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The Mahedys of Shefford County

The 1861 Shefford County census provides a fairly comprehensive snapshot of the Mahedy families. Missing from this picture however, is James Mahedy, son of John, Jr.. James was last recorded living with his grandfather and Michael's family in 1851 at Sherrington. By 1861 he would have been seventeen. James is known to have eventually settled in Des Moines, Ia. The particulars of when James left, and how and where he traveled, all remain a mystery. His younger brother, William F, now 12, was living and work-ing with the Patrick Mahedy family. Patrick's family consisted of himself at age 47; Mary Jane 37; and children: Sarah Jane 18; Peter John, 17, now residing at St Edourd, Que; Ellena 15; Eliza Jane 12; J. B. 10; Mary 8; Mary Emaculate 6; Stephen P 4; and James Alfred 1. They lived in a one and a half story brick house. Patrick also had his saw mill. A description of the structure was not provided in the census, but details of the business were. The mill was water powered, as might be surmised from the map. The principle function of the business was the production of oars. The mill reflected a total investment capital of $2,000, plus real and personal property. In addition to the water used for power, the raw material consumed consisted of 100,000 feet of lumber, generating 3000 pair of oars which sold for $6000. Patrick employed seven laborers for an annual labor cost of $140! It is not clear if there was any living space within the mill, but the following people were also listed as residing with Patrick: Thomas Storr, oarmaker, 26; Joseph Broulutter, carpenter/joiner, 28; Patrick Stapleton, oarmaker, 26; George Dorgie, laborer, 26; and Mary Ann Corry, laborer, 18. Thomas belonged to the Church of England; all others were Catholic. It should be noted that a J Stapleton stood witness for Michael's marriage. William F was also listed as a laborer. Only six employees are listed. Perhaps James had been the seventh employee in the previous year and had only recently departed.

Michael and Esther established their farm on the third and fourteenth plot in the eighth range in the Town of Shefford. In 1861 the census listed Michael as 44; Esther Ann 38; Esther Ann 11; Mary 9; Michael 8; Charles H 4; and Patrick 2. Their youngest child, David, was born 17 Mar 1863. This was the same year Esther's brother David was reported living next to her, as mentioned in the Gillett chapter. It may well be that David was actually living on Michael's land in a single story log cabin. Michael's own home was a one and a half story frame house, which he obviously enlarged in later years. The picture of Michael and Esther is believed to have been taken between 1850 and 1860. There are two versions of this picture. As a lad, this historian was rummaging through Aunt May's closets and came across an old rolled up piece of canvas and was dumbfounded to find this portrait of two ancient unknowns. Aunt May also seemed surprised but knew immediately who they were. She told me to take good care of it. An artist I knew later informed me the technique used on the canvas was only used in the 1850s. The second version was a tin-type in the possession of the late Joe Butler which I am sure is safely preserved by his family. The 1861 census was invaluable because it also surveyed the farms, allowing an examination of the relative size and productivity of the ancestral homesteads. In total acreage, Michael's farm was the largest with 300 acres. Of that total, only 50 acres were cultivated: 29.5 in crops and 20 in pasture. He owned 250 acres of wooded land. The total land value stated was $2000, plus $46 in machinery. In the previous year Michael had planted 1.5 acres in spring wheat, yielding 53 bushels. In addition, he planted .25 acre in peas; yielding five bushels; three acres of oats, yielding 100 bushels; a half acre of buck wheat, yielding 12 bushels; three acres of Indian corn, yielding 140 bushels; 1.75 acres of potatoes, yielding 340 bushels (Irish don't you know;) .75 acres of turnips, yielding 500 bushels; and three bushels of carrots. Hay was reported in 16 pound bundles or tons. Michael reported "37," but whether tons or bundles is unclear to this hayseed. The farm had produced 23 pounds of wool and 43 pounds of flannel. Michael owned two bulls less than three years old; ten steer or heifers; three milch cows; and three oxen over three years old. The value stated was $310. It is not clear if that amount referred to everything listed above, or only the livestock. In addition, Michael owned two colts under three years old; seven sheep, and two swine, for a combined total value of $674. He produced 100 pounds of butter; two barrels of beef, and three barrels of pork; as well as $20 in orchard or bee hive production.

Patrick Mahedy's farm was half the size, though more productive and valuable than Michael's, but Patrick's farm had also been established several years earlier than Michael's. It is also not clear if Patrick's mill was treated as a separate property from the farm. It probably was. He had also donated the eight acres for the church by the time of this census. Patrick's farm consisted of 150 acres, including 60 acres of cleared land - 35 in crops and 25 in pasture, and 90 acres of wooded or wild land. The farm was valued at $2500, and he had $200 in machinery. For crops, Patrick had 1.5 acres of barley yielding 200 bushels; seven acres yielding 200 bushels of oats; two acres yielding 300 bushels of potatoes; 25 tons or 16 pound bundles, and four of grass. They had produced sixty pounds each of wool, fulled cloth, and flannel, and 200 pounds of maple sugar. Aunt May often spoke of the maple sugar sandwiches made with homemade maple sugar and warm freshly baked bread. Patrick also owned two steer or heifers, ten milch cows, and three oxen over three years old, valued at $315, plus ten sheep and one swine for a total value of $360. In addition, the farm had produced 300 pounds of butter and one barrel of pork. Finally, Patrick owned one pleasure car-riage valued at $40, though there was no mention of any horses in the 1861census.

Since their Uncle Charles Moran was obviously part of this family constellation, and his farm was basically in between their farms, it is appropriate to include his farm in the mix. Charles was now 76, and wife Bridget 53. They lived in a log cabin with eight of their ten children still at home. Charles' children had all been born at Sherrington. Mary, the eldest at age 30, was a teacher, as was the fourth daughter Bridget, age 24. Elizabeth, born 31 Dec 1831, had married 31 Mar 1856 at Granby, to Peter Dunn, born 12 Apr 1831 in Maryborough, Offaly, Ireland. They had sons John C and Peter Frances, ages four and two. Pror to her marriage Elizabeth had attended the Congregation Convent where she was trained as a teacher. She taught school for six years in Burtonville, LaColle, and Shefford. By 1861 they had established there own farm and resided in a one and a half story log cabin. Judith, born 1834, had married a Mr Farrell. No further information has been located for Judith. At least three of the first four daughters taught school, again showing their deep passion for knowledge, so long denied in their native land. The others remaining on the farm included Charles - 22; John - 20; Anne - 18; Patrick - 16; L.A. (Lucy Ann) - 14; and Michael, aged 12.

The Moran farm contained 225 acres, including 100 acres of cleared land: 50 acres in crops; 49.5 acres in pasture; 0.5 in garden or orchard; and 125 acres of wild or wooded land. It was valued at $1800 in 1861, and had $50 worth of farm equipment. In the previous year Charles had harvested 60 bushels of spring wheat from two acres; 25 bushels from one acre of rye; 30 bushels from one acre of peas; 175 bushels from five acres of oats; 15 bushels from a half-acre of buckwheat; 12 bushels from a quarter acre of Indian corn; 700 bushels from three acres of potatos; 700 bushels from one acre of turnips; 160 bushels from five acres of mangels; and 75 tons or 16 pounds bundles of hay. They had produced 40 yards of wool; 20 yards of fulled cloth; 30 yards of flannel; and five pounds of maple sugar. Charles owned two bulls less than three years old; 13 steer or heifers; three milch cows; and two oxen over three years old, all valued at $625. In addition, he also owned fifteen sheep and three swine, for a total value of $725. He had produced 1000 pounds of butter, fifty pounds of cheese, two barrels of beef, and four barrels of pork. Charles owned two pleasure carriages valued at $100.

One can only guess what John Mahedy, Jr must have experienced in his twelve years on a chain gang in Cuba. It would certainly be fascinating to learn how he made his escape in April 1862 and obtained pas-sage on the "Col Wilkes." To date, research has found no record of this vessel, nor any record of service in the Confederate army. Still his letter tells us he was "obliged" to join, and fought some "hard" battles in Louisiana. The worst battles of the Civil War in Louisiana were probably those in late 1862 and early 1863 from Shiloh to Corinth. Tens of thousands of Confederates were taken prisoner. Whether John was in-volved in this campaign, like so much of his life, remains a mystery. The events do fit with those provided in John's letter. Patrick Mahedy's tenth child, Charles Anthony Mahedy, was born at North Shefford 22 July 1862. The following year Patrick received yet another responsibity in the community:

"Appointments: Provincial Secretary's Office, Quebec, 1 Aug 1863; `His Excellency the Governor General has been pleased to appoint the following gentlemen to be Justices of the Peace... St. Joachim de Shefford...Patrick Mahedy ..."

