Thanks to everyone who is being so patient while I take time to learn the ropes. If anyone has questions, concerns, or ideas for acquisitions please let me know, and I'll try to help.
Members who research in the Waterloo-Wellington area of Ontario may have noticed that their publication had stopped coming to us. Their group had split in two and the address lists were reorganized. We are now back on their list and their distribution department is trying to find back issues for us. Thanks, we appreciate your co-operation.
The new microfilm cabinet has arrived and is now almost full of our film collection. Thanks to Debbie Was for negotiating a discount because of a couple of dents in the side.
Books new to our collection:
1. Pigot and Co.'s British Atlas: Counties of England 1840 - Donated by Leita Askew 2. a. Perth Methodist Circuit: Baptisms 1820-1942 and Asbury Methodist Church: Baptisms 1902-1927, Marriages 1858-1896, 1896-1920 b. Methodist Church Baptismal Records 1844-1875 Lanark County, Ontario - Both donated by Doug Mills 3. Reading Tudor and Stuart Handwriting - purchased at last meeting's presentation.
Thanks to our donors. These books are now away being catalogued and will appear on our shelves soon.
Books new to the Grande Prairie Public Library collection:
1. Back to the Land compiled by Dave Obee
- a genealogical guide to finding farms on
the Canadian prairie, includes an index to townships in the 1901
census
- found in 929.309712 OBE
2. Western Canadian Directories in microfiche and microfilm:
a finding aide compiled by Dave Obee
- draws on five major sources of community
directories on microfilm:
- found in R 016.971 20025 OBE
My grandfather James Raymond "Ray" Stewart" settled east of Beaverlodge in 1927.
He was born Feb. 10, 1900 in Eden Valley, Meeker Co., Minnesota, the 7th child of David Stewart and Bridget McMahon.
When he was just a baby the family made their way to Yorkton, Saskatchewan and they arrived there in time for the 1901 census. I try to picture what it would have been like for the family to pack up their home with 6 young children (one had passed away) and make their way with a baby to a new life.
Life was hard as Ray's mother passed away in 1912 when he was only 12 years old. Then his younger sister Violet died in 1921 at the age of 15 years. Ray toughed it out though and quit school early to start a horse business. When enough money was made to start farming he decided to try his hand at that.
After losing a crop to rust and having older brothers to succeed his father on the farm he made his way to the Peace River Country. He raised 6 children in the Beaverlodge area and his interest in horses and farming stayed with him.
Unfortunately I didn't get interested in family history until after his passing in 1990; although it seems he didn't talk much about his family in Saskatchewan anyway.
Initially in my search I didn't have his parent's names but after finding his birth record I was able to contact the Church of Our Lady, Manannah Twp., Meeker Co., Minnesota and they gave me the baptism information on all the children. I then contacted the cemetery in Yorkton to find out if his parents were buried there; sure enough they were. I eventually made the trip to Yorkton, and buried in the same lot with the Stewart's were a John & Margaret McGowan.
I now had another puzzle. Luckily I was able to access the Ontario Marriage Registration Index and found the marriage between David & Bridget. The marriage record told me that David Stewart, resident of Minnesota s/o William Stewart & Mary Loftus, married Bridget McMahon on January 20, 1890.
With further searching I found that David was born in Dundas, Wentworth Co., and a check of the 1851 census for Dundas found the Stewart family with three McGowan children living with them.
I was stumped - where did these children come from? I wrote an e-mail to the Rootsweb McGowan mailing list, and wouldn't you know it I got a hit! A person researching the John McGowan who is buried beside David in Yorkton got in touch with me. It seems that Mary Loftus b. 1822 in Sligo, Ireland was first married to Felix McGowan. They had three children then Felix died. Mary Loftus married William Stewart Jan. 20, 1846 in St. Augustine's Church, Dundas, Wentworth Co., Ontario.
The Stewart's left Dundas after having 5 children there and moved to Ayton, Normanby Twp., Grey Co., Ontario where they had one more child. The McGowan children were still with them. The McGowan & Stewart children all ended up moving to Minnesota except James Stewart who remained in Ayton until after 1901 and then relocated to Hedley, BC
Slowly the puzzle pieces seem to fit into place, with a few stray pieces still out there waiting to be found. According to a book written about Meeker County, Minnesota Mary (Loftus) Stewart was there with her daughter. As of yet her place of death is unknown. Her husband is buried in the Roman Catholic cemetery in Ayton but on all census records he is listed as Presbyterian. A relative in Oregon has solved this puzzle with the story that his wife converted him to Catholicism on his deathbed.
