Kenora Great War Project

 

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The People

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These are the stories of Kenora participants in the First World War.

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Butt, Edwin Frederick

Private Edwin Frederick Butt was called up in February 1918, at age 20. He served in France and Belgium for six months with the 52nd (New Ontario) Battalion. Edwin was the son of William Butt and Eleanor Kate Pearce of Kenora, Ontario. He was born in Rat Portage (later called Kenora) on 6 July 1897… Read More »

Degagne, George

George Degagne was born on 08 June 1893 in Rat Portage (later known as Kenora), Ontario. He was the oldest son of Pierre Degagne  and Florida Charron. Siblings included: Emile (1894-1953), Joseph (1896-1966), Leo (b. 1897), Maria (1899-1899), Albert (1901-1901), Ida (1902-1903), Flora (b. 1904) and Clovis (1906-1915). The 1911 census shows the family  living… Read More »

McKennitt, James Lloyd

Along with his twin brother Robert Russell McKennitt, James Lloyd McKennitt was born on 7 November 1895 in Holland Township, Grey, Ontario, date confirmed by their Ontario birth record. Both of his parents Robert James McKennitt, a farmer, and Eliza(beth) Jane Freeborn were from the area and had lost their first spouses to death. Robert… Read More »

Ovens, Thomas Earl

Private Thomas Earl Ovens was the son of Isaac Ovens and Katherine (Kate) Winner of East Selkirk, Manitoba. Isaac was born in Ontario to Irish parents and Kate was American and of German ancestry. Their three oldest children were born in Colorado: Hilyard Verl (1891), Thomas Earl and Ruby Lenore. Thomas was born on 1… Read More »

Robinson, Alfred

Private Alfred Robinson was married and a father of five when he enlisted in Winnipeg in 1916. His only son also enlisted and they both served overseas and returned to Canada in 1918. Alfred was born on 19 May 1868 in West Yorkshire, England. He immigrated to Canada in the 1880s and he was married… Read More »

Hudson, Cecil Thomas

Cecil Thomas Hudson was born on 23 February 1899 in Rat Portage (Kenora), Ontario. His parents were George Hudson, a carpenter, and Georgina Clarke. He had two younger siblings – Lottie and Harold. Cecil enlisted with the Kenora detachment of the 94th Battalion on 17 March 1916 claiming that he was 18 years of age…. Read More »

Chambers, William John

Dr. William John Chambers enlisted in the Canadian Army Medical Corps in September 1915 and served in Canada for almost four years. He was discharged in June 1919 and died in a tragic train accident seven months later. William was born in Lucknow, Ashfield Township, Huron County, Ontario on 5 January 1874. His parents were… Read More »

Haulas, Peter

Peter Haulas’ name appeared in the 24 June 1916 edition of the Kenora Miner and News for enlisting with the 221st Battalion. His identity and service could not be confirmed.