567 Carnegie Ave, Peterborough, Ontario, K9L 1N1

705-745-4404

[From the Heritage Gazette of the Trent Valley, vol 5, no 4, February 2001]

Peterborough Relief Society

The origins of Anson House lay in the Peterborough Relief Society, formed in November 1862. It dispensed relief to those in need and there was no poor house and no plans to have a house to help the poor. We print two very interesting documents that help us understand the system. Indeed, we can get some glimmer of how people of different classes related to each other. We can see that women were very important, and made the key decisions. We also get to see how people perceived the causes of poverty, and who deserved sympathy. Considering that Anson House would eventually be a home for aged people, it is surprising how little age enters the discussions. The first document, from the Peterborough Review, 27 February 1863, was a three-month auditors’ report which was intended to allay fears about the society. The introduction was written by the editor of the Peterborough Review, Robert White who went on to be one of Canada’s top journalists. He is particularly blunt in his assessment of who was supportive and who was obstructive in the first few months of the Peterborough Relief Society. That raises interesting questions in its own right. The second document is the minutes of the ten meetings of the first season. This helps us assess the accuracy of Mr White’s observations. We certainly get a clear idea of the importance of intermediaries. The remarkably detailed minutes provide insights on several issues related to Peterborough in the 1860s. Thomas Poole’s pioneer history of Peterborough nearly dovetails with these stories. Indeed Poole took over the Review from Mr White. And yet this is quite a different Peterborough that we see. We hope you enjoy this glimpse of Peterborough in the 1860s. It would be great to see students of all ages using these documents as their passports to another world. Editor

I The existence of the above Society being, it is believed, unknown to some, and the method pursued by its members being unascertained by others, it may be well to take advantage of the opportunity afforded by the publication of the Treasurer’s Report for the past three months, a report made in compliance with one of the By-laws, to mention a few facts in connection with it. In the month of November, 1862, some ladies of Peterborough met together to consult as to the best means of providing for the necessities of the poor of the Town during the winter months. At a subsequent meeting a code of By-laws was submitted and approved, and office-bearers for the season were elected: the season consists of six months, commencing on the first Wednesday in December 1862 and terminating on the last Wednesday in May 1863. The Town, including Ashburnham, was divided into districts, and two members of the Committee were appointed to supervise each district, whose duty it is to seek out objects of charity, and to visit, and inquire into the circumstances of, all applicants for Relief. The Committee, including the ex-officio members, have met on the afternoon of every Wednesday since the organization of the Society, in Col. Haultain’s office, and the reports of the members of the visiting Committee have on each of those occasions been received and attended to. The Town Council have been pleased so far to recognize the society, that they have on two occasions granted sums of money acknowledged below; and the Council of Ashburnham have also voted a sum which, however, has not as yet been received. The primary object of the Society is to relieve every person requiring and deserving assistance; another object has been to discourage the system of begging from house to house by idle and disreputable persons, a system which was first becoming an intolerable nuisance, and prejudicial to the deserving poor. Save in rare and exceptional cases no money is given to the applicants for relief. The sum voted each Wednesday is handed to the member of the Committee through whom the application is made and whose duty it is to expend it in the purchase of food or clothing or whatever way she, in her discretion, deems best, in behalf of the applicant. A stock of fire wood was purchased at the commencement of the winter, and stacked, by his kind permission, in Mr Anrott’s yard, and is measured out by him according to the tickets sent to him; and, when the holder of the ticket is unable to convey the wood to his or her place of abode, Mr Arnott teams it thither himself. Quarters of beef have been forwarded to the Society by different gentlemen, as also cast-off clothing; and Mr Nicholls having kindly offered to receive and store such articles, it is hoped that other charitably disposed persons will be inclined to strengthen the hands of the Society by placing an additional supply at its disposal. Tickets are given for the meat as well as for the wood, in each case the quantity being noted. Such is a plain, unvarnished statement of the Society’s work up to the present time. The number of subscribers, 45, as compared to the population, is small; who will help to swell the number?

