Henry O'Neill
Henry O’Neill, Grocers and Butchers
Standard
May 14, 1873
Large Ox
Mr. Henry O’Neill, one of our oldest butchers, stole a march on his brethren of the trade in Saint John, last week. An immense ox owned by Mr. Driscoll, of St. Stephen, was being brought to Saint John in the steamer “City of Saint John,” for sale. Mr. O’Neill was on board, and with his usual promptitude struck a bargain with Driscoll, and paid 300 for the beast. Several of the butchers of the commercial emporiums were on hand when the steamer arrived, anxious to purchase the ox and some of the epicures were selecting particular portions of the animal they would have to grace their tables, but alas, they were doomed to disappointment, as Mr. O’Neill having a regard for his many customers, brought the ox back. It girths 11 feet, is 10 ½ feet long, stands 6 feet high, and weighs 3239 pounds.
Standard
July 2/1873
Excellent Beef. The Messrs. O’Neill slaughtered their immense ox on Thursday last, and such was the demand for the superior beef, that it was with difficulty the inhabitants of the town could obtain cuts. Mr. Clarke, of the Railroad Hotel, purchased one quarter which weighted 435 pounds. The remainder was purchased by person at St. George, St. Stephen and Eastport, and some choice cuts went to Saint John. The Messrs. O’Neill will be prepared shortly to offer for sale some choice lamb and mutton, which for quality and weight cannot be surpassed. Their enterprise and energy as victuallers is already well known. They kindly remembered the Press, by sending a splendid roast of the mammoth ox; the beef was tender and of the best quality.
Standard
Aug 27/1873
The Messrs. O’Neill have purchased the large store at Indian Point, formerly occupied by Mr. Goddard, and intend having it placed on the site of the building destroyed by fire ten days ago, head of the Market Wharf, fronting on Water Street. The work of moving the building is under the superintendence of Mr. George Gilley, which is a sufficient guarantee that it will be expeditiously and well done. The store is a comparatively new one, and in good repair. We congratulate the Messrs. O’Neill on their enterprise and energy, and trust that in their new building their will add to their already large patronage.
Standard
Sept 10/1873
Messrs. O’Neil’s two story building has been moved from the Point to an eligible lot adjoining Clark’s hotel. Mr. Gilley, the contractor, accomplished his work rapidly. This building, and the new Masonic Hall recently moved to the adjoining corner, make an improvement as well as an addition on Water Street.
Standard
Oct 8/1873
New Shambles.
The Messrs. O’Neill have removed to their new premises, opposite J. W. Street and Co., and next Clarke’s Hotel, on Water Street. The building has been adapted for a meat shop on the left, and a grocery on the right. This opening on Saturday last was a decided success, a large supply of splendid beef, mutton and lamb, with choice salt pork and beef, and a fresh supply of groceries. In common with the community, we wish them continued success in their new establishment.
Standard
Oct 29, 1873
Large Pig.
Messrs. Henry O’Neill and Sons had for sale in their market on Saturday last, a splendid pig of eleven months old, which weighed when dressed 603 pounds; the hams weighed 48 pounds; and the spare ribs were eagerly bought up, as the meat was tender, sweet and fat. They are packing choice pounds of clear sheer [sic]. The pig was raised by Mr. John Curry, of bay Side.
Standard
March 14, 1874
New Export
Messrs. Henry O’Neill and Sons have exported a large lot of fresh herrings by rail to Montreal. The fish were frozen and securely packed in ice in large boxes. We trust their enterprise will be rewarded by ready sales at remunerative prices, and large orders. The export of fish to the upper provinces, was long contemplated, and to the Messrs. O’Neill is due the credit of commencing the business. Canada may supply England with beef, and New Brunswick will supply Canada with fresh fish during the winter months.
Pilot
July 25, 1878
Jottings on the Street, No. 7
The large building standing at the corner of Water and King Streets, opposite Postmaster Campbell’s residence, was erected by Donald D. Morrison sometime about the year 1831. It is a wooden edifice, but has quite a commanding appearance. It fronts on Water Street, having on the lower flat 4 large windows, and an equal number of doorway entrances. The middle door opens into a hall the stairway leading up to fine rooms on the second storey.