As the United States tried to wrap up the Civil War and plan for Reconstruction, troubles which had been brewing in Canada were beginning to come to a head. Irish dissidents had been in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada trying to drum up support for the cause of Irish independence as well as stir up trouble for their hated English rulers. It became known as the Fenian Movement. As the movement gained increas- ing attention, it exacerbated the tension between Irish Catholics and the Protestants. As in any ethnic or religious conflict, rumors, distortions, and lies become fact. Hysteria abounds. Being recognized as a leader amoung the Irish, and known for his controversial positions concerning education - often revolving around religious issues - Pat found himself in the middle of the Fenian scare. He submitted a letter to the editor of the Waterloo Advertiser who was unable to publish it initially, as he indicated:

"We have received a communication from our friend P. Mahedy, esq., on the recent Fenian "scare" in this neighborhood. It came too late for publication in this paper, but will appear in the next." 13 Jan '65

"The Fenians in the Eastern Townships. (To the editor...)
Dear sir, --- there is a story afloat through this and the adjacent townships that has my name and the names of two worthy and esteemed reverend friends of mine. The one my own priest, a pious young man - comparatively a stranger amoung us, being but a few weeks on this mission; the other the highly popular Catholic incumbent of your village. Were it not for this coincidence I would consider the story beneath my notice to mention or trouble you, sir, for space in relation to it. This sensation story, no doubt, Sir, but what you have heard ere this, as it has reached a much farther distance. It is, Sir, to the effect, that there is an organized body of these ex-communicated scoundrels, they call fenians, among my countyrmen and in religionists in this neighborhood, whose object it is to turn out some day or night banded and commence and carry on an indiscriminate slaughter on their Protestant neighbors; that your humble servant is captain-general, magor-general, or some other kind of a general, that is to give the order to do the foul and bloody work; that my two reverend and esteemed friends are the repositors of the arms by which it is to be done; that our burying grounds consecrated and sanctified by the prayers and benedictions of the Church for higher and holier purposes, are made armories and repositories for their concealed weapons.

To say a word in contradiction to this absurd sensation story, would be an insult to the good sense and intelligence of the greatest part of my Protestant neighbors and friends; but as there may be some weak-minded old women and maidens that may believe this story and by it is put into great bodily fear, and whose nocturnal rest, so necessary to strengthen the body and invigorate the mind, is disturbed by the dreams and phantoms of blood-shed and slaughter.

Sir, to appease their minds and alleviate their mental sufferings, that they may enjoy undisturbed without fear, "balmy sleep, sweet repose," I am willing to do all that reasonable mortal can or would expect to do, to remove these fears. Now, sir, I offer them as my security for my good behavior, and as a guarantee that I will never hurt a hair on their heads, or cause or permit them to be injured to my knowing or knowledge, because they worship god according to the dictates of their own consciences, every Protestant gentleman of sound and sane mind in the Eastern Townships. Further, I offer them as my securities, several protestant clergymen that I have the honor of their acquaintance in the Eastern Townships, and many other parts of Canada.

Although my acquaintance with yourself is limited, I think you will not refuse to become my bonds-man, that I never will maliciously or feloniously hurt or cause to be injured any of these poor old women or maidens on account of their religious convictions.

To think, sir, or for once imagine that there is an organization of Fenians, or other secret organization of scoundrels, amoungst us plotting against the peace and lives of their neighbors, is absurd, rediculous, and preposterous.

Did I know of any such organization in this part of the country, I would be one of the first to use all the power and authority the law gives to me, as a sworn conservator of the peace, to suppress it with the strong arm of the law.

The Church, Sir, in which I was born and lived in under the strongest convictions of her divine origin, her sanctity and holiness abhors, detests, and anathematizes all of her refractory children that belong to any secret organization, no matter how good or how noble the end be ...(illegible)... such and known to us, we look at them as another edition of that traitor Judas crucifying their lord anew, because they act contrary to the dictates of their own consciences. These refractory Catholics they disobey the divine injunctions - "hear the church." They know that we are also taught "that them that will not hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen and a publican." Suppose, sir, that the story got circulated that the Protestants were going to turn out some day or night and murder all their catholic neighbors (and mind you, sir, the story would be more feasible than the one now in circulation, they being much more numerous in this and many other townships) You could not find an old catholic woman, no matter how eccentric or how weak-minded she were, would not believe it. In reply, she would say these words, or words bearing the same meaning, - " I believe no such trash; we never did our protestant neighbors any wrong or injustice; we have lived in the most perfect unity and friendship with them; they are our country men, every tie of patriotism, friendship, and even consanguinity, binds us together; then what would they murder us for? They worship the living god as well as we do. He sent His Beloved Son to redeem and save them as well as us. He left the Divine Injunctions to them as well as to us - "Love one another." He said to them as well as to us - "If any man say I love god and hateth his brother he is a liar." He taught them to pray as well as us, and say - "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us." Such a story is sheer nonsense - no one would circulate it (she would say) but an enemy to God and his country." Then, sir, why is it that many weak-minded Protestants are less charitable to us than we are to them, and fear us without cause or Provocation? Mr. Editor, I may have indulged in part of this communication with too much levity, but now, sir, I am going to be serious. -- there is a dark spot on the political horizon of our country -- it needs not the help of a telescope to see it; it is visible to the naked eye, and it may burst before many months are over into a tornado that will shake our country to its centre. Should that day unhappily arrive, our united strength will be required to protect our country, our homes and properties, from the hands of a ruthless invader. Should that day, sir, arrive, and it may not be far distant, united we may be able to stand and repel the invader, but divided we are sure to fall and leave our properties and ourselves and families at the mercies of the invaders.

It is a notorious fact that there are now in the neighboring republic an organized band of scoundrels, - bearing the very name that so many of the poor old women here are so alarmed at, - part of whose declared objects are to cripple the home government by invading our country. Some think and say the United States Government would not permit it. Who can say this knowing the history of the several organized bodies of bandits that the last thirty years have invaded from the United States neighboring countries with whom she had been at peace, and the authorities of that country conneived at their transactions. -- and, Sir, there is no person that has ever lived any part of their lives in the United States, but who knows her people have an indelible hatred against England and every thing con- nected with her. They are taught this hatred from their infancy up - they are learned to lisp it at their mother's knees - they are taught it at their schools, and they practice it through life wherever they are.

I am, Dear Sir, Respectfully Yours, &c.,
P. Mahedy
North Shefford, January 10, 1865." (20 Jan '65)

The Fenians subsided for the time. If 1865 was off to a precarious start, all in all it was not a bad year. Patrick's eleventh child, Mary Ann, was born in 1865. In his capacity as education commisioner, Patrick initiated what soon became a tradition: the annual school picnic. The goal was to create an event which could bring parents, teachers, students, civic leaders, and school commissioniers together in a relaxed situation to celebrate learning and achievement and - just have fun. There were academic contests and prizes for all students. Several annual reports from the Waterloo Advertiser follow:

" DISTRICT SCHOOL EXAMINATION AND PICNIC".- [2ND YR] "...we believe that P. Mahedy, esq., Chairman of the School Comissioners, has done his share in starting the movement..."

Amoung prize winners at the second annual picnic was Martha Mahedy, Patrick's daughter, who won 1st prize from district #18 in english grammar. (6 Sept 1866)

The following year: "3rd Annual School Picnic - "...on opening the proceedings P. Mahedy, Esq., one of the School Commissioners said nearly as follow: `pupils of the District Schools that are assembled here to-day to have a social gathering and compete for the prizes offered by the generous people of Shefford to successful competitors, there is a great destiny before you - that in a few years you will have to take the same position in society that is now filled by your fathers and mothers - you should always be moral and virtuous and obedient to the laws we live under, that protects every man's social and religious interests. I would say a few words to the boys in particular. To day we have in this county two gentlemen that many of you perhaps know. These gentlemen are now seeking for high honors - both worthy of them - men of whom we might well be proud; I refer to Messrs. Huntington and Parmelee. A few years since the prospects of these men were no brighter than what many boys now are, but by their education and perseverence they arrived at the high distinction that they this day occupy. I would remind you of the words of the poet that

"`Learning stands upon a lofty throne, Beyond the reach of every idle drone.'"

5 Sept 1867 Shefford School Picnic
"Martha Mahedy - 1st Prize - English Grammar; 2nd - Canadian History;
2nd Prize - arithmetic; Honorable Mention - writing;
Mary J Mahedy - Honorable Mention - writing;
2nd Class Level; Dist 18:
Dunn Peter F 2nd Prize - English spelling;
Mary B 3rd Prize - English spelling;
John S - 5th Prize - English spelling
3rd Class [under 7]; Dist 16;
Dunn Mary B 3rd Prize - English reading; punctuality.
John e - Honorable mention;"
3 Sept 1868 (only those with family ties noted; Dunn were children, nieces and nephews of Mary Moran Dunn)

"School Picnic - Shefford - in Address given by Hon. L. S. Huntington:

"The chairman of the Protestant Board was his friend, Mr. Mahedy, an earnest and consistent member of the Ronan Catholic Church... for many years a popular officer, indefatigable in the discharge of his onerous duties - and having held office before the French inhabitants dissented - ... Mr. Mahedy had been, year after year, elected by his Protestant constituents - and the Roman Catholics who spoke english had patronized the schools...and every body felt that public gratitude was due the worthy Chairman for the intelligent interest he had manifested in the management of our common schools..." 2Sept1869

Meanwhile, back in the town of Western, Pat's father-in-law was alive and well. Anthony Le Clear was listed as a farmer, age 83, in the 1865 census. At that time, he was living with his son Solomon, age 52, who was also engaged in farming. Anthony's son Moulton was listed as a soldier, aged 26. It is not clear if this meant Moulton was, or had been, actively involved in the Civil War, or if he was physically present in the home, perhaps engaged in the local militia. Peter Le Clear, 27, was also listed in the home, but with a notation he was "in the Gold Rush!" Since Anthony was not found in the 1870 census, it is assumed he died sometime prior to that date.

