I was asked to look
for Annie Keith, nobody knew where she was buried. She was a nurse who died in a terrible
accident on her ward. A vat of melting
floor wax on a stove on her ward caught fire.
She attempted to take it outside to prevent injuries to her patients. When she went outside the wind blew the
flames back on her, her uniform caught fire, and she died several days later
from her burns.
Annie was single, first shows up in the Essondale directory in 1928,
listed as a nurse.
( Though she probably started work at Essondale in 1927, since she is not included in the directory listing for 1927 in New Westminster. )
Annie, arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada on April 20, 1920,
[Ships passenger list] after sailing on the S.S. Metagama with $35 cash in her pocket, she was 22.
1921 Canadian census finds her working as a maid for a family,(1) who lived at 318 5th Street, New Westminster, British Columbia, (Google Earth)
Annie was born in Coleraine, Ireland on the 6th of October 1896.
( Though she probably started work at Essondale in 1927, since she is not included in the directory listing for 1927 in New Westminster. )
Annie, arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada on April 20, 1920,
[Ships passenger list] after sailing on the S.S. Metagama with $35 cash in her pocket, she was 22.
S.S. Metagama; All aboard.....
1921 Canadian census finds her working as a maid for a family,(1) who lived at 318 5th Street, New Westminster, British Columbia, (Google Earth)
318 - 5th Street, New westminster, image from Google Earth
Annie was born in Coleraine, Ireland on the 6th of October 1896.
Father: Samuel John Keith Mother:
Matilda “Tillie” Stewart, Tillie had
four children, all living in 1911, and had been married for 30 years
The 1901 and 1911 Ireland Census: find
Annie living at, 17 Dundooan, Ballylagan,
Londonderry, Ireland with her parents.
Sister: Mary Hamill, husband John Hamill, daughter: Mary Hamill, son:
John Hamill
Brother: Samuel John Keith,
(1884-1949) buried at Mountain View Cemetery,
Vancouver. He was married
to Julia May Murphy,(1892-1976) Buried beside Samuel John Keith are a
Samuel Keith, and two Keith babies: John J. S. and another Keith, initial J.
I guess that this next person below was a son of the two above.
John Steward (Stewart, would be correct of course ) Keith b. 1912, d. 17
July 1912, parents Samuel and Matilda (
listed as being at BC Archives, on the Mormon's familysearch website, but not
a trace at BC Archives?, not the first time, that I have come across this
situation. )
Brother: William
Joseph Stewart Keith (Stuart) (1884-1958) single. buried Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Burnaby.
She also appears to have visited Ireland from June 23, 1933 to Nov 5, 1933.
After a bit of a search I found her obituary in the local newspaper of the day.
Transcribed here, with some expansion of the names:
The Coquitlam Herald May 21, 1942, page 1
ANNIE STEWART KEITH
Last rites for Annie Stewart Keith, who
died in the Royal Columbian Hospital on April 26,1942 from burns suffered by fire in
the nurse’s home, Essondale, were held, Thursday, April 30.
Interment was in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Burnaby, British Columbia.
Interment was in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Burnaby, British Columbia.
The service was under the auspices of the
Port Coquitlam chapter No. 23 of the Order of Eastern Star. Miss Keith, who was
matron of nurses at the Provincial Mental hospital, was a charter member of the
Port Coquitlam Branch.
The Rev. William Robert Brown, Vancouver officiated at the grave-side.
The Rev. William Robert Brown, Vancouver officiated at the grave-side.
Six uniformed nurses acted as honorary
pallbearers and pallbearers were
John Renton, Robert Gardener, Alexander Carmichael Bennett, Harry Mounce, and the Messrs. Keith, of Chilliwack, cousins of the deceased.
John Renton, Robert Gardener, Alexander Carmichael Bennett, Harry Mounce, and the Messrs. Keith, of Chilliwack, cousins of the deceased.
Miss Keith, born in Ireland, 46 years ago,
had been nurse at Essondale for sixteen years and had the longest service record
of any employee.
The Hospital's annual report for 1943 also mentions her passing:
It is with regret we record the passing of several of our valued employees during the past year. Miss. A.S. Keith, who was long in the service, met with a terrible accident. While making floor wax her clothes became ignited and she was burned to death. The whole staff were greatly upset, for she was one of sterling worth and loved by all.
It is with regret we record the passing of several of our valued employees during the past year. Miss. A.S. Keith, who was long in the service, met with a terrible accident. While making floor wax her clothes became ignited and she was burned to death. The whole staff were greatly upset, for she was one of sterling worth and loved by all.