We pass on from its previous history, to find Capt. Balson occupying the store on the King Street Corner.
The Captain keeps a good variety of provisions and groceries, and sells at reasonable prices.
He is also Harbour Master, and when not behind the counter, can always be seen in an arm-chair, at the doorway, with opera-glass in hand, ready to spy coasters and steamers, as in the days of yore.
Next to the Captain’s location is seen Mrs. J. S. Magee’s fancy millinery store—where ladies can always find materials in that line to profusion; and be attended to with promptitude and politeness.
Next is Mr. Magee, himself, who runs the “Albion House.” This is a fine clothing and dry goods establishment, as by the extensive advertisement in the Bay Pilot does more fully appear. The present proprietor of this pleasant and commodious edifice is Mr. Charles A. Kennedy, Mr. Magee being the occupant for many years.
In 1873, a range of buildings ran from the opposite side of the street, towards the harbor, and extending well down to the Market Wharf. The store then fronting on Water Street was occupied by the O’Neill Brothers, who kept, as they do now, a good meat market, with groceries to match. Next, one Carmichael, a colored barber, displayed his fancy pole; and then, Mr. Stoop carried on the merchant tailoring business with his usual attention and ability.
Then, a Mrs. Kearney kept a little stock of the “O be joyful,” which in defiance of all kind intentions, served to render the recipients very sad and sorrowful indeed.
Next, at the extreme end of this row of buildings, David Welch kept a nice little place, where smokers, jokers, and loafers, too, delighted to congregate. But the year 1873 witnessed an end to all this in those buildings—the ruthless flames consumed all, and the blackened site presents a sight to this day of the devastation of that conflagration.
Pilot
August 8, 1878
Jottings on the Street, No. 8.
The Market Square presents a favourable stand-point for observation. Standing with back to Water Street, and facing the river harbour, St. Andrews Island looks attractive, and the wonder is that it is so little frequented. And a greater wonder is, that those who love quiet retreat in rural homes, have not long ago bought up building lots, and chosen this pretty Island as their sylvan resting place. But, so it is.
With this little digression, Water is now the pen-theme; and a look at the Wharf East, and the Wharf West, at this the central part of the town, and the Market Wharf withal, one of them, seems to call up thoughts unfavourable to the business enterprise of our townsmen. True, Mr. William Hicks displays a sign over his provision and grocery store with “No Credit” beneath his name, which is good evidence that this good trader can carry on business on the “cash principle,” which speaks favourably for the town and country. A little farther down on the wharf, Messrs. Beckerton and Brundage keep a very good store of general goods, and trade in woods, also, both hard and soft. Those stores are very conveniently situated for trade from vessels and bots; and it is su8pposable they enjoy a fair share of patronage.
On the left, or at the head of the East Wharf, is the old Boyd building, now known as the “Ross Building,” fronting Water Street. Here is where the Bay Pilot newspaper is printed; and at the rear of it; with side door opening on the Market Square, is Thomas Rooney’s barber shop, where, when a man get “Well shaved,” it is only to the tune of ten cents. The amount is so small that the poor fellow who has been shaved goes away very well satisfied. Next to the Pilot Office is Mr. Samuel Billings’ Shipping Office and met shop. A most convenient arrangement.
Mr. Billings is always attentive to business, and every ready to wait upon customers. Immediately in front of this shop, the “O’Neill Brothers” hold forth in the meat trade. They have been so long in business, and so widely known, that anything said in their praise, according to their deservings, would read too much like flattery, which the Pilot thinks prudent to eschew, especially at Election times.
Suffice it then to say, en passant, that the “O’Neill Brothers” have sold so many hearts that their own are not very small
Now comes next in order, next door to the O’Neill store, E. Lorimer’s grocery store, and American Consul Office—with a Fire Insurance and Life Agency Office in said store also. This gentleman is, likewise, Secretary of the Town Schools and Trustee as well; and, from general report, perform the various offices he hold with a very general satisfaction. Opposite, is Mr. Moore’s tin-ship, where the portly George will afford immediate relief to any person whose “boiler bursts,” or other “blow up” accident should happen within his skill to remedy.
