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Tuesday, September 29, 2015

WAR WASTAGE IN WORLD WAR ONE AND THE 3RD BATTALION

WAR WASTAGE AND THE 3RD BATTALION

The term "trench wastage" gets quit a bit of use when referring to a unit's time in the front lines that generally not active for a period of time. The term refers to the sickness, disease and occasional sniper kills a Battalion might endue. However I believe there could also be a use for the term "war wastage" when soldiers are killed needlessly for no apparent reason while out of the front trenches. Recently when looking for details on a future blog post on the 3rd Battalion and the Somme, I read some of their earlier war diaries back to the end of the Battle of Mount Sorrel. Historians generally state that the Mount Sorrel action for Canadians ended on June 14, 1916. Indeed on that date the 3rd Battalion were resting and recuperating out of the lines. The battalion had lost 16 officers and 399 ranks to casualty with 132 lost or missing. 
Albert,Alice,Leslie and Doris Chiddenton


To compensate for these losses the Battalion received on June 17, drafts of 35 men from the 44th (Manitoba) Battalion and 90 men from the 46th (South Saskatchewan) Battalion. As well the entire early draft of 225 from Toronto's 75th (Mississauga Horse) Battalion was taken on strength June 19. If you consider the earlier massive reinforcements from the 9th Battalion (Edmonton), 23rd Battalion (Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal), 60th Battalion (Montreal, 41st Battalion (French Quebec French speaking), the 3rd Battalion was no longer the domain of Toronto's mainly Protestant and strictly Anglo Regiments, the Queen's Own Rifles and the Royal Grenadiers. The 3rd (Toronto) Battalion had a composition  for the remaining years of the year from across Canada. This situation was much the same in the other Battalions in the 1st Canadian Division.

On June 24, now at full strength, the 3rd Battalion moved forward to relieve the 10th Battalion in the secondary line known as G.H.Q. 2nd Line. The evening of June 25 they supplied a working party of 390 men  to build a new trench from 20 to 40 yards in advance of the present front line on Mount Sorrel. (the goal being at some point to regain all the lost ground in the Battle of Mount Sorrel). The companies were quartered at Swan Chateau, Moated Farm, and Chateau Segard. Unfortunately, on the early evening of June 26, the sub-units billeted near Chateau Segard and Moated Farm found themselves under heavy shell-fire for no apparent reason. "B" Company suffered casualties of five killed, 12 wounded with 3 shell-shocked and "A" Company one wounded.  That was to be the end of death casualties for the month. The war diary entry for the 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade on June 26 states"Battalions resting. Dull day". 

The five men killed needlessly on June 26 illustrate both the composition of reinforcements and the Battalion in mid 1916 as well as the brutality of the war. The profiles of the 5 soldiers follow:

Private Donat Raymond #416129
Enlisted Hull, Quebec January 14, 1915 in Quebec's 41st Overseas Battalion, an entirely French speaking unit. He was a 17 year-old school boy who lied on his attestation paper; rather than born in 1895, he was actually born in 1898. He was enrolled in Hull's newly formed 70th Regiment militia. Donat apparently volunteered for immediate overseas assignment as he was included in the 1st early draft from the 41st Battalion to leave Quebec June 17, 1915 on the S.S. Scandinavian. That draft on arrival in England was transferred to the 23rd Reserve Battalion where he trained until being included in a draft of 66 men, of which 54 were from the 41st, to be sent to the 3rd Battalion September 7, 1915. Killed in Action June 26, 1916 and buried in Llyssenthoek Military Military, Belgium. 

Private Barney Northcott #457586
Enlisted Montreal June 23, 1915 in the 60th (Victoria Rifles of Canada) Overseas Battalion. Private Northcott claimed to be unmarried, born in 1892 in Nova Scotia and working as a machinist. His next of kin was his sister, "Mrs. Taylor" living at a Montreal address that may be fictional.. Private Northcott's background has been very difficult to document, I am inclined to think that his name is an alias. Some very qualified friends on the CEF Study Group Forum and not been able to find much family history as well. This man is a bit of an enigma. Nevertheless, Barney requested to be included in the 60th Battalion early draft to England from Montreal August 27, 1915. It too was transferred to the 23rd Reserve Battalion in Shorncliffe. Private Northcott was included in a draft of 19 men December 17, 1915 to reach the 3rd Battalion. Killed in Action June 26, 1916 and buried in Llssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium.

Private Albert Chiddenton #138143
Enlisted Toronto August 18, 1915 in the 75th (Mississauga Horse) Battalion. Private Chiddenton had been born 1882 in London, England, was married to Alice and the father of two young children. Employed as a clerk and living with his family at 258 Blackthorn Avenue, Toronto, Albert sailed with the full 75th Battalion from Halifax on the S.S. Empress of Britain March 29, 1916 arriving Liverpool April 1, 1916. He was included in a large draft of 224 men from the 75th sent to the 3rd Battalion June 19, arriving at the front lines June 20, 1916. Obviously this man had less than 1 month training time in England, although the 75th Battalion did get basic training in Canada at Camp Niagara. Killed in Action June 26, 1916 (6 days after arriving at the front) and buried in Llyssenthoek Military Cemetery. 

