Various stories of lost Home Children who died young
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The British Colonist, October 4, 1906
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John Kenyon
Surname: KENYON
Given Name: John Age: 9 Sex: M Ship: Numidian Year of Arrival: 1901 Departure Port: Liverpool Departure Date: 1901-07-18 Arrival Port: Quebec Arrival Date: 1901-07-20 Party: Barnardo Homes Comments: Large party of Dr. Barnardo's children, 239 to Toronto, 68 to Winnipeg, 20 to Russell, Manitoba and 3 to Peterborough, Ontario. Source: Library and Archives Canada Reference: RG 76 C1a Microfilm: T-480 Type of Record: Passenger Lists |
Walter Bryenton
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Stanley CollinsSurname: COLLINS Given Name: Stanley Age: 9 Sex: M Ship: Corinthian Year of Arrival: 1914 Departure Port: London Departure Date: 1914-06-16 Arrival Port: Quebec Arrival Date: 1914-07-01 Party: Barnardo Homes Destination: Toronto, Ontario Comments: See also T-5563 Source: Library and Archives Canada Reference: RG 76 C1a Microfilm: T-4810 Type of Record: Passenger Lists
George Kirkham
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James Eddington
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Surname: EDDINGTON
Given Name: James Age: 16 Sex: M Ship: Sarnia Year of Arrival: 1894 Departure Port: Liverpool Departure Date: 1894-03-29 Arrival Port: Portland Arrival Date: 1894-04-11 Party: Barnardo Homes Destination: Winnipeg, Manitoba Comments: This passenger list is included in the Halifax film, reel C-4516. Source: Library and Archives Canada Reference: RG 76 C1b Microfilm: C-4516 Type of Record: Passenger Lists 
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Above Ups and Downs August 1895 editionUps and Downs October 1, 1895 Volume 1, No. 3.
DEATH'S CALL: HOPE Charles who came to Canada in 1892 went from Dorking to Manitoba for the harvest work. Mr Terry of Dorking received the news that Charles broke his neck in a fall from a load of hay and died immediately. His mother is in England. This is the 3rd death in as many months, following as it does the passing of: EDDINGTON James and ASHWORTH Charles. Also mentioned is Alfred E Relf: Alfred came to Canada in 1892 along with his brother Samuel.Father: Samuel RELF,law clerk, born 1852 Islington,died 1889 Islington Mother:Elizabeth HOLLIDAY born 1853 in Islington Samuel & Elizabeth were married in 1877.1901 census: Domestic on the farm of Jervis W. ELLIOTT in Albion, Cardwell,Ontario near Orangeville. from www.britishhomechildren.org |
Charles Hope
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Surname: HOPE
Given Name: Charles Age: 16 Sex: M Ship: Carthaginian Year of Arrival: 1892 Departure Port: Liverpool Departure Date: 1892-03-17 Arrival Port: Halifax Arrival Date: 1892-03-27 Party: Barnardo Homes Destination: Toronto, Ontario and Winnipeg, Manitoba Comments: 303 children with Mr. Owen Notes: The child's surname was illegible or difficult to decipher Source: Library and Archives Canada Reference: RG 76 C1b Microfilm: C-4515 Type of Record: Passenger Lists Also mentioned in this article is Wm. Ashworth |
William John Ashworth
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William J Ashworth
Age:12 Sex:M Ship:Mongolian Year of Arrival:1892 Departure Port:Liverpoo lDeparture Date:1892-06-23 Arrival Port:Quebec Arrival Date:1892-07-04 Party:Barnardo Homes Destination:Toronto, Ontario and Winnipeg, Manitoba Comments:160 boys to Toronto and 35 boys to Winnipeg, Manitoba Source:Library and Archives Canada Reference:RG 76 C1aMicrofilm:C-4538 |
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Edwin Priest - died July 1902 - 18 years old
Ten year old Edwin Priest arrived in Canada aboard the Dominion on 1898-09-23. He was one of 86 boys and 122 girls brought to Canada by the Dr. Barnardo Homes in England. Ten of these children were heading out to the Barnardo Training farm in Russell, Manitoba. Edwin was one of those children.