William Stewart's headstone in Ayton cemetery says he was born in Perthshire, Scotland in 1804. What is the chance of finding a William Stewart born somewhere in Perthshire, Scotland in 1804? Slim, it seems, but I am still searching and hope the pieces will eventually fall into place.
Copies of the issues listed here are in the Grande Prairie & District Branch collection in the Isabel Campbell Room at the Grande Prairie Public Library.
Lethbridge "YESTERDAY'S FOOTPRINTS" - Sept 2001 - Genealogy forms to be downloaded FREE from Internet - Interesting Websites Medicine Hat "SAAMIS SEEKER" - Sept 2001 - 1907 Medicine Hat Phone Book - More Occupations Red Deer "THE TREE CLIMBER" - Sept 2001 - Red Deer Dormitory Resident List - 1945 - Genealogy & Passports Brant Co, ON, "BRANTches" - Sept 2001 - Cockshutt: The Complete Story - Brantford Courier 1891: Teachers' list & B, M & D's Haldimand Co, ON, "PAST TIMES" - June 2001 - Marriages, Haldimand County - Genealogy - Joseph HENDERSON & Elizabeth WILSON Halton-Peel Co, ON, NEWSLETTER - Sept 2001 - Daniel HARRIS: An Early Toronto Twp Settler - Burlington's Heritage Cemeteries - Reminiscences: The Kitchen & the Kitchen Table - Oakville, Halton Co Marriages 1891 & 1892 Hamilton Branch - Aug 2001 - Those who lived in Hamilton 50 years - as of Aug 15, 1913 - Clues in the Graveyard - Understanding calendar changes Huron Co, ON, "ROOTING AROUND" - Aug 2001 - Cornish Methodism - Huron County Publication List Kent Co. ON, "ROOTS, BRANCHES & TWIGS" - Vol 24 #2, 2001 - Family History Research in the Southern Netherlands during the French Period 1794-1815 - Autobiography of the WRIGHTS: Samuel WRIGHT & Ann MCKINNEY Kent Co. ON "ROOTS, BRANCHES & TWIGS" - Vol 24 #3, 2001 - Major David Smith DENHARDT - The Magna Carta Sureties Lambton Co. ON, "LAMBTON LIFELINE" - Sept 2001 - The Sarnia Daily Observer extracts from July-Sept 1911 Leeds & Grenville Co. ON, "NEWS & VIEWS" - July/Aug 2001 - Family group records: Peter WALEN & RosaAnn MULVANEY - SPENCER/ HAZELTON Family History - MURRAY Family Genealogy - Newspaper articles Feb 14-23, 1912 Leeds & Grenville Co. ON, "NEWS & VIEWS" - Sept/Oct 2001 - Early Days & Early Settlers in the Front of Leeds & Landsdowne - Early Land Transactions - Concession One, Twp of Landsdowne and Concession One, Twp of Leeds - SHAVER Story & Genealogy London & Middlesex Co, ON, "LONDON LEAF" - Sept 2001 - Home Guard for the City of London, 1866 - List Prosecutors & Defendants, 1879 Niagara Penninsula, ON, "NOTES FROM NIAGARA" - Aug 2001 - Finding Relatives in Business - "The Niagara Gleaner"- Town Meeting, March 12, 1833 - Bible pages: surnames, BALL, FREY, FRY, CLEMENT, HOSTETER, WOOD, WILLIAMS, SERVOS, etc - Quaker Records for 1800 Pelham/Black Creek Norfolk Co. ON, 'NORFOLKS" - Sept 2001 - Family record: James ERVIN & Rebecca Jane WALKER - WW1 Norfolk Connections Ottawa, ON, "OTTAWA BRANCH NEWS" - July/Aug 2001 - From Folklore to Fact: surnames STANZEL, EYNOUGH - Lanark Co School Inspector's Report 1899 (with teachers' list) - Saddle Bag Minister: Rev James MCNALLY - Bytown Lots Leased by Colonel BY 1827-1832 (by street) - The Pioneer MOIRS of Ramsey - Wesleyan Methodist Baptisms Ross Twp, Renfrew Co, Oct 1858-Oct 1860 Perth Co. ON, "PERTH COUNTY PROFILES" - Aug 2001 - The Orphan Trains in America - 1855 Twp of Mornington Assessment Roll - History of Britton and Elma Townships - Obituary: Michael SCHELLENGERGER & Magdalena LEHMAN Quinte Branch, "QUINTE KIN" - Sept 2001 - My Memories of NEWSIES Simcoe Co. ON, "SCAN" - Aug 2001 - Found in old Family Bible - SHAW Family of Oro Twp - Pioneer churches of Simcoe County prior to 1867 (pt 2) Sudbury, ON. "ANCESTOR HUNTING" - Sept 2001 - The Historic Sites & Monuments Board of Canada Commemorates the Home Children - Branch Cemetery Publications List Thunder Bay, ON. "PAST TENTS" - June 2001 - A Glimpse of the GRIMALDESI of Thunder Bay - Thunder Bay District Cemetery Transcription List Whitby-Oshawa, ON. "KINDRED SPIRITS" - Winter 2001 - Baptisms, funerals & marriages officiated by Rev James C. Slater - 1860 - Disappearing Dwellings The BRITISH COLUMBIA Genealogist - Sept 2001 - Did Your Ancestors Homestead in the BC Railroad Belt? - Canadian WW1 Graves - Bramshott Churchyard - Pioneer Registry: surnames, BEALL, PETERSON, WALKER, FOOT, OUELLETTE - Railway at Port Guichon - Lakeview Memorial Park Cemetery, Ellison, BC (Veterans' section only) Saskatchewan "BULLETIN" - Sept 2001 - Ethics in Genealogy: A Series - Irish Domestic Servants Immigrating to Saskatchewan (with list of names) - Jewish Surnames T-Z The NOVA SCOTIA Genealogist - Summer 2001 - Vital Statistics from Kings County Newspapers 1866-1899 A-N - Nova Scotia Strays in the Yukon PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND Newsletter - Sept 2001 - 1851 Census for Colonsay & Oronsay FAMILY CHRONICLE Magazine - July/Aug 2001 - Discovering Your Jewish Ancestors - Civil War Resources on the Internet - New England Roots - Townlands of Origin: Finding Your Roots in Ireland FAMILY CHRONICLE Magazine - Sept/Oct 2001 - Mysterious Melungeons - Daughters of the American Revolution DAR - Reunion Rules - Brickwall Solutions - Family Chronicle Magazine's 5 year index FAMILY TREE Magazine - July 2001 - Stephen DUCK - The Way the Army Works - The Hangmen of Yorkshire FAMILY TREE Magazine - Sept 2001 - The Peasant Saints: The CASTLEDINE Family of Bingham - Henry PITMAN - One in a Million: Lionel CLEGG Everton's GENEALOGICAL HELPER - May/June 2001 - Brazilian Catholic Parish Registers - American Church Records - Finding a Way to Thank Those Who Came Before - Easy & Inexpensive Ways to Give Back - When is a Tree not a Tree? - Libraries (International List) - Denominational Website Listings Evertons' GENEALOGICAL HELPER - July/Aug 2001 - Records by mail from Germany - How to access records in Ireland - without going there! - So, You Want to Scan Microfilm - Early 19th Century Woonsocket - Printed resources for Hungarian research - US Homestead records - Understanding handwriting in old documents - Genealogical Societies (International List)
Births, marriages and deaths as contained in the "Grande Prairie Herald" newspaper. Continued from the Sept. 2001 issue of "Heritage Seekers".
Jun 3, 1924 Issue:
- " ... last week Chester CROWE, formerly of Grande Prairie, was accidentally killed near Edmonton. Mr. CROWE was an old timer in the Grande Prairie district ... Survived by his widow and one daughter Mrs. W.T. MAIR, who are presently residing at Duagh, AB*. Mr. CROWE was employed as a 'section man' on the CNB, near Duagh and was thrown from a speeder ..."
Jun 10, 1924 Issue:
- No births, marriages or deaths found.
Jun 17, 1924 Issue:
- "Born to Mr. and Mrs. John W. MCPHEE, at Grande Prairie on June 1st, a daughter."
Jun 24 and July 1, 1924 Issues:
- No births, marriages or deaths found.
