1. Wilbur Henry5 Whitside (James4, William H.3, James2,
John1) was born November 1, 1860 in Delhi, Norfolk, Ont, and died June 17,
1916 in Delhi, Norfolk, Ont. He married Mary Elizabeth vi 1. Wilbur Henry5 Whitside (James4, William H.3, James2,
John1) was born November 1, 1860 in Delhi, Norfolk, Ont, and died June 17,
1916 in Delhi, Norfolk, Ont. He married Mary Elizabeth vi
First Generation of Wilbur Whitside
From 1901 census for Delhi, Middleton Tsp, states Nov. 1, 1860. From obituary, states born in 1860. Between 1880 and 1916 he was Salesman and Manager in Delhi, Middleton Tsp. Norfolk Co., Ontario. He owned 372 Main St. in 1885 in Delhi, Middleton Tsp. Norfolk Co., Ontario.
He died on 17 Jun 1916 in Delhi, Middleton Tsp. Norfolk Co., Ontario. Vital Statistic for Norfolk Co., Division Delhi. Whitside, Wilbur Bruce, Male, age 55, Date Of Death-June 17, 1916, Delhi, Place of birth-Delhi. Place of burial-Delhi Cemetery. Occupation-manufacturer, married, father-James Whitside, mother-Hannah Shaw.
COD: Carcinoma, physician-A. Taylor, Informant-Bruce Whitside, Date of return-June 18, 1916.
Physician' Return of Death: Disease causing death-carcinoma sigmoid (colon), duration-2 years, immediate cause of death-cardiac failure. Physician, A. Taylor. He was buried on 20 Jun 1916 in Delhi Cemetery, Delhi, Norfolk Co., Ontario. He has reference number 2800.
CENSUS DATA
CENSUS: 1861 Middleton Tsp. census, Henry E. born Upper Canada, age 1,
CENSUS: 1871 Middleton Tsp. census, Division #2, Henry W. born Ontario, age 10, Baptist.
CENSUS: 1881 Middleton Tsp. census, Division #1, Wilber, born Ontario, age 20, single, Baptist.
CENSUS: 1891 Middleton Tsp. census, Wilber age 30, born Ontario, Traveller, Baptist with wife Mary E. and children Mary Evelyn and James L.
CENSUS: 1901 Delhi, Middleton Tsp., Household #7, Wilbur, head of household, born Nov. 1, 1860, 40 years old, born Canada, Irish descent, Commercial traveller for 12 months for Canning company, earnings 216 dollars, reads, writes English.
MARRIAGE: From the Personals, Norfolk Reformer, Simcoe, Ont. "HEATH, Miss Mary M. Heath of Delhi married W. H. Whitside, only son of James Whitside, Esq. last Wednesday at the home of her grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Sovereen, Delhi. NR 1886 00715.
From Reel #5 of The Canadian Baptist Newspaper, 1854-1907, Duplicate in Green books at NHS #23, page 95. Whitside-Heath - July 7, 1886 - at residence of Jacob Sovereign, by Rev., J. B. Morre - Wilbur, only son of James Whitside, Esq,. merchant - m. Mary E. Heath, of Delhi
NOTE: On checking the Norfolk and Ontario Vital Statistics books and Microfilm, I could not find any record of their marriage being registered.
RESIDENCE:
From the actual copy book from the archives at the Norfolk Historical Society in book #16 and instrument #611Bd on page 362 we find that there is a B&S, (bargain and Sale) between Crysler to Whitside on December 8 of 1885. This was a sale by Albert Crysler of Port Arthur in the District of Algoma and Roger Crysler of the village of Fredericksburg in the Tsp of Middleton in the County of Norfolk, merchant and Jane Anne Crysler, his wife to Wilbur H. Whitside of the village of Fredericksburg. This was sealed with a payment of $50.00 which covered the purchase of 1 rod and 17 perches and 9/10 of a perches in Lot number 187 south of the Talbot Road on the west side of Main Street. An extremely detailed description of the location of the property follows and this will become 372 Main Street in Delhi, Middleton Tsp. From this I assume Wilbur purchased the property in December of 1855 to build a house pending his marriage the following summer.
1893: From the Simcoe Reformer of April 28th, 1993, 100 years ago, Delhi: Mr. Wilbur Whitside is having a very nice verandah built in front of his house, which will make a great improvement. (372 Main St. has a stone verandah)
MARRIAGE: From Delhi personals in the Norfolk Reformer of 1886-07-15, "Whitside - W. H. Whitside, only son of James Whitside, Esq., married Miss Mary M. Heath of Delhi last Wednesday at the home of her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Sovereen."
OCCUPATION:
Wilbur seemed to have become a travelling salesman working generally in the canning business.
Wilbur was the manager of the Delhi Fruit & Vegetable Canning Co. circa 1903, that later became Dominion Canners.
In July 1903 see Reformer of July 10, 1903, he became the manager of The Sovereen Glove Factory which belonged to his wife Mary Heath's grandfather, Jacob Sovereen who would be 86 yrs old at the time and probably ill. He died in 1909. In 1889 Jacob Sovereen owned a canning factory in Delhi, which he was fixing up.
From the Simcoe Reformer, "Turning Back", feature, items of July 10. 1903, "Mr. W. H. Whitside is the new manager of the Sovereen Glove Factory of Delhi". Also, "Mr. John Montgomery is getting the old shoddy mill in shape for the occupancy by the Mitt and Robe Factory.
From the Simcoe Reformer of 1896-12-31, "W. H. Whitside was nominated to 1897 Delhi Council."
DEATH: Copy of funeral card reads "Died at Delhi, Ontario, on Saturday, June 17, 1916 W. H. Whitside - The Funeral will take place from his late residence, Delhi, on Tuesday, June 20th, at 2 p.m. Service at the house."
R. L. Whitside has in his possession the last will and testament of Wilbur Whitside dated 18 November, 1915 probably written under the pressure of his sickness due to stomach cancer from which he died some 7 months later. All of his estate was left to his wife.
As the will was not probated I have a copy of the release with death date and reference to the will and release to Bruce W. Whitside, Mary Evelyn Macdonald and Eula Pauline McKinnon dated 29th January, 1946. Quite a long time before settlement!
The following is from the book, " Gloves, Robes & Rainwear" a history of the families manufacturing companies, dated February, 2001 written by Robert L. Whitside.
CHAPTER 2
Wilbur Whitside 1860 - 1916
Jacob Sovereen had two daughters. The eldest, Nancy Jean Sovereen, married Mortimer Heath and they in turn had two daughters but no sons. Nancy Jean died at the age of 28 and as Mortimer remarried it appeared that their grandfather Jacob raised the two girls. Also being very vigorous and in good health, Jacob continued to work well into his 80's. His eldest granddaughter Mary Elizabeth Heath. (1861-1945) married Wilbur H. Whitside and so Jacob passed his business on to his granddaughter and her husband Wilbur Henry Whitside, (I860-1916).
W. H. Whitside actually joined the Board of Directors in November 1902. In the Simcoe Reformer of July 10, 1903 it was announced that Wilbur Whitside was the new manager of the Sovereen Glove Factory of Delhi. So he was general manager from then until the time of his death in January 1916.
Prior to taking over the management of the glove factory, Wilbur had first been a salesman and then the manager of The Delhi Fruit & Canning Company, (later the Dominion Canneries) of Delhi. Our father, Bruce, remembered going to a cottage at Niagara on the Lake (or Pt Dalhousie), in the summer while his father was operating a seasonal canning factory there. It is interesting to note that in 1889 Jacob Sovereen had a canning company in Delhi that he was fixing up. In 1903 The Delhi Fruit & Canning Co. was located at the corner of Main and William streets near the railroad station. It was a good-sized establishment turning out annually half a million cans.
In April 29 of 1913, fire struck the Sovereen Mitt, Glove & Robe Co. At 3:30 a.m. the two story brick building was completely destroyed. The loss was estimated to be between $25,000. and $30,000. The family suspected arson. Luckily it was insured for $8,000. Doesn't seem like enough considering the loss.
The fire was investigated by the Pinkerton National Detective Agency and a bill submitted for same but there did not seem to be any conclusion reached as to the cause of the fire. The Dalton's who owned the competition Dalton Mitt & Robe Company were considered as well as Wilber Sovereen a 1st cousin, one generation removed of Jacob Sovereen. He was a troublesome young man my father said.
In the December Simcoe Reformer of 1913, the following is written: The new factory for the Sovereen Mitt, Glove and Robe Co., Delhi, is nearly completed and will be about twice the size of the old one destroyed by fire some months ago. The offices are on the main floor with W .H. Whitside's private office to the rear of the general office area.
In 1916, misfortune really struck. On June 17, W. H. Whitside, the President, died of cancer, and the company management was taken over by his second son, Bruce W. Whitside who was a college student only 22 years of age. There didn't appear to be anyone else available to do it. Being in the middle of a war didn't help with many men away in the army.
On November the 11th, 1916, Wilbur's eldest son, James Leroy, was killed in the war in France.
On December Ist, 1916, the complete new factory was burned to the ground. Once again arson was suspected but nothing could be proved. The Dalton family had a glove factory and had been fierce competitors for years. First a Sovereen factory burned then a Dalton factory and now the Sovereen factory burned again.
It is hard to imagine the stress on the family and the difficulty in making the decisions that had to be made. Mary Elizabeth Whitside was a very devout Christian and member of the Baptist Church. This must have tested her faith! Bruce Whitside was caught up in events totally out of his control. I always wonder if he wanted to come in to the business or if he dreamed of another direction in his life. My sisters have told me that our father, Bruce, really wanted to be a doctor and perhaps that was what he was preparing for at Woodstock College. Woodstock College was a Baptist Church sponsored College. It later added Moulton College for women.
GENERAL NOTES:
LETTER: From Samuel Whitside, (Wilbur's fathers brother), dated August. 26th, 1885 from Fort Meade, Dakota Territory to James Whitside:
My dear Brother,
During the last year I have received two letters from Wilbur in which he expresses a desire to leave home and come to the western country, with a view of going into business and growing up with the country. I presume you are well aware that business in nearly all its branches is very much depressed in the United States and at present there are not many favourable openings for young men without capitol.
