Astle One-Name Study
with Astles, Astell & Astill
The tables below contain information related to soldiers who served in the Canadian Expeditionary Force during World War One. Biographies will be developed on individual soldiers as time and resources allow. Any information readers can contribute is welcomed.
The biographies on this page have been developed primarily through the research of Marilyn M. Astle using information gleaned from a variety of sources, including attestation papers from the Soldiers of the First World War (1914-
Many of the soldiers were from New Carlisle Quebec, and Carol Cunday has kindly permitted the use of two of her photographs of the New Carlisle War memorial. The detailed view of the names on the memorial includes an indication of those who were killed in action (+), and those who died later in hospital or from their injuries (-
In the table below the following symbols are used:
*No attestation paper presently available on the site. †Killed in Action
*No attestation paper presently available on the site. †Killed in Action
|
ASSELS |
Born |
At |
Trade Calling |
Religion |
Current Address |
Place Signed |
Next of Kin |
Next of Kin Address |
|
Jun 17 1891 |
New Carlisle Quebec |
Farmer & Laborer |
Church of England |
New Carlisle, Quebec |
New Carlisle Quebec |
Robert A. Assels Father |
New Carlisle, Quebec | |
|
Apr 8 1871 |
New Carlisle Quebec |
Farmer |
Church of England |
|
New Carlisle Quebec |
Mrs Ernest Astles Wife |
New Carlisle Quebec | |
|
Jun 17 1888 |
New Carlisle Quebec |
Machinist |
Presbyterian |
65b King St Sherbrooke, Quebec |
Montreal |
James Assels Father |
New Carlisle Quebec | |
|
| ||||||||
|
ASTELL |
Born |
At |
Trade Calling |
Religion |
Current Address |
Place Signed |
Next of Kin |
Next of Kin Address |
|
Jun 17 1886 |
Stoke Newington London |
Auto mechanic |
Church of England |
|
Winnipeg |
Sarah Astell |
22 Derwent Rd Palmers Green London | |
|
Apr 21 1879 |
Middlesex England |
Ships Steward |
Church of England |
1510 4th Ave E Vancouver BC |
Vancouver |
Ernest Astell Brother |
Nelson St, Vancouver | |
|
| ||||||||
|
ASTELS |
Born |
At |
Trade Calling |
Religion |
Current Address |
Place Signed |
Next of Kin |
Next of Kin Address |
|
Sep 22 1897 |
New Carlisle Quebec |
Labor Man[ual] |
Church of England |
New Carlisle Quebec |
New Carlisle Quebec |
Ernest Astles Father |
New Carlisle Quebec | |
|
Oct 16 1894 |
New Carlisle Quebec |
Railway Brakeman |
Church of England |
New Carlisle Quebec |
Quebec City |
Sarah Jane Billingles- Mother |
New Carlisle Quebec | |
|
Aug 28 1901 |
New Carlisle Quebec |
Farmer |
|
New Carlisle Quebec |
Quebec City |
William James Astels Father |
New Carlisle Quebec | |
|
Jun 15 1898 |
New Carlisle Quebec |
Farmer |
Church of England |
New Carlisle Quebec |
New Carlisle Quebec |
Thomas Astels Father |
New Carlisle Quebec | |
|
Apr 7 1901 |
New Carlisle Quebec |
Farmer |
|
New Carlisle Quebec |
New Carlisle Quebec |
Thomas Astles Father |
New Carlisle Quebec | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Jan 10 1896 |
New Carlisle Quebec |
Farmer |
Church of England |
New Carlisle Quebec |
New Carlisle Quebec |
Thomas Astels |
New Carlisle Quebec | |
|
| ||||||||
|
ASTILL |
Born |
At |
Trade Calling |
Religion |
Current Address |
Place Signed |
Next of Kin |
Next of Kin Address |
|
Sep 11 1887 |
Leicester England |
Labourer |
Church of England |
46 Ford St Brockton Massachusetts |
Montreal |
Annie Astill Wife |
30 Harrington St Leicester England | |
|
Mar 15 1885 |
Leicester England |
Conductor T.S. Ry. |
Church of England |
?3 Empire Ave Toronto, Ontario |
Toronto |
Elizabeth Astill Wife |
?3 Empire Ave Toronto, Ontario | |
|
| ||||||||
|
ASTLE |
Born |
At |
Trade Calling |
Religion |
Current Address |
Place Signed |
Next of Kin |
Next of Kin Address |
|
Nov 12 1891 |
Middleton England |
Laborer |
Church of England |
Little Current Ontario |