Private Albert Victor Crick #140050
Private Albert Victor Crick
Enlisted Toronto July 23, 1915 in the 75th (Mississauga Horse) Battalion. Private Crick had been born 1891 in St. Helens, Lancashire, unmarried and worked as a "cooper's checker" in Toronto.He was a member of the 9th Mississauga Horse militia. It appears Albert requested to be included in the early draft from the 75th Battalion that sailed from Montreal on October 1, 1915. After arrival in England, Albert was assigned to the 23rd Reserve Battalion November 2 where he was promoted to Acting Lance Corporal on December 22. On February 19, 1916, L/Cpl Crick requested to revert to the ranks - that same day he was included in a small draft to the 3rd Battalion where he arrived February 21. Died of Wounds June 26, 1916 at #5 Canadian Field Ambulance and buried in Dickebusch New Military Cemetery, Belgium.

Private John Herbert Wallwork #138718
Enlisted Toronto July 22, 1915 in the 75th (Mississauga Horse) Battalion. Private Wallwork was born 1894 in Salford, Manchester, England, was unmarried and worked in Toronto as an electrician living at 46 Chester Avenue, Balmy Beach, Toronto. Like Private Chiddenton, Private Wallwork sailed with the full 75th Battalion Arriving in England April 1, 1916. Also like Private Chiddenton he was transferred to the 3rd Battalion June 20, 1916 and Killed in Action June 26, 1916. Buried in Llyssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium. 

This is only one example of the War Wastage and needless loss of human lives - husbands, fathers, sons and solid citizens. Thousands of examples can be found that accelerated the requirement of healthy reinforcements to the Infantry Battalions of the Canadian Corps in World War One.

Thanks to my friends on the CEF Study Group Forum: Richard Laughton; Marika Pirie and Helen Russell for their contributions to my research.

Monday, September 28, 2015

THE CLEARWATER FAMILY OF HUNTSVILLE, ONTARIO

THE CLEARWATER FAMILY AND THEIR LEGACY IN HUNTSVILLE, ONTARIO

We posted previously on some of the Clearwater Family. We should note that most of the men mentioned (Clearwaters and Keatings) served with distinction in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, most notably Herbert Clearwater, Lynn's Grandfather, was gassed at Passchedaele and succumbed to the complications in 1932. Time to commit more to the sands of time!

FLOYD WELLINGTON CLEARWATER
Floyd Wellington Clearwater was born March 24, 1856 at Marbletown, New York as had his father and grandfather before him. His ancestors, the Klaarwaters were one of the most ancient families in Holland. During the 15th century they owned estates at Baarn, near Rotterdam. Its members were among the founders of the Dutch Republic, and achieved distinction in the wars of Holland. Some of the children baptized (Old Dutch Reformed Church, Kingston, NY) as Jacobs/Jacobsen entered into marriage as Klaarwater. The name was later anglicized to Clearwater, some descendants use the name Clowater.
 
October 1999: Ulster County was on our schedule when we made our plans. The trip had to include a stop at the Reformed Dutch Church in Kingston to see the tablet described by Ralph Le Fevre in "History of New Paltz, New York and Its Old Families (From 1678-1820)".
1624 THEUNIS JACOBSEN KLAARWATER 1715
Whose ancestors were among the founders of the
DUTCH REPUBLIC
A soldier of Holland.
An early settler of Ulster County.
1663 JACOB KLAARWATER 1747
A native of Holland who fought in the wars of the
American frontier.
1699 ABRAHAM KLAARWATER 1782
Sergeant in the provincial army during the
Colonial Wars.
Signer of the Articles of Association 1775.
Dragoon in the Marbletown Troop of Horse during the
war of the Revolution.
1757 THOMAS KLAARWATER 1830
Signer of the Articles of Association 1775.
Trooper in the Marbletown Horse
Soldier in the Continental Army.
1787 THOMAS TEUNIS CLEARWATER 1860
Soldier of the War of 1812
The bronze is made of old cannon captured in battle during the American wars. The marble is from American quarries. The tablet is place in the west wall of the church and is a fine addition to the beautiful interior of that stately edifice."

A CENTENNIAL FEATURE: Huntsville Pioneer Review by H.E. Rice
F.W. Clearwater:  # 6
While the struggling years of early settlement still prevailed, F.W. Clearwater, a weekly newspaper publisher in Whitby, gathered together his humble printing plant and spent two strenuous weeks in getting over the hewn-out roadway that brought him to Huntsville.
The local "Huntsville Liberal" had been established a few weeks earlier and was printed on "The Gazette" press in Bracebridge under the editorship of Dr. F.L. Howland.
The two publishers formed a partnership and changed the name to "The Forester" with Dr. Howland still acting as editor. Both were staunch Liberals and the paper beside its active service to the new community continued uncompromising support to Liberalism. Later, Mr. Clearwater purchased the Howland shares and continued as publisher until 1899.
With little time available for active civic service "The Forester" publisher actively used his paper in aiding the many pioneer accomplishments. Undoubtedly The Forester 's influence played an important part in securing a reversal of Oliver Mowat's cabinet decision to route the incoming railway via Huntsville instead of Parry Sound. This was a final decision of incalculable value to the new Huntsville community.
Mr. Clearwater continued as publisher  for a period from 1887 to 1889, when he finally moved to Hamilton. His part in Huntsville's early development was of an editorial nature, although he served as a member of the School Board. He was a man of strong fixed opinion, but he was active and loyal to the interests of the new community he much admired.

