A-B C-D E-G H-JM N-Ri Ro-S T-Z
Kanne, Christian Pederson
Regimental Number: 913083; 2095314
Rank: Sapper
Branch: Canadian Railway Troops
Christian was born in Aarhus, Denmark on December 1, 1885. He was living in Regina, Saskatchewan at the time of his enlistment in the Canadian Army in March of 1917. He was discharged almost immediately, being judged medically unfit due to hammer toes. However, Christian reenlisted and this time was sent overseas. In 1928, he filed on the western half of 14-74-11-W6.
Karr, Alexander
Regimental Number: 503855
Rank: Sapper
Branch: Canadian Expeditionary Force
Alexander was born in Ontario on March 26, 1877. On July 15, 1908, he married Florence Maud Iggulden. They were living in Kamloops, BC at the time of Alexander's enlistment in June of 1917. According to Alexander's military service file, he had suffered from tuberculosis since March of 1916 and he was discharged on January 4, 1918, having been found medically unfit due to tuberculosis and chronic rheumatism. When he returned to Canada in 1918, Alexander, his wife, and their three children came up to the South Peace and settled on NW 16-70-10-W6 and SW 10-70-10-W6. Alexander died in Vancouver on July 23, 1951 and was buried in Mountain View Cemetery.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 411; April 12 1921 p. 8 c. 3
Kater, Robert
Regimental Number: 505882
Rank: Sapper
Branch: 1st Tunnelling Company, Canadian Engineers
Robert was born in May of 1884 in France. He was working as a stonemason in Grande Prairie at the time of his enlistment in August of 1916. Robert was buried under 16 feet of earth when a tunnel he was working in was bombarded by German shells. During his recovery in Brocklan, Robert met Anna Edith Card, whom he married in London in 1918. In January of 1919, they returned to Grande Prairie. A lung condition caused by gassing during the war necessitated a move to a warmer climate, and the Kater family moved to Victoria. Robert died in Victoria on March 14, 1943.
Sources: Along the Wapiti p. 158
Kearsley, George Cecil
Rank: Lieutenant
Branch: 75th Battalion
George was born on August 6, 1891 in Madeley, Shropshire, England. In 1913, he filed on a homestead at NW 8-79-14-W6. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in January of 1915, and was awarded the Military Medal in March of 1917. George was killed in action on September 30, 1918, north of Cambrai. The circumstances of death register reads that "While leading his Company in an attack North of Cambrai, he was hit by shrapnel and instantly killed." George was buried in the Canada Cemetery at Tilloy-Lez-Cambrai and his headstone reads "Valiant in Battle."
Keay, David Hugh "Steve"
Regimental Number: 551375
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: Canadian Light Horse
Steve was born in Logiealmond, Perthshire, Scotland on August 3, 1893. He came to Canada in 1913 and worked as a stonemason in and around Wapella, Saskatchewan until he enlisted in the Canadian army in 1914. After the war, Steve came to the Peace country and filed on a homestead at SE 7-80-7-W6. He went back to Saskatchewan in 1920 and on October 27, 1920 married Margaret McDonald. They returned to Spirit River, where Steve was in great demand as a stonemason. In 1967, Steve and Margaret moved to Penticton, BC. Steve died in Edmonton on January 29, 1978.
Sources: The Big Bend, p. 68; Chepi Sepe p. 182, 469
Keebler, Dewey Allen
Regimental Number: 308733
Rank: Corporal
Branch: 8th Army Brigade, Canadian Field Artillery
Dewey was born in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, on June 19, 1897. He enlisted in the Canadian army in February of 1916. In December of that year, according to his service file, Dewey "proceeded on command to 2nd course of Instruction in Visual Signalling.” He received a shrapnel wound to his right arm in November of 1917. After the war, Dewey settled on the S ½ 22-80-8-W6. He joined up again during World War II, and brought home a wife from England when it was over. However, his wife did not like Canada and the moved to Vancouver where the climate would be familiar. She was still unhappy and they eventually moved to England, where Dewey died a few years later.
Sources: The Big Bend, p. 70
Keeping, Ewart Allan
Regimental Number: 1261460; 316109
Rank: Acting Sergeant; Flight Cadet
Branch: Canadian Garrison Artillery; Royal Air Force
Ewart was born in Murray Harbour, Prince Edward Island on November 7, 1895. He was working there as a teacher when he enlisted in the Canadian army in August of 1916. Two years later, in October of 1918, Ewart joined the air force. In 1920 he came to join his brother Minter in Demmitt. At some point, he married Florence Mae Jorden. Ewart died in Prince Edward Island on November 11, 1983.
Source: Pioneer Round-Up p. 39, 60
Keeping, Minter Frederick
Regimental Number: 92735
Rank: Lieutenant
Branch: Canadian Garrison Artillery
Minter was born in Murray Harbour, Prince Edward Island on November 26, 1893. He enlisted in the Canadian army in October of 1915. After being discharged in 1919, Minter came to the Peace country. He filed on a homestead in the Sexsmith district. He married Margaret McClements on July 10, 1926 and they made their home in Ocean Falls, British Columbia. Minter died in 1982 and was buried in Hythe.
Source: Pioneer Round-Up p. 39, 60
Keith, Frederick Charles
Regimental Number: 101453
Rank: Corporal
Branch: 8th Battalion
Fred was born in Halkirk, Scotland on January 21, 1881. He came to the Spirit River area in 1912 and filed on a homestead at 30-78-5-W6, where he farmed until he enlisted in October of 1915. In November of 1917, Fred received a gunshot wound in the chest at Passchendaele. He also developed trench foot while lying in No Man’s Land, probably when he was wounded and waiting to be picked up. In September of 1918, Fred was invalided back to Canada. He lived in Spirit River until his death in June of 1957.
Sources: Chepi Sepe p. 552; HT June 21, 1957
Keith, James Buchan
Regimental Number: 101237
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: 49th Battalion; Canadian Army Medical Corps
James was born in Aberdeen, Scotland on March 29, 1889 (1884?). He came to the Peace country before the war and filed on a homestead at 14-72-8-W6. In August of 1915, Jim enlisted in the Canadian army. In July of 1916, he suffered from a shell concussion and a gunshot wound to his right leg. After being injured, Jim served in the No. 2 Stationary Hospital at Abbeville, France, with the Canadian Army Medical Corps. He caught influenza while there in August 1918 and became dangerously ill. Jim suffered from nephritis both during and after the war; this condition was brought on by his military service. After the war, Jim and his wife Elizabeth M. Cameron Keith returned to Lake Saskatoon. Jim died in 1965 and was buried in the Lake Saskatoon cemetery.
Sources: Lake Saskatoon Reflections p. 254
Keiver, Clarence Avendale
Clarence came to the South Peace from Ontario along with his brothers in 1924, after having served in the First World War. Clarence married Eleanor Hagen on June 21, 1937.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 568
Keiver, Reginald Rhunben
Regimental Number: 3136537
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Western Ontario Regiment; 4th Reserve Battalion
Reginald was born in Chatham, Ontario on January 11, 1893. He was drafted into the Canadian army in May of 1918 and served only in England (as a cook). In 1924, Reginald came to the Rio Grande area with his brothers Clarence and Bill.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 568
Kellett, D. J.
Regimental Number:
Kellett, William James
Regimental Number: 101379
Rank: Driver
Branch: Canadian Engineers
William was born on December 25, 1872 in Settle, Yorkshire, England. He married Hilda Blanche Cheney of Van Kleek Hill, Ontario in the late 1800s or early 1900s. The couple moved their way west, living first in Manitoba, then in Saskatchewan, and finally in 1912 settled on a homestead at 26-72-5-W6, east of Clairmont. By this time they had six children. Hilda was the first teacher of the Kleskun Lake school, which opened in 1913. William enlisted in the Canadian army in October of 1915 and served in England. On July 31, 1917, he was accidentally killed near Sherrington Crossing, Codford, Wiltshire. According to the 14th Field Company War Diary entry for that day, "#101379 Driver Kellett, W.J. found killed by train at Railway Crossing near Codford."
Sources: Smoky River to Grande Prairie, p. 295
Kempton, Edward Blake
Regimental Number: 2193329
Rank: Private
Branch: Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
Edward was born in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia on April 28, 1891. He was living in Winnipeg at the time of his enlistment in the Canadian Army in April of 1917. In August of 1917, Edward suffered from a contusion to the eye, and in October of 1918, he received gunshot wounds to the head. After the war, Edward came to the South Peace and filed on a homestead at SW 9-70-10-W6 in 1919. He died on April 12, 1960.
Kennedy, William Henry "Bill"
Regimental Number: 3208646
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Bill was born in Port Elgin on November 4, 1897. In 1904, he came to Edmonton Alberta with his family, and in 1914 he filed on a homestead at NW 34-71-3-W6. Bill was drafted into the Canadian army in the summer of 1918, but he was discharged on September 7, 1918, having been declared unfit for active service (possibly because of having fractured his left femur at some point). In 1924, Bill married Florence Stewart. They lived in McLennan for a number of years, where Bill worked for the Northern Alberta Railway. Bill died in Peace River on February 7, 1969.
Sources: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 20; see Phyllis Stewart fonds, sub-series 059.01.03
Kenney, Oscar Church
Regimental Number: 228395
Rank: Sapper
Branch: 13th Regiment, Canadian Mounted Rifles
Oscar was born in Drumbo, Ontario on December 11, 1880. At the time of his enlistment in May of 1916, he and his wife Martha (nee Hautzinger) were living in Calgary, Alberta. Oscar served in England during the war. He was in hospital in November of 1916, and January/February of 1917. In March of that year, Oscar was sent back to Canada for a ten-week furlough. He was discharged while still on furlough on July 12, 1917; the explanation stated was "special case." In 1922, Oscar filed on SW 5-71-8-W6. He died on September 26, 1979 and was buried in Dawson Creek, BC.
Kent, Harry Deardon (Dearborn?)
Regimental Number: 883606
Rank: Private
Branch: 31st Battalion
Harry was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia on November 16, 1897. He came to Alberta with his family early in the 1900s and was living in Didsbury at the time of his enlistment. Harry received a gunshot wound to his right shoulder in August of 1918, during the Battle of Amiens. After being discharged, he filed on two quarters in the Pipestone Creek area (W1/2 27-70-8-W6). Harry left the area in the early 1920s, and died on July 29, 1972.
Sources: Along the Wapiti p. 257, 411
Kent, Robert
Born in Nova Scotia ca. 1900
homestead: NE 27-70-8-W6 (1922)
Kermeen, John James
Regimental Number: 100286
Rank: Driver
Branch: Canadian Army Service Corps
John was born in Whitehaven, England on March 19, 1888. In 1913, he filed on SE 25-78-6-W5. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in July of 1915. After the war, John filed on NE 18-72-26-W5. He later canceled both homesteads, although the present address card (1920s) in his service file states "Grande Prairie" as his current residence. John died in the Shaughnessy Hospital in Vancouver on July 23, 1960.
Kerr, Charles Roland
Regimental Number: 101464
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion
Charles was born on May 27, 1880 in Fox River, Nova Scotia. He came to Spirit River in 1912 and filed on a homestead at 27-78-6-W6, adjoining his brother Chip's. Both brothers enlisted in the Canadian army in the autumn of 1915. Charles received gunshot wounds to the right thigh at the Somme in September of 1916, and on December 28, 1917, he was killed in action in the trenches near Lens, France.
