Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society

Alfred M Lafferty

Mr. Lafferty was born in Toronto, Ontario. He recieved his early education at the Buxton School under Rev. William King's tutorage (1). In 1862 he graduated from the University of Toronto with his B. A. He recieved first class honors in Mathematics and Classics and was awarded a silver medal in each department. From 1866 to 1870 he taught high school at Richmond Hill. From 1872 he was Head Master of the Guelph High School. In 1875 he came to Chatham and was principal at the Wilberforce Educational Institute until 1882 (2). The family resided at 58 Thames Street.

Mr. Lafferty at this time began to study law and was called to the bar in 1886 and begin to pratice law in this city until health forced him to retire. He stayed active with the Literary societies in the city and was active in Western City Lodge No. 93 and Chatham Lodge No.29 I.O.O.F.

His daughter, Effie Lafferty, was injured in 1912 as a result of an accident and suffered a broken back. Her father, Alfred, was at that time taken to the London Sanitarium where he died October 18, 1912. His service was from the Odd Fellows auditorium with a large attendance of Odd Fellows and friends. Rev. Morris officiated at Alfred M. Lafferty's service; the total community of Chatham lost one of its most brilliant men (3).

Sources:
(1) Look to the North Star by Victor Ullman - 239
(2) Biography of A.M. Lafferty. Chatham Evening Banner - March 12, 1900
(3) Obituary of A.M. Lafferty. Chatham Daily Planet - October 18, 1912

Note: His daughter will state her father A.M. Lafferty had prize books he had been awarded in his antique mahogany book case.