Thank you to Lenka Cathersides for the following research.
Charles Stanley Sutton was born in the 2nd quarter of 1899 in Holmwood, Dorking in Surrey to Joseph and Emily (nee Law).
Charles’ father Joseph was born about 1859 in Stockport, Cheshire to glass and china dealer Richard and his wife Elizabeth. His mother, Emily was born in the 2nd quarter of 1859 in Norwich in Norfolk to cloth finisher and army pensioner George and his wife Zillah.
Joseph and Emily married in the 3rd quarter of 1879 in Dewsbury in Yorkshire.
Charles had 11 known siblings: Hubert Leon, Edward, Emily, Mabel, Richard N., Joseph, John Reginald, Frederick G. E., Patricia M., Raymond and Bernard.
During the time of the 1891 Census, the family lived at 65 Denmark Road in Lambeth, London. Joseph was working as a commission agent of French produce and Emily was at home. The family was looked after by servant Susan Ward and had a boarder: hosier assistant Charles Graham.
By 1899 the family moved to Dorking.
At the time of the 1901 Census, the family lived at Burghill Road in Lewisham, London. Joseph was working as a grain grange merchant and Emily was at home looking after their children.
On the 12th of April 1903 the family arrived, on vessel SS Lake Manitoba, at the port of St John, New Brunswick in Canada. SS Manitoba sailed from Liverpool on 30th March 1903. The family was the part of the Barr Colonists.
The Barr Colony, located in the region of present day Lloydminster, was founded as an all English settlement by an immigration agent for the Laurier Government, Reverend Isaac M. Barr in 1903. Nearly 2000 British citizens, most lacking sufficient farming knowledge to survive in Canadian prairie, were attracted by the Reverend’s persuasive tongue. The colonists experienced a rough voyage, long delays at the St John, New Brunswick port in Canada and then an unpleasant railway journey to Saskatoon. Staying in Saskatoon for two weeks in tents and a long wagon trip from Saskatoon to North Battleford persuaded some to turn back. However, most reached the reserve and built their first town called Lloydminster on the Saskatchewan-Alberta border, having first replaced profiteering Reverent Barr for Reverend George Exton Lloyd.
Joseph Sutton and his large family were among those, who stayed in Saskatoon.
The 1906 Canadian Census shows Joseph and Emily together with their children Edward, Mabel, Richard, Joseph, John, Frederick, Patricia, Charles and Raymond living in Saskatoon. Joseph’s son Hubert together with his wife Emily and their baby son John lived also there.
By 1910, Joseph owned the magnificent Empire Hotel at 2nd Avenue and 20th Street East in Saskatoon. In 1910, the Empire Theatre adjoining the Empire Hotel was constructed as a large opera house and was decorated as such. The theatre was completed by the Regina Architectural Firm of Storey and designed by Van Egmond in an astonishing three months. The grand opening was set on the 29th of December 1910. The theatre was managed by Joseph Sutton junior. At the grand opening members of Saskatoon Amateur Operatic Society performed ‘HMS Pinafore’.
At the time of the 1911 Canadian Census, Joseph was a keeper of the Empire Hotel and adjacent theatre in Saskatoon, employing many staff. The theatre was managed by Joseph’s son Joseph jr. Emily was at home and the remainder of the immediate household comprised of their other children: Hubert, clerk Richard, Mabel, Frederick, Charles, Raymond and baby Bernard.
Charles Sutton enlisted on 3rd October 1914. He was 18 years and six months old. He became part of the 10th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Alberta Regiment).He was a private with a regimental number 22185. At the time of his enlistment he lived at Saskatoon.
At the time of his enlistment he claimed not to have a trade, was a member of the Church of England and was against being vaccinated.
Charles Sutton was over 5ft tall, had a fair complexion, blue eyes and fair hair. He also suffered from acne marks on his back. His nickname was “Buzzy”.
Charles died of wounds on 25th November 1915 in France.
He was buried at the Bailleul Cemetery Extension Nord France, near the Belgium border. His grave reference is: I.E.50.
Charles’ parents Joseph and Emily later moved from Canada to New Zealand. They lived at 9 Stanley Street, Devonport, Auckland in New Zealand.
| Born | Holmwood, Dorking, Surrey | |
| Son of | Joseph and Emilly (nee Law) Sutton | |
| Regiment | 10th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Alberta Regiment) | |
| Number | 22185 | |
| Date of Death | 25th November 1915 | |
| Place of Death | France | |
| Cause of Death | Died of Wounds | |
| Age | 20 | |
| Cemetery | Bailleul Cemetery Extension, Nord, France |
For more information on the Sutton family, visit the Sutton’s family website.
