Dennis Morland

Dennis was the son of Feargus (also Fergus) and Rebecca Morland nee Wilson. Feargus was born in Hinckley, Leicestershire, on 31 July 1847 (baptised 8 August 1847, Hinckley St Mary), the son of Liskum and Lucy Morland. He married Rebecca Wilson in 1867 (A/M/J Nottingham) and they had three children of whom only two survived: Mary Ann b. 1873 (A/M/J Radford) and Dennis b. 12 April 1881 (A/M/J Nottingham). In 1891 Feargus (43), a cab driver, and Rebecca (44) were living at 10 Cross Cut, Park Hill, Lenton, with their two children, Mary Ann (17) and Dennis (9). Feargus died in 1898 (J/A/S Nottingham) aged 51 and in 1901 his widow was living at 10 Holden Street, Radford. Rebecca was working as a machinist. Also in the home on the night of the census were Mary (27), a machinist, Dennis (19) a bobbin carriage maker and a boarder, Reuben Wright (25), who was an engine driver (stationary). Dennis married Eliza Annie Pride (birth registered 1880 J/F/M Radford) the same year, 1901 (J/A/S Nottingham). By 1911 they had had three children of whom two survived: Doris b. 1902 (J/A/S Nottingham) and Dennis b. 1909 (O/N/D Nottingham). A third child was born later, possibly after they emigrated to Canada. Dennis' mother, Rebecca, died in 1902 (J/F/M Nottingham) at the age of 57. In 1911 Dennis (28), a bobbin carriage finisher, and Eliza Annie (31), a plain net mender, were living at 19 Byfield Street, Radford, Nottingham, with their two children, Doris (8) and Dennis (1). The family emigrated to Canada and were living at 2 Creemore Avenue, Toronto, when Dennis died in 1918. Dennis' sister, Mary Ann, probably married William Francis. In 1911 she and William (36), a nightwatchman for a lace manufacturer, were living at 15 Kenilworth Terrace, Portland Road, with their five year old daughter, Elsie. Mary was working as a sewing machinist (hosiery). Also in the household was a female boarder. Mary died in 1952 (September Nottingham) aged 79.

In 1911 he was a bobbin carriage finisher.

127th Bn Canadian Railway Troops. From information in two Canadian newspaper reports of his death in 1918, Dennis had served in the Canadian Forces for at least two years, including time in France, but was invalided home in 1918 with heart trouble. He was on furlough from the Whitby Hospital to visit his family in Toronto when he suffered heart failure and died in the Spadina Military Hospital on 4 September 1918. He is buried in Toronto (Prospect) Cemetery, Ontario (grave ref. Veterans 293).

Toronto Star, Sept 11, 1918 with photograph: ‘Veteran died on visit. Sapper D Moreland seized with heart failure while on furlough from Whitby. While on furlough from the Whitby Hospital Sapper Dennis Moreland was suddenly seized with heart failure and died within 24 hours at the Spadina Military Hospital. His wife and three small children reside at 2 Creemore Avenue. Sapper Moreland spent two years overseas, and was invalided home some months ago with heart trouble. He had requested furlough to visit his wife and children in Toronto.’ Canadian veterans website (www.beyerans.gc.ca) Toronto Star, Sept 6th 1918: ‘Sapper Moreland Dead. Sapper Dennis Morland 127th Battalion of No 2 Creemore avenue, died suddenly Thursday night at the Spadina Miitary Hospital as a result of heart trouble. Sapper Morland last week was granted special leave from Whitby Military Hospital to visit his home but on Monday was hurriedly taken to the Spadina Hospital suffering from a physical collapse. He was 37 years of age, and had seen eleven months service in France.’ Canadian veterans website (www.beyerans.gc.ca) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, Thursday 4 September 1919: Morland. In loving memory of my dear brother, Sapper Dennis Morland, 127th Battn. Canadian Railway Troops, died September 4th 1918, at Toronto, late Nottingham. Oh, Heavenly Star, shine on the grave of one we loved but could not save. Loving sister, Mary Ann.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchiveco.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, Thursday 4 September 1919: ‘Morland, In loving memory of my dear husband, Sapper Dennis Morland, 127th Battn, Canadian Railway Troops, died September 4th 1918, at Toronto, late Nottingham. This day brings back sad memories, my loved one gone to rest, and those who tihink of him to-day are those who loved him best. Loving wife and three children’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)