Edward H. Bristow

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-171711
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist

Notes:

Edward H Bristow b. 10 Dec 1829 Shipley, Sussex, England
m. 26 Oct 1858 Wallace Twp, Perth Co, Ontario
d. 10 Mar 1913 Saginaw, Saginaw Co, Michigan

Nancy Thurza Allison b. 19 Sep 1842 [possibly Wilmot Twp, Waterloo Co] Ontario
d. 7 Jun 1925 Saginaw, Saginaw Co, Michigan

Thurza Hannah Bristow b. 7 Sep 1859 Wallace Twp, Perth Co, Ontario
d. 8 May 1879 Saginaw, Saginaw Co, Michigan

William Bristow b. 21 Nov 1860 Wallace Twp, Perth Co, Ontario
d. 21 Mar 1873 Saginaw, Saginaw Co, Michigan

Eliza J Bristow b. 11 Dec 1863 South Saginaw, Saginaw Co, Michigan
d. 4 May 1869 South Saginaw, Saginaw Co, Michigan

John Edward Bristow b. 16 Jan 1868 Saginaw South, Saginaw Co, Michigan
d. 18 Apr 1869 South Saginaw, Saginaw Co, Michigan

From: Roger Miller

Edward married Nancy Thurza Allison 26 Oct 1858, Wallace Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada. Nancy was born 19 Sep 1842; died 7 Jun 1925, Saginaw, Saginaw, Michigan, USA. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Family Photograph: Edward Bristow and Hannah Streeter
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-171709
• Occupation: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Merchant
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist
• Occupation: 1881, Shipley, Perth Co., Ontario; Postmaster

Notes:

Thriving Elmira ..

"THE WOOLWICH METROPOLIS"

A RETROSPECTIVE GLANCE, COUPLED WITH A GRAPHIC SKETCH OF THE MERCANTILE AND INDUSTRIAL INTERESTS OF OUR THRIFTY NORTH-END NEIGHBORS

…[Edward] Bristow came to this region, then known as West Woolwich, some time in 1833, and for a number of years was engaged in clearing up and cutting himself out a home in the wilderness. He was a man of remarkable energy and perseverance, being for three years the only white man in the neighborhood. His cabin was a welcome shelter for new settlers en route north and south and many a belated pioneer adventurer found within its thatched walls a safe and comfortable refuge from the freezing blasts of a winter's night or wild beasts. While he did not profess to keep a public lodging house all who came were tendered his hospitality without money and without price. But this generous soul soon found that this constant drain upon his limited source of supplies threatened his own existence and consequently about the year 1843 he converted his home into a tavern, the first establishment of the kind for many miles around. He then made a small charge for the bill of fare he could afford. In addition to the actual necessaries of life with which his table was supplied he kept on tap a quantity of liquid refreshments for the accommodation of those of his guests who were not total abstainers. It was indeed an indispensable resort for passengers en route on the stage running then between Glenallen and Hamilton. Here the half-frozen passengers could find relief in the cheerful glow of a log fire in the primitive fire place, or, per chance, seek consolation at the bar in the way of an "eye-opener". On many an occasion the old inn was taxed to its utmost limit to accommodate all who sought shelter beneath its roof, and frequently there was "standing room only". In other words, it was a haven of rest for all manner of humanity, and occasionally had for its guests men eminent in Canadian jurisprudence.

Bristow was undoubtedly a man well fitted to maintain the gradual advancement of civilization in an unbroken wilderness, being qualified to hold positions without which progress in a new settlement would be impeded by various obstacles. In addition to being landlord he was for many years a Justice of the Peace, the first official of the kind in the community, and for several years he owned one of the first threshing machines introduced in Woolwich Township, and after harvest time, with his odd pioneer contrivance, would go about the neighborhood threshing for the settlers. For years one Eisenhour carried the mail on horse back from Glenallen to Waterloo, and many a thrilling adventure he could relate pertaining to his experience as a servant of the Government when his route was over a mere trail along which lurked many dangers. On several occasions he was attacked by wolves and had to keep his horse at full speed to make his escape.

Mr. Bristow was also the first postmaster. He was succeeded by Henry Christman, father of Jacob and Philip Christman, now of Elmira. Christman was followed by Peter Wenger, who held the office for 25 years. After the latter it was held by several others until Sep. 11, 1889, when the present incumbent, Mr. John Ruppel, took charge.

Bristow died some time in 1883 at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Wm Henry Peterson, on the farm now owned by Wm. DeKay, in the vicinity he was mainly instrumental in transforming from the primeval wilderness to one more adapted to civilized life. His son Walter still lives here. Mrs. William Peterson, of Hawkesville, who died several years ago, was a daughter.



Waterloo County Chronicle 27 Jan 1898, p. 1

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Edward was reportedly from Horsham, Sussex, England some of his children born in Shipley, Sussex, England.

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Edward married Hannah Streeter 31 Jul 1827, Shipley, Sussex, England. Hannah (daughter of Michael Streeter) was born CALC 2 Jul 1808, , Surrey, England; died 2 Aug 1873, Wallace Twp., Perth Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Harris-Howick Baptist Cemetery, Howick Township, Huron Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Family Photograph: Edward Bristow and Hannah Streeter
• Name: Hannah Bristow
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-171710
• Residence: 1851, Woolwich Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Baptist

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-137884

Thomas — Mary Rapley. Mary was born CA 1780, of, Horsham, , Sussex, England; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Mary Bristow
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-34882

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-137882