The Intelligencer December 11, 1917 (page 1)
“Sir Mackenzie Bowell. Born December 27, 1823: Died December 10, 1917. Sir Mackenzie Bowell has passed, but his memory will ever live in the hearts of the thousands who knew him but to love him. … Truly a national figure in his many years of public service as a member of Parliament, Cabinet Minister, Premier of Canada, and Senator, and appreciated for his clearness of vision and valued counsel on national affairs, it was perhaps in his home city of Belleville and Bay of Quinte district that Sir Mackenzie Bowell was best known and appreciated for his manly qualities and high type of citizenship. …
His fatal illness began with a cold contracted little more than two weeks ago which developed into bronchial pneumonia and gradually sapped his energy until the final summons came at 7.45 Monday evening, Dec. 10, 1917. …
No biographical sketch of Sir Mackenzie Bowell would be complete without reference to his connection with the newspaper fraternity. Entering the office of The Belleville Intelligencer many years ago as an apprentice he rapidly rose to the editor’s chair and eventually became proprietor of the business, which developed under his able guidance into The Daily and Weekly Intelligencer of today with a large circulation in several counties and an influence which has grown stronger with the passing of the years and the confidence of many readers in whose homes the paper has always been a welcome visitor.
Newspaper work always held a keen attraction for him and up until illness prevented him from going to the office he was never happier than when preparing articles, editorial or general, for the paper.
Another favorite hobby of his was his garden, and no finer flowers or vegetables could be found anywhere than in his lovely and well-kept garden at his home on William Street, Belleville, where he spent many happy hours attired in working clothes, and big straw hat hoeing and weeding and giving loving care to his favorite flowers and attention to his vegetable crop.”
The Intelligencer December 11, 1917 (page 2)
“Flags at Half Mast. Flags are at half mast upon the city building and other buildings in the city out of respect to the late Sir Mackenzie Bowell.”
The Intelligencer December 11, 1917 (page 2)
“Messages of Sympathy. Many telegrams expressing appreciation of the late Sir Mackenzie Bowell and sympathy for the relatives have been received from public men and citizens in all parts of Canada.”
The Intelligencer December 11, 1917 (page 2)
“Tribute of Respect. Whilst the City Council was in session last evening the sad intelligence was conveyed to the members that Sir Mackenzie Bowell had passed away. Rev. Dr. Baker, Principal of Albert College, being present, was called upon by Mayor Ketcheson and offered up a feeling prayer for the members of the bereaved family and the loss the country and city had sustained by the passing of its first citizen.”
First World War Belleville 