Sources: Chepi Sepe p. 561; Pioneers of the Peace p. 244, 245
Kerr, John Chipman "Chip"
Regimental Number: 101465
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion
Chip was born in Fox River, Nova Scotia on January 11, 1887. He came to Spirit River in 1912 and filed on homesteads at 27-78-6-W6 and 7-79-6-W6; his brother Charles filed on a neighboring quarter. Both brothers enlisted in the Canadian army in the autumn of 1915. On September 16, 1916, Chip was awarded the Victoria Cross by George V for his actions at Courcelette. His citation notes that "Kerr and small group of men charged enemy trench after prolonged grenade exchange. Captured 62 enemy soldiers." According to the London Gazette (October 26, 1916):
“For most conspicuous bravery. During a bombing attack he was acting as bayonet man, and, knowing that bombs were running short, he ran along the parados under heavy fire until he was in close contact with the enemy, when he opened fire on them at point-blank range, and inflicted heavy loss. The enemy, thinking they were surrounded, surrendered. Sixty-two prisoners were taken and 250 yards of enemy trench captured. Before carrying out this very plucky act one of Private Kerr’s fingers had been blown off by a bomb. Later, with two other men, he escorted back the prisoners under fire, and then returned to report himself for duty before having his wound dressed.”
Chip married Gertrude Clarissa Bridger in London in 1917. In April of 1918, he was discharged, having been found medically unfit because of a deformity of his left foot and right hand (the deformity of his hand would have been the injury he sustained at Courcelette). Chip and Gertrude returned to Spirit River in April of 1918 and raised five children. In World War II, Chip served with the RCAF. He moved to British Columbia after World War II and died in Port Moody on February 19, 1963.
Sources: Chepi Sepe p. 559; Pioneers of the Peace p. 244
- Attestation Paper
- Lives of the First World War profile
- Canadian Great War Project profile
- Letter (August 15, 1916)
- Mention in John Pringle's letter (Aug. 29, 1916)
- Wounded (October 24, 1916)
- Awarded Victoria Cross (Nov. 1, 1916)
- Receives Victoria Cross (March 13, 1917)
- Victoria Cross recipient (April 23, 1918)
- A Victoria Cross Doesn't Keep the Flour Sack Full
- 10 World War I Names Every Canadian Should Know
- Serving in RCAF (February 6, 1941)
- Biography (1934)
- Boys Who Went Overseas
- Spirit River blog
- Wikipedia article
- Mount Kerr
- National Defence & the Canadian Forces article
- Find A Grave
- Blog Post
Kerr, John Edward
Regimental Number: 18520
Rank: Private
Branch: 3rd Battalion
John was born on the Isle of Man on January 7, 1895. He enlisted in the Canadian Army at Valcartier in September of 1914. On April 24, 1915, he received shrapnel wounds to his right leg and was captured at St. Julien. As of April 1918, John was interred in Holland. He filed on a homestead at SE 9-73-5-W6 in 1922. John died on May 1, 1946.
Sources: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 296; May 16, 1946 (obituary)
Ketcheson, Edwin Theodore
Regimental Number: 1075236
Rank: Corporal
Branch: Canadian Railway Troops
Edwin was born in Belleville, Ontario on September 2, 1876. After being discharged from the Canadian army at the end of World War I, he came to the Peace country with a survey party and later, in the mid 1920s, returned to the Simonette and filed on a homestead. Edwin retired to Lacombe in 1941 and died there in 1946.
Sources: Across the Smoky p. 56
Kettyls, George Alva
Regimental Number: 523377
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Army Medical Corps
George was born in Blenheim, Ontario on August 24, 1884. At the time of his enlistment in September of 1916, George was living in Calgary and working as a minister. In September of 1918, he received gunshot wounds to his neck, right arm, and left wrist. George was granted permission to marry a Scotswoman, Catherine Elizabeth Ross, in Edinburgh in July of 1919. After his discharge in September of 1919, George and Catherine returned to Canada and filed on a homestead at 22-80-2-W6, near Lake Saskatoon, where George was the minister of the Methodist church. George died on November 17, 1945.
Sources: Pioneers of the Peace p. 82; Lake Saskatoon Reflections p. 5, 254-255
Killips, George
Regimental Number: 204191
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion
George was born in Thornhill, Ontario on August 6, 1884. At the time of his enlistment in the Canadian Army in January of 1916, he was living in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. In 1919, George filed on SE 3-75-23-W5 and SW 19-74-22-W5. He died in Edmonton on February 20, 1943.
Killips, Thomas Walter
Regimental Number: 433101
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion
Thomas was born in Toronto, Ontario on July 18, 1874. He and his wife Nancy and their six children were living in Edmonton at the time of his enlistment in April of 1915. For a time Thomas served at the front lines in France, but in August of 1916 he was declared medically unfit due to heart trouble and sent back to Canada. In 1932, Thomas and Nancy settled in the Whitemud Creek area and filed on the northern half of 13-74-23-W5. Thomas died in the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton on October 7, 1946.
Sources: Guy p. 635
Kimmerly, James
Regimental Number: 904688
Rank: Private
Branch: 194th Battalion
James was born in Port Franks, Ontario on May 1, 1889 (1887?). He and his wife, Nora Emily, were living in Edmonton at the time of his enlistment in March of 1916. James's brother Percy also served in the Canadian army. Some time after the war, James and Nora moved to the Peace country (1-69-22-W5). He died in 1968 and was buried in the Grande Prairie cemetery.
Sources: Grande Prairie Cemetery; Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 434
Kimmerly, Percy
Regimental Number: 904594
Rank: Private
Branch: 10th Battalion
Percy was born in Fort Frank on September 21, 1893. His parents moved to the South Peace with their family in 1911. Percy filed on a homestead at NE 22-71-4-W6 and listed Grande Prairie as his residence at the time of his enlistment in March of 1916. He listed "steam engineer" as his occupation.
Percy sailed on the S.S. Olympic on November 14, 1916 and arrived in England on November 21st. He was transferred to the 49th Battalion, followed by the 9th Reserve Battalion and finally assigned to the 10th Battalion on April 17, 1917. Five days later, Percy was sent to France. By mid-August 1917, the Allies were committed to the capture of Lens. However, the commander of the Canadian Corps, Lieutenant-General Arthur Currie, felt the capture of Hill 70 would be a more effective strategy due to its crucial observational position over- looking the occupied city of Lens. The assault began August 15th with fired drums of burning oil that provided a protective smoke screen. Slowly, the Canadians advanced up the hill. On August 18th, reinforcements had a difficult time reaching the line due to the bombardment of enemy gas-shelling that contained the blistering agent sulfur-mustard. The Canadians were heavily gassed as many men removed their respirators due to clouded goggles in an effort to maintain accurate fire. The 10th Battalion was assigned to the high points on the hill and it was there that Percy suffered shrapnel wounds to his back. He died at the No. 33 Casualty Clearing Station on August 18, 1917. Percy was buried in the Bethune Town Cemetery, France. The Canadians withstood 21 counterattacks; however, there were over 9,000 casualties during the 10-day Battle of Hill 70 – a battle that was recorded as one of the finest performances of the War.
Percy received the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. His mother, Elizabeth was awarded the Memorial Cross. As Elizabeth was listed as Percy’s next-of-kin, she inherited his Glen Leslie property.
Sources: homestead records
1911 Canadian Census
1921 Canadian Census
Newspaper Articles
Find a Grave
Smoky River to Grande Prairie
Saskatchewan homestead records
Edson Trail Centennial
Glen Leslie Cemetery records
Interview with Jim Kimmerly
Information about Percy's military service contributed by Wanda Zenner
King, Charles Francis
homestead: NE 5-72-8-W6 (1928)
King, George Marion
Regimental Number: 279703
Rank: Corporal
Branch: 8th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops
George was born in Onaga, Kansas on September 14, 1876. He filed on a homestead at SW 29-78-15-W6 in 1913. George enlisted in the Canadian Army in July of 1916. He was awarded the Military Medal in August of 1918. George died in Saskatchewan on September 5, 1959.
King, John
Regimental Number: 1039336
Rank: Sapper
Branch: Canadian Railway Troops
John was born in Belfast, Ireland on October 2, 1884. He and his wife Margaret Beattie Livingston(originally from Belfast) met in Toronto in 1907. When John enlisted in the army during World War I, Margaret returned to Ireland with their two children, Rachel and William, and stayed with her family for the duration of the war. In November of 1917, John had an abscess on his right ankle. They settled in the Teepee Creek area in 1919; their homesteads were located at NE 4-74-3-W6 and SW 9-74-3-W6. For some time John worked as Teepee Creek's postmaster. In 1954 John and Margaret rented their farm and took a trip to Ireland. While in Lisburn, John had a heart attack and died a few days later. He was buried in Ireland.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 914, 1147
Kinsey, James Roylance
Regimental Number: 624274
Rank: Private
Branch: 151st Battalion; 8th Battalion
James was born in Norton, Cheshire, England on December 2, 1874. He was married to Helen and at the time of his enlistment in January of 1916, they were living in Fort Saskatchewan.
Their son James served during World War I as well and was killed in action.
According to the homestead records, James and Helen filed on land in the Spirit River Settlement, though there is no actual land location available. James's service file lists Fort Saskatchewan as his present address in 1922.
Kinsey, James Roylance Jr.
Regimental Number: 625031
Rank: Sapper
Branch: 107th Battalion; 6th Battalion, Canadian Engineers
James was born in Saltford, Lancashire, England on August 18, 1898. At the time of his enlistment in March of 1916, he and his parents were living in Fort Saskatchewan, AB. His father also served during World War I. According to the homestead records, James filed on land in the Spirit River Settlement, though there is no actual land location available. James received gunshot wounds to the back on August 18, 1917. He was killed on August 8, 1918 when a shell exploded 65 yards away; a splinter hit James through the heart and he died instantly.
- Attestation Paper
- Lives of the First World War profile
- Canadian Great War Project profile
- Blog - Introduction to the Hundred Days Offensive
- Biographical Video
- Circumstances of Death Register
- Canadian Virtual War Memorial
- Reported Location of Grave
- Commonwealth War Graves Commission
- CWGC Register
- CWGC Register
Kirby, James Etna
Regimental Number: 505723
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion
James was born in Dadesville, Missouri on May 26, 1880. He and his wife Anna were living in Grande Prairie at the time of his enlistment in July of 1916. A newspaper notice from February 27, 1917 indicates that James was unable to pay his debts; he did not return to Grande Prairie after the war. By 1922 James and Anna were living in Missouri. James died on April 10, 1939.
Kirby, R. B.
It is possible that the R. B. Kirby on the Grande Prairie Honour Roll is Russell Kirby, 2288479, but we have not been able to confirm his identity.
Kirk, Louis Martin
Regimental Number: 2130187
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Manitoba Regiment
Louis was born in Kirkton, Ontario on July 27, 1896. He was living in Manitoba when he was drafted in May of 1918, and spent the remainder of the war serving in England. In 1929, Louis filed on the southern half of 30-69-11-W6.
