Joseph Beaudro 1846 - 1927
Joseph Beaudro, son of Jean Baptist Beaudreau and Eleonore Daunais, was born 15 Mar 1846 in Quebec.
Adolphus Henry Begg 1891- 1917
Private Adolphus Henry Begg, son of John G and Juliet Begg was born 17 Apr 1891, in Rat Portage. He had siblings,
Maria Begg, born 17 Feb 1879
Ellen Begg born 18 Oct 1882 died !888
Charles Begg born 10 September 1888
Mary Ann Begg 27 Jan 1888 died 21 Jan 1869
Joseph W. Begg born 20 Jan 1898
Service # 439366
Army Regiment: Canadian Infantry Battalion: 52nd Battalion Company,
Died September 4, 1917, `Died of wounds (gunshot wound head and hand) at no 7. Casualty Clearing Station b
Buried at: Noeux-Les-Mines Communal Cemetery Extension., France Plot: II. A. 19.
LAC Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 592
Private James Begg 1895 - 1916
James Begg, son of James Rutherford Begg and Jemina Muggaberg, was born in Rat Portage on April 15 1895 according to the 1901 Census District 44 N2-2 Page 5 - given on his attestation papers as 19 April 1894 He was known as "Jake" to his family & friends. He had a number of siblings:
Arther Begg b. Aug 1892 d. 24 Oct 1893
Hattie Begg b. 10 Aug 1893 ( m. Battel) D ?
James Begg b. 15 Apr 1895 Rat Portage
Duncan Begg b. July 15 1896 d. 16 Jul 1997 (101 years and 1 day old)
Thomas Begg b. 31 Dec 1899 d. 1970
Rita Begg b. Dec 1900
Kathleen Begg born February 10 1903 Rat Portage (m. Lacombe) D. 10 Jan 1983
Ada Begg b. 21 Oct 1904 d. 1967
Wilfred Begg B
Ernest Begg B
Doris Begg (Saunders) b. Aug. 1908
Isabel Begg
He enlisted in February 1916, Service number 199066. He served with 43rd. He was reported missing in action on Oct 8 1916 in the Somme offensive and subsequently confirmed deceased.
From the War Diary for the 43rd Battalion: In the attack on Regina Trench 8 October 1916 there were 2 officers killed, 2 wounded, 4 missing; other ranks 8 killed, 224 wounded, 120 missing.
From James's CEF burial register: "Previously reported missing, now for official purposes presumed to have died."
Margaret (Begg) Mitchell 1848-1944
Charles Wiggins Belyea 1857-1919
Stanley Carleton Belyea 1894- 1918
Private Stanley Carlton Belyea was born in Rat Portage on 24 Apr 1894, son of Allan R. and Annie C. Belyea. He second oldest of four children:
Daniel A. Belyea b. 23 Oct. 188 NB
Stanley Careton Belyea b. 24 Apr 1894, Rat Portage
Cecil H. Belyea b. 11 Oct 1896, Rat Portage
Rita K Belyea b. 28 Aug 1899, Rat Portage
His residence in 1916 was Winnipeg,Manitoba
He enlisted in 1917
The 27th Battalion was involved in an operation that took them to Eswars and Iwuy from the night of 8th and 9th of October to the night of 11th/12th. HE was shot through the head by an enemy bullet and died shortly after on 11 October 1918 Service # 2380069, 27th Battalion Death near Iwuy, he was buried at Niagara Cemetery, British Commun Iwuy
August P. Bergman 1879-1940
August Bergman was born in Lulea, Sweden in July 1879. He learned the building trade in Sweden.
He immigrated to Canada in 1910. He was employed by the Keewatin Lumber Company at the Norman sawmill.
In 1916 he formed a partnership with Godfrey Nelson. under the firm name Bergman and Nelson.
He married wife Ida and they had 6 children:
Svea Bergman
Charles
Albin Bergman born February 20 1920
Gunnard
Jun. 1907
Herbert
Oct. 1909
Nils
Bergman
Robert Bergman
He died July 12 1940.
Charles Albin Bergman 1912 - After 1972
Charles Albin Bergman, son of August Petrus Bergman and Ida Alsson, was born in Kenora on February 20 1912. Following his graduation with his commercial Diploma he started to work as a clerk and junior accountant with Bergman and Nelson. He worked nights for three years with R.J. Rose the municipal accountant He eventually took over the accounting of the store during the Depression years. He was promoted to General Manager of Bergman and Nelson in July 1940 on the death of his father.
He married Ethel Lindstrom on May 25 1936. They had one son Barton C Bergman who became principal of Beaver Brae High School.
