Roach/Rohoitznuck, Semko
Semko was born in Kiev, Russia (now Ukraine) ca. 1890. He filed on NE 3-74-5-W6 in 1914 and his homestead record indicates that he served in the military while proving up.
Robb, Edward
Regimental Number: 506169
Rank: Sapper
Branch: Canadian Engineers; Canadian Signal Corps
Edward was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland on December 24, 1897. In 1913, he came over the Edson Trail with a party of men and according to his attestation paper, was living in Grande Prairie at the time of his enlistment in August of 1916. Edward died on May 26, 1926.
Sources: Pioneers of the Peace p. 255; Edson to Grande Prairie Trail p. 191
Robb, John
Regimental Number: 101100
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Machine Gun Corps
John was born in Edinburgh, Scotland on December 7, 1890. In 1914, he filed on a homestead at NE 3-74-4-W6. John enlisted in the Canadian Army in July of 1915. In May of 1916, he forfeited ten days pay for refusing to obey lights out and causing a disturbance. He was severely reprimanded again in September of 1918 for being absent without leave. Shortly after that, John chose to revert back to the rank of Private (after having been promoted to the rank of Sergeant). John was awarded the Military Medal. According to pages 7 and 45 of his service file, John died in or before 1923.
Roberts, Albert Ernest Warden
Regimental Number: 101356
Rank: Lieutenant
Branch: 49th Battalion; 7th Canadian Light Trench Mortar Battery
Albert was born in London, England on April 20, 1885. In 1907 he came to Canada, and in 1910 came to Lake Saskatoon over the Grouard Trail. Albert filed on the entire section at 27-71-8-W6 (in 1914 he filed on NE 7-72-2-W6, and in 1919 he filed on NW 31-71-8-W6). On June 1, 1914 he married Elizabeth Julia Thompson, who had come over the Grouard Trail with her family in the same party as Albert. Albert enlisted in the Canadian Army in September of 1915. On June 8, 1917, he received gunshot wounds to his face. In June of 1918, Albert was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. He was awarded the Military Cross in February of 1919 for his action at Arras. Albert and Julia had four children. In 1941, Albert and Julia moved to Edmonton where Albert was once again serving in the Army. After the war they moved to Vancouver. Albert died on April 25, 1976.
Sources: surname file; Edson to Grande Prairie Trail p. 121; Lake Saskatoon p. 200; Along the Wapiti p. 385; Pioneers of the Peace p. 116
Roberts, Felix
Regimental Number: 541221
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Cyclist Corps; 1st Divisional Motor Transport
Felix was born in Cardiff, Wales on March 10, 1887. He and his wife Pearl were living in Toronto at the time of his enlistment in March of 1916. In November of 1917, Felix suffered from gunshot wounds to his back. He filed on a homestead at SE 13-72-10-W6 in 1919. In 1923, he abandoned the homestead because of "matrimonial trouble and insufficient capital." According to a present address card in his service file, Felix was once again living in Toronto by 1936. He died on March 23, 1957.
Roberts, John William "Jack"
Regimental Number: 2129072
Rank: Private
Branch: 27th Battalion
Jack was born in Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia on November 11, 1894. He was living in Manitoba when he was drafted in January of 1918. At some point after the war, Jack came west and filed on 29-71-2-W6 (or NE 30-71-2-W6, which he purchased from John Lupton). He was married to Elsie and they had two daughters, but they had gone back east to live. Elsie and the girls came to visit Jack once. Jack died on November 23, 1956 and was buried in the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Sources: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 60; Nov. 27, 1956 p. 1 c. 1 (obituary)
Robertson, Alexander
Alexander was born in Nairnshire, Scotland. He filed on the western half of 8-74-3-W6 in 1919, at the age of 36 (meaning he would have been born ca. 1883. According to the homestead record, Alexander had served in the military and was unmarried as of 1919.
Sources: homestead records
Robertson, Alexander Reid
Branch: 10th Battalion
Alexander was born in Dundee, Scotland in 1892. In 1914, he joined the 10th Battalion and served in World War I. He was married to Harriet Elvira Wiltse in 1926. Alexander and Harriet had six children. Alexander died in 1966.
Sources: Fonds 109; gravemarker
Robertson, Arthur Dougall
Arthur was born in Lancaster, Ontario on January 26, 1885. He filed on SE 3-79-5-W6 in 1915 and his homestead record indicates that he served in the military while proving up, possibly in the Royal Flying Corps. Arthur died in 1972 and was buried in North Branch, Ontario.
Robertson, Arthur Edgar
Regimental Number: 101524
Rank: Corporal
Branch: 102nd Battalion
Arthur was born in Shoal Lake, Manitoba on September 11, 1884. He was living in Grande Prairie at the time of his enlistment in October of 1915, though he did not file on his homesteads at SW 33-73-11-W6 and NE 19-73-11-W6 until after the war. His brother Gilbert also served in the Canadian Army. On June 6, 1917 he suffered from contusion on his right side and a fractured rib, though this injury was accidental; he "was practicing bare backed horseback wrestling during which he was injured." Arthur died in Fairview on May 3, 1966.
Source: 66th Nominal Roll; Pioneer Round Up p. 282
Robertson, Gilbert Heathcote
Regimental Number: 506170
Rank: Sapper
Branch: Canadian Engineers
Gilbert was born in Erinview, Manitoba on January 18, 1899 (1888, according to his obituary and homestead records). He was living in Grande Prairie at the time of his enlistment in September of 1916, as was his brother Arthur. In April of 1918, Gilbert suffered from a contusion on his hip. After the war, he filed on homesteads at NE 34-73-12-W6 and SE 3-74-12-W6. Gilbert died in Edmonton on October 24, 1974.
Sources: surname database; Pioneers of the Peace p. 315
Robertson, Henry
Regimental Number: 101370
Rank: Private
Branch: 66th Battalion
Henry was born in Glasgow, Scotland. He gave his date of birth as February 19, 1870, though according to homestead record, he would have been born around 1858. Henry filed on NW 28-71-2-W6 in 1911 at the age of 53. In September of 1915, he enlisted in the Canadian Army. He was discharged on March 3, 1916, having been found medically unfit.
Sources: Edson to Grande Prairie Trail p. 112; Grande Prairie Capitol of the Peace p. 46
Robertson, James
James was born in Manitoba in 1883. He filed on NW 28-74-7-W6 in 1919; his homestead record indicates that he had served in the military. James died in 1951 and was buried in the Norden Cemetery in La Glace. It is possible that James Robertson, 436 is the same James Robertson who filed on a homestead here in 1919 but we have not been able to confirm his identity.
Robertson, John
John was born ca. 1890 in Scotland. He filed on SW 16-72-3-W6 in 1915; his homestead record indicates that he served in the army while proving up.
Sources: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 147
Robertson, William Campbell
William was born between 1881 and 1885 in Manitoba. He filed on NE 23-74-7-W6 in 1923, indiciating that he had served the military. On November 19, 1943, William married Janet McEwan.
Robideau, Roy John
Regimental Number: 3207274
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment; Canadian Army Medical Corps
Roy was born in Stanley, Wisconsin on November 26, 1889. In 1917 he and his family came to the Grande Prairie area; Roy eventually filed on homesteads at SW 9-72-2-W6, NE 24-73-2-W6, and SW 12-72-3-W6. He was drafted into the Canadian Army in June of 1918; his brother William served in the American Army and was killed in action. On July 19, 1919, Roy married an Englishwoman named Margaret Ann Hague. They returned to Roy's homestead and raised a family of five children. During World War II, Roy served as an orderly for one and a half years in the hospital of the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps at the Barracks in Grande Prairie. Later he became a Veteran Guard. Roy died on March 6, 1984.
Sources: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 382
Robideau, William Leo
Rank: Private
Branch: 47th Infantry Regiment
William was born on January 5, 1896 in Foley, Minnesota. His parents, Peter and Sophia, came to the Peace Country around 1917. It is uncertain whether William ever lived here. He was drafted into the American Army and was killed his first day at the front on August 5, 1918, as was noted in the Grande Prairie Herald.
Source: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 381
Robinson, Alec "Scotty"
Alec settled in the Teepee Creek area in 1919. He was said to have served in the First World War.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 949, 1148
Robinson, George
Regimental Number: 505606
Rank: Lance Corporal
Branch: Canadian Engineers
George was born in Worthing, Sussex, England on October 7, 1892. He came to the Peace Country in 1915 as a surveyor for the railway. In 1916, he filed on a homestead at NE 6-73-3-W6 (after returning from the war, he filed on NE 19-73-3-W6 as well). George enlisted in the Canadian Army in June of 1916. In October of 1918, he suffered from a gunshot wound to the head; George also had three bouts of the Spanish flu. George had many passions, including agriculture, gardening, amateur paleontology, geology, and trapping. He died in Kelowna on April 23, 1982.
Sources: surname database; Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 490; Wagon Trails p. 665, 1148; Pioneers of the Peace p. 328
Robinson, Marion Verne
Regimental Number: 1401
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Army Service Corps
Marion was born in Iowa on May 17, 1894. It is unknown when he first came to Alberta, but he enlisted in the Canadian Army in Calgary on November 20, 1914. Marion forfeited a day's pay in January of 1917 for trotting horses on parade, contrary to regulation; he forfeited another day's pay in May of 1917 for insolence to an NCO. In 1928, Marion filed on the eastern half of 6-75-7-W6 and NE 18-76-7-W6, though he later canceled on these homesteads. He later filed on NE 36-74-8-W6, where the Robinson family lived for a few years before returning to the United States in 1937.
Sources: Buffalo Trails p. 37
Robson, Charles Oswald
Regimental Number: 2706190
Rank: Private
Branch: 11th Battalion, Canadian Garrison Regiment
Charles was born in Paisley, Ontario on May 6, 1864. At the time of his enlistment in 1918, he gave his address as "Internment Camp, Vernon, BC." His next of kin was a married daughter, Myrtle, living in Washington state. In 1920, he filed on a homestead at SE 4-75-10-W6, and carried the mail from Sexsmith to Valhalla. Charles died in Grande Prairie on September 10, 1936, and was buried in the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Sources: Pioneer Round Up p. 680; Grande Prairie Cemetery
Rock, Sam
Regimental Number: 1021241
Rank: Private
Branch: 233rd Battalion
Sam was born in Seul, Russia on March 15, 1889. He was living in Grande Prairie at the time of his enlistment in July of 1916. Sam was discharged on January 22, 1917 because of an old knee injury (he had been run over by a wagon ten years earlier).
