Matthew Stevenson "Steve" Gemmell

Other Events:

• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-341442
• Residence: 1891, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Occupation: 1911, Roseville, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Farmer
• Residence: 1911, Roseville, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Presbyterian
• Residence: 1945, Ayr, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

Notes:

M. S. Gemmell Passes

Matthew Stevenson Gemmell of Eventide Home, Galt, passed away Thursday, November 14th. He was in his 92nd year. Born in Ayr December 14, 1882, Mr. Gemmell was a son of the late William Gemmell and Margaret Mitchell. he farmed near Ayr most of his life. After retirement he resided in Toronto for 15 years, moving back to Ayr eight years ago and then to Galt four years ago. He was a member of Knox United Church, Ayr. Predeceased by wife, the former Irene Currie in 1939, he is survived by two sons including Robert of Cambridge; one brother, James of Ayr; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Also predeceased by son Thomas; one brother John; and three sisters, Mrs. Mary Henderson, Mrs. George Smye, and Miss Bessie Gemmell. Funeral service was held from Coutts and Son Funeral Home, Galt, on Saturday. Rev. D. E. Willis of Ayr officiated. Interment in Ayr Cemetery. Pallbearers were four nephews, George and Lloyd Smye, Keith Gemmel!, and Gilbert Gemmel!, Tom Robson and Harley Stager.

The Ayr News Nov 21 1974 pg 6b

Matthew married Irene Isabella Currie 17 Sep 1919, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Irene (daughter of James Currie and Mary Brown) was born 17 Feb 1898, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 15 Aug 1939, North Dumfries Twp., Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 18 Aug 1939, Ayr Cemetery, Ayr, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Name: William Gemmell
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-341445

Other Events:

• Interesting: military, misfortune
• Military: WW2
• Eby ID Number: Waterloo-341444
• Misfortune: 1945; killed in WW1

Notes:

Killed By Shell

Particulars Received Concerning the Death in Action of T. M. Gemmell

M. S. Gemmell, 9th concession of North Dumfries, has received the following letter concerning his son, Thomas Mitchell Gemmell, 21 years of age, who was killed in action on the Western front on February 26. The letter was written by Major C. F. Richardson, North Shore (N.B.) Regt., B Company, the unit to which Tommy was attached:- "Dear Mr. Gemmell: It is with deep regret and sympathy that I write to you regarding the death of your son, Tom. He had been my driver for some few months and I got attached to him. He used to drive me everywhere and was always a real gentleman, and a young man to be well proud of. He was very cool and deliberate in all his actions and thought, and was one of the most popular men in my Company.

"We had taken a small village: near the Rhine on the 26th of February, and the next day Tom was walking outside the Company's H.Q. when a shell landed close by him. His left leg was taken off above the knee and he was knocked unconscious from the blast and shock. We took him immediately to the R.A.P. and he died on the way there.

"It is very hard to understand why these things have to happen, but, if we remember that he has not died in vain and that he died fighting for a cause we know is right and true and his memory will always live in the memory of all nations and it will be closely remembered by those of us who knew him so well.

"If at any time you wish to write and if there is anything I can do for you, please feel free to write.

"Tom was buried in a Canadian Military Cemetery near a small village called Keppelu and had a military funeral."

The Ayr News May 3 1945 pg 5