I write to ascertain whether it is with your consent or in other words are you willing that Wilbur should leave home and go out in to the world on his own hook, if so I think I could secure for him a situation at this post with our Post Trader as Book Keeper and to attend to the Post Office. The Book Keeping will not be extensive and the work will not be very laborious, he will have exclusive control of the Post Office. Do you think Wilbur equal to the emergency and sufficiently familiar with the business to perform the duty above mentioned? He is not to be a salesman in the store, only to do the work referred to. If you are willing for him to come and believe he can do the work let me know as soon as convenient and I will write and let him know when to come and what route to take to reach here and what it will probably cost him in the way of fare. His salary will begin the first month with $50. and board and should he give satisfaction and show aptitude and close attention to his work then his pay will be increased to $75. and board.
We are having a severe rain storm which has been raging for three days with no prospect of its holding up which is an unusual thing for this season of the year.
Carrie, Warren, Madeline and myself are all in good health and like this part of the country very much indeed, considering the short time that we have been here. I am told it gets intensely cold here in the winter so we are looking forward to the winter with a good deal of awe as we are not accustomed to cold weather having spent so much of our lives in a mild climate. I suppose your family especially the youngest members of it have about grown out of our recollection as such a long time has passed since we saw you all. Even little Maude is growing into womanhood, with Carrie about sweet seventeen we would love dearly to see you all was it possible for us to do so.
Carrie and the children join me in sending a great deal of love and best wishes to you all.
Hoping to hear from you soon, your affectionate brother, S. M. Whitside.
(He was in the Western United States Army).
Note: Wilbur married in July of the next year in 1886, it would be interesting to see the reply to this letter and know what unfolded.
VOTERS LIST:Of 1881, Middleton Tsp, Norfolk Co., #733, Whitside, Wilbur H. 1 ESK, Delhi, Owner, P.O. #7.
VOTERS LIST: Of 1910, Middleton Tsp, Norfolk Co., "Wilbur Henry Whitside, lot 44/45, ct pt 1s.
DEATH:
Medical: Died after a lengthy illness , probably at least 6 months,of stomach cancer on June 17, 1916.
OBITUARY: Whitside - In Delhi on Saturday, 17th June 1916, Mr. Wilbur Whitside, aged 56 years.
NOTICE IN PAPER: - Mr. Wilbur H. Whitside of Delhi died on Saturday after an illness of some month duration. His trouble, we are informed was a cancerous abdominal growth. Deceased was one of the prominent men of the county, the head of a prosperous and growing business. Just past middle life, and until attacked by the disease that killed him, an active and useful citizen. His untimely demise will be universally regretted by all who knew him. Mr Whitside was the only son of the late James Whitside Esq. a pioneer merchant and lumberman of Delhi. He was born in 1860. He was for many years interested in the canning industry but for some time has managed the Sovereen Mitt and Robe Co. He leaves a widow and four children two sons and two daughters. One of the four is an officer in an overseas battalion and is somewhere in the fighting now. The funeral on Tuesday was the largest seen in Delhi in some time. It was under Masonic auspices. Some thirty gentlemen from Simcoe attended. He was a worshipful Master of Masons, Frederick Lodge, Delhi. See Lodge records.
CEMETERY STONE: " WILBUR H. WHITSIDE 1860-1916" - Delhi Cemetery,
Delhi, Ontario.
Wilbur Henry WHITSIDE and Mary Elizabeth vi HEATH were married on 7 Jul 1886 in Jacob Sovereen Res., Delhi, ONT, Canada. Mary Elizabeth vi HEATH was born on 23 Mar 1862 in Delhi, Middleton Tsp. Norfolk Co., Ontario. She died on 20 Sep 1945 in Simcoe, Norfolk Co., Ontario. She was buried on 22 Sep 1945 in Delhi, Middleton Tsp. Norfolk Co., Ontario. She has reference number 2811. [NEED TO DEFINE SENTENCE: Fact 2] BIRTH: I have a date of March 23, 1862 but no source?
GENERAL NOTES:
She lost her husband and her son, Leroy, and saw the family business destroyed by fire in 1916 while living in Delhi. After the fire, the business, (The Sovereen Mitt Glove and Robe Co. Ltd. was moved to Simcoe and shortly after she purchased the large brick house at 126 Colborne Street in Simcoe for she and her son Bruce to live in. I would assume this came after selling their home on Main Street in Simcoe. The house was purchased in her name.
This is R .L. Whitside's maternal grandmother.
After Bruce's marriage to Catharine Cameron, the house was changed so that there were 2 parts in the house with separate kitchens, living room and dining rooms. She lived in the north side of the house,until 18 months before her death in 1946.
She was a devout Baptist. After becoming almost blind,in later years she continued to play her upright Heintzman grand piano. At one time she was the organist in the Simcoe Baptist Church.
CENSUS DATA:
1871, Middleton Tsp, Dist. 12A, Div. 2, page 47, Mary, age 8, (1863) with Jacob iv Sovereen and wife Mary Ann. Her mother, d/o Jacob died young, she was raised by
Jacob & Mary Ann (Ward).
1881, Middleton Tsp, page 3, with Jacob Sovereen and Mary Ann Sovereen, born Ont, spinster, age 17, Baptist
CENSUS 1891:
1901 Delhi, Middleton Tsp, Mary E., wife, born 4th December, 1863, 38 years of age, origin German.
DEATH:Personal knowledge and Simcoe Reformer Obituary also Diary of Catharine (Cameron) Whitside.
OBITUARY: Simcoe Reformer, September 24, 1945 issue under Obituaries, "MARY E. WHITSIDE - Mrs Mary Whitside, resident of Simcoe for more than 25 years, Mary Elizabeth Heath, widow of Wilbur Henry Whitside passed away on Thursday, at the home of her daughter, Mrs J. MacKinnon in Toronto after a length illness in her 84th year.
Born in Delhi, Mrs Whitside was the daughter of the late Mortimer Heath and Nancy Elizabeth Sovereen. She came from Delhi to Simcoe in 1918 and had been in Toronto at her daughters for the last 18 months. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Simcoe
Predeceased by her husband 29 years ago, she is survived by one son, B. W. Whitside of Simcoe and 2 daughters Mrs D. J. MacDonald and Mrs. J. MacKinnon both of Toronto.
The funeral was held at 2:30 o'clock from the residence of her son Bruce W. Whitside, 126 Colborne St. North, Simcoe, Ontario.
Reverend Gordon V. Crofoot of First Baptist Church was in the charge of the service assisted by Reverend John S. Wright, Presbyterian Church and Reverend E. G. Dale of Barrie Hill formerly pastor.
Pall bearers were Henry R. Crabb, William H. Kidner, Harold Heath, Robert L. Whitside, Kenneth Chute and H. G. Evans.
Internment was made in Delhi Cemetery.
BURIAL: Delhi Cemetery in Whitside plot.
CEMETERY STONE: "MARY E HEATH - Wife of Wilbur Whitside - 1861-1945" Wilbur Henry WHITSIDE and Mary Elizabeth vi HEATH had the following children:
2 i. James Leroy WHITSIDE LT. appeared in the census 1881 Middleton Census in Delhi, Middleton Tsp. Norfolk Co., Ontario. He was born on 26 May 1888 in Delhi, Middleton Tsp. Norfolk Co., Ontario. From Norfolk Historical Society Vital Statistics Birth Registry #023482. May 26, 1888, James Leroy Whitside, male, Wilbur H. Whitside - Mary E. Heath. Father- commercial traveller, lives Delhi, Registered 27 July, 1888, name of Accoucheur - Dr. Honsberger, registrar - J. C. H. Herron? He served in the military between 1914 and 1916.
MILITARY: Serial # 784329
NOTE R. L. Whitside has copies of all military documents pertaining to Leroy Whitside, obtained from the National Archives in Ottawa.
LETTER: From Senator McCall recommending him for a commission in the Corp of Engineers stating he wants to go overseas with the 2nd Contingent. In a reply dated Nov there were so many applicants that he was not likely to go so he may have transferred to the Infantry after receiving his commission.
He was listed as living at 301 Balmoral St., Winnipeg, Manitoba on 2 November, 1914, employed by the Manitoba Government as a District Engineer in their bridge construction. It States he was of good character and good all round ability.
He was appointed Supernumerary Provisional Lieutenant in 2nd Field Troop, Canadian Engineers, 6 November, 1914, appointment to date from 2 November, 1914. His rank before this was Trooper, 34th Fort Garry Horse. From Simcoe Reformer of July 19/20? 1915, in R. L. Whitside's Leroy Whitside file:
"Roy Whitside, son of Mr. and Mrs Roy ? Whitside has been as an officer with the rank of Lieutenant in the Engineering Corp, 48th Battalion at Sewell, Manitoba. Lieut. Whitside was offered a higher rank to remain at the camp, but preferred the lower rank with the chance of immediate service, overseas".
It would appear at this point in his effort to go overseas that he transferred from the Engineer Corp to the Infantry to the 46th Battalion.
He signed attestation papers on July 9, 1915 for the Canadian Overseas Expedition Forces with 46th Battalion. See copy in official documents. He had been in the Army and Reserve Army for 3 years.
He sailed from Halifax, NS, on the "Lapland", on 23 October, 1915 with the 46th Corp as their Works Officer. He Qualified in a Pioneer course at Shorncliff, England, on 8 January,
1916.
On March 3 of 1916 he was declared unfit for service for 3 weeks, the cause seems to have been a debilitated condition caused by dental infection. The Dental Corp at his camp had not received their equipment and the treatment could not be carried out there.
On April 18 he was found fit for duty after his disability of "alveola abscess & diarrhea.
On July 7th to 14th he was declared unfit at Bramshott Military Hospital (Internal derangement of the left knee). This was caused by long marching and strain. The recommendation of the Board was that he be granted one month furlough.The proceedings of the Medical Board assembled at Bramshott stated: "This officer has been suffering from an acute attack of synovitis of the right knee joint due to an internal disarrangement of joint. He has been a patient in Bramshott Military Hospital for the past 10 days. There is no swelling of the joint at present, but it is stiff and tender and he is unable to walk much as yet." He is not fit for light duty.
Leroy sailed for France from England on 10 August, 1916.