CENSUS: 1881 Perry Township
HH 69
CLEARWATER, Edgar     50 yrs Born USA   Meth German Farmer Con 8 Lot 17
                               Mary        49 yrs Born Ont
                             Floyd         25 yrs Born USA              German Painter (printer?)
                             Asker         21 yrs Born Ont                                Blacksmith
                 James Edgar         15 yrs Born Ont
                            William       14 yrs Born Ont
                 John Wesley          10 yrs Born Ont
                  Jacob Stuart           4 yrs Born Ont

 Wesleyan Methodist Baptism Records:
Mary Annetta Clearwater Born Whitby March 13, 1869 d/o Edgar and Mary Clearwater. Baptised by Rev. R. Cosford Nov 11, 1869. Mary Annetta does not turn up in 1881 census with the family - too young to be married - She must have died? The 1871 census may help trace her.

CENSUS: 1891 Perry Township
HH 124
CLEARWATER: Edgar B.            60 yrs Born USA Methodist    Farmer    Con 8 Lot 17
                                Mary        58 yrs Born Ont
                             William       58 yrs Born Ontario
                              Wesley        21 yrs Born Ontario
HH 125
CLEARWATER, James        25 yrs Born Ontario Methodist      Farmer

CENSUS: 1891 Huntsville
CLEARWATER, Floyd W.            30 yrs Born Eng Presby Eng Printer/Publisher
                                          Ellen M.    31 yrs
                                Martin Herbert     7 yrs

CENSUS: 1901 Perry Township
CLEARWATER, Edgar B. 72 yrs Born U.S. May 4, 1828          German
                               Mary       68 yrs Born August 15, 1832                        Irish
                               James E.             Born Nov 22, 1865
                                Hazel K.             Born Sept 18, 1889    grandaughter
CLEARWATER,  Wesley   30 yrs Born Sept 19, 1870
                                Eveline    30 yrs Born
                                Robert                Born January 30, 1890
                                Mary I.               Born November 1894
                                Wesley C.           Born January 6, 1897

CENSUS: 1901 Huntsville
CLEARWATER, Floyd W.            44 yrs Born March 24, 1856 U.S. German Presb Printer
                                                                                    Imm 1857 Naturalized 1878
                               Ellen         42 yrs Born October 19, 1855 Ont English           
`                              Martin      17 yrs Born September 14, 1882
                               Frederick    6 yrs Born March 11, 1894
                               Gordon        3 yrs Born March 11, 1898
MARSHALL, Janet 14 yrs Born Sept 1,1886 Ontario German Origin (Barnardo Home Child)

 Children of Floyd & Ellen:
Gordon Clearwater (1898-1969)
Married (1) Theresa KEATING     died Dec 6 or 7, 1923 29 yrs (Muskoka)
                                                            Buried St. Andrew's Presbyt Cem
(2)    Vera Rhines (1904 - 1986)

Bert Clearwater (          - 1934)
Married Mayme Keating                              1916 - 04 - 06 page 6
           
FAMILY EVENTS:
MARRIAGES:
William B Clearwater
Married (1) January 23, 1885
Selina Keef                                         Selina died June 27, 1890 (Perry)
Married (2) December 31, 1891
Elizabeth Jane BIRTCH

John W. Clearwater
Married December 31, 1891 in Huntsville
Catherine Jane Atkinson of Novar

Jacob Stewart Clearwater Born Whitby
s/o Edgar Bovier Clearwater & Mary Fisher
Married July 4, 1899 at Scotia
 Alice May Dafoe

BIRTHS:
Clearwater, Martin Herbert Born October 19, 1883 (CHECK)
                        S/o Floyd & Ellen (Martin) Clearwater

Clearwater, Gavin Mowat Born June 8, 1885                   Died July 21, 1885 in Chaffey
                        S/o Floyd & Ellen (Martin) Clearwater

Clearwater, Albert (Alfred/)Emmett August 8, 1887        Died September 23, 1887
            s/o Floyd & Helen /Ellen (Martin) Clearwater.

Baby Boy                                                       1897 - 01 - 15 page 2
Baby Girl                                                       1898 - 04 - 15 page 3

Baby Boy                                                       1898 - 03 - 18 page 3
CLEARWATER, In Huntsville on Friday March 11, the wife of F.W. Clearwater of a son.

Baby Girl                                                       1900 - 05 - 11 page 3
CLEARWATER, At Scotia on Saturday May 5th, the wife of J.S. Clearwater of a daughter.

Baby Boy                                                       1916 - 12 - 21 page 6
CLEARWATER, In Huntsville on December 8th, to Pte and Mrs. M.H. Clearwater, a son.

Baby Boy                                                       1921 - 01 - 20 page 1
CLEARWATER, At Toronto, to Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Clearwater, a son.