Not too far from Anthony was his daughter, Mary Ann Butler, and her family. They lived in a frame house valued at $250. Adin was a carpenter aged 53. However, the census also listed Adin as the owner of a "saw and stovemill" for the "turning of oars." The factory represented an investment of $800. He had produced 20,000 oars made of ashen plank, consuming some 200,000 feet of lumber, and generated $2000 income. Adin and Pat Mahedy were about the same age, and apparently engaged in the same business. It would be interesting to learn if one taught the other, or if it was just sheer coincidence.

All four of Adin's children were listed with Adin and Mary Ann. Alfred, 25, ran the farm. Milton, 23, and Solomon, 22, were both listed as soldiers. Again, it is not known if Milton or Solomon were, or had been, actively involved in the Civil War, or were actually in the home. Sarah Jane, 20, was employed as a weaver. It should be noted that when the records of 1865 were shown to Joe Butler, son of Solomon, he was quite adamant that his father had never been in the military, and his grandfather never owned a sawmill or oar factory. Until there is some other record to the contrary, the census is the only contemporary record available.

Sometime after the census was taken Solomon took a trip across the country on his own. When I was a teen Joe loaned me the diary Solomon kept on his journey. I regret to say there is little I specifically recall. I only remember being in awe, not only with the experiences and impressions he relayed, but by his obvious intellect. Solomon was often alone and out in the open. What a wondrous adventure and education - for both of us!

The Fenian threat resumed in 1855 and persisted through the 1860's. There were actually several significant skirmishes in 1868 and 1870. Patrick's opposition to the radical Fenians had been made clear to the public in his letter to the Editor. In 1866 Patrick was assumed a leadership role in establishing a volun-teer force to aid in the defense of the area in the event of a Fenian attack.

"Home guards - on wednesday evening a large and influential meeting of citizens of Waterloo and vicinity was held [to establish a home guard and plan of defense against the Fenian invasion]...it was agreed that a chief Commandant ...should be appointed for the township...from Waterloo. Three assistants were to be given him from Waterloo, and one from West Shefford, Shefford Mountain, N. Shefford, Knowlton Falls, and Frost Village... Capt Robinson was made chief commandant; A. Hebert, 1st assistant; E. Longley, Sen., 2nd Assistant; Geo. H. Allen, 3rd...Major Wood ...for Frost Village; John Wood for West Shef- ford; S.N. Blackwood for Shefford Mt; P. Mahedy for North Shefford... over 400 names subscribed in few hours...Patrols are stationed every night about town..." 7Jun1866 Waterloo Advertiser.

Edna Campbell of Utica, 90, was born at Warden, Shefford County, Quebec. She came to Utica in the late 1920s to study nursing at St Elizabeth's. Her father Andrew Campbell [Jr] was one of thirteen children born to Andrew and Bridget Gallagher Campbell. Edna remembers her father telling how he and his bro-thers would sometimes stay awake in their room over the kitchen listening to his parents talk of the Fenian scare when friends and relatives gathered. The Campbells were also from Ireland. Though Shefford never encountered any significant hostilities, several men of Shefford were summoned to assist in neighboring counties.

Daily life continued in a fairly normal routine. Evidence of Patrick's concern for the poor also appeared in a short notice in the Waterloo Advertiser of 9 August 1866.

"Municipal Council - "... [case] of John Allen, 1st, to the Mayor and P. Mahedy... reimbursed $2.85 for poor services..."

There were several notices where Patrick had assisted, or was asked to assist in finding various forms of aid for fellow citizens in need. With all his other interests and activities, Patrick stayed on top of his primary business.

" Municipal Council - "...F.X. Gibeaut was instructed to clear the road near Mahedy's Mills from all obstructions ... four days' work was allowed on the road tax of Elijah Martin for ...superintending work on McCaffrey Hill ..." 4 October 1866

The McCaffrey property is shown on the 1867 map of Shefford presented earlier, just southeast of Pat's land. Pat's daughter married Henry McCaffrey. There was also evidence of the occupational hazards facing Patrick and his employees.

"Accident - on Thursday last a man, in the employ of P. Mahedy, Esq., while engaged in sawing slabs with a circular saw at the mills of Mr. Mahedy at North Shefford, got his knee carelessly under the frame, and in pushing up on the slab brought his knee in contact with the saw. The consequence was that his knee was split open in a dangerous manner. Moral - sawyers should use more care." (5 Oct 1866)

Several years later Patrick's own son, Alfred, lost his thumb at the mill. 1866 ended on a joyous note with the birth of Patrick's twelth child, daughter Mary Jane "Jenny" Mahedy on 16 December. James Mahedy had settled in Des Moines County, Iowa by at least 1866. Unfortunately there is no record to tell how or why James made his way to Iowa, nor did James relay any tales to his heirs which might provide some clue. It is known by 1866 he had married to Sarah Ann, born 1844 at Fortal, County Offaly, Ireland, to Cornelius and Mary Sweeny Cleary. James often referred to Sarah as "The Rose of Fortal." They soon established a farm near Mediopolis. The farm was located about thirteen miles north Burlington, Iowa. Their first daughter, Mary Rose Mahedy was born there 15 Apr 1867, followed by Sarah Ellen (Nellie) on 20 Nov 1870.

On 1 July of that same year, Patrick's eldest daughter, Sarah, married to William Coburn at St Joachim de Shefford. They settled on a farm next to or very near Patrick The commitment of our Irish ancestors to education has been mentioned several times. This dedica- tion was as evident with the Moran clan as it was with the Mahedys. At least three of Charles Moran's daughters became teachers. Elizabeth Moran Dunn was discussed earlier. Her younger sister Bridget also gained some public recognition:

"School Exhibition at Warden - ...after this followed declamations, songs, and dialogues, - the pupils taking part in each, showing that the careful training of Miss Bridget Moran, the teacher, had not been thrown away...the success of the exhibition is greatly due to the extra exertions of the teacher, Miss Moran, whose laborious efforts to make the pupils au fait in their parts is worthy of the highest praise." (8 April 1869)

Bridget married the following year as indicated below. Her husband's first wife died in 1868 or '69. He ran a hotel in neighboring Roxton Falls. Later, he opend a hotel right in Waterloo.

"Married - at the parish church, North Shefford, by the Rev. Cure Phaneuf, on the 15th [?] inst., Jos. O. Paquette, Esq., hotel keeper of this place, to Bridget Moran, daughter of Charles Moran, Sr., of Shefford." ( 28 Jan 1870)

"Eastern Townships Hotel" Waterloo This desirable hotel, which immediately adjoins the Roman Catholic Church and fronts directly on the Court House, is now conducted by J.O. Paquette, Esq., long and favorably known at Roxton Falls. The repairs and improvements he has made, the additional accommodations for stabling horses and other comforts together with a good table, moderate charges and good order, for which he has already gained notoriety, render this hotel one of the best that a traveller can patronize. It is the nearest hotel to the Court House and Roman Catholic Church. J.O. Paquette, Proprietor

1998 has witnessed repeated patterns of bizarre weather systems and natural disasters from the tornadoes in the northeast, floods, fires in Florida, record heat and drought in Texas, wrecking havoc and distruction and loss of life. Our ancestors confronted natural disasters as well.

" The storms of April 1869 which washed out the Granby bridge killing 11, incl Pat'k Hackett, caused extensive damage throughout the county.. 8 of 10 mill dams were washed away between Waterloo and Granby:...Lee's, Farley's, Martin's, Magoon's, Savage's, Hayes', Kilbourn's, and Mahedy's..." (Waterloo Advertiser; 22 April 1869)

Patrick Hackett was a friend of the Mahedys as well as the McKays. The Kilbourns have no connection to the Mahedys, Gilletts, and allied families. However, they do descend from the original Kilbourn settlers of New England, @ 1630s, who are also ancestors to the Touses of Vernon. There was also a Marie Kilbourne who was "...educated at Vernon Academy..." in the 1830s. Marie descends from the same Thomas Kilbourne and was mother of George Eastman of Waterville, and later founder of Eastman-Kodak! I have not recorded the Canadian Kilbourne line, but many of the early Colonial families who migrated to Canada did so during and immediately following the Revolutionary War because they had been Loyalists! Patrick also continued to serve as Justice of the Peace. There was nothing specific in the news pertaining to his role as Justice. However, the following article confirms the fact he was still a Town Justice and presents an interesting case in labor relations! It would also appear that patrick had at least temporary difficulty retaining employees. One can only speculate as to why. "Masters & servants - on saturday last, before justices Allen, and Ellis, one Senecal was convicted of deserting his master's employ before the expiration of his agreement and at the instance of the complainant, Patk. Mahedy, Esq., J.P. a moderate fine of one shilling and costs was inflicted upon him. On Monday another man in the service of Mr. Mahedy, called Levigne pleaded guilty to a charge of leaving his master's service without giving the month's required by law....

