Hi Everyone
I am trying to trace the family history of William Woods from a few facts and the childhood memories of an orphan as told to his son. The start of his story is very sad and there is little to go on so any help would be appreciated.
From Willie’s memories:-
He “
came to Canada on a boat with his parents, his brother James and possibly a younger sister”.
He was “
at his mother’s graveside funeral before he and his brother were given away by his father”
He was “picked out of a line-up at the orphanage by his adoptive father”.
Facts:-
Willie and his brother James were at the
Loyal True Blue Orphanage, near Picton, Ontario.
James Woods was about two years younger than Willie and was never adopted.
In 1910 Willie Woods was sent by train with a label pinned to him saying he was Master Willie Woods, being sent to Mr. Henry Thistlethwaite, Norwood, Ontario.
He is on the 1911 census, living with the Thistlethwaites, as adopted son, Wilfred W.
Wood, age 9.
His adoptive family renamed the lad Wilfred Ernest Thistlethwaite and he was raised as their natural son.
He died in his 90’s and was survived by his wife and children.
In 1964 when Willie was applying for his old age pension he contacted The Loyal True Blue & Orange home in Richmond Hill, Ontario to try and establish his proof of age.
According to their records:-
Registered as -
William Woods.
Date of Birth - Jan 1 1901.
Place of Birth -
Wales.Date of Admission to the Home – Sept 19 1907.
Former Residence – Nipigon, Ontario.
Father –
Charles Woods, Nipigon, OntarioMother –
Deceased.Date of Discharge – Mar 19 1910.
Adopted by – Mr. Henry Thistlethwaite, Norwood, Ontario.
All leads welcomed.
Thanks,
Genie