PUFFER, Norman Ralph

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• _COLOR: 11

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MILITARY HISTORY

Leading Aircraftman Norman Ralph Puffer – R 273954 — ACTIVE SERVICE (World War II)
August 17, 1943 a Form – Application Foe Aircrew or Ground Duty – Personal Record on Norman Ralph Puffer was completed. The contents stated that he was unfit for Aircrew (due to colour blindness). The Interviewing Officer’s Assessment stated: “Fine type of boy, well motivated and really wants to fly. Sport loving, alert, keen, well-mannered and should be a credit to the Service. Selection explained and accepted. Recommended for Air Engine Mechanic, War Emergency Training Program.
On September 3, 1943 Norman Ralph Puffer completed the Attestation Paper for the Royal Canadian Air Force at No 11 Recruiting Centre (RC), No 1 Manning Depot (MD) Toronto, Ontario. He was 18 years and 10 months old when, as a single man, he enlisted for the duration of the War. Norman Ralph was born in Clarina, Ontario and gave his birth-date as November 14, 1924. He lists 188 Rubidge Street, Peterborough Ontario as his present address. He indicated that he had no previous Military experience. Norman Ralph’s File indicates that he completed his Primary education at S. S. #9, Dummer; 3 years at Lakefield High School plus a month’s course in machine shop practice. As far as his Trade or Calling is concerned, he lists Fitter Assembler at the Canadian General Electric Company (Genelco Ltd.) Peterborough, Ontario. Norman Ralph was 5? 8½” tall, weighed 119 pounds, brown hair, had a 35½” (expanded), had hazel eyes and could read French. He gave four Character and Ability references: Mr. J. Harvey, Lakefield Ontario, High School Principal; Mr. Snelgrove, Warsaw Ontario, a Minister; Mr. J. Carroll, C/O Genelco Ltd., Plant Foreman and Mr. M. Montgomery, C/O Genelco Ltd., Sel Service Officer. His medical examination took place in Toronto, he had a scar on his right index finger and there is a note which indicates that he is a “good candidate” his colour vision so bad on their tests that he probably wouldn’t be able to qualify for aircrew. Notwithstanding the colour vision restrictions Norman Ralph was deemed fit (Category A), for duty with the RCAF. His next-of-kin was listed as his father, Russell Elmer Puffer, a Diesel Engineer, living at RR #2, Lakefield Ontario. Norman Ralph signed the Declaration and Oath September 3, 1943 in Toronto. The Certificate of Attesting Officer was signed on September 3, 1943. Norman Ralph Puffer was taken-on-strength as an Aircraftman 2nd Class (AC-2) with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and was assigned Service Number R 273954.
September 3, 1943 AC-2 Puffer was taken-on-strength to No11 RC, No 1 MD, Toronto with the trade of an “Air Engine Mechanic (AEM) [War Emergency Training Program (WETP)]. He would have been introduced to a Basic Training Program for about 1 month before being posted. September 4, 1943 AC-2 Puffer indicated that he was Insured with Confederate Life. On October 14, 1943 AC-2 Puffer was struck-off-strength from No 1 MD to No 4 Wireless (W) School at Guelph, Ontario and was taken-on-strength to No 4 W School on October 15, 1943. On December 24, 1943 he was granted 5 days Christmas Leave to December 29, 1943. On March 14, 1944 AC-2 Puffer was granted the trade of AEM (TTS) Standard. On March 18, 1944 he was granted 14 days Annual Leave to April 1, 1944. After 5 months and 3 weeks of training at No 4 W School, on March 31, 1944 AC-2 Puffer was struck-off-strength from No 4 W School to the Technical Training School (TTS) at St. Thomas; he spent 6 weeks here learning Technical Publications. April 1, 1944 he was taken-on-strength with the TTS at St. Thomas, Ontario. A On August 9, 1944 AC-2 Puffer was promoted to the rake of Aircraftman 1st Class (AC-1) and granted the trade of AEM (TTS) C. On August 24, 1944, having trained at the TTS for 5 months and 3 weeks; AC-1 Puffer was struck-off-strength from TTS to RCAF Station Mountain View, Ontario and was taken-on-strength August 25, 1944.