Edwin perished in an accidental swimming incident in July of 1902.
Edwin perished in an accidental swimming incident in July of 1902.
Samuel Cummings
The Toronto Daily Star, August 31 1901
Paris Green - also called Schweinfurt green, an extremely poisonous, bright green powder that was formerly used extensively as a pigment (e.g., in wallpaper) and that is sometimes used as an insecticide or to kill plant fungi; it must be used with great caution because of its poisonous nature
In March, 1901, Samuel Cummings, 10, arrived in Portland, Maine, with a group of 260 Dr. Barnardo children. In April of 1901, Samuel was placed on the farm of Robert Ritchie of East Luther, Ontario, Canada. In the 1901 census he is in Wellington North (#125), subdistrict Luther (East) G 2, page 11 with the Ritchie family - he is listed as 13, born April 15, 1883. Source: RootsWeb and www.britishhomechildren.org
Paris Green - also called Schweinfurt green, an extremely poisonous, bright green powder that was formerly used extensively as a pigment (e.g., in wallpaper) and that is sometimes used as an insecticide or to kill plant fungi; it must be used with great caution because of its poisonous nature
In March, 1901, Samuel Cummings, 10, arrived in Portland, Maine, with a group of 260 Dr. Barnardo children. In April of 1901, Samuel was placed on the farm of Robert Ritchie of East Luther, Ontario, Canada. In the 1901 census he is in Wellington North (#125), subdistrict Luther (East) G 2, page 11 with the Ritchie family - he is listed as 13, born April 15, 1883. Source: RootsWeb and www.britishhomechildren.org
Hewell
The Evening Star, Wednesday October 21 1896
John William Webb
The Toronto Star, Tuesday September 16 1916
John WilliamAge:11Sex:MShip:SicilianYear of Arrival:1911Departure Port:LondonDeparture Date:1911-06-29Arrival Port:QuebecArrival Date:1911-07-11Party:Barnardo HomesDestination:Toronto, OntarioComments:Party of BoysSource:Library and Archives CanadaReference:RG 76 C1aMicrofilm:T-4778Type of Record:Passenger Lists
John william K Webb
Age: 7
Address: 116 Caledonian Rd
Institution: SJR [St John's Rd workhouse?]
Status: Deserted (by parents)
Faith: Church of England
Examined: 14th Feb 1907
Sent to: CRW [Caledonian Rd Workhouse?]
John WilliamAge:11Sex:MShip:SicilianYear of Arrival:1911Departure Port:LondonDeparture Date:1911-06-29Arrival Port:QuebecArrival Date:1911-07-11Party:Barnardo HomesDestination:Toronto, OntarioComments:Party of BoysSource:Library and Archives CanadaReference:RG 76 C1aMicrofilm:T-4778Type of Record:Passenger Lists
John william K Webb
Age: 7
Address: 116 Caledonian Rd
Institution: SJR [St John's Rd workhouse?]
Status: Deserted (by parents)
Faith: Church of England
Examined: 14th Feb 1907
Sent to: CRW [Caledonian Rd Workhouse?]
