William Farrington

Rank:

Private

Regimental number:

772142

Unit at enlistment:

125th Battalion

Force:

C.E.F.

Volunteered or conscripted:

Volunteered

Survived the war:

Yes

Cemetery:

Mount Hope Cemetery, Brantford, Ontario

Commemorated at:

First Baptist Church

Birth country:

England

Birth county:

Northumberland

Birth city:

Acklington

Address at enlistment:

Farringdon P.O., Oakwood Farm, Brantford, Ontario

Next of kin address:

Farringdon P.O., Oakwood Farm, Brantford, Ontario

Trade or calling:

Farmer

Religious denominations:

Baptist

Marital status:

Married

Age at enlistment:

Letters and documents

BX November 3, 1916

More Returned Heroes Coming

Five more returned soldiers have arrived back from England and are expected soon in Brantford. Two of these men are thought to be from the 125th Battalion, but the reasons for their return are unknown. Sergeant Stanbridge, 8 Dundas Street, and Private B.J. Meates, 30 Park Avenue, are now in Toronto. Privates J. Turner, A. Dodds, and William Farrington arrived at Quebec on the C.P.R. Liner Manitoba yesterday. A James Turner is given in The Expositor records as having enlisted with the 125th Battalion in December last year. He formerly lived at 11 Sterling Street, and is a married man. He had eight years experience with the Lancashire Fusiliers and a year and a half with the 38th “Duffs” prior to the outbreak of war. The only Dodd given in the Expositor records is A. Dodd in the 125th Battalion.

BX November 8, 1916

Two More Heroes Have Returned – Lance-Corp. D. Durand and Pte. W. Farrington Came Home Last Night

Two more local men invalided home from the front. Lance-Corp. Daniel Durand of 84 Strathcona Avenue, a war scarred hero and Pte. William Farrington of West Brantford, whose health gave out while with the 125th Battalion in England, returned home last evening. At the Grand Trunk station the 215th Band representatives of the Soldiers’ Aid Commission and a large crowd of citizens, formed of both civilians and soldiers, were on hand to show appreciation of the part the returned soldiers had played.

A parade was formed up at the station with a guard of honor from the 215th Battalion with the band. Automobiles were provided to convey the returned heroes and their friends to the Market Square and thence to their homes. The Soldiers’ Aid Commission was represented at the station by Ald. J.S. Dowling, J.H. Spence, Chris Cook, H.W. Fitton and M. Willoughby.

The veterans were given a fitting welcome home in the midst of a cheering throng on the Market Square by Ald. J.S. Dowling and ex-Mayor J.H. Spence. Mr. Spence made an appeal for recruits to swell the ranks of the 215th Battalion, and this was echoed by one of the veterans, Lance-Corp. Durand. After telling the crowd that he had been at the front for two years and two months, he said. “Today what we want is men. We have munitions and money, but you men are what is wanted now. Don the uniform and show everybody that you are a Britisher.” He had nothing to say about the battles he had been through, but appealed strongly for more men.

Lance-Corporal Durand of 84 Strathcona Avenue was one of the first men to leave Brantford in response to the apple of the Motherland. Some time ago he was reported wounded in the ankle. Before going overseas he was employed by the American Radiator Company. One of his sons is now in India with the Imperial army.

Private William Farrington was a member of the 125th Battalion, which went overseas a few months ago. Shortly after reaching England his health gave out and he had to be invalided home. He is a married man and resides on Foul’s farm, West Brantford.

BX April 24, 1948

William H. Farrington

William H. Farrington, Park Road, Echo Place, passed away this morning at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. W. Downey, 103 Peel Street, in his 72nd year. He was born in England, coming to this district 43 years ago, and he has resided here since. He served during the First World War, leaving this city with the 125th Battalion and serving with it overseas. Surviving are five sons, Selby, Henry, Lloyd, Vincent and Norman, all of Brantford; three daughters, Mrs. R. Young, Hamilton; Mrs. W. Downey, Brantford; Mrs. F. Connors, Toronto; 14 grandchildren and a great-grandchild. His wife predeceased him ten years ago. Mr. Farrington is resting at Reid and Brown’s Funeral Chapel until Tuesday afternoon, when the funeral service will be conducted. Interment will be in Mount Hope Cemetery.

BX April 28, 1948

William H. Farrington

The funeral of William H. Farrington was conducted Tuesday afternoon from the Reid and Brown Funeral Chapel, rev. C.C. Boyter, Calvary Baptist Church, was in charge. During the service in the chapel, Mrs. Arol Beal rendered a solo, “Rock of Ages,” with Mrs. John Shultz accompanying at the organ. Friends and relatives from the city and out-of-town points were in attendance. Pallbearers were George Farrington, Robert Farrington, William Careswell, William Samson, Harry Peterson and William Buzek. Interment was in Mount Hope Cemetery.