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Event Date : Monday, June 19, 1905
Event Type : Death

Description : On Monday evening, June 19th, as the shade of night fell upon our town, a darker shadow fell upon the well-known home of one of Bradford's oldest residents, as Mr. Andrew Thompson passed from this life to be no longer here. For some time past the question of Mr. Thompson's health has been uppermost in the minds of his family and friends as it was discovered that serious heart trouble existed. Despite the fact that the deceased regained sufficient strength to appear in his place of business last week, it was only that and nothing more. All the while his critical condition prevailed. On Friday last a form of intestinal trouble loomed unexpectedly up, and at once the original trouble was aggravated, causing a serious complication which medical skill was unable to cope with, and after a brief but trying illness of a few days Mr. Thompson was no more. Only some four years ago the younger son in the same home-Climie-was, by an acute disease, snapped away as it were, and it is well-remembered that his last words, "You'll not be long after me father" have come strikingly true. Serious family illness has also in the interval intervening rested heavily upon the members of the now sorely afflicted home making a seemingly double portion of sorrow to bear. In all of this the sympathy of the whole town goes out in large measure to the grief-stricken wife and children who survive. Norman who for some time past has been in the Sovereign Bank at Stouffville was able to reach home ere his father had passed away Monday night whilst the Misses Beatrice and Gertie were as ever brave and supporting to their heart-broken mother.

Deceased was born in the Township of Innisfil on the 17th of January 1841 and had resided in this neighbourhood all his life. He learned his trade of tinsmithing with Mr. Geo. Mortimore of Newmarket and shortly after commenced business in this village. He was married in 1873 to Miss Mary Jane Williamson of this village who survives him. He was an affectionate husband and father and enjoyed exceptionally good health scarcely knowing what a day's sickness meant. For over 35 years the name of Andrew Thompson has as a businessman been before the public as a hardware merchant and tinsmith. First in partnership with Mr. B.F. Kendall. Then alone when for years he occupied the stand now filled by Mr. R. Neilly. Four years ago on the departure of Mr. Jas. Driffill from the corner store it was purchased and occupied by Mr. Thompson who added to his line of business that of hardware.In public affairs the deceased manifested a goodly interest and held the positions of Councillor and Public School Trustee for a time. A liberal spirit was ever shown towards all worthy objects giving of the fruits of his persevering industry and honest toil. He was a member in good standing of the A.O.U.W. and was buried by the Order on Wednesday afternoon at Mount Pleasant cemetery. In the absence of a settled pastor in the Presbyterian Church with which Mr. Thompson identified himself the Rev.s Morley Young and Smith resident ministers officiated at the services of the house which were largely attended. A large and solemn cortege followed to the place of interment about forty in number preceding the hearse. Rev. Mr. Morley conducted the sad rites at the grave after which the beautiful service of the Workmen Order took place and was concluded by the breathren marching around the grave and depositing a sprig of evergreen on the coffin of their deceased brother. A number of beautiful floral tributes covered the coffin including one from the town council and one from the children bearing the word "Father." The pallbearers were: W.B. Scott, H.S. Broughton, R.F. Green, Cyrus Long, S. Lukes, E. Garrett, J. Elliott, J.M.B. Stephens. Mr. E.J. Humphrey of Toronto undertaker assisted Mr. B.B. Collings funeral director and everything passed off with much solemnity and in quiet order.The following persons from a distance were present at the funeral: Mr. and Mrs. A. Climie and Miss Climie Listowel; Mr. Stobie Buffalo; Mrs. E. Jones Markham; Mr. Burns and Mr. Watson Newmarket; Mr. and Mrs. Williamson Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Humphrey Mrs. Will Hamer Mrs. O. Wade Mr. W. Reive Mr. Davidson Mr. C. Elliot Mr. A. Sutherland Mr. Donald Ferguson Mr. Issac Pratt and Miss Field all of Toronto and Miss Sarah McBride of Aurora. "