Little Current Ontario |
William Astle Brother |
Little Current Ontario | |
|
Mar 3 1896 |
Cheshire England |
Carpenter |
Church of England |
|
Halifax Nova Scotia |
Osweld Astle Father |
14 Stanford Rd Longside Manchester England | |
|
Feb 23 1896 |
Liverpool England |
Armature Winder |
Baptist or Congregationalist |
1422 Harrison St Victoria BC |
Victoria BC |
Jennie Astle Mother |
1422 Harrison St Victoria BC | |
|
Jan 17 1898 |
Derby England |
Knitter |
Church of England |
Paris Ontario |
Paris Ontario |
Edith Astle Mother |
Paris Ontario | |
|
Jul 22 1893 |
Blackville New Brunswick |
Farmer |
Church of England |
Doaktown New Brunswick |
Sussex New Brunswick |
Lizzie Astle |
Blackville New Brunswick | |
|
Jan 13 1880 |
Newmarket Ontario |
Chauffeur |
Presbyterian |
1278 King St West Toronto |
Toronto |
Rosella Astle Mother |
67 Allen Ave Toronto | |
|
Weldon Levata* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dec 25 1893 |
Little Metis Quebec |
Dental Surgeon |
Methodist |
Central YMCA Montreal |
Montreal |
Fred Astle Father |
Little Metis Quebec | |
|
| ||||||||
|
ASTLES |
Born |
At |
Trade Calling |
Religion |
Current Address |
Place Signed |
Next of Kin |
Next of Kin Address |
|
Aug 13 1896 |
Dawsonville New Brunswick |
Laborer |
Church of England |
|
Campbellton New Brunswick |
Mary Astles |
Campbellton New Brunswick | |
|
Dec 25 1896 |
Liverpool England |
Laborer |
Church of England |
957 Hackett St London Ontario |
London Ontario |
Mary Astles Mother |
957 Hackett St London Ontario | |
|
Feb 10 1891 |
Northwich Cheshire England |
Electrician |
Baptist or Congregationalist |
|
St Thomas, Ontario |
Mary Jane Astles Mother |
Marlyborough Rd Bowden, Cheshire | |
|
Jun 17 1895 |
New Carlisle Quebec |
Locomotive Engineer |
Church of England |
New Carlisle Quebec |
Quebec City |
Ernest Astels Father |
New Carlisle Quebec | |
|
Mar 21 1900 |
Liverpool England |
Hammer Boy |
Presbyterian |
957 Hackett St London Ontario |
London Ontario |
Charles Astles Father |
957 Hackett St London Ontario | |
|
Sep 27 1895 |
Quarryville New Brunswick |
Cook |
Church of England |
Quarryville New Brunswick |
Newcastle New Brunswick |
John Astles Father |
Quarryville New Brunswick | |
|
James Richard |
Feb 3 1888 |
Congleton Cheshire England |
Teamster |
Church of England |
|
London Ontario |
Ellen Astles Wife |
40 Front St London Ontario |
|
Feb 22 1894 |
Liverpool England |
Car Repairer |
Presbyterian |
957 Haskett St London Ontario |
London Ontario |
Charles Astles Father |
957 Haskett St London Ontario | |
|
Oct 31 1880 |
South Esk New Brunswick |
Laborer |
Presbyterian |
Bridgetown New Brunswick |
Newcastle New Brunswick |
Hugh Astles Brother |
Bridgetown New Brunswick | |
|
Jun 21 1897 |
New Carlisle Quebec |
Labourer |
Church of England |
St Louis Barracks Quebec |
Quebec City |
Mary Astles Mother |
New Carlisle Quebec | |
|
Mar 22 1897 |
New Carlisle Quebec |
Farmer |
|
New Carlisle Quebec |
Quebec City |
Fred Astles Father |
New Carlisle Quebec | |
George was born on 3rd March 1896 at Northwich Cheshire the son of Oswald Astle(s) and Alice Perry, and brother of Norman. On the 1901 census at Northwich the surname of the family was first enumerated as Astles, and then amended to Astle. George’s mother Alice died shortly afterwards, and his father married Rachel Allison in 1908. George was a Carpenter when he emigrated to Canada in July 1913 aboard the “Carthaginian” arriving at Halifax. His father, step mother, younger brothers Thomas and Edward followed aboard the “Sardinian” two months later. George enlisted on 28th July 1915 in the 40th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. He gave his father as next of kin with an address in Manchester England, which suggests that Oswald did not stay in Canada too long. George was killed on 9th April 1917 and is buried in Lichfield Crater, Pas de Calais.
