Gordon Wilson McCreith

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-207139
• Residence: 1972, Burbank, Los Angeles, California, United States

Other Events:

• Military: WW1 - 16th Battery, Canadian Field Artillery
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-89131

Notes:

POPULAR FORMER OFFICER OF 11TH GIVES LIFE FOR HIS COUNTRY.

FOUR OTHER GALT MEN ARE REPORTED TODAY AS WOUNDED.

Killed in Action.

Capt. J. Frank Welland.

Wounded.

Bombardier L. V. McCreith, M. M.
Pte. Ernest W. A. Rundstaller
Pte. David Whitla
Pte. Albert C. Spurgeon

Galt today has a heavy toll of casualties. The community was shocked at the receipt of news of the death in action on Nov. 5th of Capt. Joseph Frank Welland, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Welland, 22 Glebe street, and an exceptionally popular officer.

Most of today's casualties were sustained during the first week in November and it is presumed they occurred in the fighting in which the Canadians took part in the vicinity of Passchendaele.

Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved family of the late Capt. Welland, whose demise so early in life is regretted by all. In giving his life for his country in the fight for righteousness, the late Capt. Frank Welland displayed the true spirit of a soldier. Had he been agreeable he would have been sent home in February last. The late officer was a sufferer from asthma and after being engaged as an instructor in England for some months, and his opportunity came to go to France, he doctored himself up for the asthma and was successful in eluding the Medical Board and got away to France. It was during the first week in May that Capt. Welland crossed the channel and went to the firing line. He had just recently been in London and Scotland on a well-earned leave and had been back in France only three weeks when he met his death.

The late Capt. Welland was in his 25th year and was born near Galt on a farm. The family moved into Galt when he was young and he had spent practically all his life here. He was educated at the Dickson school and on graduating from the Collegiate Institute took a school teacher's course at the Hamilton Normal school. On obtaining his certificate he taught school for a short time at Freelton and then became assistant principal of St. Andrew's school in this city, which position he had very capably filled for a year and a half when he enlisted with the 111th Battalion. Deceased had been very successful at his chosen profession and had a most promising career.

His Military Career.

It was in 1913 that he entered upon his military career with his cousin, Capt. Fred Welland, now home after being wounded. He spent his summer vacation that year taking a cadet instructor's course at London and while in that city enlisted as a private with the 7th Fusiliers. When he returned to Galt after the holidays he became attached to the 39th Regiment, H. L. I. of C., and took out a lieutenant's commission, later qualifying for his captaincy and also as a field officer. When the 111th Battalion was being organized, he joined this unit along with his cousin, Capt. Fred Welland, and was placed second in command of A Company. He proved a most efficient officer, beloved by his men and greatly devoted to his work. He had specialized in bombing in England and was complimented by the Brigadier in England on the work of his bombing department. He was employed as an instructor all the time he was in England and on going to France had held various important positions as bombing officer, acting adjutant and for a time was attached to the Intelligence Department. In the same unit, to which the late Capt. Welland was attached in France there was another former 111th officer, Lieut. Yates of Preston.

Only Monday, three letters were received from the deceased officer, two by his family and one by his cousin, Capt. Fred Welland, whose letter was written from Scotland before he returned to France.

The death of the late Capt. Welland is mourned greatly by his cousin, Capt. Fred Welland, as the two cousins were greatly attached to each other and were more like brothers. They were associated with each other in practically everything they undertook, going to school together, and then enlisting in the same battalion.

Deceased was a member of the Baptist church, and was also identified with the local Y.M.C.A. Besides his grief stricken parents, there survive four sister, Misses Isabelle and Ida, nurses in St. Louis; Elizabeth and Stella at home, the former a teach at Manchester school and the latter also a teacher, but at present attending Business College.

M. M. Hero Wounded.

Mrs. Rolland McCreith, Spruce street, was notified this morning that her youngest son, 84169 Bombardier Leo Vernon McCreith, M. M., who enlisted with the 16th Battery, Canadian Field Artillery at Guelph, shortly after the war broke out, had been admitted to the 6th British Red Cross Hospital at Etaples on Nov. 1, suffering from a gunshot wound in the right foot. Bombardier McCreith went overseas with the second contingent and has been in France nearly three years. Some months ago he was awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous bravery in the field. This is the first time he has figured in the casualty list. This father and only brother are also in uniform.

Three 111th Boys.

