George Brecken Nicholson "Father of Town of Chapleau" served as first reeve from 1901 to 1913

The Chapleau Post reported that the town had received a "great shock" with the news that the "Father of the Town of Chapleau" had died on January 1, 1935 in Toronto General Hospital after an illness of only a few days.

Mr. Nicholson, the first reeve of Chapleau who served from 1901 when the township was incorporated until 1913, had taken ill on December 26, 1934 and was taken to Toronto by train accompanied by Dr. J.J. Sheahan and his wife Mrs. Nicholson.

George Brecken Nicholson was born at Crapaud, Prince Edward Island on March 17, 1868,  and arrived in Chapleau more than 50 years ago, the newspaper reported. 

He first worked in the construction department of the Canadian Pacific Railway for 17 years. During this time for 10 years General Secretary or General Chairman for the Brotherhood of  Locomotive Firemen and engineers'

"It is worthy to note that the railway paid tribute to his ability by offering him promotions to official positions on no less than three specific occasions but with his mind on a business career he felt compelled to decline," the Post noted.

In 1900 Mr. Nicholson entered into a partnership in the lumber business with J. McN Austin with Mr. Nicholson being the business head. The company continued and in due course became the largest supplier of railway ties in the British Empire.

But he was also very active in the affairs of Chapleau. He was a member of the board of management for the library in the Mechanics Institute. The township offices were also located there until it burned down.

After becoming reeve in 1901, he oversaw the installation of a complete waterworks system, and up to date pumping station with fire hydrants all over town. By 1910 the Chapleau Volunteer Fire Department was established.

Cement sidewalks were also constructed.

The Town Hall had been completed by 1914 when Mr. Nicholson retired as reeve, and he had also been a large part of those involved in the construction of Lady Minto Hospital the same year.

"For years he had seen the suffering entailed by long train journeys to obtain the medical care such an institution could provide and with the assistance of a score or more public spirited men and women  carried through with a plan which placed in our midst one of the town's greatest assets, 'Our Hospital', the Post reported.

During World War I he was greatly involved in activities supporting our troops. Just six days before the Armistice in November 1918, he and Mrs. Nicholson received a "staggering blow" when their only son Lorne was killed in action.

The Chapleau Post noted that  this great blow provided the inspiration for one of the generous acts, characteristic of the man, in the erection and gift of the beautiful building known as the Memorial Hall (now the Royal Canadian Legion Hall) erected to the memory of Lorne and his friends. The hall was officially opened in 1920, almost 100 years, and is still a beautiful community landmark.

On a very personal basis, when I was home in 2015 with my cousin Michael McMullen for the launch of our book "The Chapleau Boys Go To War" and we were holding a book signing in the Bisco Room, I quietly went upstairs to the main hall. I pulled back the curtain on the memorial wall and spent a few minutes looking at the photo of my father Flying Officer Jim Morris killed on active service in 1943 in World War II, and the other "friends" of Chapleau whose memory Mr. Nicholson ensured.

Mr. Nicholson also conducted a Bible Class for 25 years at St. John's Anglican Church, and when he was serving as  a Member of Parliament came home from Ottawa to conduct it. He was also involved in the building of St. John's Church opened in 1907 located where it is today, also known now as the Chapleau Hub

His funeral service was held at St John's Church conducted by Rev Harold Hesketh, the Rector. The Post reported that the church was crowded with friends "of all classes and creeds paying last respects to the man who had done so much for their community".

Flags were also flown at Half Mast in the community out of respect for the "Father Of Chapleau"  My email is mj.morris@live.ca