Jul 8, 1924 Issue:
- "Mr. Harry BELCHER died at the Grande Prairie Hospital on July 3, 1924, after a long illness, brother of Judge P.H. BELCHER. Harry BELCHER was born in London, England, on 28th Oct. 1854 and came to Canada in 1879, coming to Edmonton where he was engaged in police work for many years. Previous to coming to Canada, he was a Master Mariner in the East Indian Service of the Allen Line. After coming to Canada, he farmed at Wostock* area for fourteen years and came to the Grande Prairie area eight years ago and resided with his brother until passing. He was an invalid for years and has been in the Grande Prairie for three months. The funeral was held Friday morning .... Rev. Rural Dean LITTLE officiated, interment in the Grande Prairie Cemetery."
- "July 1st Miss Meryl Phoboe BAKER became the bride of Mr. Erwin W. WILLIS ... Wedding at the Manse, performed by Rev. Dr. FORBES. Miss MOFFAT was bridesmaid, Mr. J. THIRD supported the groom ... Miss BAKER was employed at the Government Telephone office, Mr. WILLIS taught school ..."
- "Born to Mr. and Mrs. MOOREHOUSE, recently, a daughter."
- "Died July 4th at the Municipal Hospital, Ellen Louise CARD, wife of Mr. Ephraln CARD of Grande Prairie ... Miss CARD was born in England 62 years ago and has lived in Grande Prairie several years. Funeral from the Anglican Church, the Rev. Rural Dean LITTLE officiated. Interment in the Grande Prairie Cemetery."
Jul 15, 1924 Issue:
- "Born to Mr. and Mrs. William BOYD at the local hospital, a son June 28, 1924."
Jul 22, 1924 Issue:
- No births, marriages or deaths found.
Jul 29, 1924 Issue:
- "In the Estate of Andrew C. DAHL, late of Beaverlodge, AB, Farmer, deceased, ... Who died 25 Dec. 1920 ..."
Aug 5, 1924 Issue:
- "In the Estate of Sidney Clark TRUDGIAN, late of Spirit River, AB., Farmer, deceased ... Who died 4 Nov. 1918 ..."
Aug 12, 1924 Issue:
- "The funeral for the late Mrs. C.A. GAUNT, formerly of Halcourt, AB. took place at Vancouver on July 24, 1924, the service being held at the Nunn and Thompson Chapel, the Rev. C. WESTWOOD officiated, Major W.J. WATTS of Grande presided at the organ ... Interment was at the Ocean View Burial Park ..."
Aug 19, 1924 Issue:
- " ... at the Presbyterian Manse at Spirit River, Rev. ODSDEN officiated Aug. 15th, when Mr. John E. SHIELDS of Grande prairie, the son of J.A. SHIELDS of Okatoks, married Miss Annie Elizabeth SQUIRES, of Grande Prairie, daughter of Mr. John SQUIRES. Mr. and Mrs. SHIELDS will reside in Grande Prairie."
- "In The Matter of Estate of James BROWN, late of Spirit River, AB, deceased ... Died Dec. 1917 ..."
Aug 26, 1924 Issue:
- No births, marriages or deaths found.
Sep 2, (Tues) 1924 Issue:
- " Died at the Grande prairie Hospital, Aug. 26th, Mrs. Alvine SMITH, age 39, wife of George L. SMITH of Grande Prairie. Funeral held Thursday at the Presbyterian Church. Rev. FORBES officiated, interment in the Grande Prairie Cemetery. She leaves to mourn a husband and several small children."
* See "Places" later in this issue.
It is somewhat ironic that, after 83 years have passed since the end of the 'war to end war' there has never been a time of peace. There has always been war in some part of the world.
It has been couched in various self-righteous terms, whether to stop a dictator i.e. Hitler, or, from the German view, to right the wrongs of the Versailles Peace Treaty. Today we are 'stopping terrorism', or, if on the other side, righting the wrongs of the Western World in its domination of the '3rd world'.
One can always justify ones actions, and, as History is written by the victors, most of the world only knows one version of past historical events.
War is a terrible thing, it takes the lives of the world's young men, and today, with mass bombing, civilians are equally vulnerable.
In time of war, one builds a comradeship that is with each of us as long as we live. It is regrettable that it takes a war to make the friendships that are forged in times of war.
