NOTE: All this came from Darlene Perrett, who found them
in an old photo album of Hazel Buchanan Griffith, and
currently in the possession of Jean Griffith Hunter of
Neepawa. Much of the information originates undoubtedly
with Red Bob and Maggie Matilda Buchanan, Hazel's
parents. The last part, as indicated comes from the local
history of Gladstone, Manitoba
[These are the son and daughter of Robert John "Red
Bob" Buchanan and his wife Margaret Matilda
Buchanan. Johnny and Lizzie died in the Spanish Flu
pandemic.]
Funeral
A double funeral will be held from Simpson's undertaking
rooms, Tuesday, November 12th, at 2:00 to Rosedale
cemetery.
Funeral private
-
At Neepawa, Sunday, November 10th, 1918 Elizabeth Jane Buchanan Beloved wife of Wilbert Livingstone, aged 25 years.
-
At Neepawa, on Monday, November 11th, 1918
John James
Beloved son of Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Buchanan, aged 34
years.
[Margaret Matilda's father]
In Loving Remembrance of
James Buchanan
Died April 8th, 1900. Aged 77 years
-
A precious one from us has gone,
A voice we loved it is still;
A place is vacant in our home,
Which never can be filled.
God in his wisdom has recalled
The boon his love had given;
And though the body molders here,
The soul is safe in heaven.
[oldest daughter of Hazel Buchanan and Bill Griffith]
Margaret Milne beloved wife of Stuart C. Milne
Entered into rest September 30th, 1967
Aged 44 years
-
Funeral service will be held in United Church, Gladstone,
at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 3rd.
-
Officiating clergymen: Rev. Barry Pogue and Capt. Merle
Woodley.
-
Final resting place: Mekiwin cemetery.
Whites funeral home
-
"Not lost but gone before. "
Milne
In loving memory of Margaret Edna, beloved wife of
Stuart C. Milne and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. J.
Griffith, who passed away September 30th, 1967.
There's an open gate at the end of life's road,
To which we each must go alone,
And there in a light we cannot see
Our father claims his own;
Beyond this gate our loved one
Finds happiness and rest,
And there's comfort in the thought
That a loving God knows best.
Lovingly remembered it and sadly missed by all her loved
ones.
[The are several In Memoriams, with different poems and
the same biographical information.]
Mrs. S C Milne, Passes Away in Winnipeg, September 30th
Mrs. Stuart C. Milne passed away in the Winnipeg General
Hospital, Saturday morning, September 30th following a
lengthy illness. Margaret Edna Milne (nee Griffith)
was born April 15th, 1923 in the Rosedale district and
received her education in Neepawa district. Except for
the war years when she was employed in the Y M C A at
Kingston, Ontario, she spent most of her life in and
around Neepawa. She was a member of the United Church and
the Mekiwin W A.
She is survived by her loving husband Stuart Milne, whom
she married March 30th, 1952, and a daughter Karen, 14.
Also surviving are her parents Mr. and Mrs. William
Griffiths, of Keyes; one brother Douglas, of Stonewall;
four sisters Jean, Mrs. Peter Hunter, Sinclairville;
Bernice, Mrs. W. Smith, Kirkfield Park; Joyce, Mrs. R.
Downing, Arden; and Joan, Mrs. D. Kitson, Franklin.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, October 3rd at 2:00
p.m. in Gladstone United Church. Reverend Barry Pogue and
Capt. Woodley of the Salvation Army, officiated.
Pallbearers were: M E. Buchanan, William Buchanan, Gordon
Hunter, George Milne, D M Milne and J. M. Milne.
Interment in Mekiwin cemetery. White's funeral home of
Neepawa were in care of the arrangements.
William James Griffith [son-in-law of Red Bob]
Beloved husband of Hazel Margaret Griffith
Entered into rest May 15th, 1969
Aged 71 years
Funeral service will be held in United Church, Neepawa,
Manitoba, at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 19th. Officiating
clergy: Mr. Carson Walker and Lieut. Diane MacLellan
Final resting place: Riverside cemetery, Neepawa,
Manitoba.
Whites Funeral Home
Obituary
William James Griffith
William James (Bill) Griffith, aged 71, of Neepawa, died
at his farm home in Keyes district Thursday, May 15th
following two year's illness.
The funeral service was held from Neepawa United Church
Monday, May 19th. Lt. Diane McLellan of the Salvation
Army and Carson Walker of Arden officiated. Interment was
in Riverside cemetery.
Honorary pallbearers were M. Bakke and M. Evenson of
Keyes, F. Thompson of Arden and Bert Buchanan, F. Elves
and J. V. McLaughlin of Neepawa. Active pallbearers were
William McKinnon and D. Popkes of Keyes; P. Kozak and V.
Murkin, Arden; D. Griffith of Eden and G. Hunter,
Neepawa.
Mr. Griffith was born in Neepawa and attended Freeland
School (now Brookdale Consolidated). He farmed north of
Neepawa and in the Arden district before moving to the
farm at Keyes in 1939. He farmed there until 1963, when
he semi-retired from farming and came to Neepawa to
reside.
He married Hazel Margaret Buchanan at Neepawa on February
1, 1922. Mr. Griffith joined the Salvation Army as a
young soldier. He attended the United Church at Keyes and
Arden.
He is survived by his wife; one son, at Stonewall; four
daughters Mrs. Peter (Jean) Hunter of Arden, Mrs. Wilmer
(Bernice) Smith of Winnipeg, Mrs. Ralph (Joyce) Downing
of Neepawa and Mrs. Douglas (Joan) Kitson of Franklin.
There 20 grandchildren.
A daughter Mrs. Stuart (Margaret) Milne predeceased him
in 1967.
[Neepawa Press 1969]
Obituary
Percy Douglas Buchanan [son of Red Bob]
The funeral services for Percy Douglas Buchanan, 63, a
well-known Arden district resident who died in Winnipeg
General Hospital on September 3rd was held in Knox
Presbyterian Church there on Wednesday, September 7th
with Mr. Rev. David Smith of officiating. Burial was in
Riverside cemetery. The pallbearers were Fred Coulter,
Andy McIntyre, Keith Hoath, Alvin Riley, Harold Finlay
and Martin Partaker. Whites funeral home charge of
arrangements.
Mr. Buchanan was born in Rosedale municipality and
received his education at Mountain View school. He farmed
in Arden district about 30 years.
He married Grace Irene Birch of the Eden in the United
Church manse at Neepawa in 1932.
Mr. Buchanan was a member of #1494 Loyal Orange Lodge of
Neepawa for 46 years.
He is survived by his wife; two sons, William Thomas of
Arden, and Murray Douglas of Winnipeg; one daughter,
Hazel Marie of Arden; two sisters, Mrs. Walter (Bella)
Hunter of Neepawa, and Mrs. Bill (Hazel) Griffith of
Keyes; and one brother, Eddie Buchanan of Neepawa.
Margaret Matilda Buchanan [wife of Red Bob]
In Memorium
Buchanan
In loving memory of our mother, Margaret Matilda
Buchanan, who passed away May 1st, 1953.
-
Resting were no shadows fall
Our dear mother awaits us all,
And God will link the broken chain
As one by one we meet again.
-
Lovingly remembered by her family, Isabell, Hazel, Doug
and Ed.
