OBITUARIES
LAMBTON COUNTY, ONTARIO, CANADA
PAGE 7
WATFORD GUIDE ADVOCATE FEBRUARY 1895
JAMES EDWARDS
In Brooke on 7 February 1895, James Edwards, an old pioneer resident of Warwick, died at the residence of his son-in-law, Robert Lucas, Con 14, Brooke, at the good old age of 85 years. The deceased was among the earliest settlers in Western Ontario. The funeral took place to the 6th line Cemetery on Saturday, the service being conducted by the Rev. J. Downie.
SARNIA OBSERVER FEBRUARY 1950
ALBERT FREER
In Petrolia, on Sunday 19th February, 1950, Albert Wellington Freer, in his 83rd year. The remains are resting at his late residence, Maude Street, until Wednesday.The funeral services will be held at the Re-Organized Latter Day Saints Church, King Street, Petrolia on Wednesday afternoon, 22nd February at 2 o'clock. Interment in Hillsdale Cemetery.
SARNIA OBSERVER MARCH 1950
MATILDA FREER
In Petrolia, 12 March 1950, Matilda, widow of the late Albert Freer in her 79th year. Remains resting at her late residence, Maude street, Petrolia, until Wednesday morning. Funeral service will be held at the Re-Organized Latter Day Saints Church, King Street, Wednesday afternoon, 15 March at 2 p.m. Internment Hillsdale Cemetery.
SARNIA OBSERVER DECEMBER 1965
ROSENIA FREER
At the Sarnia General Hospital on Wednesday 15 December 1965, Rosenia Irene Moyer, beloved wife of Gordon Freer, in her 76th year. Dear mother of Mrs. Marvin (Hazel) McNabb, Sarnia, Wellington of Petrolia, Mervin of Watford. Five grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Dear sister of Ernest Moyer, St. Davids, Ontario, Mrs. Edward (Lettie) Britney of Petrolia. Resting at the Harper Funeral Home, Watford where services will be held Saturday 18 December at 2 p.m. Interment in Alvinston Cemetery.
SARNIA OBSERVER JANUARY 1993
VERONA PRUDOM
At St. Joseph's Health Centre, Sarnia on Monday 18
January 1993, Verona E. (Freer) Prudom, aged 47 of R.R. 2 Wyoming. Mrs.
Prudom was employed as a teacher with the Lambton County Board of Education
for 26 years. She was a member of the Utoxeter Women's Institute. Dear mother
of Glenda Prudom of St. Catharines, Scott Prudom of Kitchener
and Valerie Prudom at home. Dear daughter of Ethel and
Mervin Freer of Watford. The funeral service will be held at the Smith Funeral
Home, 1576 London Road, Sarnia on Thursday, 21 January at 2:00 p.m., with
interment in Wyoming Cemetery. Friends will be received at the funeral home on
Wednesday afternoon 2-4 and evening 7-9. Sympathy may be expressed through
donations to the V.O.N. Palliative Volunteer Service or the St. Joseph's
Palliative Care Unit.
Funeral for Verona E. (Freer) Prudom, 47 of Wyoming was held
21 January at the Smith Funeral Home, with Rev. Richard Hall officiating. Burial was
at Wyoming Cemetery. Pallbearers were Bill Brush, Larry McAuley, Ron Winters, Ron
Karr, Bill Duffield and Everett Thorne.
SARNIA OBSERVER 1 APRIL 1978
LILY WELCH
Mrs. Lily Mabel (Freer) Welch, 83, of Twilight Haven, Petrolia, died Friday at Twilight Haven. Born in Enniskillen Township, she was the daughter of the late Albert Freer and Matilda Edwards. Surviving are her husband H. Edgar Welch, son William of R.R. 1 Brigden; brother Basil of Sarnia, sister Mrs. Clayton (Myrtle) Dennis of Wyoming and two grandsons Ronald and Douglas. Predeceased by sisters Emma and Rena and brothers Gordon, Willard and Cecil. Funeral will be held Monday at 2 p.m. from the Needham-Jay Funeral Home, Petrolia. Donations should be sent to the CEE Hospital Petrolia. Burial will be in Hillsdale Cemetery, Petrolia.
SARNIA OBSERVER DECEMBER 1935
ARENA VICTORIA SPEARMAN
In Sarnia General hospital, on Sunday 8 December 1935, Arena Victoria Spearman, beloved wife of Alvin Vincent Spearman, aged 38 years. Funeral will take place from the family residence, 161 Kathleen Avenue, on Tuesday, 10 December at 1:30 p.m. thence to Latter Day Saints Church, Talfourd Street, where public service will be held at 2 p.m. Interment Lakeview Cemetery. Funeral under auspices L.O.B.A. No.155.
SARNIA OBSERVER AUGUST 1959
CECIL FREER
At his late residence Kirby Street, Petrolia on Wednesday 29th July 1959. Cecil W. Freer beloved husband of Mary Milton and dear father of Orval J., Gerald and Garry of Petrolia and Mrs. Ross (Betty) Vokes of Enniskillen, Bruce and Mrs. Russell (Lorna) Maitland of Sarnia Township, brother of Gordon of Watford, Willard of Galt, Basil of Sarnia, Mrs. Edgar (Lillie) Welsh of Petrolia, Mrs. Clayton (Myrtle) Dennis of Wyoming, 26 grandchildren also survive. Resting at the William Jay Funeral Home, Main Street, Petrolia where the funeral service will be held on Saturday 1st August at 2.00 p.m. Interment Hillsdale Cemetery.