Kenneth was born in 1898 at Derby and emigrated to Canada with his Aunt Catherine in August 1910 on board the “Victorian” to Montreal. Kenneth’s mother Edith was a Teacher and she had traveled ahead of him by 4 months aboard the “Dominion” accompanied by another sister Lucy. Kenneth is recorded on the 1911 census at Brant Ontario, and he enlisted on 9th June 1916 into the 215th Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force, already being a member of the Brent Dragoons. Kenneth was serving with the 38 Battalion, Eastern Ontario Regiment when he died of wounds received on 1 September 1918. He is remembered at Faubourg D’Amiens Cemetery, Arras.
Alan was born 12 November 1891 in Middleton, Lancashire, the son of Edward Astle a Teacher and Surveyor’s Clerk and Harriet Marsh. Alan was a Labourer who emigrated to Canada in May 1913, aboard the “Laurentic” to Quebec. He went to join his brother William at Little Current Ontario who had emigrated in July 1907 aboard the “Lake Manitoba”. Alan enlisted on January 22nd 1916 in the 119th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, and survived the war as in January 1920 he is living with his other brother Frederick and his family in Ionia Michigan, working as a Labourer in a Reed factory where Frederick was an Inspector. On 17 June 1920 Alan married Maggie Louisa Ashworth at Little Current Ontario where he was a Farmer of Howland Township. On Christmas Eve 1920 Alan travelled back to Ionia again and was joined by Maggie in January 1921. On the census of 1930 Alan and ‘Louise’ were living in Ionia where Alan was a Weaver, and they had a 5 year old daughter Marjorie. Maggie died 17 February 1975 and Alan died 2 May 1981, both at Ionia.
Joseph was born 23 February 1896 in Liverpool, the son of Joseph Holmes Astle and Jane Matilda Stinton. On the 1901 census they are living at Walton on the Hill near Liverpool, where Joseph Snr. is a Butcher. The census record shows that Jane was from London which is where they were married in 1891. By 1901 they had two children, Joseph aged 5 and a daughter Jennie Dorothy aged 7.
The family emigrated to Canada in June 1903 aboard the “Lake Manitoba” to Quebec, giving their destination as Victoria, British Columbia. Sadly Joseph’s father died in March 1909 at Cowichan Station, and on the 1911 Census ‘Jeanne’ his widow, daughter ‘Dorothy’ and Joseph are living at Victoria, where ‘Jeanne’ is a Farmer. Joseph enlisted on January 3rd 1916 in the 103rd Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force, and although he survived the war he died on 15 May 1920 of scepticemia at St. Joseph’s Hospital Victoria aged just 24. Joseph is buried at Rose Bay Cemetery.
Melvin David Astle, 1st Depot Bn New Brunswick Regiment, 4061792
Melvin was born 22 July 1893 in Blackville New Brunswick, the son of Alexander Astle and Elizabeth Curtis. On the 1901 and 1911 census his name is recorded as Melbourne. His father died in 1908, and on the 1911 census at Blackville the family are recorded with the surname Curtis. Melvin was called up on 6 July 1918. Melvin David was living at Doaktown when he enlisted and gave his occupation as Farmer. He died 25 March 1951 in the County of Northumberland, New Brunswick and his death registration shows his name as Melburn David Astle.
Melvin was born 22 July 1893 in Blackville New Brunswick, the son of Alexander Astle and Elizabeth Curtis. On the 1901 and 1911 census his name is recorded as Melbourne. His father died in 1908, and on the 1911 census at Blackville the family are recorded with the surname Curtis. Melvin was called up on 6 July 1918. Melvin David was living at Doaktown when he enlisted and gave his occupation as Farmer. He died 25 March 1951 in the County of Northumberland, New Brunswick and his death registration shows his name as Melburn David Astle.
Seth was born 13 January 1888 in Newmarket Ontario, the son of William Astle and Rosella Andrews. On the 1911 census he is working on the family farm in North Gwillimbury Ontario. He was called up on 18 April 1918, and married Kathleen McLeod in Toronto on 25 November 1919.
William Wilfred Astle was born December 25, 1892 according to family records, a year earlier than the date on his attestation papers, in Little Métis, Quebec, the 8th of 9 children of Frederick Astle and Agnes Blue. He is found in Little Métis with his parents and siblings in the 1901 and 1911 census. William’s Astle grandfather and great grandfather had immigrated to Quebec about 1830 from Staffordshire, England. William enlisted in Montreal December 20, 1916 and stated he had completed a year of military service (O.O.T.C.) in Toronto. During WWI William was a member of the Canadian Army Dental Corps, which sent him to Alberta where he was discharged at the war’s end. There he met Annie Evelyn Sidie and they were married April 9, 1919. Dr. Astle practiced as a Dentist in Edmonton and died April 21, 1941.