On September 19, 1944 AC-1 Puffer was granted 14 days Embarkation Leave to October 2, 1944. On October 2, 1944, after about 1 month and 7 days training, he was struck-off-strength from RCAF Station Mountain View upon being transferred to No 1 “Y” Depot* Lachine, Québec, he was taken-on-strength on October 3, 1944. Then, on October 13, 1944 AC-1 Puffer was struck-off-strength from No 1 “Y” Depot, Lachine, Québec to the No 3 (RCAF) Progress Review Committee (PRC) at 62 (RCAF) Base, UK. AC-1 Puffer Embarked Canada on October 13, 1944 and Disembarked the UK on October 20, 1944. On October
21, 1944 he was attached to Intelligence (Int) C 337 of the No 3 (RCAF) PRC. On November 15, 1944 he was struck-off-strength from No 3 (RCAF) PRC to 62 (RCAF) Base *The No 1 “Y” Depot handles the transition of personnel.
January 8, 1945 AC-1 Puffer was granted 7 days, plus 48 hours, Privilege Leave to January 16, 1945. January 26, 1945 a document indicated that AC-1 Puffer received training on the: Rifle; Sten Gun; Grenade; and Elementary Fieldcraft at Innsworth, UK. March 3, 1945 AC-1 Puffer was awarded the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp. March 5, 1945 AC-1 Puffer was granted 7 days, plus 48 hours, Privilege Leave to March 13, 1945; including a Ration Allowance. On June 18, 1945 AC-1 Puffer was struck-off-strength due to repatriation on posting to RCAF Station Debert, Nova Scotia. June 19, 1945 he is taken-on-strength at RCAF Station Debert, Nova Scotia, put on Draft TA 126 Embarkment for Canada; very long range (VLR). On June 20, 1945 AC-1 Puffer was struck-off-strength from RCAF Station Debert to No 1 “Y” Depot, Debert, Nova Scotia. June 21, 1945 he was taken-on-strength to No 1 “Y” Depot, Debert, Nova Scotia. AC-1 Puffer would have Disembark at Halifax about June 25, 1945. June 29, 1945 AC-1 Puffer was granted 30 days Disembarkation Leave to July 28, 1945.
July 1, 1945 AC-1 Puffer was promoted to the rank of Leading Aircraftman (LAC) and granted the trade of AEM (TTS) B he was also qualified for remuster to the Allied Central Mediterranean Force (ACMF) although it was not actioned. September 20, 1945 LAC Puffer is struck-off-strength from RCAF Station Debert to No 1 “Y” Depot, Moncton, New Brunswick and taken-on-strength. Also on September 20, 1945 LAC Puffer completed a “Statement Of Loss Of Identification Discs/Cards”. The form text is: I hereby certify that I lost my Identification Discs/Card on or about June 18, 1945 while with the RCAF. The circumstances surrounding the loss are as follows: Canadian Identity Card returned, Discs lost on return trip to Canada. Signed – R.N. Puffer September 29, 1945
No 1 “Y” Depot, Moncton N.B.
September 22, 1945 LAC Puffer has an Interview at Moncton: he indicated that he wishes to take on the job training in draughting; he was trained as an aero engine mechanic, overseas from October 1944 to June 1945 and as a crew member on aircraft maintenance; his Service record indicates good learning ability and high mechanical aptitudes; it was recommended that he have Vocational Training or return to his former employment. Also, on September 22, 1945 LAC Puffer’s Medical Board Proceedings stated that it was a Non-Medical Discharge and there was no hospitalization during his term of Service. During his Service he had extensive dental worked done which included a number of extractions and fillings. September 25, 1945 LAC Puffer is discharged from the RCAF (Reserve) Special Section “on completion of a term of voluntary service during an emergency” and transferred to the RCAF (Reserve) General Section, Class “E”. He ceases to occupy Government quarters and ceases rations. LAC Puffer is entitled to a Clothing Allowance and a Rehabilitation Grant and he received his War Service Gratuity of $281.08. His address on discharge is: 197 Brock Street, Peterborough, Ontario.
Leading Aircraftman Norman Ralph’s Military File indicates that he was eligible to receive the following Medals:
Defence Medal;
Canadian Volunteer Service Medal & Clasp; and
War Medal 1939 – 45.
He also received War Service Badge, Class A, 689207 on November 16, 1945.
LAC Puffer indicated that he wanted his Medals sent to: c/o Bank of Montreal; Frankford, Ontario.
According to Aircraftman Norman Ralph Puffer’s Military File he served a total of 2 years and 22 days with the Royal Canadian Air Force: 1 year, 4 months and 10 days in Canada; 8 months in the UK and 14 days travel time.
An excerpt from an article in Maclean’s by Barbara Ameil, September 1996:
”The Military is the single calling in the world with job specifications that include a commitment to die for your nation. What could be more honorable”.
PERSONAL HISTORY