Mr. Robert Muir, one of the old-time employees, passed away after a long and continued service.
So now we know where she is. And the lady who told me the story in the first place, will go to the cemetery and find and photograph the gravesite.
Update: Anna went to the cemetery, and photographed the grave marker for us, a nice marker it is. Note, the insignia of the Order of the Eastern Star on the memorial
Update: Anna went to the cemetery, and photographed the grave marker for us, a nice marker it is. Note, the insignia of the Order of the Eastern Star on the memorial
Now all we need is a picture of her.
Note (1) Mary worked as a maid/domestic for the Green family, who owned the home from 1921-1931; the Doctor ran his practice with various partners, "Walker & Green","Green & Clarke" from his home. This is probably where Mary, was trained as a nurse. Unknown if she was a R.N., if she was, she would have received that training at probably the Royal Columbian Hospital, or the catholic, St. Mary's Hospital, both in New Westminster.
Canadian Medical Association Journal, August 1931. Obituary
Dr. Thomas Bennett Green, a practising physician and surgeon in New Westminster since 1906, passed away at his residence in that City on June 5 after an illness due to heart trouble. Although he had been in failing health for several months, he was confined to his bed only a week before the end.
Thomas Bennett Green was born in Listowel, Perth County, Ontario 15 August 1874, a son of James Green, formerly of Wick, Scotland, and Susan Samantha Zimmerman. In 1889 the family moved to Virden, Manitoba, where at the age of 16, having obtained a second class teacher's certificate, he began teaching school. At 17 he was granted special permission to enter the University of Manitoba and in 1899, after alternating periods of teaching and studying, he received his B.A. with honours in mathematics. In 1900 he came to New Westminster, and after two years of teaching school he resigned to devote his life to the study of medicine.
He graduated from McGill University in 1906 and returned to British Columbia. In the fall of that year he married Mary Scane Lloyd, (1876 - 1973 ) daughter of Mrs. James B. Kennedy, of New Westminster, [ Mary Adelaide Smith, (1852-1941 ); father: Wellington Lloyd ] and the first eight months of his career as a medical man was spent at Lillooet, B.C.
He then moved to New Westminster and subsequently became a partner of the late Dr. R. E. Walker,(2) with whom he was connected until the latter's death. In 1924, Dr. William Albert Clarke, (1886-1954) joined him and they worked in partnership until Dr. Green's demise. Dr. W.A. Clarke, was a Captain in the same hospital with Dr. Green, who was also a Captain. Dr. Green saw active service overseas during the Great War. In 1915 he joined No. 5 Canadian General Hospital Unit, organized at Victoria under Col. Hart, and proceeded to Salonica. The major part of 1917 he spent in England with the Canadian Red Cross hospital at Taplow, on the estate of Lady Astor. On his return from overseas in late 1918 he continued his work as a medical officer for some time in connection with the S.C.R. At the time of his death he was physician to the Provincial Penitentiary and to the C.P.R. He was member of the Kiwanis Club, the I.O.O.F., and the Masonic Order.
Surviving him are his wife, a daughter, Lillooet, and a son Lloyd; two brothers, Harry E., of Fleming, Sask., and George A., of Edmonton; and two sisters, Mrs. John Whiteford of Cranbrook, and Mrs. Lee Buker, of Virden, Manitoba.
Dr. Green was a member of the Canadian Medical Association, the British Columbia Medical Association, and the Fraser Valley Society; he was also an Associate Member of the Vancouver Medical Association. He had served as an examiner for the Medical Council of Canada.
He was a member of the first commission on Health Insurance in British Columbia.(A dissenting member, representing the medical profession of the Province ) He will long be remembered as a keen conscientious practitioner who was, at all times and above everything else, interested in the welfare of his patients. He was of the type which it has become the fashion to call "old school", with clearcut, definite views on the profession and on everything affecting it. On these matters he was always ready to state his views and if necessary to defend them. He will be sorely missed, not only by his patients but by his colleagues and all who knew him. His passing is a distinct loss to medicine in British Columbia.
Note (2)
RICHARD EDEN WALKER, M. D., C. M., L. R. C. P. & S. (1864-1923) Memorial
In his Mason's regalia
Dr. Richard Eden Walker, who has been actively and successfully engaged in the practice of medicine at New Westminster for the past twenty-three years, is one of the foremost representatives of the profession in the city. His birth occurred in Orillia, Ontario, on the 26th of December, 1864, his parents being James and Helena (Corbould) Walker. The father, a native of Yorkshire, England, came to Canada in 1854, making his way to Ontario and eventually locating at Orillia, while subsequently he took up his abode in Toronto, where he resided until the time of his demise in 1901. He was a gentleman of means, drawing an income all his life. His wife was a daughter of Charles Corbould, a native of England, who immigrated to Canada and located at Orillia, Ontario.