Rogers, Frederick Charles
Regimental Number: 123507
Rank: Corporal
Branch: 18th Battalion
Fred was born in London, Ontario on August 24, 1891. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in September of 1915. He received gunshot wounds to his left hand on May 8, 1817 at Vimy Ridge; he lost his thumb and two fingers. As a result of this injury, Fred was discharged on January 14, 1918. According to his service file, Fred was married to Pearl E. at the time of his enlistment, while the community book states that he married Louisa Jane in Calgary on September 21, 1921. In 1931, Fred and Louisa moved to Grande Prairie and settled on SE 19-74-2-W6. Fred died on June 12, 1977.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 949
Rogers, Lewis Howell
Regimental Number: 51405
Rank: Private
Branch: Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
Lewis was born in Wales on October 1, 1874. It is unknown when he first came to Canada, but he enlisted in the Canadian Army in February of 1915. His wife Margaret was still living in Wales at that time. On May 8, 1915 at Ypres, Lewis received shrapnel wounds to the back. Surgeons attempted to remove the shrapnel but it was not possible. Lewis was discharged on April 18, 1916. He worked as a coffee bar assistant for four months (possibly more) after having been discharged. In 1929, Lewis filed on NW 7-75-12-W6. Lewis died at the University Hospital in Edmonton on May 8, 1940.
Roland, Augustus Joseph Henri "Gus"
Regimental Number: MCG156
Rank: Private
Branch: Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry
Gus was born in London, England on July 9, 1893. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in May of 1915. On December 12, 1915 at La Clytte, Belgium, Gus suffered from severe shell wounds to his legs. He was discharged on December 5, 1916, having been found medically unfit as a result of these wounds. Gus filed on NE 33-71-8-W6 in 1918, and the southern half of 32-71-8-W6; by this time he was married to Goldie C. He worked as a telegraph operator in Lake Saskatoon until he was transferred to Athabasca in 1924.
Sources: Lake Saskatoon Reflection pg. 35, 201
Rollefstad, Theodore
Regimental Number: 3206999
Rank: Gunner
Branch: Canadian Field Artillery
Theodore was born in Hoople, North Dakota on December 25, 1889. He filed on on LT 6-78-5-W6 in 1914. Theodore was drafted in March of 1918 and served in Canada and England. He suffered from ringworm in April of 1918.
Rollins, William Henry
Regimental Number: 859845
Rank: Private
Branch: 179th Battalion
William was born in Renfrew, Ontario on March 17, 1876 (he lied about his age when he enlisted). He married Annie Henry in 1902; Annie died on April 18, 1909, days after the birth of their third child. William later married Mary and they had four children. In March of 1916, William enlisted in the Canadian Army. He suffered from blood poisoning in October of 1916 and was discharged on March 22, 1917, having been found medically unfit. In 1918, he filed on NE 13-79-5-W6 and SW 27-76-6-W6. William died on his farm in the Woking area in August of 1932.
Sources: Burnt Embers p. 188
Romano, Andrew
Regimental Number: 19442
Rank: Private
Branch: 3rd Battalion
Andrew was born in Osco, Switzerland on December 25, 1889. It is unknown when he first came to Canada. Andrew enlisted in the Canadian Army at Valcartier on September 23, 1914. On May 11, 1915, he was captured and held as a prisoner of war at numerous camps for the remainder of the war. During his time as a prisoner, Andrew suffered from two attacks of bronchitis. He arrived back in England in December of 1918. In 1920, Andrew filed on SW 1-79-16-W6. He died on February 28, 1947.
Ronnie, Oscar John
Regimental Number: 100545
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion
Oscar was born in Revillo, South Dakota on December 1, 1893. He filed on a homestead at NE 32-78-5-W6 in March of 1915. In July, he enlisted in the Canadian Army. Oscar suffered from gunshot wounds to the neck in October of 1916. On September 28, 1918, Oscar was hit in the head by an enemy machine gun bullet while on patrol east of Bourlon Wood and was killed instantly. He was buried in Crest Cemetery, near Fontaine-Notre Dame, France.
Ronning, Chester Alvin
Regimental Number: 3213454; 272562
Rank: Sapper
Branch: Canadian Engineers; Royal Air Force
Chester was born in Fancheng, China on December 13, 1894 to missionary parents Halvor and Hannah Ronning. After Hannah died in 1907, Halvor came to Alberta with his young family. In 1911, Halvor married Gunhild Horte. Chester filed on a homestead at SE 12-74-10-W6 in 1913. He was drafted into the Canadian Army in June of 1918, but in September of 1918 was discharged in order to enlist in the RAF. Chester married Inga Marie Horte in 1918; they had six children. In the early 1920s, after receiving his Master of Arts degree, Chester returned to China as a missionary. For some years, he was president of Camrose Lutheran College. Chester also spent some years working in politics, serving in diplomatic posts in China, Norway, and India. During World War II, he served in the Canadian Intelligence Service. Chester died on December 31, 1984.
Sources: surname database; Pioneers of the Peace p. 257; Pioneer Round Up p. 685; The Remarkable Chester Ronning: Proud Son of China; Wikipedia
Note: the National Film Board of Canada produced a film about Chester A. Ronning
Ronning, Nelius Theodore
Regimental Number: 3208311; 173481
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment; Royal Air Force
Nelius was born in Hankow, China on January 22, 1893 to missionary parents Halvor and Hannah Ronning. After Hannah died in 1907, Halvor came to Alberta with his young family. In 1911, Halvor married Gunhild Horte. Nelius filed on a homestead at NW 7-74-9-W6 in 1913. He was drafted in 1918, and in May was discharged in order to join the RAF. Nelius had attended the University of Alberta, specializing in geology. In May of 1920, he was selected as one of four assistant geologists to A. E. Cameron of the Imperial Oil Company in Edmonton. In September of 1920, on one of the survey trips on Great Slave Lake, Nelius and his companions were drowned in a sudden storm.
Sources: Pioneers of the Peace p. 257; Pioneer Round Up p. 685
Roofe, Charles Henry
Regimental Number: 2684333
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Light Horse
Charles was born in Manningtree, Essex, England on March 6, 1889. He filed on SW 4-79-6-W6 in 1916, but at the time of his enlistment in 1918 he was living in Regina and serving with the RNWMP. After the war he returned to the South Peace and filed on additional land at NE 10-79-6-W6, NW 36-78-7-W6, and SE 19-79-7-W6. His sister Alice came to join him in 1920.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 292
Rosenberg, Earl Alfred
Regimental Number: 100897
Rank: Private
Branch: 102nd Battalion
Earl was born in Caledonia, Michigan on March 28, 1883. It is uncertain where he was living at the time of his enlistment in July of 1915, but he enlisted in Edmonton and was already married to Ellen Nancy. Earl received gunshot wounds to his right shoulder in October of 1916, and was sent back to Canada in May of 1917 as he had suffered partial paralysis from the wound. He was discharged on January 31, 1918. In 1928 Earl filed on land at NE 18-70-22-W5 and NE 7-70-22-W5, at this time stating that he was not married. Earl died suddenly of a heart attack on January 1, 1952.
Sources: Where the Red Willow Grew p. 238, 303
Ross, Donald
Regimental Number: 505726
Rank: Sapper
Branch: 12th Field Company, Canadian Engineers
Donald was born in Rossshire, Scotland on July 14, 1885. In January of 1915, he filed on a homestead at SW 35-78-6-W6. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in July of 1916. In March of 1917, Donald was granted permission to marry a Scotswoman named Jessie. He was killed in action southwest of Lens on June 28, 1917. Donald was buried in the Villers Station Cemetery, Villers-au-Bois, France.
Sources: homestead record
Ross, Hugh
Regimental Number: 812182
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion; 2nd Battalion, Canadian Machine Gun Corps
Hugh was born in Earltown, Nova Scotia on August 15, 1872. In 1916 he filed on a homestead at NW 2-75-10-W6. In May of 1916, Hugh enlisted in the Canadian Army. He suffered from gunshot wounds to the eye. On November 18, 1918, he was awarded the Military Medal. Hugh returned to the South Peace after the war and filed on NE 2-75-10-W6. He died in Vancouver on March 14, 1962.
Ross, Olive
Regimental Number:
Rank: Nurse
Branch: Canadian Army Medical Corps
Olive was born in Edmonton, Alberta on March 10, 1881. In 1914, she came to Grande Prairie, having been appointed superintendent of the Pioneer Hospital. Olive served with the Queen Alexandra's Imperial Nursing Service Reserve in Malta (1916) and Salonika. Her contract expired in November of 1917, at which time she joined the Canadian Army Medical Corps. Olive died in Edmonton in November of 1970.
Sources: Pioneers of the Peace p. 49, 294
Rostalski, Mike
Regimental Number: 908188
Rank: Private
Battalion: 102nd Battalion; Canadian Forestry Corps
Mike was born in Lutsk, Russia on September 23, 1894. He came to Canada in 1913 and was living in Lipton, Saskatchewan when he enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1916. In May of 1917, he suffered from a gunshot wound to his left leg. After the war, Mike returned to Saskatchewan and farmed there for a number of years. He married Christina Wurtz on June 8, 1920 in Watrous, Saskatchewan. In 1927, Mike and Christina and their children moved to the South Peace. Mike worked as a mechanic first for the Grande Prairie Garage, and later for Don Innes at the Sexsmith Garage. Mike died on October 25, 1986.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 673, 1148; obituary
Roudelet, Nicolas
born ca. 1877 in Liege, Belgium
filed on SE 35-78-22-W5 and NE 26-78-22-W5 in 1919.
Unable to find Canadian or French military records; may have served in the Belgian Army?
Roy, Leopold Floribert
Regimental Number: 4090016
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Saskatchewan Regiment
Leopold was born in St. Charles, Quebec on January 20, 1897. He was working in Saskatchewan when he was drafted into the Canadian Army in November of 1917. He served only in England. In 1921, Leopold filed on the western half of 28-76-21-W5. He died in Vancouver on July 25, 1990.
Rude, Otto
Rank: Private
Branch: American Army
Otto was born in Hamar, North Dakota on January 16, 1893. In June of 1917, he enlisted in the American Army. Otto returned to North Dakota after the war, and on April 3, 1922 married Agnes Hagen. In 1925, Otto and Agnes moved with their family to Mayfair, Saskatchewan. In October of 1946, they moved on to La Glace. Otto died on November 26, 1982 and was buried in the Norden Cemetery at La Glace.
Sources: La Glace Yesterday and Today p. 134; Buffalo Trails p. 14
Russell, James
Regimental Number: 645299
Rank: Acting Sergeant
Branch: 158th Battalion
James was born Portsoy, Scotland on July 29, 1884. He, his wife Eva, and their two children were living in Vancouver when he enlisted in January of 1916. James was working as a tailor at the time, a trade he continued to use in various military camps in England during the war. In February of 1917, James attended Trench Warefare School. He was invalided to Canada in September of 1917 due to flat feet, and discharged on January 4, 1918. In 1919, James filed on the southern half of 10-70-12-W6. He died in Vancouver on November 21, 1950.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 494
Russell, William Allen "Bill"
Regimental Number: 1262294
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Army Service Corps; Royal Air Force.
William was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on March 4, 1896. In March of 1916 he enlisted in the Canadian Army and worked as an army mechanic in England until he transferred to the RAF. After the war, William came to the South Peace and filed on the southern half of 34-71-9-W6. In 1937, he married Florence Hopps. They had three children. William died on February 2, 1971.
