a grat many years—perhaps half a century—is a solid looking brick structure situated in the northern outskirts of the village. It is surrounded by a graveyard, in which are numerous marble slabs, whose inscriptions refer to names of many early settlers. “Sacred to the memory of William Leeming, late rector of this parish, who was appointed a missionary to Canada by the Society for the Propagatin of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, in March, 1820. Born 1787, died 1863,” is the legend on one of the headstones, while adjoining it is another, marking the resting place of the wife of William Leeming, the first missionary at Chippawa. Much can be learned of the early history of the locality by studying the inscriptions in this very interesting churchyard. Here we learn that Thomas Cummings, a U. E. Loyalist, settled in Chippawa in 1783, and that his son James Cummings, was born in 1789. To the Rev. William Leeming is due the credit for starting the church in the place at an early day. He was succeeded by the Rev. D. J. F. McLeod, who was succeeded by the Reb. Mr. Fessenden, the present rector.

The Presbyterian Church is a frame building, situated on the south side of the river, and was built about 1845. It is connected with the church at Niagara Falls Village. The minister at present is the Rev. Mr. Young.

The Methodist Church in Chippawa was built about the year 1852. It belongs to the Lyon’s Creek circuit, of which the Rev. J. F. Fairchild is the present Superintendent.

The Lutheran Church was built about 1860. There is no regular pastor at present, but the pulpit is supplied from Niagara Falls, N. Y.

Loyal Orange Lodge, No. 264, was organized in 1849. Samuel Lee, a present resident of Welland, was the first Master; John Macauly was Master in 1850 and 1851; Henry Rogers was Master in 1852; from 1853 to 1875 William Greenwood was Master; from 1876 to 1886 the office was held by Henry Beck. John Greenwood is the present Master.

Chippawa Lodge, Ancient Order United Workmen, No. 70, was organized in 1880, with charter members as follows: Rev. Mr. Fessenden, Dr. Campbell, R. McCredie, R. Hanna, C. Kister, H. Herber, Jno. Hogan, B. J. Holcomb, C. Walsh, W. J. Tench. There are now about thirty members, and L. Shoemacker is Master, and the Secretary is J. H. Pierce.

Marquis of Lorne Council, No. 4, Royal Templars of Temperance, meets the first and third Monday in each month. There are now seventeen members. The Council started with twelve in 1880. The present S. C. is George Kellar; Isaac Brecken is R. S., A. Herbod is F. S. and Treasurer.

Riverside Division, Sons of Temperance, No. 153, was organized in the winter of 1887, with a membership of about twenty-seven. W. E. B. Mackenzie is W. P.; H. Mackenzie is P. W. P., and Thomas Greenwood R. S.