Young men will always enlist 'for the adventure'. In my family I can start with a great great great grandfather, who fought for American independence, 'freedom' from the English. His son, in turn, took the Canadian side in the War of 1812, against the 'aggressor' the United States. Three of my uncles fought in the First World War. I was in WW2 as was an American cousin. We, at least, were on the same side. We all survived, but nothing has really changed. The world powers are still resorting to arms to settle their differences.
It all seems so pointless; that we have to resort to bombs and bullets, to try to rectify failed diplomacy.
We can't, nor should we ever, forget the sacrifices made by the young men and women in their hardships and deaths.
They accepted, rightly or wrongly, the idealism espoused by their leaders.
I can only add to the above by asking everyone to wear a poppy and to observe a moments silence on Nov. 11th to honour those people who gave their lives for their beliefs.
In the September 2001 issue of "Heritage Seekers", I included information on Niobe, AB as found in the books "Place Names of Alberta" by Merrily K. Aubrey, published in 1996.
I had come across the name "Niobe" while gathering births, marriages and deaths for "Heritage Seekers". Although I had found information on Niobe, at the time I was not comfortable with the fact that the Niobe I found in the Innisfail, AB area was the location referred to in the April 15, 1924 issue of the "Grande Prairie Herald" newspaper, when it was reported that "The funeral of the late Currie Livelton took place at Niobe."
After "Heritage Seekers" was published in June 2001, I received from two helpful members of the Grande Prairie Branch (Gwen Richards and Sharon Kokosha) information on a once locally known Niobe - a Post Office.
In the local history book "Yesterday and Today" for the LaGlace, AB area (northwest of Bear Lake, AB), page 149 is the following information: "The Big Horn district was originally named Scenic Heights by the Rev. Charles Hopkins." And on page 150 of the same book is the following: "All early settlers went to Lake Saskatoon for their mail. Then for ten years the Scenic Heights, or Big Horn people got their mail at the Niobe Post Office, located at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Carter. When the Carter's resigned, the post office was discontinued. On page 155 is a picture of the Niobe Post Office that the Carter's opened in 1919. In the local history book "Buffalo Trails", page 245 there is a picture of the Niobe Post Office as it stood in 1978 when the history book was published. At that time, a small, faintly printed "Post Office" sign still remained on Carter's old log house.
Member Sharon Kokosha points out that on the internet at Alberta Heritage Digitization Project (AHDP) site: <http://ahdp.lib.ucalgary.ca/> one can find Place Names of Alberta, Vol. 1V, Northern Alberta. At this site we can read about Niobe, approximately 21 km northwest of Grande Prairie. "The Post Office was established here in Jan. 1915 and was named in commemoration of one of two cruisers bought by Canada from the British Government in 1910. The first Postmaster was R. E. Bezanson." For more information on Niobe, see the book "Place Names of Alberta, Vol. 1V, Northern Alberta".
From the LaGlace Library, we learned that Curry Livelton was buried in a field grave on property owned by Oswal Throness. Later Mr. Livelton's grave was moved to the Bethel Baptist Church yard cemetery in the LaGlace area.
The surname Livelton is a Norwegian name pronounced "Lee Velton". In the local history book "Buffalo Trails", page 251, is the Livelton Family story. The children listed include a "Kyrre Livelton" who is perhaps the Curry Livelton whose funeral was reported in the April 15, 1924 issue of the "Grande Prairie Herald" newspaper.
It is interesting to note that in the Sept. 21, 2001 issue of the "Grande Prairie Herald Tribune" newspaper, there is a picture of the Livelton farm on the shores of Henderson Lake about 1928. The farm was located directly west of Sexsmith, a few miles southwest of Buffalo Lakes. The Grande Prairie Museum plan to use the Livelton farm picture in their historic postcard series as it depicts a time when the Peace Country was at the centre of the world's agricultural scene.
Duagh, AB - Approx. 18 km North of Edmonton. A post office operated at Duagh from April 1900 to March 1918. It was named after Duagh, County Kerry, Ireland. For more information on Duagh, AB, see the book "Place Names of Alberta, Vol. 111, Central Alberta".
Wostock, AB - Approx. 76 km NE of Edmonton (East of Lamont, AB). The first settlers at Wostok were from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. See the history book "Pride and Progress", published by the Alberta Rose Historical Society, 1982, by Friesen Printers.