It was there that the parents of our subject were married.
Richard E. Walker obtained his preliminary education in Trinity College of Port Hope, Ontario, and then prepared for the practice of medicine as a student at Trinity Medical College of Toronto, from which he was graduated with the degree of M. D., C. M. in 1888. Subsequently he pursued a two years' post-graduate course in the Universities of Edinburgh and London and in 1890 came to British Columbia, opening an office at New Westminster, where he has continued in practice to the present time.
He is accorded a good patronage, for his thorough preparatory training, supplemented by many years of practical experience, has made him a valuable member of the medical fraternity. He has ever recognized the responsibilities that devolve upon him in his chosen calling and has been most conscientious in the discharge of all duties connected therewith, so that he has won uniform trust and confidence.
Dr. Walker has the degree of L. R. C. P. & S. from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Edinburgh, and is a member of the council of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia, serving as president of that body during the years 1903 and 1911. He is likewise a member of the medical council of the Dominion of Canada, representing British Columbia.
On the 27th of September, 1893, Dr. Walker was united in marriage to
Miss Helen Mathilde Homer, her father being J.A.R. Homer, M. P., a pioneer resident and influential citizen of New Westminster, who has made an honorable and highly commendable record as a member of parliament. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Walker have been born five children, namely: James Charles Eden, Minna Helen, Mary, John Eden and William Eden.
Dr. Walker has been active in the-civic life of New Westminster and for a number of years ably served as a member of the public library board. In Masonic circles he is likewise active and well known and has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He belongs to Union Lodge, No. 9, A.F. & A.M., and Lewis Lodge, No. 56, A.F. & A.M., and has passed through all the chairs of the former organization. He is a past grand master of the grand lodge of British Columbia.
His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Church of England, while socially he is identified with the Westminster Club and the British Columbia Golf Club. Dr. Walker is an extremely busy and successful practitioner, constantly overburdened by demands for his services, both professionally and socially. He is a man of the highest and purest character and an industrious and ambitious student. Genial in disposition, unobtrusive and unassuming, he is patient under adverse criticism and in his expressions concerning brother practitioners is friendly and indulgent.
He died in New Westminster on August 27, 1923. So Mary possibly also worked, trained under this fellow, but only for a short period of time.
NOTES
Note (1) Mary worked as a maid/domestic for the Green family, who owned the home from 1921-1931; the Doctor ran his practice with various partners, "Walker & Green","Green & Clarke" from his home. This is probably where Mary, was trained as a nurse. Unknown if she was a R.N., if she was, she would have received that training at probably the Royal Columbian Hospital, or the catholic, St. Mary's Hospital, both in New Westminster.
Canadian Medical Association Journal, August 1931. Obituary
Dr. Thomas Bennett Green, a practising physician and surgeon in New Westminster since 1906, passed away at his residence in that City on June 5 after an illness due to heart trouble. Although he had been in failing health for several months, he was confined to his bed only a week before the end.
Thomas Bennett Green was born in Listowel, Perth County, Ontario 15 August 1874, a son of James Green, formerly of Wick, Scotland, and Susan Samantha Zimmerman. In 1889 the family moved to Virden, Manitoba, where at the age of 16, having obtained a second class teacher's certificate, he began teaching school. At 17 he was granted special permission to enter the University of Manitoba and in 1899, after alternating periods of teaching and studying, he received his B.A. with honours in mathematics. In 1900 he came to New Westminster, and after two years of teaching school he resigned to devote his life to the study of medicine.
He graduated from McGill University in 1906 and returned to British Columbia. In the fall of that year he married Mary Scane Lloyd, (1876 - 1973 ) daughter of Mrs. James B. Kennedy, of New Westminster, [ Mary Adelaide Smith, (1852-1941 ); father: Wellington Lloyd ] and the first eight months of his career as a medical man was spent at Lillooet, B.C.
He then moved to New Westminster and subsequently became a partner of the late Dr. R. E. Walker,(2) with whom he was connected until the latter's death. In 1924, Dr. William Albert Clarke, (1886-1954) joined him and they worked in partnership until Dr. Green's demise. Dr. W.A. Clarke, was a Captain in the same hospital with Dr. Green, who was also a Captain. Dr. Green saw active service overseas during the Great War. In 1915 he joined No. 5 Canadian General Hospital Unit, organized at Victoria under Col. Hart, and proceeded to Salonica. The major part of 1917 he spent in England with the Canadian Red Cross hospital at Taplow, on the estate of Lady Astor. On his return from overseas in late 1918 he continued his work as a medical officer for some time in connection with the S.C.R. At the time of his death he was physician to the Provincial Penitentiary and to the C.P.R. He was member of the Kiwanis Club, the I.O.O.F., and the Masonic Order.