The subscription is only $1.25 for the season, being 25 cents per month for the winter of 1862-63. Mrs Wallis, Pres.; Mrs James Hall, V.P.; Mrs R. Nicholls, V.P. ; Mrs Clementi, Treas.; Mrs F. Haultain, Sec. COMMITTEE Mrs C. Perry; Mrs John Campbell; Mrs Pringle; Mrs Rolleston; Mrs Carroll; Mrs C. Ormond; Mrs Kempt; Mrs Roach; Mrs Best; Mrs Wrighton; Mrs Ogilvy; Mrs J. Benson Elizabeth Clementi, Treasurer in account with the Relief Society, Feb. 25, 1863. DR

 II. Trent Valley Archives, Fonds 35, Anson House, vol 1 Peterborough Relief Society, Minute Book, 1862-1864

Peterboro Relief Society Preliminary meeting: A preliminary Meeting was held this 19th day of November, 1862, at 3 o’clock P.M. in Col. Haultain’s Office, for the purpose of arranging for the establishment of a Society for the relief of the poor of the Town during the ensuing winter months, - under the Presidency of Mrs Haultain, the meeting was opened by prayer by the Revd Mr Beck

Present Mrs Haultain; Mrs F. Haultain; Mrs Clementi; Mrs Kirkpatrick; Mrs John Gilmour; Mrs Caisse; Mrs Pringle; Miss Kate Kirkpatrick; Miss Wrighton Secretary Mrs F. Haultain was requested to act as Secretary. Adjournment It was resolved that in consequence of the thin attendance, owing to the very unfavourable state of the weather, the meeting be adjourned to Wednesday, the 26th instant, at 3 o’clock P.M. L.H. Haultain Secretary pro tempore Louisa Wallis, Pres: Confirmed Nov. 26th 1862

2nd General Meeting

The second General meeting of the Peterborough Relief Society was held on the 26th day of November, in Col: Haultain’s office, at 3 o’clock P.M.

Present

Total 28 Mrs Wallis in chair It was moved, seconded, & carried unanimously that Mrs Wallis take the Chair. Mrs F. Haultain Sec Mrs F. Haultain was requested to act as Secretary. Minutes read & confirmed The minutes of the last meeting were read &, on motion, confirmed. Officers It was moved by Mrs C. Perry seconded by Mrs Shaw & carried that the following officers be elected for the ensuing twelvemonth Mrs Wallis, Pres; Mrs James Hall; Mrs R. Nicholls V.Ps.; Mrs Clementi, Treas: ; Mrs F. Haultain Sec: Managing Committee: Mrs McCormick, Mrs Kempt, Mrs Ogilvy, Mrs Ormond, Mrs G. Boswell, Mrs Wrighton, Mrs Pringle, Mrs Carroll, Mrs Kirkpatrick, Mrs Best, Mrs Caisse, Mrs Roach By-laws read & referred. A series of By-laws was read, & referred to the Committee who were requested to report upon them at the next meeting. Subscription A subscription list was commenced. 1st Committee meeting It was determined that the first meeting of the Committee be held in Colonel Haultain’s office on Wednesday next, the 3rd day of December, at 3 o’clock P.M. L.H. Haultain Secretary Confirmed Dec: 3: 1862 Charlotte J. Nicholls Vice Pres:

3rd meeting The Third Meeting of the Peterboro Relief Society was held on the 3rd day of December 1862, in Col: Haultain’s Office, at 3 o’clock P.M. .... Prayer The Revd Vincent Clementi invoked a blessing on the operations of the Society. Minutes read & confirmed The minutes of the last Meeting were read, &, on motion confirmed Communications A letter was red from the Rev: J.W. Beck, & one from Mrs: G.G. Boswell, apologizing for their absence. By-laws The By-laws were read, &, on Motion of Mrs Haultain, seconded by Mrs Carroll, were unanimously adopted. Districts Districts were allotted to the Members of the Committee. Subscriptions Subscriptions were received. Adjournment The meeting adjourned to Wednesday next at the same place & same hour. L.H. Haultain Secretary Jane Hall, V.P. Confirmed Dec: 10: 1862