Kisser, William
Regimental Number:
Sources: Where the Red Willow Grew p. 303
Kitson, Arthur John
Regimental Number: 234988
Rank: Gunner
Branch: Canadian Field Artillery
Arthur was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England on March 8, 1878. According to Find A Grave, he was born Henry Winterburn but emigrated to Canada by Barnardo’s as a British Home Child in June of 1897. He was married to Elizabeth Alice Carter, who died in the Lloydminster area in 1915. They had two daughters. Arthur was living in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan at the time of his enlistment in May of 1916. In September of 1918, he received accidental injuries to his face. At some point in 1918, Arthur married Ellen Penny, an English widow. They came to Canada with their two sons in 1919. Arthur filed on SW 21-77-6-W6; he later canceled, but the family stayed in the South Peace. Arthur died in Vancouver on February 17, 1961.
Sources: Along the Wapiti p. 26
Klassen, Peter Alfred
Regimental Number: 101224; 101644
Rank: Private
Branch: 102nd Battalion
Peter was born in Plum Coulee, Manitoba on December 14, 1885. In 1912 he filed on a homestead at NW 10-73-6-W6. Peter enlisted in the Canadian army in September of 1915, but was discharged as medically unfit. A few months later, in February of 1915, he reenlisted. On October 22, 1916, Peter was wounded at Regina trench (Courcelette); he received shrapnel wounds to his left leg, thigh and hands. His left leg was amputated. Peter died at the No. 11 Stationary Hospital at Rouen on November 4, 1916.
Sources: Buffalo Trails p. 203
- Attestation Paper
- Lives of the First World War profile
- Canadian Great War Project profile
- Photograph (ca. 1915)
- Photograph (ca. 1915)
- Enlists (Sept. 7, 1915)
- Letter (September 27, 1916)
- Mention of death in Jim McDonald's letter (Feb. 13, 1917)
- Grande Prairie Honour Roll
- Circumstances of Death Register
- Reported Location of Grave
- Canadian Virtual War Memorial
- Commonwealth War Graves Commission
- CWGC Register
- CWGC Register
Klukas, Herman
Regimental Number: 101095
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion; Canadian Forestry Corps
Herman Klukas was born in Russia on July 18, 1892, and came to Canada with his family in 1894. He came up to the Peace country in 1908 and in May 1912 filed on a homestead at SE1/4 35-71-6-W6, just north of the new townsite of Grande Prairie. He abandoned this in 1913 and moved on to the Bad Heart district, where he spent the winter trapping. In July of 1915, Herman enlisted in the Canadian army. He received shrapnel wounds to his chest and abdomen in November of 1916 at Passchendaele, and a bomb wound to his left shoulder in October of 1917 at Ypres. Herman was transferred to the Canadian Forestry Corps in May of 1918 and remained in England for the duration of the war.
After the war, Herman worked for the Egg Lake Ranch near Eaglesham, which used the Bad Heart prairie as their summer grazing lease. Taking a great liking to the land at Bad Heart, in 1920 he filed for a homestead on the SW1/4 28-75-2-W6. This homestead was abandoned in 1922 for a position as game warden in Wood Buffalo Park. While working in Wood Buffalo, Herman, met Catherine Jessie Norris and they were married in 1925. Around 1930 Herman and Jessie moved back to the Bad Heart district. Herman became a blacksmith and mechanic as well as proving up on his homestead where they raised their six children.
As Herman grew older, the old war wounds became more troublesome and he was confined to a wheel chair at Mackenzie Place for the last few years of his life. He died on February 24, 1979 and was buried in the Bad Heart cemetery.
Sources: Pioneers of the Peace p. 297; Smoky Peace Triangle p. 258; Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 46-54, 1147
- Attestation Paper
- Lives of the First World War profile
- Settles near Bad Heart (September 23, 1913)
- Enlists (July 27, 1915)
- Mention in Merlin Rae's letter (Oct. 24, 1916)
- Mention in Jim McDonald's letter (Feb. 13, 1917)
- Letter (June 5, 1917)
- Returns home (January 14, 1919)
- Treed by a bear (July 4, 1930)
- Klukas Family Fonds (Fonds 635)
- Photograph Collection
- Grande Prairie Honour Roll
- Boys Who Went Overseas
- Find A Grave
Kneafsey, John
Regimental Number: 155105
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Canadian Pioneer Battalion; Canadian Forestry Corps
John was born in Glendale, Minnesota on May 5, 1878. In 1913, he filed on a homestead at NW4-74-8-W6 and enlisted at Lake Saskatoon on September 20, 1915. On June 14, 1916, John received shrapnel wounds to his right side at Ypres. He was later transferred to the Canadian Forestry Corps. In February of 1918, John was thrown off a truck and suffered from a concussion and a fractured clavicle. After this injury, he became forgetful; he rambled and behaved childishly; and he appeared and acted more like a man of 70 than of 40. John was later diagnosed with dementia and arteriosclerosis, and in October he was sent back to Canada on a hospital ship. He died on May 15, 1919, and was buried in Credit River (St. Peter's Cemetery), Minnesota.
Knee, Leonard
Regimental Number: 101097
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: 31st Battalion
Leonard was born in Melksham, Wiltshire, England on November 8, 1892. He was living in Grande Prairie at the time of his enlistment in July of 1915.
Knight, Richard
Regimental Number: 51292
Rank: Private
Branch: Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
Richard was born on September 12, 1888 in Kirkby-in-Furness, Lancashire, England. He came to the Lake Saskatoon area as a young man and filed on a homestead at SW 14-71-8-W6. Richard worked as the postmaster there until he left in October of 1914 to enlist in the Canadian army. On May 8, 1915, he was part of a party carrying ammunition from Ypres to the trenches at Bellewaarde Woods. On the way, the party was subjected to shellfire and Richard was killed.
Sources: Lake Saskatoon Reflections p. 36; Along the Wapiti p. 407, 411
- Attestation Paper
- Lives of the First World War profile
- Canadian Great War Project profile
- Leaves to Enlist (Oct. 16, 1914)
- Letter (April 15, 1915)
- Killed in action (June 8, 1915)
- Grande Prairie Honour Roll
- Circumstances of Death Register
- Reported Location of Grave
- Canadian Virtual War Memorial
- Commonwealth War Graves Commission
- CWGC Register
- CWGC Register
Knott, Walter James
Regimental Number: 3213480
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Walter was born in Peace River on August 9, 1895. When he was drafted in June of 1918, he was living in Bear Lake (his homesteads were located at 19-82-23-W5 and 27-83-24-W5). Walter was sent overseas but served only in England.
Knudston, Arthur Marvin "Slim"
Regimental Number: 3207642
Rank: Private
Branch: 31st Battalion
Arthur was born in Wisconsin on September 18, 1898. He came to Saskatchewan in 1910, and later to Grande Prairie, where he filed on homesteads at 19-70-12-W6 and 17-70-12-W6. Arthur was drafted in spring of 1918 and served in England and France. After being discharged, he returned to the Grande Prairie area and attempted to raise cattle. This, however, was not profitable and he turned to trapping instead. Arthur later married Daisy Isley.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 524
Koe, George Douglas Campbell
Rank: Captain
Regimental Number: 1096
Branch: 2nd County of London Yeomanry; Royal Tank Corps
George was born ca. 1891. He was a captain in the British army and served in Egypt during the First World War, having arrived there in September of 1914. George, his wife Nesta, and their two daughters came to the Sturgeon Lake area about 1931.
Sources: Where the Red Willow Grew p. 303; Across the Smoky p. 178
Kranz, Lawrence
Branch: American Army
Lawrence was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on August 24, 1887. He joined the American Army in June of 1917, and following his discharge in 1920, he came to Lake Saskatoon to join his brother Robert, where the two operated the general store. In 1925, the brothers moved their store to Wembley. Lawrence and Robert sold the store in 1947 and retired to Victoria, where Lawrence died in 1960.
Sources: Lake Saskatoon Reflections p. 170
Krisko, Joseph
Regimental Number: 506166
Rank: Driver
Branch: Canadian Engineers
Joseph was born in Connecticut on August 5, 1896. At the time of his enlistment in August of 1916, he was living in Grande Prairie; his homestead was located at 6-71-6-W6. According to Joseph's service file, he was living in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in 1930.
Kromrey, George Dwayne
Regimental Number: 216522
Rank: Sapper
Branch: 107th Canadian Pioneer Battalion; 3rd Battalion, Canadian Engineers
George was born in Michigan on September 4, 1893. At the time of his enlistment in February of 1916 he and his brother Martin were farming in Saskatchewan with his father. George was reported wounded on August 15, 1917, but remained on duty. In July of 1918, he injured his left knee and ankle, having tripped and fallen while climbing down into a cellar. After being discharged in 1919, George filed on land in Teepee Creek (20-74-3-W6). Later he sold this property and bought land in the Bad Heart. George died in an Edmonton Hospital on March 10, 1960.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 915, 1147
Kromrey, Martin Theodore
Regimental Number: 887457
Rank: Private
Branch: 188th Battalion; 15th Battalion
Martin was born in Fall Creek, Wisconsin on August 16, 1897. At the time of his enlistment in February of 1916, he and his brother George were farming with their father in Saskatchewan. In August of 1917, Martin received a shrapnel wound to his right arm at Loos, France. He was invalided to Canada in March of 1918, having lost the use of his arm (the elbow was fixed at an angle of about 110 degrees). It is uncertain when Martin lived in the Peace country (his homestead was located at 15-74-3-W6) as his service file indicates that he was living in Saskatchewan in 1922. Martin was married to Kathleen Almeda Zimmerman. On March 4, 1969 Martin died in New Westminster, BC.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1147
Kuntz, Karol
Rank: Male Nurse
Branch: Russian Forces
Karol was born ca. 1885. He served as a nurse in the Russian army during World War I. Karol died on January 6, 1965 at the age of 79 and was buried in the Grande Prairie cemetery.
Sources: Grande Prairie Cemetery
Kynaston, William
Regimental Number: 898108
Rank: Sapper
Branch: 192nd Battalion; 3rd Canadian Tunnelling Company, Canadian Engineers
William was born in Yorkshire, England on December 17, 1896. He came to the Peace country in 1912 and filed on homesteads at 14-73-5-W6 and 12-73-5-W6. In 1944, William moved to Saanich, BC with his wife Dorothy. William died in Saanich on November 22, 1984.
Sources: Pioneers of the Peace p. 245-246, 296; Buffalo Trails, p. 261
Labelle, Emile
Regimental Number: 2021402
Rank: Private
Branch: 46th Battalion
Emile was born in Gracefield, Quebec on February 29, 1884. He was working as a miner in Phoenix, BC when he was drafted in January of 1918. In 1919, Emile came to the South Peace and filed on land at NE 27-72-12-W6 and SE 34-72-12-W6. Emile died on March 1, 1968 and was buried in Hythe.
Sources: Pioneer Round-Up p. 103
Lacey, Arthur Gambell
Regimental Number: 506010
Rank: Sapper
Branch: Signal Service, Canadian Engineers
Arthur was born in Wantage, Berkshire, England on June 26, 1887. He and his brothers Charles and Harry came to Canada with their parents in 1900. In 1913, Arthur and Harry came over the Edson Trail; Arthur's homesteads were located at 10-73-11-W6, 17-75-11-W6, and 21-73-11-W6. Arthur enlisted in the Canadian army in September of 1916 and served in France and Belgium. He returned to his homestead in Hythe after being discharged in 1919. In 1929, Arthur married Meta Sullivan; they raised two children. Arthur died in September of 1975.