SARNIA OBSERVER JULY 1973
MARY FREER
Mary Freer, 74, formerly of Kirby Street, Petrolia, died Tuesday at the Victoria Hospital, London. Born in Brooke Township, she was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Melton. She took up residence in Petrolia prior to living in Rodney. She was a member of the reorganized Church of the Latter Day Saints and the Ladies Orange Lodge. Survived by five sons, Orval, Donald and Gerald all of Petrolia, Gary of Tiverton, Bruce of Spencerville; two daughters, Mrs. Russell (Lorna) Maitland of Sarnia, Mrs. Ross (Betty) Vokes of Tiverton, one brother, Harvey Melton of Kingsville, two sisters, Mrs. Lucy Sececal of Bruce Miles, Mrs. Maude McCorkindale of Wyoming, 37 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Cecil Freer in 1959 and four brothers. Funeral service will be held from the William Jay Funeral Home, Petrolia at 2 p.m. Friday. Sympathy may be expressed by donations to the Canadian Cancer Society. Burial Hillsdale Cemetery, Petrolia.
LONDON FREE PRESS MAY 1996
GLADYS FREER
At C.E.E. Hospital, Petrolia on Tuesday 21 May 1996, Gladys Freer (nee Hall) 68 years of Petrolia. Beloved wife of Orval W. Freer. Dear mother of Marilyn and Gerry Sanderson of R.R. #2 Dresden; Ronald and Marilyn Freer of Ripley; Ann and Doug Evans of Petrolia and Karen and Randy Riedel of Petrolia. Dear grandmother of Adam and Trevor Sanderson; Melissa and Dustin Freer; Roxanne, Sarah and Heather Evans and Beth and Brian Riedel. Dear great-grandmother of Ashley Nutt. Dear sister of Willard and Louise Hall and Orville Hall all of Petrolia and the late Alfred Hall (1995), Elton Hall (1983) and Freida Simpson (1962). Visitors will be received on Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Needham-Jay Funeral Home, Petrolia where the funeral service will be held Friday at 1:00 p.m with Rev. Blair Corcoran of St. Paul's United Church officiating. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the Arthritis Society of the C.E.E. Hospital Foundation. Interment in Hillsdale Cemetery, Petrolia.
PETROLIA NEWSPAPER 20 DECEMBER 1928
DONNA MAXINE FREER
The death occurred at the home of her parents on Saturday last of Donna Maxine Freer, 13 months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Freer, as the result of being severely scalded on Thursday morning. The little tot was playing around the kitchen on Thursday morning where her mother was preparing to do a washing. Mrs. Freer had placed a tub of scalding water on a stool and had gone out of the room for a pail of cold water. During her absence Donna had, in some manner, pulled the scalding water off balance with the result that the scalding water poured over her left side. In spite of everything that medical skill could do the shock was too great for her little system and she passed away on Saturday. Besides her sorrowing parents, she is survived by one brother, Orval and three sisters, Lorna, Geraldine and Betty. Interment was made in Hillsdale Cemetery Monday afternoon, service being conducted by Rev. A. Lane of St. Paul's United Church. The pallbearers were four cousins, Billy Welch, Wellington Freer, Alvin Spearman and George Melton.
SARNIA OBSERVER MARCH 1996
RUSSELL MAITLAND
At St. Joseph's Health Centre, Sarnia on Monday 26 February 1996, (Wilmer) Russell Maitland, aged 79 of Sarnia. Mr. Maitland was retired from the C.N.R. Beloved husband of Lorna (Freer) Maitland. Dear father of Ken Maitland and his wife Karen; Ethel and her husband Richard Alexander all of Sarnia; Bill Maitland and his wife Bev of Owen Sound; Marilou and her husband Paul Pietrangelo of Amherstburg; Larry Mairland and his wife Ruby of Sarnia; Doug Maitland and his wife Connie of Brigden; Jim Maitland and his wife Chris of Corunna; Rick Maitland and his wife Brenda of Sarnia; and Joanne (Maitland) De-Roadt of Leamington. Dear grandfather of 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday 28 February 1996 at 11:00 a.m. from Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Road (Hwy.7) Sarnia. Friends will be received at the Smith Funeral Home on Tuesday afternoon 2-4 and 7-9. Sympathy through donations to the Canadian Diabetic Association would be appreciated by the family. Interment in Grandview Cemetery.
PETROLIA NEWSPAPER AUGUST 1977
STEPHEN TODD FREER
Stephen Todd Freer, 9, of RR 4, Petrolia, died 21 August following a boating accident in which he drowned. He was born in Smiths Falls, son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Freer. Besides his parents he is survived by 2 sisters, Mrs. Richard (Sheila) LcNeve of Forest and Mrs. Gary (Janice) Dennis of Petrolia, 2 brothers Robert of Brigden and Kevin at home; grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Robert Clark of Petrolia. Graveside services were to be held this morning at Hillsdale Cemetery, with Rev. John Churchill of Evangel Tabernacle, Petrolia officiating. Sympathy may be expressed by donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or charity of choice. Funeral arrangements were handled by D.M. Bradley Funeral Home, Petrolia.
SARNIA OBSERVER FEBRUARY 1979
ELDER FREER
Elder Basil Freer, 75, died on Sunday at his residence 933 Hickory Ave. Born in Enniskillen Township, residing in Sarnia the past 55 years, he retired in 1971 from Belton Lumber Company after 47 years service. He was an ordained elder of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and was pastor for a number of years. Surviving is his wife, the former Mary Lumley; son Arthur of Sarnia; daughters, Mrs. John (Doris) Sawyer of Sarnia and Mrs. Ross (Ethel) McQuillan of Listowel; 15 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren' sister Mrs. Myrtle Dennis of Wyoming. Predeceased by brothers, Gordon, Willard and Cecil; sisters, Arena Spearman, Emma Routley and Lilly Welch. The funeral will be held from the D.J. Robb Funeral Home Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. with burial at Grandview Memorial Gardens. Expressions of sympathy may be made through the Charity of Choice. Visitation will be this afternoon and evening.
WATFORD GUIDE ADVOCATE 19 NOVEMBER 1886
GEORGE FULLER
The death occurred in Warwick, on Saturday 13th November, of George Fuller Sr. in his 66th year.