He was active in sports of rowing, wrestling and hockey until 1935l.
He was a member of the Kinsmen and Rotary Club joining Rotary May 2 1959. He was a member of the Bethesda Lutheran Church.
He served on the Kenora Town Council from 1938 to 1942. After the death of his father he left municipal politics until he was elected Mayor from 1960 to 1963. During his term water service was put into Norman, the General Hospital was expanded and a new system of garbage disposal was set up in the town.
He was a Lieutenant for several years in the Reserve Artillery. He died some time after 1977.
Reference; Nelson, Kathryn & Patricia A Political History of Kenora, 1977, Keewatin Public Library 971.311 POL
John Berringer
He was employed at Standard Insurance and Realty Company
He married Rowena Lass
They had three children
He joined Rotary
April 27 1981
Dr. James Beveridge
Dr Beveridge was born in Nova Scotia.
A proud supporter of the Acadia Axemen, Dr. Jim Beveridge completed his under grad at Acadia University 1971in Nova Scotia and upon completion of his BSc., decided to work for his M.D. at Queen's University.
He specialized in Family Medicine, Obstetrics and C-Sections, Cancer Chemotherapy,Palliative Care and Pain Management at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Medical Office. His office was located at the Paterson Medical Clinic, 45 Wolsley Street Kenora, Ontario P9N 3W7.
Dr. Beveridge enjoys golfing, boating, skiing, reading and playing bridge.
Peter Duncan Billings 1930 -2013
Pete Billings son of Roy and Renee Billings was born in 1930. He graduated from Queen's University in 1954 and worked for the Ontario Ministry of Transportation as an engineer for over 35 years. He served as District Engineer out of Kenora for several years.
His first wife Kaireen "Kay" Billings predeceased him and he subsequently married Linda Thatcher.
Pete joined Rotary February 24 1969.
He loved to garden, golf, play billiards and curl. He was a longtime member of Health One (Fitness Inst).
He passed away unexpectedly, as the result of a fall, on Sunday, September 22, 2013, at the age of 83 in Mississauga..
John Black 1874 - 1959
John Black, son of William Black and Susan Miller was born in Abbingdon, Niagara Region, Ontario on 12 February 1874. He married Rose Jane Nichol in Haldimand County on 12 September 1905. He was living in Kenora at least by the birth of his first daughter on August 26 1996. and on the 1921 census where his occupation was described as engineer. In 1921 he was appointed to the Kenora Board of Health.
They had three children,
Ethel Grace Black b. 23 Aug 1906, in Kenora, married Albert Jonathan Bingham in Cuyahogo, Ohio on 16 Jun 1934. She died on died 26 Feb 1996 in Seattle
Alice Gertrude Black b. 24 Aug 1908 in Kenora m. Norman Charles Nuson d. 16 Feb 1936 a day after the birth and death of her only son, Alan Hugh Nuson
Gordon Black b. 06 May 1912 in Kenora, died 19 Feb 1984 in Montreal, Quebec
He died about 20 April 1959 and was interred in Lake of the Woods on 23 April 1959
Emile Victor Blouin 1926- 2017
Emile Victor Blouin, son of Antonio and Louisa Blouin, was born 6 May 1926 in Quebec City. He had four siblings, Raymond, Jacques, Jules, Lois and Cecile.
He passed away in Kenora on January 16, 2017 three months after losing his wife Ann 58 years.
They had two daughters Louise Blouin and Micheline (Blouin) Hay, husband Tom hay
He moved to Toronto at 6 years. He was educated in Toronto and eventually attain his BA at University of Toronto. He supported himself through his university years as a house painter, a deckhand on a Great Lakes boat, a logger, and a farmhand. He taught 33 years, teaching French, Spanish, English and Phys Ed. He also coached track teams and formed a Drama Club. He taught in Midland, Parkhill and Ailsa Craig, and Kenora, Ontario. In 1959, moved to Kenora. He retired in 1986. He was athletic.
He was a sprinter in his high school years and enjoyed playing hockey with the Kenora Old Timers until the ripe old age of 75. He was nicknamed "The Flying Frenchman" by his many hockey buddies due to his speed and master stick handling on the ice - including the ice on Lake of the
He wrote beautiful poetry, in both English and French, and faithfully kept a journal, having recorded tidbits of his life in 60 volumes. He was also a world traveler, both in his youth and as a tour host for many trips with the Retired Teachers of Ontario.