Ryall, Henry Christopher
Regimental Number: 63769
Rank: Private
Branch: 13th Battalion
Harry was born in Birmingham, England on February 19, 1878. In 1910, he filed on a homestead at SW 20-71-9-W6 in the Lower Beaverlodge area. Harry enlisted in the Canadian Army in November of 1914. On June 14, 1916, Harry died in the No. 10 Casualty Clearing Station of gunshot wounds to his legs and hands.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 462
Note: served as "Harry Raynes"
- Attestation Paper
- Lives of the First World War
- Canadian Great War Project
- Estate Notice (March 28, 1927)
- Grande Prairie Honour Roll
- Circumstances of Death Register
- Reported Location of Grave
- Canadian Virtual War Memorial
- Commonwealth War Graves (as Ryall)
- Commonwealth War Graves (as Raynes)
- Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery
- CWGC Register
- CWGC Register
Saffin, Frank Russell
Regimental Number: 523477
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Army Medical Corps; 3rd Battalion, Canadian Machine Gun Corps
Frank was born in Danville, Quebec on August 4, 1887. In 1913, he filed on a homestead at NW 9-79-14-W6. He was a mail carrier in the South Peace for a time, and according to his attestation paper also worked as a surveyor. Frank enlisted in the Canadian Army in December of 1916. He was killed southwest of Tilloy on September 30, 1918 while resting in a funk hole. Frank was buried in the Anneux British Cemetery in France.
- Attestation Paper
- Lives of the First World War profile
- Canadian Great War Project profile
- Delivers weekly mail to Beaverlodge (August 12, 1913)
- Mention in Harold Newgord's letter (May 29, 1917)
- Circumstances of Death Register
- Reported Location of Grave
- Canadian Virtual War Memorial
- Commonwealth War Graves Commission
- CWGC Register
- CWGC Register
Sajtovich, Michael
died Sept. 3 1985
change name to Michael
Mike was born in Czechoslovakia on November 6, 1897. He served in the Austria-Hungarian Army during World War I. On May 16, 1921, Mike married Mary. In 1928, Mike came to Alberta and worked as a farmhand for nearly three years, all this time sending his earnings back to Mary and their two children in Czechoslovakia. In 1930, he filed on a homestead at NW 8-79-12-W6. In March of 1933, Mary and the children finally joined Mike in Canada. In 1969, Mike and Mary moved to Dawson Creek, where they were still living in 1981. Mike died on September 3, 1985 and was buried in the Dawson Creek Cemetery.
Sources: Homesteaders Heritage p. 100, 146
Salvino, Louis
Regimental Number: 101073
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion
Louis was born in Naples, Italy on May 14, 1891. He came to Canada and filed on a homestead at NW 13-71-8-W6 in 1913. In July of 1915, Louis enlisted in the Canadian Army. Louis died on February 5, 1974.
Sandboe, Carl John
Regimental Number: 294584
Rank: Private
Branch: 223rd Battalion
Carl was born in Elverum, Norway on March 15, 1888. He came to Canada in 1905 and lived in Camrose for a time. In 1914, Carl came up to the South Peace and filed on a homestead at SE 13-74-9-W6. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in July of 1916. However, on March 6, 1917, Carl was discharged because of heart problems. Around 1919, Carl married Clara Torgerson. They had seven children. Carl died in 1971.
Sources: Centennial Celebration p. 120; La Glace p. 57, 58, 206; Buffalo Trails p. 42
Sanderson, Hugh Iles
Regimental Number: 101049
Rank: Private
Branch: 66th Battalion
Hugh was born in Muskoka, Ontario on February 28, 1887. He filed on NE 35-70-7-W6 in June of 1915, and a month later enlisted in the Canadian Army. However, on September 21, 1915 Hugh was discharged, having been found medically unfit (his service file is unclear on the exact reason for his discharge).
Sandison, Alexander Milne
Alexander filed on SE 34-71-11-W6 in 1929, indicating that he had served in the military. He died in March of 1950.
See Grande Prairie Herald-Tribune June 15, 1950, p. 3 c. 5
Sandison, George
Regimental Number: 11267; 6985; 2868317
Rank: Private
Branch: Gordon Highlanders; Labour Corps
George was born ca. 1899. He served in the Gordon Highlanders and Labour Corps during the First World War. In 1929, he filed on the northern half of 27-71-11-W6. George died in Beaverlodge on October 6, 1963.
Sanger-Davies, Florian Morgan
Regimental Number: 5/2343
Rank: Lieutenant
Branch: Royal Sussex Regiment
Florian, or Morgan, as he was known, was born in Florence, Italy in 1896, the son of an Anglican minister and his wife. He served as a lieutenant in the British Army (some of his letters are available online at the link below). Morgan came to Canada in May of 1921 and studied at the Vermilion School of Agriculture. Later he bought a farm north of Grande Prairie (18-70-6-W6; 11-72-6-W6). On March 17, 1927 in Hove, England, Morgan married Mabel Edith Bridel of Lewes, England. They returned to Morgan's farm near Grande Prairie. In 1929, the marriage was annulled. On December 4, 1934, Morgan married Joyce Cave-Browne in Grande Prairie. During World War II, Morgan served in the Canadian Army, this time at several POW camps across Canada. In 1951, he was ordained as a deacon in the Anglican church, and in 1958, he was made a canon. Morgan and Joyce moved to Berwyn and served in the Anglican churches in Berwyn and Grimshaw. Morgan died on January 4, 1963.
Sources: Chepi Sepe p. 813; see database for more news clippings
Saul, Frederick
Regimental Number: 826779
Rank: Sapper
Branch: 3rd Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops
Fred was born in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England on March 29, 1877. In 1885, he stowed away on a ship sailing for Canada. Fred married Margaret Gunnell in 1890 in Wellington, Ontario. They moved to Saskatchewan and farmed there for a time, and in 1912 came to the South Peace with their children and filed on NE 5-73-7-W6. Fred enlisted in the Canadian Army in July of 1916. He returned to Grande Prairie after the war; Fred and Margaret remained in the South Peace for the rest of their lives. Fred died on March 13, 1960 and was buried in the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Sources: Buffalo Trails p. 108; Pioneers of the Peace p. 259-262; Centennial Celebration Edson Trail p. 120; Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 842
Saunders/Sanders, Bert
Regimental Number:
died: Jan 1953 (age 63)
Sauve, Joseph Paul
Regimental Number: 447624
Rank: Lieutenant
Branch: Canadian Mounted Rifles; Canadian Machine Gun Corps
Joseph was born in St. Genevieve, Quebec on January 25, 1889. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in Calgary in September of 1915. On July 9, 1917, Joseph was awarded the Military Medal. On page 30 of his service file, you can view a typed list of his transfers and other information; there is also a report card from officer's training school on pages 43 and 44. He was said to be "thoroughly reliable and should make a good officer." Around 1930, Joseph and his brother Leo settled on land about one and a half miles west of Eaglesham. Joseph died on June 26, 1947, having been injured by a falling tree.
Sources: Smoky Peace Triangle p. 372
Savard, Norman
Regimental Number: 3207018
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Norman was born in Grouard, Alberta on February 6, 1894. In 1915, he filed on a homestead at NW 33-72-3-W6. Norman was drafted in spring of 1918 and served only in England.
Schenk, Fred C.
Regimental Number:
Branch: American Army? what info is on his diary
Source: diary
Schmidt, Henry
Henry was born in Manitoba ca. 1893. He filed on SW 2-78-6-W6 in 1915, and according to the homestead record, he was on active service while proving up.
Schofield, Alfred Richard
Regimental Number: 101373
Rank: Sapper
Branch: 31st Battalion; Canadian Engineers
Alfred was born in Arnprior, Ontario on January 11, 1879. He was working as a telephone inspector and installer in Edmonton when he enlisted in October of 1915, though he had recently filed on a homestead at SE 18-73-10-W6 in 1914. Alfred suffered from arthritis in his left ankle after falling in a shell hole in France in August of 1916. He spent most of the remainder of the war in England as a result. Alfred died in Victoria on July 13, 1941.
Scott, Harry/Harvey
Harry was born ca. 1894 in Ontario. He filed on the eastern half of 25-70-9-W6 in 1921.
Scott, James Thompson (Jr.)
Regimental Number: 101354
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion
James was born in Seaforth, Ontario on September 17, 1895. In 1912, he took over a homestead his father had initially filed on at NE 5-72-5-W6. James enlisted in the Canadian Army in October of 1915. On January 28, 1917, James was wounded at Vimy - he had received shrapnel wounds to his back, shoulder, and face, and his jaw was fractured. There are no military records for 1918; it is possible that he was in hospital during that time. James was granted permission to marry on January 28, 1919. On May 21, 1919, he was invalided to Canada. He received palate surgery (no doubt the effect of his injuries in 1917). James died on January 24, 1960.
Scott, John
Regimental Number: 101081
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion
John was born in Dumfries, Scotland on February 15, 1882. In July of 1915, he filed on a homestead at NW 1-71-8-W6. Around the same time, he enlisted in the Canadian Army. While on a stretcher party at Courcelette on September 15, 1916, John was hit by a bullet and died immediately. He is commemorated on the Vimy Memorial.
Scott, Roland Gordon
Regimental Number: 3345918
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Manitoba Regiment
Gordon was born in Darlingford, Manitoba on March 14, 1895. He was drafted in May of 1918 and served in England during though war, though he spent time in France after the war ended. After being discharged, Gordon returned to Manitoba and in 1922 married Nellie May, the sister of an army friend. In 1928, they came to the South Peace and filed on SE 25-72-1-W6 in 1930. Gordon died on July 4, 1954 and was buried in the community cemetery in DeBolt.
Sources: Across the Smoky p. 202
Scott, Samuel David
Regimental Number: 100868
Rank: Sergant
Branch: 66th Battalion
Samuel was born in Clarke Township on October 10, 1875. He lied about his birth year when enlisting in the army in Edmonton in July of 1915, but was discharged shortly thereafter on October 4, 1915. In 1916, Samuel came to the South Peace. He married Annie Keir Ramsey at some point that same year. He filed on NE 25-78-7-W6 in 1920. Samuel died in Vernon, British Columbia on March 21, 1944.
Scott, T.
Regimental Number:
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1148
Secrest, Glenn Otis
Regimental Number: 154887
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Canadian Pioneer Battalion
Glenn was born in Edgerton, Kansas on January 29, 1881. He served in the American Army during the Philippine War, and enlisted in the Canadian Army in October of 1915 to serve in the First World War. Glenn's service file states that he suffered from persistent vomiting in October of 1917 and he was diagnosed with Bright's Disease. In fall of 1919, he married Mabel. They came to the South Peace and filed on SW 4-73-3-W6 and SE 5-73-3-W6. Glen died on November 10, 1960.
Sources: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 147
Seeley, Noble
Noble was born in 1885. He filed on SW 17-72-4-W6 in 1914. Noble died while serving in the army during World War I.