Nottingham Evening Post - Monday 28 January 1924
John Frederick William Payne (the newspaper mistakenly called him John Page) & Charles Bulpitt
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John Page, aged 15
Charles Bulpitt On November 27, 1923, the Marchmont Home received a letter from Charlie: "No doubt you received a letter from Mr. Cox about two weeks ago telling you about the way I had treated him. I have also read that letter and know it is all true. You will be ashamed to think I did that and I am ashamed myself of it. I have been staying here since that time thinking that you will send for me to take me away from here, but if you will let me, I will stay here a little longer. If Mr. Cox will let me. Perhaps he is only waiting to get a new boy in my place before he lets me go. That day you were here you said that you would give me a photograph. I suppose it was the one that was taken of the band in front of the home, so if you still have one left and as you forgot to give me one, you might kindly give it to me when you write, telling me what you intend to do with me, I am, your sinful client, C Bulpitt" On December 22, 1923, after only 4 months on the placement, Charles Thomas Bulpitt died by suicide, hanging himself at 6th Con., Lot 4, Colborne, Ontario, Canada. He was buried in Colborne Cemetery on December 24, 1923. |
The Manitoba Free Press Winnipeg, Manitoba Monday, Jan 28, 1924 page 6
London, Jan 27 - Little or no comment has appeared in the London newspapers regarding the suicide of Barnardo Home Boys in Ontario, The Evening News gave prominence to the inquest of the Bulpitt boy at Goderich, along with an interview with Miss Birt, at whose Liverpool sheltering home the boy stayed when enroute to Canada. Miss Birt says the inquest revelations were inexplicable to her, adding that the farmer to whom Bulpitt was sent was "one of the most up-to-date in Canada." The News adds a note from the Canadian Immigration department, which says that the system of inspecting homes in Canada is more rigid in the case of pauper children than in other cases and that the department could not be blamed for isolated cases, even if it could be proved that Bulpitt had been placed in an unsuitable home. The Southampton board of guardians will discuss the case on Tuesday. The Weekly Dispatch says inquiries are being made in London regarding the system of inspecting homes in Canada to which boy emigrants are sent. Prosecution Recommended (Canadian Press Dispatch) ****** Ottawa, Jan 26 - Prosecution of Benson Cox, the Huron County farmer, accused of ill-treating an immigrant boy, Charlie Bulpitt, who committed suicide, has been recommended to the provincial authorities by the department of immigration.Officials of the department stated this morning that the boy had been in Canada only six months, nearly all of which had been spent on the farm of Cox. The homes where these immigrant boys are placed are subject to regular inspection, it was stated, and the time for an inspection of the Cox home was almost due. The ground is taken that the prosecution of Cox is a provincial matter but the Dominion authorities are naturally interest and will probably press for it. Charles Bulpitt's death is registered as Charles Bulbitt, age 16, born in England, parents unknown, at place of death 4 months,in Ontario 4 months He died on Dec 22, 1923 and was buried in Colborne Cemetery on Dec 24, 1923
London, Jan 27 - Little or no comment has appeared in the London newspapers regarding the suicide of Barnardo Home Boys in Ontario, The Evening News gave prominence to the inquest of the Bulpitt boy at Goderich, along with an interview with Miss Birt, at whose Liverpool sheltering home the boy stayed when enroute to Canada. Miss Birt says the inquest revelations were inexplicable to her, adding that the farmer to whom Bulpitt was sent was "one of the most up-to-date in Canada." The News adds a note from the Canadian Immigration department, which says that the system of inspecting homes in Canada is more rigid in the case of pauper children than in other cases and that the department could not be blamed for isolated cases, even if it could be proved that Bulpitt had been placed in an unsuitable home. The Southampton board of guardians will discuss the case on Tuesday. The Weekly Dispatch says inquiries are being made in London regarding the system of inspecting homes in Canada to which boy emigrants are sent. Prosecution Recommended (Canadian Press Dispatch) ****** Ottawa, Jan 26 - Prosecution of Benson Cox, the Huron County farmer, accused of ill-treating an immigrant boy, Charlie Bulpitt, who committed suicide, has been recommended to the provincial authorities by the department of immigration.Officials of the department stated this morning that the boy had been in Canada only six months, nearly all of which had been spent on the farm of Cox. The homes where these immigrant boys are placed are subject to regular inspection, it was stated, and the time for an inspection of the Cox home was almost due. The ground is taken that the prosecution of Cox is a provincial matter but the Dominion authorities are naturally interest and will probably press for it. Charles Bulpitt's death is registered as Charles Bulbitt, age 16, born in England, parents unknown, at place of death 4 months,in Ontario 4 months He died on Dec 22, 1923 and was buried in Colborne Cemetery on Dec 24, 1923
The Tragedy of Mary Elizabeth Whittaker, "Housemaid" 1910
"Miss Whitaker had been given to fits of melancholy...."
