Jan Coward researched South Simcoe's veterans of the First World War for the 100th anniversary of the armistice – those who served and returned home, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
In her research she also became intrigued by another kind of veteran: the nursing sisters who tended the wounded.
“I discovered several nurses quite quickly, from a mention in the local history books, credentials on cemetery markers, names on the Alliston Union School plaque, and one from a family member who remembers her,” Coward noted. “Over time I have located 23 nurses.”
The names read like a role call of local families, but Coward admits there are gaps in the records.
She will be talking about the nursing sisters at the March 23 meeting of the Bradford West Gwillimbury Local History Association at 2 p.m. at the BWG Public Library, and she is hoping that anyone with more information on any of the nurses, or who has photos or memorabilia, will come out and share.
Coward has found information on Elizabeth Aitken, M.J. Minnie Bond, Rebecca J. Carr, Anna E. Day, Beatrice Gilroy, Jane E. Hamilton, Ada W. Hammell, Esther L. Hammell, Sara E. Knight, Luella B. Lee, Frances W. MacMahon, Eva G. McCabe, Edna L. Moore, Martha Y. E. Morton, Nellie M. Norton, Mary W. Reynolds, Kathryn E. Ryan, Jessie S. Wilson, Myra Wood, Ethna N. Wright, and Mae B. Sampson (the only one known to have died in action).
Two others, T. Donnelley and M.E. Wallace, are “complete mysteries,” she said. “I am sure there are more nurses, stories, photographs and information to be discovered. I look forward to both sharing, and learning more.”
Coward can be contacted through the BWG Public library or the BWG Local History Association, or at Saturday’s meeting.