Baby Girl                                                       1921 - 12 - 15 page 1

CHRISTENING:
Ernest Brockton Clearwater                        1917 - 07 - 19 page 8

Ernest Brockton, infant son of Mr. & Mrs. W.B. Clearwater of Belleville was baptized in St. Mary's Parish, Novar by the Rev. L. Sinclair on Sunday evening

Forester July 25, 1912 page 4
Death of Mr. E.B. Clearwater         Mr. E.B. Clearwater of Scotia, father of ex-postmaster Clearwater of Huntsville and a citizen highly respected and esteemed to a wide circle of friends throughout this section died at his home on Monday July 15th. His death was sudden and altogether unexpected. He had been slightly indisposed and arose early on Monday. His son who lived in the home with him got out of bed to give him some medication, returning when this was done. When he arose later, however, he found his father dead in his -----. The deceased was about 85 years of age and had been postmaster of Scotia for some years.

(See Post Office Record - Edgar had been postmaster for 20 years.)

Note: "Armour Township" - The Invisible Past 1881 - 1981 - page 6 - 7 "The first Reeve, James Coleman, was sworn into office by E.B. Clearwater, J.P. May 28, 1881."

Forester April 6, 1916 page 6
CLEARWATER - KEATING: The marriage took place at Dale's Presbyterian Church, Toronto, on Wednesday March 22, at 8 p.m. of Miss Mayme Keating, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Wm Keating, Huntsville to Mr. Bert Clearwater of Toronto, formerly of Huntsville, the Rev. J. D. Morris officiating.
The bride's gown was a gold coloured satin and she wore a bridal veil with orange blossoms and carried a bouquet of sweet peas. The bride's travelling suit was of black taffeta with a hat to match.
After a month's honeymoon, Mr. and Mrs. Clearwater will spend the Easter holidays with the bride's parents in Huntsville.

Forester July 19, 1917 page 8 Ilfracombe News
Ernest Brockton, infant son of Mr. & Mrs W.B. Clearwater of Bellville was baptised in St. Mary's Parish, Novar by the Rev. L. Sinclair on Sunday evening.

Forester January 20, 1921 page 1
BORN: CLEARWATER - At Toronto, to Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Clearwater, a son.

Forester March 31, 1921 page 1
ROONEY - KEATING
A very pretty wedding took place at Bonar Presbyterian Church, College and Lansdowne Street, Toronto on March 16th, when Ena, youngest daughter of Mr. & Mrs. William Keating was married to J.F. Rooney of Georgetown.
The bride looked very pretty in a navy serge suit with georgette and henna hat and carried a large bouquet of American beauty roses. She was attended by Miss Olive Gustar of 897 Shaw Street, while the groom was ably assisted by his brother Mr. Allan Rooney. After the ceremony the bridal party repaired to the home of the bride's sister Mrs. M.H. Clearwater, 540 Perth Street where a dainty lunch was served. Mr. & Mrs. Rooney left for a short trip top western points and on their return will reside in Georgetown.

Forester December 13, 1923 page 1
DEATH OF MRS. GORDON CLEARWATER
After many months of illness and following a long period as a patient at the Muskoka consumptive hospital, Mrs. Teressa Clearwater, wife of Mr. Gordon Clearwater and daughter of Chief and Mrs. Wm Keating died at the latter institution on Friday last. (December 6th) The remains were brought to Huntsville for interment in St. Andrew's cemetery, the funeral taking place on Monday last at 2.30. Rev. J.B. Skene B.A. was the officiating clergyman. Deceased was 29 years of age, leaves beside the husband , a young son, who is at present with the grandparents here.
Among those from out of town in attendance at the funeral were the following: Mr. & Mrs. John Keating, Severn; Mr. & Mrs. Truman Keating, Mrs. Charles Rhodes and Mr. James Keating of Galt. Mr. & Mrs. Foster Roney of Beeton; Howard Keating of Windsor ; Mr. & Mrs. M.H. Clearwater; Mr. & Mrs. Geo Jermyn and Mr. Molson Keating of Toronto.

Forester May 7 , 1925 page 1:
BIRTH: Wilbert Moulson Keating s/o Mr. & Mrs Moulson Keating April 19th, a son.

Forester 1932:
F.W. Clearwater Dies at Toronto

Former Publisher of the Forester and Pioneer Citizen of Huntsville
Floyd W. Clearwater, former editor and publisher of the Huntsville Forester and one of the early residents of Huntsville passed away at the residence of his son Bert at Toronto on Sunday last. The death of Mr. Clearwater was suden and unexpected although he has been in poor health for some months.March 6th.
The late Mr. Clearwater came to Huntsville from Whitby away back in the seventies and was for  Came from Whitby in the 1870's and was for some time associated with the late Dr. Howland in the management of the Forester. In 1883 he purchased the paper and continued as editor and publisher until 1899 when he sold to the late George Hutcheson. Shortly after disposing of the paper Mr. Clearwater was appointed postmaster of Huntsville which position he held until 1912.
During his busy career in Huntsville, the deceased took an active part in the development of the town. He was identified with every movement which had as it’s object the town's progress and gave capable leadership to all such through the paper he edited.
Mr. Clearwater served 8 years on the school board and for 2 years was chairman. He was a member of the first school board formed in Huntsville following incorporation as a village. For ten years he was License Inspector for Muskoka following the resignation of Mr. E. F. Stephenson now of New Liskeard.
The late Mr. Clearwater was an ardent Reformer and was closely identified with the local councils of the party for many years. He was upon more than one occasion mentioned as a parliamentary candidate, but never pressed his claims in this regard.
For some years he has been living in Hamilton and Toronto but was with his son Bert at Toronto when the end came. He leaves beside the widow, two sons,Fred and Albert both of Hamilton.  Deceased was 77 years of age.