Sad words to mark a tragic end to a young life.
The year is 1910. A 17-year old 'housemaid' is found dead of poisoning in the backyard of her former employer. She was Mary Whittaker/Whiteacre/Whitticar (depending on which document you find) and she was a Barnardo Home Child.
Bates and Dodds Funeral home is still on Queen West in Toronto, where it has been since 1884. It was from this funeral home that Mary was buried. We don't know where.
Mary's death certificate reads:
Mary Whitticar, 11 Jul 1910, 18yr8mo, b England, domestic.
Physician: R J Whelan,
Informant: Wm G Stuart of 901 Queen St W,poisoning fromcarbolic acid/2-3hrs, convulsions, Toronto, York
From the Toronto Star issued dated July 12, 1910:
"A GIRL TOOK POISON, WAS FOUND IN GARDEN
Went Into Yard of Former Employer's House & Drank Laudanum and Carbolic Acid
Grieved because she had to leave her former mistress, Mary Whitaker, an English maid, committed suicide at the home of C.E. Linstrum, 56 Albany Avenue.
Miss Whitaker was brought out by the Barnard home several years ago. She had been employed as a domestic in Mr. Linstrum's family for a year and a half, and had always been treated very kindly by them. As the family were leaving the city, she was told she would have to leave on Saturday, and it was supposed that she had taken another place in the city. On Sunday night, she visited the Linstrums. She left, and then returned, and then finally left, and was not seen again until her rigid body was found in the garden yesterday, with a bottle of laudanum and one of carbolic acid by her side.
Miss Whitaker had been given to fits of melancholy, and it is supposed that it was in one of these that she took the poison.
Miss Whitaker was a little over 18 years of age. Dr. A. Wilson, medical officer of the Barnardo Home, was called, and he, with Coroner Dr. Wilson, decided an inquest was unnessary. the remains were removed to Bates and dodds undertaking rooms, Queen west, whence the funeral will be held tomorrow morning."
Sad words to mark a tragic end to a young life.
The year is 1910. A 17-year old 'housemaid' is found dead of poisoning in the backyard of her former employer. She was Mary Whittaker/Whiteacre/Whitticar (depending on which document you find) and she was a Barnardo Home Child.
Bates and Dodds Funeral home is still on Queen West in Toronto, where it has been since 1884. It was from this funeral home that Mary was buried. We don't know where.
Mary's death certificate reads:
Mary Whitticar, 11 Jul 1910, 18yr8mo, b England, domestic.
Physician: R J Whelan,
Informant: Wm G Stuart of 901 Queen St W,poisoning fromcarbolic acid/2-3hrs, convulsions, Toronto, York
From the Toronto Star issued dated July 12, 1910:
"A GIRL TOOK POISON, WAS FOUND IN GARDEN
Went Into Yard of Former Employer's House & Drank Laudanum and Carbolic Acid
Grieved because she had to leave her former mistress, Mary Whitaker, an English maid, committed suicide at the home of C.E. Linstrum, 56 Albany Avenue.
Miss Whitaker was brought out by the Barnard home several years ago. She had been employed as a domestic in Mr. Linstrum's family for a year and a half, and had always been treated very kindly by them. As the family were leaving the city, she was told she would have to leave on Saturday, and it was supposed that she had taken another place in the city. On Sunday night, she visited the Linstrums. She left, and then returned, and then finally left, and was not seen again until her rigid body was found in the garden yesterday, with a bottle of laudanum and one of carbolic acid by her side.