He married Anna Gillies in 1958. She was born 19 November 1921 to her parents Archie and Valetta (Potter) Gillies in Ailsa Craig, a little town outside London, Ontario. She grew up in Ailsa Craig with her sisters Isabelle and Olive (Walter/Albert), brother Hughie (Dorothy).
She taught school at Ailsa Craig, Strathroy and London, until 1959 moving to Kenora with her husband.
She was an avid supporter of music, arts, and culture. She volunteered her time for the Kenora Festival of the Arts and Royal Conservatory of Music exams, for Lake of the Woods Concert Group. She was a bell ringer with Sunset Country Bell Ringers and Quartet. She also enjoyed her exercise classes with all the fun ladies at the New Horizons Seniors Centre.
She passed away in Kenora, October 10, 2016 On October 10, 2016 Anna (Gillies) Blouin just short of her 95th birthday.
At his wife, funeral he read from one of his poems,
… There is no compensation For your absence. No song, no incantation To conjure your essence. There is no mirth yet right To cleanse my heart Of heavy yearning, say despair, For your touch, your sight - No substitute can repair. There is no seasoning Will soothe my taste For the hallowed touch. No maturity nor reasoning, Lighten this waste Of eternal time's passing.
Dr. Brian Bowerman
Dr Brian Bowerman was born in Sarnia Ontario. He graduated in 1984 from the University of Manitoba, with a BSc and MD. He has a general practice of Medicine located at Paterson Medical Clinic, 45 Wolsley Street Kenora, Ontario P9N 3W7 and has also served at Minaki Nursing Station, and Birchwood Terrace Nursing Home.
Dr Brian Bowerman decided on Kenora because of its proximity to Winnipeg, Manitoba. He finds that Kenora is special in that it is surrounded by nature and maintains a small town feel. His hobbies include computers, cycling and cooking.
John Horace Bowack 1921 - 2013
John Horace Bowack, son of John Henry Bowack and Rebecca Elizabeth Shimmen was born in Winnipeg April 26 1921. He lived at 1564 Ross Street, Winnipeg from 1821 through to 1968. Sometime between that date and 1972 he moved to Kenora. He was employed at Town and Country Home Furniture.
John joined Rotary July 8 1972 and served for many years as piano player for opening ceremonies. He married his wife Myrtle and had one daughter Linda. Myrtle predeceased him on March 19 2000.
John's laugh was uplifting and his humour and gentle manner was valued by all who knew him. He moved to Winnipeg about 2005.
Ruth Jessica (McArthur, Tait) Bowiec
Arthur Cyril Boyce 1867-1942
Rifleman Ernest William “Bill” Bradley 1922 - 1944
Ernest William "Bill" Bradley, son of Walter Bradley and Maude Coppard was born in Kenora on September 27 1922 in Kenora. His father had served in World War 1 and as a result of the war and work on the railway he lost his hearing and his job with the CPR. He was one of seven children,
Frank Bradley b. 1920 in Kenora, served with Seaforth Highlanders
Leslie Walter “Bob” Bradley, served with Royal Canadian Artillery in Italy
June Bradley, married Vern Green
Beverley Mae Bradley 20 May 1929 in Kenora, m. Harvey Lloyd Spooner, d. 01 Jan 2016 in Winnipeg, Manitoba
Allan Bradley
Meredith “Pete” Bradley
He finished grade 9 in Kenora and left school at the age of 15 because they required his help at home. He worked various jobs in Kenora including painting with his father, a Rodman on Surveys and 4 months with the Canadian Car and Foundry in Thunder Bay.
Bill enlisted Royal Winnipeg Rifles, R.C. I. C on 17 Nov 1942. He married Laura Martha McNabb 30 Jun 1943 and shortly after left Canada for England on 25 Aug 1943, arriving 2 Sept 1943. He embarked from UK 1 Jun 1944, disembarked in France 6 Jun 1944, D- Day
The Royal Winnipeg Rifles landed in the sector called Mike Red by 0735 where defences had been left untouched by the prior bombardment by the guns of the Royal Navy. Despite heavy losses, one by one with the aid of aid of armoured vehicles strong points were eliminated. Graye-sur-mer, Sainte-Croix and Banville were taken and the Winnipeg Rifles were in position of Creully by 1700 on the afternoon of June 6th. The Royal Winnipeg Rifles and Regina Rifles claim credit for being the first Allied unit to reach their D-Day oblectives.