George Astill, 3081730
George Astill was born 11 September 1887 in Leicester, England. When he attested 28 January 1918 he gave his address as Brockton, Massachussetts and his next of kin as Annie Astill in Leicester. Free BMD reveals that George was married in Leicester in 1911 to Annie Mee and their daughter Annie born in 1912.
The 1901 Leicester census shows George, aged 13, as the 5th of 9 children of John B. and Annie Astill. John was a railway checker, his eldest son a railway clerk and George an errand boy. The family is recorded in the 1891 census although George is not listed and has not yet shown up elsewhere. At that point his father was a railway porter.
George registered for the draft in Brockton June 5, 1917 and gave his dependents as a wife and one child. For some reason he ended up in the CEF instead of the American army.
In May 1919 George crossed the border from Canada to the USA at Montreal giving Montreal as his latest address, his next of kin in the country from which he came as wife Annie at 20 Harrington St, Leicester, England, and his intended destination as Brockton, Mass. George was enumerated in the 1920 US census in Brockton at 145 Turner Street in the rented home of his 65 year old widowed aunt, Clara Beaumont, who had immigrated to the USA in 1888 and was naturalized in 1892. George’s year of immigration was given as 1913 and he was listed as an alien. His occupation was punch press in a machine shop and his aunt was a stitcher in a shoe factory.
George Astill was born 11 September 1887 in Leicester, England. When he attested 28 January 1918 he gave his address as Brockton, Massachussetts and his next of kin as Annie Astill in Leicester. Free BMD reveals that George was married in Leicester in 1911 to Annie Mee and their daughter Annie born in 1912.
The 1901 Leicester census shows George, aged 13, as the 5th of 9 children of John B. and Annie Astill. John was a railway checker, his eldest son a railway clerk and George an errand boy. The family is recorded in the 1891 census although George is not listed and has not yet shown up elsewhere. At that point his father was a railway porter.
George registered for the draft in Brockton June 5, 1917 and gave his dependents as a wife and one child. For some reason he ended up in the CEF instead of the American army.
In May 1919 George crossed the border from Canada to the USA at Montreal giving Montreal as his latest address, his next of kin in the country from which he came as wife Annie at 20 Harrington St, Leicester, England, and his intended destination as Brockton, Mass. George was enumerated in the 1920 US census in Brockton at 145 Turner Street in the rented home of his 65 year old widowed aunt, Clara Beaumont, who had immigrated to the USA in 1888 and was naturalized in 1892. George’s year of immigration was given as 1913 and he was listed as an alien. His occupation was punch press in a machine shop and his aunt was a stitcher in a shoe factory.
Ten years later George was renting at the same address with the same occupation. He was 42 with naturalization status given as “Pa” standing for ? papers, likely an intermediate step to citizenship. He was noted as not a US veteran. George was married to Lillian E., aged 40 and a skiver in a shoe factory. She was reported first married at 35 and George at 24. Lillian was English born, naturalized and recorded as immigrating in 1888 (if her age was given correctly she was born in 1890; maybe she was older than reported or the immigration date was for her parents). Free BMD does not show a death for Annie Astill of the right age between 1920 and 1935.
Charles was born on Christmas Day 1896 at Garston, Liverpool the son of Charles Astle and Mary Inglefield. Charles senior was a Dock Labourer, who emigrated to Canada early in 1911, where he worked as a Farm Labourer in Brooke Township, Ontario. Mary and their children, Elizabeth, Ellen, Joseph, Edith, Charles and James arrived in Canada on 15th September 1911 aboard the “Corsican” at Quebec, their destination was Alvinston to join Charles senior. By 1915 the family was living in London Ontario where all three sons would enlist in December of that year. Charles was a Labourer when he enlisted on 8th December, the day before his sister Edith was married to Ernest Gay, and Joseph and James followed him a few days later. Charles was an Auto Mechanic when he married Margaret Grace Potter on 29th June 1920 in London, Ontario. Charles and Margaret had a son William Wallington Astles who was born on 31 March 1921. William a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force was killed in June 1944 in what was termed a “Flying Accident” in England. He is buried in the Stonefall Cemetery in Harrogate, England. His mother pre-
James was born on 21 March 1900 at Garston, Liverpool the son of Charles Astle and Mary Inglefield. Charles senior was a Dock Labourer, who emigrated to Canada early in 1911, where he worked as a Farm Labourer in Brooke Township, Ontario. Mary and their children, Elizabeth, Ellen, Joseph, Edith, Charles and James arrived in Canada on 15th September 1911 aboard the “Corsican” at Quebec, their destination was Alvinston to join Charles senior. By 1915 the family was living in London Ontario where all three sons would enlist in December of that year. James was a Hammer Boy when he enlisted on 10th December, and an Attendant when he married Ada Gladys Bond on 15th April 1922 in London, Ontario.