Sources: Pioneer Round-Up p. 240; Pioneers of the Peace p. 285
Lacey, Charles Gambell
Regimental Number: 502475
Rank: Sapper
Branch: Signal Service, Canadian Engineers
Charles was born in Wantage, Berkshire, England on September 6, 1891. He and his brothers Arthur and Harry came to Canada with their parents in 1900. At the time of his enlistment in January of 1916, Charles was living in Winnipeg. After being discharged in 1919, he joined his brothers in the Hythe area and filed on a homestead at 16-73-11-W6. Charles married Winnifred Forbes and they continued to farm for a few years before moving to Victoria, BC. Charles died in the Veterans' Hospital in Victoria on May 3, 1962.
Sources: Pioneer Round-Up p. 240
Lacey, Harry Gambell
Regimental Number: 506011
Rank: Sapper
Branch: Signal Service, Canadian Engineers
Harry was born in Wantage, Berkshire, England on August 9, 1884. He and his brothers Arthur and Charles came to Canada with their parents in 1900. In 1913, Arthur and Harry came over the Edson Trail; Harry's homesteads were located at 16-73-11-W6 and 20-73-11-W6. Harry enlisted in the Canadian army in September of 1916; he suffered from trench fever while serving overseas in 1917. Harry returned to his homestead in Hythe after being discharged in 1919. In June of 1942, he married Winnifred Clark. Harry died in June of 1953 from injuries received in a fall and was buried in Hythe.
Sources: Pioneer Round-Up p. 240; Pioneers of the Peace p. 285; HT June 26, 1952
Ladwig, Rinehart August
Regimental Number: 3213154
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Rinehart was born in Mazeppa, Minnesota on February 19, 1895. In July of 1913 he came to the South Peace and filed on a homestead at 26-71-4-W6. Rinehart was drafted into the Canadian army in the summer of 1918. He married Mabel Helen Knight in 1928. Mabel died in 1950, leaving Rinehart with three children. Rinehart married Sylvira Kimble on November 12, 1951. They continued to live on the farm until June of 1965, when they moved to Grande Prairie. Rinehart died on February 3, 1969 and was buried in the Glen Leslie Cemetery.
Sources: Centennial Celebration Edson Trail p. 114; Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 434; Pioneers of the Peace p. 285; photograph courtesy of Wanda Zenner
Lafrance, Gilles
Regimental Number: 3213097
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment; 21st Reserve Battalion
Gilles was born on October 10, 1896 in St. Stanislaus, Quebec. He came to Donnelly, Alberta in 1917 and was drafted into the Canadian army the following year. Having joined the army so late in the war, he served only in England. Gilles returned to Donnelly after the war and filed on homesteads at 16-78-20-W5, 19-77-20-W5, and NE 17-78-20-W5. He left the area in 1925 and died in the Shaughnessy Hospital, Vancouver on May 25, 1964.
Sources: By the Peavine in the Smoky of the Peace, p. 354
Laing, Andrew "Andy"
Regimental Number: 101222
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion
Andy was born in Perthshire, Scotland on January 28, 1875. He immigrated to Canada in 1902, and eventually settled in the Halcourt district in 1911 (10-71-11-W6 and 17-71-10-W6).
According to his service file, Andy was granted permission to marry Hannah Ross Mackenzie, who served as a nurse during the war, in June of 1918. They returned to Andy's homestead after the war. Andy died on September 11, 1942.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 59
Laing, Hannah (Ross Mackenzie)
Hannah was born to Mr. and Mrs. William Mackenzie of Hartmouth Lain, Ross-shire, Scotland. She served as a nurse during the war, and it was during this time that she met Andy Laing. They were given permission to marry in June of 1918, and returned to Andy's homestead in the Halcourt district after the war. A few years after Andy's death in 1942, Hannah returned to her home in the highlands of Scotland and died there ten years later.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 59
Lalby, Robert Francois
Regimental Number: 1915
Branch: French Infantry
Robert was born in Bordeaux, France on December 20, 1889. In 1914, he came to the South Peace and filed on NW 36-78-22-W5 and SW 36-78-22-W5. When World War I started, Robert was called to serve in the French Army.
Lamarche, Ludger
Regimental Number: 3212799
Rank: Private
Branch: 21st Reserve Battalion
Ludger was born in St. Philip, Quebec on January 24, 1896. In 1915, he filed on SE 4-79-6-W6 and NW 17-79-5-W6, though he later canceled both homesteads. When Ludger was drafted into the Canadian Army in 1918, he was living in Spirit River. Ludger served only in England. He died on December 12, 1971 and was buried in the Donnelly Cemetery.
Lamb, Andrew
Regimental Number:
Lambert, Emile
Regimental Number: 101225
Rank: Private
Branch: 31st Battalion
Emile was born in Beloeil, Quebec on February 17, 1877. He was living in Lake Saskatoon at the time of his enlistment in September of 1915. While serving at Fresnoy, France in 1917, Emile suffered from gunshot wounds to his abdomen and back, and a shell explosion caused contusion of his left thigh. He was discharged on June 13, 1918, medically unfit because of his wounds and a bad limp that had resulted from the injury. Emile died in Edmonton of heart failure on June 13, 1954.
Lambert, Isaac Pattinson
Regimental Number: 625316
Rank: Driver
Branch: 5th Divisional Ammunition Column, Canadian Field Artillery
Isaac was born in Richmond, Yorkshire, England on February 18, 1876. After spending some time working in the mines in Oregon and farming in southern Alberta, Isaac filed on a homestead (32-70-9-W6) in the Halcourt district. He lived there until his death on May 24, 1953 and was buried in the Halcourt cemetery.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 353; HT June 4, 1953
Lambert, Joseph George Napoleon
Regimental Number: 2684229
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Tank Corps
Joseph was born in Edmonton, Alberta on December 17, 1892. In 1916, he filed on SE 12-71-6-W6. Joseph enlisted in the Canadian Army in May of 1918. He served in England.
Lambert, Octave
Regimental Number: 3213113
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment; 21st Reserve Battalion
Octave was born in St. John, Quebec in October of 1896. In 1914, he came with his brother to Falher where he eventually filed on a homestead at NW 23-78-21-W5. Octave was drafted in 1918 and only served in England. He returned to Falher after the war and chose 22-79-21-W5 as his veteran's grant. Octave was shot and killed by Joseph Trottier on September 3, 1926.
Sources: By the Peavine in the Smoky of the Peace, p. 357
Lamothe, Xavier
Regimental Number: 114031
Rank: Private
Branch: Fort Garry Horse
Xavier was born in Massachusetts on May 22, 1880. He was farming in Saskatchewan at the time of his enlistment in March of 1915. Xavier died on February 1, 1947 and was buried in the Falher cemetery.
Sources: Smoky Peace Triangle p. 264
Lanctot, Edgar Robert
Regimental Number: 883289
Rank: Private
Branch: 187th Battalion
Edgar was born in Montreal, Quebec on June 10, 1899 (on his attestation paper, he lied about his age and wrote 1898). He was living in Carstairs, Alberta at the time of his enlistment in May of 1916. Edgar served only in England. In 1921, he came to the South Peace and filed on a homestead at SW 12-71-1-W6.
Sources: news clippings
Langelier, Jean Baptiste
Regimental Number: 3214430
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Jean was born on February 28, 1884 in St. Simon, Quebec. He came to the Peace country in 1914 and spent two years working in Grouard before filing on a homestead at 31-78-21-W5 on September 29, 1916. Jean was drafted into the Canadian army in July of 1918 and served only in Canada. He married Blanche Laura Dupuis-Landry of Falher around 1920. The couple had five children. Jean and Laura lived in Kelowna from 1965 to 1969, then returned to McLennan, where they lived in the Our Lady of the Lake Nursing Home. Jean died on December 28, 1971.
Sources: By the Peavine in the Smoky of the Peace, p. 360
Langstaff, George Percival "Percy"
Regimental Number: 3083607
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Quebec Regiment; Canadian Army Medical Corps
George "Percy" Langstaff was born in Leeds, England on June 28, 1892. He was living in Montreal when he was drafted in April of 1918. As his enlistment came so late in the war, Percy served only in Canada. After being discharged on January 15, 1920, Percy came to the South Peace and filed on homesteads at 3-77-5-W6 and 1-77-5-W6 (his name first appears in the Spirit River tax records in 1921).
Langstaff, J.W.
Regimental Number:
Sources: Where the Red Willow Grew p. 303
LaPlace, Jean Baptiste
Regimental Number:
Rank:
Branch: French Army
Jean was born in Molles, Allier, France on March 6, 1890. He came to Quebec in 1907 and worked in various places across Canada until September of 1910, when he received a letter from the French consulate in Vancouver stating that he was required to serve in the French military for two years. During World War I, he was once again required to serve in France. Jean fought at Verdun and the Dardanelles, and was wounded at the Marne on December 28, 1914 (?). On February 15, 1919, Jean married a Frenchwoman from Maringue who was willing to come to Canada with him. They came to the Peace country later that year and filed on homesteads at N1/2 26-70-8-W6 and 25-70-8-W6. In 1934/35 the LaPlace family returned to France. They planned to come back to Canada in 1939, but instead waited until 1947 when they settled in Quebec. Jean's first wife died in 1959, and he remarried in 1964.
Sources: Along the Wapiti, p. 267, 411
Lapointe, Donald Reuben
Regimental Number: 6925; 2683916; 2057
Rank: Private
Branch: Royal North West Mounted Police; Lord Strathcona's Horse; 1st Depot Battalion, Saskatchewan Regiment
Donald was born in Aultsville, Ontario on February 23, 1903. He joined the RNWMP in April 1918, but was dismissed in July when it was discovered that he was underage. Shortly after that, Don was drafted, and on his enlistment form gave February 25, 1899 as his date of birth. He served only in Canada. Don married Viola Mildred and the couple came to Woking in 1929; they filed on a homestead at SW8-76-6-W6. When World War II started, Don once again joined the army but was discharged for health reasons. He died in Grande Prairie on September 27, 1979.
Sources: Burnt Embers p. 165; obituary; RCMPGraves.com (search Regimental Number 6925)
Larsen, Frederick
Regimental Number: 536465
Rank: Private
Branch: 14th Canadian Field Ambulance
Frederick was born in Denmark on May 15, 1886. It is unknown when he first came to Canada, but he enlisted in the Canadian Army in St. John, New Brunswick on March 13, 1917. After the war, Frederick returned to Canada. In 1921, he filed on SW 30-70-7-W6; he later filed on NE 25-70-8-W6 as well. Frederick died on August 19, 1958.
Larson, Hans Peter
Regimental Number: 100544
Rank: Private
Branch: 31st Battalion
Hans was born in Denmark on July 6, 1885. In 1914, he filed on a homestead at SE 15-79-15-W6, and the following year he enlisted in the Canadian Army. Hans received gunshot wounds to the back in June of 1916, and multiple gunshot wounds to his left arm, back, and leg on May 4, 1917 at Vimy. He had been missing in action for a few days at that point. Hans was invalided back to Canada in December of 1917, and discharged, having been found medically unfit due to loss of function in his left hand, on July 14, 1918. According to his military service file, Hans was living in Rolla in 1921.