Scots Origins is the official, government source of genealogical data for Scotland. It is an online "pay-per-view" database of indexes from the genealogical records of the General Register Office for Scotland (GROS). Check it out at:
http://www.origins.net/GRO/ (Submitted by Margaret Kay)
Historical Great Lakes Shipping photos
A photo gallery of historic Great Lakes Shipping photos has been newly created and put online. The areas in the photo gallery are the Crew's Quarters, Captain's Cabin, Ship Yard, USLSS-Coast Guard, Lighthouses and an empty Misc. area for those that don't have a category. The site deals with the history of the people who "worked" on the Great Lakes in the shipping industry.
These photos cover ships and information from the bordering shoreline of the Great Lakes water system, both Canadian and USA.
Check it out at:
http://www.mifamilyhistory.net/glsdb/ (Submitted by Patricia Greber)
Following up on information received from Joan Bowman, I have done some searching for details on obtaining certificates for birth, marriage, or death in Alberta.
I obtained the following information from the Alberta government website at: <http://www3.gov.ab.ca/gs/information/vs/genealogy.cfm>
Genealogical Searches
When searching for information on family events, applications for genealogical searches may be made through registry agents. Recorded events are births, stillbirths, marriages, deaths, and legal change of name that have occurred in Alberta.
When making application, provide as much information surrounding the event as is possible. Such as:
The more information provided the better the chance of locating a record.
If the exact date of the event is unknown, give a range of dates to search as all Vital Statistics events are filed in chronological order. A fee will be charged for each three-year period searched or portion thereof.
Alberta residents applying for an event which occurred in Alberta must apply through a registry agent, either in person or in writing.
Non-Alberta residents applying for an event which occurred in Alberta may make application through a registry agent or the Vital Statistics Office.
Through the website I also obtained the names and addresses for the Registry Agents in Grande Prairie. A quick phone call to each one gave me the current fee for a certificate copy.
Registry Agents in Grande Prairie (only 3 listed)
Alberta Motor Association (AMA members only) 11401 - 99 Street, Grande Prairie AB Phone: 780-532-4421 Fax: 780-538-9363 Fee: $25.35 each (AMA members only) A-1 Licence & Registry Unit 16, 8822 - 112 Street, Grande Prairie AB Phone: 780-539-5009 Fax: 780-539-5033 Fee: $36.05 each The Licence Centre Ltd. #102, 9917 - 116 Avenue, Grande Prairie AB Phone: 780-532-4033 Fax: 780-539-0488 Fee: $36.05 each
For non-Alberta residents, write to:
Alberta Registries, Vital Statistics Box 2023, 10365-97 St. Edmonton AB T5J 4W7 Tel: 780-427-2683 Fax: 780-422-9117 Fee: all certificates: $20.00 Payable to 'Provincial Treasurer'
Have you looked at the Grande Prairie Branch website lately? The address is:
http://www.rootsweb.com/~abgpags/
I have made some additions to the material available.
1) Various indexes for obituaries are now online. These include:
I am currently working on the obituary index for the Peace area newspapers from 1991 - 2000 and these will be added soon.
2) Back issues of Heritage Seekers from March 1997 to June 2001 are available. They are not exactly the same as the paper version as I have deleted any phone numbers and addresses for members unless it was part of an article.
If you have an article included in Heritage Seekers, your story will hit the internet and, as has been verified by the few of our members who have done this, others in the world who are not members of the branch will be able to find you and contact you if you have research interests in common.
This query comes from:
Mr. Neal Campbell, Leduc, AB
Mr. CAMPBELL has been doing research on his paternal grandfather and is trying to trace all of his grandfather's siblings. He has been successful in tracing completely two brothers and is now tracing two sisters and another brother. It was a family of 11.
Neal found an old obituary and listed among the survivors was a sister, Mrs. ROBERTSON, who lived in Grande Prairie. Here is the information he had on her:
Neal wanted the obituary for Janet or Janette ROBERTSON (nee CAMPBELL).
Going through the homestead index we have, there were about 14 ROBERTSONs who took out homesteads in this area between 1911 - 1920. Of the 14 there are 2 named James and 3 named John, the rest are other names that appear only once each.
In Miss Isabel Campbell's index for the Herald-Tribune this volume is also reflected. I was finally able to find Janette in the index.