According to his pay sheets he was paid $2.00 per day for 30 days for $60.00 plus $32. for messing and $18. for F.A. for a grand total of $110.00 per month. From this he sent $50.00 per month home to his mother.
There is a letter to his mother written before his death describing his work at the the front as the Engineering Officer for the Battalion building trenches, dugouts, drains with 100-200 men. He died on 11 Nov 1916 in Aid Station, Courcellete, France. The telegram received by his mother on November 13, 1916 - "Deeply regret to inform you Lieutenant James Leroy Whitside, Infantry, officially reported died of wounds, November 11, 1916.
See Simcoe Reformer of November 16, 1916. Picture & write up of James Leroy killed in action.
CIRCUMSTANCES OF DEATH REPORT
Unit: 46th Battalion
Name: Whitside J.L.
Rank: Lieutenant
Date of Death: 11-11-16
Cause of Death: Died of wounds.
On Nov. 11/16 an attack was made by the 46th Infantry on the German position known as Regina Trench, lying east of Practice Road. The Companies were detailed for the attack and Lieut. J. L. Whitside, acting Second-in Command of one of these companies was detailed to command his Company during the operation.
The Company was organized in waves and these waves advanced over our parapet and lay down in No Man's Land just prior to zero hour. At zero hour the shrapnel barrage from our guns opened up and the waves advanced. The enemy replied and Lieut. Whitside was struck in the shoulder and hip by shrapnel. He fell and soon after was picked up by stretcher bearers and was carried to the Dressing Station in Courcellete. There he was under the care of his friend Captain Kennedy, the Regimental M.C. The latter did not consider the wounds fatal and assured Lieut. Whitside that he was not going to "blighty". Lieut. Whitside was cleared to the Canadian Casualty Station, Contay, and there received the careful attention of medical Officers and nurse but died from his wounds at 11 A.M., Nov. 11th. On Nov. 12th his body was buried in Contay Cemetery, No. 1 A Plot 3. Two Officers of the Battalion sent to attend the funeral and the grave has been suitably marked by the 46th Battalion.
(In a personal addenda to this report, Family reports claimed that Leroy thought he was Ok with just an arm and leg wound and insisted that his friend Kennedy treat the other more seriously wounded. In reality the shrapnel had pierced his arm and gone through into the chest and he died from internal bleeding).
From Donald Whiteside's "Honor Roll of the Whiteside Family Members, world wide, who died in service for their country:
James Leroy Whitside, Lt. , 46th Bn Canadian Infantry
B 5/26/1888, Delhi, Norfolk Co. Ont. Canada Family ID #3490
DOW 11/11/1916, Courcellete Aid Station, France
Bur: Contay British Cemetery, France
` s/o Wilbur Henry (1860-1916) & Mary Ellen? (Heath)
gs/o James (1831-1910) & Hannah Shaw
He never married
Source: WGBE, Fr -59 ( as Whiteside), service record and R.L. Whitside
Contay British Cemetery is south west of Varennes and due west of Henencourt, France.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS:
The following is a list of his personal belongings that were sent home to his mother.
4- 46th Battalion collar badges
1- Testament (Bible)
1-cheque book
1-diary, (Where did it go?)
1-style pen
1-book of Charles Dicken
1-Officers note book
1-letter
1-50 centimes (French silver)
1-nickel wrist watch in strap, ( I remeber my father having this)
1-wrist identity bracelet
1-leather cigarette case
1-pipe
1-pen knife
1-electric torch
1-tobacco pouch
1-whistle and lanyard
2-magazines for auto pistol
1-pr of gloves
Plus list of personal clothing - uniforms as follows: 1 valise, 2 blankets, 1 Sam Browne belt complete, 2 suits of pyjamas, 1 pr shoes, 1 pr ankle boots, 6 collars, 1 towel, 2 ties, 1 sponge, 1 nail brush, 2 handkerchiefs, 1 pr socks, 3 shirts, 1suit underwear, 1 belt, 1 sweater, 1 pr stocking puttees , 2 tunics, 1 pr breeches, 1 pr slacks, 1 trench coat, 1pr field boots, 1 partg of web waist belt.
At his death he had $58.00 and an insurance policy on his life that was handled by W. E. Sutherland of Delhi, Ontario.
His assigned pay of $50.00 which had been to his mother from April 1916 to October, 1916 was cancelled.
A telegram was sent Nov. 15/16 by B. W. Whitside to Military Defence, Officer in Charge requesting that the body of Leroy Whitside be sent home. The reply stated this could not be considered until the termination of the war. As Leroy was never brought home they must of decided not to do this or perhaps it was too difficult or expensive.
Nov. 19/1916 a letter was sent to the Military under the Sun Life Assurance Co. of Canada letterhead from W. E. Sutherland requesting proof of death.
November 20, 1916 a letter was received by the Military from Maude Allingham of Elberon, 30, The Avenue, Brondesbury Park, N.W. (London), requesting information on Leroy's death for her father and for herself. She says that they are both Canadians although they have lived in London for many years. She received a reply confirming his death.
May 17/17 Mrs. M. E. Whitside received notice from the Military that there was a balance of 22.9.11pounds in the Bank of Montreal, 9 Waterloo Place, Pall Mall, London, England and to advise where they want it sent. She answered as there was no Bank of Montreal in Delhi it was to go to the Molson Bank.
On 16th of July of 1917 a cheque was sent for $58.00 for balance of pay.
On Feb. 7 of 1919 a letter was sent to his mother advising that the surplus baggage of James Leroy was being dispatched to her. One trunk in poor conditon tied with rope, not locked and one handbag (kit bag) in sacking were sent.
On July 7 of 1917 a letter was received advising that they had received the copy of the Letter of Administration issued by the Surogate Court of the County of Norfolk to Bruce W. Whitside. Evidently Leroy's brother Bruce was empowered by the court to act for the estate of Leroy so that the Military could send the back pay and anything else. There did not appear to be a will and I suppose it was complicated by the fact that his deceased father was listed as his beneficiary and next of kin.
There was much correspondence to establish that there was no will, that he was not married and for the Life Insurance Co, (W.E. Sutherland Insurance) Official Certificate of Death from the Army. (An amazing amount of paper, some of it in bad shape from water damage).
February 21, 1921 his mother Mrs. M.E. Whitside was sent the Memorial Cross.
In searching the internet at the National Archives of Canada at www.archives.ca and Veterans Affairs Canada www.vad-acc.gc.ca, I was able to obtain both the write up in the memorial section as well as a copy of the page with his name in the Memorial Book that is turned daily in Ottawa.
He was buried on 21 Nov 1916 in Contay Cemetery, France. Buried in Contay France, Chaplain officiating was Rev. A. J. Perry. Number of Grave-1A Plot 3. Marking of grave - Wooden cross with all particulars of the deceased inscribed thereon. R.L.9.W-285 GR. Note his father had died in June of 1916, 5 months before. He was described as Height: 5' 8", Medical: Hit by shrapnel that penetrated an arm and. He was educated. He was a graduate of Simcoe High School. He was the eldest son and he
never married.
He was a graduate Civil Engineer as he graduated from School of Practical
Science (Engineering Civil) of the University of Toronto. He has reference number 2822. BIRTH: From the British Canadian newspaper of 1888-06-06, "Whitside, to wife of Wilbur Whitside a son 26 May 1888 in Delhi."
From Norfolk Historical Society Vital Statistics Birth Registry: May 26, 1888, James Leroy Whitside, male, Wilbur H. Whitside - Mary E. Heath. Father- commercial traveller, lives Delhi, Registered 27 July, 1888, name of Accoucheur - Dr. Honsberger, registrar - J. C. H. Herron?
EDUCATION: I believe he would have attended Public School in Delhi and then graduated from High School in Simcoe. I think they took the train from Delhi to Simcoe daily. He was a graduate Civil Engineer as he graduated from School of Practical Science (Engineering Civil) of the University of Toronto.
It is difficult finding early data on Leroy before he was killed in the First World War in 1916. We can assume he was athletic as there is a picture of him in the Tweedsmuir Journal on a ball team. See Tweedsmuir History of Delhi page. 150 picture on ball team.
After Graduation from University, he went to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He evidently then moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba to take a position with the Manitoba Government.
James Leroy WHITSIDE LT. appeared in the census 1881 Middleton Census in Delhi,Norfolk, ONT.
MILITARY: He served in the military between 1914 and 1916. Serial # 784329
NOTE R. L. Whitside has copies of all military documents pertaining to James Leroy Whitside, obtained from the National Archives in Ottawa.
LETTER: From Senator McCall recommending him for a commission in the Corp of Engineers stating he wants to go overseas with the 2nd Contingent. In a reply dated Nov there were so many applicants that he was not likely to go so he may have transferred to the Infantry after receiving his commission.
He was listed as living at 301 Balmoral St., Winnipeg, Manitoba on 2 November, 1914, employed by the Manitoba Government as a District Engineer in their bridge construction. It States he was of good character and good all round ability.
He was appointed Supernumerary Provisional Lieutenant in 2nd Field Troop, Canadian Engineers, 6 November, 1914, appointment to date from 2 November, 1914. His rank before this was Trooper, 34th Fort Garry Horse. From Simcoe Reformer of July 19/20? 1915, in R. L. Whitside's Leroy Whitside file:
"Roy Whitside, son of Mr. and Mrs Roy ? Whitside has been as an officer with the rank of Lieutenant in the Engineering Corp, 48th Battalion at Sewell, Manitoba. Lieut. Whitside was offered a higher rank to remain at the camp, but preferred the lower rank with the chance of immediate service, overseas".
It would appear at this point in his effort to go overseas that he transferred from the Engineer Corp to the Infantry to the 46th Battalion.
He signed attestation papers on July 9, 1915 for the Canadian Overseas Expedition Forces with 46th Battalion. See copy in official documents. He had been in the Army and Reserve Army for 3 years.( From his death records it would appear that he was in the 46th Battalion of the Saskatchewan Regiment).
He sailed from Halifax, NS, on the "Lapland", on 23 October, 1915 with the 46th Corp as their Works Officer. He Qualified in a Pioneer course at Shorncliff, England, on 8 January,
1916.
