Private George Stonefish was a Delaware First Nation soldier. He served nine years in the militia before enlisting in the Canadian Expeditionary Force on 22 September 1914. His adult son, Joel, also served in the First World War.
While overseas, George Stonefish wrote letters to John Orval Hubbell, a friend who lived in Thamesville, Ontario, just down the road from Stonefish’s home on the Moraviantown Reserve. The Hubbell family, who owned the Thamesville hardware store, regularly sent parcels containing items such as socks and tobacco to Stonefish and other local men serving overseas. These efforts were greatly appreciated by soldiers because the goods supplemented their army-issued supplies and helped them feel connected to home. Stonefish expressed his thanks for parcels in his letters to Hubbell, while also providing vivid descriptions of what life was like at the front
George Stonefish survived the war, returning to Ontario with a reputation as a highly skilled soldier. We are not sure about his particular circumstances upon his return to Canada. What we do know is that he died of exposure near his home on February 17, 1920 and was buried in the Moraviantown Cemetery. His wartime letters remain a testament to his service.
Supporting image: Private George Stonefish
George Metcalf Archival Collection, Canadian War Museum 20070019-036 (detail)