-
Born at Elma, Ontario in 1860 [could be 1866?], she came
to the Rosedale district north of Neepawa before the town
was born. She married Robert J. Buchanan of the same
district in 1833.
They farmed until their retirement to Neepawa, in 1927.
Mr. Buchanan died in 1927.
One of her hobbies in later life was the making of quilts
for her family, and during the past year, she pieced
quilt tops for each of her 27 grandchildren. For the past
10 years she has made her home with her daughter here,
Mrs. W. Hunter. She was a member of Knox Presbyterian
Church and of the L O B A.
She is survived by three sons, Russell and Edward,
Neepawa, and Douglas, Arden; two daughters, Mrs. W.
Hunter, Neepawa, and Mrs. William Griffith, Keyes,
Manitoba, 27 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren and
two great-great-grandchildren.
CARD OF THANKS [Margaret Matilda Buchanan]
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks and
appreciation for acts of kindness, messages of sympathy
and beautiful floral offerings received from relatives,
neighbors and friends during our great bereavement in the
loss of our dear mother and grandmother. We especially
thank Dr. Chochinov and nurses of the District Memorial
Hospital, Rev. Anderson and choir of Knox Presbyterian
Church, the pallbearers and members of the LOBA Lodge,
Mr. Jack Whites Funeral Home and everyone who was so kind
and helpful in any way. -The Buchanan family and
grandchildren.
Pioneer Marks 90th Birthday [Margaret Matilda
Buchanan]
Mrs. Margaret M. Buchanan, a pioneer of Neepawa in 1878
and a resident of the district for the past 72 years,
celebrated her 90th birthday on Tuesday, July 18, at the
home of her daughter, Mrs. Walter Hunter, in town.
Mrs. Buchanan enjoys exceptionally good health and
occupies her time making quilts and crocheting So far
this year she has made up five quilts and embroidered two
bedspreads.
Born Margaret M. Buchanan at Listowel, Ont, on July 18,
1860, a daughter of Bessie and James Buchanan, she came
to the Souris district in 1877. The following year she
moved to Neepawa, travelling via Carberry by stage coach.
She married Robert Buchanan and they homesteaded in the
Rosedale district for many years. Mr. Buchanan died in
1927 and Mrs. Buchanan moved to Neepawa to reside.
Eight children were born of this marriage, six of whom
are living. Three sons, Russell, Stanley and Edward.
reside at Neepawa, and another son, Douglas, at Arden. A
daughter, Mrs. Walter Hunter, resides in Neepawa and
another daughter, Mrs. W. Griffith, at Arden.
Mrs. Buchanan has 28 grandchildren, 21. great -
grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Interested in the affairs of the community, Mrs. Buchanan
is a charter member of the L.O.B.A. in Neepawa. During-
both World Wars she did considerable knitting for
Canadian Red Cross.
S. H. Buchanan Funeral Rites Held July 6 [1951] [son of
Red Bob]
Stanley Harold Buchanan, of Neepawa, died suddenly
at Tofield, Alta., en route to Calgary, on July 2.
The funeral service was held in Knox Presbyterian Church,
Neepawa, on Friday, July, 6 with Rev. Douglas Anderson
officiating. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery.
Members of the Orange Lodge attended in a body.
Pallbearers were Archie and John Graham, Sam Sanford,
Weldon Buchanan and Fred Coulter.
Mr. Buchanan was born in the Neepawa district on July 18,
1898, son of Mrs. R. Buchanan and the late Mr. Buchanan.
He. attended Mountain View, school.
After farming for some time, he moved to Neepawa in 1939
and worked as a carpenter and plumber with W. W. Mathews.
He married Hazel Birch of Neepawa 23 years ago. She
survives him.
Mr. Buchanan was a prominent member of the Orange Lodge
for many years.
Besides his mother, Mrs. R. Buchanan, of Neepawa, he is
survived by two sons, Glen and Jack of Neepawa, two
sisters,
Mrs. W. Hunter, Neepawa, and Mrs. W. J. Griffith, Keys;
and three brothers, Russell and Ed of Neepawa and Douglas
of Arden. A sister, Elizabeth, and a brother, John, died
over 30 years ago.
Funeral Feb. 1 For Wm. R. Buchanan Local Resident [son of
Red Bob]
William Russel Buchanan, 66, well-known resident
of Neepawa died at his home Tuesday, January 29.
The funeral service was held in Knox Presbyterian Church,
Friday, February 1, with Rev. Douglas Anderson
officiating. Members of Neepawa Loyal Orange Lodge No.
1494 formed a guard of honor at the service. Burial was
in Rosedale cemetery.
The Pallbearers were Charles Blakley, Fred Tyack, Fred
Coulter, Carman Lindsay, Colin McLean and Walter Burch.
White's Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Buchanan was born in Rosedale municipality and moved
into Neepawa when about 25 years of age. He was a
carpenter here and later worked at the plumbing trade. He
married the former Gertrude Barnhart. She died some time
ago.
Mr. Buchanan took a prominent part in the work of the LOL
and the Royal Black Preceptory. He was an officer in the
Grand Orange Lodge of Manitoba. Mr. Buchanan was a former
Worshipful Master of the Neepawa Lodge. He also served as
County Master of the lodge some years ago.
He is survived by one son Arnold at Northfield, B.C.; a
daughter, Mrs. Ernie Wilkie at Winnipeg
Robert Edward Buchanan (Eddie) [son of Red Bob]
The funeral service for Robert Edward Buchanan, 57,
well-known Neepawa resident who died in a Winnipeg
hospital on November 27, was held in the United Church,
Wednesday, Nov. 30, with Rev. W. E. McDonald officiating.
Burial was in Riverside cemetery.
The pallbearers, were William Whitmore, Tom Hockin, Jim
Clark, Ross McGillivray, Carman Lindsay, and Colin
McLean. White's Funeral Home was in charge of
arrangements.
Mr. Buchanan was born in Rosedale rural municipality and
attended Mountain View School. He has been employed as a
mechanic since 1935 and at the time of his death was with
William Whitmore, Ltd. in Neepawa.
He was a member of the United Church. Active in the work
of Neepawa. Loyal Orange Lodge he served as Master of the
lodge from 1935-37. He was Past Master for 23 years.
He married Elizabeth Birch of Neepawa in the Eden United
Church manse on Nov. 11, 1927.
Besides his wife he is survived by one son, Robert James
Buchanan of Fort Garry, Man.; a daughter, Bernice of
Neepawa; two sisters, Mrs. Walter (Bella) Hunter of
Neepawa, and Mrs. William (Hazel) Griffith of Keyes, Man.
There are two grandchildren, Robert Bruce and Kelly Joy.
Obituary
ISABELL HUNTER [daughter of Red Bob and Margaret
Matilda Buchanan]
Funeral services were held July 8 at Knox Presbyterian
Church for the late Mrs. Isabell Hunter, aged 79, who
died in Neepawa Memorial Hospital, July 4, after a
lengthy Illness. Rev. Francis X. Muttoo officiated.
Interment was made in Riverside cemetery.
Pallbearers were her nephews, William Buchanan, Robert
Buchanan, Elmer Buchanan, Murray Hunter, Graham Hunter
and Stuart Milne.