4th meeting

The fourth Meeting of the Peterboro Relief Society was held on the 10th day of December 1862, in Col: Haultain’s office, at 3 o’clock P.M. ..... Opening The Revd Vincent Clementi opened the meeting with Prayer. Minutes read & confirmed The Minutes of the last meeting were read, &, on motion, confirmed. New Members The following ladies were, on motion, admitted as Members of the Society Mrs Calcutt; Mrs H. Strickland; Mrs Campbell; Mrs Edwards; Mrs Wickham; Mrs John Benson It was moved by Mrs Haultain, Seconded by Mrs Clementi and carried Rev: O. Kelly That the Secretary be instructed to request the Rev: Oliver Kelly to join the Society. Mrs Delany It was ordered that Mrs Kempt be authorized to purchase 6 yards of flannel for Mrs Delany. Mrs Freeman Mr Calcutt having kindly offered to team wood gratuitously, Mrs Best was authorized to request him to convey a load of slabs to Mrs Freeman. Powers Mrs Ogilvy was authorized to expend $3 in clothing for E: Powers’s children. Preston Mrs Wrighton was authorized to expend $3 in clothing for Mrs Preston’s family. Dr Brown Dr Brown having kindly offered his gratuitous services in cases of sickness when recommended by the Committee, the Secretary was instructed to convey to him the thanks of the Society. Mrs Hughson Mrs Hughson kindly authorized the Committee to send orders for groceries to her husband’s store to the amount of $5. Mrs Campbell Mrs Campbell sent cast-off clothing, & promised an additional supply. Mrs Sawers Mrs Sawers engarged, in the course of the winter, to provide a load of wood. Subscriptions Subscriptions were received. Mrs Carroll’s bill A bill amounting to $1 for groceries purchased for Mrs Bird, was ordered to be paid. Adjournment The Meeting adjourned to Wednesday next, at the same place & same hour. L.H. Davidson Secretary J. Hall V.P. Confirmed December 17: 1862.

5th Meeting

The Fifth Meeting of the Peterboro Relief Society was held on the 17th day of December 1862, in Col: Haultain’s office, at 3 o’clock P.M.

Present .... Opening The meeting was opened with prayer by the Revd Vincent Clementi. Minutes read & confirmed The Minutes of the last Meeting were read &, on motion, confirmed. New Members The following ladies were, on Motion, admitted as Members of the Society: Mrs R. White; Miss Mary Toker Mrs Long Mrs Ormond applied for assistance on behalf of Mrs Long: the sum of $2 was voted. Wood to be purchased It was moved by Mrs Nicholls, Seconded by Mrs Clementi, and carried, That Mr Arnott, chief constable, having offered the use of his yard for depositing wood, 2 cords be purchased, & the Rev: Vincent Clementi was authorized to procure the same. Mrs Knight Mrs Pringle & Mrs Kempt were authorized to purchase 1 blanket for Mrs Knight. F. Doherty Mrs Kempt was authorized to procure groceries on Mr Hughson’s order, at his store, to the amount of half a dollar, & to purchase 1 blanket, for Fanny Doherty; & Mrs Delaney having died before she received the flannel ordered for her at the last meeting, to give a portion of it to the same person. Dr Burnham Dr Burnham offered a quarter of beef. C. Brennan Mr C. Brennan, butcher, of Ashburnham, offers to give meat once a week on order from the Committee. R. Nicholls Mr Robert Nicholls intimated his intention of supplying goods to the Society at cost price; he also offered to received & store produce, or articles of any kind for the use of the Society. Vote of thanks The Secretary was instructed to convey the thanks of the Society to the above named gentlemen. Adjournment It was resolved that the next meeting, on the 24th inst: takes place at 2:30 P.M. at the same office. L.H. Haultain Secretary J. Hall, V.P. Confirmed Dec: 24: 1862

6th Meeting

The sixth Meeting of the Peterboro Relief Society was held on the 24th day of December, 1862, in Col: Haultain’s office, at 2:30 P.M.

.... Opening The meeting was opened with prayer by the Revd Vincent Clementi Minutes read & confirmed The Minutes of the last Meeting were read, &, on motion, confirmed. New Members The following ladies were, on Motion, admitted as Members of the Society: Mrs Charles Weller ; Miss Sheridan Donations The Mayor forwarded $20 as a donation from the Town Council; Mrs Mark Burnham sent $1.10, & Messrs John Waterson & John Smith 50 cents each as donations. Brisbane Mrs G.G. Boswell applied for assistance in behalf of the blind child of a woman named Brisbane; she was authorized to purchase 3 yards of flannel. Sutherland Mrs Carroll applied for assistance in behalf of Widow Sutherland; an order was given her on Hughson’s store for groceries to the amount of 50 cents & one for 6 lbs of beef. Whitehouse Mrs Wrighton applied for assistance in behalf of a family named Whitehouse; an order was given her for 6 lbs of beef. Warren Mrs Kempt applied for assistance in behalf of Widow Warren; an order was given her on Hughson’s store for groceries to the amount of 50 cents. Preston Mrs Wrighton made a second application in behalf of Mrs Preston; an order was given her for 6 lbs of beef. Jenkinson Mrs Ormond applied for assistance in behalf of a family named Jenkinson: an order was given her on Hughson’s store for groceries to the amount of 50 cents, & she was authorized to spend 50 cents in bread. McKeefe Mrs James Hall was authorized to give 3 shillings to the McKeefe family. Lowry Mrs F. Haultain made an application in behalf of Mrs Lowry; an order for half a cord of wood & 4 lbs of beef was given her. Johnson Miss Roger made an application in behalf of Widow Johnson; Mrs Ormond was authorized to lay out $1 for her. H. Haultain Secretary J. Hall V.P. Confirmed December 31: 1862