Norman Ralph Puffer was born on a farm in Clarina, Ontario on November 14, 1924, son of Russell Elmer Puffer, born in Norwood, Ontario and Mabel Beatrice Ivey, born in Norwood. Norman Ralph went by the name “Ralph”. Ralph grew up on Stoney Lake Road (County Road 6), just below Puffer’s Road. He went to a one-room schoolhouse at the top of the Hill (Puffer’s Hill).
Ralph attended School Section Number 9 (S.S. #9), Dummer and the Lakefield and District High School and completed Grade 11. He was schooled in English and could read French. Ralph played hockey, baseball and football; his hobby was aero plane modelling. Just prior to enlisting Ralph worked at the Canadian General Electric Company for two years where he did bench work and assembly. After the War Ralph was a Banker with the Bank of Montreal for 45 years.
Norman Ralph Puffer married Helen Jean Millar, born November 30, 1925 in Lakefield, Ontario; Helen Jean went by “Jean”. Ralph and Jean had two children: Malcolm Ralph, born February 16, 1959 and Jill Elizabeth, born April 3, 1961.
Norman Ralph Puffer died March 5, 1993 at Burlington, Ontario; age 68 years. Helen Jean Puffer (Millar) died June 15, 2013 at Burlington, Ontario; age 89 years; both are buried in Lakefield Cemetery.
THE NORMAN RALPH PUFFER FAMILY OF CLARINA ONTARIO