The fine in the case first mentioned was purposely small at the request of Mr. Mahedy who deserves the thanks of all agriculturalists and master's hiring help for establishing this important principle - com. " (Waterloo Advertiser 5 August 1869)

The ravages of the spring flooding in Shefford naturally had to be repaired. It is doubtful in the cynical, skeptical world of contemporary politics and government repairs could be handled as expeditiously and directly as they may have been done in years gone by. Committees would have to formed to assess the damage. Designs would no doubt have to be submitted for debate and approval. Bids would also need to be submitted for final authorization. The press would no doubt conduct an on-going investigation and suggest any potential collusion or conflict of interest - real or perceived. The following would at minimal probably be "suspect."

"Township council - "the Mahedy bridge was accepted and Sec'y-Treas was instructed to pay the contractor, P. Mahedy, $250 therefor." (4 Nov 1869)

Patrick Mahedy continued to play a role in public affairs above and beyond being elected Chairman of the Education Commissioners year after year, serving as Justice of the Peace, and running his own business: "Shefford Town Council - P. Mahedy, Esq., was instructed to ascertain if Nancy Kennison could be placed in a hospital in Montreal. The valuation roll and voters list for current year were amended and homolegated. The bills of P. Mahedy of $7.50 and S.N. Blackwood of $4.50, services as valuntars, were approved. ( 5Aug 1870)

That same August 1870, Patrick was one of seven men elected to the Board of Management of the Colonization Society, an organization established to promote emigration from the British Isles. While part of its mission was to provide aid and comfort to immigrants, its primary goal was to inflate the labor market, thus allowing wages to remain low and profits high. The followimg year Pat signed a Petition urging the Warden of Shefford County to hold a public meeting in October to consider the question of Canadian Independence. On 10 January 1871, Patrick's second daughter, Ellena (aka Ellen; Elenor,) was married to Michael Harper at St Joachim, as indicated in the Waterloo Advertiser:

"Married - on the 10 ult., at the Catholic Church of N Shefford, Mr. M. F. Harper of Montreal, to Miss Elenor Mahedy of North Shefford." 27Jan1871

The Kelpyns were mentioned in the letter of John Mahedy, Jr's found in the previous chapter. Obviously there had been a long-standing, and close, relationship between the Kelpyns and the Mahedy-Moran Clan. Patrick and Margaret Mary Swift Kelpyn were both born @ 1810 in Ireland. Patrick was born in County Cork, where he and Margaret had at least three children before moving to Canada @ 1844, accompanied by Pat's sister, Anna Kelpyn. They settled in the Town of North Stukely, on the eastern border of Shefford Township. Their property is visible on the map shown in the previous chapter. Patrick's oldest son Michael was born 26 Dec 1832 in Co. Cork. On 26 Jan 1863 Michael married Mary, eldest daughter of Charles and Bridget O'Grady Moran, at Bromont, Quebec. By 1871 Michael and Mary Kelpyn owned the Union Hotel in Warden and had three children: Patrick C. (Charles) - 6 May 1864, Mary Judith - 20 sept 1865, and Arthur E. - 2 Dec 1867. Just prior to the St Patrick's Society described above, the following tragic report appeared in the Waterloo Advertiser of 3 March 1871:

"Kelpyn - at Warden, on the 23rd [Feb] Arthur Edmond, age 3 years & 3 months, and on the 24th, Mary Judith, age 5 years & 5 months, died of bronchitis following measles. They were interred at St Bernardin's Cemetery, Waterloo, Quebec".

" St Patrick's Society of Shefford

According to announcement in our last issue, a meeting was held at Warden, -on the 17th Instant, when a St Patrick's Society, for the County of Shefford, was organized, and the following officers elected for the ensuing Year: - President - Dr. Erskine; 1st Vice-President - John Cleary; 2nd Vice-President - Hugh McClintock; Sec. Treasurer - J. F. Leonard; Corresponding Secretary - P. Mahedy. Committe of Management - Messrs. James Maynes, M. Leonard; P. Moran, John T. Booth, James Colman, P. Mahedy, and the president and secretary - treasurer. At the close of the proceedings, the meeting adjourned to meet again at Waterloo on Saturday the 13th May next, when the by-laws of the society will be adopted." (Waterloo Advertiser 24 Mar 1871)

With the exception of Pats Mahedy and Moran, the other officers were all Protestant. Given some of Patrick's earlier statements, and the Fenian "difficulties," one can not help but wonder if Patrick was the moving force in expanding the Society to help demonstrate that the historically opposing groups had much more in common than the single factor that might differentiate them. Had they only followed Pat's example back in Ulster! Patrick's first grandchild, Emily Coburn, daughter of William and Sarah Mahedy, was born at Shefford in 1871. In September of that year a Shefford teacher eloped to the United States. She does not appear to have been a member of the Mahedy-Moran Clan, but no doubt caused Patrick to shuffle a bit as Education Commissioner to find a replacement.

The 1872 St Patrick's Day celebration received considerably more attention than the previous year. It was indeed ecumenical.

"St. Patrick's Day in Shefford The members of the "Irish Union and Benevolent Society of the County of Shefford," celebrated St Patrick's Day at Warden by a dinner at Mr Kelpyn's Hotel, on Monday at 2 p.m., at which 40 sat down. The dinner was of a most substantial character, well laid out and ably served, and on temperance principles, There being no liquors of any kind on thie table but plenty of good cold water. The dining room was decorated with a nicely painted sheet on which was the motto: "Let the orange lilly be thy badge, my brother; the everlastting green for me, and we for one another," and also printed in large type the following verses,

From the pen of a native poet:
"Hibernians unite, as your sires of yore,
Though at different shrines your god you adore;
While true to each flag where you choose to reside,
Let no rumorous strife your friendship divide.
Where virtue is seen,
Be it orange or green,
That virtue we love and respect;
No distinction we know,
Of a friend or a foe,
By thie nicknames of party or sect.

The chair was occupied by Dr. Erskins, of Waterloo, President of the Society, supported on the right by A. B. Parmelee, Esq., Warden of the County, and on the left by Rev. Mr. Clayton, of the Episcopal Church, Bolton, and other invited guests. The Vice Chair was occupied by T. L. Cleary, Esq., and supported right and left by invited guests.

After ample justice had been done to the abundance of good things on the table, the chairman, with appropriate, proposed the following toasts: -

"The Queen." Song "God save the Queen" enthusiastically sung by the whole company.

"The day and all who honor it." Responded to by Rev. Mr. Clayton, in an able and lengthy speech, full of his native Irish humor.

"The Prince of Wales and the Royal Family." The chairman in proposing this toast feelingly alluded to the recent illness of his Royal highness.

"The Fatherland." This was ably responded to by Mr. Bastable, of the high school here.

"The Governor General and Lt. Governor."

"Army, navy, and volunteers." Responded to by Major Fourdrinier and Capt. Maynes.

"Canada our country, either by birth or adoption." Ably and eloquently responded to by J. F. Leonard, Esq., advocate.

"Our county and local councils." Responded to by A. B. Parmelee, Esq., and P. Mahedy, Esq.

"Other nationalities." Responded to by H. Rose of the Waterloo Advertiser.

"Our guests." Responded to by M. Leonard, Esq., of Wickham.

"The press." Responded to by Mr. Smith of the St. John's News.

"The President of the Irish Union and Benevolent Society" was proposed by Mr. Smith.

Dr. erskine responded in a happy and able manner. After explaining the objects of the society, - which was simply for charitable and patriotic objects, irrespective of religious creeds, he gave a brief account of his trip to old Ireland, &c.

"The ladies." Responded to by Mr. Harding.

The company rose about six o'clock all feeling they had spent a pleasant and agreeable time. In the evening a ball was held in Mr. Mahedy's Hall, at which nearly 100 attended, and kept up the dance until early morning." Waterloo Advertiser 22 March 1872

The election for education commissioners was held every summer. Patrick ran as he did every year, and was re-elected - as he was every year. Shortly thereafter, the newly elected commissioners met to organize.