Laughland, George
Regimental Number: 524221
Rank: Private
Branch: 6th Canadian Field Ambulance
George was born in Hartney, Manitoba on February 19, 1900 (he lied about his age to enlist in December of 1916 and wrote October 10, 1898). He filed on a homestead at 22-76-2-W6; his brother Wilfred "Jack" Laughland had a homestead in the region as well. George died on November 29, 1977.
Sources: Grande Prairie Cemetery; Grooming the Grizzly p. 374
Laughland, Wilfred John "Jack"
Regimental Number: 829270
Rank: Private
Branch: 52nd Battalion
Wilfred was born in Hartney, Manitoba on May 31, 1895. He enlisted in the Canadian army in December of 1915. In August of 1918, he received a shell wound to his right thigh. In 1923, Wilfred arrived in Spirit River, and in 1928 he filed on a homestead (his land was located at 27-76-2-W6 and SW 33-76-2-W6). Wilfred married Florence "Maggie" Ormiston in 1935. He died in 1981.
Sources: Chepi Sepe p. 609; Grooming the Grizzly p. 374
Law, James
Regimental Number: 437323
Rank: Private
Branch: 14th Battalion
James was born in Stirlingshire, Scotland on November 19, 1889. It is unknown when he first came to Canada, but he enlisted in the Canadian Army in Edmonton in May of 1915. On July 13, 1916 at Hill 60, Ypres, James received gunshot wounds to his left thigh and shrapnel wounds to the right side of his face. He was invalided to Canada in October of 1916. James was drafted into the army in March of 1918. In 1919, he filed on a homestead at SE 25-78-21-W5. James died in Edmonton on April 3, 1962.
Lawler, Floyd William
Regimental Number: 3213111
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battlion, Alberta Regiment
Floyd was born in North Dakota on December 9, 1897. In 1916, he filed on a homestead at SE 9-79-6-W6. Floyd was drafted in June of 1918, and discharged on September 7, 1918 for unknown reasons. In 1926, he married Dora Louise Miller. Floyd died in Los Angeles, California on September 5, 1952.
Lawlor, Thomas Wilson
Regimental Number: 911294; 10749-L-8
Rank: Private
Branch: 196th Battalion; Canadian Machine Gun Corps; Royal Air Force
Thomas Wilson Lawlor was born on August 27, 1890 in Killarney, Manitoba. He attended the University of Manitoba, and later studied law at the University of Alberta. In March of 1916 his studies were interrupted by his decision to sign up for the war. Thomas joined the 196th University Battalion and served with the Canadian Machine Gun Corps in France and later the Royal Air Force in Egypt.
Returning to Edmonton after the War, he completed his law degree in 1920, and set up the first law practice in Spirit River. On May 2, 1921, Thomas married Sarah Clementine McCrimmon. In 1924 the family left Spirit River to start a practice with J.H. Sissons in Grande Prairie. The Lawlor homestead was located at 33-72-3-W6.
Thomas was very community minded – he was a part of at least eight different community groups and became Mayor of Grande Prairie in 1939. World War II had an impact while he was in office; a Basic Training Base was established at the south end of town, improvements to the airport took place and an American Army Base was also established as part of the Northwest Staging Route which ferried planes to Russia. It was also during Lawlor’s term of office that the town’s library became a public library.
The Lawlors had three daughters: Flora, Enid and Agnes. Thomas died on May 30, 1959 at the age of 68.
Sources: Chepi Sepe p. 611; HT June 2, 5, 26 1959
*see our "Family Names in Newspaper Articles" database for clippings about Thomas's career in the 1930s-1940s.
Lawrence, Henry Elmer "Harry"
Regimental Number: 904753
Rank: Private
Branch: 194th Battalion
Harry was born in Stukely, Quebec on December 23, 1876 and came to Fort Vermilion as a boy in 1886. He filed on a homestead at SE16-74-7-W6 in the Buffalo Lakes area in 1914 (he later filed on a second homestead at 33-71-8-W6). Prior to this Harry had spent some time in the Klondike. He enlisted in the Canadian army in March of 1916, but it appears that Harry never left Canada as he was discharged from the army on October 24, 1916, having been found medically unfit due to varicose veins. On September 23, 1916, Harry married Eila Maud Lendrum in Edmonton. He died in February of 1955.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1147; Buffalo Trails p. 85
*Harry's nephews Hollis and James also served in the war
Lawrence, Harry R.
Regimental Number:
Lawrence, Hollis Robert
Regimental Number: 904756
Rank: Private
Branch: 4th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops; 49th Battalion
Hollis was born in Fort Vermilion on November 25, 1897 (1898?). He filed on a homestead at NW10-74-7-W6 in 1916, but he also worked for the Grande Prairie Herald. In March of 1916, Hollis enlisted in the Canadian army. He suffered from shell shock while serving in France, according to a January 9, 1917 newspaper article. After returning to Canada, Hollis bought William Turner's homestead through the Soldier Settlement Board. A few years later he moved to British Columbia, where he married and raised a family. Hollis died in a logging accident on September 4, 1942.
Source: Buffalo Trails p. 86
*Hollis's uncle Harry and brother James also served in the war
Lawrence, James Clifford
Regimental Number: 905170
Rank: Sapper
Branch: 4th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops
James was born in Fort Vermilion on December 3, 1899, though he lied about his age and wrote 1897 on his attestation paper when he enlisted in 1916. After the war, James returned to the Buffalo Lakes area and filed on homesteads at SW32-73-7-W6 and 17-80-3-W6. He married Bessie Hallett in 1921; the couple raised seven children. James died in Dawson Creek, BC on September 1, 1990.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1147; Buffalo Trails p. 86
*James's uncle Harry and brother Hollis also served in the war
Lay, William Nathan "Bud"
Regimental Number: 1037263
Rank: Private
Branch: 238th Battalion, Canadian Forestry Corps
Bud was born in Richmond County, Quebec on April 29, 1886. He came to Wembley in 1919 and operated a pool room and barber shop. For fifteen years he farmed on his property west of Beaverlodge (9-72-10-W6 and 18-72-10-W6). In 1968, due to health problems, Bud was taken to the veterans' home in Edmonton. He died there on January 20, 1973.
Sources: Along the Wapiti p. 369; Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 24
Laycock, Frederick W.
It is possible that the Frederick W. Laycock who filed on the eastern half of 6-80-12-W6 in 1930 was Fred William Laycock, 105965. However, we have not been able to confirm his identity.
Sources: Homesteaders' Heritage p. 153
Leak, Reginald Edward
Regimental Number: 46113
Rank: Corporal
Branch: 16th Battalion; Canadian Army Service Corps
Reg was born in England on February 20, 1886. In 1911 he came to Canada and settled in Nova Scotia, where he attended agricultural college. Reg was wounded and gassed while serving in France during World War I, which caused health problems throughout his life. He also received gunshot wounds to his right side in May of 1915, and his medical forms state that he suffered from rheumatism and flat feet. After the war, Reg settled on a homestead south of Beaverlodge (34-71-10-W6) and also opened a photography studio. He died on February 17, 1943 and was buried in the Beaverlodge cemetery.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies, p. 120
Leake, Edwin Thomas
Regimental Number: 467390
Rank: Lieutenant
Branch: 63rd Battalion; 5th Battalion; Canadian General Depot, Shorncliffe; 15th Reserve Battalion
Edwin was born in Wollaston, Massachusetts on April 26, 1895 (1896?). He enlisted in Edmonton in September of 1915, so it is possible that he was living in the South Peace by that time (his homesteads were located at 33-77-6-W6 and 34-77-6-W6). In November of 1916, Edwin wounded his left leg. A year later in November/December 1917, he got his commission and served as a lieutenant in England for the remainder of the war. At some point after the war, Edwin married Mary Agnes Gaines. He died in Calgary on October 6, 1996.
Sources: homestead records
Leblanc, Emile
Regimental Number: 3213010
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Emile was born on February 1, 1896 in Stanford, Quebec. He arrived in Donnelly in 1912 and lied about his age in order to file on a homestead (18-77-20-W5; 17-77-20-W5) which he later sold to his father. In 1918 Emile was drafted into the Canadian army; he went to England with his regiment but never saw active duty in France. After the war, Emile married Ella Comeau. The family moved to British Columbia around 1942, and Emile retired in Kamloops.
Sources: By the Peavine in the Smoky of the Peace, p. 369
Lebris, Fred (Alfred Jean Marie Joseph Ferdinand)
Regimental Number: 857
Rank: Soldat
Branch: 207th Regiment, French Infantry
Alfred was born ca. 1887 in St. Tugdual, France. He filed on a homestead at SE 17-73-7-W6 in 1912. Alfred served in the French Army during the First World War. He died on December 21, 1916 at a hospital in Commercy.
Sources: Buffalo Trails p. 124
Leclair, Raoul
It is possible that the Raoul Leclair who filed on SE 15-75-21-W5 and SW 14-75-21-W5 was Raoul Leclair, 258397. However, we have been unable to confirm his identity.
LeDuc, Franklin Adolph
Regimental Number: 2683975
Rank: Private
Branch: Royal Canadian Dragoons
Franklin was born in Crookston, Minnesota on November 16, 1897. He filed on NE 4-77-21-W5 in 1915. At some point after the war, Franklin married Eva B. He died on July 11, 1974.
Lee, Ingval "Bill"
Regimental Number: 830127
Rank: Private
Branch: 8th Battalion
Bill was born on March 19, 1895 in Hendrum, Minnesota. In 1913, he came over the Edson Trail and filed on a homestead in Sexsmith (he owned land at 26-73-5-W6; 16-74-14-W6; 31-76-4-W6; 36-76-4-W6). He enlisted in the Canadian army in December of 1915. In July of 1917, Bill was dangerously wounded, receiving gunshot wounds to his right leg and chest; two months later he was removed from the "seriously ill" list and in January of 1918 he embarked for Canada. Bill was discharged on March 22, 1918, having been deemed medically unfit due to his wounds. His wife, Aliette (date of marriage unknown), joined him in 1935. The couple had five children.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 116; Grooming the Grizzly p. 390
Lee, John Edward
Regimental Number: 2193349
Rank: Private
Branch: 196th Battalion; Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
John was born in Spring Valley, Wisconsin on December 24, 1890. He enlisted in Regina in May of 1917. In November of 1917, John was buried by a shell and his left leg was wounded. It is unknown when John settled in the South Peace, but according to his service file he was living here by 1921. His homesteads were located at 8-70-10-W6, 31-69-10-W6, and 5-70-10-W6. John died on October 14, 1970.
Lee, Lloyd L.
Regimental Number: 622611
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles
Lloyd was born in Brantford, Ontario on March 4, 1896 (1897?). He enlisted in the Canadian army in June of 1915, and one year later, on June 2, 1916, was captured at Ypres. For the remainder of the war, Lloyd was held as a prisoner of war at Stendal, Doeberitz, and Soltau, and possibly other POW camps as well. In 1930, Lloyd, his wife Nellie, and their two children moved from Red Jacket, Saskatchewan to Beaverlodge. Lloyd once again joined the Canadian army in World War II. He returned to his home in Beaverlodge after the war and continued to farm until his retirement in 1964. Lloyd died on March 23, 1968, and was buried in the Grande Prairie cemetery.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies, p. 120
Leechman, Alfred William
Regimental Number: 506013
Rank: Sapper
Branch: Engineers' Training Depot
Alfred was born in Dublin, Ireland on May 15, 1887. He came to Grande Prairie in 1913 and filed on a homestead at 8-72-5-W6; Alfred also worked as a postmaster until he enlisted in the Canadian army in August of 1916. On October 19, 1916, Alfred was discharged "medically unfit" due to pulmonary tuberculosis. After his return he worked at the Royal Bank in Waterhole and later in Sexsmith. Alfred died on December 21, 1937 and was buried in the Grande Prairie cemetery.