Miss Whitaker had been given to fits of melancholy, and it is supposed that it was in one of these that she took the poison.
Miss Whitaker was a little over 18 years of age. Dr. A. Wilson, medical officer of the Barnardo Home, was called, and he, with Coroner Dr. Wilson, decided an inquest was unnessary. the remains were removed to Bates and dodds undertaking rooms, Queen west, whence the funeral will be held tomorrow morning."
Clarence Martin, sent to Canada via 'Shatfbury'
Clarence Martin, 18, arrived at Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, on April 7, 1895, on the ship Vancouver, with Dr. Stephenson's party (National Childrens Home):
Hamilton Spectator, March 23, 1897
MARTIN - Clarence Martin, a fine-featured, intelligent-looking young Englishman, for the past two years employed by William Freeman of Binbrook as a farm hand, put an abrupt end to what gave every promise of being a happy and successful life by hanging himself yesterday afternoon. Martin was an orphan, coming to Canada some years ago in care of the Shaftsbury home management. About two years ago he hired out to Mr. Freeman, and has worked for him ever since. He was generally like by the country people who knew him, and was industrious and faithful in his work. A pernicious habit, fatal to his good health and mental balance and believed to have been the cause of his rash act. He was in his 21st year.
Yesterday afternoon young Martin was about the house up until 3:30 when Mrs. Freeman told him to go out and do the chores in the yard, and around the barn. Before he went out, Mrs. Freeman asked him what he intended doing this summer, and whether he intended staying on or going to work somewhere else. He replied that he would work in some other world or else in old England. This was the last thing he said to anyone, going right out into the barnyard. Mrs. Freeman did not think anything more of him until tea time, when he could not be found. Mr. Freeman came home and discovered that the chores had not been done. He started in to do them himself, and when climbing up into the hay mow was astonished to see the young fellow hanging from a rafter brace. He did not wait to make investigation beyond discovering that the body was stiff and cold, but hurried to Bartonville, there summoning Dr. Alway, who went out and cut the body down. Early this morning it was removed to Green’s private morgue on King Street East, and Coroner White notified. The doctors held a consultation this morning and decided that an inquest was not necessary. The funeral will be held to-morrow morning at ten o’clock from Green’s undertaking rooms.
The suicide seemed to have been carefully planned. A heavy rope was used, fastened to the brace in the rafters over the entrance to the loft. A slip noose was used in the rope, and putting it around his neck Martin stepped from the floor into the opening from the ground floor. Death was caused by strangulation.
Tuesday March 23, 1897
Toronto Star
A WAIF'S SUICIDE
Clarence Martin, a Farm Hand, Once Inmate of a Children's Home Hangs Himself Near Hamilton
Star Special. Hamilton, March 23.
The remains of Clarence Martin, aged 21, farm hand in the employ of Wm. Freeman, Binbrook township, were brought to the city this morning for interment.
Deceased, who was formerly an inmate of Rev. Dr. Stephenson's Children's Home here committed suicide yesterday afternoon by hanging himself in a hayloft of his employer's barn.
The deed was due to melancholy, the result of habits to which the young man was addicted. He had not relatives in Canada.
MARTIN - Clarence Martin, a fine-featured, intelligent-looking young Englishman, for the past two years employed by William Freeman of Binbrook as a farm hand, put an abrupt end to what gave every promise of being a happy and successful life by hanging himself yesterday afternoon. Martin was an orphan, coming to Canada some years ago in care of the Shaftsbury home management. About two years ago he hired out to Mr. Freeman, and has worked for him ever since. He was generally like by the country people who knew him, and was industrious and faithful in his work. A pernicious habit, fatal to his good health and mental balance and believed to have been the cause of his rash act. He was in his 21st year.