Albert Astles was born 13 August 1896 in Dawsonville, New Brunswick. He enlisted 20 April 1915 giving his mother Mary Astles of Campbellton, New Brunswick as next of kin. Neither Albert nor his mother was found in the 1901 or 1911 Canadian census. Albert died 24 November 1916 and is buried at Tranchee De Mecknes Cemetery, France. He is also commemorated on Page 48 of the Canadian First World War Book of Remembrance and was one of the fallen soldiers honoured when the cornerstone was laid 1 July1920 for The Restigouche and Bay Chaleur Soldiers' Memorial Hospital. http://www.restigouche.net/oldnews/smh-corner-stone.shtml
Harold was born on 10 February 1891 at Marston, near Northwich, the son of Jonathan and Mary Jane Astles. On the 1891 census Jonathan and Mary are living at Marston where Jonathan is a Rock Salt Miner, with their two sons George F. and Harold. By 1901 the family had moved to nearby Northwich where Jonathan was a Pile Driver, and Ellen, Wilfred and Mabel had been added to the family. The first to emigrate to Canada were eldest son George Foster Astles and his wife Mary Eliza Wilkinson who arrived in 1910, and were at St Thomas Ontario on the 1911 Census. Harold was single and an Electrician when he arrived in New York on 16 August 1913 aboard the “Celtic”. He gave his destination as St. Thomas, Ontario, which is where he enlisted on 26 July 1915. I have yet to find a trace of Harold after this date, but his parents and sister Mabel emigrated in August 1920 with the destination of Hagersville Ontario. The youngest son Wilfred appears to have remained in England, but there is a record of a trip he made in 1935 to Quebec, en route to visit his brother George at Fort Erie, Ontario.
Hugh Belford Astles, 3rd Depot Bn 2nd Quebec Regiment, 3383396, Private
Hugh Belford Astles was born in New Carlisle 17 June 1895, the son of Ernest and brother of Ernest Wilson. He was a great grandson of James Astles and Sarah Flowers. Hugh was called up 22 July 1918 in Quebec City and stated he was a Locomotive Engineer. H. Belford Astles and Ethel P. Smith married 16 June 1919 in the County of Restigouche, New Brunswick. Hugh died 9 May 1927 in Campbellton., New Brunswick and is buried in Andrew's Church of England Cemetery, New Carlisle.
Hugh Belford Astles was born in New Carlisle 17 June 1895, the son of Ernest and brother of Ernest Wilson. He was a great grandson of James Astles and Sarah Flowers. Hugh was called up 22 July 1918 in Quebec City and stated he was a Locomotive Engineer. H. Belford Astles and Ethel P. Smith married 16 June 1919 in the County of Restigouche, New Brunswick. Hugh died 9 May 1927 in Campbellton., New Brunswick and is buried in Andrew's Church of England Cemetery, New Carlisle.
James Daniel Astles was born 27 September 1895 in Quarryville, New Brunswick, the son of John Astles. The 1901 census for the subdistrict of Derby, which apparently includes Quarryville, shows a widowed Elizabeth Astles as head of a household including her widowed son John and her grandson James born 7 September 1895. In 1911 John, whose livelihood was given as Farm and Woods work, was remarried to Addline and his son James was in the household. James was a second great grandson of pioneer New Brunswick couple John Astles and Hannah Underhill who married in Fredericton in 1802. Researcher Linda Stufflebean has concluded that John Astles was the son of James Astles, the tailor, who arrived at New Carlisle in 1784 .James was drafted 27 November 1917 in Newcastle, New Brunswick citing his occupation as Cook. Regarding previous military service he listed Camp Sussex 2 weeks 12th Field battalion 1914. James Daniel Astles and Susie A. Clarke were married 19 April 1921 at Newcastle, New Brunswick. James was married a second time to Lydia Dyck and died in 1974.
Canadian Expeditionary Force, 2245897
Edmund Assels was born 17 June 1891 in New Carlisle to Robert Arthur Astles/Assels and his 2nd wife Mary Myles. Edmund was a brother to William Astles and a great grandson of James Astles and Sarah Flowers. Edmund was found as Asstels in 1901 census and as Asstles in 1911. He enlisted 9 November 1917 at New Carlisle giving his occupation as Farmer and Labourer. He married Florence Lucas and they had two sons.