WATFORD GUIDE ADVOCATE 6 APRIL 1917
ELIZABETH (Lucas) FULLER
An exceptionally long and useful career came to a close on Tuesday the 20th March 1917, when Elizabeth Lucas, widow of the late George Fuller, passed peacefully into rest in the 90th year of her age. Her husband had pre-deceased her by more that thirty years. The deceased was born in Beckwith Township, Lanark County in 1827, and while still quite young removed with her parents, brothers and sisters to the 12th concession of Brooke, where she resided until her marriage in February 1845, settling then on lot 26, con. 2 S.E.R., Warwick, where she remained until the time of her death - a period of more than seventy-two years. Her reminiscences of early days were exceptionally interesting. She remembered clearly when there were only a few houses scattered through Warwick and Brooke, when Watford was a wilderness, and London and Sarnia the nearest trading points for settlers in East Lambton. The family milling in those days was done at first by pounding the grain on a boulder with a cavity in the top. Then a little later followed the improved method of grinding the wheat in a coffee or pepper grinder turned by hand, until still later a wind-mill was erected at Kilworth not far from London. The grain was carried to this mill and the flour brought back, a distance of about 35 miles, on the shoulders of the men of the household, who found their way by following a blazed trail through the dense forest. After a time a roadway made it possible to take the journey to the mill with an ox team, when, under favorable conditions, the round trip could be made in three or four days though frequently requiring a whole week. Notwithstanding all the inconveniences of pioneer life, however, and the care of her own large family, Mrs. Fuller was ever ready to respond to the call of suffering or distress, and her doors were always open to the stranger or the needy without any expectation of reward. Especially did she prize the privilege of ministering to the comfort of missionaries and preachers of the Gospel, no matter of what denomination, as they from time to time found their way to her home. Among those whom she thus had the joy of bidding welcome were Bishop (California) Taylor, Dr. Alexander Langford, Rev. Thomas Atkinson. "Uncle Joe Little," Rev. J.A. McLachlan, Rev. H.T. Crossley and many, many others whose names stand out in the history of Methodism in this country. She was always liberal in support of the Gospel, especially in connection with the church of her choice, and was a life-long reader of the "Christian Guardian." It is believed that she was the very last survivor of those who attended the opening service in that historic church on the 6th line, Warwick, erected about seventy-five years ago, and dedicated the same day, under the leadership of Rev. M. Dingman. The funeral service of the late Mrs. Fuller was held in Zion Methodist Church, 2nd line south, conducted by Rev. F.G. Robinson, pastor of the church, assisted by Rev. Dr. Brown, of Arkona; and the service at the grave was taken by Rev. Moorehouse, of Forest. The remains were borne to their last resting place by three sons, John L. and Wesley J. of Arkona and Thomas H. of Warwick; two grandsons, J. Kersey of Dawn township, and Albert Fuller of Adelaide, and a son-in-law, F. Lambe of Arkona. Besides the above mentioned three sons, four daughters, Mrs. J.A. Hume of Warwick, Mrs. W.H. Sitlington of Craigmyle Alberta, Mrs. C.H. Barnes of Toronto and Mrs. F. Lambe of Arkona, remain to mourn the loss of a devoted Christian mother.
WATFORD GUIDE ADVOCATE 2 FEBRUARY 1923
WILLIAM KERSEY
William Kersey aged 87 who married Ann Fuller and moved from Watford to Dawn township when it was all virgin forest. Surviving are 6 sons, Jonathan, Walter of Dawn, Albert of Big Rapids, Michigan, Ernest, George of Tilbury and Elmer of Windsor, 1 daughter, Bertha of Dawn, 2 brothers, John of Ravenswood, Edward of Watford, 2 sisters, Mrs. Andy Aiken and Mrs. Frances Hume of St. Catherines, predeceased by his wife and three sons, William Wesley in 1892, his wife Ann in 1896, sons Isaac in 1903 and Norman in 1905.
SARNIA OBSERVER OCTOBER 1937
MRS. J. KERSEY
EDY's MILLS 28 October: The funeral of Mrs. Jonathan Kersey, aged 74, was hold on Tuesday afternoon from the United Church to Oil Springs Cemetery. Mrs. Kersey was born at Tillsonburg. Her first husband Oliver Stonehouse, died in 1897. Two years later she married Jonathan Kersey and has resided at Edy's Mills since that time. She is survived by her husband, two sons, Oliver M. Stonehouse of Windsor, and Harrison at home. Two daughters, Mrs. Forest Loosemore of Rodney and Mrs. F.E. Stevenson of Millbank. Pallbearers were L.H. Morningstar, Forest Gibson, Sam Cyde, R.J. McAusian, W.P. Briscoe and W.J. Loosemore. The Rev. C.L.L. Cousens conducted the service. Among those attending the service were the Rev. George and Mrs. Kersey, Huron County; Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Kersey of Windsor; Rev. S.E. and Mrs. Stevenson of Millbank; Mr. and Mrs. F. Loosemore of Rodney, O.M. Stonehouse of Walkerville; Mr. and Mrs. J. Sinclair and Russell and Spences Sinclair of Florence and Mr. and Mrs. Lorne Stonehouse of Flint.
SARNIA OBSERVER 16 MARCH 1950
JONATHAN KERSEY
EDY'S MILLS: Funeral services were held on Tuesday afternoon for Jonathan Kersey, life-long resident of the community. His death occurred at Galt at the home of his only daughter, Mr. S.E. Stevenson, and the Rev. Stevenson, where he had been ill for the past three months. The Rev. E.J. Wolland pastor, conducted the service at the United Church. Pallbearers were Forest Gibson, Stanley MacMurphy, Merton Knight, A. MacMurphy, Gedorge Lindsay and R. J. McAuslan. Mr. Kersey, who was in his 79th year, had been a local preacher in the Methodist Churches of Dawn Township for many years. He was Bible class teacher for over 50 years and an elder of the church. His wife died 15 years ago. Surviving besides his daughter are four brothers, Rev. George Kersey, Hespeler, Ernest and Elmer of Windsor, Albert of Flint, Mich. His only sister, Mrs. Henry Smith, died 10 days previous to his death. Also surviving are the step-children. O.M. Stonehouse of Windsor, Harrison, Eddy's Mills, and Mrs. Forest Loosemore of Rodney. Interment was in Oil Springs Cemetery.
