Understand
Canadian man discovers his great-grandfather was an early Southend United footballer
Overview
Roy Gabriel travelled from Canada to attend Southend United's 120th-anniversary celebrations after discovering a year ago that his great-grandfather, Ben Freeman (also known as Charles), was one of the club's early players. Other relatives, including granddaughters of the club's first signing William 'Jerry' Thompson, also travelled from Scotland to celebrate the milestone event.
Key points
- Roy Gabriel and his wife travelled from Dawson Creek, Canada, to attend Southend United's 120th-anniversary Pioneers Day at Roots Hall.
- Gabriel discovered a year ago that his great-grandfather was one of the club's earliest players.
- Ben Freeman's children were sent to Canada in 1912 after his wife died during childbirth.
- Pat MacRae and Maureen Main, granddaughters of the club's first signing William 'Jerry' Thompson, travelled from Scotland for the anniversary.
- Thompson's granddaughters donated a family medal belonging to him to the football club.