Surviving him are his wife, a daughter, Lillooet, and a son Lloyd; two brothers, Harry E., of Fleming, Sask., and George A., of Edmonton; and two sisters, Mrs. John Whiteford of Cranbrook, and Mrs. Lee Buker, of Virden, Manitoba.
Dr. Green was a member of the Canadian Medical Association, the British Columbia Medical Association, and the Fraser Valley Society; he was also an Associate Member of the Vancouver Medical Association. He had served as an examiner for the Medical Council of Canada.
He was a member of the first commission on Health Insurance in British Columbia.(A dissenting member, representing the medical profession of the Province ) He will long be remembered as a keen conscientious practitioner who was, at all times and above everything else, interested in the welfare of his patients. He was of the type which it has become the fashion to call "old school", with clearcut, definite views on the profession and on everything affecting it. On these matters he was always ready to state his views and if necessary to defend them. He will be sorely missed, not only by his patients but by his colleagues and all who knew him. His passing is a distinct loss to medicine in British Columbia.
Note (2)
RICHARD EDEN WALKER, M. D., C. M., L. R. C. P. & S. (1864-1923) Memorial
Dr. Richard Eden Walker, who has been actively and successfully engaged in the practice of medicine at New Westminster for the past twenty-three years, is one of the foremost representatives of the profession in the city. His birth occurred in Orillia, Ontario, on the 26th of December, 1864, his parents being James and Helena (Corbould) Walker. The father, a native of Yorkshire, England, came to Canada in 1854, making his way to Ontario and eventually locating at Orillia, while subsequently he took up his abode in Toronto, where he resided until the time of his demise in 1901. He was a gentleman of means, drawing an income all his life. His wife was a daughter of Charles Corbould, a native of England, who immigrated to Canada and located at Orillia, Ontario.
It was there that the parents of our subject were married.
Richard E. Walker obtained his preliminary education in Trinity College of Port Hope, Ontario, and then prepared for the practice of medicine as a student at Trinity Medical College of Toronto, from which he was graduated with the degree of M. D., C. M. in 1888. Subsequently he pursued a two years' post-graduate course in the Universities of Edinburgh and London and in 1890 came to British Columbia, opening an office at New Westminster, where he has continued in practice to the present time.
He is accorded a good patronage, for his thorough preparatory training, supplemented by many years of practical experience, has made him a valuable member of the medical fraternity. He has ever recognized the responsibilities that devolve upon him in his chosen calling and has been most conscientious in the discharge of all duties connected therewith, so that he has won uniform trust and confidence.
Dr. Walker has the degree of L. R. C. P. & S. from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Edinburgh, and is a member of the council of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia, serving as president of that body during the years 1903 and 1911. He is likewise a member of the medical council of the Dominion of Canada, representing British Columbia.
On the 27th of September, 1893, Dr. Walker was united in marriage to
Miss Helen Mathilde Homer, her father being J.A.R. Homer, M. P., a pioneer resident and influential citizen of New Westminster, who has made an honorable and highly commendable record as a member of parliament. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Walker have been born five children, namely: James Charles Eden, Minna Helen, Mary, John Eden and William Eden.
Dr. Walker has been active in the-civic life of New Westminster and for a number of years ably served as a member of the public library board. In Masonic circles he is likewise active and well known and has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He belongs to Union Lodge, No. 9, A.F. & A.M., and Lewis Lodge, No. 56, A.F. & A.M., and has passed through all the chairs of the former organization. He is a past grand master of the grand lodge of British Columbia.
His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Church of England, while socially he is identified with the Westminster Club and the British Columbia Golf Club. Dr. Walker is an extremely busy and successful practitioner, constantly overburdened by demands for his services, both professionally and socially. He is a man of the highest and purest character and an industrious and ambitious student. Genial in disposition, unobtrusive and unassuming, he is patient under adverse criticism and in his expressions concerning brother practitioners is friendly and indulgent.
He died in New Westminster on August 27, 1923. So Mary possibly also worked, trained under this fellow, but only for a short period of time.
R.E. Walker
After Dr. Green's death, Dr.George Sinclair, moved into the home in 1932. Some history of the house at 318 5th Street, New Westminster.
Omg this made me sad :(
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