"The School Commissioners organized on Monday last, by electing Mr. P. Mahedy, Esq., Chairman." Waterloo Advertiser 19 July 1872

The press again provided an additional tidbit to shed more light on Pat's character:

" P. Mahedy, Esq., with characteristic generosity, has been collecting during the past few days money to purchase a cow for a poor man in North Shefford, blessed with a large family. From the list shown us it is evident that Mr. Mahedy's appeal has met with a hearty response." 26 July 1872

Mike Kelpyn sold the hotel at Warden sometime before the end of 1872. Perhaps it was sold to Mr Farley mentioned below where Mary's brother Pat helped to organize a party for 30 Dec 1872.

"Local- Warden one of the most successful festive entertainments ever held in this place, came off at Farley's Hotel on the evening of the 30th Dec. There were about thirty couples present, and under the excellent management of the committee, Messrs. P. Moran and Hugh McClentock, everything went off in the best of manner. Dancing was kept up until the wee small hours, when the company dispersed highly delighted at the good time they had enjoyed. The tables as well as the other arrangements for the comfort of the guests, reflect great credit upon Mr Farley, who spared no pains in the entertainment of his large company. Excel lent music was supplied by Messrs. John Martin and George McClentock." 11 January 1873

The following month another celebration was held in honor of the Kelpyns. The report of this party helps to document just how close the Mahedy and Moran families were. It also further demonstrate Patrick Moran's knack for Irish hospitality..

"North Shefford - P. H. Moran, Esq., gave a sumptuous repast on the evening of the 20th Inst., at his residence at North Shefford, to Mr. M. H. Kelpyn and several friends on ac count of Mr. Kelpyn leaving here, and going to reside in Montreal. After the cloth was removed H. Mcclintock, Esq., of Warden, proposed the health of the principal guests of the evening - Mr. M. H. Kelpyn and Lady. Mr. P. Mahedy, of North Shefford, being called upon to respond said, that he would cheerfully do so, although the toast was drank in clear "Old Adam's Ale," yet it might be out of place for him to do so, as a strong affinity existed between himself and the principal guest of the evening - Mrs. Kelpyn being one of his best beloved relatives; nevertheless he thought that they would all agree with him that in losing Mr. Kelpyn we were losing a generous friend and a good neighbor, and that, in the departure of his estimable wife, the poor lose - " a benevolent and charitable benefactor,' that never sent one of them from her house without first supplying their wants and relieving their necessities. He would supplement the toast of his worthy friend Mr. McClintock by adding that he hoped that Mr. Kelpyn would conduct the "Hotel Imperial" of the city of Montreal, of which in a few days he will be Proprietor, with the same due regard to morality and as subserviant to law and order as he has the " Union Hotel" at Warden whilst proprietor of it. At a late hour the company separated thanking their host for the reception that he had given them." Waterloo Avertiser 28 February 1873

St Patrick's Day was back again and the Moran and Mahedy clans continued to remain active in the Shefford County Irish Society as is seen in the slate of officers from 1873.

"Local...on the evening of St Patrick's day the officers of the Irish Union and Benevolent Society of Shefford were elected for the ensuing year, as follows: J. L. Leonard, President; Dr. C. F. R. Phelan and Samuel Maynes, Vice-Presidents; P. Mahedy, Cor. Secretary; John Cleary, Secretary Treasurer; H. McClentock, Jas. Maynes, P. H. Moran, M. Harper and John Kelpyn, Committee of Management..." 21 March 1873

John Kelpyn was a brother of Michael's. Later that sring controversy arose which must have caused some consternation to the Clan.

"Local and other items - we understand that a rape case, or a case of rape, will be brought before the district magistrates court here at the next term. The affair happened in this village on Sunday morning last. We refrain from giving particulars or names at present." 6 June 1873

"District Magistrate's Court - the Queen vs Charles Moran. Prisoner was charged with an assault to ravish the wife of Charles Stewart Lewis in conjunction with one Hewson. Evidence was taken and the argument commenced, but the case was finally sent to the July term."

"District Magistrate's Court ...the Queen vs Charles Moran, et. al. The accused was charged with having aided in an assault with intent, &c., upon Mrs. Lewis. The evidence not showing any conclusion before the fact between Moran and the principal, he was discharged." July 73

Charles [Jr] had married Mary Elizabeth Flynn, daughter of Lawrence and Helen Kilmartin - b. 1848, Ireland, in neighboring Richmond County on 17 Feb 1868. They were listed in the 1871 Shefford County census. It is not known what became of Charles or his family after the above incident. He did not appear in the 1881 or 1891 cen-suses for shefford county, nor was he mentioned in later family obituaries. Patrick Mahedy was again re-elected Corresponding-Secretary of the Irish Union and Benevolent Society for 1874. The dinner party was held in Waterloo, but the attendance was down considerably owing to a recent storm which had left the roads in very poor condition.

Patrick's daughter Ellen(a) Harper started a business of her own at Waterloo which opened the following month. The following ad was placed in the Waterloo Advertiser of 16 April 1874:

" New Millinery Store
-------------
Mrs. M. J. Harper
Having fill up the store opposite Beauline's
Hotel on Foster Street, with a fine assortment
Of the latest style of milinery, fancy goods,
Gent's and youths's hats & caps,&c.,
Begs to inform the public that she will sell the
Same for cash at moderate prices.
All orders for milinery and mantle making in
The latest modes promptly attended to"

Patrick also kept on top of his own field of business.

"To the editor...

Dear sir, - I have noticed for several weeks past an advertisement of the machine works of Messrs. Smith, Elkins, & Co., of Sherbrooke in the Advertiser. In regard to their shingle mill mentioned in their advertisement, - Patented by them in April, 1872, - I would beg leave to say that I am running one of them for about one year, and can certify, that for durability and speed it beats any that I have ever seen. It is free from complication and can be run by any person of ordinary ability. Persons that wish to purchase shingle mills had better come and see it run before they purchase elsewhere. P. Mahedy" Shefford, April 27th, 1874 - 1 May

There was actually a "Mahedy Block" in Waterloo. Since there is no indication that Patrick had either a business or offices in Waterloo, this "block" probably represented investment property he hoped to develop for sale or lease.

"For sale or to let.
That desireable three story brick block, known as "Mahedy Block" on Foster Street, together with half an acre of land in superficies[?], more or less, in the vicinity of the post office, telegraph office, and the market, for the conditions, which are the most liberal, apply to the undersigned. L. Jodoin," Waterloo, April 29, 1874 - 8 May

And from the following we learn mischief is nothing new...

"Local and other items... On Sunday last a few young men of this village, who had managed to obtain a drop of the ardent somewhere, broke into the residence of sundry parties living in Mahedy's block and got up a big row." 12 June 1874 Patrick's primary business continued to be his lumbermill, located on his farm in North Shefford. From the petition below it appears he was trying to improve accessibility to the mill.

"Township council The petition of P. Mahedy praying for road work on the road leading from his mill to the main road, was received and the road inspector in his district, Thos. McGowan, was instructed to allow the balance of the road tax of the said P. Mahedy upon the road leading from the said main road to Mahedy's mill, said work to be laid out under the direction of said McGowan." 10 July 1874

More than anything else, it was Patrick's involvement in edication that kept him in the public eye. For the better part of eighteen years he had served as a commissioner, usually as chairman. He was largely responsible for building a modern - for the time - competent educational system. After eighteen elections he was finally defeated by his neighbor and fellow Irish Society officer, John Cleary, by a mere twelve votes. The defeat, and controversary causing it, were addressed in several issues of the Waterloo Advertiser.

"17 July '74 Shefford. School election The days of the baker's dozen of electors for school purposes has passed and a new era inaugurated. On Monday last, the election of School Commis- sioners for the Town of Shefford, to replace Messrs. Mahedy and Williams, came off at the town hall in Waterloo. There were three candidates nominated, viz: Messrs. P. Mahedy, Jno. Cleary, and Wm. Chapman, but the contest was really between Messrs. Mahedy and Cleary. During Monday and the two following days a warm but good natured fight was kept up with varying success for each candidate. At the close of the poll on Wednesday night, Messrs. Chapman and Cleary were elected, but Mr. Mahedy was only twelve votes behind. On many accounts Mr. Mahedy's defeat is to be regretted. For eighteen years continuously he has sat upon the Board and during most of the time has been Chairman. He has aided in building up our schools in the township until at the present time, they are second to none. He has a fair record to look back upon, with only the one spot therein which brought about his defeat. It will be for his successors if they can get through the same number of years with as little to look back upon with regret.

The following week his daughter was recognized for punctuality at the Annual exam period.

"24 July - Shefford School Examinations...Mary J. Mahedy...punctuality...dist #18"

But the controversary continued.