Mrs. Hunter (nee Buchanan) was born at Neepawa on May 3,
1886 and received her education at the Mountain View
school in the Rosedale district. She lived all her life
in Neepawa except seven, years at Bethany.
She was married to Walter Hunter, March 20, 1907. She was
a member of the Presbyterian church an honorary member of
the LOBA, and a member of the Silver Cross Mothers.
She is survived by her husband, four sons and two
daughters, Gordon and George of Neepawa, Vernon of
Pambrun, Sask., Wellington of Winnipeg, Mrs. Jess
(Violet) Rodgers (Toots) of Frankfort, Kentucky; Mrs.
Jack (Bessie) Arnold of Neepawa.
There are 17 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
One sister Mrs. William Griffith, lives at Keyes,
Manitoba. She was predeceased by two sons, Jack, August
19, 1942, and Glen, October 19, 1958; also one daughter,
Mrs. Ross (Lillian) Howatt, on April 9, 1963.
WALTER HUNTER [son-in-law of Red Bob]
Walter Hunter, 87, of Neepawa, passed away May 29 at
Assiniboine Hospital, Brandon, after 10 months in
hospital. [apparently 29 May 1970 - Bill]
He was born in the Union district, went to school there,
and farmed there, and for eight years in Bethany, until
he moved to Neepawa in 1926, where he did carpenter work
until be retired. He was married to Isabell Buchanan in
Neepawa in 1907. He was a member of the Presbyterian
Church.
He is survived by four sons: Gordon and George of
Neepawa, Wellington of Winnipeg and Vernon of Pamburn,
Sask., two daughters, Bessie (Mrs. Jack Arnold) 'of
Neepawa and Violet (Mrs. Jess Rodgers) of Frankfort,
Kentucky; seventeen grandchildren and eight
great-grandchildren. Also surviving are two sisters, Mrs.
Georgina Howatt and Mrs. Anne Mills of Neepawa.
He was predeceased by his wife, Isabell, in 1965, also
two sons, one daughter, four brothers and two sisters.
Funeral services were held Monday, June 1, from White's
Funeral Chapel, with Rev. C. Wesley Quinn officiating.
Interment was in Riverside Cemetery. Pallbearers were
Peter Graham, Murray Hunter, Bob Arbuckle, Graham Hunter,
Weldon Hunter and Elmer Buchanan.
BERNICE ISABEL TURNER [daughter of Robert Edward
Buchanan and Elizabeth Birch]
Suddenly on Monday, Dec. 17, 1979, Bernice Isabel Turner,
46, of The Pas, Man.
Funeral services were held from Christ Anglican Church,
in The Pas, on Friday, Dec. 21,1979 at 2 p.m. with Rev.
L. Hinde officiating. Soloist Mrs. Hazel Hyde sang,
"Why Me Lord". Interment followed at Lakeside
Cemetery, The Pas. Hayes Funeral Home was in care of
arrangements.
Active pallbearers were Bruce Baker, Bob Ford, Gerry
Frechette, Bryon Harkness,, Bill Robinson and Scott
Willieams.
Honorary pallbearers were Bob Calocott, Morley Henderson,
John Jebsen, Jim Parker, Stewart Parsons, Ernie Smith,
Glen Thompson and, Fred Topolinski.
Bernice was born March 16, 1933, at Neepawa where she
lived until moving to The Pas in 1968. She was a member
of The Foresters, The Pas Flying Club, and The Pas Area
Wildlife Association.
She leaves to mourn her beloved husband, Francis, of The
Pas, her mother, Mrs. Lizzie Buchanan, of Neepawa; one
brother Bob (Donny) and his wife Mavis; two nieces and
two nephews, all of Winnipeg.
Bernice was predeceased by her father, Edward Buchanan,
in 1960.
CHARLES W. PARVIN [1968]
[He’s almost like one of the family, having lived
with Buchanan families most of his life.].
Charles.William Parvin of Silver Park, Sask., aged 82,
died Nov. 2 at Melfort Union Hospital after a brief
illness. A funeral service was held in the Silver Park
Anglican Church at Melfort on Nov. 6 and interment was
made in Silver Park cemetery. Officiating clergyman was
Canon Douglas and arrangements were made by Kyle Funeral
Home.
Pallbearers were Davie McGillivray, Ronald Thorpe, Harvey
Cottrill, Bob Watt, Gordon Smith and Harold Tennison.
Mr. Parvin had resided in the Silver district for eight
years. He was born in England in 1887 and came to Canada
as a young boy through the auspices of the Doctor
Barnardo's Home for Boys. He lived for a time in the
Neepawa district, later moving to Saskatchewan.
Mr. Parvin was a member of the Loyal Orange Lodge 1494,
Neepawa. In 1963 he was honored by his fellow Orangemen
and presented with a Past Master Jewel for his years of
faithful service and continuous membership.
His early training in the Doctor Barnardo Home and his
service in the Orange Lodge molded his life of complete
non-selfishness and he was respected by all who met him.
(Contributed by Dan McGillivray family.)
[I could leave Billie Parvin out. He’s in the
picture of Dan McGillivray, Johnny Buchanan, & Billie
in their threshing clothes (I am sure you have the
picture.) He lived with the Ashes and Buchanans in his
years here in MB, Red Bob’s bunch. I remember him.
– DP]
Hazel Griffith's notes [her dates often differ
from other sources] [daughter of Red Bob]
[Robert John or "Red Bob"] Buchanan family
Father Robert John Born January 28, 1861 Died in June 18,
1827 66 years
Mother Margaret Matilda Born in July 18, 1862 Died May 1,
1953 91 years
Son John James born October 6, 1884 Died November 10,
1918 34 years
[Funeral card says November 11 -DP]
Isabel born May 3, 1886 Died July 4, 1965 79 years
Russel born July 22, 1888 Died January 29, 1956 68 years
[Always one "l" -DP]
Elizabeth born February 23, 1893 Died November 10, 1918
25 years
Douglas born June 20, 1897 Died September 2, 1960 54
years
Stanley born July 18, 1899 Died July 2, 1951 53 years
Hazel born September 18, 1907 Died [left blank, for
someone else to fill in after her death]
Edward born October 8, 1903 Died November 22, 1960 57
years
(Hazel Griffith's notes continued)
William married Hazel Buchanan
Five girls one son
Margaret married Stuart Milne
One girl Karen
[First married Wallace Gratto, no children - DP]
Douglas married Jane Watson
Four sons to girls
Beverly, Richard, Robin, Timothy, Bonnie, Daniel
Jane married Peter Hunter
Three sons to girls
Garth, Brent, Tannis, Wade, Alayne
Bernice married at Wilmer Smith
Three sons and two girls
Valerie, Regnold, Ross, Vicki, Randy
Joyce married Lionel Welbourne
Of one girl two sons
Shannon [Downing], Lyle, James [Welbourne]
[Joyce first married Ralph Downing - DP]
Joan married Douglas Kitson
One girl two sons
Heather, Brian, Kevin, Trevor
1871 census page 24 province of Ontario District No. 30
North Perth subdistrict the township of Elma Division
number 1
[Note from Darlene 4/4
Looked up Ellenor Johnston's marriage to James and her
maiden name was Whaley. I've no knowledge of a connection
to Buchanans. The Johnston name of course was the middle
name of Joseph Johnston Willerton but probably a
coincidence. The * indicates Aunt Jennie Buchanan
Keating. – DP]
71 71 Johnston, James M 32 Ontario C. of England Irish
farmer married
Ellenor F 28 " " " married
Sarah F 5 " " "
James M 1 " " "
* Buchanan, J. Mary F 12 Irish " " going to
school + indecipherable
Bill
Just revisited this film of Elma North Perth at the
Family History Center. Harriet got me looking for Maggie
Matilda living with a family. For this 1871 census they
gave for the last name Rozell but this is her. I've been
thinking about her again since Christmas past Jean Hunter
said "They dressed her up real cute and had her
dance on the table so the neighbors would think she was
cute and take her to live with them!" Also to kind
of confirm this Mavis Johnson Buchanan (Uncle Eddie's
daughter-in-law) told me years ago that "When Granny
Gilberds hitched up with Henry, he did not want to have
anything to do with the Buchanan kids!"