The other three casualties reported this morning are all former members of the 111th.

730,621, Pte. Ernest William Alexander Rundstaller, reported admitted to the First Field Ambulance Depot on Nov. 5th, with a gunshot wound in the right thigh and hand, is the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Rundstaller of 74 Haddington street. He is a tailor by trade, single, and a former member of the 29th Regiment.

Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Whitla, 184 Water street north, learned that their son, 730,110, Pte. David Whitla, had received a gunshot wound in the back and was a patient in the 6th General Hospital, Rouen, admitted on Oct. 31st. The wounded soldier is a brother of Lance-Corporal Wm. Whitla, who enlisted with the first battalion and who was awarded the Military Cross and who was the first Galt man to win a decoration.

The fifth casualty is 730,571, Pte. Albert Charles Spurgeon, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Sprugeon, 15 Summit avenue, who is reported in the First Field Ambulance Depot on November 6th with a shrapnel wound in the leg. The wounded soldier is only 24 years of age and was formerly employed at the C.M.C, works.

In reply to a query, Mrs. William Cyples, corner of Cambridge street and Macadamized road, was notified this morning that her husband, 730,045, Lance-Corporal Wm. Cyples, reported wounded some time ago, was doing very well at the Duchess of Connaught Red Cross Hospital.

The Galt Daily Reporter - Galt, Ontario, Tuesday, November 13, 1917

Military:
McCreath, Leo

Lance Corporal.

Enlisted November 17, 1914 with 16th Battery Field Artillery and was transferred to the Canadian School of Gunnery.

Roman Catholic.

Born in England May 20, 1897 and educated the Galt Separate School.

He was discharged February 12, 1919 and lives at 38 Bruce Street, Galt.

He spent twenty-six months in France. Was wounded at Passchendaele, November 1917.

Was awarded the Military Medal in November 1916 at the battle of the Somme.

Willie Fulton, 22 Richardson Street Galt.

McCreath, Leo. (2019). Vitacollections.ca. Retrieved 29 September 2019, from https://vitacollections.ca/kpl-gsr/2844981/data?n=17

Leo married Elizabeth Thompson "Bessie" Struthers 22 Sep 1920, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Elizabeth (daughter of Andrew Wilson Struthers and Jessie M. Richmond) was born 26 Jan 1896, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 19 Aug 1972, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 21 Aug 1972, Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Bessie Struthers
• Name: Elizabeth Thompson "Bessie" McCreith
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-208711
• Residence: 1911, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Residence: 1972, 217 Franklin St. N., Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

McCREITH, Elizabeth T.

At St. Mary's Hospital, on Saturday, Aug, 19, 1972, following a brief illness. Elizabeth Thompson Struthers, of 217 Franklin St. North, formerly of Clarence Place, age 76 years, a native of Galt and resident of the Twin Cities for the past 25 years, a member of Knox Presbyterian Church and the Missionary Society of the church; mother of Gordon W. McCreith of Burbank, Calif. and Jean (Mrs. Murray Allen) of Kitchener; seven grandchildren also survive. Friends may call at the Ratz-Bechtel Funeral Home, 621 King St. West, Kitchener, after 1 p.m., on Sunday. Funeral service in the chapel, Monday, at 3 p.m., with Rev. W. H. H. Stewart officiating. Interment, Mountview cemetery.

Kitchener-Waterloo Record 19 Aug 1972 pg 29

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-207138
• Occupation: 1914, 44 Concession St., Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; store keeper
• Residence: 1914, Bellville, Logan, Ohio, United States

Roland — Selina Harris. Selina was born 22 Sep 1855, , Devonshire, England; died 27 Jun 1942, Dundas, West Flamborough Twp., Wentworth Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Saint Patrick's Roman Catholic Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Selina McCreith
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-434442
• Occupation: 1914, 44 Concession St., Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; store keeper

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-123227
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Presbyterian
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presb.
• Occupation: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1891, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Machinist
• Residence: 1891, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1901, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Seed Merchant
• Occupation: 1911, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
• Residence: 1911, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterinan
• Retired: 1911, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Andrew — Jessie M. Richmond. Jessie (daughter of William Richmond and Elizabeth Thomson) was born 20 Dec 1867, , Ontario, Canada; died 20 Feb 1902, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: Jessie M. Struthers
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-60735
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presb.
• Residence: 1891, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/188334406
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-123197
• Occupation: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presb.
• Occupation: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian

Notes:

MR. WILLIAM STRUTHERS, a man kind and friendly, delighting in a quiet conversation on topics of more than temporary interest, and having no sympathy with anything that was merely for show. The blood of his ancestors ran in his veins, he came from a good old stock. His grandfather was a Covenanter, hunted by Claverhouse, and on one occasion hidden from the eyes of his soldiers by his comrades in the harvest field causing him to lie down in a furrow, where they covered him over with the cut wheat, so that he escaped. "He was brought up in the strictest way as a Christian and as a Presbyterian." In 1840 he married Mary Gilchrist, who was born on the Stockwell farm near Carhike in the year 1819.

Her father was educated under the late Dr. Owen and was one of the principal men in the church with which he was connected. Having a large family, and being the owner of a large farm, he required many servants to overtake the work that was to be done. These had all to learn the Shorter Catechism, and to repeat the answers to the questions in turn every Sabbath evening ; and every morning even in the busiest times all had to he present at family worship. On the Sabbath day no one was allowed to mention any secular affair because it was the Lord s Day. That direction in Isaiah 58. 13, 14 was carried out to the letter. There is in possession of the family still a Bible which was given as a wedding present to their great grandmother, Margaret Warnock, in the year 1770.

Mr. Struthers was born near Carluke, Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1817. He came with Mrs. Struthers to Canada in 1849, with their three children, Mary, Archibald and William two in addition to these had been born to them, but they died in infancy. Mr. Struthers engaged with the Hon. David Christie for one year, and at that time was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, Brantford. The following year, 1850, he purchased a farm four and a half miles from Ayr on Sprague's Road. He united with what is now Stanley Street Church and remained a member of it for thirty-five years. Here, too, all the members of the family save one, being nine in all, made profession of their faith in Christ: the highest ambition of the parents being the spiritual welfare of their children. Great attention was paid to this. Mrs. Struthers went over the Sunday School lessons with the children, so that they would be fitted to profit by it when it was taught. She assisted them, too, in the work of proving a doctrine, and also in writing an essay on some subject in connection with the lesson of the Sunday School.

Though they had to walk to church they were regularly in their place. The older members remained to the Sabbath School, which was held after service and did not get home till four o clock, which made a long day, especially for children. Mrs. Struthers being asked on one occasion by her minister, "How it was that she was so successful in getting all her family to remain in the Sunday School until they were grown up? "made answer: "They were never consulted." It was the law of the house; and no one ever thought of doing otherwise.

In 1886 Mr. and Mrs. Struthers retired from the cares and toils of the farm and came into Galt Some of the members of the family had preceded them. On their settling here the parents and three of the children united with the Central Church. And in August of the same year Mrs. Struthers passed to her reward. She was a large-minded and large-hearted woman. Her memory was well stored with precious truth and was remarkably tenacious. She was highly intelligent and of large experience and left her mark on the religious character of her children, who unite in calling her blessed. In 1887 Archibald, the eldest son, died also. In 1889 Mr. Struthers was called home. He was one who embodied in his quiet, comely, circumspect life the truth of the Gospel. He was devoted to his children, and he also took a large and living interest in the church and its work.

To him, as to the religious Scot everywhere, the Church and the Sabbath and the services of the house of God were central; controlling all the rest of life, and giving to it color and character and consistency. He left his impress on the hearts of all who came into close contact with him as a kind, generous, true friend, and made his children feel that he was a loving father.

Ebenezer: A History of the Centrall Presbyterian Church, Galt, Ontario, with brief sketches of some of its members who have passed on the the other side, The Rev. James A. R. Dickson

_________________________

Died, In Galt, on Monday morning, Aug. 13th at 11.15 o'clock, William Struthers, in his 73rd Year. Funeral Will take place on Tuesday afternoon, 14th inst., at 4 o'clock, from his late residence, Queen St., to Mount View Cemetery. Friends and acquaintances are respectfully invited to attend. Galt, August 13th , 1888^.

Funeral Card

William — Mary Gilchrist. Mary was born CALC 13 Jan 1819, Carluke, , Lanark, Scotland; died 7 Aug 1886, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 9 Aug 1886, Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/188334438
• Name: Mary Struthers
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-123199
• Residence: 1861, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; United Presbyterian
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presb.
• Residence: 1881, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presbyterian

Notes:

Died, In Galt, on Saturday evening, Aug. 7th, at 8 0'clock, Mary Gilchrist, Beloved Wife of Mr. Wm. Struthers, In the 68th year of her age. Funeral On Monday, the 9th inst., at 4 o'clock p.m., from her late residence, Queen St., to Galt Cemetery. Friends and acquaintances are respectfully invited to attend. Galt, Aug. 7th, 1886^.