On March 3 of 1916 he was declared unfit for service for 3 weeks, the cause seems to have been a debilitated condition caused by dental infection. The Dental Corp at his camp had not received their equipment and the treatment could not be carried out there.
On April 18 he was found fit for duty after his disability of "alveola abscess & diarrhea.
On July 7th to 14th he was declared unfit at Bramshott Military Hospital (Internal derangement of the left knee). This was caused by long marching and strain. The recommendation of the Board was that he be granted one month furlough.The proceedings of the Medical Board assembled at Bramshott stated: "This officer has been suffering from an acute attack of synovitis of the right knee joint due to an internal disarrangement of joint. He has been a patient in Bramshott Military Hospital for the past 10 days. There is no swelling of the joint at present, but it is stiff and tender and he is unable to walk much as yet." He is not fit for light duty.
Leroy sailed for France from England on 10 August, 1916.
According to his pay sheets he was paid $2.00 per day for 30 days for $60.00 plus $32. for messing and $18. for F.A. for a grand total of $110.00 per month. From this he sent $50.00 per month home to his mother.
There is a letter to his mother written before his death describing his work at the the front as the Engineering Officer for the Battalion building trenches, dugouts, drains with 100-200 men. He died on 11 Nov 1916 in Aid Station, Courcellete, France. The telegram received by his mother on November 13, 1916 - "Deeply regret to inform you Lieutenant James Leroy Whitside, Infantry, officially reported died of wounds, November 11, 1916.
DEATH: See Simcoe Reformer of November 16, 1916. Picture & write up of James Leroy killed in action.
CIRCUMSTANCES OF DEATH REPORT (Official Report signed by Lt. Col. H. J. Dawson Officer Commanding).
Unit: 46th Battalion
Name: Whitside J.L.
Rank: Lieutenant
Date of Death: 11-11-16
Cause of Death: Died of wounds.
CIRCUMSTANCES OF DEATH REPORT: On Nov. 11/16 an attack was made by the 46th Infantry on the German position known as Regina Trench, lying east of Practice Road. The Companies were detailed for the attack and Lieut. J. L. Whitside, acting Second-in Command of one of these companies was detailed to command his Company during the operation.
The Company was organized in waves and these waves advanced over our parapet and lay down in No Man's Land just prior to zero hour. At zero hour the shrapnel barrage from our guns opened up and the waves advanced. The enemy replied and Lieut. Whitside was struck in the shoulder and hip by shrapnel. He fell and soon after was picked up by stretcher bearers and was carried to the Dressing Station in Courcellete. There he was under the care of his friend Captain Kennedy, the Regimental M.C. The latter did not consider the wounds fatal and assured Lieut. Whitside that he was not going to "blighty". Lieut. Whitside was cleared to the Canadian Casualty Station, Contay, and there received the careful attention of medical Officers and nurse but died from his wounds at 11 A.M., Nov. 11th. On Nov. 12th his body was buried in Contay Cemetery, No. 1 A Plot 3. Two Officers of the Battalion sent to attend the funeral and the grave has been suitably marked by the 46th Battalion.
(In a personal addenda to this report, our family history believed that Leroy thought he was Ok with just an arm and leg wound and insisted that his friend Dr. Kennedy treat the other more seriously wounded. In reality the shrapnel had pierced his arm and gone through into the chest and he died from internal bleeding).
From Donald Whiteside's "Honor Roll of the Whiteside Family Members, world wide, who died in service for their country:
James Leroy Whitside, Lt. , 46th Bn Canadian Infantry
B 5/26/1888, Delhi, Norfolk Co. Ont. Canada Family ID #3490 DOW 11/11/1916, Courcellete Aid Station, France
Burial: Contay British Cemetery, France s/o Wilbur Henry (1860-1916) & Mary Ellen? (Heath) gs/o James (1831-1910) & Hannah Shaw
He never married
Source: WGBE, Fr -59 ( as Whiteside), service record and R.L. Whitside
Contay British Cemetery is south west of Varennes and due west of Henencourt,France. Another description given is that Contay is on the main road from Amiens to Arras about 11 miles N.East of Amiens and 7 miles west of Albert.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS:
The following is a list of his personal belongings that were sent home to his mother.
4- 46th Battalion collar badges
1- Testament (Bible)
1-cheque book
1-diary, (Where did it go?)
1-style pen
1-book of Charles Dicken
1-Officers note book
1-letter
1-50 centimes (French silver)
1-nickel wrist watch in strap, ( I remeber my father having this)
1-wrist identity bracelet
1-leather cigarette case
1-pipe
1-pen knife
1-electric torch
1-tobacco pouch
1-whistle and lanyard
2-magazines for auto pistol
1-pr of gloves
Plus list of personal clothing - uniforms as follows: 1 valise, 2 blankets, 1 Sam Browne belt complete, 2 suits of pyjamas, 1 pr shoes, 1 pr ankle boots, 6 collars, 1 towel, 2 ties, 1 sponge, 1 nail brush, 2 handkerchiefs, 1 pr socks, 3 shirts, 1suit underwear, 1 belt, 1 sweater, 1 pr stocking puttees , 2 tunics, 1 pr breeches, 1 pr slacks, 1 trench coat, 1pr field boots, 1 partg of web waist belt.
At his death he had $58.00 and an insurance policy on his life that was handled by W. E. Sutherland of Delhi, Ontario.
His assigned pay of $50.00 which had been to his mother from April 1916 to October, 1916 was cancelled.
A telegram was sent Nov. 15/16 by B. W. Whitside to Military Defence, Officer in Charge requesting that the body of Leroy Whitside be sent home. The reply stated this could not be considered until the termination of the war. As Leroy was never brought home they must of decided not to do this or perhaps it was too difficult or expensive.
Nov. 19/1916 a letter was sent to the Military under the Sun Life Assurance Co. of Canada letterhead from W. E. Sutherland requesting proof of death.
November 20, 1916 a letter was received by the Military from Maude Allingham of Elberon, 30, The Avenue, Brondesbury Park, N.W. (London), requesting information on Leroy's death for her father and for herself. She says that they are both Canadians although they have lived in London for many years. She received a reply confirming his death.
May 17/17 Mrs. M. E. Whitside received notice from the Military that there was a balance of 22.9.11pounds in the Bank of Montreal, 9 Waterloo Place, Pall Mall, London, England and to advise where they want it sent. She answered as there was no Bank of Montreal in Delhi it was to go to the Molson Bank.
On 16th of July of 1917 a cheque was sent for $58.00 for balance of pay.
On Feb. 7 of 1919 a letter was sent to his mother advising that the surplus baggage of James Leroy was being dispatched to her. One trunk in poor conditon tied with rope, not locked and one handbag (kit bag) in sacking were sent.
On July 7 of 1917 a letter was received advising that they had received the copy of the Letter of Administration issued by the Surogate Court of the County of Norfolk to Bruce W. Whitside. Evidently Leroy's brother Bruce was empowered by the court to act for the estate of Leroy so that the Military could send the back pay and anything else. There did not appear to be a will and I suppose it was complicated by the fact that his deceased father was listed as his beneficiary and next of kin.
There was much correspondence to establish that there was no will, that he was not married and for the Life Insurance Co, (W.E. Sutherland Insurance) Official Certificate of Death from the Army. (An amazing amount of paper, some of it in bad shape from water damage).
February 21, 1921 his mother Mrs. M.E. Whitside was sent the Memorial Cross.
In searching the internet at the National Archives of Canada at www.archives.ca and Veterans Affairs Canada www.vad-acc.gc.ca, I was able to obtain both the write up in the memorial section as well as a copy of the page with his name in the Memorial Book that is turned daily in Ottawa.
BURIAL: He was buried on 21 Nov 1916 in Contay Cemetery, France. Buried in Contay France, Chaplain officiating was Rev. A. J. Perry. Number of Grave-1A Plot 3. Marking of grave - Wooden cross with all particulars of the deceased inscribed thereon. R.L.9.W-285 GR. Note his father had died in June of 1916, 5 months before. His reference number is 2822.
As a soldier killed in the service of his country, his name is on the Cenotaph in Simcoe, also in Toronto University Hart House and his Fraternity house.
+3 ii. Mary Evelyn WHITSIDE, born on 1 May 1890, Delhi, Middleton Tsp. Norfolk Co., Ontario; married Douglas James MACDONALD, on 3 Sep 1920, Simcoe, Norfolk Co., Ontario; died on 28 Mar 1983, Etobicoke, Ontario.
+4 iii. Bruce Wilbur WHITSIDE, born on 25 Jun 1894, Delhi, Middleton Tsp. Norfolk Co., Ontario; married Catharine Gladys CAMERON, on 1 Jan 1920, Simcoe, Norfolk Co., Ontario; married Virginia MCENTEE-SOWDEN B.A., in 1969; died on 15 Feb 1974, Simcoe, Norfolk Co., Ontario.
+5 iv. Pauline Eula WHITSIDE, born on 1 Jul 1900; married John Brick MCKINNON; died on 25 Feb 1987.
Second Generation
3. Mary Evelyn WHITSIDE (Wilbur Henry-1) was born on 1 May 1890 in Delhi, Middleton Tsp. Norfolk Co., Ontario. She died on 28 Mar 1983 in Etobicoke, Ontario. She was buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto, Ontario. She has reference number 2833.
BIRTH: From Vital Statistic books at Norfolk Historical Society, Births-1890
Registration #022028 - 1st May 1890 -Mary Evaline - Father, W. H. Whitside-Commercial Traveller, Delhi, informant - Mother Mary E. Heath - Reg on 14th June, 1890,, Doctor Honsberger - Registrar, J. C. H. Herron.
All data for this family provided by Mary (Macdonald) Jennings of Kleinburg, Ont. and Jeanne (Macdonald) Carter on Nov. 14/01.
From the British Canadian newspaper of 1890-05-14, "Whitside, to wife of W. H. Whitside a daughter 1 May 1890 in Delhi."
CENSUS: 1901 Delhi, Middleton Tsp with parents Wilbur and Mary E. Mary Evelyn born May 1, 1890, age 10 of Irish origin.