"To the Editor of the Waterloo Advertiser.
Dear Sir,
- looking over your issue of the 17th ult., in the article headed "School Election," I have noticed that I am daubed over with considerable eulogism and euphonic puffing in my connection with the schools of Shefford for the last eighteen years. First, I would beg leave to remark that in doing what has been done to raise the standard of the schools of Shefford to the high perfection they now attain, the greatest part of the praise is due to the good and true men that the good sense of the electors of Shefford associated with me from time to time as School Commissioners, many of whom are "borne to the home from whence none return," others have emigrated to other lands and some few remain amongst us to look back with pleasure on the past. I would not call your attention to the article referred to were it not for one paragraph that I have noticed in it, that I think in justice to myself needs explanation. You say that I have "a fair record to look back upon, with only the one spot that brought about my defeat." As a man of honour, and in justice to myself, I think that you should let the public know what that "spot" is, certainly it must be some black "spot" that has removed me from a position that I held for eighteen years, and elected term after term by acclamation, even at my first election (even if there are any that reads this and remembers it,) although there were three candidates in the field, one of them is dead, the others removed to other lands, the contest lasted two days keenly; yet in the whole contest there was not one vote cast against me. Thereupon being the people's choice for 18 years I would, even if only for curiosity, like to know the "spot" that was the cause of my removal.
I am, sir, as usual,
Respectfully yours,
P. Mahedy."
"Shefford, July 18, 1874.

[We have no doubt that Mr. Mahedy knows to what we alluded when we mentioned the "dark spot" on his record, and presume his intention to be to explain himself thereon, when he can have the "spot" mentioned precisely so that it can be met. It is a right which he has, and it would be unfair in us not to allow an old public servant the privilege of putting himself right before his friends and the public upon a matter which affects his honor and which occasioned his defeat. We referred to the dismissal of the Sec.-Treasurer of the board in 1873, without any reason being given therefor. If discussion there must be upon this subject, we trust it will be temperate and devoid, so far as possible, of personalities.
-Ed. W. Adv.]"

7Aug -"To the Editor...
Dear Sir, - lack of time and being part of the time absent from the home has prevented me until this late hour of taking the advantage of the kind offer made in your issue of the 24th ult., of giving me the opportunity of removing the "spot," which you say, and I know, was the cause of my defeat as school commissioner. Before I proceed further, I would beg leave to say that it is one of the acts that you term a "spot," that I played a prominent part in whilst I was a School commissioner, that I feel most proud of, that my vote was the cause of removing an impertinent dictator to the School Board, that got the office of Secretary-Treasurer by chance, - one that came amongst us but a short time before as an adventurer, and then as- sumed to be a dictator to the school commissioners, which I will here after show. However, my vote was a pecuniary loss to him and the vote of the people has been a great gain to me, I never have been an office-seeker, as my circumstances were such that my time was more profitable attending to my own business than working and squandering it away for an unthankful and ungrateful public.

During the last six years I would not have served, but for friends that asked it as a request of me that I would serve, and very reluctantly I yielded to their solicitations. Even the last term I served, several months before my term of office expired, I tendered my resignation to the board, they would not accept it. I did not urge it strongly, as I knew that in accordance with law they had not power to do so,- yet if they did accept of it, it is not likely they should suffer for it. The last time that I was a candidate I was urged by several to serve again, if only for one year, so that I might assist to settle some complicated questions that might arise in settling between the old school municipality of Shefford and the fractional parts into which it is now divided for school purposes. I yielded very reluctantly to their solicitation,

Not thinking that many of those who have heretofore pursuaded me to remain a school commissioner would sneakingly (and not openly or manly,) oppose me.

But these men wanted a pliant tool, they knew that they could not make one of me. Saul, son of kesch, sought for his father's asses and found them, - they sought for a tool and found him. They found one possessed of any amount of gib- berish without a corresponding amount of brain; yet, as a general rule, I think that the majority of those elected were good selections. The first out burst between myself and the late Sec.-Treas. took place immediately after the transfer of the aca- demy to the School Commissioners. When the acting governors of that institution ran it as long as they were able, and after creating a debt of some sixteen hundred dollars on it, they then proposed to hand it over to the school commissioners. I opposed the transfer as long and as urgent as I reasonably could without wishing to be considered by the Board as their dictator. At the same time I wrote a letter to the Advertiser, over an assumed name, urging strongly on the school commissioners not to accept the transfer of the academy with its debt, as I considered that the village of Waterloo that created the debt and reaped the benefit should cancel the debt; or at least part of it, before the School Commissioners would accept management of it. Moreover, I was in a minority, the School Commissioners passed a resolution accepting the academy and assuming its debt. I am too much of a democrat to oppose majorities (although they are not always right,) I fell in with them, and with them put my "shoulder to the wheel," to make provisions to pay the debt, and part of the provisions was to curtail not to increase expenses. Then comes the "flair-up" with the late Sec.- Treasurer.

As the epitome only of my reasons for giving my casting vote to remove him would stretch this letter to too great a length, I reserve it for your next issue. Respectfully, P. Mahedy." Shefford, Aug. 5th, 1874

14 Aug -"To the Editor...
Sir, - as the late Secretary-Treasurer of the Board of School Commissioners of Shefford Township, to whom the late chairman, P. Mahedy, alludes in his letter to your last issue, I desire to say that I feel it no honor to be unwillingly dragged into a discussion with one who wields so notoriously nasty a pen as the said Mahedy. Nothing that he can say or write will injure me in the esteem of those who are acquainted with him, as they are well accustomed to his ponderous style of slandering, and to those of my friends who do not know him, I desire to say, that so far as he writes in relation to me, he writes falsely. In working to remove me he unintention- ally did me a service, for which, however, I owe him no thanks.

I am accused of being an adventurer by one who was an emigrant Himself; but while I may be so considered, if we allow him to deFine the word, I may be permitted to state that I was born, as were my forefathers for many generations, not far from the County of Shefford; have lived in the county nearly all my life, had resided therein about twenty years, and in Waterloo several years before the gentleman whom Mr. Mahedy procured to be my successor came to Waterloo to reside, and if there is anything in that argument the balance is in my favor. Mr. Mahedy should use argu- ments that do not recoil upon his own head, if he knows enough. Wherein he states, with audacious effrontery, that his first outburst with me occurred in connection with the transfer of the Waterloo Academy to the Board of School Commissioners for the Township, to which he represents himself as an avowed enemy and myself as an avowed partisan, I desire briefly to say -

1st. Mr. Mahedy, either maliciously or ignorantly, and in either case inexcusably, states that which is false.

2nd. I had no out-burst with him upon that question for the best of reasons.

3rd. I was not the Secretary-Treasurer of the Board at the time of the transfer of the academy, and, consequently, could have had no more to do with it than any other ratepayer in the Township.

4th. Mr. Mahedy, so far from being an enemy to the transfer, was in Waterloo openly advocating it, as can be easily proven, and gave Waterloo citizens to under- stand that he was an ardent supporter of their views. If, while doing so, he wrote a sneaking anonymous letter in the Advertiser in opposition to the scheme he was verbally supporting, I can only say that it characteristic of the man and does not surprise me, any more than it does those who know his ways.

The public can judge the candor and veracity of the man, who seeks to hide the disgrace of his defeat by accusing me of a quarrel which did not exist, and for a cause which did not exist, because I was not appointed Secretary-Treasurer until long afterwards. The old adage that "liars need good memories" receives another exemplification.

I write this with no ill-will, but simply with a view of showing the friends who stood by me in the past, how false are the accusations of the late chairman.

I am, ?, yours truly,
J. R. Tartre."
Waterloo, Aug.11, 1874

[same page] "To the Editor...
Dear Sir, - I resume mine of the 5th, ult., and will in this part give my reasons, and all, if they do not extend to too great a length for the space you have to spare, and show cause for the "spot" that was the cause of my defeat at the school election. Shortly after or about the time that the School Commissioners assumed the debt of the academy, there was a teacher required for the model school. A Mr. Gosselin was engaged to teach it at an advanced salary over the lady teacher that taught it the year prior and gave general satisfaction. She came highly reccommended by the Rev. F. Robinson, and was engaged by the School Commissioners themselves; she had also been highly recommended by the late lamented inspector of schools Dr. Parmelee; H. L. Robinson, Esq., was then one of the School Commissioners. But she did not suit the managers of the school, they got rid of her when her term expired and engaged Mr. Gosselin. After one year's instruction, and at the examination at the end of the year at which I was present, it was easily seen that his school, especially in the writing and arithmetical departments of which I was some of a judge, did not come up to the standard or proficiency of a school taught by so expensive a teacher. Yet he had the audacity to exact or demand an increase of fifty dollars for the next year. The Secretary-Treasurer urged his claim strongly, and even threw out threats that if he was not reengaged at the advanced salary, that he would demand three months pay as he did not get the notice to quit that the law requires the school commissioners to give. The School Commissioners knew that this was all bombast, that they were not obliged to engage or reengage a teacher, even if he held a diploma, until they were satisfied themselves by an examination of his or her competency, and certainly an examination of Mr. Gosselin in arithmetic would not satisfy at least part of them. However, better council prevailed, Mr. Gosselin left without putting the Secretary-Treasurer's threats into force. Then that functionary was instructed by the School Commissioners to advertise for a teacher. He advertised, how many applications he received and offers to teach the school I know not, but they were all "shelved," except that of the present teacher, Miss Tetreault, that taught the school the year before Mr. Gosselin made an appication, but the Secretary-Treasurer had not even the courtesy as to acknowledge her application. When she did not receive a reply in due time, she sent a friend of hers to me letting me know that she applied for the school, that she held a Mcgill Normal School Diploma, that she would take the school at very moderate terms, as she could take in a younger sister as an assistant that held an Elementary School Diploma. The School Commmissioners met a few days afterwards, the first thing we did was to call on him for Miss Tetreault's application; he did not produce it, but said the present teacher was engaged before her application reached. He took good care not to produce it lest we might compare the date that he said the teacher was engaged. I refused to ratify the engagement, as I thought the salary too high for the grade of the school, giving my reasons that the School Commissioners assumed a large debt and that we should curtail expenses until that debt was liquidated. Then That worthy functionary threw out a menace that if the minority could not have such teachers as wanted, they would dissent. I replied to him that the sooner they dissented it would be for the interest of the majority, but that he could not get one-half of the minority to dissent with him, for they knew that if they did that from the share of their assessments they could not keep a good school half the time. However, the majority of the School Commissioners ruled, although as I remarked in my last, majorities are not always right. The teacher was engaged, I suppose, to appease the wrath of the insatiable Secretary-Treasurer, which secured peace for one year. After the year expired, then came new trouble with the Secretary-Treasurer, which I will give an account in my next. In the meantime I will not reply to any contradictions that eminate from him, as I can substantiate all I say in these letters - with stronger proof than what newspaper articles are.