*brother of Harold Leechman
Leechman, Harold MacKim
Regimental Number: 811047
Rank: Sapper
Branch: 10th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops
Harold was born in Dublin, Ireland on March 11, 1882. He was living in Grande Prairie at the time of his enlistment in the Canadian army in December of 1915, working as a locomotive fireman. Harold died of pneumonia in Edmonton on January 25, 1937.
*brother of Alfred Leechman
Lefebvre, Marcel Gaston
Marcel was born in Dunkirk, France ca. 1881. In 1918, he filed on the southern half of 33-69-12-W6, indicating that he had served in the army. Marcel died on January 9, 1927.
Sources: Oct. 14 1927 p. 6 c. 5
Legault, Paul
Regimental Number: 2140977
Rank: Private
Branch: 2nd Depot Battalion, British Columbia Regiment; Canadian War Graves Detachment
Paul was born in Montreal, Quebec on April 18, 1884. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in September of 1918. After the war ended two months later, Paul served with the Canadian War Graves Detachment. He was discharged on August 31, 1919. In 1922, Paul came to the South Peace and filed on land at SW 36-76-21-W5 and NE 2-77-21-W5. He died on October 10, 1971.
Leicester, L.
Regimental Number:
Lemaire, Lucien Louis
Lucien was born in Belgium ca. 1874. He filed on a homestead at SW 19-71-3-W6 in 1919, indicating that he had served in the army. Lucien and his son Hector drowned on October 27, 1925.
Sources: July 1 1924 p. 1 c. 3; Nov. 1 1925 p. 1 c. 1
Leonard, William
Regimental Number: 253080
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion
William was born in London, England on October 9, 1886. He was farming in Saskatchewan at the time of his enlistment in June of 1916. Later William settled in DeBolt and filed on homesteads at 27-71-2-W6 and 31-71-2-W6. He died in May of 1963.
Lepage, Gelas Joseph
Regimental Number: 63548
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: 4th Battalion
Gelas was born in Ontario on March 13, 1886. He enlisted in the Canadian army in November of 1914 and, in the course of his military career, was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. After the war, in about 1920, Gelas settled in the DeBolt area on the southern half of 14-72-1-W6.
Gelas married Evaline Robertshaw, a widow with two sons, in Wembley on May 7, 1931. After Evaline's death, he and his youngest stepson moved to Saskatchewan, where he later remarried. He died on May 21, 1970.
Sources: Across the Smoky p. 49
LePla, William John
Regimental Number: 883248
Rank: Private
Branch: 50th Battalion
William was born in London, England on August 2, 1886. He was living in Innisfail, Alberta at the time of his enlistment in 1916. In August of 1918, William suffered from gunshot wounds to his right leg. He came to the South Peace in 1928 and filed on a homestead at NE 30-76-6-W6. William died in Grande Prairie on December 24, 1966.
Leslie, Alex
It is possible that the Alex Leslie who appears on the "Boys Who Went Overseas" list is Private Alexander Leslie, 859256. However, we have not been able to confirm his identity.
Leslie, Robert Bruce
Regimental Number: 435306
Rank: Private
Branch: 29th Battalion
Robert was born in Banffshire, Scotland on January 25, 1882. He settled in the South Peace region before the war and owned property located at NE 32-77-5-W6 and SE 32-77-5-W6. In his will, he left this to his brother and sister. Robert received a gunshot wound to his nose in September 1916 and spent two months in hospital. On August 21, 1917, Robert was killed in an attack northwest of Lens (Hill 70).
Leslie, William James Norman
Regimental Number: 101212
Rank: Corporal
Branch: Canadian Machine Gun Corps
Norman was born in Queensborough, Ontario on December 12, 1888. He left Queensborough Ontario to get away from “milking cows” and found work in Manitoba. However as his brother Ed had filed a homestead application by proxy for him on NW 25 71 4 W6 in an area east of Grande Prairie, he came west in October of 1912 by means of the Edson Trail. He was accompanied by his brothers Ed and Bruce and his father Thomas and others. Norman’s mother, Margaret, arrived at a later date.
A large two-story log home was built on Norman’s property and his parents, Thomas and Margaret, moved into it as well. As so many Leslie’s had filed for land in such close proximity to each other, the area became known as the “Glen of the Leslie’s” which was later shortened to Glen Leslie. It was here in 1914 that the first post office was established as well as the first of many church services. As the home was located on the trail that ran from the Bezanson Townsite to Grande Prairie, it became a stopping place for travelers.
In November 1914, a meeting was held at the Leslie home to discuss the possibility of constructing a church on SW6 72 3 W6 – a 10-acre plot for which Reverend Alexander Forbes and Thomas Leslie had applied and received a church grant for. The Church was built by volunteer labour except for one paid carpenter hired to oversee the project. The Church opened for the first Church service on October 31, 1915.
In September 1915, Norman answered the call of duty and enlisted in the army in Edmonton. His unit was the 66th Battalion. He sailed on the S.S. Olympic and arrived in England on May 7, 1916. He was transferred to the 4th Canadian Machine Gun Company. On January 4, 1917 while serving in France Norman suffered a gun-shot wound to the right hand and the left thigh where the bullet ended up being lodged. He was admitted to the No. 11 General Camiers Hospital, a British Hospital in France, where the bullet was removed. Such hospitals were large facilities often centered in some pre-war buildings such as seaside hotels. Once he had recovered, he returned to active duty. Norman was discharged on demobilization on April 5, 1919 and returned home to Glen Leslie where he again became active in the farming industry. Norman received the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.
In 1920 when his parents decided to return to Ontario, Norman took over the postmaster duties. On January 1, 1923, he married Gladys Bryenton. The couple resided in Glen Leslie until 1930 when they moved to Dimsdale to operate a store and post office. They had two children, Jean and Keith. In 1935, Norman became the manager of the Massey-Harris Agency in Beaverlodge while Gladys managed the store in Dimsdale. In 1936, he became the manager of the Alberta Wheat Pool Elevator.
With the onset of WWII, Norman became a member of the Veterans Guard of Canada. It was initially formed in the early days of WWII as a defense force in case of an attack on Canadian soil and was mainly comprised of WWI veterans. Once the war ended, Norman returned to Dimsdale and operated the store until 1968 when they sold and retired to Grande Prairie. Norman was honoured as a Life Member of the Legion and also helped establish the Corps of Commissionaires. Norman passed away on May 27, 1972 and Gladys in 1983.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Sources: Along the Wapiti, p. 411, 106-107; Pioneers of the Peace, p. 246, 247; Smoky River to Grande Prairie; Glen Leslie history book
Lessard, Albert
Regimental Number: 466626
Rank: Private
Branch: 10th Battalion
Albert was born in Brainerd, Minnesota on April 20, 1885. In 1913, he filed on a homestead at NW 30-77-20-W5. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in July of 1915. In September of the following year, Albert suffered from gunshot wounds to his hand. He suffered from severely contused shoulder and back in April 1917; at the time of this injury, he was reported to have died in action on April 9, 1917, but he was found alive a day or two later. On September 2, 1918, Albert was slightly wounded in the left upper eyelid by an egg bomb and a small piece of shrapnel was removed. Albert died in Koochiching County, Minnesota on July 3, 1960.
Leverington, Edwin Roy
Regimental Number: 258768
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Machine Gun Corps
Edwin was born in West Lorne, Ontario on February 19, 1897. He was drafted into the Canadian Army in March of 1918. In July/August of that year he was ill with the mumps. Edwin came to the South Peace in 1921 and and filed on the northern half of 20-76-2-W6. He died in 1978.
Levey, George Francis
Regimental Number: 257159
*uncertain whether this is indeed the Dr. Levey referred to in the article
1888-1957 (gravemarker index)
Lewis, Bert
Regimental Number: 704144
Rank: Private
Branch: 102nd Battalion; 29th Battalion
Bert was born in Peru, Indiana on June 15, 1889. He was farming in Willow River, BC at the time of his enlistment in April of 1916. He suffered from tuberculosis and influenza in September of 1916, and shrapnel wounds to the face in November of 1917 at Passchendaele. Bert was invalided to Canada in May of 1918, and discharged on July 31, 1918. In 1919, he filed on SE 20-79-5-W6 and SW 21-79-5-W6. However, the present address card in Bert's military service file states that he was living in Vancouver in 1921.
Lewis, Harold Durrant
Regimental Number: 466962
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Canadian Pioneer Battalion
Harold was born in London, England on August 4, 1886. In 1910, he came to the South Peace and filed on homesteads at NE 33-72-7-W6 and NW 20-78-20-W5. On July 26, 1915, Harold enlisted in the Canadian Army. On September 20, 1916 at the Somme, Harold suffered from gunshot wounds to his right thigh. As a result, he lost the function of his right foot and had to wear a shoe with special braces. Harold spent some time in hospital in Leeds recovering from his injury. In February of 1918, he married Julia in Leeds. Harold was invalided to Canada in May of 1918 and discharged on July 20, 1918. Harold died in Vancouver on February 5, 1978 or March 17, 1978.
L'hirondelle, Thomas
Regimental Number: 3207017
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Thomas was born in Great Falls, Montana on August 18, 1899. He was living in Grande Prairie when he was drafted into the Canadian army in April of 1918. Thomas deserted before leaving Canada.
Lightfoot, George
Regimental Number: 204746
Rank: Private
Branch: 3rd Battalion, Canadian Machine Gun Corps
George was born in Nantwich, Cheshire, England on December 25, 1894. He was living in Cutknife, Saskatchewan at the time of his enlistment in April of 1916. While in England in October of 1916, George sprained his left ankle. George and his wife Mary came to the South Peace in 1929 and filed on NW 28-79-7-W6 and NE 18-79-7-W6. George later canceled both quarters. In 1940, they moved into Grande Prairie. George worked at the airport until he retired in 1957. George died in Grande Prairie on October 19, 1984.
Sources: Chepi Sepe p. 623
Lillico, George Elmor
Regimental Number: 859436
Rank: Lance Corporal
Branch: 179th Battalion; 43rd Battalion
George was born in Wingham, Ontario on July 6, 1887. He was living in Cypress River, Manitoba when he enlisted in November of 1915. In May of 1917, at Vimy Ridge, George was wounded in the left thigh. A year later, in May of 1918, he was gassed, and in October of 1918 he sustained a gunshot wound to his left arm. After being discharged in 1919, George and his brother William, also a veteran, came to the Bay Tree area; George's homestead was located at 9-79-13-W6. George married Mabel Edith Patterson sometime in the mid to late 1920s; they had ten children. He farmed in Bay Tree for the rest of his life. George died of the flu in Pouce Coupe on November 24, 1941.
