100 Years Ago: Charles Barnett Dies in English Hospital, Frankford Women’s Institute, Military Medical Board Examines Eligibles

The Intelligencer October 10, 1917 (page 2)

“Belleville Soldier Died in England. Leaving a widow and five children in Belleville, death called Pte. Charles Barnett on October 5^th in an English military hospital. The sad news was broken to Mrs. Barnett at her home, 18 Emily street, this city, on Sunday and came as a great shock to the little family. Five children, the eldest being thirteen years of age, are left fatherless.

Pte. Barnett was 47 years of age and a veteran of the South African war, for which he proudly wore his service medals. He enlisted and went overseas with the 80^th Battalion, but was taken seriously ill in England and death was the results of haemorrhage of the lungs. Great sympathy is felt for the bereaved family.”

[Note: Private Charles Barnett died on October 5, 1917. He is commemorated on Page 196 of the First World War Book of Remembrance.]

The Intelligencer October 10, 1917 (page 3)

“Frankford Women’s Institute. At the regular monthly meeting of the Frankford Women’s Institute held in Orange Hall on October 2^nd the following report was given by the Secretary for the month of September:—

Sent to the Belleville Cheese Board Red Cross Society: 24 Service Shirts. Sent to the Frankford boys in the trenches in France:—2′ pairs of socks.

Receipts from the Red Cross on Frankford fair grounds:—Sale of flowers by little girls $20.00; Sale of lunches, ice cream and confectionery 140.00; Cash donations 21.00; Making a total of $181.00.

To the knitters we would say we have on hand a good supply of yarn and hope they will keep the needle flying. We have plenty of sewing work on hand for all who will help. M. E. Porter, secretary.”

The Intelligencer October 10, 1917 (page 6)

“Examining Eligibles. The members of the Military Medical Board in this city, yesterday afternoon and evening were kept exceptionally busy examining eligibles for the first draft. Some 60 were examined during the periods above mentioned. Already some 350 have been examined, and of this number the great majority are in Class A. This afternoon a number from the country were being examined.”