War Comes to Richmond Hill

Looking for Enemy Sympathizers

A German blacksmith working in the Trench Carriage Works, and the north end blacksmith, were said to have received letters from the German Consul, Toronto, relative to going back to Germany to assist in the war. Both were requested by the city authorities to go down and submit to examination on Saturday. As they gave a satisfactory account of themselves they were allowed to return to their work here.

The Liberal, August 13, 1914

Consoling a Bereaved Family

That the members of this Council express to Mr. George Caldwell, on behalf of the whole Municipality, their profound sympathy with him, and his family, in the loss of his son, recently fallen in action in the defence of his King and Country.

While sensible of the magnitude of the irreparable loss that Mr. Caldwell has sustained, the Council ventures to express the hope that the knowledge that the brave young soldier, with his face toward the enemy, died in the discharge of his duty, will to some extent, at least, lessen the weight of the blow and alleviate the sharpness of the trial.

And the Council assures Mr. Caldwell that the memory of his son will not fade, nor his sacrifice be forgotten by the residents of Richmond Hill, but will be treasured in their hearts as an incentive to higher ideals and a deeper appreciation of, and devotion to, principles of right and justice.

A.J. Hume, Clerk, William H. Pugsley, Reeve, Minutes of Richmond Hill Village Council,March 14, 1917