Thomas Wright was born on the Isle of Guersney, England, on April 15, 1881, the son of John Albert Wright (a shoemaker) and Julia Elizabeth (nee Le Noury) Wright, both parents of Guernsey, Channel Islands, England. Thomas’s siblings included Flora (born 1876, died in 1904); Albert Ernest (born 1878); Maud Mabel (born 1879); Walter Edward (born 1882); Harriet (born 1883, died in 1884); Julia (born 1885); and John Albert (born in September of 1886, three months after the death of his father). When Thomas was only five years old, his father died from heart disease in June of 1886. After the passing of the patriarch John Albert, the family broke apart. Maud and Julia went to an orphanage on Guernsey, the two oldest Florence and Albert lived with relatives and John Jr. went with his mother. Thomas and his brother Walter ended up in the Leopold House, in London, England. Both Thomas and Walter (ages 13 and 12) were sent to Canada as British Home Children, arriving in the summer of 1894, where they were placed on nearby farms in Forest, Ontario. Thomas remained at his placement for at least three years, earning a Good Conduct Medal from Dr. Barnardo’s Homes in recognition for his hard work. Thomas would also lose his mother years later, Julia Elizabeth, who would die in 1914.
Thomas married Harriet (nee Wisby, living in Toronto) Wright in February of 1905, in York County, Ontario. Harriet had left the UK with plans to marry and to reside in Forest, and the two were married just five days after Harriet arrived. Thomas was living in Forest, Ontario at the time and was working as a clerk. Thomas and Harriet had three children together: Herbert Wisby (born 1906); Ellis John (born 1910); and Florence (born 1911). Tragedy, however, struck the Wright family and Thomas in particular. Harriet died of tuberculosis in February of 1912, and a few days after Harriet’s death, their infant daughter Florence would also die, of meningitis. Two years later, Thomas’ mother, Julia Elizabeth, passed away.
Two years after Harriet’s death, Thomas married Margaret Kershaw (nee Wisby), the older sister of Harriet, in Forest, Ontario. Margaret had come to Canada around 1905 from Cambridgeshire, England and resided in Forest, Ontario. Margaret Wisby (Kershaw) had been previously married to Charles Kershaw in June 1910. Charles and Margaret Kershaw would have one child together, a daughter, Mary Kershaw. Margaret Kershaw would lose her husband Charles Kershaw, who died in August 1911, right around the time that Mary was born.
When Thomas married Margaret in Marh 1914, he listed his residence as Port Huron, Michigan. Thomas Wright and Margaret Wright would have three children together: Clifford (born 1914), and twins Edith Selena (born 1916) and James LeNoury (born 1916). Their son James would years later serve and die in World War II. His information is included in this project in the World War II section. *Thomas and James Wright were the only father and son combination from Sarnia to both lose their lives while serving Canada in two different World Wars. Thomas’ younger brother Walter Edward would also enlist in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, going overseas to France later in the War. Thomas’ older brother Albert Ernest enlisted in the British Army at the age of fourteen and would also go on to serve until after the war.
Prior to enlisting, Thomas Wright operated a grocery store on Christina Street in Sarnia (it would later become Glaab’s barber shop). Thomas was a member of Sarnia Lodge No. 126, I.O.O.F. and also a member of the Sarnia Citizens Band and the Forest Band. Thomas enlisted February 18, 1916 in Sarnia with the 149th Battalion band. At the time, Thomas, Margaret and their children were living at 128 Penrose St., Sarnia. Later she would reside at 240 Bright St., Sarnia. At his enlistment, Thomas listed his occupation as grocer. Once overseas, Thomas would be transferred, becoming a member of the Army, Canadian Railway Troops, 11th Battalion, “C” Company, with the rank of Lance Corporal, and serving in France.
After her husband had been overseas for a little over two years, in early November of 1918 Margaret would receive a telegram at their house on Penrose Street informing her that her husband, Private Thomas Wright, was dangerously ill with influenza. On November 9, 1918, during Canada’s final Hundred Days Campaign and two days before the Armistice was signed, Thomas Wright would lose his life while serving in France. Almost two weeks after the Great War ended and after her husband had died, Margaret would officially receive the sad news that her husband 845567 Pte. Thomas William Wright had died of broncho pneumonia at a Casualty Clearing Station on November 9th. Thomas Wright was officially listed as Died (Influenza & Broncho-pneumonia) No. 56 Casualty Clearing Station.
In late November of 1918, the secretary of Sarnia Lodge No. 126, I.O.O.F. received a letter written by
Thomas Wright prior to his death. Thomas was proud to be a member of the order and had been anxiously awaiting the time of his return, so he could attend the meetings of his beloved order. Here is that letter:
Somewhere in France, Oct. 6, 1918.
Wm. Batten, Sec’y I.O.O.F. Sarnia
Dear Sir,
A few lines to let you know I have not forgotten Sarnia Lodge No. 126, I.O.O.F. I am very proud of being an Odd Fellow and, moreover, I must thank the lodge for the kindness tendered to my wife and family during my absence. I am very sorry to hear the sad news of the death of the late James Galbraith. He was always ready with a helping hand to help any brother in need no matter who he was. So Sarnia loses a good brother. I am very sorry not to have written a few lines before but I trust we shall meet again. The boys out here in France have learned some good lesons and you can count on having a good number of our boys once we are permitted to return home. I am looking forward to being able to meet again in 126 lodge room. How good it would be to be there. Yet we must wait a while longer. We are very cheerful and the news at present one can hardly wait to see the paper. May it continue and then victory. Germany is certainly in a very bad position. The sooner he gives in the better for him and us all. I am writing this few lines on a German field letter card, having picked it up on the battlefield along with the enclosed iron cross ribbon and needle found in one of the German trenches. I can’t tell you where, but some day I hope to. Kindest regards to all the boys of 126 lodge.
Yours, in F.L. & T. Thos. Wright
Thirty-seven year old Thomas Wright is buried in Grevillers British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France, Grave XVII.E.8. Harriet (who died in Forest in 1912) and Margaret (who died in Sarnia in 1964) are both buried in Beechwood Cemetery in Forest. An empty spot still lies between them, for their husband Thomas Wright. That spot will always be there, as Thomas was buried in France with his fallen brothers in arms.
SOURCES: A, B, C, D, E, F, L, N, 2C, 2D, 2G