The late Capt. John Charters was
one of the oldest members of the 39th Battalion, having served
continuously since 1861.
His first military service was in
the Georgetown Infantry Company, but removing to the county of Norfolk in
the latter part of 1861, he joined the Villa Nova Rifle Company, and was
promoted to the rank of Sergeant, and served in this capacity during the
Fenian troubles of 1866.
Upon the formation of the 39th
Battalion in September of that year he was promoted to a Lieutenancy, and
attended the military school at Toronto, (then in charge of the regular
army officers and instructors of regiments stationed in Canada) where he
passed a highly creditable examination and obtained his certificate.
On the 28th July, 1882, he
received his well deserved promotion to the command of No. 2 company. At
the last camp at Niagara for drill of 1883-84, his company was one of the
most efficient in the Battalion, and had he been spared he would no doubt
have brought it up to the highest possible standard as he was the best
drill instructor in the Regiment, and was very popular with his men, as
well as with his brother officers, who will long miss him from their midst
when the Battalion assembles for duty.
He was buried at Hartford on
Sunday, 16th inst., the funeral being the largest ever seen in that part
of the county. Five of his brother officers were present. He leaves a wife
and eleven children to mourn his untimely end. -- V.M.
