When John S. was born on March 1, 1895, in Dundee, Angus, Scotland, his father, Thomas, was 24 and his mother, Susan, was 22.
Early Years
John's brother William, was born on December 18, 1896. Brother Thomas Miller, was born in 1900. Brother David, was born in 1903.
The family immigrated to Canada in 1906. Sadly the youngest son, David, passed away in 1906 on the boat during the voyage at the age of 3.
The 1911 and 1921 census show that the family lived in the Ste Anne area of Montréal, Quebec.
John was 5 feet 4 inches and was described as being of fair complexion, with bluish grey eyes, and auburn hair. He also had a small star shaped tattoo on his left arm.
In 1911, at age 16, John started a five year apprenticeship with the Grand Trunk Railway Company of Canada to become a machinist. In his first year he earned 8 cents per hour ($2.19/hr in 2020) and by his fifth year he was earning 17 cents per hour ($4.66/hr in 2020). He continued to work for them until at least 1939.
John's brother William passed away on December 17, 1912, at the age of 15. The reason for his death was not shared subsequent generations so we don't know why he died so young.
Military
Canada’s entry into World War I in August 1914 transformed daily life. John Spankie enlisted in the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery C. E. F. in October 1915 in Canada when he was 20 years old.
John was a member of the 73rd Battalion (Royal Highlanders of Canada), CEF was an infantry battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the Great War.
While he was serving, on November 4, 1916 he suffered a brain concussion from falling off of his horse.
He was discharged on April 17, 1918, when he was 23 years old.
Marriage
John married Edith Emily Carter on June 14, 1920, at the American Presbyterian Church in Montréal, Quebec. The marriage was officiated by John Currie. He was 25 and she was 22.
Family
Their children were all born in Montreal, Quebec.
Their only daughter, Marjorie Elizabeth, was born on March 13, 1921 but passed away on June 7, 1921.
Their son John Carter (known as Jack) was born on July 12, 1922.
Their son Malcolm Grant was born on January 22, 1924.
Their son William David died as an infant on March 30, 1926, and was buried in grave 1926 d, section G at Mount Royal Cemetery.
In the 1940s & 1950s John owned a small camp in Kamouraska, Quebec and called it "Sunnybrae." It was used mostly by church friends who would come for a little vacation and enjoy some relaxation, recreation, and meals for a reasonable price.
Death of Parents
John's father Thomas passed away on April 28, 1943, in Montréal, Quebec, at the age of 72.
His mother Susan Smart passed away on October 6, 1969, in Montréal, Quebec, at the age of 97.
Death of Wife
His wife Edith Emily passed away on July 3, 1982, in North York, Ontario, at the age of 84. They had been married 62 years.
Death
John died from cancer on July 19, 1985, in Toronto, Ontario, when he was 90 years old.
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