Forester Thursday March 29, 1934 page 8
BERT CLEARWATER DIES AT TORONTO
Many old Huntsville friends were grieved to learn of the death at Toronto on Friday last of Mr. Bert Clearwater, son of the late F.W. Clearwater, former publisher of the Forester and postmaster of Huntsville. Mr. Clearwater died in St. Michael's Hospital after a brief illness.
Deceased was born in Huntsville and attended the local schools. After leaving school he entered the post office as Assistant Postmaster and upon leaving here fifteen years ago, entered the civil service at Toronto as a member of the postal staff. He married a daughter of Mr. & Mrs. William Keating of Huntsville, who survives him.
The funeral took place at Toronto on Monday afternoon.

Forester March 28, 1935 "In Memoriam"
CLEARWATER: In loving memory of a dear husband and father, Martin H. Clearwater who passed away March 23, 1934.
I have only your memory, dear husband,
To remember my whole life through;
But the sweetness wil linger forever
As I treasure the image of you.
Sadly missed by Wife and Family

Forester November 8, 1934 page 1
Truman Keating Dies Following Father's Funeral

Attended Service Here in Sunday and Died in Toronto on Tuesday
Truman Keating son of the late Wm. Keating died suddenly in Grace Hospital, Toronto, on Tuesday following his return from Huntsville. While here on Sunday attending the funeral of his father, he felt ill and consulted a physician who urged him to return immediately and enter a hospital for examination.
Upon arrival in Toronto he was examined at his home by three doctors and finally rushed to Grace Hospital for a critical operation. He failed to rally, however, and on Tuesday passed away.
Truman was the eldest son in the family. He served overseas in the Great War as Lance - Corporal in the 42nd Highlanders, Black Watch and is buried in the Veteran's Plot at Prospect Cemetery this (Thursday) afternoon. He was married, his wife being formerly Miss Doris Rushworth.

Forester November 15, 1934 page 1
The Later Truman Keating

The late Truman Keating whose sudden death was recorded last week, the eldest son of the late William Keating and was born near Shelburne on December 22, 1887. Early in 1915 he enlisted in the 37th battalion and was later transferred to the Royal Highlanders, Black Watch, with which he served in France. Badly wounded in action he  was discharged from active service in April 1918.
He was married in England in 1916 and besides his wife leaves a son born in 1917.
The funeral was a miltary one in charge of the Black Watch Association. The padre of the regiment Capt. Stewart Parker, was assisted by Rev. Mr. Bremnar, Baptist minister of Galt and by Rev. Jos. Walker, formerly of Huntsville.
Death was caused by a ruptured stomach ulcer which caused his illness while attending his father's funeral at Huntsville. He was rushed to Grace Hospital upon his return and operated upon, but peritonitis had set in and he lived only a few hours after the operation. Truman had been employed as a foreman for the Dean Coal Company for eight years.
Besides the widow and son, his mother, four brothers and three sisters survive.

Forester November 8, 1934 page 1
Death of William Keating

Ex-Chief of Huntsville Police Passes in Toronto
William Keating of Toronto a former Chief of the Huntsville Police and for many years actively connected with lumbering interests in the north country passed away suddenly at 560 Lansdowne Street, Toronto, on Thursday November 1st . For some time Mr. Keating had suffered from a weak heart but his death came unexpectedly.
The remains were brought to Huntsville on Sunday and interred in St. Andrew's cemetery, Rev. Findlay Stewart, B.A. officiating. The pall-bearers were his stalwart sons.
The late Mr. Keating was born at Corbeton, in Dufferin County, 69 years ago, and was married there to Miss Susan Howitt who survives him. . He moved to the north country forty years ago and was for some years connected with lumbering interests in and about Sudbury. Later he moved to Huntsville and for some years was employed by the Huntsville Lumber Company. In 1920 he was chosen Chief of Police for Huntsville and filled this position acceptably for six years resigning to go to Toronto where he has since resided.
Besides his widow  he leaves a family of three married daughters, Mrs. Bert Clearwater of Toronot, Mrs. Charles Rhodes of Galt and Mrs. Foster Roney of Acton. The sons are Truman, John, James and Molson and Howard of Detroit. All members were present at the funeral. Other outside friends who accompanied the remains to Huntsville  were Mr. & Mrs. Geo German and daughter Greta, Mr. & Mrs. Morphet of Toronto and Mr. & Mrs. Albert Ellis of Galt.
A brief funeral service was held at the Toronto home before departure for Huntsville.