Funeral Card
______________

Seeking rest after a life of industry, many of those who come amongst us from the neighboring Townships are not permitted to long enjoy it. Saturday last, Mrs. Wm. Struthers, who, with her husband came to Galt to enjoy the rest which herself and husband had so well earned, was called away. For some time she had been in indifferent health, so that her death was not unexpected. She was a native of Carluke, Lanarkshire, Scotland, and came to this country about 1845, being in her 68th year at the time of her death. Her funeral was very largely attended by old friends and acquaintances from the Township of Dumfries.

Galt Reporter Aug 13 1886 pg 1

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/52812379
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-195040
• Occupation: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presb.
• Occupation: 1911, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Income
• Residence: 1911, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Residence: 1917, Grey St., Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Demise of William Richmond - An aged and respected resident of the community, in the person of Mr. William Richmond, passed away early yesterday (Wednesday) morning after a few weeks illness, much to the regret of a wide circle of friends. The deceased, who was in his 77th year, was born on the farm within a mile of where he died, moving into Ayr about seven years ago. A little over half a century ago he married Elizabeth Thomson, who survives. In religion he was a Presbyterian and an elder in the Church here for many years. He was also a staunch Liberal and a good type of Canadian citizen. The family comprised eight, seven of whom survive. They are: Miss Annie at home; Elizabeth at Pasadena, Calif.; Mrs. Marshall, William and John at Silver, Stream, Sask.; Bella at Galt, and James with the army at the front. Several brothers and sisters also survive. The funeral takes place at 2: 30 p.m. tomorrow (Friday) to the Ayr cemetery.

The Ayr News Apr 19 1917 pg 10

______________________

Died in Ayr, on Wednesday, Apriil 18th, 1917, at 1 o'clock a. m. William Richmond in his 77th year. The funeral will take place from his late residence, Grey Street, on Friday, April 20, at 2.30 p.m. to the Ayr Cemetery.

Funeral Card

William married Elizabeth Thomson 4 Jan 1867, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Elizabeth (daughter of John W. Thomson and Janet McCormick) was born Feb 1842, Puslinch Twp., Wellington Co., Ontario, Canada; died 18 Mar 1918, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 23 Mar 1918, Ayr Cemetery, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• FindAGrave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/52812493
• Name: Elizabeth Richmond
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-195041
• Residence: 1871, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; C. Presb.
• Residence: 1911, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Residence: 1917, Grey St., Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

Thy Will be done Died In Ayr, on Monday, March 18th, 1918, at midnight, Elizabeth Thomson Relict of the late William Richmond, Aged 76 years. The Funeral Will take place from her late residence, Grey, St., on Saturday, March 23rd, at 2.30 p.m., to Ayr Cemetery. Friends and acquaintances will please accept this intimation.

Funeral Card

______________________________

Demise of Mrs. Richmond - Over Half a Century Resident in Ayr or its Immediate Vicinity - this week another long-time resident has passed away in the person of Mrs. William Richmond. She had been ill the greater part of the winter, so that the end was not unexpected. Just at midnight Monday, the messenger of Death came upon the scene and the spirit fled its tenement of clay. Mrs. Richmond was born in Puslinch 76 years ago, her maiden name being Elizabeth Thomson. She married her deceased husband upwards of 50 years ago and resided on the Richmond homestead just south of Ayr for upwards of 40 years before moving into the village. She was a devoted member of Knox United Church and in times gone by had taken an active interest in church work. By a large circle of friends and acquaintances she was very highly esteemed and many will deeply regret her demise. Mr. Richmond predeceased her about 11 months and a daughter, Mrs. Andrew Struthers, of Galt, passed away some years since. The surviving members of the family are: James in France, John at Silverstream, Sask., Mrs. Anthony Marshall and William at Melville, Sask., Elizabeth, Pasadena, Cali., Annie at home and Bella in Galt. As some of the family are expected home from the West, the funeral will not take place until 2: 30 p.m. on Saturday.

The Ayr News Mar 21 1918 pg 1