Honouring Stratford's second sheriff
Hossie Terrace, named after John Hossie, backs onto Avondale Cemetery.
John Hossie was born in Lambton County, Ont., on July 5, 1836. He received a “common” school education and farmed until he was 14. In 1856, he was hired as a clerk in the sheriff’s office in Stratford. A few years later, he took on the responsibilities of bailiff and was also the court officer responsible for the custody of prisoners.
From bailiff, he rose to be deputy sheriff under his brother-in-law, Robert Moderwell. With that appointment came additional court-related responsibilities, including courthouse security and the maintenance of order. In 1872, when Robert Moderwell retired as the first sheriff of Perth County, Hossie took his position.
During his time as sheriff, Hossie was involved with the sensational trial and execution of Amédée Chattelle, who brutally murdered 13-year-old Jessie Keith. Hossie was among those who took a train to check the woods where Jessie was found at the site of the murder. He escorted the prisoner to the trial at the courthouse and to the gallows at the jail..
The Stratford Daily Beacon carried news of the death of John Hossie on May 6, 1907. Here are excerpts.
“Hossie was a disciplinarian of the strictest type, who nevertheless was the most kind-hearted of men and those who knew him best, respected him most. He was the very soul of honour and could not countenance the slightest departure in anybody else from the code that he believed in.
“Hossie was considered one of the model sheriffs of the province, but in addition to his duties in the sheriff’s office and in the court, he was lauded for his work in establishing the City of Stratford General Hospital in 1889. The hospital was later known as Avon Crest, when a new hospital was built. “
The article also noted Hossie was a sociable man with the faculty of winning and retaining friends. He loved horses and, for many years, drove one of the most spirited teams in the county.
It was also noted that a monument to his regard for children was the Stratford skating rink, built in 1886, that was the largest in the province. The rink was erected on the southwest corner of Water and Waterloo streets under his presidency to provide a place of innocent amusement for the youth of the town. The natural ice surface measured 200 feet by 89 feet, and yes, Howie Morenz played his early hockey there.
For more of the story and pictures, click www.streetsofstratford.ca and select Hossie Terrace.
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Streets of Stratford: Hossie Terrace
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25.01.2024
Honouring Stratford's second sheriff
Hossie Terrace, named after John Hossie, backs onto Avondale Cemetery.
John Hossie was born in Lambton County, Ont., on July 5, 1836. He received a “common” school education and farmed until he was 14. In 1856, he was hired as a clerk in the sheriff’s office in Stratford. A few years later, he took on the responsibilities of bailiff and was also the court officer responsible for the custody of prisoners.
From bailiff, he rose to be deputy sheriff under his brother-in-law, Robert Moderwell. With that appointment came additional court-related responsibilities, including courthouse security and the maintenance of order. In 1872, when Robert Moderwell retired as the first sheriff of Perth County, Hossie took his position.
During his time as sheriff, Hossie was involved with the sensational trial and execution of Amédée Chattelle, who brutally........
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