Forester 1941
MRS. F.W. CLEARWATER Toronto
With the passing of Mrs. F.W. Clearwater, this district again loses one of its earliest and most respected pioneer ladies. Coming from Whitby in 1880 as the bride of Editor and Publisher of the Forester, one of the first papers to be printed in these parts, she, with her husband settled in their new home, built on the site of the present Union Garage, which spot, at that time was the nucleus of the rising town. It was a far cry for a young woman of twenty years, from the busy little town of Whitby in those days. But always of a cheerful disposition, the deceased lady enjoyed life to the full, until a few years ago when she was stricken with paralysis from which she never recovered, she finally passed away while sitting at the family luncheon table on Friday January 17th.
Although not entirely unexpected, the death coming in such a manner was a shock to the entire family. Our deepest sympathy is extended to them. Many beautiful floral tributes attested to the esteem in which the deceased lady was held.
The late F.W. Clearwater was for many years Editor and Publisher of the Forester and afterwards held the position of postmaster of Huntsville for some years. He died about nine years ago.
 Mrs. Charles Kitchen accompanied by her daughter Mrs. Charles Clarke attended the funeral which was held in Toronto on Monday last. The remains were laid to rest in Park Lawn Cemetery, beside those of her husband and son Herbert Martin Clearwater.  A number of former Huntsville residents called to pay their last respects among whom were Mrs. Ila Allwell; Mrs. Ramesbottom; Miss Lottie Laing and her two sisters, Della and Pressie. 

Forester November 13, 1969 page 12
GORDON LEROY CLEARWATER: Following an illness of six weeks Gordon Leroy Clearwater of Huntsville passed away October 28 at Huntsville Memorial Hospital. He was 71 years old.
The deceased was a son of the late Ffloyd W. Clearwater founder of the Forester and the late Mrs. Clearwater.
Huntsville's first newspaper, the Huntsville Liberal, was established by Dr. F. L. Howland in 1875 and printed for two years on the presses of the Bracebridge Gazette. In 1877, the deceased's father, Floyd Clearwater, a printer from Whitby, moved a press and a few fonts of type to Huntsville and formed a partnership with Dr. Howland. The name "Liberal" was changed to that of the Forester. The partnership soon dissolved and Mr. Clearwater continued publication for 22 years when the late George Hutcheson and late H.E. Rice took over the paper.
The deceased, Gordon Leroy Clearwater, was educated in Huntsville and was married June 4, 1927 at Toronto to Vera Rhiness daughter of the late Mr. & Mrs. Walter Rhiness.
The deceased was employed as a supervisor of orderlies for 35 years by the department of veteran's affairs and was a member of the Huntsville Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. He served in the First World War in the 58th battalion and was overseas from 1915 to 1918.
Left to mourn his passing in addition to his wife are a son Dalton Donald of Toronto and brother Frederick of Hamilton. Another brother Herbert, predeceased him. There are 2 grandchildren.
Rev. Jim Oben conducted the funeral service at Addison Funeral Home. Interment followed in Hutcheson Memorial Cemetery.
Pallbearers were brothers-in-law George and Art Rhiness and nephews Jesse Rhiness, Rocky Rhiness, Leonard Rhiness and Ralph Nicholson.

Forester October 22, 1980 page 26
RONEY, Ina Wednesday October 15, 1980, Ina Keating beloved wife of Foster Roney, beloved mother of James S. Lorne Roney of Stroud and the late Ina Moe Patterson also survived by brother Howard Keating of Windsor grandmother of six grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Funeral service was held from the Turner Funeral Chapel, 436 Roncesvalles Avenue, Toronto on Saturday October 18th. Interment Prospect Cemetery.      

TOAW
Hutcheson Memorial Cemetery

CLEARWATER, Gordon L. Clearwater              1898 - 1969
     H/o                    Vera Rhines                                1904 -

Huntsville - With Spirit & Resolve
Page 34: A Liberal in his political views, Howland started a newspaper called The Liberal in 1876 [1]. (22) The publication was printed in Bracebridge until Floyd W. Clearwater, a weekly newspaper publisher in Whitby brought his printing press to Huntsville. The two struck a partnership in 1877 [2]. The name changed to the Forester, likely in the latter half of 1877. Howland remained as editor until about 1881. From this platform he was able to effect considerable influence in matters of local importance. In particular he was able to change the attitude of the government to the needs of the free grant lands. Dr Howland received the first telegraph message in Huntsville in 1875. It came from H.P. Dwight, a frequent visitor to north Muskoka and later president of the Great North Western Telegraph Company.

Page 47: Photo - 1886 - F.W. Clearwater - School Board

Page 75: 1894 - "Even though the Forester office was completely destroyed, Floyd Clearwater managed to put out a small news sheet two days after the fire with the assistance of the Gazette presses in Bracebridge. The 9 by 13 inch paper detailed the main events of the fire and listed the fire toll."

Page 93: "On February 24, 1899, Floyd Clearwater said goodbye to the Forester. "With this issue I cease connection with the Forester, a relationship that has existed for nearly 22 years." George Hutcheson  purchased the paper and gave his son-in-law Harmon Rice the job of editor. Rice came to Huntsville the year after the fire when the town was a dismal site. "There was little but desolation and confusion to greet the eye of a newcomer", he said back then. "My Heart sank within me as I endeavoured to visualize a future amid the prevailing unloveliness all about me. Happily, the picture soon changed."