Sources: Pioneers of the Peace p. 138
Selby, Gratton/Grattan
Regimental Number: 457130
Rank: Private
Branch: 60th Battalion
Gratton was born in Charters Towers, Australia on February 28, 1890. It is unknown when he came to Canada, but he enlisted in the Canadian Army in Montreal in June of 1915. On August 16, 1916, Gratton suffered from gunshot wounds to the throat. He later suffered from severe gunshot wounds to the ankle in September of 1918. In 1919, Gratton filed on NE 26-78-21-W5.
Sellers, J.
Sellers, Richard "Dick"
Regimental Number: 63843
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: 23rd Battalion
Dick was born in Blackburn, Lancashire, England on May 7, 1878. In 1912 he filed on a homestead at SW 13-71-8-W6. Dick enlisted in the Canadian Army in Edmonton in November of 1914. On May 15, 1915, he received shrapnel wounds to his right shoulder at La Bassee; he was discharged as a result of this wound. However, in early 1916 he reenlisted; the board "believe he is now again fit for service, he is anxious to return." This time Dick gave his present address as Hartney, Ontario. He was married to Mary Anne (who went by Polly), and they had a six year old daughter. Dick died on January 25, 1946.
Sources: Along the Wapiti p. 411
Servant, George Edouard
Regimental Number: 3213091
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
George was born in Ste. Anne des Monts, Quebec on July 25, 1896. He filed on SW 20-77-20-W5 in 1915, and was living in Donnelly when he was drafted in 1918. Because it was so near the end of the war, George only served in England. His brother Orelus was also drafted. Upon his return, he acquired additional land (SE 18-77-20-W5; SE 2-77-20-W5). George began a correspondence with Marie Emma Vallee, a woman from his hometown, in 1921. They were married in Ste. Anne, Quebec on May 3, 1922. George and Emma had nine children. In 1965 they sold the farm and retired to McLennan. George died on June 25, 1983.
Sources: By the Peavine in the Smoky of the Peace p. 485
Servant, Orelus
Regimental Number: 3213012
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Orelus was born in Ste. Anne des Monts, Quebec on May 1, 1895. He was living in Donnelly (SW 26-77-21-W5 and NW 4-77-20-W5) when he and his brother George were drafted in 1918. Because the war was so near its end, Orelus served only in England. In early 1920, he married Jeanne Ida Lajoie. They arrived in Donnelly in August of that year. Orelus and Jeanne had four children. In 1953, they sold the farm and retired to Falher. Orelus died on May 23, 1974.
Sources: By the Peavine in the Smoky of the Peace p. 483
Setter, Archibald
Regimental Number: 736480; 101051
Rank: Private
Branch: 66th Battalion; 8th Battalion
Archie was born in Battleford, Saskatchewan on May 4, 1892. In 1914, he filed on NW 1-77-5-W6, near Spirit River. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in July of 1915, though he was absent without leave (still in Canada) from August 30, 1915 until April 9, 1916. In spring of 1916 Archie enlisted and was sent overseas. A letter Archie wrote was printed in the February 20, 1917 Grande Prairie Herald:
Northumberland War Hospital
Dear Friend,
I suppose you will be quite surprised to hear from me; however, as I am living in my bed at the above hospital I thought I would write you a few lines. We arrived in Liverpool on the 7th May 1916 and there went to a place called St. Martain’s Plains and from there I was drafted in to the 8th Bttn. and went to France in June. I was in the battle of Ypres in June and also was at the Somme when I got hit in the left ankle, and I have finally lost my left foot, it is cut off about 5 inches above the ankle, so my chances are pretty good for getting back to Canada once more. Well Bill, you people have no idea of the war, but I can tell you that it is simply hell.
I suppose Grande Prairie is a big place now since the railroad is there.
Dean Hodgins was in the same Bttn. as me, I wrote to him a few times since I got wounded, but I have got no answer so I don’t know what has happened to him.
My leg is not quite healed yet but I am improving greatly. I think it will be some time yet before I will be able to use an artificial limb.
Well, Bill, this will be all for this time and if you don’t answer this letter please tell Mr. Rae that I want some papers.
I remain your friend,
Pte. A. Setter
No. 101051 No. 5 Ward, 8th Canadians
Archie had accidentally shot his foot while cleaning his rifle on September 10, 1916. His medical records state that he "was struck by rifle bullet in ankle accidentally by discharge of his own rifle. Foot was badly shattered. Wound became very septic requiring amputation which was performed Oct. 21, 1916." It was later reported in the Grande Prairie paper that Archie came back to Canada and was working as a postmaster in Saskatchewan. Archie died on May 2, 1975.
Seymour, Sydney Charles
Regimental Number: 3214658
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Sydney was born in Harlow, England on December 13, 1886. He filed on NE 30-73-4-W6 in 1918, and was drafted into the Canadian Army later that year. Sydney served only in Canada for the remainder of the war.
Seymour, Vincent
Vincent was born in England ca. 1898. He filed on NE 8-81-13-W6 and NE 5-81-13-W6 in 1928, and his homestead records indicate that he had served in the military.
Shannon, James Patrick
Branch: British Army; Irish Fusiliers
James was born in County Antrim, Ireland in 1879. He joined the Irish Fusiliers in 1898 and served in both the Boer War and the First World War. James came to the South Peace with his wife Rosina and their daughter in 1927 and filed on homesteads at SW 12-78-26-W5, SW 26-73-9-W6, and SE 27-73-9-W6. He died on August 23, 1935 and was buried in the Emerson Trail Cemetery.
Sources: Pioneer Round Up p. 702
Shannon, Michael
Regimental Number: 258189
Rank: Corporal
Branch: 8th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops
Michael was born in St. Johns, Newfoundland on March 26, 1869, though he lied about his age when he enlisted in May of 1916. He was gassed at Ploegsteert in September of 1917 and discharged on November 27, 1918, having been found medically unfit, probably due to the effects of gas as well as his age. In 1919, Michael filed on the northern half of 35-77-3-W6. He died in Grande Prairie on August 6, 1938.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 687
Sharp, Wilfred Victor
Regimental Number: 925844
Rank: Acting Corporal
Branch: 20th Battalion
Wilfred was born in Tara, Ontario on March 27, 1893. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in May of 1916. In January of 1919, Wilfred suffered from influence. He recovered and came to the South Peace in 1920 and filed on homesteads at SW 6-72-9-W6 and NW 8-72-9-W6. Wilfred was married to Edith Mae Butler. He died in Cashmere, Washington on September 28, 1968.
Shepherd, Oswell Jr.
Oswell was born on February 8, 1887 in Mansfield, England. He filed on SE 8-79-15-W6 in 1912, and according to his homestead record, he served in the military while proving up. Oswell married Mary McCallan on September 27, 1930. He died in Ogden, Utah on March 9, 1958.
Sheppard, George
Regimental Number: 434972
Rank: Private
Branch: 50th Battalion
George was born in Surrey, England on February 5, 1884. It is unknown when he came to Canada, but he enlisted in Calgary in February of 1915. George received gunshot wounds to his right shoulder on November 19, 1916 and was missing in action. He was reported to be a prisoner of war in January of 1917 and was held at Stettin, Altdamm, and Limburg. On December 15, 1918 George arrived in England. After being discharged in 1919, he filed on the western half of 21-78-13-W6, NW 3-79-13-W6, and NW 4-79-14-W6. George never regained his strength after having been injured and held prisoner during the war. He died in Dawson Creek on September 1, 1972.
Sources: Homesteaders Heritage p. 106
Shields, Hugh Harper
Regimental Number: 505889
Rank: Sapper
Branch: Canadian Engineers
Hugh was born in Harper, Ontario on October 23, 1888. In 1914, he suffered from typhoid. Hugh filed on NE 19-73-11-W6 in 1916, though he later canceled this homestead. In July of that year, he enlisted in the Canadian Army. According to a present address card from his service file, Hugh was living in Toronto in 1921.
Showers, Ebenezer Norman
Regimental Number: 407021
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Battalion
Ebenezer was born in Wisconsin on July 19, 1889. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1915; at this time he was married to Ruth and they had a son named Earl. Ebenezer received shrapnel wounds to the middle finger of his right hand on March 6, 1916 at Messines. The finger was ampuated, and the infection following amputation caused swelling up to the elbow. He was discharged on August 31, 1917. It appears that Ruth died at some point between 1916 and the early 1920s, as Ebenezer remarried around 1924. His new wife came over from England and they had two more children. Ebenezer owned the western half of 34-72-7-W6. He died on January 23, 1939 and was buried in Grande Prairie.
Sources: Jan. 10, 1927 p. 1 c. 4; Buffalo Trails p. 120
Silcox, James Henry Birch
Regimental Number: 3205512
Rank: Private
Branch: 31st Battalion
James was born on January 7, 1888 in Meaford, Ontario. He filed for his homestead near Goodfare, Alberta in 1917 (SW 14-72-12-W6). According to records, James had no known relatives. He was drafted into the Canadian Army in November of 1917. On August 28, 1918, less than three weeks after arriving in France, James was killed by a shell “on the eastern edge of the village of Cherisy, while his Company was advancing to support the 4th Canadian Infantry Brigade.” He was buried in the Sun Quarry Cemetery in Cherisy, France. James's grave marker is inscribed with “Lest We Forget.”
Source: homestead record
Sills, Alfred Frederick
Regimental Number: 100207
Rank: Private
Branch: 31st Battalion
Alfred was born in Wolseley, Saskatchewan on September 1, 1885. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in Edmonton on July 1, 1915. On September 26, 1916, in the vicinity of Courcelette, Alfred received gunshot wounds to his arm. He was invalided to Canada in May of 1917; he suffered from slight paralysis in his left hand, and had also been diagnosed with bronchitis. A note in his service file states that Alfred had had a bullet lodged in his left lung in his civilian life; it was never removed. Alfred filed on SE 17-80-7-W6 in 1923. He died on May 19, 1942.
Simmons, Mervin Cecil
Regimental Number: 23445
Rank: Private
Branch: 7th Battalion
Mervin was born in Verschoyle, Ontario on October 27, 1886. He was working as a carpenter at the time of his enlistment in the Canadian Army in 1914. Mervin was wounded and captured by the Germans in June of 1915 at Ypres. He wrote a book about his experiences as a prisoner of war as well as his attempts to escape; "Three Times & Out" is available to read online at no charge at the link below. Mervin's third attempt at escape was successful and he was discharged from the Canadian Army on January 6, 1917. He filed on a homestead at NE 3-79-13-W6 in 1918. While en route to the South Peace, he met Nellie McClung and asked her to help write his story. Mervin's first wife, Catherine May, died in 1949. He later remarried to Honor Jessie Ellis. Mervin died in Dawson Creek in 1964.
Simonson, George
Regimental Number: 3214822
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
George was born in Bardu, Norway on January 25, 1888. In 1913 he came to the South Peace and filed on SW 27-74-8-W6. He was drafted in 1918 and because the war was so near its end, he only served in Canada. George died at his home in La Glace in 1961.
