Collingwood is a Town of Mourning

Collingwood people on the Wexford were: Captain Bruce Cameron; Archibald Brooks, Second Officer; James Scott, Chief Engineer; Richard Lougheed, Assistant Engineer; Orrin Gordon, Watchman; Allan Dodson, Watchman; George Willmott, Steward, Mrs. Willmott accompanied the latter.

(Special Despatch to The Globe

Collingwood, Nov. 11. -- The news of the loss of the lake freighter Wexford, which was received here this afternoon, has shrouded the town in a sadness such as has not prevailed for many years. So many wives and families have been bereaved that the whole town mourns. The crew of the steamer included six or seven from this port, all being vigorous and experienced mariners.

Capt. Bruce Cameron, who was master of the ill-fated steamer, belonged to a family of mariners. He was the second son of the late Capt. Alex. C. Cameron, and was born in Collingwood about twenty-six years ago. He had sailed on the lakes during the past ten years, and had successfully filled various positions on different steamers sailing out of this port.

Last year he was first officer on the Wexford with Capt. G. Playter, and at the beginning of this season succeeded him in teh captaincy of the boat. In the spring he was married to Miss Moore of this town, who, besides his widowed mother and two brothers resides in Collingwood. During the winters of his apprenticeship Capt. Cameron was an enthusiastic hockey player, and on different occasions had participated in games for the Ontario championship.

The Other Officers.

Archibald Brooks, second officer of the Wexford, was a young man and had sailed for several seasons. Last year he occupied the same position on this boat.

James Scott, chief engineer, had been on the lake steamers for several seasons. He was a brother of Capt. Frank Scott, Captain of the steamer Collingwood of the Farrar Transportation Company. Scott was married and leaves a family of three children in Collingwood.

Richard Lougheed, assistant engineer, had also had some years' experience and had occupied positions on different boats on the Lakes. He was married to Miss Dickenson of Collingwood.

Allan Dodson, watchman.

Orrin Gordon, watchman, was a young unmarried man, a son of Charles Gordon of this town. He was on the Wexford last year in the same position.

Was Going to England.

Geo. Willmott, an Englishman, who had been in Collingwood but a short time, was another member of the crew. He had charge of the steward's department. Mrs. Willmott was with him on the vessel. He, with his wife, contemplated returning to Bristol at the close of the season. On the trip down, while passing through the Soo, he mailed a letter to the local agent, containing a deposit for his reservation, which he intended taking up early in December.

As yet little definite news other than a confirmation of the loss of the steamer and of the finding of some of the bodies at St. Joseph, on Lake Huron, has been received here, and the bereaved friends and the town as a whole anxiously await any particulars that may be secured.