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Record #12515
Name :
: George LIGHTWOOD (1887 - 1966)


Father
:
Mother
:
BMD and other details
Date of Birth
: 27 Nov 1887

Marriage (1)
:
Marriage (2)
:

Date of Death
: 27 Jan 1966
Abode (1) : Place of BirthEngland, Cheshire, Chester
Abode (2) : Place of Death / BurialCanada, Scarborough
Sailing Information
Date of Arrival
: 2 Oct 1897
Country
: Canada

Ship
: Labrador

Placement Family
: William Chalmers
Homes / Agencys
Institution (GB)
:

Agency
: Barnardos
NotesGeorge and his brother Frank were admitted to Barnardo's on 20th November 1896, age 8 years and 11 months.

Colour of Hair - Brown
Colour of Eyes - Brown
Height - 3 ft. 6 3/4 in.
Chest Measure - 23 in.
Complexion - Dark
Vacc. Marks - Nil
Weight - 39 lbs
Condition of Body - Fairly well developed

Remarks by Medical Officer :
These two little boys, aged respectively eight and seven years, have been admitted on the application of the Rev. Walter Brain, 5 Albert Street, Shrewsbury, who afterwards filled in a question form. From this we derive the following particulars: -

The father - Francis Lightwood, a butcher's labourer (who is said to have been a most respectable man) died in September, 1896 at Shrewsbury, from consumption. With the exception of L20 insurance money the family were left penniless. This money the mother spent at the public-house; and - to use the applicant's expression - she is "saturated with drink". She appears to have no occupation, being in very weak health. The sister Florence earns 4s. a week as a shop-assistant; and as this sum goes towards the rent of 4s. 6d. a week, the mother and six children were practically destitute; and the children have often had to go without food. The applicant made an earnest appeal that the two boys might be rescued from their miserable surroundings; he would then try to do what he could to assist the others and "keep them going". During the week prior to the application the mother showed some signs of improvement in her habits; but this was probably only because she had no money.

The applicant speaks in high terms of George and Francis as quiet, lovable children. They are medically certified to be in good health. They have had measles and scarletina.

Relatives:-
Mother - Annie Rosa Lightwood (37), no occupation, 74 New Park Street, Shrewsbury
Brother - Alfred (3), with mother
Sisters - Florence Amy (17), shop assistant, 4s. a week; Lillian (12), Henrietta (5), all with mother
Aunt - Clara Amy Austin (43), 55 Dunstan Street, Northampton

In Canada he was placed with Mr. William Chalmers, Parkersville, Ontario (lot 15, Concession 2, Stephenson Township). Here George apparently was comfortable and happy in his new home, did quite well, was in good health, attended school regularly and was a good scholar for his year. He attended church and Mr. Chalmer described him as a "credit to the house".

In October 1899 he attended the Bracebridge Fair and had his photo taken with his brother, a copy of which they had sent to his mother in England. George had entered writing, printing and figures to the Bracebridge fair but had failed to get a prize.

In December 1899 Mr. Chalmer wrote that the teacher expects that he will soon pass the learning examination, he is very good health and looking forward to a good time at Christmas.

In January 1900 Mr. Chalmers wrote that George is in the best of health and is truthful and honest.

On 1 May 1900 Mr. Chalmers wrote tha George was making good progress at school and in his fourth book. George and his brother Francis were visited by their mother, sisters and brother from Montreal on Wednesday last.

On 2 May 1900 Mrs. Lightwood called at the home today having just returned from Muskoka where she had been spending a few days with her children on the invitation of their guardians. She expressed herself as well pleased with the way she found them, and the marked improvement in their appearance since last she saw them. She has decided on remaining in Toronto and has attained a situation as a cook at the Working Boys Home, Frederick Street, her intention being to get a home of her own as soon as possible when she will have the boys to live with her.

On 20 July 1900 a ticket for the boys transportation to Toronto sent.

On 31 July 1900 Returned to the home and was taken in charge by his mother who had expressed her anxiety that he should be allowed to remain in the city. In this connection Mrs. Lightwood was given to understand that we felt the time had come when she should be able to provide for him, but that if she were unable to do this we would obtain a place for the boy in the country. On this understanding Mrs. Lightwood took the boy with her to remain for the present at the Protestant Home where she is employed as a member of the staff.

On 3 July 1908 George was employed by the Toronto Photo Engraving Company at 81 Mutual Street, Toronto and Barnardo's closed his files. He was described as an adult said to be earning a big salary.

George married Dorothy Elizabeth Harvey (8 Sept 1891 - 3 July 1938) on 22 June 1915 at Christ Church in Scarborough, Ontario. They were the parents of three children: George Harvey Lightwood (22 July 1916 - 23 May 2008), Elizabeth Anne Lightwood (29 August 1924 - 12 March 1929) and Dorothy Elizabeth Lightwood (23 April 1930 - 13 August 2003). Later in life, after the passing of his first wife, George married Jessie Florence Campbell Paton. 
ContributorsCreated : 2010-07-27 12:27:14 / From original database

Last Updated : 2012-07-17 16:11:23 /

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Surnames starting with:   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  4 Entries        
IDNameDOBPlace of birthArrivals & ShipsDest.AgencyFamily links
17819 LIGHTWOOD, Florence1879ENG,     Apr 1899 : Carthaginian CAN Liverpool Sheltering Home  
12522 LIGHTWOOD, Francis1889ENG, SAL, Shrewsbury Oct 1897 : Labrador CAN Barnardos  
12515 LIGHTWOOD, George1887ENG, CHS, Chester Oct 1897 : Labrador CAN Barnardos  
17820 LIGHTWOOD, Rosa Annie1859ENG,     Apr 1899 : Carthaginian CAN Liverpool Sheltering Home