Drayton Thursday, October 12th 1906 Obituary

Mr. E. E. Dales Dead

At 10:30 on Friday evening, 12th October, after two weeks and a few hours of prostration as a result of a paralytic stroke, Mr. Edward Emes Dales quietly breathed his last and if he had suffered any pain since being taken down it was now over. However, it is believed, by his attending physicians, that he never suffered, but painlessly passed into the future.

He was born in the house and on the farm now owned by Mr. H. Stennett, which was the Dales' homestead, in 1861: attended school here and in 1881 went to Dakota, where he bought land and farmed for ten years. Returning in 1891 he went into partnership with his father in the furniture and undertaking business, but in 1895 he bought his father's interest out and started for himself.

In January 1896 he married Miss Elizabeth Hambly, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Hambly, well and favorably known to the people of Drayton and vicinity. Mrs. Dales, three sisters and two brothers now sincerely mourn his premature demise.

In Mr. Dales' death Drayton loses one of the most enterprising, public spirited men the place ever had. After a term in the village council, he was elected Reeve in 1899 and for five full years he was at the head of the Council Board, and the vintage entered into a new order of things, and we owe to his enterprise and untiring energy our cement sidewalks and new town hall.

Largely through him too, was the selection of our cemetery and one particular regret remains that he did not live to have his plan for it carried out. He made a success of every undertaking he identified himself with. He was a member of nearly every society in the place -- Masons, Oddfellows, C. O. Foresters and United Workmen. He was a member of the Royal Arch Degree of Harriston Lodge and was a Pastmaster in the other orders.

His funeral on Tuesday afternoon was attended by the largest gathering of people ever seen in these parts. It is estimated that the numbers was little short of two thousand; and it is not surprising as he was undoubtedly the best known and most popular man in the vicinity. Not that he used policy, but he was happily possessed of a genial disposition which made him friends on every hand. The funeral was ably conducted by Mr. Geo. Thomson of Fergus, who was placed in charge by Mr. Echkert of Toronto, head of the well known Casket Company. It was a sight that will be remembered by all who saw it. Only that a large number went direct to the cemetery the procession would have reached from the house to the place of burial.

The services were conducted by the Masonic Order, Revs. Geo. E. Honey and J. W. McNamara assisting at both the house and the grave. The procession was headed by about 150 Masons, members of the local and surrounding lodges who came in large numbers. The service, throughout, was a most impressive one. The floral offerings were extensive and beautiful, and were contributed largely by the supply houses, where he had been dealing, the various fraternal societies, the village council and business and family friends. The remains, which were encased in a beautiful oak casket, looked as natural as life and were viewed by nearly every person in the community.

Deceased was an abherent of the Methodist church, an Independent Reformer and a man held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. He had travelled considerably and was well posted on all gereral topics. His death is a decided and much regrettable loss to the place, and his spirit on "go" will not soon be forgotten. The deepest sympathy is extended to his esteemed widow and the sorrowing family.