7th meeting

The seventh Meeting of the Peterboro Relief Society was held on the 31st day of December, 1862, in Col: Haultain’s office, at 2:30 P.M. ..... Opening The Meeting was opened with prayer by the Revd Vincent Clementi Minutes read & confirmed The Minutes of the last Meeting were read, &, on Motion, confirmed. New Members The following ladies were, on Motion, admitted as Members of the Society: Miss Hilton; Miss Mary Hilton; Mrs Rolleston Committee The following ladies were added to the committee in place of Mrs McCormick, Mrs G.G. Boswell, Mrs Kirkpatrick, & Mrs Caisse, viz: Mrs C. Perry, Mrs Rolleston, Mrs Campbell, Mrs J. Benson Sutherland Mrs Carroll was paid 50 cents for groceries for Widow Sutherland. Brown Mrs Best was paid $1.75 for boots for Widow Brown. Lowry Mrs F. Haultain was authorized to purchase a bag of flour for Mrs Lowry. Whitehouse Mrs Wrighton received an order for a ½ cord of wood for the Whitehouse family. Jenkinson Mrs Ormond was paid 50 cents for bread for the Jenkinson family. Hurst Mrs C. Perry was paid $1 for Hurst. Forrest Mrs Rolleston was authorized to expend 50 cents for Mrs Forrest. Beef Tickets for fresh beef were given to several ladies. Mason The Treasurer was authorized to send $4 to Miss Mason. H. Haultain, Secty. J. Hall, V.P. Confirmed Jan: 7: 1863

8th meeting

The eighth meeting of the Peterboro Relief Society was held on the 7th day of January, 1863, in Col: Haultain’s office, at 2:30 P.M. ..... Opening The meeting was opened with prayer by the Revd Vincent Clementi Minutes read & confirmed The Minutes of the Past meeting were read, & on motion, confirmed. Mrs Campbell A letter was read from Mrs Campbell accepting office as a Member of Committee Lefeuvre Mrs Campbell applied for assistance in behalf of a family named Lefeuvre: an order on Mr Hughson’s store to the amount of 50 cents was given her, & she was authorized to expend an additional 50 cents. McKeefe Mrs Rolleston was authorized to expend 3 shillings in behalf of the McKeefe family. Forsyth Mrs Kempt was authorized to expend 50 cents in behalf of Forsyth if necessary. Wilson Mrs Nicholls was authorized to expend 50 cents in behalf of Widow Wilson if necessary. Mrs Green Mrs Green sent 3 pairs of socks knitted by her with yarn provided by the Society. Next meeting It was resolved that the meeting next week be held on Tuesday, as the room will be otherwise engaged on Wednesday. H. Haultain Secty M Perry in chair pro tem Confirmed Jan: 13: 1863

9th meeting

The Ninth meeting of the Peterboro Relief Society was held on the 13th day of January, 1863, in Col: Haultain’s office, at 2:30 P.M. ..... Opening The meeting was opened with prayer by the Revd Vincent Clementi. Minutes read & confirmed The minutes of the last meeting were read, & on motion, confirmed. Dubois Mrs Campbell applied for assistance in behalf of a family named Dubois: two dollars were given her to expend in clothing, also a pair of socks. Jenkinson Mrs Ormond applied for further assistance in behalf of the Jenkinsons: 50 cents were given her to purchase bread. McKeefe Mrs Rolleston applied for further assistance in behalf of the McKeefes: the sum of six shillings & three pence was given her to lay out in provisions. Mrs Green Mrs Green sent another pair of socks mad by her from yarn provided by the Society. Mrs Hamilton Mrs Hamilton was admitted as a member of the Society. H. Haultain Secty. Confirmed Jan: 21: 1863 C.J. Nicholls V.P.

