RootsChat.Com
Research in Other Countries => Canada => Topic started by: J Wall on Tuesday 12 August 14 20:31 BST (UK)
-
Hello,
I am trying to locate a shop that my ancestor, John Wall, would have operated in Chatham-Kent, ON between 1871 and 1891. Information that I have been able to find through Canadian Census documents show that he was a merchant of dry goods in Chatham-Kent or the surrounding area (Tilbury). I have a photo of the inside of the shop, but no address is on the back. It is likely that at least a couple of his sons, John and William Edgar Wall, worked with/for him and the shop. Does anyone have a recommendation as to where I could look to find the address of the shop?
Thank you,
J Wall
-
Perhaps this is your man? It's not much help, but...
The Chatham Directory and County Gazetteer for 1885-6
Wall, John - dry goods, cor King and Fifth sts, res 15 s e cor Joseph and Selkirk sts, N.C.
http://www.rootschat.com/links/019ef/
(page 215)
There is also a small ad on page 128.
"John Wall's, Opposite Iron Bridge, Chatham, Ont."
-
You may have already read this article, but it could be describing the area where Mr. Wall had his shop. The drawing was copied from an 1868 photograph.
http://www.rootschat.com/links/019eg/
-
There are a few wonderful, old photographs of the King and Fifth Street area. I didn't see Mr. Wall's shop, but I didn't scrutinize the photos. They were not taken around the time that he occupied the building (I don't think).
http://www.rootschat.com/links/019eh/
-
Hi there,
I would contact the Library, the should have directories that can give you the address
http://vitacollections.ca/ckpl/search
In current times, the ad that Lisa posted saying "opposite the iron bridge" is referred to a 5th Street Bridge, if you google that up, you get some pictures.
Karen
-
Hi Lisa and Karen,
Thank you very much for your replies.
Lisa, thank you for posting the link to the Gazetteer! Yesterday, I was in Chatham (for a short day trip) and was able to look at an original printing. I will try to look through the photos soon.
Karen, I'll be sure to try the Library resources since I live a considerable distance away from Chatham.
Would either one of you know if there are scanned versions of the Chatham Daily Planet? I was able to get some dates from the card catalog yesterday, but did not have time to look them up on the microfilm (my travel partner had to get back for a meeting today).
Thanks,
J Wall
-
I just talked to a friend who is from that area and she said Sonja Roe Jewellers is located in that building now. You can use google maps to see a current day photo.
Karen
-
I just talked to a friend who is from that area and she said Sonja Roe Jewellers is located in that building now. You can use google maps to see a current day photo.
Karen
Hi Karen,
Thank you for checking this! Do you know of a group that keeps track of land records in Chatham, Ontario? I would just like to be able to file something like that.
Best,
J Wall