Most likely the most dramatic event of William’s life was the loss of two of his sons on the same day, May 7, 1882. Both Charles Henry and John Albert Haley died that day in a tragic accident that their older brother managed to escape. A report of this accident is found in “Yarmouth past and present; a book of reminiscences”, by J Murray Lawson, Publisher: Yarmouth, N.S. [Printed at the Yarmouth herald Office] 1902, the report reads:
"On Saturday evening, May 6th, a lobster smack, belonging to Capt. William McDonnell, of Argyle, and commanded by Capt. William Fenton, came to anchor in Chebogue Harbor. Capt. Fenton took the boat and went ashore, leaving a boy named Thomas Greene in the schooner. On Sunday Capt. Fenton's three sons William, about 21 years old; Charles, 16 years, and John, 14 years embarked in a boat to bring Greene ashore. The boat capsized a few moments afterwards, and all were drowned except William, who clung to the bottom of the boat until she drifted ashore, where he laid for sometime unconscious. The body of Charles Fenton was subsequently recovered about 3/4 of a mile from where the accident happened."
William is buried at the Chebogue Town Point Cemetery, Chebogue, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, as is his wife, Margaret. I have no photo of any headstone, hope to some day.
Man’s great grandfather was William Franklin Fenton, the only person to survive this boating tragedy.
* Photo identified to be William Franklin Fenton (the elder), courtesy of Karen Fenton, Man's second cousin once removed.
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3 comments:
Wow Carol, that is quite a story. You are inspiring me to get going and do some research. I love the human interest side of this. We have several rumours about our Grandfather and I need to find out the truth. It could be a good story, as there was a name change involved in it. I continue to read your blogs with great interest... Myrna
Morning Myrna, please tell me you were not really reading this at 3 AM?? Dear me! LOL Al's grandfather changed his name, I will be writing about him now and then, he is the one that really got me hooked on research. Not sure if I should blame him or thank him! LOL
My name is Gail Kippenberger Conway and my grandfather George Fenton was William's brother. The story you post is true, the oldest son was adopted. They went out in the boat and the one son lived. My mother can remember the story well, she was George's middle daughter. Would love to talk to you Karen. Gail Kippenberger Fenton Conway
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