SARNIA OBSERVER 4 MAY 1959
EVALENE KERSEY
Mrs. Evalena Kersey, 75, formerly of Enniskillen Township and widow of Walter Kersey, died in Dawn Township Sunday. She is survived by one son, Freeman Kersey of Dawn; one daughter Mrs. Delbert Metcalfe of Oil City, and one sister, Mrs. Roxy Rogers of Port Huron. The body is resting at Grass Funeral Home, Dresden from where funeral will be held Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. Burial will be in Hillsdale Cemetery, Petrolia.
SARNIA OBSERVER APRIL 1978
FREEMAN KERSEY
Freeman Isaac Kersey, 70, of R.R. 1, Croston, Ont., died Friday in the Sarnia General Hospital. Born in Dawn Township, he worked for the Union Gas for 32 years and also channel 42, Kitchener for two years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Oil Springs and McNabb Lodge, Dresden, Ont. Surviving are his wife, Iona (Little) Kersey: sons, Leroy of Missassauga, Grant of Oil Springs, Carlyle of Dresden, and Dennis of RR1 Croten: daughters, Mrs. Colin (Olive) McMurphy of RR2 Oil Springs, Mrs. Jack (Catherine) Ashton of Cheltenham, Ont., Mrs. Bill (Denise) McIntyre of RR1 Croton. Also surviving 26 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren, sister Mrs. Delbert (Lois) Metcalfe of RR4, Dresden. Predeceased by son Walter in 1954 and brother George in 1945. Funeral will be held Sunday at 2:30 p.m. from the Needham-Jay Funeral Home, Petrolia with Rev. Anson Moorehouse officiating. Sympathy may be expressed by donations to the Edys Mills United Church building fund. Burial will be in Oil Springs Cemetery.
SARNIA OBSERVER APRIL 1996
LOIS METCALFE
At Sarnia General Hospital, on Friday 5 April 1996, Lois A. Metcalfe (nee Kersey), 83 years of Wyoming. Dear mother of Valois Deacon of Petrolia, Donald and Evelyn Metcalfe of Sarnia and Ronald and Brenda Metcalfe of Dresden. Also survived by 7 grandsons and 12 great grandchildren. Predeceased by 2 brothers George Kersey (1947) and Freeman Kersey (1978) and a son-in-law Clarence Deacon (1984). Visitors will be received on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Wyoming Chapel, Brodaway St., Wyoming, where the funeral service will be held on Monday at 11:00 a.m. Rev. David Bonney of Wyoming Baptist Church officiating. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the V.O.N. Arrangements by the Needham-Jay Funeral Home. Interment in Hillsdale Cemetery, Petrolia, Ont.
SARNIA OBSERVER 4 MARCH 1950
BERTHA SMITH
EDY'S MILLS: Funeral services were held at the United Church for Mrs. Bertha Kersey, Smith, 67, widow of the late Henry Smith, of Calgary, Alta. Mrs. Smith was the only daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Kersey, pioneer residents of Edy's Mills. She had lived in the community all her life until 1929 when she married Mr. Smith in the West. After his death ten years ago, she moved back to Ontario and resided for the past two years at the home of her brother, the Rev. George Kersey of Hespeler. She was a devoted member of the former Methodist Church and took an active part in all its activities. Surviving are five brothers, Jonathan, who is seriously ill at the home of his daughter, Mrs. S.E. Stevenson of Galt, Ernest and Elmer of Windsor, and the Rev. George at whose home she died. Services were conducted by the Rev. E.J. Wolland, pastor of the church. Interment was in the family plot at Oil Springs Cemetery.
FOREST FREE PRESS 23 DECEMBER 1961
WESLEY JAMES FULLER
On Saturday, the 16th December 1961, Wesley James Fuller, a life-long resident of Arkona and Warwick, passed away in St. Thomas, aged 91 years. Mr. Fuller was born on the 2nd line south, of Warwick Township in 1868, the youngest of a family of thirteen. He graduated from Sarnia Model School and then at the age of nineteen, came to Arkona where he and his brother, John, operated a general store until his retirement in 1948. Until a few years ago, he was active in community affairs and helped to form the Rock Glen Power Co., which supplied Arkona with electrical power for a good many years. His wife, Margaret Holmes, predeceased him three years ago. He is survived by a son, George of Watford, a granddaughter, Lorna, Mrs. McClure of Moncton, New Brunswick, two grandsons, John of Ottawa and Roger of Watford, a daughter Joyce, Mrs. Ted Roberts of Arkona and a sister Mrs. Frank Lambe (Millie) of Arkona. The funeral was held from the family home on Tuesday afternoon and interment was made in the Arkona Cemetery.
WATFORD GUIDE ADVOCATE 26 SEPTEMBER 1970
JOHN A. KELLY
John Alexander Kelly, 60, of RR 5, Watford, died Friday in his home. He is survived
by his wife the former Wilma Hyatt, a son, Tom and a daughter, Jean,
both at home and three brothers, Grant of Warwick Twp., Robert of
Petrolia and Walter of Tillsonburg. Funeral service will be held Monday at 2 p.m.
from Harper Funeral Home, Watford. Burial will be in St. James Anglican Church
Cemetery, Brooke Twp.
WATFORD GUIDE ADVOCATE SEPTEMBER 1980
ROBERT EDWIN KELLY
Robert (Bob) Kelly, of 514 Wellington St., Petrolia passed away on Saturday 13
September 1980 at Sarnia General Hospital. He was 64 years of age. Born in
Amherstburg, Ontario, the son of the late Alexander and Minnie
Kelly. Mr. Kelly farmed in Brooke Twp., for many years. After he retired
from farming, he became the van driver at Twilight Haven for 11 years. Mr.
Kelly is survived by his wife, the former Pauline Adams, two sone,
Donald of Ottawa and Dennis of Wanstead, and three daughters, REV.