Respectfully,
P. Mahedy."

[4Sept'74] "To the Editor...
Dear sir, - until I saw your last issue I thought I would not reply to any more of the inconsistencies and incongruities or yelpings of that beagle that now occupies the position of copyist in the registry office, but he is something like Goldsmith's Village School Master, "although conquered often he will argue still." I will reply with less reluctance if these were the effusions of Mr Tartre's brain; but it is barren of originality, as is well known, and that he is only the copyist that gives echo to a penny-a-liner that is prepared at any time to prostitute his pen when he has some evil design to accomplish.

Yet Mr Tartre, no matter what his enemies may say about his inbbility, should be able to write his own letters; he is a graduate of St Hyacinthe College, he matriculated there with high honors after a few month's study; whilst there he worked so hard and assiduous at his studies, that it caused the poor boy's friends to become uneasy; they noticed in him a strong aberation of mind and corporal decay; they removed him and, through the influence of their political friends that were then in power, got him elevated to the dignity of a third or fourth class bailliff, thinking that the necessary perambulation trough rural parts that he would have to make would restore him to mental vigor and equanimity of mind.

In one of his letters, he accuses me of being an emigrant. I deny that I am one according to Mr Tartre's acceptance of the word. I did not leave the country in which I was born and move into another governed by some other prince or poten- tate, and transfer my allegiance to their rule. I left that part of British Empire that is my natal land, nearly half a century since, and came to another part of it - a part that belongs to that great empire by right of conquest, and under the protection and sway of the same flag under which I was born. A man leaving England or Ireland and going to Scotland, or from thence to and from the former countries, might, with the same propriety be considered as an emigrant - although the word is not one of reproach. There are thousands of the best of men from all countries emigrants - many of them would consider it no honor to acknowledge Mr Tartre as a friend.

There was no necessity of mr tartre, in one of his letters, referring to his genealogy. I have said nothing of his progenitors, for if his physiognomy is a true index to his ancestral line, he can trace his pedigree perhaps long before Cortez conquered the throne of Montezuma, or his wide domain in Mexico, or before the time that Cartier planted the Fleur-de-Lis of France on the rock bound heights of Stadacona over the forest domain of Donnacona - or for aught that I know or care about knowing, he may be a descendant of one of the horde that La Rock took out from the prison pens of France, or descended from one of those that De Monte took out in after years with permission of Henry IV, and was taken out of their country for their country's good, and intermarried with savage women, not so savage as what their lords and masters were, that were taken out of the jails and other prisons of France to populate "New France." Mr Tartre can not have any trouble in proving, even if there was a necessity, his ancestral line "for blood will tell." He accuses me of using a "nasty pen," by referring to our letters. It may be seen whose pen is best deserving of the title, "but with the unclean there is nothing clean." I was much easier with him than I should have been. My reluctance to deal with him harshly through these replies makes him both bold and impertinent, as also void of truthfulness, if he was ever in possession of that genius. I know that for some time past the great reform party had him under probation with a view to save his political salvation by raising him out of the slough of conservativism into which he was submerged when he first came to Waterloo, and has nearly succeeded from time to time sops of sinecures. I did not wish in any way by harshness towards him to mar the accomplishment of the design. Now the boy is getting impudent, and is since his elevation from his bailiff-ship, and is accusing me of lies, falsehoods, deceptions, and other approbrious epithets, even if I was guilty of these charges, which I am not, it would only remind me of "Satan rebuking sin."

He says that I have said in one of my letters, that the first "Outburst that I had with him was in connection with the transfer of the academy." I have said no such thing in any of my letters, if he understands that from any of them he is as deficit of understanding as he is of truth. He further says, that whilst I was advocating the acception of the academy openly, I was writing anonymously for the Adver- tiser opposing it. This assertion of his that I ever advocated the acceptance of the Academy needs corroboration by some one that their word stands higher for probity and veracity among those that know him well than what his do. I know at the time of the transfer that he was not Secretary-Treasurer de facto, but was getting initiated, and there was not much doubt but what he was drawing all or part of the senecure attached to it.

Again, he says that there was a committee to engage teachers for the model school. If so, why did he not apply from time to time for the increase of the salaries of his pet teachers, instead of the School Commissioners? I did not say that Mr Tartre was Secretary-Treasurer de facto when Mr Gosselin was first engaged for the school, but was when his engagements were finished. After his second engagement was finished it was then that Mr Tartre urged that he should be engaged at an increased salary. Mr Gosselin never made a direct demand on the school commissioners for an increase - it was Mr Tartre made the demand for him, whatever object that he had in view, for it is not perceptable to the public but best known to Mr Tartre himself. Neither have I said that Mr Tartre urged the engagement of the principal of the model school at an increased salary, because he required her services as an organist in the Catholic Church then, what I said was that he required her or her assistant (I did not know which), for I did not know then nor do not now, which of these ladies is principal or which is organist. These assertions of mine can all be proved. I am told lately that the lady organist is and has been liberally paid by the congregation, and that they were very indignant with Mr Tartre to try to have her salary increased for her services as their organist. He has said many other things that require stronger proof than his assertions, but as he does not "appear to be of sound mind, memory, and understanding," I will let them pass unnoticed. When he says the present Secretary-Treasurer was "my nominee" he speaks incorrect. I would the day that I gave the casting vote to remove the ex-bailiff sooner have given it to some one that either themselves or their fathers did more to build up Waterloo than what Mr Tartre or the present secretary has done; but of the "two evils I thought that I would choose the least," and in so doing my vote removed the greatest evil and replaced him by a better man, one in whom the public has more confidence. I will reply no more to the tirades of the copyist at the Registry Office until he is better able them himself, even if not "Grammatical," I would prefer answering them than the echoes of the belchings and bellowings that emanate from his penny- a-liner.

Respectfully,
P. Mahedy" Shefford, Aug. 31, 1874

[11Sept'74] "To the Editor...
Dear Sir. - your correspondent, Mr. P. Mahedy, in his letter of the 31st ult., accuses me of being a "beagle!" Now, sir, I do not wish to enter upon any discussion of the term with the last named gentleman (?), for I find him as verbose as a Worcester's Unabridged, and as long winded as a stage horse, and the logic he uses in his last is like the "Peace of God." But I will say that the name "beagle" is rather too many measles for the author of this. I never called him any names; nor his father, nor demonts, nor LaRosh, nor France's jailbird, nor savage woman, nor any of his ancestors any names. The attack he has made on me with such an appellative is therefore unprovoked as it is unjust, and this letter is my sole reason for replying. Let the venerable fossil write again, nothing improves one so much as friendly correspondence; let him write again and, if there is any thing in that last letter of his, that refers to anything in particular, let him not be backward about explaining it. We shall always be happy to hear him chirp. Yours trule, Copyist"

Waterloo, Sept 8, 1874. "To the Editor... [middle of column torn]
Sir, - I have read the letters of Mr. Mahedy, heretofore School Commissioner of North Shefford, and shall find them useful in my vocation to point out to pupils the innumerable perils in the English language, and the numerous instances of false symbols [?] it is perhaps unnecessary for me to --- that I do not find it a pleasure to enter the arena with the old son of Erin, who ---s so largely in falsehoods without the slightest scruple. I write only in o---ence of an unprovoked attack upon myself. I had no part in Mr. Mahedy's defeat, but it is my misfortune to have been a teacher in a school to which he was very much opposed, and to have had some friends, who did not admire his character so much as he thought --- ---ght. Hence his gratuitous attack on me, in order to use me as a weapon against a friend.

