James Stevenson

Rank: 
Private
Regimental number: 
135577
Unit at enlistment: 
74th Battalion
Force: 
C.E.F.
Volunteered or conscripted: 
Volunteered
Survived the war: 
No
Date of death: 
November 23rd, 1918
Cemetery: 
Paris Cemetery, Paris, Ontario
Birth country: 
Scotland
Birth county: 
Renfrewshire
Birth city: 
Paisley
Address at enlistment: 
58 Davenport Road, Toronto, Ontario
Next of kin address: 
58 Davenport Road, Toronto, Ontario
Trade or calling: 
Butcher
Religious denominations: 
Presbyterian
Marital status: 
Married
Age at enlistment: 
36

Letters and documents

BX November 25, 1918

James Stevenson, Paris Killed by Electricity – Was Carrying a Ladder in Power house and Drew Great Current

PARIS, Nov. 25 – A distressing fatality occurred at the McFarlane Engineering Co.’s Plant on Saturday just before the noon hour, by which James Stevenson lost his life.  Deceased was employed as assistant electrician at the plant, and was engaged in making a change and installing a new transformer in the power house. He was carrying a truss ladder, when he received a severe electric shock; which threw him on his back clear of the ladder, making a bad gash in the back of his head.  It is not known whether the ladder came in contact with the high tension wire, or whether the power attracted the ladder which he was carrying.  First aid was immediately given and doctors summoned but the spark of life had fled.  The accident has cast a gloom over the entire works, as he was very popular among his fellow-workmen, being of a very genial and obliging nature.  Dr. Logie, coroner, was summoned, but after investigating the circumstances decided that an inquest was now necessary.

Mr. Stevenson, who was in his 40th year was a Scotchman by birth, being born in Glasgow.  He was living in Toronto when the war broke out, and joined up with the 48th Highlanders.  Later he was transferred to the 74th Battalion, with which he served for two years.  He contracted rheumatism in the trenches, and was invalided home.  He had been a resident of Paris for about two years, and had been engaged with the McFarlane Engineering Co.  He was a member of the Orange order and also of the Great War Veterans’ Association.  He is survived by his widow, who was formerly Mrs. Mugsley, to whom the sympathy of the community will be extended in the loss of a devoted husband.  The remains were laid to rest in Paris Cemetery this afternoon, the funeral being in charge of the War Veterans.  The service at the house was conducted by Rev. Mr. Langton, and at the grave by the G.W.V.A.  The pallbearers were two members of the G.W.V.A., two Gentlemen, two workmen, and two fellow workmen.

Note: Not considered CWGC Killed.  McFarlance Engineering Co. during the First World War acted as a munitions factory in Paris, Ontario.  With James Stevenson's prior military service and being killed at a munitions factory his name was added by the Town of Paris to its Honour Roll.