100 Years Ago: Memorial Service for John Caddick, Conrad Carey Killed in Action, Prohibition Rallies Held, Red Cross Tea, Quinte Tea for Christmas Gifts, Three Belleville Boys Wounded, Card of Thanks

The Intelligencer September 25, 1916 (page 1)

“Memorial Service for Departed Hero. A memorial service for the late Private John Caddick who was officially reported as killed at the front on September 9th, was held last night at Christ Church. A large congregation was present at the impressive service which was conducted by the Rector, Rev. Dr. Blagrave.

Hymns appropriate to the occasion were sung and the greater portion of the burial service of the Anglican Church was read. At the conclusion of the sermon Mrs. Col. Campbell, organist, played the Dead March in Saul, while the congregation remained standing. It was in every respect a most impressive service. The late Pte. Caddick during his residence in Belleville was a member of Christ Church. …

In referring to the late Pte. Caddick the divine stated that he had known him for eight years and he was a fine type of an Englishman. He came to Canada with his family to make his home here. When the call to arms came, though the father of a family, he felt it his duty to go, and he went. He loved his home, but there was an impelling force which he could not resist. His life we memorialize to-night.”

[Private John Caddick died on September 9, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 62 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer September 25, 1916 (page 1)

“Well Known Soldier Is Killed in Action. Word has been received in the city conveying the sad intelligence that Conrad Carey, who was known to a number in Belleville has been killed in action.

Con, as he was familiarly called, was a son-in-law of Col. P. H. Hambly, who resides on Alexander Street, Belleville, having married less than two years ago his youngest daughter, Miss Ida, who at present is here. He was a fine specimen of a soldier, and an athlete. Five other brothers are at present at the front. …

He was killed on September 21st. His death will be regretted by a host of friends and sincere sympathy will be extended to the bereaved.”

[Note: Lieutenant Conrad George Carey died on September 21st, 1916. He is commemorated on Page 64 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer September 25, 1916 (page 1)

“Prohibitionists in the City. Hold Meetings in Opera House, Also in The Several Churches. The Prohibition Rally held in Griffin’s Opera House yesterday afternoon was very poorly attended. Dr. Yeomans acted as chairman throughout the meeting. …

The law in Ontario is an example of splendid prohibition legislature. The temperance workers cannot now fold their arms. No law will work itself. We must use every legitimate means to back up the public sentiment in favor of Prohibition. …

Evening Meeting. At 8.30 a second meeting was held at Griffin’s Opera House, and the attendance was not large. Mr. D.V. Sinclair was chairman, and in his remarks expressed his pleasure at the measure of Prohibition which had been enacted in Ontario.”

The Intelligencer September 25, 1916 (page 2)

“Red Cross Tea. On Friday afternoon last an enjoyable affair took place at the residence of Mrs. Robert Tuite, 64 Alexander Street, being a Red Cross tea. The silver collection taken realized $70, which will be devoted in securing Christmas parcels for overseas soldiers. A programme was given, which was very acceptable.”

The Intelligencer September 25, 1916 (page 5)

“Quinte Chapter Gives Profitable Social Event. A very successful tea was given last Wednesday at the residence of Mrs. N. B. Falkiner, Murney Hill, by the Quinte Chapter I.O.D.E., the proceeds amounting to over fifty dollars, which will be used for Christmas gifts for the soldiers overseas.A charming musical programme was given by Mrs. Wilmot, assisted by Miss Stork, Mrs. Price, Miss Fiske, and Mr. H. C. McKay.

The Quinte Chapter will in a short time send a shipment of jam and syrup overseas. Donations may be sent to the workroom, 62 Bridge St., West.”

The Intelligencer September 25, 1916 (page 5)

“The following notifications of injuring to three Belleville boys speaks for themselves:

Mrs. W. M. Van Meer, 7 Victoria Ave. Sincerely regret to inform you that No. 441469, Pte. C. P. S. Peter Blake Van Meer, infantry, is officially reported admitted to War Hospital Dunstan, Northampton, September 20th, 1916, with gunshot wound in thigh of a severe nature. Will send further particulars when received. Officer in charge of Record Office, Ottawa.

Mrs. Ethel May Faux, South Church Street, Belleville. Sincerely regret to inform you 455,103 Pte. Joseph B. Faux, infantry, officially reported dangerously ill in New Zealand Hospital, Amiens, September 20, gunshot wounds in hip and shoulder, will send further particulars when received. Officer in Charge Record Office.

Mrs. Saunders, 6 Harriett Street, received a message from Maidstone, Eng., informing her that her brother, Wm. Dodge, was killed at the front by gas, on September 10th; also that her nephew, Wm. Springett, of the same place, was killed on the same date, and in the same manner. Mrs. Saunders’ husband is now in France, serving with the 34th Battery Canadian contingent.”

The Intelligencer September 25, 1916 (page 5)

“Card of Thanks. On behalf of my children and myself I desire to thank the many friends and neighbors for the many tokens of love and sympathy expressed in this my hour of service. Mrs. Caddick.”