During the term of teaching at Waterloo, I heard no complaint against either myself or the school. I held a Model School Diploma and had certificates enabled me to teach. The School Inspector of the district was satisfied with my school [?] and my qualifications and he was an old [?] teacher himself. Yet Mr. Mahedy in one of his letters, says in effect that the school retrograded under my charge, particularly in arithmetic. He made up some very strong expressions as to my competency as a tea- cher of arithmetic. ForTunately I have in my possession --- flattering certificates from those who attended my school and who expressed themselves well satisfied with the manner in which it was kept. Among other certificates, I have one from Mr. Mahedy himself, and I trust he will pardon me if, in self-defence, I use it as an argument against him, for it would be of no use to me in any other way. At the end of my --- term in 1872, he visited my school, --- --- the end of the examination he wrote an---- me the following certificate: - "--- been present at the examination in this school to-day - not being able -- of the examination, except the --- arithmetic, I give my opinion, --- in this class was very satisfactory. The School appears to be well conducted - the scholars polite and orderly," and signed the same "P. Mahedy."

Either Mr. P. Mahedy is a liar or he knows not what he says. Perhaps his memory is too short. In 1872 he writes that in effect that I am a good teacher and my pupils showing good progress in arithmetic, and in 1874 he says directly the contrary. He either lied then or now. Is it his defeat which makes such a havoc with his memory? His certificate is valueless except as proof of his falsehoods, for Mr. Mahedy knows as much about arithmetic as he does polite and orderly conduct, and that is nothing. If the rest of his statements are as true as those he makes against me, I am sure they will injure him the most. I am, Yours &c. P. Gosselin, B.V.C."

"To the Editor...
Dear Sir, - I have noticed lately in the Advertiser, letters from Mr P. Mahedy and Mr R. Tartre, Esqs. I have been a School Commissioner during the two last years that Mr Mahedy served as one, and have full knowledge of Mr Mahedy's statements and Mr Tartre's denials. Mr Tartre denies that he threatened the School Commissioners that the minority would dissent if they did not get such teachers as they wanted in the Model School. I know that he did throw out the threat and that Mr Mahedy's reply was substantially as stated in one of his letters.

Mr Tartre also said in one of his letters that he never wished or asked a motion to prevent scholars from attending the Model School that came there with their feet uncovered. I say that he wished for such a motion moved, and mentioned Mr Deragon's chilren in connection with it. He further says that Mr Mahedy "made all the motions," that is also incorrect; he generally wrote the resolutions, but never moved whilst on the Board with me. In some cases he would point out the law to us, but never urged his own opinions or used any further interference. I do not remember but one vote that he gave whilst on the board with me.

Next, Mr Tartre denies that he urged an increase of salary for the teacher of the Model School, giving as his reason that they wanted her services in the Catholic Church there. Now, I have more charity for him than to accuse him of a malicious falsehood in making that assertion in one of his letters, but certainly he must be very forgetful. I remember the whole circumstances well, and Messrs. Williams and Taylor, that were then School Commissioners, cannot but well remember it as they were both present. Mr. Mahedy opposed the demand for an increase of salary strongly, saying let those that would have benefit of her service pay for it and not tax the rate-payers for what the greatest part of them had no benefit from - that should they pass such a resolution the Catholics of Waterloo would remonstrate against it. To bring the discussion to an end, Messrs. Williams, Taylor, and myself voted to increase the teacher's salary thirty dollars per year, Mr Tartre agreeing to pay the balance of the increase demanded. Mr. Tartre says, also, that the present Secretary-Treasurer was the "nominee" of Mr Mahedy. That assertion is also incor- rect. He was nominated by A.D. Girard, Esq., and the nomination seconded by myself, and Mr Mahedy did not give the casting vote at once, as stated by Mr Tartre, he waited for some time before he gave in; Further, I have good reason to know that if there was another applicant Mr Mahedy would give him his vote if he considered him a fit and proper person. I further know that the present Secretary-Treasurer was strongly urged on by several before he consented to apply or accept the office.

With these few observations I will close and will not reply to any attack made upon me, as I do not profess to be a newspaper writer. I am, dear sir,
Yours &c.,
Capt. Maynes." Shefford, Sept. 8th, 1874.

Obviously Patrick was no shrinking violet, nor was he ever at a loss for words. In the end though, it would seem he was largely vindicated by Capt. Maynes' letter. Patrick pretty much faded from public life. In the coming year his health began to fail. The Mahedy Block did receive some sprucing up.

"Local news -[9 Oct'1874] External improvements have been going on about the Mahedy Block and from last accounts received, some five hundred loads of ordure had been removed from its front. Perseverence will surely tell.

There were occasional ads in the press for Eli and Mary Mahedy Carr's "Congress Hall Hotel" in Troy, NY. The last one found to appear in Waterloo, Quebec, was on 30 October 1874. Pat's son-in-law Michael Harper continued to dabble in investments in Waterloo and the surround-ing area.

"Block for Sale - the subscriber now offers for sale the new two story block, opposite Beauline's Hotel at a moderate price. For particulars apply to M. J. Harper, Proprietor, Waterloo" Jan 27, 1875

"Warden - Mr. Wm Farley has sold his hotel to Mr Michael Harper and is going back to the old mill..." 14 May 1875

Little else was heard about Patrick or his family in 1875 until November when the notice of the death of Patrick Mahedy appeared in the issue of 5 November 1875 of the Waterloo Advertiser. From the articles below it is clear that Patrick was known and repected not only in his home community, but through-out much of Canada. What has seemed most startling in all the revelations of Patrick is that none of this knowledge was passed down the generations!

"Died - Mahedy-in Montreal, on Tuesday, the 2nd Nov. Inst. Patrick Mahedy, Esq., an old resident of Shefford, in the 62nd year of his age. Obit. [5 Nov1875-advertiser]

"There are but few people in the County of Shefford unaquainted with Patrick Mahedy, Esq., and the fact of his death in Montreal on Tuesday last of hemorrhage of the lungs, will be deeply felt by many. Mr. Mahedy was a native of Longford County, Ireland, where he was born in 1814. He came to this country while young, and a number of years ago found his way to North Shefford, of which place He has been a resident ever since. He took considerable interest in public affairs, and especially in school matters, having been Chairman of the Shefford Board of School Commissioners for several years. He was also a Justice of the Peace, in which capacity he has often done duty. The past few months age began to tell on him, and he seems to have lost his wanton vigor. His remains were borne to their last resting place in the Catholic Cemetery here on Thursday, the funeral cortege being followed by a large concourse of mourning friends and acquaintances." [12 Nov 1875]

"The Late Patrick Mahedy At a meeting of the Board of School Commissioners of the Township of Shefford held on Monday, the 8th Inst. at which all the Commissioners were present, the following resolutions were passed regarding the late Patrick Mahedy, Esq., for many years Chairman of that body:

Whereas it has pleased the almighty god in his inscrutible wisdom to call the late Patrick Mahedy, Esq., of North Shefford from this world of toil and trouble; and

Whereas he has devoted a large portion of his life and labors during the last twenty years in aiding and promoting the education of the rising youth of this town- ship; be it therefore

Resolved, that we the undersigned School Commissioners of this Scholastic Municipality {while we humbly submit to the will of Divine Providence}, do sincerely offer our sympathy and condolence to his bereaved widow and family in their sad and irreparable loss of a good husband, kind parent and law abiding citizen,

And that a copy of this vote or token of sympathy be forwarded to his affectionate family, and be it further resolved,

That copies of these resolutions be sent for insertion in the Waterloo "Advertiser," the "St. John's News," the "Montreal Witness" and "True Witness," and the "Irish Canadian," Toronto. John Cleary.
Jas T. Booth
W. Chapman.
L. E. Richardson
F. Demarais.


Deceased was a native of Co. Longford, Ireland. He settled in Shefford in 1849, was called to the Commission of Peace in 1856, which position he filled impartially. For eighteen years he occupied the post of School Commissioner in this Municipality, most of the time as Chairman.

As a good Christian he was always foremost in aiding every public or private insti- tution where the needy or indigent required his aid or services. May he receive a tenfold reward for his many good acts and public services.- Com."

Truly this man who passed briefly through Oneida County, helping to construct the Black River Canal, and marrying one of her native daughters, worked hard to make this a better world. His line will be met again as the Mahedy saga continues. A few notes are worth mentioning here. Within a few short years after Patrick's death, all that property he had worked so hard to make successful was taken for taxes. The worst irony was the fact that the official notices were signed by his adversary, Mr Tartre. There were no further notices or other evidence of any St Patrick's celebrations or the Society. Again, within a few short years, an Orange Society was organized and annually celebrated the defeat of the Irish at the Battle of the Boyne. The founders and officers of this Orange Society were all the Protestant officers of the St Patrick's Society Patrick had so skillfully established to demonstrate peace and commonality between Irish Catholic and Irish Protestant.


Contributed by Dan Touse