Here, too, is the old and well-established business of Street and Co. Not being intimately acquainted with the trade, to attempt any particular description would be quite irrelevant—but those gentlemen hold a high position for integrity and honour I all their dealings; and that is saying a great deal; where there are so many “shoddy” merchants in existence.
We now come in our walk towards the foot of Water Street to the store of “Robinson and Glenn”—but, as our columns demand attention to many other matters, in the present issue, a break-off is absolutely necessary; and so we postpone this firm for another week.
Pilot
Oct 12/1882
One day last week Mr. G. Johnston of the parish of St. George drove into town and sold to H. O’Neill and sons an ox. The O’Neill’s suspicions being excited they afterwards interviewed Mr. Johnston, and his statement being unsatisfactory, they insisted upon getting their money back. Johnston left the animal in their charge and meanwhile skipped across the river. Monday Mr. Hugh McKinney of Rollingdam came in search of an ox that had been stolen from his son on Whitcher Ridge, and upon identification thereof the animal in charge of the O’Neill’s was surrendered to him. Johnston’s story was that he had bought the ox from a man whom he did not know, with money entrusted to him by his Mother-in-Law Mrs. Adanarim A. Gilmor, to purchase a sewing machine. Johnston wrote the O’Neills from Calais to turn the d--- ox on the road and he would go home.
Pilot
April 10/1884
Obituary
Mr. Henry O’Neill died at his residence in this town on the morning of Thursday, the 3rd inst., after having reached the patriarchal age of 92 years and 5 months. Mr. O’Neill was a native of the town of Dromore, County Tyrone, Ireland; from whence he emigrate in March, 1818, and arrived at St. John, on May the 12th of that year, where he remained two three years. Having secured a subcontract for supplying provisions to the troops then quartered in the garrison at St. Andrews, he in the year 1821 removed from St. John to this town.
In the year 1823 he returned to St. John and married Bessie, daughter of the late Charles Judge, of that city. She was the first member of the Choir of St. Malachi’s church, and was considered a fine singer. Mr. O’Neill brought his bride to Saint Andrews, where they have resided ever since. Mrs. O’Neill now in her 82nd year, survives him. Fifty years ago, he made a tour to the utmost verge of the then settled limits of the United States, but saw no place he liked as well as Saint Andrews. He always had a strong passion for agricultural pursuits, which resulted in his purchasing 54 years ago the fine farm which he for so many years successfully cultivated, and took such a deep interest in up to within a short period of his death. He also in the year 1828 acquired that town block known by his name, and around it he planted a white thorn hedge, the quicks for which he imported from Belfast, Ireland.
Mr. O’Neill was a man of sterling integrity, possessed of strong religious convictions, a loyal son of the Church of his fathers, yet while stoutly maintaining the purity of the faith, he had charity for all those who differed from him. He was a consistent advocate of total abstinence, which he illustrated by a consistent personal adherence thereto. His hand was always open to the appeals of charity, very many can testify to the generosity of his disposition.
He always took an active interest in the promotion of any enterprise for the benefit of the town, and an intelligent view of all public affairs. He raised a family of 12 children, 7 boys and 5 girls all of whom save one (John who died at the age of 25 years) survive him. Four sons and three daughters live in St. Andrews. One daughter and one son the youngest, resides in Guttenburg, N. J., where he is pastor of a R. C. Church, the rest are in Dakota. The remains of the lat Mr. Henry O’Neill were interred in the R. C. Cemetery last Sunday afternoon. No stronger proof of the respect entertained for him could be given than of the immense concourse of all classes of the residents of the town, who followed his remains to the church, where the last offices were performed by the Revd. F. O’Neill, assisted by the Revd. J. O’Flaherty.