Ernest was born in New Carlisle and, according to his attestation papers, was 45 years old when he enlisted in January 1916 giving a birth date of 8 April 1871. However, the 1911 census, where the family name is spelled Asstles, gives his age as 45 and year of birth as 1866, suggesting he was nearly 50 when he began his military career. The clerk enlisting Ernest recorded his surname as Astles then Astels was added in a different hand. He signed his name as Assels and someone put a “t” over the second “s”on 2 of his 3 signatures. Ernest, a Farmer, married Mary Ann Garrett in 1892 and they had 8 children including Hugh Belford and Ernest Wilson. Ernest was a grandson of James Astles and Sarah Flowers.
Fletcher Assels was born 17 June 1888 in New Carlisle and adopted by James Thomas Assels and Elizabeth Crawford. He was the adopted great grandson of James Astles and Sarah Flowers. The family is recorded as Asels on the 1901 census for New Carlisle and Fletcher is recorded as a 12 year-
Archibald Harold Astell was born 17 June 1886 in Stoke Newington (sometimes given as Islington), London, the son of Henry G. and Sarah Astell and brother of Edith, Henry G., Beatrice and Sarah. Both parents were London born and his father was engaged in the drapery trade. Archibald was single and 29 years old when he joined up 1 December 1915 and his next of kin was Sarah Astell in Palmers Green, London. Archibald had arrived in Canada in November 1911 aboard the “Teutonic” from Liverpool to Quebec, the ship’s manifest stating he had been a Draper in England and intended to follow the same occupation in Canada. However, he gave his occupation as Auto Mechanic on enlistment.
Frederick William Astell, Canadian Infantry 102nd Battalion, 703047, Private
Frederick William Astell was born April 21, 1879 in Middlesex, England according to his attestation papers, and, according to the 1911 census, emigrated to Canada in 1896. Fred Astell is recorded in Vancouver in the 1911 census as a single man of 31 and his occupation is given as mechanic in a factory. In December 1915 when he enlisted Frederick gave his occupation as ship’s steward. He did not show up in the 1901 Canadian or British census. He died January 13, 1948 in Vancouver at the reported age of 80, a decade older than his reported birth date at enlistment.
Frederick was actually born on 21 April 1868 to Frederick Astell and Sarah Page. This date appears on his death certificate and is supported by a birth registration and census documentation.
Frederick William Astell was born April 21, 1879 in Middlesex, England according to his attestation papers, and, according to the 1911 census, emigrated to Canada in 1896. Fred Astell is recorded in Vancouver in the 1911 census as a single man of 31 and his occupation is given as mechanic in a factory. In December 1915 when he enlisted Frederick gave his occupation as ship’s steward. He did not show up in the 1901 Canadian or British census. He died January 13, 1948 in Vancouver at the reported age of 80, a decade older than his reported birth date at enlistment.
Frederick was actually born on 21 April 1868 to Frederick Astell and Sarah Page. This date appears on his death certificate and is supported by a birth registration and census documentation.
The 1871 census shows Frederick’s parents are in Stepney, London with a 1 year old son Ernest. Frederick is aged 2 and living with his paternal grandfather Frederick and grandmother Mary in Mile End Old Town, London .
The 1881 census shows Frederick aged 12 living in Hull, Yorkshire with his mother Sarah Astell, who is the head of the household and a Steam Ship Engineer’s wife. Also in the household are Frederick’s brothers, Ernest aged 11, and Harry aged 3.
It also seems that Frederick William Astell was not always single. The 1891 census for Newington, Hull Yorkshire shows Frederick’s father was a Marine Engineer, living with his wife Sarah and 13 year old son Harry P. (Page). Also in the household is a daughter in law Ada, with her infant daughter Elma E. (Ernestine).
The marriage registration index for 1890 (July-Sep) shows a marriage in the West Ham district of London for Frederick William H. Astell and Ada Ernestine Walker.
In 1901 Ada is the head of the household, living at Sculcoates near Hull, Yorkshire and has two more children, Frederick William aged 7 and Ada aged 4. Ada’s, mother in law Sarah is living in Hull enumerated alone as a wife and a stewardess. The ship-related occupations may account for the absence of both Frederick and his father in some census records. If however, Frederick did indeed emigrate to Canada in 1896 this could also explain his absence.
Sadly, it appears that Frederick’s wife Ada died in 1904, hence his declaration of being a single man on the 1911 census in Canada. Frederick’s children remained in England and were recorded on the 1911 census at Sculcoates. Interestingly they are living with their grandmother Sarah, who had remarried in 1905 to an Arthur Walker. It is possible that Arthur Walker was in some way related to their late mother, but further research is needed to be certain.
Frederick died on 13 June 1948 at Shaugnessy Hospital in Vancouver where he had worked as a Janitor. Frederick is buried at Mountain View Cemetery.