Mary Evelyn Whitside went to Normal School in Toronto for 1 year for a teacher's certificate. She taught in Cayuga, Ontario, but she was allergic to the chalk dust and had to stop teaching. She next went west to Lethbridge, Alberta and worked in a bank. She next returned to Southern Ontario.
She met Douglas Macdonald and friend George Stedman in Muskoka when George with a bad sunburn was assisted by Evelyn's sister Pauline who was a nurse. They met before the war but did not marry until after the war in 1920.
Her father's pet name for her was "Lennie."
When she was living in Delhi and attending High School in Simcoe she tells of hearing the train whistle and running from the verandah of their house and jumping on the train after it had started moving. This ended when the station master told her father. At the time she resided at 372 Main St. in Delhi
MARRIAGE: Evelyn and Mac were married in 1920 in her mother's home in Simcoe at 126 Colborne St and she always mentioned the flowers on the winding staircase. After marriage they lived in Brantford.
WEDDING MACDONALD from the Simcoe Reformer, Simcoe, Ontario
A very charming wedding was solemnized on Friday evening, Sept. 3, (1920) when Miss Mary Evelyn Whitside, daughter of Mrs Mary Whitside, Simcoe, was united in marriage to Mr Douglas James Macdonald of Brantford, only son of Mr Angus Macdonald of Utica, N. Y.: Rev J. P. Dingman, pastor of Wingham Baptist church, assisted by Rev H. C. Newcombe of Simcoe, tied the nuptial knot. The bride wore a lovely French gown of white satin with pearl trimmings. and a beautiful flowing veils She carried a bouquet of white roses.
Miss Pauline Whitside, sister of the bride, acted as bridesmaid and looked very sweet in a French frock of sunset satin draped with silk lace. The house was beautifully decorated for the occasion and the guests sat down to a sumptuous repast.
The bride's travelling suit was of golden tone brown velour. The honeymoon will be spent in Montreal and the Adirondack. On their return Mr and Mrs Macdonald will reside In Brantford.
Out of town guests at the wedding were: Mr Angus Macdonald and daughter of Utica, N. Y.; Mrs Freeman and daughter, Dr Park, Mr . B. Campbell, Mrs Silcox and Miss Ward of Hamilton; Mr and Mrs Byers, Mr and Mrs Heath and family, Miss M. Hargrave, Miss Adair, Mrs Bannister of Delhi; Mr and Mrs G. G. Scott, Miss Hart, Miss Raymond, Mr and Mrs C. R. Read, Mrs. Duncombe, Mrs. Stedman of Brantford; Miss Ferol Birdsell of Cayuga. Local guests brought the wedding party to about sixty in number.
DEATH: Date of death is from her daughter Mary Macdonald Jennings. She died in Etobicote General Hospital, Rexdale, Ontario.
Mary Evelyn WHITSIDE and Douglas James MACDONALD were married on 3 Sep 1920 in Simcoe, Norfolk Co., Ontario. Douglas James MACDONALD was born on 5 Dec 1888 in Cobourg, ONT. He died of heart failure on 15 Dec 1975 in Willowdale, Ontario. He was buried in Dec 1975 in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto, Ontario. He has reference number 1753. Suffered 2 heart attacks in later life, Data from Mary Jennings & Jeanne Carter in Kleinburg on Nov. 14/01
BIRTH: Cobourg, Ontario, lived in Baltimore, Ont which is just north of Cobourg.
Nickname was Mac.
Douglas James at 16 years of age, left his home in Baltimore, Ontario with his carpet bag and went to Buffalo and found work as an office boy with the American Radiator Company. Larwe he transferred to the Dominion Radiator & Boiler Company in Brantford.
MARRIAGE: He was married in Simcoe in 1920.
In 1925 he was transferred to Toronto.
MILITARY: During the war he was a Lieutenant in the 125th Battalion from Brantford, Ont. and served over seas. He was hit by shrapnel which remained in the back of his neck for the rest of his life.
OCCUPATION: After the war he returned to Brantford to the Radiator company.
He was successful with the company, (Standard Sanitary and Dominion Radiator Company), rising to the position of Vice President. After his first heart attack he wanted less pressure so he became the Personnel Manager. He retired in this position after 48 years with the company.
He then was on the Employer's Panel of the Toronto Board of Referees of the Unemployment Insurance Commission for many years until his resignation due to ill health in 1964.
DEATH: At the time of his death he was living at 38 Fairmeadow Avenue in Willowdale, Ontario just north of Toronto. On the morning that they were leaving for Florida, he got up, shaved, laid down and quietly went to sleep.
He loved to golf and was a member of the St. George's Golf Club. Mary Evelyn WHITSIDE and Douglas James MACDONALD had the following children:
+6 i. Helen Mary MACDONALD R.N..
+7 ii. Margaret Jean MACDONALD B.A..
+8 iii. John Angus MACDONALD B.SC., born on 22 May 1927, Toronto, Ontario; died on 20 Sep 1990, London, Ontario.
4. Bruce Wilbur WHITSIDE (Wilbur Henry-1) was born on 25 Jun 1894 in Delhi, Middleton Tsp. Norfolk Co., Ontario. He was educated Woodstock Baptist College in 1912/13 in Woodstock, Oxford, Ontario. The Woodstock Baptist College was located on the current site of the College Avenue Secondary School. The W.B.C. was founded in 1857 and was first known as the First Canadian Literary Institute.
In 1883 or 1889 it became the Woodstock Baptist College and served as a prepatory school for young men. It had originally been started as a training school for Baptist ministers.
William McMaster, a wealthy Baptist Layman donated a considerable sum of money to help rebuild the school after a disastrous fire. The reconstruction was completed in 1862.
In 1873 a separate building was constructed for Ladies and was called Moulton College.
Teh school had hopes of becoming a University but Senator McMaster had become instrumental in starting the Toronto Baptist College which became McMaster University inToronto. In later years it moved to Hamilton.
The Woodstock College carried on as a college and became the first co-educational college in Canada. Due to a lack of students it closed in 1926.
The buildings were demolished in 195 He died on 15 Feb 1974 in Simcoe, Norfolk Co., Ontario. He was buried on 18 Feb 1974 in Oakwood Cemetery, Simcoe, Norfolk, Ontario. He was described as Height: 5' 8", Weight: 170 pounds 0 ounces, Medical: Had heart arrythma.. He has reference number 33.
BIRTH: Born in Delhi, Ontario, data from Registration of Birth, #G33123 for Wilbur Bruce Whitside born 25 of June, 1894 in Delhi, Ontario. Father a Traveller mother Mary E. Heath, Physician Dr. J. F. Housberger, registered 20 August, 1894, held by R. L. W.
From the Norfolk Reformer of 1894-07-05, "Whitside, to wife of W. H. Whitside a son 26 June 1894 in Delhi."
CENSUS DATA:
1901 Delhi, Middleton Tsp., with parents Wilbur and Mary E. Wilbur Bruce, son, born 25 June 1894, age 6 years, Irish descent.
EDUCATION. Although Bruce lived in Delhi, because there was no High School, he had to catch the train every day to attend Simcoe High School. It was no doubt here that he met Catharine Cameron who was to become his future wife. There are a number of mentions of this courtship in Catharine's diaries. Some of which are still in the hands of the family.
After High School he attended the Woodstock Baptist College in Woodstock, Ontario. Records lately attained show that he attended from 1912 to 1913. This ruins the story that he was attending the College when his father died and he had to enter the family business.
Bruce was born in June of 1894 so would have been 19 years old in 1913. What did he do between 1913 and 1916? Was he already working in the factory?
MARRIAGE: From Vital Statistics 1920 at Norfolk Historical Society. Reg.# 018133. See Marriage notes.
GENERAL DATA:
In the Simcoe Reformer of Feb. 27, 1913 is a picture of Bruce Whitside a member of the Simcoe Hockey Club who were Hockey champions for the 1912-1913 year.
From 75 years ago in the 1988 Simcoe Reformer, 1913 - Honor Roll students at the Simcoe High School in fourth form included the name of B. Whitside.
He moved to Simcoe in 1916 and on June 11, 1917 his mother bought what was to become the family home at 126 Colborne St. North in Simcoe. This was an old lovely brick home built and registered by George Kent in April of 1853 for Charles W. Coventon.
PICTURE: In the :Simcoe and Norfolk County" published by Pearce Publishing, Simcoe, Ontario, 1924 is shown a picture of a 1920-1-2 Baseball Club including B. Whitside, 1st base.
PICTURE: In the July 21/2000 issue of the Simcoe Reformer is a picture of a 1922 Football team part of the Great War Veteran's Association. Bruce Whitside is shown as a player on the team.
In the June 2, 1927 issue of the Simcoe Reformer it announced that on May
26, 1927, a Kinsmen Club was organized in Simcoe. B. W. Whitside was the
charter Secretary or Treasurer?
OCCUPATION: He was General Manager and President of The Simcoe Mitt & Glove Co. and Ranger Safety Products. See company history written by R. L. Whitside. Copies in Simcoe Library and Norfolk Historical Society an excerpt follow.
.
COMMUNITY SERVICE: He was very active in the community. In the Simcoe Reformer of November 30 of 1930 advised that a Municipal Election race was on with 9 candidates for Alderman. The 3 neophytes running included Bruce W. Whitside. Bruce Whitside was a member of the Board of Education for 3 years and is this years President of the local Kinsman Club. The December 7th issue of the Reformer advised he was elected. In following years he progressed through he position of Deputy Reeve, Reeve in 1939 and finally became Mayor of Simcoe in 1943 and 1944. He later was the Warden of Norfolk County after being Mayor.
He enjoyed being Deputy Reeve and Reeve as as this position allowed him to sit on the Norfolk County Council. He was Chairman of the Good Roads Committee and we enjoyed Sunday afternoon drives in our large Buick inspecting the roads of Norfolk.
He had been President of the Simcoe Kinsman Club in 1937/38. a The Simcoe Reformer of December 15, 1937 his picture was on the front page with the title B. W. Whitside "New Kinsman Club Head". He was elected to be District Governor of the Club in 1938/39. I well remember as all we children were farmed out during 2 weeks in the summer while mother and dad went to the Kinsman Convention in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
He was the head of Victory Bond sales during World War II for Norfolk County.
1951, April he was elected President of the Norfolk Ex-Warden's Association.