Because I found this by revisiting this film my next
search is for Andrew with some family. Oh I hope I find
him! He is not listed as a Buchanan that I know. More
later - Darlene
I did not look at this copy when I printed it. I was just
so excited to have found her. I will reprint it when I go
back to the FHC. Can't read the wife's name or most of
the kids, but pretty sure the wife was Jesse and also a
daughter by the same name. I also will look for their
marriage to find her maiden name. - Darlene
[The copy of the census page is very faint, but I found
the family listed in Don Holmes' transcription of this
film. Hopefully, he was working from a better copy. -
Bill]
3 1 3 Rozzell Joseph L 5 C 6 Carpenter Ont Eng Meth 59
Married Male
3 1 3 Rozzell Margaret " Dutch " 54 Married
Female
3 1 3 Rozzell Nathaniel Tailor " Eng " 32 S M
3 1 3 Rozzell Charles Farmer " " " 23 S M
3 1 3 Rozzell Abraham " " " 20 S M
3 1 3 Rozzell John " " " 15 S M
3 1 3 Rozzell Hannah Jane " " " 12 S F
3 1 3 Rozzell Margaret Matilda " " " 9
S F
[This may be a coincidence of names, as the 1881 census
shows the daughter Margaret Rozell still living with her
parents in Elma, when Margaret Matilda is claimed to be
living in Manitoba. However, Margaret Rozell's age is the
only one that is totally consistent across the two
censuses. - Bill]
1881
Rozell Joseph Male 66 Ontario Methodist English Farmer
Rozell Margret Female 65 " " German
Rozell John M 27 " " English
Rozell Margret F 19 " " " Labourer
Province of Ontario District 30 North Perth the
subdistrict 7 Division 2 [1871 census]
McCauley, Thomas M. at 62 Scotland Presbyterian Scotch
farmer M
McCauley, Kathryn and 62 Scotland Presbyterian Scotch M
McCauley, James M 29 Scotland Presbyterian Scotch farmer
McCauley, William M. 22 Ontario Presbyterian Scotch
farmer
McCauley, Ellen 15 Ontario Presbyterian Scotch
Henry Gilberds girls by Catherine [Margaret] McCauley:
McCauley, John M Scotland Presbyterian Scotch farmer M
McCauley, Marion Ellen 57 Scotland Presbyterian Scotch M
McCauley, Elizabeth 14 Ontario Presbyterian Scots
Gilbert, Orilla F 7 Ontario Presbyterian Scotch
Gilbert, Marion F 4 Ontario Presbyterian Scotch
Orphaned grandchildren is written and then struck out
because Henry was living. Orilla is with Henry and
Bessie in 1880 U.S. Census. Can't find an Ontario death
for Marion and the McCauley's and Marion, not in 1881
Canada census. - Darlene
JAMES VINES MCLAUGHLIN [son-in-law of Big Bob
Robert M. Buchanan and Elizabeth Bell]
After a brief illness, passed away peacefully at Neepawa
Memorial Hospital, Saturday, July 15, 1978, at the age of
94 years.
He was born in the Glendale district in 1884 and at an
early age moved with his parents, north of Neepawa, to
the Mountain View district, where he received his
education, raised his family, and farmed the family farm
until 1940, when he retired from active farming. In 1950,
he moved to Neepawa, where he resided in his own home on
Second Avenue; and in 1974 he took up residence in
Yellowhead Manor, where he lived at the time of his
passing.
On December 25, 1907, he married Mary Ellen Buchanan,
also of the Mountain View district, and with whom he was
spared to enjoy 70 happy, full and meaningful years.
He was a faithful and dedicated supporter of his church,
being a member of Rosedale United Church north of Neepawa
until 1948, when he transferred to Neepawa United Church.
He was keenly interested in all community activities, and
was quick to lend a hand in school and church functions,
and enjoyed the annual agricultural fair.
He will be sadly missed by his survivors - his loving
wife; three sons and their wives; Harold and Lena of
Calgary, Arthur and Mary, Irwin and Gladys of Neepawa;
one daughter, Dorothy and husband Harmon Haugen of
Kelowna, B.C.; eight grandchildren; ten great
grandchildren; three brothers-in-law and sister-in-law
and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves a host of
close friends, who will miss his ready smile and cheery
greetings.
Funeral services were held from Neepawa United Church at
2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 17, with Rev. Gordon Fulford
and Rev. Wilton Fraser officiating. Mrs. Betty Greig was
soloist, assisted by the choir. White's Funeral Home was
in charge of arrangements. Interment was at Riverside
Cemetery. Honorory pallbearers were Carman Lindsay, Bill
McKee, Leighton Graham, Erwin Watt, Melvin Potter and
Gilbert Burton. Active pallbearers were Vince Martin.
Jack McKee, Jim Holmes, Jim McLaughlin, Blair McLaughlin
and Clarence Martin.
VINCENT THOMAS MARTIN [son-in-law of James Arthur
"Art" McLaughlin the son of James Vines
McLaughlin]
Vincent Thomas Martin died suddenly at his home in
Minnedosa on June 2, 2003.
Vince was born in Carberry on June 5, 1940 to Tom and
Harriet Martin and was raised on the family farm in
Oberon. He obtained his schooling at Oberon, Brookdale
and Carberry schools. In 1961, he graduated from DeVry
Technical Institute in Toronto, with a diploma in radio
and television communication. Following graduation he
worked with RCA Victor Corporation, radio station CJOB
and CBC television all in Winnipeg.
In 1961 he married Linda McLaughlin of Neepawa. They were
married in a double wedding ceremony with Vince's sister
Mona and her husband Clifford Nelson, at Oberon United
Church. This marriage was blessed with three children,
Tom, Darin and Shawna.
Vince, Linda and Tom returned to Oberon in 1964 and spent
over 20 years farming the family farm. The addition of
Darin and Shawna made their family complete. Vince was an
enthusiastic, knowledgeable farmer who loved all aspects
of the business. He was innovative in expanding into new
crop varieties, chemicals and equipment. His natural
mechanical abilities and welding skills were useful
assets during these years. Farming discussion with
neighbours and friends around the kitchen table or in his
workshop were always a source of enjoyment for him.
In 1986, Vince again entered the work force, working for
Pioneer Grain and Springhill Farms. Subsequently he went
on to further his education, obtaining his third class
power engineering in 1991 and second class in 1994.
