At about 7.30
Thursday morning, the 31st inst., while John Thorne and Philip Engell
of Walsh were felling trees on lot 7, con. 4, Charlotteville, an
unforseen [sic] happening occurred which resulted in the death
of Mr. Thorne.
A maple tree was felled to the north and, from some cause which is
not clearly understood a very tall and dead black oak tree standing
some rods to the north of the maple, fell to the south and
struck
Mr. Thorne a fatal blow on the head fracturing his skull. Mr. Thorne
never regained consciousness and died at the home of Mr. Sidney Pow
about five hours later.
The late Mr. Thorne was a son of the late Jesse Thorne and was born
at Eaton Brae, Bedfordshire, England, on 18 Jan 1861.
When he was about two years old his family came to Canada and
settled in South Cayuga Township, Haldimand County. In 1866 the family
moved to Charlotteville and settled on lot 1, con. [2], on the farm
recently sold by Mr. Thorne. On this farm he lived during the greater
part of the last 56 years. At one time he lived in Simcoe and at
another time in Hamilton where he owned a home at the time of his
death.
When he was a young man he married Miss Eva Peake of
Campbellford.
In religion Mr. Thorne was for many years a Methodist but when he
lived in Hamilton he joined Dr. Philpott's Church. At the time of his
death he was a regular attendant and supporter of the Walsh Methodist
Church, having been at Sunday School and Church service the last
Sunday that he lived. He lived an exemplary Christian life.
He was a member of the Independent Order of Oddfellows which order
had charge of the funeral, which was very largely attended and which
was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Rolling, thence to the
Simcoe cemetery for interment. The officiating minister was Rev. J.
Vaughan of Walsh, who was assisted by Rev. T. Clarke of Delhi.
Mr. Thorne leaves to mourn his loss: his wife, whom he was always
ready to speak of as his faithful helper; one daughter, Mrs. S. E.
Smith of Toronto; two sons, Wilfrid and Russell, of Hamilton; five
sisters: Mrs. McLean of Wallaceburg, Mrs. (Dr.) E. Wells of Grand
Rapids, Mich., Mrs. Edward Trinder and Mrs. Jas. Thompson of Hamilton,
also two brothers, Albert of Hamilton and Dr. Jas. Thorne of
Wallaceburg.