At about 7.30 Thursday morning, the 31st inst., while John Thorne and Philip Engell of Walsh were felling trees on lot 7, con. 4, Charlotteville, an unforseen [sic] happening occurred which resulted in the death of Mr. Thorne.

A maple tree was felled to the north and, from some cause which is not clearly understood a very tall and dead black oak tree standing some rods to the north of the maple, fell to the south and struck 
Mr. Thorne a fatal blow on the head fracturing his skull. Mr. Thorne never regained consciousness and died at the home of Mr. Sidney Pow about five hours later.

The late Mr. Thorne was a son of the late Jesse Thorne and was born at Eaton Brae, Bedfordshire, England, on 18 Jan 1861. 

When he was about two years old his family came to Canada and settled in South Cayuga Township, Haldimand County. In 1866 the family moved to Charlotteville and settled on lot 1, con. [2], on the farm recently sold by Mr. Thorne. On this farm he lived during the greater part of the last 56 years. At one time he lived in Simcoe and at another time in Hamilton where he owned a home at the time of his death.

When he was a young man he married Miss Eva Peake of Campbellford. 

In religion Mr. Thorne was for many years a Methodist but when he lived in Hamilton he joined Dr. Philpott's Church. At the time of his death he was a regular attendant and supporter of the Walsh Methodist Church, having been at Sunday School and Church service the last Sunday that he lived. He lived an exemplary Christian life.

He was a member of the Independent Order of Oddfellows which order had charge of the funeral, which was very largely attended and which was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Rolling, thence to the Simcoe cemetery for interment. The officiating minister was Rev. J. Vaughan of Walsh, who was assisted by Rev. T. Clarke of Delhi.

Mr. Thorne leaves to mourn his loss: his wife, whom he was always ready to speak of as his faithful helper; one daughter, Mrs. S. E. Smith of Toronto; two sons, Wilfrid and Russell, of Hamilton; five sisters: Mrs. McLean of Wallaceburg, Mrs. (Dr.) E. Wells of Grand Rapids, Mich., Mrs. Edward Trinder and Mrs. Jas. Thompson of Hamilton, also two brothers, Albert of Hamilton and Dr. Jas. Thorne of Wallaceburg.