During these years he was employed by Beatrice Foods in
Winnipeg and as Chief Engineer at Manco Foods in Brandon.
From 1995 to 2003, he worked with Redfern's of Neepawa,
Ducks Unlimited in Minnedosa and Redfern's of Minnedosa.
Vince enjoyed working with people and always had time to
listen and visit with friends and customers. The
opportunity to stay in touch with the farming community
gave him much pleasure and satisfaction.
Vince was a quiet man who loved times spent with family
and friends. He was an avid sportsman who enjoyed curling
from an early age. Being a member of the curling rink
representing the Neepawa district in Labatt zone
play-offs on four different occasions was a special
highlight for him, Baseball, with the Neepawa Farmers and
the Neepawa Cubs, hunting, fishing, camping and golfing
were all enjoyed over the years. Many good friendships
were made and retained through these interests.
He was predeceased by an infant son in 1963, his parents,
Tom and Harriet in 1986 and his father-in-law, Art
McLaughlin in 1990. Vince is survived by his loving wife
Linda, sons, Tom of Ottawa, Darin and Tracey of Brandon
and daughter Shawna and Grant Wray of Winnipeg. Also
surviving are his sister Mona and Cliff Nelson and their
daughters, Melanie, Victor, Scott, Barrett Lavich and
Keaton Ruckle and CarlaDawn, Dean, Conner and Mallory
Smith, all of Carberry. Surviving in-laws include, Mary
McLaughlin; Bill, Marie and Jacquie Gordon; Jim, Colleen
and Sean McLaughlin; Blair, Sherri, Michelle and Miles
McLaughlin and Kerri Byram. Numerous relatives and
friends remain to cherish Vince's memory.
Rev. Joe Ball conducted the private service at Riverside
Cemetary and the following funeral service held at
Neepawa United Church, June 6, 2003 at 2:00 o'clock.
White's Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
I give you this one thought to keep-
I am with you still – I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone –
I am with you still - in each new dawn.
Births [Darin Martin is the son of Vince Martin &
Linda McLaughlin, daughter of J. Arthur McLaughlin.]
MARTIN/EVANS: Darin and Tracey are pleased to
announce the birth of their daughter, Laura Brooke,
on August 29, 2003. Laura weighed 7 lbs, 11 oz. Proud
grandparents are Linda Martin, Dale and Diana Evans and
great grandparents Mary McLaughlin, Bill and Jean Evans
and Clara Westbrook
[I am not sure whether this is Gerald, son of Mervin
Cameron "Bud" Buchanan or Gerald son of Melvin
Gordon Buchanan – Bill]
ELKS SUPPORT STUDENTS: The Neepawa Elks and Royal Purple
recently awarded $1,000 scholarships to Erin Davie
(above) and Amber Wetherill below. The scholarships were
awarded by the organizations' National Scholarship
Program Fund for Children. The two students are enrolled
in the Field of Audiology/Speech Language Pathology Minot
State Llniversity. Pictured making the presentations,
from left to right, are Past Exalted Ruler Gerald
Buchanan, Exalted Ruler Ron Gray, and Royal Purple
members Bernice Nelson and Helen Kilburn.
JOHN ALEXANDER GRAHAM [son of Big Jim Graham and
Mary Buchanan]
Following a short illness, John Alexander Graham, July 5,
1982, aged 84 years, at East View Lodge.
Funeral services were held from White's Funeral, Home,
Neepawa, July 8 1982, with Rev. Jack White officiating.
Interment was at Riverside Cemetery, Neepawa.
Pallbearers were Gordon McCracken, Irwin McLaughlin,
Arthur McLaughlin, Gerald Buchanan, Terry Buchanan,
Murray Hunter.
Honoray pallbearers were Wilmer Clancey, Melvin Potter,
Bill McKee, Argyle Connell, Melvin Blough, Bill Kazmerik
and Allan Campbell.
John Graham was born in the municipality of Rosedale and
farmed in the Mountain View area until 1966, retiring to
Neepawa and later to East View Lodge in 1980. He was
married to Edith Ann Jones, November 15, 1928 at Neepawa.
Throughout his life, John was keenly interested in
curling and baseball.
He is survived by one brother, Melville A. Graham, St.
James, Man., eight nieces and 6 nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife Edith Ann in November 16,
1977, his father in 1932, his mother in 1954, brothers
Sam in 1917, Robert, 1963, sisters Lizzy Clancey in 1961,
Minnie Smith in 1971, Olive Coad in 1977 and Isley Kines
in 1982.
[Can someone help me out on this one? I show Francis
Turner as married to Bernice Isabel Buchanan the daughter
of Robert Edward "Eddie" Buchanan and Elizabeth
Birch. Bernice died in 1977, so if he remarried soon
afterwards to Helen, this would explain the name of the
wife. Are they (David and Brenda) Bernice’s
children, and David, Diana and Rose (Christiuk)
Helen’s children by a previous marriage? –
Bill]
FRANCIS (FRAN) TURNER [son-in-law of Robert Edward
"Eddie" Buchanan and Elizabeth Birch]
Mr. Fran Turner, aged 73 years, beloved husband of Helen
of Pinawa, MB, passed away suddenly on Monday, July 21,
2003.
He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his wife
Helen of 21 years; son David (Bernice) of Regina, SK;
daughter Brenda of Calgary, AB; stepson David (Dale)
Christiuk and their children, Rorke, Kane and Cass of
Steinbach, MB; stepdaughter Diana (Randy Freund) of
Steinbach, MB and their children, Branden and Dayna;.
stepdaughter Rose Christiuk of Aurora, ON; his brothers,
Gordon (Gladys), of Erickson, MB, Richard (Jane) of
Plumas, MB, Robert (Cynthia) of Portage la Prairie, MB;
his sister Betty Ann (Les McGuiness) of Erickson, MB,
also many nieces and nephews.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 26 at
2.90 p.m. at the Pinawa Alliance Church, Pinawa, MB, with
Pastor Henry Hiebert officiating.
[This may not be the definitive example of how NOT to
write an obituary but it is a competitor. – Bill]
HIBBERT BOOTH BUCHANAN m. OLIVE MAUD HENTON [son
of Andrew Buchanan and Sarah Letitia Campbell]
married December 13,1922
Church Manse, Neepawa
by W. A. Cooke, Officiating Minister,
Neepawa pioneers mark golden anniversary
Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Buchanan, pioneers of the Neepawa
district, celebrated their Golden. Wedding on Saturday,
August 26, with a come and go tea at First Baptist Church
in Neepawa.
On Sunday, Lorne and Doris, their son and daughter-in-law
in Neepawa, served a family gathering dinner in their
honor.
On Saturday night a family supper was held at Hall's
Cafeteria put on by the Hall's in honor of their aunt and
uncle (Mrs. Hall is a niece of Mrs. Buchanan).
The Buchanan sons and their families were in attendance:
Lorne who lives in Neepawa, and Andrew from Thompson.
There were 158 who signed the guest book.
They received an easy chair as a gift from the family and
a beautiful family Bible as a gift from the relatives.
The Buchanans are pioneers of the Neepawa district. Mr.
