This long frame house was built in 1867 for George Bryant, a moulder. He sold it to Reese Price in 1868. Price was part owner of Price and Edwards, a Flour and Feed store at the corner of Bridge and Front Street. In 1886 Harriet Price sold it to Wellington Jeffers Diamond.
The house has changed a lot from its original design in the Greek Revival style, when it had small dainty vergeboard on the front gable and most probably a finial on the front peak of the roof.
One hundred years ago, this was still the home of Wellington Jeffers Diamond. Wellington Jeffers Diamond was born at Hay Bay on August 10, 1839, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Diamond, United Empire Loyalists. He left the farm and came to Belleville to attend the Grammar School and then the Albert Seminary. He taught school for a couple of years and then began the study of law with the firm of Dean and Diamond.
In 1866 when volunteers were called for the Fenian Raid he left Belleville with the 15th Argyll Light Infantry for Prescott and upon the regiment’s return he went immediately to Military School in Toronto from which he obtained his officer’s certificate.
In 1868 after being called to the Bar he entered into partnership with his brother Abraham Diamond who served as Police Magistrate for a number of years. In 1886 he entered into partnership with F. E. O’Flynn, this firm has continued to our time as O’Flynn Weese.
Wellington J. Diamond was connected with municipal life for a period of twenty one years: he served in council as Alderman and was elected as Mayor in 1889. In politics he was a Liberal Conservative. He was a member of Bridge Street United Church and occupied official positions in that congregation. He was a lover of sport and took an active part in lacrosse, cricket, quoiting, curling and bowling.
He married Annie Marie Lyon on June 29, 1848, the daughter of Henry Lyon of Belleville. His wife predeceased him by 29 years on July 31, 1900. Surviving were his daughter Miss Elia Mary Diamond, born August 28, 1874 who lived at home and his son Fred Davey Diamond, born September 20, 1871, who married Mary Elizabeth Clarke on October 11, 1899.
There is a Diamond Crescent in the southeast section of the city. Wellington Jeffers Diamond died at his residence on Charles Street on December 1, 1929.