Frederick died on 13 June 1948 at Shaugnessy Hospital in Vancouver where he had worked as a Janitor. Frederick is buried at Mountain View Cemetery.
Garfield Astels was born 16 October 1894 in New Carlisle, the son of Frederick Angus Astles/Astels and his second wife Sarah Jane Billingsley. Garfield was the great grandson of James Astles and Sarah Flowers and brother of Wilson Astles. Garfield shows up in the 1911 Canadian census with the family name recorded as Asstles. He was enumerated with his parents and 4 siblings. In the 1901 census the family name is given as Assels and Garfield is with his parents and 5 siblings. He was drafted 22 July 1918 and gave his occupation as Railway Brakeman. Garfield B. Astels and Reta Keays were married 27 August 1919 in the County of Restigouche, New Brunswick. Garfield died 3 May 1921, and is buried in Andrew's Church of England Cemetery, New Carlisle.
George Astels was born 28 August 1901 in New Carlisle. George is found in the 1911 census in New Carlisle with his parents, William James and Diana (née Ross) Asstles, two brothers and a sister and his 90 year-old paternal grandmother, Mary Jane née Imhoff/Emouff, another old New Carlisle name. George was a great grandson of James Astles and Sarah Flowers. He gave his occupation as Farmer on attestation 24 May 1918 and stated he had served in the 8 th Regiment Royal Rifles. On his attestation form the Medical Officer noted that George was considered unfit, perhaps due to his age as he was 2 months short of his 17th birthday, so it is unclear if he actually served.
Herman Woodburn Astels was born 15 June 1898 in New Carlisle to James Thomas Astels and Sarah Jane Garrett, brother to Stewart and Bertram. He was the great grandson of James Astles and Sarah Flowers. In the 1901 census for New Carlisle, Herman Assells is the youngest child at 2 years of age with 11 older siblings. In the 1911 census for New Carlisle Herman Asstles at 12 years is 2nd youngest of 9 children still at home. Herman enlisted 12 January 1916 at New Carlisle giving his occupation as Farmer. He died 6 November 1917 and is buried at Passchendale New British Cemetery, Belgium, grave reference XIII. E. 23. He is commemorated on Page 193 of Canada’s First World War Book of Remembrance http://www.vac-
John Bertram Astels, born 7 April 1901 in New Carlisle, was the son of James Thomas Astels and Sarah Jane Garrett and brother to Stewart and Herman. He was the great grandson of James Astles and Sarah Flowers. Bertram appears in the 1911 census for New Carlisle, Quebec as the youngest child of Thomas, a Farmer, and Sarah Asstles. John Bertram Astels enlisted 24 May 1918 at 17 years of age in Quebec City. He later married Jessie Edoris Gallant of New Carlisle and had a family. Bertram died September 1967 and is buried in Montreal.
Stewart Astels was born 10 January 1896 at New Carlisle, Quebec the 11th of 13 children of James Thomas Astels and Sarah Jane Garrett. Steward Assells is found in the 1901 Canadian Census of New Carlisle, Quebec with parents James and Sarah and 12 children including brothers Herman and John Bertram. Stewart Asstles, aged 14, is found in the 1911 Canadian Census of New Carlisle, Quebec, son of Thomas, a Farmer, and Sarah. He was the great grandson of James Astles and Sarah Flowers. Stewart was drafted in Quebec City 22 July 1918 at the age of 22 giving his occupation as Farmer. He married Ethel Permilla Smith in 1928 and had at least one child.
Although he enlisted as Wilson, this man’s first name was apparently Ernest after his father; he had a 2nd cousin Wilson born the same year. Ernest Wilson Astels was born in New Carlisle 22 September 1897, the son of Ernest Assels and Mary Ann Garrett and the brother of Hugh Belford Astles. He was a great grandson of James Astles and Sarah Flowers. He enlisted 6 March 1916 in New Carlisle giving Manual Labour as his occupation. Wilson died 8 October 1949.
Reuben Astill was born 15 March 1885 in Leicester, England, the son of William James Astill and Rachel Springthorpe.
Reuben was enumerated in the 1891 census in Leicester as a 6 year old with his parents and his younger siblings Florence and Leonard. His father was a shoe riveter. Like George Astill’s family they lived in East Leicester and in the same civil parish suggesting a possible relationship between the families. In 1901 Reuben, his father and sister were all working as shoe hands, apparently in a factory. His maternal grandfather, Reuben Springthorpe, was with the family working as a shoemaker at home.
In the 1881 census James William Astill appears in Leicester as a 17 year old shoe hand with his father John, a shoe riveter, his mother and 6 siblings.
