1913: C.H. Denton

C.H. Denton,Tillsonburg

Charles Hamilton Denton, was born in 1861 on the Denton homestead located in the Township of Blenheim. As a young man, he clerked at a general store in Aylmer, before purchasing the hardware business of R.R. Goulding, in Tillsonburg with his brother. Two years later he sold his business and accepted a position as traveling for the Hamilton firm Adam Hope & Co. After a short period he again entered the hardware business in Tillsonburg. In 1892, he founded a well-known insurance company. 

Mr. Denton was extremely active in municipal affairs, having been first elected to the town council in 1898. He served in the capacity of reeve on many occasion, and as mayor for three terms in 1904, 1910 and 1917. 

He was very active in his community, serving as chairman of the Tillsonburg Public Utilities Commission for more than 10 years, and was a charter member of the Lions Club, which he helped organized. He also served as president and honorary past president of the Tillsonburg and Dereham Agricultural Society, as well as an honorary president of the Tillsonburg Chamber of Commerce. 

Mr. Denton was always very much interested in fraternal and service club organizations.  He was a life member and past master of King Hiram Lodge, No. 78, A.F. & A.M.  At the time of his passing he was the treasurer of the lodge.  He was a past noble grand of Otter Lodge, No. 50, I.O.O. F., a member of Lisgar Encampment, No. 87, I.O.O.F., the Ancient Order of Foresters, and the Woodmen of the World.  He was a life member of the Rose Croix, Scottish Rite Masons.  He also acted as secretary and grand master of the Canadian Home Circle and the Canadian Order of Odd Fellows. 

He was active in the Ontario Motor League for many years, being one of the members of its board of directors.  From the time the Tillsonburg Motor Club was organized until three or four years prior to its disbanding, he served as its secretary-treasurer, afterwards as a director. He was also a member of the Ontario Fire and Casualty Insurance Agents’ Association and was on the advisory council of that organization at the time of his passing on April 7, 1940.