The late Mr. O’Neill has been a resident of St. Andrews for 63 years, and has survived all his contemporaries, who came to the town, when he did. Of all the men in business then not one is left, indeed there are few if any of the Irishmen who lived in St. John when he arrived there, left behind him. He was s devoted, husband, a loving father, a good citizen. May he rest in peace.
Beacon
Nov 21, 1901
Seven Tamworth pigs, averaging 215 lbs each, were killed in the Van Horne piggery on Tuesday. They will be cured by the Messrs. O’Neill in \improved English fashion and will then be shipped to Montreal to be used for Sir William’s private use.
Beacon
Sept 18, 1902
H. O’Neill
Meats and Groceries
In this review of St. Andrews and her commercial enterprises, that conducted under the style of H. O’Neill is deserving of more than ordinary mention as it is one of the oldest established doing business in town, having been founded by the late Henry O’Neill over 50 years ago. In buying food supplies, either groceries, meats or provisions it of the first importance that we buy of reliable concerns, and there is not more reliable house in town than this one. the store occupied is large and the stock carried includes all kinds of fresh and salt meats, prime beef, veal, lamb, mutton, port, poultry and game in season, as well as all kinds of family groceries, teas, coffees, spices, canned goods, etc. . . . Messrs. Henry, Charles and Hugh O’Neill gibe their personal attention to all branches of the business.
St. Croix Courier
August 21, 1930
By Frederick Worrell
Shiretown Gaily Decorated to Welcome Sir John. Leading Business Houses and prominent Citizens of Other Days Identified for Courier Readers.
The above picture, loaned to The Courier through the kindness of Capt. Wren, gives a view of St. Andrews forty-three years ago. As may be seen by the inscription on the archway, the picture was taken on the occasion of the visit to St. Andrews of Sir John and Lady MacDonald in 1887.
The photo is taken looking up the river, and, through the kindness of S. A. McBride, The Courier is able to identify a number of the business houses of that day, and some of the figures standing beneath the archway.
The first building shown on the right is the St. Andrews Post Office forty-three years ago, over which J. R. Bradford presided at that time as postmaster. The next building back, and just beyond the arch is O’Neill’s grocery, with the proprietor, Henry O’Neill, standing in the doorway. Beyond that again is a small fruit and confectionery store that was conducted by Edward Saunders. Overhanging the sidewalk at this point may be seen the sign of Burton and Murphy, livery stable. This firm was composed of Mm. Burton and Emery Murphy, the late Mr. Burton the husband of Mrs. Maria Burton, at present matron of the Robinson Memorial Home at Chipman Memorial Hospital. The next building, the high one with the peak roof, that stands back from the street somewhat, is Kennedy’s Hotel, and, standing directly under the centre of the archway is the well-known proprietor of that day, Angus Kennedy, father of Mr. Frank Kennedy, the present manager of the Hotel.
Beyond the Kennedy House may be seen a large building with awnings on the street, and a window facing up-street. Here were housed three firms—first, the well-known London House, handling dry goods and clothing, and conducted by Smith and Murray. Here S. A. McBride worked as a clerk about the time this photo was taken. The next store in this block was a boot and shoe store conducted by John Jones, while the third was the Wren Drug Store, today situated some distance farther along the street.
On the opposite side of the street, and on the left side of this picture, is a two and a half storey building which housed at that time the firm of Street and Forster, wholesale liquor dealers. In the same building, immediately adjoining, was the Bank of Nova Scotia. The next building contained a met store, conducted by S. Billings, while next was the firm of Ross and Son, ship chandlers of that day. Just beyond may be seen the band stand at the head of the driveway to the wharf, while beyond is the building that contained the Hanson Shoe Factory.
The photograph from which the above cut was made, while somewhat discoloured with age, showed that the town was gay with bunting on the occasion of Sir John’s visit, and, in addition to Mr. Kennedy and Mr. O’Neill, three other figures can be identified. On the left, just under the arch, is Emery Murphy of the firm of Burton and Murphy, while standing a the edge of the sidewalk, at the horse’s head, on the right side of the picture, may be seen William Burton and “Towny” Ross, the latter one of the members of the firm of Ross and Son, ship chandlers.