Buchanan was born just a few miles from the town of
Neepawa and Mrs. Buchanan came to the district when she
was an infant. They were married in 1922 and moved to a
farm northeast of Birnie. They left the farm in 1933 and
lived in Riding Mountain for 10 years. Mr. Buchanan then
went to work at the Rivers airport and they lived in
Rivers for eight years. They retired to Neepawa in 1964.
FROM THE HISTORY BOOK "BEYOND THIRD CROSSING
– GLADSTONE AND AREA"
Sam Ash [brother of William John Ash who married
Mary Buchanan]
submitted by his nephew Bill Ash [son of Mary Buchanan
& W. J. Ash]
Sam Ash was born at Listowel, Ontario in July,1874. When
his father died in 1903, he took over the family farm at
Listowel. He always came west to Gladstone district every
fall on the harvest excursions, as his brothers, Tom and
Bill were living the district.
He bought the S.W. 1/4of .21-13-11 about 191 but did not
live on it; he rented it out.
In the spring of 1923, he sold his land in Ontario and
moved his settler's effects to the farm at Muir. He was
then forty-nine years old and never married. He bought
the S.E, ¼ 21-13-11, and also S.W ¼ 28-13-11.
Sam loved cattle and would grain-feed steers to sell the
following spring at St. Boniface stockyard.
He sold his land and equipment in, 1945 and returned to
Listowel, where most of his nephews and nieces were
living. He passed away in 1965 at the age of ninety-one
years.
[photo] Sam Ash house west of Muir, Manitoba.
Thomas Ash [brother of William John Ash who
married Mary Buchanan]
submitted by Mrs. Robert (Kay) Ash
George Ash was born in Lincolnshire, England, and married
Martha Bentham. They came to Upper Canada about 1830, and
bought two or three hundred acres of land northeast of
the Village of Plattsville. Martha died at the early age
of thirty-eight.
In Washington cemetery, a few miles east of Plattsville
on the road to Galt, just inside the gate, are two white
headstones bearing the inscriptions:
George Ash, died July 17,1878. Martha Bentham, Died
October 1, 1845.
Aged seventy-eight years. Native of Lincolnshire,
England. Aged thirty-eight years.
They had a family, of six children, Their son Christopher
was Thomas Ash's father.
In 1963, when visiting relatives in Ontario, we stopped
at the Washington cemetery. Bob and Bill Ash wanted a
picture of the tombstone. The printing was so worn we
could barely read it. The men used cousin Ida's lipstick
to outline the inscription, and they got a very good
picture.
Thomas Ash [brother of William John Ash who
married Mary Buchanan]
[from the context, this was written by Kathleen Chapham
Ash, wife of Robert Christopher Ash]
Thomas Alfred Ash was born October 4,1871, in Wallace
Township, Perch City [Perth County], Ontario. He died
April 9, 1938, in Dauphin, Manitoba. He was the son of
Christopher and Sarah Ash.
Margaret McIndoo McLaughlin was born July 14,1882 at
Barrie, Ontario. She was the daughter of Robert and Jane
McLaughlin. She died April 16, 1954, at Dauphin,
Manitoba. She and Tom were married October 1, 1902 in
Gladstone, Manitoba.
Their children were:
Ida Margaret - born August 7,1903, in the Bear Creek
district near Gladstone. On March 29, 1922, she married
Harold Sear; who had been born May 11, 1895. He died
August 6,1967 at Carberry, Manitoba. Ida now lives at
Suite 19, Carberry Plains Lodge, Carberry. She has three
daughters and one son, and several grandchildren.
Robert Christopher - born February 4,1905, at Gladstone,
and died January 31, 1978 in the Swan River hospital. On
November 17, 1932, he married Kathleen Clapham, who was
born March 19, 1912. They have now retired to Minitonas,
Manitoba. They had two sons: Bruce, and his wife Barbara;
and Wayne, and his wife Louanne. Bruce lives in Swan
River and Wayne is on the home farm at Renever, Manitoba.
Ford Alfred - born March 7, 1907 at Gladstone, and died
January 1, 1983 at the age of sixty-eight years. On
December 31, 1935, he married Muriel Blackman who was
born in 1915. They had one daughter, Linda, who married
Carl Christianson. There are four grandchildren, and all
live at Ochre River, Manitoba.
Sarah Jane - born-March 2,1908 at Gladstone, and died
April 27,1929, at Dauphin, Manitoba. She died of scarlet
fever- There were four of the family ill at the same
time: Bob, Sarah, Iva, and Dorothy. It was a very sad and
trying time, and was the first break in the family. Sarah
was a lovely girl and engaged to be married to a very
nice young man who later moved to Listowel, Ontario and
later married there.
Mabel Janet - born July 25, 1912 at Gladstone. She
married Albert Cole in 1933 and he passed away in 1940.
They had four of a family. Later, Mabel married a brother
of Albert's, and a son was born to them. Mabel lives in
Dauphin with her daughter, Marvel Cole.
Iva Frances - born January 21, 1916 at Gladstone. She
married John Cole in 1934, and he died in 1980, as did
her only child, Mervin in 1984. Iva has four grandsons,
all married. She lives in Dauphin, Manitoba.
Dorothy Lila - born June 14, 1920 at Gladstone, and died
March 15, 1968 in the Winnipeg hospital. She married
Arthur Tigg on October 18, 1939. Arthur passed away
December 16,1974 at the age of fifty-seven years. They
had two daughters: Evelyn and Rae. Evelyn was born in
Dauphin when Arthur was overseas during the second World
War, and Rae was born in Kamsack, Saskatchewan, where
they lived for several years. Arthur worked on the
railroad as a brakeman, and later moved to Dauphin and
worked in the station as a car dispatcher. Rae is
married, has two sons, and lives in Dauphin, while Evelyn
is divorced, and lives in Edmonton, Alberta.
Phylis Vietta - born April 10, 1923 at Gladstone. On May
11, 1946, she married Cecil Lintich of Dauphin. They have
one son, Stanley, with the R.C.M.P. and two daughters:
Jolee and husband and two children, and Stacey and
husband, all of Dauphin, Manitoba.
Mervin Osborne - born March 7,1920. Phylis Lintich was
born August 13, 1927, and they were married April 20,
1946. They have three children: Debra, who married Jim
Scribner in February, 1971. They have one son, Ashley.
Debra lives in New Westminster, B.C. Reeva, who was born
August 12, 1957, and works in the Credit Union office in
Morden, Manitoba. Troy, who was born in October, 1966,
and is at present going to university in Winnipeg. Mervin
works on the railroad, and Phylis at the Safeway Bakery
in the Dauphin Mall.
Thomas Ash farmed in the Bear Creek district for thirty
years. He was in partnership with three other farmers,
and they did custom threshing with their steam powered
threshing machine. They called it the "Big
Four". I have a picture of this outfit which was
taken by a travelling photographer around 1910 or 1912.
While repairing this machine one fall, Thomas became ill
which was later diagnosed as whooping cough, which
affected his lungs. Doctors advised him to spend a couple
of winters in the U.S.A., if he wished to recover. He and
his brother Bill, did as the doctor ordered, but Thomas
never fully recovered, and he was a sick man for the rest
of his life.
After much sickness and misfortune - losing his land etc,
the family moved to Dauphin, Manitoba, and tried farming
rented land for several years. Here, they lost Sarah at
the age of twenty-one. Depression years were very hard.