Joyce McCardell (Mrs. Ronald) of Honeywood, Judy (Mrs. Charles Duncan)
of Watford and Deborah (Mrs. Wayne Dupuis) of RR#1 Petrolia. He is also survived by two
brothers, Grant of Watford and Walter of Tillsonburg and nine grandchildren.
He was predeceased by a brother Jack in 1970. Funeral services were held from
the Needham-Jay Funeral Home, Petrolia on Monday, 15 September at 1:30 p.m. Rev. George
Menzies officiated. The pallbearers were Ed Currah, Jim Churchill,
Jack Druiett, Elwood Capes, Doug Acton and Ross McGill. Expressions of
sympathy are being made by donations to the Lambton County Lung Association or the
Canadian Cancer Society. Interment was in St. James Cemetery, Brooke Twp.
WATFORD GUIDE ADVOCATE JUNE 1963
EDWIN KELLY
Thomas Edwin Kelly, 77, lifelong resident of the
Brooke-Warwick Townline west of Watford, passed away at the
Adams Nursing Home, Petrolia on Saturday 1st June, where he
had been a patient for the past year. He was the son of the late William Kelly
and Hannah Reid, and never married. Surviving is one brother A. Walter Kelly of
Brooke, also five nephews and a niece. Rested at the Harper Funeral Home, Watford,
where service was conducted on Monday by Rev. William Mercer, and
interment was in St. James Church cemetery. Pallbearers were
Clifford Lucas, John T. Kelly, Hiram Moffatt, Don Shea, Lloyd Moffatt and Arthur
Henderson.
SARNIA OBSERVER 28 MARCH 1963
VANCLET HIGGINS
Vanclet C. Higgins, 66, husband of Elsie Rowe, died Wednesday at his home, 722 Elm
Avenue. He was born in the Watford area and was a retired process
operator at Imperial Oil Lts., with nearly 43 years service. He is survived by
his wife, two daughters, Mrs. Robbie (Zella) Wood of Peterborough, and
Mrs. Richard (Lillian) Jackson of Sarnia; two sons, Charles of London and
Robert of Sarnia; 9 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and a brother Ellison of St.
Thomas. Funeral service will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at D.J. Robb Funeral Home. Burial
in Lakeview Cemetery.
WATFORD GUIDE ADVOCATE MARCH 1885
WILLIAM WHITCRAFT
Who that knew William Whitcraft during any part of his long life
will not share with us the sorrow in which we now chronicle his death. On the
19th of January last, a stroke of paralysis shattered the frame of
the old man of eighty-four, and more than two months later, on the 27th March, when
strength was spent, and pain and the things of time had lost their hold upon him, he left
us. William Whitcraft was born in Co., Monaghan, Ireland, on the 11th
July 1800, where he continued to reside until in 1831 he left
his native home for Canada. The year after his arrival at Montreal, the Cholera
swept the land, and carried off his wife and only child. Alone, and in a
new and untried country, he then went wherever a stout heart and willing
hand found work for him to do. After living for a time at Malahide and Long
Point, he made his way westward in the spring of 1834, through swamp and forest, ten miles
beyond settlement, to his late home in Brooke. There he spent the remainder of his
industrous life, leaving his second wife, whom he married in November 1835 and his
daughter, Mrs. Edward Cowan, to survive and lament him. Mr. Whitcraft was a man of
untiring energy and public spirit. He saw active service in the rebellion of 1837;
for years he served in the Council of his Township; and his zeal as an
English Churchman is too well known and too well remembered to require enlogy at our
hands. To that zeal, in no small manner, the people of St. James' Church,
Brooke, owe their present house of worship and the burying
ground where they have lately laid his earthly remains. Kindly in his nature,
honest in his purpose and outspoken against deceit, his relatives
have lost by his death a loving and devoted husband and father and all
of us a tried and trustworthy neighbor and adviser.
WATFORD GUIDE ADVOCATE FEBRUARY 1907
JOHANNAH WHITCRAFT
Johanna, relict of the late William Whitcraft, of Brooke, peacefully passed away at
the home of her daughter, Mrs. Edward Cowan on Thursday morning 21 February, in her 97th
year. The deceased's health had been failing for the last two years and it was
known that she was just passing away. Mrs. Whitcraft was born in Ireland and was married
in Warwick by the Rev. Mortimer on 8 November 1835, afterwhich they moved
to Brooke, Con. 14, Lot 23, where they resided until the time of his
death. Mr. Whitcraft died 22 years ago and since his death, the deceased has made
her home with her daughter. The remains were interred in St. James Cemetery, 6th line, she
being a member of that church and the service was conducted by the rector, the
Rev. S.P. Irwin. The funeral on Saturday afternoon was largely
attended, many old friends coming from a distance to pay the
last tribute of respect. The passbearers were John Cowan, James Lucas, William
Greer, Robert Long, James Glass and William Kelly.
WATFORD GUIDE ADVOCATE APRIL 1904
EDWARD COWAN
Another old and respected resident of Brooke Township passed to his reward on
Saturday in the person of Mr. Edward Cowan, Lot 24, Con. 14. The deceased had
been ill for about six weeks, the result of a paralytic
stroke. The funeral took place on Monday afternoon to St. James'
Cemetery. A very large concourse of relatives and friends followed the remains to
their last resting place. The service was conducted by the Rev.
Canon Downie, six sons acting as pallbearers. Mr. Cowan was born in the County of
Monaghan, Ireland 2 April 1829, coming to Canada in 1842, residing continously on
the farm on which he died for 62 years. He was married in 1856 to Bessie
Whitcraft, who with a family of five daughters, Mrs. Williamson of
Kertch, Mrs. Carr of Sarnia, Mrs. G.W. Mitchell of Warwick, Mrs. S. Mitchell of
Watford, and Miss Edith at home and six sons; Henry of Wiarton, James,
Johnston, Ernest and Benson of Brooke and Fred of Mt. Forest, are left to
mourn his loss. One surving brother, John resides in Calgary. Deceased was a member
of the Church of England and a life long Conservative, and his departure
leaves another blank in the rapidly thinning ranks of the early settlers of
Lambton.
