 But in Canada the father became an hopeless alcoholic and died at an early age leaving behind a widow, five young children and heavy debts.His mother, who had been to Finishing school in Paris, survived by teaching French and taking charity from her sister, Mrs Meredith, and their family friend, Sir Casimir Gzowski.At the age of thirteen, Augustus Nanton took the decision to leave school and find employment to help support his family.