The Herald-Tribune; Dec. 17, 1942, page 7, col.3.
"Another Old Pioneer Woman of the West Laid to Rest"
Mrs. James ROBERTSON, Died Dec. 5.
Born: Near Galt, Ontario in Sept. 1852 (keep in mind her sons
may not know the year)
Came West to Winnipeg in 1872
In 1910 moved to Sask.
Moved to Peace River Country in 1916.
Husband died in 1931.
Has 7 sons: William, James, John, Milton, Roy / Ray, Chad / Shand,
and Guy of Sexsmith.
1 daughter; Mrs. (Jane Elsie) H. HARRIS of Grande Prairie.
I also obtained her husband James' obit. He had died Jan. 1932, had been born Scotland in 1853. His obit gave the marriage info:
"In 1880 he married Miss Janette CAMPBELL of Strathclair, Man., the marriage taking place at the Hudson Bay post."
The obit also stated that James had been a member of the NWMP. This couple died in their 90's. They farmed in Buffalo Lake district and were both buried in the Emerson Trail Cemetery, along with two sons and one grandson.
I found obits for the following sons:
John, Roy and Guy never married. Shand was born with clubfeet and spent most of his life in a mental institution.
Their sister Jane E. HARRIS had one daughter who should still be in the Grande Prairie area.
According to the 1901 census for Shoal Lake, Manitoba where I found this family, Jane Elsie was born 10 June 1898 in Manitoba. She would have been 18 when the family came here in July 1916. Have not found a marriage for her to H. HARRIS in the paper. If her daughter married, we haven't a clue what her name could be.
I have still not been able to come up with something for the daughter, Jane HARRIS. There is no record of her in the Grande Prairie cemetery and I have also checked with the funeral home, our Emerson Cemetery index, and have looked in all the Herald-Tribune indexes available at this time. There are still a few years of obits in Herald-Tribune for the 1960-70's that have not been extracted and she could be in those. She is our only hope of finding any other descendants for James and Janette ROBERTSON.
The obits for this family were usually very short. The obits for the parents were good, but of the boys, William's was the only one that spoke of his siblings, indicating they all lived in this area, although he had died in Edmonton where he was living at the time.
If anyone has any info on Jane HARRIS please contact me at 780-532-5277.
We have had very few queries over the summer. Most were requests for obituaries from the Herald-Tribune, which were easily filled. The above search for the ROBERTSON family has been the biggest challenge for a long time.
This information came to us from Patricia Greber who received an email answer to her query regarding the Notman Photographic Archives. The archives are part of the McCord Museum of Canadian History in Montreal, Quebec.
The Notman Photographic Archives has about 300,000 portraits from Notman's Montreal studio, all dated, identified and retrievable using Notman's own system of numbers and Index Books, ranging from about 1861 to 1993.
To access the collection you would have to either visit or hire someone to research at the museum as they do not have the staff or time to do research for you.
Copies of images are available for a fee. Costs vary depending on the project and the type of reproduction wanted.
If you have family photographs of your own and if they originated in the Notman Montreal studio, the archives can identify them for you if they have numbers on them. They're usually in the lower corners of the print or written in pencil on the back. This number and a brief description of the image, e.g. lady standing, three men sitting, are usually enough to identify it.
This information came from Nora Hague, Senior Cataloguer of the Notman Photographic Archives
The McCord Museum of Canadian History was inaugurated in 1921 and houses more than 950,000 objects, images and documents portraying the history of Canada.
McCord Museum of Canadian History 690 Sherbrooke Street West Montreal, QC, H3A 1E9 Tel: (514) 398-7100 Fax: (514) 398-5045 Web site: http://www.mccord-museum.qc.ca
December - no meeting December 31 Deadline for Membership Renewal January 15 Regular Meeting Program: TBA Deadline for Nomination forms February 1 Deadline for "Heritage Seekers" articles February 19 Annual Meeting March 19 Regular Meeting Program: TBA
All regular meetings begin at 7:00 pm and are preceded by a short business meeting.
Genies in the Library schedule:
Available each week in the Isabel Campbell room of the Library
on:
Wednesday only: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Will be on holiday from Dec. 20 to Jan. 8
If you wish help at other times, please ask the staff
at the Grande Prairie Public Library for contact information.
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February 1, 2003