Thomas and Margaret, and some of the younger children,
rented a farm at Ochre River for a few years. They later
moved to Dauphin, where Thomas died a sick and broken
man.
In July of 1985, my son Bruce, his wife Barbara and son
Curtis and I, travelled by motor home to attend an Ash
reunion in Listowel, Ontario. This was the fiftieth
reunion of the Ash clan. What a lovely holiday, and an
opportunity to meet some relatives. Around two hundred
attended. The farthest away to attend were cousins from
Westminster, B.C., and we were next from Manitoba.
A program was planned, with sports for the younger
people. Old photos were shown, pictures taken, speeches
made, and also, history books for sale, which I find very
interesting. I still have a lot of sorting out to do and
dates to add. Bruce took a lot of pictures and taped the
speeches, and now shows them on the TV. by video tape.
Bill [son of William John Ash] and Ida Ash of Winnipeg,
and my husband and I had been to a reunion in 1963. I
remember several, but many had passed on and younger ones
had grown up. One of the cousins, now eighty-eight years
old, had never missed a reunion. She cut the anniversary
cake at the 1985 gathering, and I expect she will be
there this year. We met cousins by the dozens, all large
families in Ontario, and the women I met and remembered,
had lost their husbands, Tom and George Ash.
In 1963, we took slides of the old home farmhouse where
Christopher and Sarah had raised ten children. In 1985,
my son Bruce, took pictures of his
great-great-grandfather's home. The creek still flows
where the boys used to swim. The same old Ontario barn;
the maple tree that a son, Sam Ash planted many years ago
beside the barn. It brought back many memories of our
lovely holiday in 1963. These memories are treasures.
Wm. Ash Family [William John Ash and Mary
Buchanan, daughter of John and Isabel Watson Buchanan]
submitted by Wm. Ash Jr.
William John Ash homesteaded the N.W. 6-13-12, in the
year 1901, after farming northwest of Neepawa. After
erecting log buildings and a home, his wife and eight
children moved onto the homestead in 1904. Later he
bought the rest of section six and the S.E. 1/4 of
section five. An abundance of hay and water helped feed a
large herd of cattle.
During the homesteading years, there were many hardships.
Gladstone, with the nearest doctor, dentist, and
hospital, was seventeen miles away over roads of dirt
which were often impassable. In 1912, Jessie, the third
eldest girl died of appendicitis.
Including Jessie, there were seven girls and two boys. A
total of nine children was typical of the large families
in the area. It was three and a half miles for the
children to go to Edrans school.
About 1913, he bought a purebred Percheron stallion and
travelled with him in the district. He also purchased a
large Case steam threshing outfit and provided custom
threshing in the district.
In 1918, the family moved to Edrans, and his son-in-law,
Alden Govenlock, took over the farm. During this time, he
served as Justice of the Peace while continuing to run
the threshing outfit and buying and selling cattle. When
the scourge of the sow thistle hit in 1922, Govenlocks
left for Saskatchewan and the Ash family returned to the
farm in the spring of 1923 with the intention of going
into cattle.
In the fall of 1923, the barn caught fire, trapping Mr.
Ash inside. He was rushed to the Gladstone hospital
suffering severe burns. He died in hospital four days
later. He was fifty-nine years old. The family moved back
to Edrans.
In 1926, the elder son Charlie, and wife Floss, moved
from Ochre River and farmed the homestead for a few
years. Charlie was given the east half of section six,
and young Bill the west half. Bill, the youngest of the
nine children, was fourteen years old when his father
died. Charlie sold his half to his uncle, Sam Ash, and
returned to Ochre River. In 1930, Bill rented his farm to
George Bales.
In the fall of 1933, Bill married and moved back to the
homestead in spring of 1934. During this time, they had
two children. He worked the land back and forth with his
uncle, Sam Ash at Muir. After the second World War broke
out, Bill rented his land and joined the R. C. A. F.
[Royal Canadian Air Force]
At the end of the war the land was sold to the Funks, and
the Ash family settled in Winnipeg. The Funks lived on
the homestead for about thirty years.
Donnelly [These may be relatives of Neil Donnelly
who married Alice Ash.]
. . . Gladstone Hospital, and her first maternity case
was when her niece, Glenda was born. She married Joe
Shelestynski of Steele Bridge district. They raised a
family of three sons and one daughter; John Grant, Joseph
Darrin, Garth Eric, and Linda Louise.
Edward Barry was born December 31,1938. He attended
Gillespie school, and after finishing school, worked for
different farmers before going to Winnipeg to work at
Eatons in the early '50's. In 1956, he started work on
the bridge building department of the C.N.R. He worked
there for awhile and then took a barber's course and
worked under Frank Reid in Neepawa for a number of years.
In 1965, he married Jeanette Lobb and moved to MacGregor
where he took over his own shop in 1968 and is still
barbering. Every Tuesday he journeys to Glenboro to
barber there.
Katherine Mary (Kay), was born February 25, 1940. After
leaving school, she worked in the cafeteria at the
University of Manitoba, then went to Calgary and took her
training as a certified nursing assistant, and worked in
hospitals at Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and Gleichan,
Alberta. On September 3,1966, she married Wayne Ward of
Kindersley, Saskatchewan. They reside in Medicine Hat,
and Kay still works in the hospital there, They have two
daughters: Roxanne Kay, and Lynne Annette.
William Morley, born February 15, 1951. This was quite an
event in the family after a lapse of eleven years. He
worked on construction in northern Manitoba, western
Canada and the N.W.T.
On October 7, 1978, he married Patty Meloney of Bear
Creek. They lived at Portage la Prairie for awhile, then
moved to Medicine Hat, Alberta, and later to Seven
Persons, Alberta where they are now living. They have two
sons and one daughter: Derrick William and Sean Morley,
and Nicole Ann.
Katie Louise (Pearce) Donnelly [possibly related
to Neil Donnelly – Sharon or Wally, can you tell us
the connection?]
I was born Katie Louise Pearce in 1916, the third of a
family of five. Mother passed away when my sister was ten
days old. With the help of numerous housekeepers and many
fine neighbors like: Loneys, Granthams, and Lamonbys, dad
raised us to school age. He had to take us with him to
the fields or wherever he had to go to his work.
I put my school years in at Elwood School. It was a very
few years until I reached grade VIII, and then it was off
to the town school to write grade IX. Most of the kids
were so terrified at having to go to what seemed like an
enormous school, their minds went blank and it usually
required a second try. Once a year, we all piled into the
wagon at six in the morning to make the trip to town by
ten o'clock for what they called "Field Day",
where all the schools competed in marching, races,
softball etc. Usually it was either raining, or someone
decided to burn off the grass the night before. After a
day of that black stuff blowing all over us, water works
would have been nice instead of cold water in a four by
four tub!
When we got older, there were always house dances or
school dances. The men paid fifteen cents to get in and
the women took a cake. We never lacked for music. Nearly
everyone could play a violin or chord on the organ.
As I look back now, we all seemed to have good times,
even if we did have to make our own fun.
I kept house for Walter for a year or so and then married
Jack Donnelly. We had a family of five: Joyce, Louise,
Barry, Kay, and Morley, whose stories will appear
elsewhere.
We eventually sold out to Hugh Guttman and have retired
to Gladstone.