Sources: La Glace Yesterday and Today p. 143, 313; Northfield Settlement p. 32
Simpkins, Grover
Branch: American Army
Grover was born on April 6, 1894 in Uniontown, Kentucky. He married Margaret Gardiner in 1921 in Rimby, Alberta. They moved to the South Peace in 1933; Grover filed on NE 7-73-3-W6. Grover died in Grande Prairie on September 14, 1958.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1019, 1148; Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 503
Simpson, Ronald Everest
Regimental Number: 1490; 45503
Rank: Private
Branch: King Edward's Horse; Lancashire Fusiliers; 18th Battalion
Ronald was born around 1886 in Birkenshaw, England. In October of 1910, he filed on SE 34-71-8-W6. Ronald served in the British Army during World War I, arriving in France in July of 1915, and was killed in action on April 16, 1918.
Sources: Lake Saskatoon Reflections p. 200, 254
Sims, Charles Harrison "Harry"
Regimental Number: 10784; 373463
Rank: Corporal
Regiment: 2nd Sherwood Foresters; Army Service Corps
Charles "Harry" Sims was born on February 18, 1890 in Spondon, Derbyshire, England. He joined the Sherwood Foresters at the age of 18. He fought in the battles at Mons and Aisne, where his foot was injured. On February 22, 1915 he was discharged from the army because of his injuries, but in 1918 he reenlisted as a truck driver. On June 23, 1921, Charles married Edith Annie Puckering. Charles had developed malaria while stationed in Malta and his doctor told him his lungs could no longer handle the moist English air. In 1926, he, his wife, and their three children (Edith was also pregnant with twins at the time) sailed to Canada and settled east of Grande Prairie, where Charles had been given land by the Soldier Settlement Plan. His land was located at NW 28-79-13-W6. They eventually moved to Magrath, Alberta, where Charles died on July 25, 1975.
Sources: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 236; a few news clippings
Sinclair, Donald Roy
Regimental Number: 528279
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Army Medical Corps
Donald was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica on August 20, 1895. He came to Toronto with his parents and siblings as a child, and was still living there at the time of his enlistment in July of 1917; his brothers Harold and Kenneth also served in the army. Don was blind in his right eye due to a childhood injury and therefore served only in Canada. In 1922, Don filed on a homestead at SE 17-72-12-W6.
Sources: brother's service file; Pioneer Round-Up p. 130; NT June 19, 1934 p. 8 c. 2 (?)
Sinclair, George William
Regimental Number: 67516
Rank: Corporal
Branch: 25th Battalion; 17th Battalion
George was born in Manchester, England on April 23, 1872. He and his wife Margaret were living in New Waterford, Nova Scotia where he worked as a miner at the time of his enlistment in November of 1914. In October of 1915, George received severe gunshot wounds to his neck, head, and shoulder at Kemmel, Belgium. It appears that he spent the remainder of the war in England. In June of 1917, George was wounded in his right shoulder by a hand grenade; this may have been during a training exercise in England. In 1919, George, Margaret, and their two children came to the South Peace where George filed on SW 20-71-3-W6 and NW 17-71-3-W6. George died on January 15, 1957.
Sources: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 450
Sinclair, Harold Whittred
Regimental Number: 114210
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Mounted Rifles; Royal Canadian Dragoons
Harold was born in Jamaica on December 17, 1893. When he was about 11, he came with his family to Toronto. In May of 1915, Harold enlisted in the Canadian Army in Regina, Saskatchewan. His brothers Donald and Kenneth also served in the army. After being discharged in 1919, Harold filed on NE 17-72-12-W6. He filed on the northwest quarter in 1928. Harold died on June 26, 1972.
Sources: gravemarker; Pioneer Round Up p. 130
Sinclair, Harry Ludlow
Regimental Number: 340919
Rank: Gunner
Branch: Canadian Field Artillery
Harry was born in Orillia, Ontario on December 29, 1887. In May of 1916, he filed on a homestead at NE 7-71-9-W6. Harry enlisted in the Canadian Army in June of 1916. He died on May 9, 1961.
Sources: homestead records
Sinclair, John Adam
Regimental Number: 2557340
Rank: Driver
Branch: Canadian Field Artillery
John was born in Sandwick, Shetland, Scotland on January 16, 1885. He filed on NW 2-73-11-W6 and SW 5-73-11-W6 in 1917 and was drafted into the Canadian Army in December of 1917. According to his military service file, John had mumps in 1918.
Sinclair, Kenneth Rhodes
Regimental Number: 114914
Rank: Private
Branch: 9th Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles; Royal Canadian Dragoons
Kenneth was born in Jamaica on October 2, 1896. He came to Toronto as a child with his parents and siblings. In January of 1916, Kenneth enlisted in the Canadian Army in Regina, Saskatchewan. His brothers Harold and Donald also served during World War I. In June of 1918, Kenneth was invalided to Canada. There was no record of injury and the reason may have been that he suffered from heart trouble. He was discharged on August 26, 1918. In 1919, Kenneth filed on land at NW 9-72-11-W6, SE 20-72-11-W6, and NW 17-72-11-W6. He later served as a postmaster in Lake Saskatoon. Kenneth died on February 12, 1928.
Sources: Along the Wapiti p. 411; Lake Saskatoon p. 36; Feb 17, 1928 p. 5 c. 4
Skillings, Dwight Mayo
Regimental Number: 2378554
Rank: Private
Branch: 16th Battalion
Dwight was born in Marshall, Minnesota on May 16, 1900 (he lied about his age when enlisting in the army, stating that he was born in 1898). He traveled to Winnipeg in December of 1917 to enlist in the Canadian Army. Dwight suffered from gunshot wounds to his "upper extremities" in October of 1918. In 1919, he came to the Peace Country and filed on NE 20-76-21-W5. Dwight married Elizabeth Sarah Bell in 1943. He died in Beaver Bay, Minnesota on July 1, 1968.
Slack, Francis David
Regimental Number: 3209804
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment; Canadian Railway Troops
Francis was born in Truro, Nova Scotia on November 14, 1885. He was working as a locomotive fireman in Medicine Hat when he was drafted in May of 1918. In 1921, Francis filed on SE 25-70-13-W6. He died on August 14, 1951 and was buried in Medicine Hat.
Slade, Arthur Joseph
Regimental Number: 911325
Rank: Captain
Branch: 196th Battalion; 50th Battalion
Arthur was born in Toronto, Ontario on February 20, 1893. He was working as an accountant in Edmonton at the time of his enlistment in March of 1916. Arthur was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in February of 1919, and the Military Cross in April of 1919. He was discharged on November 28, 1919. Arthur filed on the southern half of 16-74-5-W6, but later canceled. He worked as the manager of the Merchants Bank in Sexsmith. By 1922, Arthur had moved to Owen Sound, Ontario.
Smart, John Mackay "Jack"
Regimental Number: 904763
Rank: Acting Corporal
Branch: Canadian Machine Gun Corps
Jack was born in New London, Prince Edward Island on April 15, 1880. He came to Grande Prairie over the Edson Trail around 1911. In March 1916, Jack filed on NW 15-72-3-W6; a matter of days later he enlisted in the Canadian Army. At the time he was manager of the Empire Hotel in Grande Prairie. While fighting at Passchendaele in November of 1917, Jack received gunshot wounds to his left buttock. He met and married Annie Soars while overseas; they returned to live in Grande Prairie after the war. In 1943, Jack served as Grande Prairie's mayor. Jack died in 1960.
Sources: Grande Prairie Capitol of the Peace p. 34, 143
Smart, Mabel Anne (Nicholls)
Regimental Number: 13828
Rank: listed on discharge certificate, but indiscernible
Branch: Women's Royal Air Force
Mabel was born in Rough Common, England in 1886. On July 11, 1918 she signed up in the Women's Royal Air Force. Mabel married Archie Smart and they settled in Grande Prairie in 1928 (previously they had lived in Brooks, Alberta). Mabel died suddenly of a heart attack on October 7, 1938.
Sources: Along the Wapiti p. 168; news clippings
Smith, Albert Henry
Regimental Number: 1000621
Rank: Corporal
Branch: 27th Battalion
Albert was born in Northumberland County, Ontario on June 21, 1896. He was five years old when he moved with his parents to Manitoba. In February of 1916, Albert enlisted in the Canadian Army; his brother George also served overseas. He suffered from a bayonet wound to his hand on November 6, 1917, and received gunshot wounds to the head in September of 1918. In 1921, Albert married Elva May Thomas. They farmed in Kelwood, Manitoba until 1930, when they brought their family of four to the South Peace. Albert filed on a homestead at 34-76-6-W6 in 1932. For many years he worked Department of Highways. Albert died on December 10, 1980.
Sources: Memories and Moments p. 269; Burnt Embers p. 37
Smith, Bertram Jacob
Regimental Number: 260778
Rank: Private
Branch: 15th Reserve Battalion
Bertram was born in Ashfield, Ontario on March 26, 1895. He was living in Saskatchewan when he was drafted in May of 1918. Bertram served in England for the remainder of the war. In 1926, he filed on the western half of 36-71-9-W6.
Smith, Charlie
Smith, Edgar Irvin
Regimental Number: 340388
Rank: Driver
Branch: Canadian Field Artillery
Edgar was born in Cobourg, Ontario on February 25, 1894. In 1913, he began working for the Bank of Toronto; he was transferred west to Manitoba in 1915. Edgar enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1917. After the war, he returned to his work at the bank and was transferred to Cessford, Alberta. Here he met Cora Potts, whom he married on December 16, 1920. In 1928, Edgar filed on land at NE 2-73-22-W5 and SW 12-73-22-W5. They moved into Grande Prairie in the 1960s. Edgar died in 1991 at the age of 96.
Sources: Grande Prairie Cemetery; surname DB; Where the Red Willow Grew p. 465; July 21 1949 p. 5 c. 2; May 24 1951 p. 1 c. 1
Smith, Edwin
Regimental Number: 437693
Rank: Private
Branch: 46th Battalion
Edwin was born in Saginaw, Michigan on April 1, 1871 (his homestead records indicate that he was 44 in 1913, so he may have lied about his age). In 1913, Edwin filed on a homestead at SE 9-73-5-W6. In addition to farming, he was a painter and worked for the Argonauts. In August of 1915, Edwin enlisted in the Canadian Army. He was gassed at the Somme on November 11, 1916, and discharged, having been found medically unfit due to "sickness" on November 14, 1918. At that time he claimed to be 48, though the medical officer thought he looked five years older. Edwin died on June 13, 1931.
Smith, Francis Michael
Regimental Number: 622584
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles
Francis was born in Peterboro, Ontario on September 28, 1892. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in May of 1915 and was later awarded the Military Medal. Francis went missing between June 2 and 5, 1916 at Flanders and was reported on a prisoner of war list on July 18, 1916. He had been wounded in a shell explosion and injured his right wrist on June 2, the same day he was captured. Francis escaped in October of 1918. In 1919, he filed on the northern half of 12-76-3-W6. Francis died on December 2, 1941.