SARNIA OBSERVER 29 MARCH 1946
GEORGE MITCHELL
The death occurred at his late residence on Front street Wednesday night of
George Wesley Mitchell, a well-known resident of Watford and district in his 80th
year. Mr. Mitchell was born and raised on the 6th line south of Watford, and
farmed there until he retired to Watford about 20 years ago. Surviving are his
widow, formerly Leila Willoughby, also one son, Kenton Mitchell,
6th line, Warwick, one daughter Mrs. A.B. Lucas (Alfreda) of
London, and one brother Fred Mitchell of Brooke. Mr. Mitchell was married
twice; his first wife who was formerly Margaret Cowan, died
in 1921, and one sister Mrs. David Maxwell of Watford, died in 1932. The
body is resting at Harper Funeral Home, where service will be conducted
by Rev. E.C. Lacey of Erice Street Church, on Saturday at 2 p.m. with interment in
St. James Church Cemetery.
WATFORD GUIDE ADVOCATE 25 APRIL 1963
KENTON MITCHELL
Kenton Mitchell, well known resident of the Warwick-Brooke townline, two miles
southeast of Watford, collapsed and died in a coronary
seizure at his home on Tuesday afternoon. Surviving are his wife, formerly Evelyn Cowan,
and a family of three daughters, Miss Joan and Mrs. Hugh Robinson (Kathryn) of
Sarnia, and Miss Margaret of London; also two grandsons, Jonathan and Robert
and one sister, Mrs. A.B. Lucas (Alfreda) of London. He was a son of the late George
Mitchell, and lived his 60 years on the family farm. He had been quite
inactive in farm work in recent years due to his coronary condition. For many
years he served as a member of Watford District High School Board. Resting at
Harper Funeral Home where funeral service will be held Friday at 2 p.m. Burial
will be in St. James Anglican Cemetery, Brooke township.
WATFORD GUIDE ADVOCATE JUNE 1986
MABEL CALEY
Mabel Arlene (Capes) Caley of 589 St. Clair Street, Watford, passed away in
Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital, on Saturday 7th June 1986 in her
65th year. She was the beloved wife of Ivan Caley and dear mother of Marlene
(Mrs. John Gates) of RR #1, Simcoe, Linda (Mrs. Don Newman) of Arkona and Garry and
Glenn both of Watford. Also survived by 10 grandchildren, as well as two brothers and
two sisters, Reba (Mrs. Gordon King) of Wyoming, Ellwood of RR #3 Watford, Mrs.
Audrey King of Watford and Murray of Powassan. The funeral service was held at the Harper
Funeral Home, Watford on Monday afternoon with Rev. Christine Jerrett officiating,
assisted by Mary Beth Coates. Serving as pallbearers were John Bebingh, George
Bork, Lloyd Moffatt, Ken Mansfield, Jack Shea and Currie McVicar.
WATFORD GUIDE ADVOCATE JULY 1993
SUSAN MAIN
Susan Elizabeth Main of R.R. #6, Forest passed away in Children's Hospital of
Western Ontario, London, on Wednesday 30 June 1993 in her 16th year. Susan was
the beloved daughter of Phillip Main of R.R. #6, Forest and Shirley and Randy
Mlynek of Woodstock. Dear sister of Brian and Steven (Beaver) at home. Dear
granddaughter of Florence and John Main of Warwick Village and Ella and
Ellwood Capes of R.R. #3 Watford. Step-granddaughter of
Dorothy Mlynek of Chatham. Also survived by several Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. The
funeral service was held on Saturday 3 July with Rev. Alymer Smith
of Watford and Warwick United Churches and Rev. Gordon Jackson or People's
Church, Wyoming officiating. Service as pallbearers were Dwayne and Dean Ferguson,
Donnie Hendrickx, Scott Steven, Chad Thompson and Brad Goodhill. Flowerbearers
were Brad McCann, Pete Ferwerda, Tracy Lester, Roger Sitlinton and Jim White.
Interment in Warwick United Church Cemetery.
WATFORD GUIDE ADVOCATE MAY 1983
DALTON MATTHEW KING
Dalton Matthew King of 591 Ontario Street, Watford, passed away in Charlotte Eleanor
Englehart Hospital, Petrolia on Saturday 21 May 1983 in his 66th year. He was
the beloved husband of Audrey Elaine Capes King and dear dather
of Elaine (Mrs. Stewart Cran) of Watford, Robert of Hamilton, Kenneth of
Enniskillen, Connie (Mrs. Ronald Sitlington) and Kerry of Watford and Craig at home.
Also survived by a brother, Gordon of Wyoming, two sisters, Florence (Mrs. Jack
Sayers) of Sarnia and Mildred (Mrs. George Sawyers) of RR #3 Watford as well as 13
grandchildten. The funeral service was held at the Harper Funeral Home, Watford on Tuesday
afternoon with Interment in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Brooke Township.
WATFORD GUIDE ADVOCATE 3 MAY 1973
ARTHUR PARKER
Arthur Parker, 85, of the Watford Nursing Home, died Sunday in St. Joseph's
Hospital, Sarnia. Son of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Parker. He formerly resided at
Mayfield, Sask. A sister Mrs. Mary Jane Acton, also a resident at Watford
Nursing Home survives. Two brothers predeceased. Funeral service was held this
Wednesday afternoon at Harper Funeral Home with burial taking place in
Saunders Family Cemetery, Brooke Township.
WATFORD GUIDE ADVOCATE JULY 1955
HANNAH (Butler) SAUNDERS
Mrs. John Saunders, 79 former Brooke Township resident who died at her
home, the Ridgeway, London, Wednesday, was the former
Hannah Butler of Enniskillen Township., Surviving are her husband, two
sons, Leo of London and Basil of Watford and three sisters,
Mrs. Charles McPherson of Warwick Township; Mrs. Floyd Smith of Port Huron and Mrs. Daniel
Saunders of Watford. Resting at the Harper funeral home here, where services will be held
Saturday 1:30 p.m. by the Rev. H. Reid Montgomery. Burial will be made in the Saunders
burying ground, Brooke Township.