Norman Ralph Puffer’s paternal grandparents are William Milford Puffer, born January 23, 1859 in Brighton Township, Northumberland, Ontario and Agnes Connell Cuthbertson, born September 11, 1865 in Glasgow, Scotland. William and Agnes had 10 children: Thomas; William Henry; Walter Bertram; John Wesley; Norman Ralph; Russell Elmer; Elizabeth Jane; Carmen Roswell; Clara May and Garfield Wellington. On March 1, 1915 William Milford Puffer traveled to Buffalo, New York USA to visit his brother Isaac Norwood Puffer.
William Milford died March 7, 1928 at Peterborough, Ontario age 69 years. Agnes Connell died September 28, 1948 in Ontario age 83 years; both are interred in the Norwood-Asphodel Cemetery in Norwood, Ontario.

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GRID=91754902 R03L17#3 n.w.

Family/Spouse: MILLAR, Helen Jean. Helen was born on 30 Nov 1925 in Lakefield, Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada; died on 15 Jun 2013 in Burlington, Ontario, Canada; was buried on 6 Jul 2013 in Lakefield, Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Living
2. Living

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• _COLOR: 11

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MILITARY HISTORY

Private Russell Elmer Puffer – 3059001 — ACTIVE SERVICE (World War I)
October 23, 1917 a Form “Particulars of Recruit Drafted Under Military Service Act, 1917? (Class 1) on Russell Elmer Puffer was completed in Peterborough, Ontario. Russell Elmer’s present address was given as Clarina, Ontario and his Military Service Act letter and number was PC 922472. He stated that he was born in Norwood, Ontario on April 11, 1896. Russell Elmer gave his Trade as a Farmer and his father, William Puffer who lives in Clarina, as his next-of-kin. He further indicated that he was not a member of the Active Militia nor had he had any previous military or naval service. Russell Elmer’s apparent age was 22 years, 1 month; he was 5? 7½” tall, with a 37? chest (expanded), grey eyes and dark brown hair. He had a scar on his left instep and was declared fit for duty Overseas. On May 10, 1918 Russell Elmer Puffer was enlisted for the duration of the War with the 1st Depot Battalion (Bn), Eastern Ontario Regiment (EOR), Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) at No 3 Military District (MD) Barriefield, Ontario (very near Kingston, Ontario as a Private (Pte) with Service Number 3059001.
Pte Puffer was granted Leave from May 11, 1918; the duration was not given.
The events which transpired from the termination of Pte Puffer’s Leave until June 28, 1917 are not given; there are no notations to explain why he would be in Vienna, Austria or Thongwa, Myanmar and how he managed to get there. Private Russell Elmer Puffer did not qualify for any Military Medals; he spent most of his time in the Service dealing with medical problems. He was in England the majority of his time and due to the late engagement date (unable to get properly trained) he did not serve in Europe in a Theatre of War. He did qualified for War Service Badge CEF Class “C”.
On June 28, 1918 Pte Puffer embarked the City of Vienna. July 10, 1918 he re-embarked Thongwa, Myanmar and disembarked in England July 22, 1918 where he was taken-on-strength from Canada to the 47th Draft, 1st Bn, Eastern Ontario Regiment (EOR) to the 6th Reserves Battalion (Res Bn) at Seaford, England.
July 28, 1918 Pte Puffer is struck-off-strength from S Wing to the Regimental Depot Group, Witley..August 10, 1918 Pte Puffer, still with the 6th Res Bn, was admitted to the No 14 Canadian General Hospital (CGH) Eastborne and was diagnosed with Mumps. September 3, 1918 Pte Puffer was struck-off-strength from 6th Res Bn to MHS. He spent 63 days in the Hospital before being discharged on October 11, 1918.
On October 11, 1918 Pte Puffer is posted to the Eastern Ontario Regiment Depot (EORD) on discharge from the Hospital On-Command to the 3rd Canadian Convalescent Depot (CCD) at Witley, England. October 20, 1918 Pte Puffer was admitted to the No 14 (CGH) with a cough & expectoration plus pain on his right side (Influenza). He spent 26 days in the Hospital before being discharged on November 14, 1918 with good recovery and a Category D. October 22, 1918 Pte Puffer is admitted to No 14 CGH, Eastborne, England and was reported dangerously ill with Lobar Pneumonia. October 27, 1918 he was removed from the Dangerously Ill List.
On November 10, 1918 Pte Puffer ceases to be On-Command to the 3rd CCD. November 14, 1918 is attached to 1st CCD for Physical Training (PT), etc. at Witley from the 3rd CCD. December 10, 1918 Pte Puffer is posted from EORD on reporting to the 6th Res Bn from the 1st CCD. December 20, 1918 he is On-Command to Kinmel Park at Rhyl, England.
On February 24, 1919 Pte Puffer is taken-on-strength of Perm Cadre at Rhyl from MD C 12 Wing. April 12, 1919 Pte Puffer is struck-off-strength from No 2 MD, London. May 24, 1919 Pte Puffer is struck-off-strength from Perm Cadre and embarked for Canada as recorded by i/c Records “8” Wing Casualty Clearing Centre (CCC), Witley.
June 2, 1919 Pte Puffer is struck-off-strength from the 6th Res Bn on posting to No 3 Regiment Depot at Seaford, England. June 12, 1919 Pte Puffer was admitted to the No 12 (CGH), Bramshott; the diagnosis of Gastritis was given on his admittance. He spent 19 days in the Hospital before being discharged on July 2, 1919. July 2, 1919 Pte Puffer was transferred to the No 16 (CGH), Bramshott Orpington complaining of hyperacidity. Examination of the stomach showed negative results. He spent 11 days in the Hospital for recovery before being discharged on July 12, 1919 with a Category A.
July 12, 1919 the Canadian Records Office (CRO) indicated that Pte Puffer was to be Invalided to Canada on Sailing List (SL) 506 from No 2 MD at London, England. Also on July 12, 1919 Pte Puffer was taken-on-strength with No 2 DD, Toronto Ontario to be Invalided to Canada. Pte Puffer embarked Liverpool aboard the SS Royal George on July 12, 1919 and disembarked Halifax, Nova Scotia on July 21, 1919. July 23, 1919 Pte Puffer was struck-off-strength from No 2 DD on discharge due to demobilisation from the Canadian Army.

Pte Puffer made a Pay Assignment upon enlisting which provided $20.00 monthly to his father William Puffer. He did not qualify for the War Service Gratuity; he did not serve in Europe in a Theatre of War. He received a $35.00 Clothing Allowance and $70.00 Post Discharge Pay.
There is no reference, in Private Russell Elmer Puffer’s Military File indicating what Military Medals he was awarded. Based on his Military Service, he should have received:
British War Medal 1914 – 1920; and
He also qualified for the War Service Badge Class “C”.
Based on his Military File, Private Russell Elmer Puffer served a total of 1 year, 4 months, 6 days with the Canadian Expeditionary Force: 5 months, 1 day in Canada; 9 months, 28 days in England, 1 month, 6 days in France and 11 days Travel Time.
An excerpt from an article in Maclean’s by Barbara Ameil, September 1996:
”The Military is the single calling in the world with job specifications that include a commitment to die for your nation. What could be more honorable”.
PERSONAL HISTORY