Smith, Frederick James
Regimental Number: 101092
Rank: Private
Branch: 9th Battalion
Frederick was born in Ottawa, Ontario on February 20, 1883. He filed on NW 36-70-9-W6 in October of 1914; the following summer he enlisted in the Canadian Army. Frederick served only in England, and on April 7, 1916 was sent back to Canada due to an inflammation of his lungs. Later this was noted as being tuberculosis, though his test results state "no TB found." Frederick had also sprained his knee by falling out of his hut. In December of 1916 he was discharged, having been found medically unfit. Frederick died on January 6, 1917.
Smith, Frederick Robert
Regimental Number: 101375
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion
Fred was born on February 22, 1888 in London, England. When he was 18, he and his mother came to Canada and settled in Killarney, Manitoba. His mother died in 1910, and Fred came further west. In 1911, he arrived in the South Peace and filed on SW 24-71-7-W6 (after the war, he filed on NE 28-70-7-W6 as well). Fred married Minerva South on August 17, 1915; they had traveled over the Edson Trail in the same party. The following month Fred enlisted in the Canadian Army. After he returned from the War, Fred and Minerva had two daughters. They retired to Grande Prairie in 1949. Fred died on May 17, 1977.
Sources: surname database; Lake Saskatoon Reflections p. 196; Along the Wapiti p. 170, 411; Pioneers of the Peace p. 202
March 20 1917 p. 1 c. 5; Mar 27, 1917 p. 7 c. 4; Sept 17 1918 p. 1 c. 4; Aug 24 1915 p. 1 c. 1; July 4 1916 p. 3 c. 3; Oct 1 1918 p. 4 c. 3
- Attestation Paper
- Lives of the First World War profile
- Letter (June 6, 1916)
- Letter (June 13, 1916)
- Big offensive (July 11, 1916)
- Letter (May 8, 1917)
- Letter (Dec. 13, 1917)
- Brother visits (Dec. 30, 1943)
- Grande Prairie Honour Roll
- Boys Who Went Overseas
- Regimental Photograph (1915)
- Souvenir Programme (1915)
- Discharge Certificate
- 49th Battalion Membership Card
Smith, George Abe
George was born in Orangeville, Ontario in 1884. According to the April 22, 1919 Grande Prairie Herald, he was a returned soldier. George died in Grande Prairie on July 12, 1963.
Sources: April 22 1919 p. 1 c. 1; Nov. 23 1920 p. 1 c. 6
Smith, George Frederick
Regimental Number: 892677
Rank: Private
Branch: 8th Battalion
George was born in Hastings, Ontario on December 21, 1897. At the time of his enlistment in January of 1917, George was living in Glenella, Manitoba. His brother Albert also served in the Canadian Army. On August 11, 1918, George received gunshot wounds to his right knee. In 1928 he filed on a homestead at SW 3-77-6-W6. George died in February of 1992 at the age of 94.
Sources: Grande Prairie Cemetery (Grande Prairie Municipal Cemetery Index - Book); Memories & Moments p. 269
Smith, G. C. "Bert"
Bert was born in Boisevain, Manitoba on December 7, 1886. He graduated from the Manitoba College of Pharmacy in 1912 and served in the Canadian Army from 1915 to 1919. He died in Grande Prairie on March 8, 1948.
Sources: March 11 1948 p. 1 c. 6; March 18 1948 p. 3 c. 3; surname file
Smith, Gilbert
homestead: SW 28-19-16-W6 (LAC)
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1148
Smith, Grant
Regimental Number: 427778
Rank: Private
Branch: 58th Battalion
Grant was born in Chesterville, Ontario on June 10, 1895. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in Swift Current on September 13, 1915. In 1921, Grant filed on homesteads at SE 32-73-11-W6 and NW 33-73-11-W6, though he later canceled both. He was still living in Hythe in 1922, according to the present address card in his military service file. Grant died on May 18, 1937 in Ontario.
Smith, Henry
Regimental Number: 904767
Rank: Lance Corporal
Branch: 10th Battalion
Henry was born in Oak Lake, Manitoba on December 8, 1893. At the time of his enlistment in March of 1916, he was living in Spirit River, Alberta. In August of 1917 (possibly at Hill 70), Henry received gunshot wounds to his left shoulder.
Smith, James D.
James was born in Nova Scotia ca. 1896. While his identity has not been confirmed, it is possible that the James D. Smith who filed on SW 7-74-6-W6 in 1919 was Lieutenant James Dumaresq Smith.
Smith, James Kerr
Regimental Number: 72201
Rank: Lance Corporal
Branch: 27th Battalion
James was born in Carnwath, Scotland on May 23, 1890. It is unknown when he first came to Canada, but he enlisted in the Canadian Army in Vancouver in November of 1914. He listed his occupation as blacksmith. James filed on NE 19-77-2-W6 and the eastern half of 24-80-8-W6 in 1919, though he canceled all three quarters. According to a present address card in his service file, James was living in Spirit River in 1922.
Sources: Chepi Sepe p. 469
Smith, James "Jim" Thomas
Regimental Number: 466964
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion; Canadian Army Veterinary Corps
James was born in London, England on January 5, 1888. He came to the South Peace by way of the Edson Trail in 1905 and in 1911 filed on a homestead at NE 3-73-7-W6. In 1915, James enlisted in the Canadian Army. James received shrapnel wounds to his right thigh on June 8, 1917. In March of 1919, he was granted permission to marry Emilienne Louise, a Frenchwoman. They returned to Alberta together after James was discharged. In June of 1920, James was kicked by a horse; he died of internal injuries on June 24, 1920.
Sources: surname DB; Buffalo Trails p. 199; June 29 1920 p. 1 c. 5; Grande Prairie Cemetery
Smith, Joseph Thomas (Digby)
Regimental Number: 42210
Rank: Captain
Branch: Canadian Field Artillery
Joseph was born in Warrington, England on October 29, 1892. He emigrated to Canada in 1913, and in September of 1914 enlisted in the Canadian Army at Valcartier. Joseph met his wife Dorothy Margaret Rooke in England; they were married in April of 1916. In April of 1919, he was awarded the Belgian Crois de Guerre. Joseph suffered from depression after the traumas of the war and was away from home often which put the marriage under great strain. The marriage broke up in 1922 and Joseph went south to the USA. When he retired, he returned to Canada and died in Brentwood Bay, British Columbia in 1973.
Smith, Josiah
Regimental Number: 2710609
Rank: Sapper
Branch: Canadian Engineers
Josiah was born in Manchester, England on October 9, 1878. He was working as a carpenter in Klamath Falls, Oregon at the time of his enlistment in the Canadian Army in July of 1918. He served in Canada for the remainder of the war and was discharged on December 16, 1918. In 1919, Josiah filed on NW 21-71-3-W6. Around 1958, Josiah was in hospital. He told one of the nurses that he wanted to be married, and the nurse arranged for her mother, widow Lucy Herzog, to come up from Edmonton to marry him. Sadly, Joe died a year later in February of 1959.
Sources: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 450; Feb 24 1959 p. 3 c. 3
Smith, Leonard J.
Regimental Number:
Smith, Sidney John
Regimental Number: 101082
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: Canadian Machine Gun Corps
Sidney was born in Greenwich, England on May 16, 1890. He came to Canada in 1911 and went to work on a farm in Ontario. In 1912, Sidney came west and the following year filed on a homestead at NW 21-73-5-W6 (following the war, he also filed on NW 16-74-5-W6). Sidney went to Edmonton in 1914 to enlist in the Canadian Army but was rejected because of his poor eyesight. He returned in July of 1915 and this time was accepted. In 1918, Sidney was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in the field. Sidney married Rose Maud Bush in Hadleigh, Essex, England on March 31, 1919. They left England on September 2, 1919 and sailed for Canada. On September 16 they arrived in Sexsmith. Sidney and Rose lived on the farm until 1978, when they moved into Grande Prairie. Sidney died on October 14, 1988.
*view the article in the Surname File for a fascinating personal interview with Sidney and Rose
Sources: surname file; Centennial Celebration Edson Trail p. 121; Pioneers of the Peace p. 296-298; Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 130, 1148; April 30, 1957 p. 4 c. 2 and 5 (?)
Smith, Thomas
Regimental Number: T4/057724
Rank: Driver
Branch: Army Service Corps
Thomas was born in Burnley, Lancashire, England on June 23, 1889. In 1913 he married Edith Askew. Thomas joined the British Army in 1915 and served in France and Belgium for the duration of the war, hauling supplies up the line with horses and wagon. In 1926, Thomas and Edith came to Canada with their four children. They filed on the northern half of 19-74-4-W6 in 1929. Thomas died in Sexsmith in 1960.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 216, 1148; March 30 1915 p. 1 c. 4 (?) (daughter born); Feb 16 1960 p. 11 c. 8 (?)
Smith, Thomas
Thomas was born ca. 1890 in Kentucky. He and his wife were married in the United States in 1912. They came to the South Peace in 1913 and filed on SW 16-73-6-W6. They returned to the United States in 1916 so Thomas could join the American Army. In December 1920, the returned to Canada.
Sources: March 30 1915 p. 1 c. 4 (?)(daughter born); Feb 16 1960 p. 11 c. 8 (?); Buffalo Trails p. 136
Smith, William Assheton
William was born in London, England. He filed on SE 15-78-2-W6 in 1919, though he was on the land in 1916. According to his homestead record, he had served in the military.
Smith, William Reuben
Regimental Number: 100855
Rank: Sapper
Branch: Canadian Engineers
William was born in Caro, Michigan on July 1, 1884. He came to the Spirit River area in 1912 and filed on LT 35 SH and LT 37 SH. In July of 1915, William enlisted in the Canadian Army. He suffered from conjunctivitis in February of 1917 and trench fever in October of 1917. William died on April 1, 1958.
Socquet, Raoul Leon
Regimental Number: 1072253
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles
Raoul was born in Woburn, Quebec on January 18, 1899. He was farming in Manitoba at the time of his enlistment in May of 1917. Raoul received gunshot wounds to his wrist in August of 1918. In 1919, after being discharged from the army, Raoul came west and filed on land at SE 1-78-1-W6 and NE 36-77-1-W6. Ten years later, he filed on NW 2-78-1-W6 as well. During World War II, Raoul was part of the Veterans Volunteer Reserve in Eaglesham. Raoul died on November 14, 1977.
Somerville, Eva Alice (Woolston)
Branch: St. John Ambulance
Eva was born in England in 1894. She worked with St John Ambulance during World War I (her uniform and nursing manuals are in the Grande Prairie Museum). In November of 1927, Eva came to the South Peace to meet Jim Somerville, with whom she had been corresponding. They were married in Grande Prairie on December 21, 1927. Eva died in July of 1974.
Sources: surname file; Buffalo Trails p. 66; From Survey to Today p. 38
Sooth
According to a transcription of a homestead record, a man with the surname Sooth filed on NW 5-79-13-W6 in 1928 and had previously served in the military. It is possible that "Sooth" was incorrectly transcribed and is actually Edwin James Scott.
