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Don Cournoyea Collection
We like to highlight the interesting items that are found in Don Cournoyea’s collection of newspaper copies.
DAN COLE WAS FIRST SETTLER BAY OF QUINTE
Died 5 August 1836 at the advanced age of 105 years
THE FIRST UEL
Married Sophia De Long of New York - Raised family of ten
[This story with the dateline from Cobourg, 24 January 1925 contains much of interest about Cole, who was the first UEL settler in
Adolphustown Twp. ]
.... Born in Albany, New York, his life was one of thrilling interest. After the outbreak of the American War of Independence, Daniel
Cole and his family found their way as Loyalists to the City of New York. He enlisted with the Loyalist Army - probably the second battalion of the King’s Royal
Regiment, New York - and acted as a spy and a carrier of confidential messages to his commander during a part, at least, of the war. These despatches were placed in a
thin steel box, which was inserted in the sole of his shoe. Notwithstanding all this precaution, his life was many times in danger. Previous to resorting to this novel
method of carrying despatches, historians state that he was caught on one occasion. A summary trial followed and Cole was ordered to be hanged, and that immediately.
The rope was placed about his neck and the end thrown over the limb of a tree. Cole seized the opportunity when something had for an instant diverted the attention of
his captors, and springing from their grasp ran. Shot after shot was fired after him, but he escaped. The Coles were a devout family, and his son, John Cole, telling
the story to Dr William Canniff, said: "God Almighty would not let the balls hit him."
[The story is quite lengthy, but this excerpt gives the spirit of the piece.]
MARMORA SCENE OF HOBOS’ CONVENTION
A Night of Song, Music and Comedy Attracts Big Crowd
[Dateline: Marmora, 26 February 1925]
This was a light-hearted report on a variety night sponsored by the Marmora Boosters Club. Its president, Dr Hamilton commented on the
club’s efforts to promote Crowe Lake cottaging, and to support a surgical case taken to Toronto’s Sick Children’s Hospital. There were acting and costume awards.
The actors were:
Master James Rice Dusty Bob
Don McInroy Happy Hooligan
Harry Dunlay Dirty Joe
D.E. Bell Hobo Jake
Harold Auger Gentleman Jim
Paul Clement Frowsy Filthy
C.B. Leonard Tramping Muggs
M.E. Grant Tattered Ragons
W.E. Mackechnie Hungry Dan
Charles Shannon Hatless Hal
Ralph Neal Lazy Logan
Art Smith Tired Tim
Jack Grant Frosty Finnegan
Dr Curtis Sunny Mike
Leo Forestall Healthy Tim
Percy Archer Dusty Rhodes
I.D. Simmons Janitor
Mr Lester visiting tramp
Florence Auber accompanist
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