WATFORD GUIDE ADVOCATE 20 JUNE 1957
JOHN SAUNDERS
Funeral of John Saunders a former Brooke Township resident was held from
Harper Funeral Home today at 2 p.m. The Rev R.A.C. Mills
of Trinity Anglican Church officiated. Burial was in Brooke Township. Mr.
Saunders died in Maidment Nursing Home, London. He was 80. He was the
son of the late Absalom Saunders and Mary Bryce Saunders. In his early days, he was
connected with the pioneer timber business at Sutorville. For the past 27 years he resided
in London. As a hobby he build a replica of his father's saw mill,
which is now in the University of Western Ontario Museum. While living
in London, he was a member of St. Paul's Cathedral and in Brooke a member of Christ
Church at Sutorville. He is survived by a son, Leo of Sask., four grandchildren and
three great grandchildren. His wife the former Hannah Butler died
several years ago. A brother Thomas also survives at Brigden.
WATFORD GUIDE ADVOCATE 1 AUGUST 1956
BASIL SAUNDERS
Basil Saunders, a resident here for the last 35 years, died after a lengthy illness
in Westminster Hospital, London, in his 59th year. Born in Sutorville, Mr. Saunders
was the son of John Saunders and the late Mrs. Saunders, of London. Mr.
Saunders formerly operated a machine shop. He was a veteran of Worl War
I, a noted collector of Indian relics and pioneer antiques and a member of
Trinity Anglican Church. Surviving are his widow, the former Margaret Clark; a son,
Ross of Watford; a daughter, Mrs. Thomas Hazeltine of London; his father, John
Saunders of London; a brother Leo, in the Canadian West and
three grandchildren. The body is at the Harper funeral home for service at 2 p.m.
Thursday, with the Rev. R.A.C. Mills, of Trinity Anglican Church, officiating.
Burial will be in St. James Cemetery, Brooke Township.
WATFORD GUIDE ADVOCATE MARCH 1978
MARGARET MAE SAUNDERS
Mrs. Margaret Saunders passed away at Strathroy, Middlesex General Hospital on
Thursday 9 March 1978, in her 81st year. She is survived by a daughter Dorothy (Mrs. Tom
Hazeltine) of London and a son Ross of Watford. Also surviving are five grandchildren,
Jim, John and Barbara Saunders and Tom and Mary Jane Hazeltine of London
and one sister, Mrs. Clare Hagle (Mary) of Alvinston. She is predeceased
by her husband, Basil Saunders. Funeral service were conducted at Trinity Anglican Church
on Saturday, by Canon K.A. Hansen. Pallbearers were Ron Wallis, Don
Hollingsworth, Merritt Williams, Elton Thorne, Currie McVicar and Cram
Holbrook. Interment St. James Cemetery, Brooke Township.
SARNIA OBSERVER 3 APRIL 1940
JAMES ALLAN EADIE
Funeral services for the late J. Allan Eadie, a brother-in-law of Daniel
Saunders of Brooke Township were held Tuesday afternoon with interment
in the Saunders Family Cemetery, 9 sideroad,
Brooke Township. Mr. Eadie was found dead on the floor of
his home in London on Saturday, the victim of a heart seizure. For many
years he had worked as a carpenter and as a young man with the Saunders' big saw
mills at Sutorville. His wife who predeceased him one year ago,
was formerly Martha Saunders of Brooke.
WATFORD GUIDE ADVOCATE DECEMBER 1950
THOMAS SAUNDERS
Mrs. Thomas Saunders, Rachel Jane Williamson, daughter of the late Mr. and
Mrs. Joseph Williams, a former resident of Brooke and Warwick passed away at her
home in Brickford, Wednesday evening, December 20th after a short illness in her 73rd
year. Surviving besides her husband are three sons and five
daughters; Mrs. Stella Goyette, of Pontica, Michigan; Cecil of Orangeville;
Mrs. James Somes (Nettie) of Wyoming; Mrs. Clifford Henry (Betty) of Pontiac;
Jacob of Sarnia; Mrs. Lloyd McLachlan (Marion) of Bickford; Mrs. Stanley
Sheffer (Alma) of Bickford; Earl of Bridgen; 33 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren, also
one sister, Mrs. Nina McNee of Renfrew. Funeral service will be held at
1.30 on Saturday from her late residence at Bickford to Saunders
Cemetery in Brooke at 3.45. Pallbearers chosen are six grandsons, Earl and Willard
Henry, Jack and Jim Saunders, Fred and Dick Somes.
WATFORD GUIDE ADVOCATE MARCH 1963
THOMAS SAUNDERS
Resident of Moore Twp., for 45 years, farming on the 10th concession,
Thomas Saunders, 90, died Sunday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Stan
(Alma) Sheffer, Moore Township. Son of the late Absolom and Mary Saunders, former
pioneers, he was born in Brooke Twp., and attended school on the 12th line. Besides
Mrs. Sheffer, he is survived by two other daughters, Mrs. Bettie Henry
of Pontiac, and Mrs. Lloyd (Marion) McLaughlin of Courtright; three
sons, Cecil of Ridgetown, Jacob of Sarnia and Earl of Calgary; 57
grandchildren; and 52 great grandchildren. His wife, the former Rachel Williams,
died in 1950 and two daughters, Nettie and Stella, also predeceased him.
Funeral service was held Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. at Steadman Bros., Funeral
Home, Brigden, conducted by Rev. Alex Aiken of Brigden Presbyterian church and burial was
in the Saunders family cemetery, 9 sideroad, Brooke Twp.