Page 101: Floyd Clearwater, editor of the Forester, introduced Huntsville to the idea of being a town as early as August 1894. He said, "It must be apparent to all who have taken interest in our municipal affairs ,  that the machinery of government adapted to a small village is no longer suitable for a town of the size and growing importance of Huntsville" He envisioned a council of 11 members, structure on a committee system. "Bills against the corporation instead of being hurried through in batches at the close of a session would all be referred to a finance committee for careful examination and report. It would also be the duty of this committee to prepare estimates for submission to the council of the revenue and expenditure of the year. A board of works would be in charge of matters connected with the construction and repairs of highways, bridge, sidewalks, sewers and obstructions and injuries of the same. A committee of waterworks would look after fire apparatus and suppression of fires. A relief committee would attend to the relief of the poor or infirm in town. In no other way than by incorporation as a town can Huntsville acquire that influence in the District that we are justly entitled to. If we place a low estimate on our own importance as a municipality, our neighbours may be excused in sparing that opinion."

Clearwater was obviously a man ahead of his time. Although his vision of the municipal government would indeed come to pass.

Page 111: The new Bettes Block drew favourable comment from the townspeople in 1901, indeed it was one of the finest new buildings to be erected in town. By September of that year Postmaster Floyd Clearwater had moved the post office into the eastern portion of the building. As a faithful reformer, Clearwater accepted the postmaster's job in April 1900 as a plum for his support for Wilfred Laurier's Liberal government in Ottawa. The former postmaster James Hanes died in February 1900. The library found a new home above the post office. The new facility put Huntsville in the "front rank" of libraries north of Toronto.

[1] The new Bettes Block survives to this day. It is the brisk building across from the town hall

Page 125: Shortly after the red axe began to fall on Liberal supporters holding government jobs. Floyd Clearwater, the former owner of the Huntsville Forester was asked to resign position as postmaster in January 192. William Mayhew succeeded him.

January 25, 1912 page 1:
"Red Axe"  Falls in Huntsville
Postmaster Clearwater Asked toVacat Office and Mr. Wm Mayhew Now in Charge of the Position

There was another deeply……political thud on Tuesday night and with the descending "red axe" another political head fell ----. Postmaster Clearwater after eleven years has occupant of the position has been asked to vacate and Mr.Wm Mayhew steps in and takes his place.
The probability of the change has been mooted for sometime but it came at last suddenly and unexpectedly.
The transfer was effected ….. by the inspector of the ………in the mail coming on Tuesday night and on Wednesday morning Mr. Mayhew was in charge.
Mr. Clearwater succeeded to the position of Postmaster following the death of
Mr. Mayhew the new official is ….well favoured ………nearly every part of the District and has been a resident of Huntsville for a great many years. He has followed mercantile ………his residence here and only retired from business in 1911.
Upon the …….of the Government's action involving the change there will of course be a division of local opinion, This division is bound to be different ……by political feeling. However it is the outcome of a system recognized in the political life of our time as humane and just and while the system exists the transfer of government offices are bound to take place with succeeding changes in the .mpetion of the ruling administration. Etc.

HUNTSVILLE ASSESSMENT RECORDS:  1890 -
1890: Floyd W Clearwater   34 yrs              32 Princess Street
                                                            25 High Street            B $370  4 residents Presbyt
                                                                                                1 cow
                                    leasing from J.W. Bettes Pt Lot 14 Main North  $100.
1891:

1892: 5 residents Presbyterian 1 cow

1894: 4 residents                                            25 & 26 High Street & 31 & 32 Princess S
Pt . Lot 14 Main North leasing from J.W. Bettes - Bracebridge

1895: Floyd W. Clearwater  38 yrs              31 & 32 Princess Street  1/2 acre Built
                                                                        25 & 26 High Street  $800.00
                                                                        5 residents Presbyt  1 cow
                 Leased from George May           W 37"of Lot 13 Main St. N. 1/12 acre
Vacant $200.
                                    Carpenter                  Pt E 1/2 Lot 3 Main St. N. Vacant $200.
                                                                        Total: $1250.00
1896:

1897:Floyd W. Clearwater 42 yrs Printer-Publisher
                                                                        House s/a 1895  $1250. + $200.
                                                                        W 37"of Lot 13 Main St. N. Vacant $250.                                                                          E 1/2 Lot 3 Main St. N. B $200.
                                                                        Total $ 1450.
                       6 residents ; Presbyterian   ; 3 cattle; 1 horse

1898: Floyd W. Clearwater 41 yrs Publisher/Printer
                                                                        House s/a 1897
                                                                        Leasing E Pt 3 from George May
George May - 38 yrs Carpenter Pt E1/2 3 Main St. N. 1/16 B $600. 5 residents Meth

1899: Floyd W. Clearwater 43 years Agent  Same house
            George D. Hayes 39 yrs Printer  23 Main St. S. 5 residents Church of God

