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Record #21880
Name :
: Alfred RAWLINSON (1889 - )
  aka : Rollinson


Father
:
Mother
:
BMD and other details
Date of Birth
: 1889

Marriage (1)
:
Marriage (2)
:

Date of Death
:
Abode (1) : Place of BirthEngland
Abode (2) : Place of Death / Burial
Sailing Information
Date of Arrival
: 12 May 1906
Country
: Canada

Ship
: Empress of Britain

Placement Family
:
Homes / Agencys
Institution (GB)
:

Agency
: Fegan Homes for Boys
NotesLetter found in the Fegan's newsletters:

A Rollinson, Auburn Ontario, November 3 1913
Dear Mr. Fegan,

After so many years of silence but not of forgetfulness, I am now taking the pleasure of writing to you the great friend of London outcasts. Before going further I bet forgiveness fo rnot undertaking this duty before so late a date as this. Please accept my hearty thanks for what you have done for a young man who today might have been one of the scum of London's streets, but who today by your help and encouragement has been able to make life happy and successful. I cannot begin to thank you as you deserve but trust this letter will help and encourage you in the grand work you are doing in the world for God alone can repay you for what you have done for poor boys such as me. I cannot hope that you will remember me individually as you have so many sons in this country. I am one of the boys you sent to Canada in the year 1906 with Mr. Wm Walmsley on the SS Empress of Britain, which was making her maiden voyage. After spending a week in the Toronto Home we were sent to the farmers who had asked to be supplied with boys. I remember when I arrived in Auburn for that is the name of the village nearest the farm I had been sent to, what a funny little place it seemed with its wooden houses and quaint looking churches and stores. It was so different to the stone and brick buildings of old London. Farm life was certainly a new experience but as i had alwayslonged for the country, I was happy in my new life. I remember the first Sunday on the farm, I went to Sunday School in the morning at nine Oclock and instead of going by the road I went through the woods or bush, It was certainly a lovely sight, it was in the month of May and the violets were in bloom, the first I had ever seen growing wild, and yo may imagine my surprise when I saw the wild canaries. The sight of the trees and flowers and the noise or rather music of the birds made me glad to be alive. When working on the farm I often thought of the advice you gave us boys before leaving the Old Home on the corner, especially on thing you told us and that was to keep on the right side of women. I must say that advice is worth taking notice of, for I have proved its truth. I was very fortunate in my first situation, the farmer and his sister were aged people, they were not rick by any means but better still they were good Christian people who are my true friends to this day. I worked on the farm for two years and a half. In that time I had been able to repay you that fifty dollars it cost to bring me to Canada and had also enough to help run me through with my trade that I had decided to learn. I worked three years as an apprentice to the harness trade. Not long after this the man I worked for went West and got me to run the business in his absence. When he returned he had decided to sell out and go WEst. The other business men of our village encouraged me to take the business over and lent me money to start with. I am glad to say I am doing well in business. I have ot repaid the money that was lent me yet, for I have only been in business tow years but, if I have the strength and health, I expect to be clear of debt by the next four years. Last January I took stock and found I had saved over either hundred dollars while in business. I have stayed in Auburn ever since I came to Canada and find it has paid well to be steady, honest and truthful. Now you may see what you have done for your boy. You have given him a new life, have helped to make a man of him, have planted hope in his breast and above all have showed him how to build true Christian character. All I can say is May God reward you and bless you as He alone can, may you be spared, you and your wife to bless and help many friendless boys. I will help the work as soon as I am clear. Please remember me to Mr. Walmsley, Mr. Filmer (for I was his store room boy at the Home) and to all the boys. May God bless you and your wife, and my you be spared many years to your boys. Yours affectionately A.Rollinson 
ContributorsCreated : 2013-09-12 16:50:13 / From original database

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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  5 Entries        
IDNameDOBPlace of birthArrivals & ShipsDest.AgencyFamily links
21880 RAWLINSON, Alfred1889ENG,     May 1906 : Empress of Britain CAN Fegan Homes for Boys  
25731 RAWLINSON, Elizabeth1896ENG,     May 1909 : Corsican CAN Louisa Birt  
5109 RAWLINSON, George1912ENG,     Aug 1926 : Montrose CAN Barnardos  
23972 RAWLINSON, Reginald1907ENG,     May 1920 : Minnedosa CAN Middlemore  
4924 RAWLINSON, William1909ENG, LAN, Liverpool Mar 1925 : Aurania CAN Liverpool Sheltering Home