The Intelligencer May 23, 1917 (page 1)
“Ottawa. Drastic methods will be adopted immediately to prevent Canadians of military age from evading military service by crossing the International boundary. An order-in-Council will be passed and put into effect at once, which will not permit the emigration from the country of men of military age without permission of the authorities.
To accomplish this, it is understood that a passport system will be instituted. A citizen who attempts to leave Canada without this permission will be turned back at the border or the point at which he attempts to leave the country. It is probable that joint arrangement will be made with the United States whereby each country will assist the other in conserving its man power for military service. If this is brought about those who attempt to leave their respective countries without permission will have to run the gauntlet of a double set of border officials.”
The Intelligencer May 23, 1917 (page 2)
“Belleville Heavy Battery. Now located at 34th Battery Headquarters, 190 Church St. Young men of this city this is Your Opportunity to enlist. Recruiting Sergeant in charge at all times and evenings 7 to 10. Come and talk it over.”
The Intelligencer May 23, 1917 (page 2)
“We Are High Flyers! When it comes to cleaning and blocking Hats of all descriptions, whether your Hat is a Flat Straw, or Panama, you can send it to us to be cleaned and blocked with perfect confidence of having it done satisfactory. We also carry Ladies’ and Children’s Panama Hats. Our prices are right. J. T. Delaney. 29 Campbell St. Phone 797. Opp. Dr. Gibson’s.”
The Intelligencer May 23, 1917 (page 7)
“Pte. Brant Brant. To Mrs. Maggie Brant, Shannonville. Ottawa, May 13th, 1917. O.K. 410, Sincerely regret to inform you 637076, Private Brant Brant, infantry, officially reported admitted to Four General Hospital, Dannes Camiers, May 4th, 1917; gunshot wound in left leg and forearm. Severe. Will send further particulars when received. Officer in charge of Records.”
The Intelligencer May 23, 1917 (page 7)
“The following from the city of Belleville and vicinity have recently enlisted in the Cobourg Heavy Battery, stationed at Cobourg, Ont:—Messrs J. Walmsley, F. Hill, A. and H. Rogers, J. McIntosh, M. Diebert, W. Holoway, S. Hill, and G. McFarlane. In addition quite a number are similarly signing up in a few days.
This is the only Heavy Battery in Ontario, and drafts are constantly leaving therefrom to reinforce the Heavy and Siege Batteries in France. At the present Bombardier Bullock and Gunner Madill are in the city at the Y. M. C. A. representing the Battery, and will be pleased to aid in every way possible those desiring to join this excellent branch of the King’s Service. Further particulars can be secured from Major McKinnon, O. C., Cobourg Heavy Battery, Cobourg, Ont.”
The Intelligencer May 23, 1917 (page 7)
“Another of Shannonville’s brave young boys has made the supreme sacrifice, and Somewhere in France his body will find an honored grave. In consequence a home is plunged in mourning. The sad news was received by Mrs. Christina Brant, of Shannonville, that Pte. Pinn was killed in action Somewhere in France while in defence of his country. The following is the telegram: Ottawa, May 17th, 1917. A.M. 85. Deeply regret to inform you 637077 Pte. Pinn, infantry, officially reported killed in action, May 3rd, 1917. Officer in Charge of Records.
Pte. Pinn was born at Shannonville, and was twenty-two years of age, and unmarried. He enlisted at Belleville, April 19th, 1916, with the 155th Battalion, and went overseas with that unit, and on arriving in England was transferred to the 2nd Canadian Battalion, and went to France. Pte. Pinn has a mother, one brother of Hamilton, and a sister of Shannonville to survive him. To the bereaved family the sincerest sympathy will be extended in the loss of a loving son.”
[Note: Private William Pinn died on May 3, 1917. He is commemorated on Page 309 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]
The Intelligencer May 23, 1917 (page 7)
“Letter of Sympathy. The following is a letter received by Mrs. Isabella Emerson of Thomasburg, Ont., following the telegram of her son’s death on April 9th. France, April 19th. Dear Mrs. Emerson—As Chaplain of the 42nd Battalion, I wish to send you this word of deepest sympathy for the loss of your son, Pte. J. Emerson, No. 412105, who fell in action on April 9th, that memorable day in our history. How or when he was killed I do not know, that with all who then gave up their lives, he bore himself with splendid courage and devotion, by his faithfulness, gained the crown of life God has in store for his soldiers.
He was buried in a plot of ground some distance back of the line, and there with many comrades he sleeps in highest honor. For you in this sore loss, we have all sympathy. We make it our prayer that God may help you to bear the burden, so strengthening your faith by His presence that out of your pain you may come to a new understanding of His love and mercy. Your son’s personal effects will be forwarded later. With deepest sympathy, I am Very sincerely yours, Geo. G. D. Kilpatrick.
A memorial service was held last Sabbath morning, May 20th, at Thomasburg Methodist Church for Pte. John Emerson. Rev. Mr. Pettey preached a very impressive sermon, taking for his text, 1st John, 3rd chapter, 16 verse: ‘He laid down his life for us.’ He was assisted by Rev. Mr. Richards.”
First World War Belleville 