1914-09-07ac

The impact of the outbreak of World War One significant to many in Hamilton, probably no more than to the Hamilton mother whose story told in the Hamilton Spectator of September 7, 1914

          The article is presented as it appeared in that issue of the paper :

“So great was the mental anguish caused Mrs. William Tribbeck, of 14 Mary street, by the departure of her son William for the front, that in a single night her hair turned white, due entirely, it is said, to worry over her son’s safety.

“At her home today, Mrs. Trebbick is in serious condition and asks for her son continuously. She is under the constant care of Dr. James Lafferty, of 24 Bay street south.

“It was two weeks ago Saturday that young Trebbick – he is only 19 – went away with the 91^st contingent for Valcartier. He was among the very first to enlist, and was anxious lest he would not be accepted. He did not immediately notify his mother of his enlistment, but when he did, she strove to hide her anxiety for his safety till after he was gone.

“Then she broke down completely. On the Monday following her son’s departure, Mrs. Trebbick was so seriously ill that a physician had to be called in. Her illness, the physician said, was directly traceable to her son’s departure and was made more serious by her nervous temperament.

“Young Trebbick has not been informed of his mother’s illness and it is doubtful if he would be permitted to return in any event.”¹

¹ “Her Hair Turned White Overnight : Mother Grief-Stricken Over the Departure of Son : He is at Valcartier Camp With Canadian Soldiers”

Hamilton Spectator. September 7, 1914