WATFORD GUIDE ADVOCATE MARCH 1984
CECIL THOMAS SAUNDERS
Cecil Thomas Saunders of 275 Beech Street, Bothwell, passed away in the Public
General Hospital, Chatham on Monday, 5 March 1984, age 81 years. He was the beloved
husband of Sarah Young and dear father of Eileen (Mrs. Douglas Raines) of
Burlington; June (Mrs. Allan Mason) of Kitchener; Helen (Mrs. Murray Bryan) of
Orangeville; Lois (Mrs. Tom Trantham) of Melbourne; Thelma (Mrs. Delbert Baverstock)
and Marilyn (Mrs. Melvin Baverstock) both of RR#3 Bothwell; Robert of Scarborough;
John of Chatham; James of Ridgetown and William of Chatham. Also survived by
twenty four grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, a brother Jacob of Sarnia
and sisters Mrs. Betty Henry of Pontiac, Michigan, Mrs. Marion McLaughlin of Sarnia
and Mrs. Alma Sheffer of Port Lambton. The funeral service was held at the
Robinson Funeral Home in Both well on Thursday afternoon with interment in Saunders
Family Cemetery, Brooke Township.
SARNIA OBSERVER MARCH 1961
NETTIE SOMES
Mrs. Nettie Margaret Somes, beloved wife of James Somes of Brigden, passed
away suddenly in C.E.E. Hospital, Petrolia, Thursday
16th March, aged 55 years. Dear daughter of Thomas
Saunders, of Moore township. Dear mother of Richard and Fred, both
of Brigden; Mrs. Don (Joyce) Cooper of Sarnia; Mrs. Dean (Nettie) Nutt, both of
Sarnia; Mrs. Clifford (Marie) Lumley of Brigden; Mrs. James
(Isabelle) Johnston of Wilkesport: 20 grandchildren also survive. Dear
sister of Cecil Saunders of Ridgetown; also Jacob of Sarnia
Township; Earl of Dawn Township; Mrs. Bethy Henry of Pontiac, Michigan;
Mrs. Lloyd McLaughlin, and Mrs. Stanley Sheffer of Moore Township.
Remains resting at the Steadman Brothers Funeral Home,
Brigden. Service in the Memorial Chapel on Saturday, 18th March
at 2 p.m. Pastor Leslie Morris of the Calvary Baptist Church
officiating. Friends will be received at the Funeral Home 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Interment in
the family plot, Blackwell Cemetery, Sarnia Township.
SARNIA OBSERVER AUGUST 1983
JAMES SOMES
At the Sarnia General Hospital, on Sunday 14th August, James Richard Somes, 74, husband of
the late Nettie Saunders (1961) of 125 S. Euphemia Street. Father of Mrs. Don (Joyce)
Cooper, Mrs. Dean (Nettie) Nutt and Mrs. Jim (Isabelle) Johnson all of Sarnia; Mrs.
Clifford (Marie) Lumley and Fred Somes both of Brigden; Richard (Dick) Somes
of Courtright, 25 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, brother of Mrs.
Isabelle Sole of Sarnia and Stan Somes of Corunna. Predeceased by a
son, Charles (1940) and brother Charles. Funeral service will be
held from the D.J. Robb Funeral Home on Wednesday 17th August at 1 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made to the Sarnia Branch of the Diabetic Society.
Visitation Monday evening 7-9 p.m. and Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Interment in
Blackwell Cemetery.
SARNIA OBSERVER 23 JUNE 1941
CHARLES SOMES
The first fatality of the bathing season occurred Sunday morning
when Charles Thomas Somes, 12 year old son of Sapper James E. Somes and
Mrs. Somes, Errol Road, was drowned in Lake Huron near Lake Huron Park. It
was not certain whether the boy fell out of the boat or
plunged overboard. With his younger brother, his sister and another child
whose name was not obtained by those on shore, the children had gone out onto
the lake in a rowboat. They were about 300 feet out from shore when James Mara who
was seated on the veranda of his home noticed the boy struggling in the water.
He swam out to the rescue, but could not readily find the body and
because the other children appeared nervous he brought them in to
shore. He returned to the search and brought the body out of nine feet of
water. In the meantime the Sarnia fire department rescue squad was summoned and attemped
resuscitation without avail. Dr. R.G.R. MacDonald, coroner, and Dr. A.M. Borrowman
were called and although no water was taken from the lungs, it was
nevertheless assumed that he had drowned, although some suggestion was made that he
had suffered a heart attack in diving. Surviving are his father, James Somes
serving in England with a Western Ontario unit, and mother, Mrs. James
Somes of Sarnia Township; four sisters, Joyce, Marie, Nettie and Isobel at home and two
brothers Jacob and Fred at home; grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Saunders of
Bickford and Thomas Somes of Sarnia Township and foster grandmother, Mrs.
Louise MacDonald of Sarnia Township. The funeral will be held from the Phillips funeral
home tomorrow at 2 p.m. Interment will be made at Blackwell Cemetery.
SARNIA OBSERVER MARCH 1994
MARION McLAUGHLIN
At Meadowview Villa, Petrolia, on Sunday, 6 March 1994,
Marion Lauretta (Saunders) McLaughlin, age 79 of Sarnia, formerly of
Courtright. Beloved wife of Edwin Lloyd McLaughlin. Dear mother of
Thomas McLaughlin and his wife Ann of Port Lambton and Stella M. Sheffer
of Sombra. Dear grandmother of Jeff, Julie, Sue-Ellen, Ronny,
Rosemary and Kathy, also 16 great grandchildren and 1 great great
grandchild. Also survived by a brother Jacob Saunders and a sister Alma
Sheffer both of Sarnia. Predeceased by a son-in-law Roy Sheffer (1991),
brothers Cecil and Earl and sisters Stella, Betty and Nettie. Funeral services
will be held from the Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Road (Hwy.
7), Sarnia on Tuesday 8 March at 11:00 a.m. Friends will be received at the
funeral home on Monday afternoon 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Sympathy may be
expressed through donations to the Alzheimers Adult Enrichment Center.
Interment in Moore Union Cemetery.
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