            George Hutcheson     62 yrs Publisher 76 - 77 Caroline Street 5 res Meth
 1 cattle
                                                                          Pt 7 & 8 Main St. North

1900: Floyd W. Clearwater   44 yrs Real Estate Agent  6 residents Presbyt
                                                                          31 & 32 Princess Street
                                                                          25 & 26 High Street
                                                                          W 1/2 2 Main North 1/16 Vacant
                                                                          1 Walter Street West 1/4 Vacant

          George Hutcheson 63 yrs Publisher    76 - 77 Caroline St
                                                                          75 Main Street           3/8 acre Built $1100.
                                                                          3 residents Methodist
                                                                          Pt Lot 7 Main Street North Built

1902: Floyd W. Clearwater 45 yrs Postmaster
                                                  leasing Pt Lot 13 Main N J.W. Bettes  $1600 (excempt)

          George Hutcheson Publisher
          Harmon Rice Ass Editor  27 yrs          207-208 Lansdowne Street
                                                              Leasing form John Boyd $825.
                                                              3 residents Meth Birth Registered.

1903 : Floyd Clearwater 47 years postmaster  6 residents

1909: Floyd Clearwater 53 yrs Postmaster.   Lot 31 Princess St. Vacant
                                                                             Lot 32 Princess Street Built
                                                                             Lot 25 High Street Built
                                                                             Lot 26 High Street Vacant
                                                                             S Pt Lot A King Street Vacant
                                                                              1 Walter Street N (W?) Vacant
                                                                             W 1/2 pt 2 Main Street Basement
                                                                          $2525.00                    
         6 residents  Presbyterian   (April 29. 1909)

           George Hutcheson 71 yrs Publisher     76 - 77 Caroline Street (Built # 77)
                                                                             75 Main Street
                                                                            n Pt W 1/2 5 Main Street N 1/16 acre
                                                                          $ 3103.00

1910: Floyd H. Clearwater    54 yrs PM same property 5 residents Presbyt $2000.00
                                                  1 dog
           Martin H. Clearwater Postal Clerk

           George Hutcheson 72 yrs Methodist 3 residents $3528.00 (W1/2 5 Main St.


1911: Floyd W. Clearwater 55 yrs PM 5 residents Presbyt
           George Hutcheson     73 yrs Meth 3 residents

1912: Floyd W. Clearwater 56 yrs No occupation same property

1913: George Hutcheson 74 yrs Pt W 1/2 5 Main Street 1/16 acre
                                                       25 Main Street     
           Harmon Rice    Journalist 218 Duncan Street Methodist 4 residents

           F.W. Clearwater 57 yrs Printer  6 residents Christian Church
                                                  56 Princess Street
                                                  King Street    S          A Vacant
                                                  1 Walter Street               Vacant
    
1914
BRAND, William N.  37 yrs Chemist
                 Leasing from Mrs. Clearwater NR  6 residents Methodist Birth 18/03/13

1915:

1916:

1916: Floyd still owns lot on Walter Street.

1922 Gordon Clearwater 22 yrs Clerk 13 Main Street.

1922:

1924:  25 & 26 High Street owned by ACLC
           leased to Herbert (43 yrs)  & Grace Hill both alien Methodist 4 residents

1925:  25 - 26 High Street     owned by ACLC
            leased to Herbert Hill 45 yrs Alien Musician   House # 68
                            Grace Hill    44 yrs Alien

1926:   25 & 26 High Street owned by ACLC
            leased to Clarence Booth age 42 yrs - alien - Musician
                            Josephine Booth 37 yrs alien       
                             25 High Street B 4 residents

The Town of Whitby was incorporated in 1855, three years after it was chosen as the seat of government for the new County of Ontario. Although settlement dates back to 1800, it was not until 1836 that a downtown business centre was established by Whitby's founder Peter Perry.

Whitby's chief asset was its fine natural harbour on Lake Ontario, from which grain from the farmland to the north was first shipped in 1833. In the 1840s a road was built from Whitby Harbour to Lake Simcoe and Georgian Bay to bring trade through the harbour to and from the rich hinterland to the north. In the 1870s a railway was constructed to Port Perry and Lindsay from Whitby Harbour.

The Town of Whitby experienced its first period of extensive growth in the 1850s when its population grew from 1,000 to 3,500 within five years and its harbour was second to Toronto in the amount of business it handled. The town was the site of the Court House, Jail and Land Registry Office for the County of Ontario, attracting many lawyers, county officials and professional men as residents.
After the 1850s, Whitby's population remained stable for about 80 years. The McKinley Tariff Act in the United States ended the grain trade at the harbour in the 1890s and Whitby became known as a retired farmers' town. In 1913 construction began on a provincial psychiatric hospital which is now the town's second largest employer.
History of St. Andrew's
[1]  Forester Dec. 8, 1899. Announcement of the Forester's 23rd birthday, suggesting the first issue was in December 1876. In later years the paper's masthead carried the notation :"Established in 1876."
[2] Forester February 24, 1899: On this date Floyd Clearwater severed ties with the Forester "a relationship that has existed for 22 years" putting Clearwater in Huntsville sometime in 1877.