RUSSELL ELMER PUFFER
Russell Elmer Puffer was born in Dummer Township, Peterborough County, Ontario on April 13, 1896, son of William Milford Puffer, and Agnes Connell Cuthbertson. Russell Elmer went by the name “Russell”. Russell grew up on Stoney Lake Road (County Road 6), just below Puffer’s Road.
Russell Elmer Puffer married Mabel Beatrice Ivey on November 24, 1920, at the Ivey family farm in Clarina, Ontario. Mabel was born in Norwood, Ontario on March 18, 1900. Russell and Mabel had five children: Mildred Ruth Joye, born October 3, 1921; a daughter born stillborn on December 8, 1922; Norman Ralph, born November 14, 1924; Doreen Audrey, born July 11, 1929 and Marina, born March 11 1940. Russell was a WWI Veteran and on his return farmed and worked as an Electrician at the American Nepheline Mines, at the Nephton Mine, Nephton Ontario.
Mabel Beatrice Puffer (Ivey) died April 15, 1973 in the Civic Hospital, Peterborough; age 73 and Russell Elmer Puffer died March 25, 1976 in Peterborough; age 79; both are buried in the Norwood Asphodel Cemetery, Norwood, Ontario. Mildred Ruth Joye Louden nee Puffer died April 3, 2013 at Sherwood Park, Strathcona County, Alberta; age 91; Norman Ralph died March 5, 1993 in Burlington, Ontario and Doreen Audrey Murdy nee Puffer died May 23, 2014 at Peterborough Manor and is buried in Lakefield Cemetery.

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GRID=91560986

Russell married IVEY, Mabel Beatrice on 24 Nov 1920 in Clarina, Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada. Mabel (daughter of IVEY, Robert Samson and ELLIOTT, Emma Elizabeth) was born on 18 Mar 1900 in Norwood, Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada; died on 15 Apr 1973 in Peterborough, Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada; was buried in 1973 in Norwood, Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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• _COLOR: 11
• Residence: 1901, Dummer Township, Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1911, Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada

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She served as a wireless operator at Sea Island AFB in British Columbia and in Ottawa from 1944 until her discharge in July 1945

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GRID=91748888

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• _COLOR: 11
• Residence: 1861, Brighton, Northumberland, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1891, Asphodel, Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada

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GRID=91560675

William married CUTHBERTSON, Agnes Connell on 23 Dec 1885 in Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada. Agnes (daughter of CUTHBERTSON, Thomas and RICHMOND, Elizabeth) was born on 11 Sep 1865 in Glasgow, Glasgow City, Scotland; died on 28 Sep 1948 in Ontario, Canada; was buried in Asphodel, Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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• _COLOR: 11
• Residence: 1881, Asphodel, Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1891, Asphodel, Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada

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GRID=91560722

Other Events and Attributes:

• _COLOR: 11
• Residence: 1871, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1901, Dummer Township, Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1911, Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada

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GRID=93290939

Robert married ELLIOTT, Emma Elizabeth on 24 May 1892 in Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada. Emma (daughter of ELLIOTT, William H. and PATTERSON, Anne) was born on 18 Oct 1869 in Asphodel, Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada; died on 26 Jul 1946 in Asphodel, Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada; was buried in 1946 in Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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• _COLOR: 11
• Residence: 1901, Dummer Township, Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1911, Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada

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GRID=93290983

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• Ref#: 582
• _COLOR: 11
• Residence: 1851, Brighton, Northumberland, Ontario, Canada

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A farmer

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GRID=97759468

John married QUACKENBUSH, Sarah Jane on 17 Mar 1856 in Northumberland County, Ontario, Canada. Sarah (daughter of QUACKENBUSH, Isaac John and QUACKENBUSH, Catharine) was born on 16 Aug 1832 in Ameliasburgh Twp., Prince Edward Co., Ontario, Canada; died on 16 Dec 1915 in Dummer Township, Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada; was buried in Norwood, Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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• _COLOR: 11
• Residence: 1871, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: Abt 1881, Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1901, Chandos, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1911, Peterborough, Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada
• Death: 16 Dec 1915, Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada

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GRID=189239167

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• _COLOR: 11

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GRID=236169904

Thomas married RICHMOND, Elizabeth before 1856 in Scotland. Elizabeth was born in 1829 in Darlington, England; died in 1908 in Norwood, Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada; was buried in Norwood, Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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• _COLOR: 11

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GRID=236169948

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• _COLOR: 11
• Immigration: 1833, Canada
• Residence: 1891, Northumberland County, Ontario, Canada
• Residence: 1901, Seymour, Northumberland, Ontario, Canada

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GRID=99770568

William married FREE, Jane. Jane was born on 10 Mar 1833 in Carnew, County Wicklow, Ireland; died on 29 Apr 1905 in Campbellford, Northumberland, Ontario, Canada; was buried in 1905 in Campbellford, Northumberland, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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• _COLOR: 11
• Immigration: 1833, Canada
• Residence: 1891, Northumberland County, Ontario, Canada

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GRID=99770504

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• _COLOR: 11

William married PATTERSON, Anne. Anne was born in 1839; died on 18 Feb 1903 in Norwood, Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada; was buried in Norwood, Peterborough County, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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• _COLOR: 11