Yesterday afternoon young Martin was about the house up until 3:30 when Mrs. Freeman told him to go out and do the chores in the yard, and around the barn. Before he went out, Mrs. Freeman asked him what he intended doing this summer, and whether he intended staying on or going to work somewhere else. He replied that he would work in some other world or else in old England. This was the last thing he said to anyone, going right out into the barnyard. Mrs. Freeman did not think anything more of him until tea time, when he could not be found. Mr. Freeman came home and discovered that the chores had not been done. He started in to do them himself, and when climbing up into the hay mow was astonished to see the young fellow hanging from a rafter brace. He did not wait to make investigation beyond discovering that the body was stiff and cold, but hurried to Bartonville, there summoning Dr. Alway, who went out and cut the body down. Early this morning it was removed to Green’s private morgue on King Street East, and Coroner White notified. The doctors held a consultation this morning and decided that an inquest was not necessary. The funeral will be held to-morrow morning at ten o’clock from Green’s undertaking rooms.
The suicide seemed to have been carefully planned. A heavy rope was used, fastened to the brace in the rafters over the entrance to the loft. A slip noose was used in the rope, and putting it around his neck Martin stepped from the floor into the opening from the ground floor. Death was caused by strangulation.
Tuesday March 23, 1897
Toronto Star
A WAIF'S SUICIDE
Clarence Martin, a Farm Hand, Once Inmate of a Children's Home Hangs Himself Near Hamilton
Star Special. Hamilton, March 23.
The remains of Clarence Martin, aged 21, farm hand in the employ of Wm. Freeman, Binbrook township, were brought to the city this morning for interment.
Deceased, who was formerly an inmate of Rev. Dr. Stephenson's Children's Home here committed suicide yesterday afternoon by hanging himself in a hayloft of his employer's barn.
The deed was due to melancholy, the result of habits to which the young man was addicted. He had not relatives in Canada.
John Richard Boyns
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Harry SalcombeWinnipeg Free Press December 3, 1913 BARNARDO BOY DEAD Harry Salcombe Accidently Shot while Handling Gun (Free Press Special) Oakburn, Man. Dec. 2.--A shooting accident occurred on the farm of Mrs. Hamilton, three miles west of this village, when Harry Salcombe, 17 years of age, a Barnardo boy, lost his life. The young man left to get a load of straw about 11 o'clock, and when he had not returned at 3 o'clock, Mrs. Adams Halliday sent little Stanley Proutt to ascertain the cause of delay. when Stanley reached the straw stack his found his companion lying dead. The unfortunate youth had taken his gun along, and after putting the load of straw on the sleigh, he was placing his gun, stock foremost into the back of the load, when the gun exploded the charge entering the young man's chest. Death was likely instantaneous. Salcombe has an aunt living at Como, Quebec, who has been notified of his death. Mr. Struthers, of the Barnardo home Winnipeg has also been notified, and funeral arrangements are waiting their replies. Coroner Brothers of Shoal Lake, was advised and it is not yet known whether an inquest will be held or not. |
Mabel Bell
The Daily Telegraph of St. John, New Brunswick, on Wednesday, January 31, 1906:
MABEL BELL, YOUNG IMMIGRANT, ENDS LIFE WITH REVOLVER.
Fifteen-Year-Old Servant in Home of W. G. Salmon, Golding Street, Sends Bullet Through Breast and Dies in a Few Minutes -- Hard to Assign Reason for Her Act.
Pretty fifteen-year-old Mabel Bell took her own life yesterday afternoon a little after 3 o'clock, at the home of W. G. Salmon, 34 Golding street. She shot herself with a thirty-two calibre revolver. Miss Bell, who was employed as a servant, was an English immigrant sent out to this country by the Middlemore Home, of Birmingham (Eng.), which city was also her home. She had been in St. John about a year and a half, off of which time had been spent in the home of Mr. Salmon.