Neil and Alice Donnelly [parents of Sharon
Chimney] [Alice is the daughter of WJ Ash and Mary
Buchanan]
submitted by their daughter Lorna Drysdale
Alice was the first in our family to arrive in the area.
She was born in 1903 to William and Mary Ash. The family
lived three-and-a-half miles south of Helston. While
working at her married sister's place as an extra hand,
she met Neil Donnelly. Neil had moved with his family to
the Pine Creek district in 1921. After a short courtship,
they were married on July 12, 1922, in the United Church
manse in Gladstone.
They moved to Pine Creek, where Neil worked as a farm
laborer. In the next twenty years, they lived in the
Firdale, Edrans, and Sinelairville districts.
In the spring of 1943, they bought land west of Helston,
and a house in the village.
Their first child Lorna, was born in 1940, followed by
Sharon in 1942, and Glen in 1947.
Neil and Alice continued to live in Helston until Neil's
death in 1976. Alice remained there until 1983, when she
moved to the Centennial Apartments in Gladstone.
Lorna married Barrie Drysdale of Brandon. They have three
children: Shannon, born in 1965; Tannis, born 1966; and
Robert, born 1968. They live in Winnipeg.
Sharon married Gerald Chimney. They also have three
children: Jason, born 1967; Jeffrey, born 1971; and Jodi,
born 1977.
Glen has one son, Shawn, born in 1968. Shawn married
Venessa Helmuth. They have one son Vincent, born in 1986.
They live in Woodstock, Ontario.
Barrie and Lorna Drysdale
[Lorna is the daughter of Alice Ash whose parents are
William John Ash and Mary Buchanan]
submitted by Lorna
As a child growing up in Helston, two things stand out as
highlights in community life. The first was getting
electricity in our home. The second was the opening of
the skating rink. I guess to those who designed and built
the rink, the skating rink was secondary to the curling
rink, but not for me.
Mrs. Cecil Ferguson gave me a pair of skates. I wasn't
the first owner of these skates of course. They were
boy's skates as well, but I thought they were wonderful.
Come time to go home after skating, I was never able to
untie the laces, so I would walk home wearing my skates.
It was a good thing that it wasn't very far, as it
couldn't have been too good for the skates.
The community hall was another area of social life. Funny
thing; as an adult looking at the old hall, it seems so
small, but as a child sitting on a bench, while your
parents danced, it seemed to be a big dance hall. As you
grew older, and were on the stage at the Christmas
concert, it was like playing to Carnegie Hall!
After growing up in Helston, I went to work in Gladstone
in the telephone office in 1957, and stayed until l96l.
On December 9, 1961, I married Barrie Drysdale from
Brandon. He was working with an engineering crew with the
Department of Highways.
We lived in Brandon for seven years. This is where our
family arrived: Shannon, born in 1965, Tannis, born in
1966, and Robert, born 1968. Barrie was transferred to
Minnedosa in 1968. We lived there three years before
moving to Winnipeg. Barrie now is the coordinator of
Computerized Roadway Design Systems for the Province of
Manitoba.
Shannon is attending Red River Community College. Tannis
is attending the University of Manitoba, and Rob is in
grade twelve.
I remember Helston as a district of caring and sharing
people, all willing to help in time of need. We were on
the receiving end of this genuine country hospitality
when we lost our home by fire. We received many gifts
that were of valuable assistance in getting started
again: all this after being away from Helston for eight
years.
Lillian Anne Buchanan
[and Thomas Eldon Buchanan - son of John James Buchanan
and Isabella Campbell]
I, Lillian Anne, third daughter of George and Edith
Bales, was born June 20, 1909 in Gladstone.
I started my education the spring of 1915 at Valley
Stream School which was on the Gillies farm, and was
later moved one mile east, and one mile south.
After the summer holidays I went to Elwood School, but
missed a lot of days.
One teacher we were very fond of was Miss Annie Vinie of
Gladstone. Imagine our surprise when she was again my
teacher at Silver Stream School.
Another teacher I have fond memories of was Miss Anna
Bruce of Berton. She taught me to crochet, and in the
1930's and 40's, I crocheted and sold doilies, etc.
I lit the fire at Silver Stream School the winter of
1924-25, and the following year until March, receiving
twenty cents a morning.
There was a wooden bridge across Silver Stream Creek on
the road near the end of our land. In the early 1920's it
was replaced by a very nice concrete bridge.
When we first moved to Mayfeld, Mr. Dan Burns was
postmaster and storekeeper. He took ill, and it wasn't
long until Mrs. Wilson and her mother returned to take
over the job again.
I can remember two very bad storms, the first in March
1920. The teacher boarded with Mr. and Mrs. Kowleski.
Their grandson Nobel, started out to pick up the teacher,
my sister Bessie, and I, but the wind blew the box off
the sleigh part way down the field. He returned home for
his brother Lorne to help lift the box on. With the extra
weight they had no more trouble.
The same day around supper time, dad heard someone
calling, and when he went out, he found Mr. William Brown
with his team tangled in our clothes line. He had turned
around in Mr. Kowleski's field on his way home from
Gladstone. We do not know how he got in our yard, as both
farms were fenced, and we also had a fence around our
house. It's a blizzard we'll always remember.
The next storm was June 22, 1922. A very high wind with
hail swept in from the west. Our house shook so badly dad
got us up, and down stairs to the back porch, fearing the
house might fall. After the storm, we went back to bed to
find Bessie in bed; she had slept through it all.
I quit school at age thirteen to herd cattle on the N.E.
1/4 30-13-11, which belonged to Mr. Clayton and was
laying idle. It was mostly bush, with a few sloughs on
the east side. I kept house two summers for the family,
and Maggie took over in the winter.
After we moved to Crawford Park in 1926, I worked for Mr.
and Mrs. Chessurn at Sandy Lake, mostly house work, but
worked in their store when needed. The following two
years, I worked for Mr. and Mrs. Crawford, who were the
original storekeepers, and Mr. Crawford the postmaster,
for whom the district was named.
On April 16,1929, Thomas Buchanan and I were married at
the Manse in Neepawa by Rev. J. A. Lousley. Tom is the
last one of the original settlers still living, who took
up land at Crawford Park in April 1921 when it was opened
up as homesteads and grants for the returned men of W. W.
I. We still live on the same farm. Tom left the farm only
when he was engineer for six winters at saw mills, and I
kept the home fires burning.
I joined the Ladies Auxiliary to the Legion the first
regular meeting November 4, 1939, dropping out at the end
of 1948 due to ill health. I also belonged to the
war-time Red Cross for the duration of the war, also
belonged to the W. I. for a while.
I have always enjoyed gardening, and still have a
vegetable garden each year, which I like to share.
We have one son, George Archie, born May 23, 1930, in the
original log shack on the homestead. He had spent all his
life on the farm, first working with his dad, and now
managing the farm for many years.
George plays the violin, and with his friend Willis
Gregorash on guitar, started playing for dances and
parties in 1947. After an injury to his hand in 1950, he
did not play for a few years. In 1954 he played for the
Poultry and Calf Club, accompanied by Mrs. Harry Mayor on
piano, a former resident of the Gladstone district, and
Edgar Kelly as caller. The dancers took first and second
everywhere they danced that year.
In 1957, George and Ambrose Moyer formed an orchestra
"The Riding Mountain Playboys".