SANTA CLAUS: From the Simcoe Reformer of Dec. 24, 1987 Doug Stalker reminisces about Christmas past.
" In later years two prominent Simconians, Harvey Evans and Bruce Whitside, suitably dressed as Santa, would on a few evenings before Christmas, make the rounds of several homes where there were small children. Our kids got a big kick out of this. These fellows would come in and talk to them and ask them what they wanted for Christmas. When the
children answered Santa would look at the parents. If they nodded then he's say he'd bring it. If they indicated no, he'd say he didn't know if he could get that."
RESIDENCE: 1945: December 21, from the Simcoe Reformer reports fire completed gutted the interior of the home of B. W. Whitside on Colborne St. North this morning, loss estimated at more than $10,000. The Whitside home was one of the oldest (1865) residences in Simcoe having been erected close to a century ago by Dr. Charles W. Covernton, well known
medical practitioner in Simcoe in the middle of the 19th century.
Fire destroyed much of the interior of 126 Colborne on December 20 1946.
This was quite devastating. It was caused by the handyman McLaughlin piling hot cinders against storm windows in the basement. The family moved to the Kendall house that we were able to rent at 242 Norfolk Street South. As the war was not long over, it was very difficult to get furniture, carpeting and other items required . Bruce used his business contacts and in the end 126 Colborne was restored beautifully.
The steel roof didn't help matters but held the fire in until the volunteer firemen decided to cut a hole in it to get at the fire. Made a great chimney. It It was also pretty cold so Dad got one of the men from the factory to get the liquor out of the liquor cupboard to warm up the firemen. Mistake! The Simcoe Reformer reported that some of them were overcome by the smoke. Liquid smoke more likely?
On April 6 of 1950 he sold the family home at 126 Colborne St. to the family Doctor, Edwin S. Copeman.
HOBBIES: He was a member of the Phoenix Club of Simcoe on Argyle Street where he enjoyed many hands of poker.
They had a cottage in Turkey Point for many years called the KitWhit. It was sold in 1945. He was an ardent duck hunter in earlier years and played a very steady game of golf at the Norfolk Golf and Country Club and won a number of trophies.
He very often played 9 holes after work each week day and 18 holes on Saturday morning.
He lost and eye playing Intermediate Hockey in Simcoe. He stepped on to the ice from the player's dressing room at the end of the rink just as another player let a shot go at the net. He missed the net and hit Dad just over the eye.
DEATH:OBITUARY: From the Simcoe Reformer of February 16,1974 with picture. Service for Bruce W. Whitside, 79, 314 Norfolk South, Simcoe who died Friday in Norfolk General Hospital was held today at 2 p.m. at the Marvyn Veale Funeral Home. Reverend Ferguson Barr of St. Pauls Presbyterian Church officiated and burial was in Oakwood Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife the former Virginia McEntee, children, Mrs Paul (Mary) Gilbertson, William James, Robert L., Mrs. Donald (Edith) Kindy all of Simcoe and Mrs. Robert (Deanne) Hunter of North Bay. A step daughter Mrs. Walter (Sheila) Diakiw of Vancouver B.C., sisters Mrs J. (Evelyn) Macdonald and Mrs John (Pauline) McKinnon both Toronto, 16 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.
His first wife the former Catharine Cameron died in 1968.
Mr. Whitside was born in Delhi and educated in Delhi and in Woodstock. He was Chairman of the Board of Ranger Safety Products, the former Simcoe Mitt & Glove Co. In 1917 he instigated the companies move from Delhi to Simcoe. He was a member of St. Pauls Presbyterian Church, the Phoenix Club, the Norfolk Golf & Country Club, Officers Mess and Norfolk Lodge #16 AF & AM.
Mr. Whitside was past Warden of Norfolk County, past Mayor of Simcoe, Past President of the Simcoe Kinsman Club and Past Governor of District 1 the Association of Kinsman Clubs.
Pallbearers were Bruce and Christopher Whitside, Hugh Kindy, Paul Gilbertson Jr., Cameron Hunter, Eugene Heath, Clare Millhausen and Merrill Hare.
FUNERAL: Card held by Robert L. Whitside - "In Memory of Bruce W. Whitside, beloved husband of Virginia McEntee Sowden who passed away at Norfolk General Hospital, Simcoe, on Friday, February 15th 1974 in his 80th year. Mr. Whitside rested at the Marvyn M. Veale Funeral Home Ltd., Simcoe, where service was conducted on Monday February 18th at 2 P.M. Officiating Clergy Rev. Ferguson Barr St. Paul's Presbyterian Church. Casket Bearers,
Bruce Whitside, Paul Gilbertson Jr., Christopher Whitside, Cameron Hunter, Hugh Kindy, Eugene Heat. Honorary Bearers Clare Milhousen, Merrill Hare. Internment Oakwood Cemetery, Simcoe, Ontario.
Bruce was a sports fan, good natured, even tempered, talkative and a conservative. A very honest,sincere man and a good father.
The following is an excerpt from the book, " Gloves, Robes & Rainwear" a history of the families manufacturing companies, dated February, 2001 written by Robert L. Whitside. There are copies with family members and in the Simcoe Public Library and the archives of the Norfolk Historical Society in Simcoe.
CHAPTER 3
Bruce W. Whitside
1916 - 1969
With the death of Wilbur Whitside after a relatively short illness, (abdominal cancer), on June 17th, 1916 there was no one to manage the company, The Sovereen Mitt, Glove & Robe Company Ltd. in Delhi. Bruce Whitside was a student at Woodstock College and his older brother, Leroy, was overseas in the army. Because of his father's death he was required to leave school and take over as the manager of the Company. He had from June to December 1st 1916 to learn more about the operation of the business before fire burned the factory, completely to the ground. Quite an undertaking for a 22 year old. This factory burning meant that they either rebuild again in Delhi or move quickly to any available building. The rebuilding in Delhi would have taken some time and as theirs was a seasonal business, with deliveries to be made in the late fall, I can only assume that it was felt that, getting back in to business quickly, was very important. It appeared that there was an available building empty in Simcoe, so it was decided to move there.
This building at Pond and Water Street had been originally the N. C. Ford Distillery and had a number of additions made to it by 1916. B. W. Whitside, in January of 1917, approached Mr. G. Luscombe of the Unique Shoe Co. of Simcoe. From this came an agreement to put the Unique Shoe Company together with the Sovereen Mitt, Glove and Robe Company. The
Unique Shoe Company was formed on January 30th, 1914. Its office and equipment had been moved to Simcoe and they had built an addition on the building. We are assuming that this is the first addition to the south of the present building. In 1916 George Lucscombe , a prominent Simcoe businessman was the President of this company.
As they had to move to Simcoe, Bruce's mother Mary Elizabeth (Heath) Whitside purchased what was to become the family home at 126 Colborne Street. At the moment I can only assume that they sold the home in Delhi. On April 10, 1917, the name of the Unique Shoe Company was changed to the Simcoe Shoe and Glove Company Limited . At this point the Whitside's owned 50 shares out of the 265 new shares of the Company. By February, 1919, they owned 80 shares. On November 3 of 1919, a meeting of share holders of The Simcoe Shoe & Glove Company was held at the office of the Company to enact a by-law authorizing the Directors of the Company to sell the shoe business to the Allied Shoe Co. This was the shoe part of the business currently carried on by the Simcoe Shoe and Glove Co. (Bruce Whitside said that as fast as the Glove Co. made any money the shoe division lost it). This was done but The Allied Shoe Company only lasted another 2 years and declared bankruptcy in 1921. I believe it was then sold to the Tillsonburg Shoe Company that carried on for quite a number of years.
On March 13, 1922, the name of the Simcoe Shoe and Glove Company was changed to the Simcoe Mitt & Glove Company. Mr. Luscombe remained as President until March of 1928 at which time B. W. Whitside took over as President of the company, having gradually become the major shareholder.
By 1928 the newly formed Simcoe Mitt & Glove Co. was doing very well, its sales trebling that of the sales when they were in Delhi. It would appear that they made some kind of a deal with the newly formed British Knit Company . Merrill Hare one of the partners in the British Knit became a very close friend of Bruce Whitside. A new addition was built to the south and the British Knit moved into the lower floor of the original section plus the new section and the upstairs of the new section.
On February 11 of 1924 the salary of the Secretary/Treasurer and General Manager, Bruce Whitside was set at $50.00 per week.
In 1927, a committee of 3 members of the Board was set up to look in to the general affairs of the company and in May of the year, two of the Director, Mr. Murdoch and Sutton resigned and were replace by William G. Jackson and J. F. Cameron . Jackson was appointed Vice President. In July of the year, B. Whitside's salary was increased to $70.00 per week.
The British Knit remained in this building until their move to the old automotive plant on Head Street south in the late 1930's we believe. The section they were using was then rented to the Brewers Warehousing until the building was sold to Springstead.
Before 1939, the Simcoe Mitt & Glove Co. advertised that they were manufacturers of Mitts, Gloves, Gauntlets, Dress and Automobile Gloves and Glove-Makers' Supplies . They also made lined dress gloves, boy's mitts, men's mitts with a heavy lining. The main products used were grain cowhide, horsehide and sheepskin. Their phone number was 154.
Bruce Whitside ran the Company with the help of some outside Board members for the next 17 years. Most of them had money invested in the business. By 1939, half of the sales were export to England and Western Europe. At that time they were making gauntlet driving gloves that were almost like dress gloves. I also remember that they made dog skin gauntlets, with the hair still on, in kids gauntlet mitts. Also at that time the Sovereen Brand was still quite prominent.
By 1939 half of the company sales were export to Europe. They had sales to England, Belgium Holland and as well to Manchuria (China). Bruce Whitside made a trip to Europe every year, in early spring to get bookings that were for delivery in the fall of the year. Dad told of some pretty bad trips as the seas at this time of year were very rough. We children thought his trips were great as he always brought us different and great presents. Canadian sales were to department stores such as Simpsons, Eatons and Graftons and to hardware wholesalers such as Wood, Alexander & James and Walter Woods. They sold drygoods wholesalers such as Bradshaw & Sons in Toronto, G. L. Griffith in Stratford, and John
Garland in Ottawa also chain stores such as Stedmans and Zellers. Sales were either handled directly by Bruce or were through commission agents. After the war started in 1939, they lost some shipments to the German U-boats. That put an end to the export business. Also as the Germans overran Belgium and Holland, there were not any export customers left.