Sources: Homesteaders' Heritage p. 78
Lillico, William Wesley
Regimental Number: 859435
Rank: Private
Branch: 179th Battalion; 43rd Battalion
William was born in Wingham, Ontario on June 20, 1889. He was living in Cypress Hills, Manitoba, at the time of his enlistment in the Canadian army in November of 1915. In July of 1917, William received shrapnel wounds to his right arm; in 1918, he received shrapnel wounds to his left elbow. After being discharged in 1919, he and his brother George, also a veteran, came to the Bay Tree area; William's homestead was located at 8-79-13-W6. William married Ruby Patterson sometime in 1924; they had seven children. He farmed in Bay Tree for the rest of his life. William died of the flu in Pouce Coupe on November 18, 1941.
Sources: Homesteaders' Heritage p. 78
Lister, Harvey Marion
Regimental Number: 2418355
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Saskatchewan Regiment
Harvey was born in Gretna, Nebraska on September 8, 1887. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in August of 1917. At that time, he and his wife Mabel were living in Cando, Saskatchewan. In 1929, Harvey came to the South Peace and filed on NE 2-74-12-W6 and SW 2-74-12-W6. Harvey died in Bluesky on January 25, 1938 and was buried in the Edmonton Municipal Cemetery.
Listhaeghe, Gustaf "Smithie"
Regimental Number: 3205948
Rank: Private
Branch: 50th Battalion
Gustaf was born in Ruddervoorde, Belgium on June 24, 1896. His father had died by the time he was born, and his mother when he was 12. It is unknown when he came to Canada, but at the age of 13 Gustaf was working on the Grand Trunk Railroad, and in 1911 he went to Edmonton with his uncle and brother and worked on the Edmonton Dunvegan Railroad. Gustaf was drafted in January of 1918. He fought at Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele and was gassed in November of 1918. While stationed in Antwerp, Gustaf met Mary DeMoll, his future wife. Gustaf returned to Canada in 1919 and settled in Spirit River (17-77-5-W6); Mary arrived on May 19, 1920 and they were married on May 20, 1920. The couple had thirteen children. Gustaf died in 1967.
Sources: Chepi Sepe p. 636
Littleworth, Francis George Selwyn
Regimental Number: 687792
Rank: Corporal
Branch: 72nd Battalion
Francis was born in Devon, England on June 20, 1894. At the time of his enlistment in January 1916, he was residing in Grande Prairie. In November of 1917, Francis was gassed. Not quite one year later, he was in charge of a section and whilst taking part in an attack on Bourlon Wood, on September 28, 1918, he was severely wounded in the head and stomach by enemy machine gun fire. After receiving First Aid Francis was taken to No. 33 Casualty Clearing Station where he died the same day. The Casualty Clearing Station where Francis died was located at Boisleux-au-Mont at that time.
Livingstone, David
Regimental Number: 85631
Rank: Driver
Branch: Royal Canadian Horse Artillery
David was born on July 26, 1893 in Belfast, Ireland. He enlisted in the Canadian army in Kingston, Ontario, in November of 1914. After returning from the war, David came to the South Peace with his mother, brother John, and his sister and her family. He filed on homesteads in the Teepee Creek area (17-74-3-W6; 15-74-3-W6). After his mother's death around 1940, David and his brother John moved to Vancouver. David married Anna Christine Adair (whose family had been neighbors of the Livingstones) in Edmonton, and they made their home in Vancouver. The couple had five daughters. David died in Vancouver in September of 1978.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 915, 1147
Livingstone, John "Jack"
Regimental Number: 1250567
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Field Artillery
Jack was born in Belfast, Ireland on September 22, 1888. He enlisted in the Canadian army in Regina, Saskatchewan in June of 1916. After returning from the war, John came to the South Peace with his mother, brother David, and his sister and her family. He filed on homesteads in the Teepee Creek area (14-74-3-W6; 16-74-3-W6). After his mother's death around 1940, John and his brother David moved to Vancouver. In 1949, John married Laura Jory in Sardis, BC.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over, p. 1147, 915.
Lloyd, David
David filed on NE 7-77-6-W6 and NW 8-77-6-W6 in 1930; he later canceled both homesteads. David married Dolly Kirkpatrick around 1937. In 1958 David and Dolly moved to Toronto.
Sources: Memories and Moments p. 108
Lock, George William
Regimental Number: 181120; 524864
Rank: Private
Branch: 88th Battalion; Canadian Army Medical Corps
George was born in Thursley, England on October 28, 1878 (1875?). In 1899 he enlisted in the British army and fought in the Boer War. He immigrated to Canada after his discharge in 1904. While living in Ontario, George met Bertha Rowe. They were married in Estevan, Saskatchewan in 1909 and in 1911 the couple moved to Ladysmith, British Columbia where George worked as a miner. In March of 1916 George enlisted in the Canadian army; however, he was discharged in April as he was "not likely to become an efficient soldier." He reenlisted May and this time was accepted, though he served only in Canada. George was discharged in November 1919. After his return, he and Bertha and their three young children came to the Peace River country and eventually settled in the Hinton Trail area in 1925. Bertha died in 1932, leaving George with five young children to raise alone. George died of a heart attack in 1950.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 412
Lock, Henry
Regimental Number: 279584
Rank: Sapper
Branch: 8th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops
Henry was born in Thursley, England on March 4, 1870. He served in the British militia, and for a time was a sentry at Buckingham Palace. In 1892, Henry came to Ontario and worked as an estate gardener. He married Annie Rowe of Hamilton, Ontario. They moved to Portland, New York where Henry worked as a cemetery caretaker. In 1913, Henry, Annie, and their three children moved to Alberta. Henry enlisted in the Canadian Army in May of 1916. As he was 46 years old at the time, he lied about his age and wrote 1874 as the year of his birth. In August of 1917, Henry suffered from a mild ankle sprain. He was invalided to Canada in November of 1917, due to flat feet, myalgia, and being overage. Henry was discharged on April 30, 1918. He came west and filed on homesteads at NE 30-70-9-W6 and NW 1-71-10-W6. Henry died in the Veterans' Hospital in Edmonton on May 22, 1950.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 557
Lockey, William
Regimental Number:
Lockhart, John
Regimental Number:
Loney, William Thomas
Regimental Number: 101473
Rank: Private
Branch: 8th Battalion
William was born in Ballingarry, Ireland on March 23, 1886. He came to Canada in 1906. At the time of his enlistment in October of 1915, William was living in the South Peace and owned land at 16-73-10-W6; 3-75-8-W6; 27-73-10-W6. On September 9, 1916, William was killed in action "while operating a machine gun in the front line trench near Mouquet Farm, southwest of Courcelette."
*see newspaper clipping on Canadian Virtual War Memorial
- Attestation Paper
- Lives of the First World War profile
- Canadian Great War Project profile
- Ballylina House, Ireland (childhood home)
- Sopwell County School, Ireland
- Grande Prairie Honour Roll
- Circumstances of Death Register
- Reported Location of Grave
- Canadian Virtual War Memorial
- Commonwealth War Graves Commission
- CWGC Register
- CWGC Register
Longair, Frank McGregor
Regimental Number: 101111
Rank: Corporal
Branch: 9th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops
Frank was born in Dundee, Scotland on July 19, 1885. He was living in the South Peace at the time of his enlistment in July of 1915 and owned land at 24-73-5-W6 and 7-71-5-W6. On November 28, 1917, Frank stepped in a hole while marching at Passchendaele and twisted his right knee. The injury was so severe that he was discharged on July 20, 1918. He had already returned to Grande Prairie at the beginning of June. During his time away from Grande Prairie, Frank had married a Scotswoman who expected to join him later. Frank died on September 14, 1966.
- Attestation Paper
- Lives of the First World War profile
- Canadian Great War Project profile
- Enlists (July 27, 1915)
- Letter (August 8, 1916)
- No more recruits for 66th and 63rd Battalions (Aug. 10, 1916)
- Mention in Tommy Watson's letter (December 12, 1916)
- Letter (Jan. 2, 1917)
- Mention in Philip Brierly's letter (Jan. 16, 1917)
- Letter (June 5, 1917)
- Returns home, married a Scottish woman (June 11, 1918)
- Photograph
- Grande Prairie Honour Roll
- Boys Who Went Overseas
Longarr, S. M.
Regimental Number:
Longhurst, William Gordon
Regimental Number: 101110
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion
William was born in March 30, 1884 in Craighurst, Ontario. At the time of his enlistment in July of 1915, he was living in Lake Saskatoon; his homestead was located at 8-71-8-W6. On October 8, 1916, William received a gunshot wound to his right shoulder at the Somme. In October of 1917 at Passchendaele, William was reported missing in action. However, on April 18, 1918, he was reported killed in action, having died at Passchendaele on October 30, 1917. He was "buried where he fell at a point about 200 yards north east of Bellevue pill box." They were unable to find his body. William is remembered on the Menin Gate.
Lonsdale, William Patrick
William was born in London (Hampshire?), England ca. 1893. He served in the British army during World War I and came to Canada after his discharge. He filed on NE 26-70-25-W5 in 1919. William spent a few winters working for fur trader Tom Kerr, but did not stay in the area for very many years.
Sources: Across the Smoky p. 15
Louder, Robert Cornwall
Regimental Number: 811589
Rank: Private
Branch: 50th Battalion
Robert was born in Des Moines, Iowa on March 5, 1890. At the time of his enlistment in January of 1916, he was living in the Grande Prairie area and had a homestead at 28-71-6-W6. Robert was wounded at Vimy Ridge on April 8, 1917 but remained on duty. A month later, on May 6, he was once again reported wounded; it was determined to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his left foot.
Loudfoot, James Moore
Regimental Number: 170690
Rank: Lieutenant
James was born in Ottawa, Ontario on September 22, 1899. He was a batboy for the Lake Saskatoon baseball team in 1913, and in 1918 joined the Royal Flying Corps/Royal Air Force. He had filed on on SE 6-72-8-W6 in that same year but later canceled. After the war ended, he joined the RCMP. He married Alice Alvina Craig in 1921. James left the area in the early 1920s, and died in Calgary on June 25, 1971.
Sources: Pioneers of the Peace p. 89
Love, Edmund Rogers
Regimental Number: 423054
Rank: Sapper
Branch: 4th Canadian Division Signal Company, Canadian Engineers
Edmund was born in Lingfield, Surrey, England on July 3, 1893. He was living in Portage La Prairie at the time of his enlistment in the Canadian Army in April of 1915. He was awarded the Military Medal. In 1920, Edmund came to the Hythe area and filed on NE 3-73-11-W6 and SE 10-73-11-W6. Edmund met his wife Rene Challenger in Pocahontas, Alberta and they were married on April 26, 1921. They raised three daughters and lived on their homestead near Hythe until 1965. At that time, Edmund and Rene moved to Oliver, BC. Edmund died in Oliver on October 13, 1977.
Sources: surname database; Pioneer Round-Up p. 250; see newspaper index for relevant clippings
Lovett, Eric Robert
Regimental Number: 3213427
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Siberian Expeditionary Force
Eric was born in Vancouver, BC on September 18, 1897. In 1916, he filed on SE 8-73-11-W6 and NW 9-73-11-W6. He was drafted into the Canadian Army in June of 1918 and served in Siberia. In May of 1919, Eric returned to Canada; he was discharged on May 23. According to his military service file, he planned on returning to Hythe.