On June 7th the Royal Winnipeg Rifles took Putot-en-Bassin. On the 8th two battalions of the 12th SS Panzer Division launched a series of attacks against the Royal Winnipeg Rifles and were overwhelmed. That evening 23 prisoners captured were executed by men of the 12th SS Panzer Division. Later similar atocities were committed by this SS unit including the execution of Bradley. It is believed executed were conducted under the direction of Maj. Gen Kurt Meyer at the ancient Abbey of Ardennes at Mouen and at Authie near Caen. Putot was retaken later on June 8th. His date of death is presumed as 8 Jun 1944. He was reburied at Canadian Cemetery at Beny-Sur-Mer, France Plot 13, Row H, Grave 6 It is believed he was executed under the direction of Maj. Gen Kurt Meyer at the ancient Abbey of Ardennes at Mouen and at Authie near Caen.
Bradley was buried at Canadian Cemetery at Beny-Sur-Mer, France Plot 13, Row H, Grave 6.
Following the war Kurt Meyers was tried and held responsible for most of the 45 Canadians executed at the Abbey of Ardennenne on June 8th. He was sentenced to death, latter commuted to life imprisonment of this. He served five years in Dorcchester, New Brunswick where he worked in the library and learned English. He was transferred to a prision in Germany and released from prison on 7 September 1954. He died of a heart attack on 23 December 1961.
Bradley's widow died 10 Jun 1988 in Waterloo, Ontario. His father Walter died 20 Jun 1971 in Kenora, his mother died 09 Jul 1972 in Kenora.
Samuel Martin Burris 1904 - 1991Resources
Frank E. Bray
Born Feb 7 1857 in England
First Reeve of Keewatin
John Brenchley 1859 - 1948
John Brenchley, was born in Kent County, England around 1859. He came to Rat Portage around 1882. He resided in the Commercial Hotel (Kenwood) He was a "fitter" mechanic employed by the CPR. He became president of the Western Algoma Brick Company in 1893.
He served on the Rat Portage Town Council in 1897 and from 1919 to 1923. He served as mayor from 1924 and 1925. He died in Kenora August 31 1948.
He was an active member of the Pequonga Lodge and treasurer for over 30 years. He was a member of the Gold Lodge and Trustee for many years, a member of Golden Chapter no 90. He was a patron of the Eastern Star. He was a member of Kenora Hospital Board. He was a member of the Lake of the Woods Machinist Lodge. He was an active member of the Cemetery Board.
James Westropp Brereton 1830-1911
John Thomas Brett 1886-1941
Matthias Breiter 1964-
Matthias was born in Heidelberg, Germany in 1964. He had early travels to China (his father was exchange professor in Shanghai in 1981/1982 and Beijing 1984-1989). He attended University of Heidelberg between 1980-1985 graduating with a Bachelor of Science and University of Massachusetts in 1985-1986 for graduate studies in Zoology . He graduated with his Master's Degree from University of Heidelberg in 1989 (Biology). 2001-Present: Ph.D. Thesis (Aggression in Bears) – University of Heidelberg. After receiving his graduate degree, he had extended stays in Alaska (1990/1991) and Australia (Northern Territory 1992/1993, he traveled all over Australia in late 1991 and early 1992). These extended stays resulted in two books on request of the respective National Park Services. Matthias has lived and worked permanently in Alaska and Canada since 1994. Since 1994 he has written several books on the natural wonders of Alaska, Canada and Australia which have been translated into 7 languages. His website at http://breiterphoto.com/ lists his various publications including thirteen books.
He is married to Laura Sneider and has three daughters who reside in Kenora Ontario.
He continues to conduct research and is presently finishing his Ph.D. thesis on aggression in bears. He is also deeply involved with conservation efforts involving the American and Canadian Arctic and Subarctic. He is a founding member and fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers (ILCP).
Mathew "Matt" Brown 1854 - 1907
Mathew Brown, son William Brown and Janet Black, was born in Avondale, Lanark, Scotland on 21 Feb 1854. He emigrated with his large family arriving in Quebec, Quebec 4 May 1873 on board the St. Patrick. They appear to have settled in Lincoln Ontario. He married Julia E. McElroy, daughter of Neal McElroy and Sarah D. Wentworth McElroy on 8 Mar 1882 in Lincoln. They appear to have moved to Thunder Bay the same year. They had the following children:
Mathew S. Brown b 14 Nov 1882 in Thunder Bay, Ontario
Mackay Harbe Brown b. 29 Jan 1884 in Thunder Bay Ontario
Jennie Walker Mina Rose Brown b. 26 June 1886, Lincoln, Ontario, d. 30 July 1894 buried in Lake of the Woods Cemetery in Kenora
Grace Jean Brown , 31 Jan 1897 in Rat Portage (Kenora) d. 8 Feb 1904 buried in Lake of the Woods Cemetery in Kenora.