Mrs. Salmon and her mother, Mrs. Connors, were the only members of the household at home at the time of the sad occurrence. Both ladies were up stairs when, a little after 3 o'clock, Mrs. Connors heard the report of a revolver. Calling to Mrs. Salmon, who was in another room, she hurried down the stairs, as from that direction the shot came, and when passing through the dining room was horrified as she looked through the half-open door of a small pantry, to see the unfortunate girl lying on the floor, her face turned upwards, and beside her the revolver.
It was at once seen that the girl was not dead, though she did not appear to recognize either of the women. Dr. Murray MacLaren was immediately summoned, but long ere he had arrived the young life was gone. On examination, it was found that the shot that so quickly ended her life had taken effect in the girl's breast.
Coroner Berryman was notified, but as he was out of town at the time it was about 4.45 o'clock when he arrived at the scene of the shooting. After viewing the body he gave permission for removal to another room.
No cause for the suicide can be given, as the girl seemed to be happy and contended with her surroundings. Within the past few days, however, it had been noticed that the girl was not so cheerful as was usual with her, but not much attention was paid to this.
Mr. Salmon said that when she was serving at lunch yesterday about 12 o'clock she seemed to be in good spirits, and he cannot think of any cause for the unfortunate act.
Coroner Berryman last night said that he proposed today making further inquiries into the affair, and would then determine as to whether or not he would hold an inquest. In the meantime, he has notified Mr. Salmon that no arrangements for burial be made before Thursday at the earliest.
Frank A. Gerow, of Halifax, who is the Canadian superintendent for the Middlemore Home, was located at Sussex, and came into the city last night. He will look after the funeral arrangements. Little Miss Bell looks quiet peaceful as she lies as if asleep on a lounge in one of the rooms of the house, and it is hard to think as one looks on the little form, that she had been the principal in a tragedy of the afternoon.
It was suggested that the shooting might have been accident but rather the suicide theory is believed. The weapon used was the property of Mr. Salmon's son Charles and he kept it in a box in one of the bureaus drawers in his room.
MABEL BELL, YOUNG IMMIGRANT, ENDS LIFE WITH REVOLVER.
Fifteen-Year-Old Servant in Home of W. G. Salmon, Golding Street, Sends Bullet Through Breast and Dies in a Few Minutes -- Hard to Assign Reason for Her Act.
Pretty fifteen-year-old Mabel Bell took her own life yesterday afternoon a little after 3 o'clock, at the home of W. G. Salmon, 34 Golding street. She shot herself with a thirty-two calibre revolver. Miss Bell, who was employed as a servant, was an English immigrant sent out to this country by the Middlemore Home, of Birmingham (Eng.), which city was also her home. She had been in St. John about a year and a half, off of which time had been spent in the home of Mr. Salmon.
Mrs. Salmon and her mother, Mrs. Connors, were the only members of the household at home at the time of the sad occurrence. Both ladies were up stairs when, a little after 3 o'clock, Mrs. Connors heard the report of a revolver. Calling to Mrs. Salmon, who was in another room, she hurried down the stairs, as from that direction the shot came, and when passing through the dining room was horrified as she looked through the half-open door of a small pantry, to see the unfortunate girl lying on the floor, her face turned upwards, and beside her the revolver.
It was at once seen that the girl was not dead, though she did not appear to recognize either of the women. Dr. Murray MacLaren was immediately summoned, but long ere he had arrived the young life was gone. On examination, it was found that the shot that so quickly ended her life had taken effect in the girl's breast.
Coroner Berryman was notified, but as he was out of town at the time it was about 4.45 o'clock when he arrived at the scene of the shooting. After viewing the body he gave permission for removal to another room.
No cause for the suicide can be given, as the girl seemed to be happy and contended with her surroundings. Within the past few days, however, it had been noticed that the girl was not so cheerful as was usual with her, but not much attention was paid to this.
Mr. Salmon said that when she was serving at lunch yesterday about 12 o'clock she seemed to be in good spirits, and he cannot think of any cause for the unfortunate act.