In the 1911 Canadian census Reuben and Elizabeth Astle were enumerated at 110 Elliott Street, Toronto with a 3-year-old daughter Mabel E. Reuben was employed a Railway Conductor and the census shows that they immigrated in 1909. The passenger list for the Corsican documents the couple’s arrival with a one year old child at Quebec June 25, 1909 with Toronto as intended final destination. Free BMD suggests Reuben Astill married Elizabeth Harmon Rogers in 1904. When he enlisted on 25 January 1916 Reuben stated he had served 7 years in the 4th Leicestershire Regiment.
After the war Pte. Reuben Astill returned to Canada on the Olympic arriving December 14, 1918 at Halifax. He is listed on a “Nominal Roll of Men to be Discharged in Canada. Party of Medically Unfits etc., Sailing from Southampton.” His unit is given as 1st Cord 169 B and his residence is given as Toronto with wife listed as a dependent. No details of medical condition are given.
Reuben was enumerated in the 1891 census in Leicester as a 6 year old with his parents and his younger siblings Florence and Leonard. His father was a shoe riveter. Like George Astill’s family they lived in East Leicester and in the same civil parish suggesting a possible relationship between the families. In 1901 Reuben, his father and sister were all working as shoe hands, apparently in a factory. His maternal grandfather, Reuben Springthorpe, was with the family working as a shoemaker at home.
In the 1881 census James William Astill appears in Leicester as a 17 year old shoe hand with his father John, a shoe riveter, his mother and 6 siblings.
In the 1911 Canadian census Reuben and Elizabeth Astle were enumerated at 110 Elliott Street, Toronto with a 3-
After the war Pte. Reuben Astill returned to Canada on the Olympic arriving December 14, 1918 at Halifax. He is listed on a “Nominal Roll of Men to be Discharged in Canada. Party of Medically Unfits etc., Sailing from Southampton.” His unit is given as 1st Cord 169 B and his residence is given as Toronto with wife listed as a dependent. No details of medical condition are given.
No attestation papers or other information is provided in the Soldiers of the First World War database on the Library and Archives Canada site. It is possible this is Johnson Chester, son of Ernest Assels, born 1899 although, if that low regimental number is correct and a low number relates to joining up early, he is too young. Another possibility is John Astle, son of Alexander Astle and Elizabeth Curtis of Blackville New Brunswick, born 1888 and brother to Melvin/Melbourne David Astle. At this point the author does not know if either of these men enlisted.
Joseph was born on 22 February 1894 at Garston, Liverpool the son of Charles Astle and Mary Inglefield. Charles senior was a Dock Labourer, who emigrated to Canada early in 1911, where he worked as a Farm Labourer in Brooke Township, Ontario. Mary and their children, Elizabeth, Ellen, Joseph, Edith, Charles and James arrived in Canada on 15th September 1911 aboard the “Corsican” at Quebec, their destination was Alvinston to join Charles senior. By 1915 the family was living in London Ontario where all three sons would enlist in December of that year. Joseph was a Car Repairer when he enlisted on 11th December, and a Carpenter when he married Florence Maud Young on 4th December 1917 in London, Ontario.
Thomas William Astles was born 31 October 1880 in South Esk, New Brunswick, the 11th of 12 children of John Campbell Astles and Margaret Gillis, formerly of New Carlisle, Quebec. He was the great grandson of James Astles and Sarah Flowers. The 1901 census shows William Astles, aged 19 as head of household with his parents, a brother and cousin in the home. His occupation is given as Woodsman and date of birth as 14 June 1881. Thomas William was single and worked as a Labourer when he enlisted 17 December 1915 and, as both parents were deceased, he gave his brother Hugh as his next of kin. After the war Hugh and Will, as he was known, had farms in the area of Rochfort Bridge, Alberta where they lived out their lives, Will remaining single and Hugh having a large family. Will died 5 October 1962 and is buried in the rural Rochfort Bridge cemetery.
William Astles was born 21 June 1897 in New Carlisle, Quebec to Robert Arthur Astles and his second wife Mary Myles. He was the brother of Edmund and a great grandson of James Astles and Sarah Flowers. William was drafted 13 September 1917 at Quebec City stating he was a Labourer and had been a member of the 8th Regiment Royal Rifles from 6 April 1916 to 2 January 1918. William married Amy Irene Flowers in Campbellton, NB in 1920 and they had 4 children.
Wilson Astles was born 22 March 1897 in New Carlisle, the son of Frederick Angus Astles and Sarah Jane Billingsley, brother to Garfield and 2nd cousin to Ernest Wilson. Wilson was a great grandson of James Astles and Sarah Flowers. He enlisted 8 September 1916 in Quebec City stating he was a Farmer and had served in the 8th Regiment Royal Rifles.