South, Floyd John
Regimental Number: 101362
Rank: Sapper
Branch: 49th Battalion; 4th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops
Floyd was born in Casselton, North Dakota on September 24, 1883. He and his family moved to Saskatchewan in 1904. Floyd later traveled to Edmonton with his brother-in-law. In February of 1910, Floyd came up to the South Peace; the following year he filed on a homestead at NW 13-71-7-W6. Floyd enlisted in the Canadian Army in September of 1915. He received gunshot wounds to his shoulder on August 14, 1916. After being discharged in 1919, Floyd filed on another homestead at NW 28-70-7-W6 (he also filed on SW 33-70-7-W6 in 1929). On August 21, 1919, he married Harriet Pearl Dillon. They had one son. Floyd died in Grande Prairie on October 4, 1934 and was buried in the Lake Saskatoon Cemetery.
Sources: Along the Wapiti p. 172, 411; a number of relevant news clippings
Sparks, Wilfred Eska
Regimental Number: 8263
Rank: Private
Branch: 2nd Battalion
Wilfred was born in Cyrville, Ontario on October 28, 1895. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in September of 1914, right at the beginning of the war; he was working as a piano maker at that time. Wilfred was awarded the Military Medal, and went missing in May of 1915. It was not until July that he was reported as a prisoner of war. While in the POW camp, he cut his finger on an empty bully beef tin, which caused long-lasting, if not permanent, stiffness and deformity. Wilfred escaped in February of 1918, but did not arrive in England until September of that year. In 1919, he filed on SE 31-79-13-W6. Wilfred died on February 19, 1974 and was buried in Edmonton.
Speed, Carlyle Eugene
Regimental Number: 252421
Rank: Private
Branch: Canadian Machine Gun Corps
Carlyle was born in Morton, Minnesota on July 16, 1891. At the time of his enlistment in March of 1916, he was farming in Webb, Saskatchewan. Carlyle was given permission to marry Winnifred M. in June of 1917; in July his pay started going to his new wife. In 1930, he filed on a homestead at SE 6-69-12-W6. Carlyle died in February of 1971 and was born in the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Speke, Hugh
Regimental Number:
Rank: Major
Branch: 9th Battalion, Somerset Light Infantry; 10th Battalion, Lancashire Fusiliers
Hugh was born in Dowlish Wake, Somerset, England in 1878. In 1912, he came to Lake Saskatoon as a missionary; he had been ordained as a deacon and priest in 1902/1903 and had served in various churches in England prior to coming to Canada. When World War I started, Hugh returned to England to serve in the army. He was killed in action on August 12, 1915. His grave marker was inscribed with "Priest of the Church of England." According to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Hugh was married to Ruth Lettice Speke of Spettisbury, England.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies, p. 98; Pioneers of the Peace p. 201, 202; Lake Saskatoon Reflections p. 7; many clippings
Spencer, William Stanley
Regimental Number: 279460
Rank: Sapper
Branch: 5th Battalion, Canadian Railway Troops
William was born in Bracebridge, Ontario on November 17, 1893. He was working as a machinist in Edmonton at the time of his enlistment in April of 1916. William suffered from shrapnel wounds to his left hand and back in October of 1917. He filed on NW 36-74-9-W6 in 1918, though he later canceled this homestead. William appears to have remained in the area for some time, as a present address card in his military service file lists La Glace as his residence.
Spicer, Frank Caple Sr.
Regimental Number: 911414
Rank: Private
Branch: 196th Battalion
Frank was born in Devon, England on June 23, 1863 (he stated 1868 on his attestation paper, though medical staff noted that he looked older). He married Margaret Walder in 1885, and in 1901 they came to Canada with their four children. At the time of his enlistment in 1916, Frank and his family were living in Edmonton where they owned a bakery. On October 18, 1916, Frank was discharged from the army, having been found medically unfit (he was overage and had flat feet). In 1919, the bakery was sold to McGavin's and the Spicers moved to Grande Prairie. Frank died on March 26, 1956.
Sources: surname file; newspaper clippings
Spiden, Alexander
Regimental Number: 41730
Rank: Private
Regiment: Scottish Rifles
Alexander Spiden was born July 29, 1898 in Cockburnspath, Berwickshire, Scotland to George and Jane Spiden. Alexander Spiden and his older brother James Spiden enlisted in the British Army in the First World War. Alexander enlisted on May 26, 1917. He listed his trade or calling as the Railway.
Alexander and Mary Coonie were married on December 31, 1926 in Coldstream, Berwickshire, Scotland. They and their two-year-old daughter May sailed from Grantshouse, Scotland in 1929 on the SS Montroyal, the last emigration ship coming to Canada. They arrived in Quebec July 5, 1929. They purchased SE ¼ 12-73-3-W6 just North of Mary’s father's (James Coney) homestead.
Alexander and Mary had six more children: George born 1931, Sheila born 1933, Heather born 1935, Gail born 1937, Alexander Jr born 1940 and Judy born 1946. The kids remember the Christmas concerts at Fitzsimmons School where Santa had a Scottish accent – Alex played Santa for many years.
In 1939 the Second World War broke out and in April of 1942 Alex joined the Canadian Army. He stayed in Canada, serving in the Medical Corp as an orderly at the Royal Canadian Army at the Grande Prairie Barracks. Alex was a stretcher carrier, but it was decided the stretchers were too heavy for men his age so they transferred him to the Kananaskis War Camp with the Veteran Guards. Alex returned from Army Service in 1946 and at that time they moved their farm home to Grande Prairie.
Alex worked for McGavin’s Bakery in Grande Prairie for many years. John Coney’s kids thought it was a real treat when Uncle Alex brought out loaves of bread and donuts that were not homemade.
Alex died on March 27, 1973 and was laid to rest in the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Written by Christine (Coney) Thorpe
Spinney, Elwood Joshua
Regimental Number: 3213090
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Elwood was born in Torbrook Mines, Nova Scotia on September 20, 1895. In July of 1917, he filed on a homestead at NW 22-71-4-W6. The following year he was drafted into the Canadian Army; however, because it was so near the end of the war, he served only in Canada. At some point, he married Ellen Rose. Elwood was involved in the construction of the Alaska Highway. Elwood died in 1948.
Sources: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 107; Oct 28, 1948 p. 4 c. 3; Nov. 3, 1949 p. 1 c. 4
Spittal, John
John filed on the northern half of 8-80-7-W6 in 1919, indicating that he had served in the army during World War I. He later canceled on these homesteads. In 1929, he filed on the southern half of 5-79-1-W6.
Spread, Thomas
Regimental Number: 778279
Rank: Sapper
Branch: Canadian Railway Troops
Thomas was born in Lancashire, England on November 19, 1884. In 1911 he filed on a homestead at SW 31-73-7-W6. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in January of 1916. On his journey back home after the war, Thomas was married in Ontario. He and his wife returned to the South Peace in 1921.
Sources: Buffalo Trails p. 45, 261; Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1148
Spry, Walter
Regimental Number: 101068
Rank: Corporal
Branch: 31st Battalion
Walter was born in Leskard, Ontario on January 1, 1892. In 1914, he came to the South Peace and filed on a homestead at NE 1-74-5-W6 (he later owned NE 6-74-4-W6 and NE 24-74-5-W6 as well). Walter enlisted in the Canadian Army in July of 1915. On July 15, 1916, he received shrapnel wounds to his left thigh at Ypres. His right leg was wounded at Passchendaele on November 6, 1917. In March of 1918, his leg was amputated below the knee and he was invalided to Canada. Walter was fitted with an artificial leg in Toronto. On August 14, 1918, he was discharged. While recovering in Toronto, Walter met Rosetta (Rose) Keeber, his aunt's neighbor. They were married on September 6, 1918. Walter returned to his homestead to prepare a home for his bride, who was to join him in spring. However, Rose surprised him by arriving in time for Christmas. Walter and Rose had five children. In September of 1951, he suffered a heart attack. Walter recovered and returned home, but had a second heart attack and died on October 26, 1951.
Sources: surname database; Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 223-226; Centennial Celebration Edson Trail p. 98, 122; Buffalo Trails p. 261
Squires, John
Regimental Number: 505891
Rank: Sapper
Branch: Canadian Engineers
John was born in Carleton, England on March 14, 1876. In 1913, John came with his wife, Mary Walters Squires, and their three children to the South Peace. He filed on a homestead at SE 7-72-6-W6. John enlisted in the Canadian Army in July of 1916; he served only in Canada before being discharged on April 7, 1917, having been found medically unfit. After returning home, John filed on additional land at NE 20-72-12-W6. John died in 1947.
Sources: Homesteaders Heritage p. 24; Nov. 12, 1918 p. 1 c. 6; June 4, 1918 p. 1 c. 5; Jan. 4, 1916 p. 6 c. 4; June 26, 1947 p. 1 c. 5
St. Pierre, Arthur
Branch: American Army
Arthur was born in Rivier du Loup, Quebec on March 7, 1889. He was living in Montana when he was drafted into the American Army in 1917. In 1920, Arthur came to the South Peace and filed on a homestead at SE 30-76-21-W5. In addition to selling ice in the winter and produce in the summer, Arthur operated a ferry for many years. Eventually he moved to High Prairie.
Sources: Guy p. 545
Stafford, John Harrison
Regimental Number: 101093
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion
John was born in Boston, Massachusetts on May 13, 1879. In 1912, he filed on SW 27-77-6-W6. In July of 1915, John enlisted in the Canadian Army. He suffered from a slight shell wound in September of 1916, and on August 8, 1918 at Amiens, a horse fell on him. The impact did not actually break his leg, but John experienced significant pain and limped or walked with crutches. John died on September 4, 1957.
Sources: March 20, 1917 p. 1 c. 2
Stalberg, Peter Albert
Regimental Number: 3212428
Rank: Sapper
Branch: Canadian Engineers
Peter was born in Riga, Latvia on June 1, 1888. In 1915 he filed on a homestead at NW 26-70-11-W6. Peter was working as a blacksmith in Beaverlodge when he was drafted into the Canadian Army in 1918. He went overseas to England, but not to the front lines of France. In 1923, Peter married Jean Paszkowski. They had three children. Peter eventually sold his blacksmith shop and homestead in Beaverlodge and moved to Sexsmith, where he built a new home and blacksmith shop. He was known as the greatest horseshoer in the northwest. Peter died in Victoria on May 29, 1961.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 393, 701, 1148; surname file; March 25, 1919 p. 1 c. 6
Stark, John Henry Jr.
Regimental Number: 3206759
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment; Canadian Forestry Corps
John was born in Russia on April 27, 1892. He was drafted in late 1917, at which time he was living in Alberta. Because he was drafted near the end of the war, John served only in England. A note on page 27 of his service file states in red ink - capitalized and underlined - that he must not proceed overseas. John married Isa; they had four sons. In 1928 he filed on NW 20-74-2-W6; the rest of the family moved up in 1930. John died in 1963 and was buried in the Teepee Creek Cemetery.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 504, 1148; Jan 30, 1941 p. 1 c. 4
Staughton, Henry Box
Regimental Number: 3157
Rank: Lance Corporal
Branch: Canadian Engineers
Henry was born born in Geelong, Australia on October 31, 1865. It is unknown when he first came to Canada, but he enlisted in the Canadian Army in Calgary in November of 1915. Henry served in England during the war, and was discharged on September 25, 1917, as he was overage. In 1919, Henry filed on NE 26-71-9-W6. He moved to Vancouver Island in 1936. Henry died in Campbell River, BC on January 21, 1953.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 473
Steele, John Alexander
Regimental Number: 904768
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion
John was born in Seaforth, Ontario on January 15, 1885. At the time of his enlistment in March of 1916, he gave his address as Grande Prairie and listed "teamster" as his occupation. On June 9, 1917, John received gunshot wounds to his left leg. He suffered from a gunshot wound and fractured right arm at Cambrai (September 30, 1918). At some point, John married Clara. John died in Prince George, BC on May 18, 1962.
