BX August 2, 1938

Agricultural Instructor to Six Nations is Killed – Two R.C.M.P. Officers Injured When Coupe Hit Bus

Robert Thomson, Cainsville, aged 44 years, Agricultural Instructor on the Six Nations Reserve for the Department of Indian Affairs was almost instantly killed; James C.M. Wishart, Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer at Ohsweken Reserve, Brantford, was seriously hurt and Wilfred G. Lloyd, R.C.M.P., officer at Welland, was painfully injured early Sunday on the Middle Highway outside Hamilton city limits, when their coupe piled into a bus as they were driving to the Canadian Corps Reunion in Toronto.

Thomson died as he was being lifted from the wrecked auto.  The front of the bus was crumpled by the terrific impact and Cecil McKinnon, McDonald’s Corners, near Beamsville, a passenger, suffered abrasions.

Condition of Wishart remained serious. He suffered fractures of the arms, legs, elbow and multiple lacerations.

Wishart was at the wheel of the auto and, according to reports of Provincial Police, it crossed over the middle traffic line on the pavement and met the bus, proceeding in the direction of Hamilton, head-on.  The lighter machine was demolished.  Only a few parts of the rear remained intact. The engine was driven back into the front seat, the entire front portion of the machine was twisted and flattened; tires were torn off and the steering wheel was bent forward through the windshield.  The shatterproof glass was almost pulverized in places.  The three passengers were trapped in the debris, but were soon extricated by passing motorists.  Thomson died before medical aid came.  Wishart and Lloyd were rushed to hospital.

The three men had arranged the party a few days ago and met in Brantford Saturday night, when their work was finished.  They intended spending Sunday and the holiday at the Reunion.

Thomson, a farmer in Cainsville all his life, was a returned soldier and 15 months ago was appointed by the Dominion Government to the post of Agricultural Instructor at the Reserve.  He enlisted with the 215th (Brant) Battalion servicing as Platoon Sergeant, later being transferred to the 33rd Royal Field Artillery and then to the Imperials, serving as an officer during the Great War.  Born in Brant County, he had lived there all his life and was a member of the Presbyterian Church and as a Mason.  His widow, son, Ross, aged 15 years, and daughter, Pauline, 13 years of age survive.

He also leaves to mourn his loss, his father, Thomas Thomson, Onondaga Township; two brothers, Alexander James, Windsor, and Thomas Walter, Hamilton, and one sister, Mrs. Morton McClure, Brantford Township.

Both Wishart and Lloyd had been members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for many years and had been stationed in their respective territory for some time.

Robert Cracknell, 558 Cannon Street, East, driver for Gray Coach Lines, escaped injury and only one of the eight buss occupants were hurt.

Sergeant S.H. Bush and Constables Reginald Reynolds and Vincent Coffey of Provincial Police and Provincial Traffic Officer Reginald Mason investigated.

Widely Known

The late Robert Thomson was widely known and most highly esteemed throughout the County of Brant, and particularly so in Onondaga Township where for many years he was active in the community life.  He served on the Municipal Council for a number of years, is a former member of the Second School Board and was active in the United Church of Onondaga being for some time Superintendent of the Sunday school.

Possessed of a genial, kindly disposition his untimely demise will be a source of deep regret to all who knew him and they will untie in extending sympathy to the sorrowing members of his family.  The funeral is being held this afternoon from his late residence.

Condition Fairly Good.

Condition of James C.M. Wishart, R.C.M.P., officer from Ohsweken and Wilfred G. Lloyd, R.C.M.P., officer stationed at Welland, who were seriously injured in Sunday’s autobus crash outside the city limits of Hamilton, when Robert Thomson, Cainsville, was killed, was reported to be “fairly good” at the General Hospital last night.

BX August 3, 1938

Robert Francis Thomson Laid to Rest – Final Tribute Was Paid to Well Known Brant County Citizen

Citizens of Brantford and Brant County, the Six Nations and Mississauga Reservations, in all walks of life, yesterday afternoon paid striking final tribute to Robert Francis Thomson, Agricultural Instructor to the Six Nations, who met a tragic death in an automobile accident Sunday morning.  Robert Francis Thomson was a Captain in the Great War and many war veterans were among those attending his funeral, conducted from his beautiful farm home, Walnut Glen, Onondaga Township.  The many and beautiful floral tributes also testified to the esteem in which the deceased was held by a wide circle of friends.

Rev. J. Sheridan Bale, Onondaga United Church of which the deceased was an active member, had charge of the funeral service.  He paid marked tribute to the life and worth of the deceased, mentioning particularly his church life.

The services we attended by veterans of the Brantford and Ohsweken branches of eth Canadian Legion, representatives of the Indian Office, the Six Nations and Mississaugas of the Credit Reservations, Untied Officers’ Mess, Onondaga Council and other organizations which had known and benefited by the deceased membership and interest.

The Pallbearers were George E. Wood, Carl Campbell, Howard Edwards, James Stone, George Fearman and Fred Woodley.

Interment was in Farringdon Cemetery.