Corporal John Connor was born in Castledawson, Londonderry, Ireland, in 1848 to Mary and Thomas Connor. In June, 1866 he was a volunteer in Number 1 Company, The Queen’s Own Rifles called up to active service to fight the Fenian invaders at Fort Erie. Surviving the battle, he died less than a year later, 17 February 1867, of illness attributable to his time of service. Many of the volunteers took to drinking water from ditches and streams due to lack of supplies which quite likely resulted in a number of deaths after the battle. He was buried by his mother and members of his Company in the Necropolis Cemetery Toronto Plot H-229a.
His grave marker is no longer visible but a photo was taken in 2016, it was partially readable and also included some other family members (text courtesy of Necropolis Cemetery) :
Gone but not forgotten
Erected by Mary CONNOR
In memory of her beloved son
John CONNOR
Native of Castledawson,
Londonderry, Ireland
Died Feb. 17, 1867
[from] disease contracted at [Ridgeway]
June 2, 1866
[In] the 19th year of his life
Not only has our house been […..]
[……] death has called him […..]
[…….] truth with fond embrace
[……..] whom we loved so dear
Faithful friend a son most dear
A [tender] brother lieth here
Great is the loss that we sustain
But hope in Heaven to meet again
Native of Castledawson
Co. Londonderry Ireland
[died] [Jan or Jun] 10, [1849]
[several lines illegible]
Mary SPEAR
The beloved wife of
Thomas CONNOR
Died [Nov.] 24 1879
