#3134500
Private
Thomas Edgar Norman was born on November 17, 1882, and was 35 years old when he was drafted under the Military Service Act of 1917. He lived on Ellor Street in Strathroy, with his mother Madeline. His father had died previously. Thomas was a hardwood finisher to support himself and his mother. It is probable that he was employed at the Strathroy Furniture Company, which opened in 1896 and closed in 1992.
Thomas was drafted on July 19, 1918. He was a member of the 1st Depot battalion, Western Ontario Regiment. He was in training in London prior to being sent overseas when he contracted influenza pneumonia on October 21st. A medical card shows his death as October 28th. His grave headstone indicates his death as October 22nd, 1918. It is unknown how his mother supported herself after his death. Many women of this era, who were unable to support themselves, ended up in the Strathroy home for the indigent, which was located approximately where the Seasons Community Residence is now.
Thomas Edgar Norman is buried in the Strathroy Roman Catholic Cemetery, 3 rows back from the roadside fence.
Several of Private Norman’s military records can be seen on the Strathroy Museum website.