10th meeting

The 10th meeting of the Peterboro Relief Society was held on the 21st day of January, 1863, in Col: Haultain’s office, at 2.30 P.M.

Present Mrs R. Nicholls in chair ; Mrs C. Ormond; Mrs Wallis, Pres: Mrs C. Perry; Mrs Clementi, Treas ; Mrs Wrighton; Mrs F. Haultain, Sec.; Mrs Kirkpatrick; Mrs R. White; Mrs Ogilvy; Mrs Kempt; Mrs Burns; Mrs Best; Mrs Hamilton; Mrs Rolleston; Mrs Campbell; Mrs J. Gilmour; Miss Roger; Mrs Carroll; Miss Nicholls Total 20

Opening The meeting was opened with prayer by the Revd Vincent Clementi Minutes read & confirmed The Minutes of the last meeting were read, & on motion, confirmed. McKeefe Mrs Rolleston applied for assistance in behalf of McKeefe: she was paid 6/3 for him & his family. Preston Mrs Kempt applied for assistance in behalf of Mrs Preston: she was paid 50 cents for bread & tea, & order was given her for 4 lb of beef. Jenkinson Mrs Ormond applied for assistance in behalf of the Jenkinsons: orders were given her for ½ cord of wood, 50 cents worth of groceries, & 5 lb of beef. Long Mrs Carroll applied for assistance in behalf of Mrs Long: $2 were given her. Warren Mrs Clementi applied for assistance in behalf of Mrs Warren: ½ cord of wood was given. Wilson Mrs Nicholls applied for assistance in behalf of Mrs Wilson; 50 cents were given & ½ cord of wood. Lefeuvre Mrs Campbell applied for assistance in behalf of the Lefeuvres: an order on Hughson for 50 cents. L’Orient She also applied for the L’Orients; an order on Hughson’s store for 50 cents; & 50 cents for bread. Ryan Mrs Ogilvy applied for Widow Ryan: 50 cents were given her; an order for ½ cord of wood, & one for 4 lb beef. Glen She also applied for Mrs Glen: ½ cord of wood, & seven shillings for a pair of boots. Lowry Mrs F. Haultain applied for Mrs Lowry: ½ cord of wood; & 50 cents for bread were voted. Hurst Mrs Charles Perry applied for Widow Hurst: $3 were given her for clothing. Kelly Mrs Carroll applied for the Kellys; man, wife & 3 children: an order on Hughson’s store for 50 cents, & 50 cents for bread. Doherty Mrs F. Haultain applied for Fanny Doherty: ½ cord of wood was voted. Meetings at 3 It was resolved that for the remainder of the Season the Meetings be held at 3 o’clock P.M. H. Haultain, Secty J. Hall V.P. Confirmed January 28: 1863

[End of first ten meetings. Editor.

Number of Meetings during past Season 29 Average attendance 14 14/29 Attendances Mrs Clementi 28 Mrs F. Haultain 25 Mrs Kempt 25 Mrs James Hall 22 Mrs R. Nicholls 21 Mrs Best 21 Mrs Ogilvy 21 Mrs Roach 19 Mrs Pringle 17 Mrs C. Ormond 17 Mrs John Campbell 17 Mrs Carroll 16 Miss Roger 16 Mrs Haultain 15 Mrs Kirkpatrick 14 Mrs Wrighton 14 Mrs Calcutt 13 Mrs C. Perry 12 Mrs Rolleston 12 Mrs J. Gilmour 10 Mrs Roper 8 Miss Wrigthon 7 Mrs Wallis 6 Mrs Burns 5 Mrs Hamilton 5 Mrs G.G. Boswell 4 Mrs R. Shaw 3 Miss Hall 3 Mrs Sawers 2 Mrs C. Stewart 2 Miss Toker 2 Mrs C. Rubidge 2 Mrs Edwards 2 Mrs R. White 2 Mrs Caisse 1 Miss Kate Kirkpatrick 1 Mrs McCormick 1 Miss Ferguson 1 Miss Wallis 1 Mrs Dunlop 1 Mrs Snyder 1 Miss A. Connin 1 Miss Edwards 1 Mrs Wickham 1 Mrs J. Benson 1 Miss Nicholls 1