Ruby May Brown b. 13 Jun 1898 in Rat Portage
Mathew was a lumberman in Rat Portage. He ran unsuccessfully in the 1901 municipal Election. He is buried in Lake of the Woods cemetery with inscription of 1855 - 1907.
Mrs Brown was credited along with her friend Miss Ross of inventing the name of Kenora which replaced the former name of Rat Portage in 1905 (Lake of the Woods Museum Newsletter Vol 15 No 1 ( http://www.lakeofthewoodsmuseum.ca/story/rat-portage-becomes-kenora/ accessed September 3 2016.)
In 1921 Mrs Brown is listed as being with her son Mathew S. Brown's family in Langdon Village, Shepard Municipality, Alberta along with her 88 year old mother Sarah.
The SS Keenora which rest today in Selkirk Manitoba was pre-fabricated in Quebec and assembled in Kenora in 1897. It for passenger and cargo traffic on Lake of the Woods where she served isolated communities on the lake. In 1915 vessel was sold to a consortium of Winnipeg lawyers. In 1917 it was dismantled and transported in sections to Winnipeg by railroad. Once reassembled in Winnipeg, with an additional 30' (10m) extension on her hull, increasing her overall length to 158 feet (41,8 m). She served as a floating dance hall in downtown Winnipeg for a season and then assigned to cargo and passenger traffic on Lake Winnipeg and on the Red River. Her transporting era ended in 1960s after which ultimately was salvaged for a Marine Museum of Manitoba in Selkirk. I have not yet connected the name of this ship with the name of the City of Kenora but suspect they had a common ancestry. (Would be please to learn from others with more information.)
Torrance "Tory" Brydges 1950-2011
Born in 1950 he passed away October 17, 2011, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was survived by his wife Faith and his sons Shane (Kari) and Evan (Brandi). He is also survived by his sister Allison, his brothers Montie (Nancy) and Rick (Ruth), father-in-law Eric Ringstrom, brothers-in-law Murray Tufford and Dave Ringstrom
He started working at KFC in Portage la Prairie at the age of 14. In 1970 he and Faith moved to Kenora where he ultimately owned and operated the local KFC.
He was known in Kenora for his support for Snowarama and the Crippled Childrens Association.
On November 11 2011 In a moving tribute to the late Tory Brydges, his son Shane accepted a certificate of appreciation from the City of Kenora, in recognition of a lifelong dedication to volunteerism on all levels. The list included scouts, powwows, fish derbies and the agricultural society.
Gerard Brimble 1894 - 1965
Gerard Brimble, son of James Brimble and Rebecca Tiplin was born in Cardiff Wales on May 5 1894. In 1905 the family emigrated to Canada and settled in Kenora. The 1911 census show the family residing at 531 4th St. N.
Gerard received his education in Kenora and then attended Normal school to become a teacher.
He served overseas in World War 1 returning in 1919. He maintained his interest in military matters.
In September 18 1928 he married Elizabeth Lee Ard
He taught at the Kenora High School and then became supervising principle of all Public Schools in Kenora.
When King George School was built he was appointed Principle. He retired in 1955.
He served on the Library Board, the Kenora Housing Authority, the Search and Rescue Squad, Knox United Church, the Gideons, Kenora Camp and the Canadian Legion.
He died on November 28 1965 in Kenora. He is buried in Lake of the Woods Cemetery. His wife died February 8 1968. They are buried in Lake of the Woods Cemetery.
Walter M Brown
Wife Jessie
Hardware Retail
Joined Rotary January 10 1954
Died after 1975
George Nelson Brunsel 1873-1947
John Robert Bunn 1855-1932
John Robert Bunn, son of Thomas Bunn and Isabella Clouston was born at the Red River Settlement on August 26 1855.
He was educated at St. John's College
He married Vashti Elizabeth Gunne on October 28 1885. The had the following children:
Charles R.R. Bunn b. October 11 1886
Victor William Bunn b. May 24 1890
Thomas Drake Bunn b. February 24 1892
Marguerite Isabel Bunn b. June 27 1893
John "Jack" Reginald Bunn b. June 15 1895
He went to work for the Hudson Bay Company until 1884 when he went into general mercantile business.
He resumed work with Hudson Bay Company in 1890 and remained until 1901 when he again went into business for himself.
In April 1912 he was appointed inspector of Indian agencies for the lake Winnipeg Inspectorate.
He managed the Hudson bay Store in Rat Portage after C Chipman