After the war when Bruce tried to recover some of this business he found that both the business and the people in Belgium and Holland were gone.
This would create a drastic change in the Company.
The main business during the war was making mitts and gloves for the armed services at strictly controlled prices. They also continued to sell to the wholesale trade at prices, wages and material costs that were totally controlled by the Wartime Price and Control Board. If you were honest, it was almost impossible to make any money, as raw materials were hard to come by and in most cases the costs were fixed.
Wartime was a very difficult time, especially trying to keep staff. The big plants in Brantford were paying far higher wages and were also short of men. Bruce had to do some fancy talking and almost bribery to keep his employees happy. Especially difficult for a very honest man.
When the war ended, England put on strict currency controls and a requirement of British content. By buying leather in England, we could meet these requirements. Cheap Quebec competition made this business almost a losing proposition. The Catholic Federation of Labour controlled the glove industry in Quebec and maintained their wage level at about 10% below that of Ontario manufacturers The loyalty of most of Simcoe's customers disappeared and they were forced to try to match Quebec prices. The result of all this was a drastic loss of business.
In 1943 the company had 265 common shares and 310 preferred shares. The total was valued at $100,000.00. While Bill was flying in the Air Force overseas he was sending most of his money home to his father for save keeping. Bruce in turn used this money to buy up some of the outside shareholders such as his mother in law, Esther Cameron, his brother in law, Jack Cameron and some others. At the end of the war Bill owned 10% of the common shares. This was a surprise to Bill. He had a job lined up with Provincial Air Services with an Airforce friend who was going to run it. He also thought he had accumulated $10,000, could buy a new car and would be sitting pretty.
At this time Dad was the owner manager with one girl in the office, Marion Sayer.
In 1945, after serving 5 years as a fighter pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force, William. J. Whitside returned to Simcoe and entered the family business. It certainly was not what Bill wanted to do but like his father before him, he seemed to be caught. Bruce was having health problems and very badly needed assistance and was counting on Bill. Bill and his father had always been close and Bruce just took it for granted that Bill, as the oldest son, would come in to the business with him.
Bill's original interests were on the production side of the business but because of Bruce Whitside's illness, he soon had to take over far more responsibilities and become involved in all aspects of the business.
The real change game when Bruce was hospitalized with a serious back problem and Bill really took over the production. He didn't like the setup of the production floor and decided to change it. Bruce Whitside didn't go upstairs to the production floor for three months after coming back to the office. It was just too much of a change for him I guess.
In December of 1945, the Company was offered a deal that they could not refuse. The Springstead Knitting Co. in the person of Mrs. H. C. Springstead bought the building. The Hood Knit Limited of Vittoria, (which was owned by Springstead), would occupy the far south portion of the second floor and took over the middle and south main floor which for the last seven years had been occupied by the Brewers Warehousing Company. The Simcoe Mitt & glove had a 10-year lease with a 10-year renewal clause and continued to occupy the main part of the upper floor and the north end of the building. Heat and maintenance were included.
The Simcoe Mitt & Glove Co. also held a mortgage on the building.
Springstead used the building as security for a loan from the Dominion Bank who held notes against it.
This turned out to be an excellent move as Springstead's went bankrupt and the building reverted to the Toronto Dominion Bank as security for their loan. When the Bank tried to sell it, there were no buyers. The reason was that the Simcoe Mitt & Glove CO's existing lease and much of the renewal was still in place as well as the mortgage. The Simcoe Mitt &
Glove Company then took over the building. We don't know whether any money changed hands but we don't think so. I believe this took place in 1956
Bill's designs and his staff's ability to make gloves with special patches and designs became a real strength of the company.
Work gloves were more and more being supplied, free of charge, by the companies to the workers. Part of this was due to Union pressure and other part for safety reasons. Luckily for Bill, the most junior purchasing agents handled this type of product and most were returned veterans.
By 1950 Bill was working 60 hours a week. He would be on the road selling all week, back in to the factory on Saturday and Sunday with Eileen Lutes (Leo's wife) making samples to send out or to take to potential customers. He was also still in charge of all production. Bill had developed an ulcer and decided enough was enough. He realized that he just couldn't continue this way and needed help. After service in the Royal Canadian Air Force I had graduated from the University of Western Ontario. I was working in Public Relations for the
Ontario Hydro in Toronto, for the Frequency Conversion Division. Bill asked me it I would come in as a partner and take over the sales. Dad didn't agree with bringing me into the business. He said there would never be enough money in the Factory to support three families. . Dad didn't have much choice as Bill made it pretty plain how he felt about
the whole situation. In fact Bill threatened to quit.
I agreed to come back to Simcoe, and joined the Company in April of 1950. I was to take sales off Bill's hands. Bill worked with me for the first three weeks and then some problem came up and I was on my own. I also eventually did all of the buying of the resale glove items. When I started the sales for the previous year (1949) were $265,000.00
Now the company started to grow and by 1955 sales were up to $430,000 and we were making a profit. This didn't seem much in the light of today's dollar but back then it looked pretty good. Price increases were seldom necessary and inflation was low.
As mentioned before a big day came with the bankruptcy of Springstead in 1956 and the return of the building to us. They had built nice new offices with mahogany coloured wood paneled walls. We moved in and finally had private offices with our names on the door . That was a big morale lift. For a while we made the old offices in the north end of the building, the sales office, so I found myself sitting in Dad's old office that he had occupied since 1916.
During this time Bruce was still involved in the business. He picked up the mail from the post office, opened it and sorted it. He liked doing this because it let him keep track of what was going on. It was a little frustrating for Bill when he was waiting for the days orders and Dad was late.
We maintained an office for him and made a guarantee of salary. He kept track of the bank loan and still had a few customers that he called on. He also was a great sounding board for both Bill and I and offered some pretty good advice based on his years in the business. I can always remember some of his opening comments beginning with "you birds have got
to learn, etc."
Bruce cut the ribbon when we opened our new factory in 1969 and by this time the mail was delivered to the factory so he came to the factory when he felt like it. He sat on the Board but was now remarried and enjoyed retirement keeping his office as a place to come and do his own work and plan trips. We were always glad to have him around.
Bruce Wilbur WHITSIDE and Catharine Gladys CAMERON were married on 1 Jan 1920 in Simcoe, Norfolk Co., Ontario. From Vital Statistic, marriages for 1920, Registration #018133: Whitside, Bruce Wilbur, age 25, resident Town of Simcoe, Place of birth Village of Delhi, Bachelor, Manufacturer, Baptist, father-Whitside, Wilbur Henry, Maiden name of mother-Heath, Mary Elizabeth, Intended place of marriage, Simcoe, Norfolk County - TO- Cameron, Catharine Gladys, 23 years, residence-town of Simcoe, born Chatham, spinster, no occupation, Presbyterian, father-Cameron, William Leslie, maiden name of mother, Willey, Esther.
Witnesses: Margaret D. McCall of Simcoe, Ont and W. Steacy of Simcoe at Simcoe, Melbourne Hotel.
Clergyman: Robert Campbell of 66 Glen Rd, Rexdale, Toronto, Presbyterian.
Note: Catharine's father had died before this and she was living with her mother who owned the Melbourne Hotel and had a suite of rooms in the hotel, hence the marriage in the hotel. The bride's witness was the daughter of her eldest sister, Ethyl Amanda McCall. Ethyl's husband managed the hotel.
Registered on 27th of Dec., 1919 Catharine Gladys CAMERON was born on 6 Oct 1896 in Chatham, ONT. She was buried in Apr 1958 in Oakwood Cemetery, Simcoe, Norfolk, Ontario. In Oakwood Cemetery Records, "Whitside, Catharine, April 20, 1958 born on
Oct 6 1896, Chatham Ontario, buried in K-29-5 plot.
This is the Whitside plot. She died on 20 Apr 1958 in Simcoe, Norfolk Co., Ontario. She has reference number 3399. My mother!
BIRTH: From Vital Statistics for Ontario, 1896,"Gladys Catharine Cameron, Chatham, Kent County, Born 10-06-96, Registration # 016054. This data was obtained from the Genealogy section in the Chatham Public Library.
HOBBIES: She was an artist all her life in both watercolors and oils. She began painting by decorating invitations to the Home & School and the Ladies Aid Society. She was always well dressed and artistic. From the Simcoe Reformer of May 1940, Mrs. Bruce Whitside was elected president of the Simcoe Home and School Association at the annual meeting. She was also the President of Presbyterian Church Groups. She was the President of the Simcoe Travel Club, 1937-1938. President of the Kinette Club of Simcoe, 1945. This data is from her diary and a scrapbook that she kept.
MARRIAGE: A wedding announcement reads " Mrs. Esther Cameron announces the marriage of her daughter Catharine to Mr. Bruce Wilbur Whitside on Thursday, January the first nineteen hundred and twenty - Simcoe.
MARRIAGE: The Cameron Family Tree by Grace Cummings 1972 professionally printed, yellow cover. Family members and The Norfolk Historical Society in Simcoe, Ont. have copies. Yellow cover, 120 pages.
DEATH: From a funeral card from Veale Funeral Home, "Entered Into Rest - At Norfolk General Hospital Sunday, April 20, 1958, Catharine G. Cameron, Beloved wife of Bruce W. Whitside in her 62nd year." THE FUNERAL - "Mrs. Whitside is resting at the Marvyn M. Veale Funeral Home at 214 Norfolk St. S. Simcoe. Service will be conducted from St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, on Tuesday, April 22nd. at 2 p.m. Internment Oakwood Cemetery." Officiating Clergy was Rev. Donald C. MacDonald. Casket Bearers were William Cameron, Jack Cameron, John Macdonald, Thomas McCall, David Price and Arthur Kent. Honorary Bearers were H. G. Evans, C. E. West, M. H. Hare, David Gilbertson, Clare Milhausen and Harold Heath. OBITUARY: From the Simcoe Reformer of April 23, 1958, page 8, "Mrs. B. W. Whitside a resident of Simcoe most of her life". Mrs. Bruce W. Whitside 314 Norfolk Street South died suddenly, Sunday morning in Norfolk General Hospital in her 62nd year.
