Person Record

Metadata

Name

Harris, Whitford A.

Othernames

Whitford Alexander Harris

Born

03/17/1892

Birthplace

Allenford, Bruce County, Ontario

Places of residence

1911 Census: at 1379 3rd Ave. East, Owen Sound
In 1916, he resided with his mother at 1379 3rd Ave. East, Owen Sound

Father

William David Harris

Mother

Celeste Harris (nee McBride)

Nationality

Canadian

Notes

Whitford Alexander Harris was born in Allenford, Bruce County, Ontario, on March 17, 1892, but lived in Owen Sound, Ontario just prior to the First World War. He was a Stenographer / Book Keeper in Owen Sound prior to 1916. He enlisted in the 248th Battalion on Dec. 13, 1916. Overseas, in England, when the 248th was broken up and used as reinforcements for other units, he was transferred to the 58th Battalion. He survived the war and returned to Owen Sound.

His 1919 discharge paper is in the Grey County archives. There are also some military memorabilia items that he had kept that are now in the Grey Roots Museum collection. When he returned home in 1919, he married Miss Alma Isabelle Horton, the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. N. P. Horton of 2nd Ave. West, Owen Sound. They were married at the bride's home, by Rev. T. G. McAteer. The bridesmaids were Mary and Irene Harris (sisters of the groom). It was just a small wedding, with only 20 relatives and friends. They were married on June 11, 1919. The couple went on a motor trip for their honeymoon afterwards.

Alma I. Horton was 27 years old when they married, as was Whitford. She was born in Owen Sound on Oct. 22, 1891, and her parents were Nicholas P. Horton and Sarah Horton (nee Wilkinson). Her father was a Customs Officer at Owen Sound, and also had been a merchant.