Coroner Berryman last night said that he proposed today making further inquiries into the affair, and would then determine as to whether or not he would hold an inquest. In the meantime, he has notified Mr. Salmon that no arrangements for burial be made before Thursday at the earliest.
Frank A. Gerow, of Halifax, who is the Canadian superintendent for the Middlemore Home, was located at Sussex, and came into the city last night. He will look after the funeral arrangements. Little Miss Bell looks quiet peaceful as she lies as if asleep on a lounge in one of the rooms of the house, and it is hard to think as one looks on the little form, that she had been the principal in a tragedy of the afternoon.
It was suggested that the shooting might have been accident but rather the suicide theory is believed. The weapon used was the property of Mr. Salmon's son Charles and he kept it in a box in one of the bureaus drawers in his room.
Martha Collier or Martha Gordon
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Feb 15, 1906
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Ontario, Canada, Deaths, 1869-1938 and Deaths Overseas, 1939-1947 about Jane Gordon
Name: Jane Gordon Death Date: 28 Jan 1906 Death County or District: Middlesex Age: 70 Gender: Female Estimated Birth Year: abt 1836 Birth Location: Elgin Co, Ontario Surname: COLLIER Given Name: Martha Age: 11 Sex: F Ship: Vancouver Year of Arrival: 1888 Departure Port: Liverpool Departure Date: 1888-06-28 Arrival Port: Quebec Arrival Date: 1888-07-07 Destination: Hamilton, Ontario Comments: Mrs.Evans, Matron, in charge of party of 48 girls for Rev.Dr.Stephenson at Hamilton. Source: Library and Archives Canada Reference: RG 76 C1a Microfilm: C-4536 Type of Record: Passenger Lists Group of Children Traveling Together
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"Suicide" of Ronald Green - May 29, 1930, age 16
Ronald Green arrived in Canada on February 23, 1929 aboard the Alaunia with a party of boys headed to the Church Army Hostel in Winnipeg. His next of kin listed on the passenger list was his mother, Mrs. Daisy Green, Stable Lodge, Addington Park, Addington, Surrey. After arriving in Winnipeg, Ronald Green was placed on farms in Oxbow, Saskatchewan. He was living at the farm of Thomas Dobson when he was found dead on May 29, 1930 with a rifle by his side. His Juvenile Inspection Report records that he was “accidentally shot,” but the news article covering the inquest declared that he had shot himself and “The jury, which sat on the investigation for four hours discovered no motive for the suicide.” http://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_reel_t15422/2165?r=1&s=2 IMMIGRANT BOY KILLS HIMSELF The Leader-Post (Regina, Saskatchewan) 31 May 1930, p. 20. |
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Drowning death of John Wilson - June 20, 1924, age 10
Little John Wilson arrived in Canada aboard the Scandinavian on June 10, 1921 with a party of children from Dr. Barnardo Homes. John’s juvenile inspection report shows that between his arrival in 1921 and his death in 1924, he had been placed with four different households. Sadly, John slipped off a rock while fishing with other little boys at the base of the falls at Matthiasville, Ontario near Bracebridge on June 10, 1924. His body was recovered almost a week later downstream at Black Bridge on June 26, 1924. A note on his inspection report states: June 30/24 - Letter from home states "On the evening of June 20th this boy was drowned while fishing. He appears to have slipped off a rock into a swift current & was carried away. Body has since been recovered. Our representative arranged the funeral, etc." https://www.britishhomechildrenregistry.com/Person/bhcInfo/62431 http://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_reel_t15427/920?r=0&s=3 “Drowned at Matthiasville” The Bracebridge Gazette (Bracebridge, Ontario) 26 Jun 1924, p. 3. “Body of Little Home Boy Is Recovered Below Falls” The Globe (Toronto, Ontario) 27 Jun 1924, p. 3. |
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