McKellar and The Great War
The Great War, or as we now term it World War I, was a turning point for Canadian nationalism and identity. Soldiers left as colonial troops and returned as Canadians. And while away, those soldiers and their efforts were supported by a dedicated effort on the home front.
The Township of McKellar was not hugely populated at the outbreak of war in 1914, however the people of the area still managed to make substantial contributions in troops, funds, and supplies.
Those soldiers recruited from McKellar Township are as follows:
† Died in combat overseas
In 1914, Council created a Patriotic Fund, whereby each member of Council collected oats, potatoes, goods, and funds for the war effort. The Reeve coordinated the delivery of the shipment from Waubamic. In total, the Council collected 74 bags of oats, 145 bags of potatoes, and $60.50, as well as one bag of carrots and a 50 lb. tub of butter.
In 1916, the Reeve, Herb Thompson, attended a meeting in Scotia for the purpose of outfitting the 162nd Battalion (pictured above marching through Sundridge). The Township paid $60 to the Parry Sound War Auxiliary to aid in equipping this battalion.
After the 11 November, 1918 signing of the Armistice, the Kaiser was burned in effigy in the town square and a celebration was held. School and church bells clamored out the victory. The returning soldiers were treated to a banquet at the Agricultural Hall upon their return.
The Township of McKellar was not hugely populated at the outbreak of war in 1914, however the people of the area still managed to make substantial contributions in troops, funds, and supplies.
Those soldiers recruited from McKellar Township are as follows:
- George Angst
- Robert Ball
- Charles Cook
- Ronald Canning
- Lloyd Canning
- John Corkan
- Robert N. Crawford†
- Ronald Crawford
- Addison Fenton
- George F. Fenton†
- James 'Jim' B. Fenton†
- William Harvey
- Clarence 'Clare' O. Harvey†
- St. Clair 'Sonny' Harris
- John Hardie†
- Andrew Hardie
- Sherman Irwin†
- Robert McEachern
- Clifford O'Hara
- William A. Thompson
- L. Franklyn Teneycke†
- Edgar Teneycke
† Died in combat overseas
In 1914, Council created a Patriotic Fund, whereby each member of Council collected oats, potatoes, goods, and funds for the war effort. The Reeve coordinated the delivery of the shipment from Waubamic. In total, the Council collected 74 bags of oats, 145 bags of potatoes, and $60.50, as well as one bag of carrots and a 50 lb. tub of butter.
In 1916, the Reeve, Herb Thompson, attended a meeting in Scotia for the purpose of outfitting the 162nd Battalion (pictured above marching through Sundridge). The Township paid $60 to the Parry Sound War Auxiliary to aid in equipping this battalion.
After the 11 November, 1918 signing of the Armistice, the Kaiser was burned in effigy in the town square and a celebration was held. School and church bells clamored out the victory. The returning soldiers were treated to a banquet at the Agricultural Hall upon their return.