The former Catharine G. Cameron, deceased born in Chatham, was the daughter of the former William L. Cameron and Esther Willey. A member of St. Pauls Presbyterian Church, she was active in the Ladies Aid, a Past President of the Simcoe Kinnette Club and the Home and School Association and had been active in other organizations.
Surviving beside her husband whom she married in Simcoe in 1920 are 2 sons William James Whitside RR 2 Simcoe and Robert L. Whitside of Simcoe; 3 daughters Mrs. Paul Gilbertson (Mary), Mrs. Donald Kindy (Edith) both of Simcoe and Mrs. Robert Hunter (Deanne) of North Bay, one brother Bruce Cameron of Port Dover, one sister Mrs. J. S. Hawley (Edith) of Toronto and 12 grandchildren.
Resting at the Marvyn M. Veale Funeral Home for private service on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. followed by public service at St. Pauls Presbyterian Church at 2 o'clock and internment in Oakwood Cemetery.
BURIED: in Whitside family plot K29-5 in Oakwood Cemetery, Simcoe,Ont. from Cemetery Records at Norfolk Historical. Society. Simcoe, Ont. Data from personal knowledge and from her diaries, (Diary of Catharine (Cameron) Whitside ) and her scrap book. Bruce Wilbur WHITSIDE and Catharine Gladys CAMERON had the following children:
+9 i. Mary Catharine WHITSIDE.
+10 ii. William James WHITSIDE, born on 19 Jan 1922, Simcoe, Norfolk Co., Ontario; died on 26 Mar 2001, Simcoe, Norfolk Co., Ontario.
+11 iii. Robert Leroy (Bob) WHITSIDE B.A..
+12 iv. Edith Lorraine v WHITSIDE.
+13 v. Diane Louise v (Deanne) WHITSIDE R.N..
Bruce Wilbur WHITSIDE and Virginia MCENTEE-SOWDEN B.A. were married in 1969. Virginia MCENTEE-SOWDEN B.A. was born on 27 Jul 1907 in Utah, U.S.A.. She died on 18 Jul 1981 in Simcoe, Norfolk Co., Ontario. She was buried on 20 Jul 1981 in Simcoe, Norfolk Co., Ontario. She was described as Medical: She had a number of debilitating small strokes. In the end she. She has reference number 144. She had the nickname Virginia was married and widowed after marriage to Robert Sowden of Simcoe and married B. W. Whitside as a second marriage for both. She had 2 children, Robert and Sheila Sowden by her first Husband who died at an early age. They had built a lovely stone house about 3 miles south of Simcoe.
EDUCATION: She was a graduate in psychology from the University of Utah with a B.A. worked as a social worker for the former Children's Aid Society. She came to Simcoe in 1932 and was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church.
OBITUARY: From the Simcoe Reformer: VIRGINIA WHITSIDE, ACTIVE IN CHURCH, COMMUNITY GROUPS Virginia Sowden Whitside, a member of many Simcoe church and community organizations and former social worker, died Sunday at Norfolk General Hospital. Whitside had a degree in psychology from the University of Utah and worked as a social worker for the former Norfolk Children's Aid Society. She was a member of that board for several years. She came to this district in 1932 and was a member of St. Mary's Church, the Catholic Women's League, the past president of St. Mary's Altar Society, a charter member of the Simcoe Curling Club and of the Simcoe Little Theatre. She was also associated with the Norfolk Unit of the Cancer Society. She was born in Salt Lake City. Her first husband, R. W. Sowden died in 1942. She remarried to Bruce Whitside in 1959, (actually 1969) who died in 1974. She is survived by sons and daughters, Mrs. W. R. (Sheila) Diakiw of Vancouver, Robert McEntee Sowden of Whitby, William James Whitside of Port Rowan, Robert L. Whitside of Simcoe, Mrs. Paul (Mary) Gilbertson of Simcoe, Mrs. Robert (Diane) Hunter of North Bay, and Mrs. Donald (Edith) Kindy of Simcoe. Also she was the sister of F. J. McEntee of Beverly Hills, California and was predeceased by a brother Cameron and a sister Theresa. Mrs. Whitside was in her 74th year. Marvyn M. Veal Funeral Home in Simcoe is in charge of the arrangements. Prayers were said at the funeral home Sunday by members of the Women's League and requiem mass was offered at St Mary's Church today at 11:00 a.m. with internment in Oakwood Cemetery. BURIAL: in the Whitside plot in Oakwood Cemetery, Simcoe, Ont.
5. Pauline Eula WHITSIDE (Wilbur Henry-1) was born on 1 Jul 1900. BIRTH: From the Norfolk Historical Society books of Ontario Vital Statistics, 1900 page 6: Whitside, Eula Pauline, Female, July 1, 1900, Father-Henry Wilbur Whitside, Mother-Mary Elizabeth Heath. Occupation of father-Traveller, Rat Portage. Physician, W.E. Tisdale. Person making return, M. E. Whitside on August 13, 1900. REGISTRATION # 026382 (1900) She died on 25 Feb 1987. She has reference number 2845.
BIRTH: From Ontario Vital Statistics, Registration # 026382 (1900)
Whitside, Eula Pauline, Female, July 1, 1900, Father Henry Wilbur Whitside, Mother Mary Elizabeth Heath, Occupation of Father, Traveller - Rat Portage, Physician W.E. Tisdale, Person making return, M. E. Whitside on August 13, 1900.
CENSUS: 1901 for Delhi, Middleton Tsp. She is listed with her parents Wilbur and Mary E. and brothers and sister. Eula Pauline, born July 1st, 1900 aged 8 months old and of Irish descent. DEATH: Mary (Whitside) Gilbertson reports she died in her 86th year and I believe she was in Ottawa. Mary (Macdonald) Jennings furnished her death date.
OCCUPATION: She was a R.N. graduate nurse we think from Hamilton General Hospital as she is remembered as attending their reunions. We would guess that she graduated about 1921 and worked throughout her married years as her husband was studying and money was short. After his death at such a young age she was required to continue to work to support herself and 2 children.
MARRIAGE: We know she married John Brick McKinnon from personal knowledge after graduation from Nurse training. I remember hearing that her husband was older than she was and she was married a little later in life. I would judge between 1925 and 1929.
DEATH: Date supplied by Mary (Macdonald) Jenning. On checking the Simcoe Reformer at the time of her death and in the following month, there is no mention of it. I can only assume at the time of her death in the Ottawa area that no one thought to put anything in the newspaper in Simcoe.
BURIAL: She is not buried in the family plot in Delhi so one has to assume that she was buried with her husband in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Toronto.
Pauline Eula WHITSIDE and John Brick MCKINNON were married. John Brick MCKINNON was born on 26 Nov 1904 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He died on 27 Nov 1943. He was buried on 29 Nov 1943 in Mt Pleasant Cemetery, ONT. He has reference number 1931. He was a graduate of Actuarial Science.
OBITUARY: The Simcoe Reformer, November 29 1943, "John Brick McKinnon",
39, consulting actuary, died suddenly at his home on Saturday, Adbury
Gardens, Toronto. Born in Winnipeg, attended schools in Brampton, he came
to Toronto about 11 years ago. He was a member of the Actuarial Science
of America and been associated in his work with Hugh Wolfenden. He is
survived by his wife formerly Pauline Whitside, sister of Mayor of
Simcoe, B. W. Whitside, 2 children, Pauline and John, 2 sisters, Mrs L.
J. Chubb, and Miss L. McKinnon and one brother Douglas all of Toronto.
Funeral services are to be held at the family residence, Monday afternoon
with internment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Pauline Eula WHITSIDE and John Brick MCKINNON had the following children:
+14 i. Pauline Elizabeth MCKINNON.
+15 ii. John Strachan MCKINNON.
Third Generation
6. Helen Mary MACDONALD R.N. (Mary Evelyn WHITSIDE-2, Wilbur Henry-1) was born.
Richard Hubert JENNINGS was born. Helen Mary MACDONALD R.N. and Richard Hubert JENNINGS had the following children:
+16 i. Paul Harry JENNINGS.
7. Margaret Jean MACDONALD B.A. (Mary Evelyn WHITSIDE-2, Wilbur Henry-1) was born.
Stanley Owen CARTER was born. Margaret Jean MACDONALD B.A. and Stanley Owen CARTER had the following children:
+17 i. Douglas Owen Boyd CARTER.
+18 ii. Sylvia Jane CARTER.
+19 iii. Mary Terrington CARTER.
8. John Angus MACDONALD B.SC. (Mary Evelyn WHITSIDE-2, Wilbur Henry-1) was born on 22 May 1927 in Toronto, Ontario. He was buried between Sep 1990 and Jan in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, London, Ontario. He died on 20 Sep 1990 in London, Ontario. He was buried on 24 Sep 1990 in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, London, Ontario. He has reference number 1786. EDUCATION: John was a graduate in Business Engineering from the University of Toronto. OCCUPATION: He had a consulting engineering business in London as well as other allied type of businesses. The first was John A. Macdonald London Limited which was was indoor construction. another was OP, (Ontario Panelling). This was a company that made large prefab concrete slabs for buildings.
MEDICAL: He died after a 2 or 3 year fight with malignant melanoma cancer. He died when it reached the brain. He had an extremely large funeral in the United Church, Queens Ave. London. A very popular man with many friends. After his death his wife, Ada, set up a trust with the London Cancer Society, "John A. Macdonald Malignant Melanoma Fund. This has since been changed to John A. Macdonald Melanoma Fund. John, nicknamed Monk, had a ski chalet at Osler and a cottage at Point Au Baril.
BURIED: Mt Pleasant Cemetery, London, Ont. All data for this family provided by his sisters Mary Macdonald) Jennings of Kleinburg, Ont. and Jeanne (Macdonald) Carter on Nov. 14/01.
Ada Moira MACPHERSON was born. John Angus MACDONALD B.SC. and Ada Moira MACPHERSON had the following children:
+20 i. James William MACDONALD.
+21 ii. Philip Angus MACDONALD.
+22 iii. Robert Bruce MACDONALD.
+23 iv. Jani