Deceased Brethren

We are currently doing more research on Brother Herbert Naden Clague (died 20 December 1921, aged 38).

We know he was a land surveyor and that Allan Robert Bell, one of the four Temple Lodge, No. 33 members killed in action in World War 1, apprenticed with Brother Clague prior to going overseas with the Canadian military. We will add more information as we uncover it.

We contacted the Association of B.C. Land Surveyors, of which Herbert Naden Clague had been a member, and received the following information:

“Herbert Naden Clague is on the BCLS Nominal Roll as BCLS #60 and the first BCLS listed in 1911…..

Mr. Clague surveyed fairly extensively in the Cowichan Valley. The information from BC Geographical Names –https://apps.gov.bc.ca/pub/bcgnws/names/35950.html indicates that Mount Clague was in fact named after Mr. Clague.

Origin Notes and History:

Claque Mountain adopted 4 October 1951 on 103I, in association with the (mis-spelled) name of the triangulation station. Spelling changed to Mount Clague 23 May 1968 on 103I.

Source: BC place name cards, or correspondence to/from BC’s Chief Geographer or BC Geographical Names Office
Triangulation station “Claque” occupied and named in 1949. The intended namesake was Herbert Naden Clague, BCLS, who laid out the subdivision scheme at Kitimat in 1910 in anticipation of the railway being built from Terrace; obtained his commission as a BC Land Surveyor in 1911; surveyed in the vicinity of Clayoquot and Nootka Sounds, 1913-15; died 1921.”

(Source: ABCLS and  BC place name cards, or correspondence to/from BC’s Chief Geographer or BC Geographical Names Office)

Here is a brief biographical sketch of Herbert Naden Clague taken from local newspaper reports of his death and funeral:

“Clague – Yesterday morning the Cowichan community learned the sad news that Mr. H.N. Clague had passed away about 10 p.m. on the previous night at Duncan Hospital, where he had been for about a month. The funeral will leave the Masonic Temple at 2 p.m. this afternoon for St. Peter’s Quamichan.”

(Source: Cowichan Leader, from Cowichan Valley Museum & Archives collections)
“Clague – The funeral of the late Mr. H.N. Clague, B.C.L.S., took place last Thursday afternoon from the Masonic Temple, Duncan, to St. Peter’s Quamichan, where a large number had gathered to pay their last tribute to one who was admired and respected throughout the district.

The service in the church was taken by the Rev. F.L. Stephenson, rector, and the Rev. F.G. Christmas. “Nearer, My God, To Thee,” was the hymn sung. At the graveside the Rev. Arthur Bischlager, vicar of Duncan, officiated.

Following the church services the Masonic ritual took place, Wor. Bro. A.H. Peterson, W.M., and Wor. Bro. H.F. Prevost, C., conducting the obsequies. A large number of Masons attended, the pallbearers being chosen from Temple Lodge, No. 33, A.F. & A.M., of which the deceased was an officer. They were Wor. Bros. K.F. Duncan, T. Pitt and J. Grieg and Bros. C.H. Dickie, J.G. Somerville and F.J. Norie.

There were many floral tributes, including remembrances from the public bodies with which the late Mr. Clague was connected.

In England and throughout this province Mr. Clague was known as good surveyor and engineer and a neat and expeditious draughtsman. Those who worked for and with him can testify to his many sterling qualities.

As a most conscientious and hard working chairman of the public works committee of the Duncan Board of Trade for three years past, Mr. Clague conferred many benefits on residents all over the district. His loss to his confreres is indeed grievous.

At the time of his death he was a representative of the City of Duncan on the Consolidated School Board. He was a member of the Cowichan Country club. No movement for the advancement of this district failed to find in him a ready response to the call for service.

Mr. Clague married, in 1912, Miss Jennie Lomas, who, with four children, survives him. To them the deep sympathy of all the residents is extended.”

Source: Cowichan Leader, from Cowichan Valley Museum & Archives collections)

Herbert Naden Clague grave, St. Peter's Quamichan Anglican Cemetery
Herbert Naden Clague grave, St. Peter’s Quamichan Anglican Cemetery
Herbert Naden Clague grave marker, St. Peter's Quamichan cemetery, Duncan, B.C.
Herbert Naden Clague grave marker, St. Peter’s Quamichan cemetery, Duncan, B.C.

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