Notes From the Ups and Downs Feb 1 1896:
Herbert J. Williamson is a little fella of 12 who has been in Canada since March '93. He is learning farming under the guidance of Mr. Christopher C. Barker, of Paris Station. Mr. Barker is the owner of one of the finest farms in Ontario, and Herbert sends us a very well written, interesting account of his surroundings.
"We have a very "slick" way of doing things around here. In the first place, we have 21 head of cattle standing with their heads to the west, leaving a space of about five yards for the truck to run. On the other side are five box-stalls, which we have for the sick ones when any get sick for calves. We have two at present in them. On the north-west corner is the turnip cellar, which is full at present. Next comes a box stall, and on the south of it the harness-room, next east of it the horse-stable, which will hold six horses. It is the finest I ever saw, with cedar block floor, and the finest finished off of any I have seen. Next comes the drive shed, it is about 30 feet squar, furthur south is where we keep the buggies and cutters. Next come the work shop, which contains the farm implements and where we do the carpenter work. The pig pen which is a place by itself, has a cement floor and the hen house is near it. This is about the best I can give you. You must come down and see it and then you will get a better idea than I can explain to you. I must tell you that I am getting along first rate. I had a pair of skates given me last winter. And I must tell you I had a good silver hunting watch given to me a few weeks ago, and I am very proud of it." Herbert's lot has fallin in pleasant places. We congratulate him upon his gifts, they are a token of the good opinion of those around him.
In 1900 Herbert was part of an excursion group returning to England for a visit. Information on this trip can be found at:
{website}canadianbritishhomechildren.weebly.com/excursions-to-england.html
Herbert's brother Harry also came to Canada under Barnardo's. A photo of Harry is found on the above web site.
From the Ups and Downs April 1 1897:
An interesting letter is to hand from Herbet G. Williamson. Herbert, whi is 19, came out in March '93, his brother Harry, five years his junior, being one of the same party.
"I was over to see Harry today, he is getting along first class. Mr. Barker lend me the horse and saddle. I went off after the chores were done ( this is Sunday), and stayed with him all day. I had a good time. I am sure I can never repay the kindness done by Mr. Barker and Mr. Owen in sending Harry to such a good home. I am sure Harry appreciates it. We have lots of chores to do this winter. Mr. Barker is fattening twelve head of cattle, we have about thirty altogether, seven horses and fifteen pigs. We had a very good crops last year, especially turnips. Wehad about eight thousand bushells off twelve acres."
January 1 1901 Edition of Ups and Downs - Herbert's photos appears - with this written:
Herbert G Williamson is one of our A?lads, honest as the day, and as bright and pleasant a young fellow as one could wish to meet.
January 1901 Ups and Downs
Herbert G Wiulliamson was one of our excursionist to England last fall and returned to Canada by the Tunisian at the same time as our March party. We gather from the following letter that Herbert has no reason to find fault with the reception that awaited him at his old quarters. We may say of both Herbert and his brother, Harry, whose portriate gives charm to our present page, that we believe them to be as good lads as Dr Barnardo ever sent to the Dominion.
Hill Crest, Paris Station, Ontario
Dear Sir, I now write a few lines to you to you to say that I have arrived at my destination safely, and I was not home three hours before I got the chance of three places. Mr. Barker had hired with a man about five miles north of here, and I will be starting again on the 8th. I have hired for a hundred and fifty dollars for the year and board. This man is a very particular farmer, he likes to have things done right. He told me he wanted me more because I have been working for a particular man an dhe expectes me to have been well trained to my profession (if it is a profession) and know how to do things right. My old master, Mr. Barker, was very pleased to see me back, and he would have liked to got me back this year, but men being so scarce, he did not want to run any risk of not getting one, so he hired a man before I got here - one that worked for him before. I am getting restd this week for to get ready to start on twelve months labour. I think I have told you all the news. From you obedient servant, Herbert G. Williamson. PS Harry has hired on with Mr. Lowell for another years.
July 1 190l Ups and Downs:
Hill Crest, Paris Station, Ontario
Dear Sir,- I now write a few lines to you to say that I have arrived at my destination safely, and I was not home three hours before I got the chance of three places. Mr. Barker had hired a man before I got here, but I have hired with a man about five miles North of here, and I will be starting again on the 8th. I have hired for a hundred and fifty dollars for the year, and board. This man is a very particular farmer, he likes to have things done right. He told me he wanted me more because I have been working for a particular man, and he expect me to have been well trained to my profession (if it is a profession) and know how to do things right. My old master, Mr. Barker, was very pleased to see me back and he would have liked to got me back this year, but men being so scarce, he did not want to run any risk of not getting one, so he hired a man before I got here - one that worked for him before. I am getting rested this week for to get ready to start on twelve months`labour. I think I have told you all the news.
From you obedient servant, Herbert G. Williamson
p.s. Hary has hired on with Mr. Lowell for another year.
August 1903 Ups and Downs
Harry Williamson was found doing as well as ever in his situation near Paris, and in saying this we are giving Harry high praise. According to the report, he is spoken well of by his employer and every body else in the neighbourhood. Herbert Williamson, brother of Harry, is again with his old employer, Mr. Christopher Barker, who, we hear, isnow paying him $200 for the year. `Bert`` is said to be quite at home and, evidently, a most valuable man for his employer.