Lowe, Chester
Regimental Number: 904321
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Forestry Corps
Chester was born in Muskoka, Ontario on April 20, 1900. He came west with his family in August of 1909; they settled in Stony Plain. In 1916 Chester joined the Canadian army, though he was underage. In 1927, Maurice and Chester drove up to the Beaverlodge area. Chester's homestead was located at 13-73-12-W6. He married Thelma Chandler on July 7, 1929.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 246
Lowe, James Gartley
Regimental Number: 3213110
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
James was born in Reynolds, North Dakota on April 16, 1896. He was living in Lake Saskatoon (21-73-8-W6; 17-73-8-W6; 20-73-8-W6) when he was drafted in 1919. James's wife's name was Esther Lillian. James died in August of 1990.
Lowe, John Francis "Jack"
Regimental Number: 887389
Rank: Private
Branch: 46th Battalion; 188th Battalion
Jack was born in London, England on October 10, 1896. He was living in Hazel Dell, Saskatchewan at the time of his enlistment in the Canadian Army in January of 1916. On May 5, 1917 at Vimy Ridge, Jack received gunshot wounds to his right leg and arm. In October of that year, he again received gunshot wounds to his right leg while fighting at Passchendaele. Jack was wounded a final time at Cambrai in October of 1918, receiving gunshot wounds to his right arm. In 1926, Jack married Lily Deighton. Around 1929, he filed on NW 15-80-12-W6; he and Lily came up to the homestead in June of 1930. They lived on the homestead until the late 1950s, at which time they moved to Dawson Creek. Jack died in Dawson Creek on January 15, 1978 and was buried in the Bonanza Cemetery.
Sources: Homesteaders' Heritage p. 252-254
Lowe, Maurice
Regimental Number: 904485
Rank: Lance Corporal
Branch: 49th Battalion
Maurice was born in Muskoka, Ontario on May 1, 1891. He came west with his family in August of 1909; they settled in Stony Plain. In March of 1916 Morris enlisted in the Canadian Army. He was wounded twice - he received a gunshot wound to his left shoulder on October 30, 1917, and to his chest on September 29, 1918. Maurice returned home in January of 1919. On June 28, 1922, he married Magdelina Suder of Spruce Grove. In 1927, the couple moved to Beaverlodge. They had seven children. Maurce died on November 23, 1974.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 246
Lowe, Samuel Rankin
Regimental Number: 77489
Rank: Private
Branch: 15th Battalion
Samuel was born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island on November 15, 1885. He came west in 1906 on a harvest excursion and stayed to work in lumber camps through the winter. In November of 1914 Samuel enlisted in the Canadian army. He served in France and Belgium and on January 1, 1916, he was buried in a dugout at Messines. This experience caused a hernia. After being discharged, Samuel went to Montreal. Here he met Lily Catherine James and they were married on July 14, 1919. Their honeymoon was the train journey back to Lake Saskatoon. The Lowe family moved to Grande Prairie in 1936, and to Edmonton in 1950. Samuel died on March 23, 1954.
Sources: Lake Saskatoon Reflections p. 172; HT April 1, 1954
Lowes, Charles Herbert
Charles was born in Nova Scotia in 1894. In 1915, he filed on SW 33-71-7-W6, and in 1929 on SE 4-77-6-W6.
Lucas, Ernest Walter
Regimental Number: 3214427
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Ernest was born on August 24, 1888, on the island of Jersey, England. He arrived in the South Peace area in 1914 and worked for the NAR in McLellan. When Ernest was drafted in 1918, he was living in Donnelly; his homestead was located at 15-77-20-W5. Ernest died in November of 1949.
Sources: By the Peavine in the Smoky of the Peace, p. 382
Lucas, Peter
Regimental Number: 3213484
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Peter was born in Condé-sur-Noireau, France on March 4, 1896. When he was drafted in 1918, he was living in Girouxville, Alberta; his homestead was located at 12-78-22-W5. Peter was discharged on August 22, 1918.
Lukey, Frank
Regimental Number: 101352
Rank: Corporal
Branch: 49th Battalion
Frank was born in Folkstone, England on August 7, 1874. On December 12, 1910, he filed on land located at 32-71-6-W6 and 33-71-6-W6. Frank enlisted in the Canadian army in September of 1915. In February of 1917, he received a gunshot wound to his left thigh. In November or December of that year, he married Jessie Winifred Speirs, an Englishwoman. Frank was discharged on April 8, 1918, having been found medically unfit (there was something wrong with his heart). He returned to Grande Prairie after the war and his bride joined him shortly after. They lived in the area for nine years and then moved to Victoria. Frank died of heart problems caused by his military service on January 4, 1946 and was buried in Saanich.
Sources: Pioneers of the Peace p. 89-90; RCMPGraves.com; BC Archives website
- Attestation Paper
- Lives of the First World War profile
- In charge of RNWMP barracks at Wabasca (November 27, 1914)
- Enlists (Oct. 5, 1915)
- Letter (Jan. 2, 1917)
- Wounded (Feb. 27, 1917)
- Returns (March 5, 1918)
- Obituary (January 10, 1946)
- Grande Prairie Honour Roll
- Boys Who Went Overseas
- Veterans Death Card
- Find A Grave
Lukovski, Gavril "Harry"
Regimental Number: 811399; 467561
Rank: Private
Branch: 63rd Battalion; 27th Battalion
Harry was born in Kiev, Russia on March 25, 1894. At the time of his enlistment, he was living in Grande Prairie; his homestead was located at 20-74-6-W6. Harry signed up to go overseas in December of 1915, but was presumably turned down and attempted a second time, giving different information, in January 1916. This time he was accepted. He received shrapnel wounds to his abdomen and face and in December 1917 was invalided to Canada due to shell shock. Harry had suffered from mental instability as a child and this no doubt intensified the trauma that resulted from his injury. He was discharged in 1918.
Lunam, Thomas Edminson
Regimental Number: 101105
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion
Thomas was born in Campbell Bay, Quebec on February 20, 1890. It is unknown when he came to the Peace Country, but he enlisted in Edmonton in July of 1915. Thomas received a gunshot wound to his right hand in June of 1917 at Vimy Ridge; he was invalided to Canada in September of 1918. According to Thomas's service file, he was "from Peace River country" and in 1924 his current address was listed as Pouce Coupe. Thomas died in Pouce Coupe on June 19, 1930.
Lunseth, Carl
Regimental Number: 3212993
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Carl was born in Morris, Minnesota on April 28, 1898. He came over the Edson Trail with his parents in 1913 and settled in the Valhalla area. Carl was drafted into the Canadian army in April of 1918; he served only in England. His homesteads were located at 27-74-10-W6, 26-74-10-W6, and 34-74-10-W6. According to his brother Elmer's obituary, Carl was living in Burbank, California in 1936.
Sources: Pioneer Round-Up p. 613
Lunseth, Elmer
Regimental Number: 260692
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Saskatchewan Regiment
Elmer was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota on May 15, 1895. He came over the Edson Trail with his parents in 1913 and settled in the Valhalla area. Elmer was living in Tompkins, Saskatchewan when he was drafted in May of 1918. At some point after the war he returned to the Vahalla area; his homestead was located at 27-74-20-W6. Elmer died in the Grande Prairie hospital on September 20, 1936, having fallen from his horse while riding.
Sources: Pioneer Round-Up p. 613
Lunseth, Oluf
Regimental Number: 3213941
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Oluf was born in Minnesota on February 24, 1889. He came over the Edson Trail with his parents in 1913 and settled in the Valhalla area. Oluf was drafted into the Canadian army in the summer of 1918. According to his brother Elmer's obituary, Oluf was living in Bowden, Alberta in 1936.
Sources: Pioneer Round-Up p. 613
Lyle, Hilliard
Rank: Major
Branch: Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
Hilliard was born in Allenford, Ontario on December 21, 1879. He graduated from Northern Business College in Owen Sound, then went west. Hilliard joined the Lord Strathcona's Horse during the Boer War, and later served in one of the Mexican wars. In 1904, he won an Olympic gold medal in lacrosse in St. Louis, Missouri. Hilliard married Mary Alberta Coates on December 4, 1907 in Winnipeg. They had a son named Hilliard, born September 5, 1908 in Chicago.
Hilliard joined the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in December of 1914; Mary and Hilliard Jr. were living in Vancouver at the time. Hilliard suffered from shrapnel wounds to the back in 1915. After being wounded, he went to Pittsburgh as an instructor. He later returned to England and joined the intelligence department of the Imperial Army, and served with distinction on the Italian front. Hilliard was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in June of 1917.
After the war, Hilliard went to Owen Sound; he was well-versed in political and economic affairs, and was very charming. He once again went west for a short time, then came back to Ontario. It was well known that Hilliard was in financial straits (and in debt to some of his close friends), and that he had a drinking problem.
On June 29, 1929, Hilliard married Gertrude Tennyson Sloane at her sister's house in Owen Sound. Gertrude had not informed her friends of the marriage and the intended move to Beaverlodge, and had apparently been advised against marrying Hilliard. Gertrude had a three daughters from her first marriage; Wilhelmina, the eldest, was at college in the United States, but the younger two, Helen and Colles, lived with their mother and stepfather. Soon after the wedding, the Lyles moved to Beaverlodge where Hilliard filed on NE 1-69-13-W6 and SE 12-69-13-W6; however, he canceled both homesteads and instead bought a business in Beaverlodge, likely with his wife's money.
On May 21, 1931 Hilliard shot his wife and then himself in their home in Beaverlodge. Due to domestic issues, Hilliard had been living in a Beaverlodge hotel for almost a month prior to the murder. It is also noted that "as a result of financial offsets caused by extensive credit, Colonel Lyle had been ousted from the managership of the Beaverlodge store" before this time.
A May 25, 1931 report says that Helen (19) was present when her mother was murdered. She was upstairs when she heard her mother and stepfather loudly discussing financial matters and heard something about a gun. She went downstairs and heard him say, "I want some answers to the questions I am going to ask, and if you don't give them I'm going to shoot." Gertrude responded, "I'm not afraid of a gun." She attempted to grasp the .32 calibre rifle (borrowed from a friend) from Hilliard's hand, who threatened to shoot her if she took a step closer. She ran toward him anyway, and he turned and shot Gertrude in the chest just as Helen reached him. A struggle ensued, and eventually Helen shoved him down the stairs, then slammed the door to the basement and bolted it shut. She ran back to her mother, but found her dead. Daughter Colles (12) had been upstairs and ran outside for help when she heard what was happening. Knut Knutson arrived shortly after Hilliard had been locked in the basement, and heard a shot. He went down and found Hilliard dying from a self-inflicted wound. The shooting happened at 8pm on a Thursday.
Hilliard Jr. was living in Winnipeg in 1931, and Mary, Hilliard Sr.'s first wife, was thought to be in Calgary.
Sources: Pioneers of the Peace p. 44; Grey Roots Museum & Archives, Owen Sound, Ontario
- Attestation Paper
- South African War Service File
- Lives of the First World War
- Canadian Great War Project
- Buys Beaverlodge business (August 30, 1929)
- Building a house (November 8, 1929)
- Murder/Suicide (May 29, 1931)
- Obituary (May 29, 1931)
- Wikipedia
- Sports Reference
- The Auxiliaries
- Canadian Encyclopedia
- Veterans Death Card