Steele, Robert James
Regimental Number: 279888
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: Canadian Railway Troops
Robert was born in Creemore, Ontario on August 20, 1873. He came to Spirit River with a survey party in 1907. In 1910, he filed on a homestead at SE 26-71-10-W6. Robert enlisted in the Canadian Army in January of 1917. He was discharged on November 2, 1918 due to arteriosclerosis. In 1921, Robert married Irene Walton; they had one son named Jack. The Steeles retired to Beaverlodge, where Robert died on June 4, 1950.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 228; Feb. 1 1921 p. 1 c. 3; June 15 1950 p. 1 c. 6
Stella, Robert
Regimental Number: 1251081
Rank: Driver
Branch: Canadian Field Artillery
Robert was born in New York City on January 11, 1891. He was farming in Lethbridge when he enlisted in the Canadian Army in October of 1916. While serving in the army, Robert willed his estate to the Canadian Red Cross Society. In September of 1917, he was invalided in Canada as a "mental case." According to his medical records, Robert claimed that a mysterious power controlled him and he wandered away from his unit at times. He also stated that he had escaped from an asylum in 1914, was put back in, and "liberated" in May of 1916. Page 35 of his service file has some quotes from Robert relating to his diagnosis. He was, however, found mentally stable when he arrived in Canada. Robert filed on NW 13-77-21-W5 and NE 15-77-21-W5 in 1919, though he abandoned one homestead and cancelled the other. Robert died in the Provincial Mental Institute in Edmonton on December 26, 1957.
Stephens, Charles W.
Regimental Number:
Rank: Sergeant
Branch: Gloucestershire Regiment
Charles was born in England around 1893. He joined the British Army as a young man and spent five years in India. At the outbreak of World War I, he was sent to France. Charles married Annie Karley; they had four children. In 1922 Charles came to Canada and worked at the Beaverlodge Experimental Farm. He later set up a barber shop in Hythe.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 34; Pioneer Round Up p. 295
Stephens, Percy Edwin
Regimental Number: 782363
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion
Percy was born in Worcestershire, England on January 20, 1893. At the age of 19, he and his friend Will Hodges came to Canada to find land. They worked on farms across Ontario and Saskatchewan before finally settling in the Beaverlodge area. Percy filed on SW 27-72-10-W6 in 1915 (he filed on NE 4-72-11-W6 in 1929 as well). In April of 1916, Percy enlisted in the Canadian Army. He received shrapnel wounds to his head and left hand on November 1, 1917 and afterward continued to suffer from headaches and dizziness. A medical report from April of 1918 stated that "this man will not be well for a long time" and he was invalided to Canada in June of 1918. On August 17, 1918, he was discharged from the army. After the war, Percy returned to Beaverlodge along with his mother, brother, and sister. In 1928, Percy married Hilda Florence Johnstone, formerly the schoolteacher at North Beaverlodge school. They had three daughters. Hilda died of cancer in 1955. In 1960, Percy married Millicent Cavett. Percy died in Beaverlodge on October 9, 1970.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 35
Stephens, William Ernest
William was born ca. 1886 in Gloucestershire, England. He filed on SW 17-72-10-W6 and NE 18-72-10-W6 in 1920; his homestead record indicates that he had served in the military. He died in 1966 and was buried in the Riverview Cemetery in Albright.
Stevens, Jack
Jack was born ca. 1892 in Bedford, England. He filed on NE 30-77-4-W6 and NW 17-77-4-W6 in 1919; according to his homestead record, he had served in the military.
Stevenson, Frank Townsend
Regimental Number: 2040193
Rank: Gunner
Branch: Canadian Garrison Artillery
Frank was born in Fredericton, PEI on November 27, 1889. He was living in Charlottetown at the time of his enlistment in December of 1916. Before going overseas, Frank had proposed to Edna Abbott. When he was discharged in 1919, Frank came west and filed on land at a SE 26-72-1-W6 and NE 24-72-1-W6. Eight years later, in 1927, he wrote to Edna to join him - she had written to him saying that if he didn't have things ready, she was going to move on with her life. They had been engaged for eleven years. Frank and Edna were married on October 13, 1927. They raised their family of five children in DeBolt. Frank died in April of 1974.
Sources: surname file; Across the Smoky p. 36
Steves, Ray Clifford
Regimental Number: 101365
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion; Canadian Army Medical Corps
Clifford was born in Elgin, New Brunswick on August 16, 1891. By 1914 he was living in Grande Prairie, where he worked as a carpenter. He was the contractor responsible for the construction of the Katherine Prittie Hospital in 1914. In October of 1915, Clifford enlisted in the Canadian Army. He suffered from a shell concussion on August 9, 1916; the base of his skull was fractured. Clifford was sent back to England to recover and suffered from shell shock. In October of 1917, he was given permission to marry Edith. They returned to Grande Prairie and Clifford filed on a homestead at NW 28-73-3-W6 in 1921.
Sources: Pioneers of the Peace p. 49; Grande Prairie Capitol of the Peace p. 93; Grande Prairie Herald Feb. 8, 1916 p. 6 c. 4; Jan. 4, 1916 p. 3 c. 2; April 21 1914 p. 1 c. 2
Steward, Gilbert Richard "Dick"
Regimental Number: 75672
Rank: Private
Branch: 29th Battalion
Dick was born in London, England on June 19, 1892. It is unknown when he came to Canada. Dick enlisted in the Canadian Army in Vancouver in November of 1914. On April 8, 1916, Dick suffered from a slight shrapnel wound to the neck. On August 21, 1917 at Lens, he received gunshot wounds to his left arm and right leg. Dick's left arm was amputated 4 inches below the elbow the following day. In February of 1918 he was invalided to Canada. Dick filed on a homestead at NE 22-73-12-W6 in 1926. On July 25, 1928, Dick shot himself in the forehead. He was found unconscious but still alive, and died in the Grande Prairie hospital without having regained consciousness on July 27.
Sources: Pioneer Round Up Vol. 2 p. 356; homestead records
Stewart, Archibald
Regimental Number: 446520
Rank: Company Sergeant Major
Branch: Canadian Forestry Corps
Archibald was born in Dumfermline, Scotland on May 13, 1883. He and his wife Mary were living in Calgary at the time of his enlistment in May of 1915; Archibald listed his occupation as "sheet metal worker." In 1922, Archibald filed on NW 35-70-6-W6. He died on March 9, 1956.
Stewart, George
Regimental Number: 101086
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion
George was born in Scotland on July 19, 1889. In 1912 he came to the South Peace and filed on land at SW 17-73-8-W6; however, he abandoned this land (too much gravel for cultivation) and filed on NE 17-74-6-W6 instead. In July of 1915, George enlisted in the Canadian Army. He sprained his right ankle in June of 1916, and on June 9, 1917 he wounded both feet and legs at Vimy Ridge. A shell had burst at his feet and his left foot had to be amputated; there was also a disability of his right foot (on page 59 of his service file, you may view a diagram of the amputation). George suffered from a partial loss of hearing as well. He was invalided to Canada in November of 1917. George remained on his homestead until 1925, at which point he returned to Scotland. George died on January 1, 1960.
Sources: Buffalo Trails p. 139
Stewart, Harry Alexander
Regimental Number: 100538
Rank: Private
Branch: 66th Battalion
Harry was born in Mitchell, Ontario on April 16, 1894. He filed on NW 8-79-6-W6 in 1915. In July of 1915, Harry enlisted in the Canadian Army. He was discharged on December 29, 1916, having been found medically unfit.
Stewart, Herbert
Regimental Number: 446753
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion; Canadian Forestry Corps
Herbert was born in Scotland on July 6, 1888. It is unknown when he came to Canada, but he enlisted in the Canadian Army in Calgary in May of 1915. In June of 1916, Herbert received slight shrapnel wounds to his right hand. He remained at duty in spite of the injury, but was unable to completely close his fingers after that injury. While on leave in England in August 1917, Herbert developed symptoms of shell shock and was transferred to the Canadian Forestry Corps. His right leg was fractured at Ampthill, England in 1918 when a log fell from a wagon onto his leg (see pages 105 and 107 of his service file for images of the injury). Herbert's leg was shortened by 2 inches and he had difficulty walking. In October of 1918, Herbert was invalided to Canada. He filed on the eastern half of 1-75-3-W6 in 1930. Herbert died on December 29, 1957 and was buried in the Teepee Creek Cemetery.
Stewart, John Thomson
Regimental Number: 6
Rank: Sapper
Branch: Canadian Overseas Railway Construction Corps; Canadian Army Dental Corps
John was born in Glasgow, Scotland on April 19, 1890. He came to Canada with his family as a young boy and lived in Montreal for some time. While living in Ontario, John married Kathleen Parker. By the time he enlisted in March of 1915, John and Kate were living in Montreal with their two children, and Kate was pregnant again. While in Belgium in 1915, John got his leg caught between two planks. In July of 1916, his medical records state that he had loose cartilage in his right knee; this may have been a result of the injury in 1915. John was discharged in April of 1918 on compassionate grounds. In 1919, John and Kathleen came to the South Peace and filed on a homestead at NE 1-71-8-W6.
Sources: Along the Wapiti p. 118, 411
Stewart, Robert Henry Hackenley
Regimental Number: 180175
Rank: Lieutenant
Branch: 44th Battalion
Robert was born in Richibucto, New Brunswick on May 23, 1893. He was still living there when he enlisted in the Canadian Army in October of 1915. In 1919, after the end of the war, Robert suffered from trench fever. He filed on homesteads at NW 15-74-3-W6, SE 15-74-3-W6, SE 16-74-3-W6, and SW 22-74-3-W6 in 1919 and 1920. Records appear to indicate that he canceled each of these. He moved back east in the early 1920s. Robert died on December 12, 1932.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1148
Stone, Rede Douglas (Jr.)
Regimental Number: 3213529
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Rede was born in Marysville, Montana on March 19, 1897. In 1914, he filed on land at NW 33-71-10-W6. Rede was drafted in June of 1918. He died of pneumonia on July 15, 1918 at Petawawa Camp Military Hospital in Ontario.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 229
Storm, James
Regimental Number: 183464
Rank: Private
Branch: 31st Battalion
James was born in Macduff, Scotland on April 19, 1891. He came over the Edson Trail in 1914 and filed on a homestead at NE 14-72-4-W6. In November of 1915 James enlisted in the Canadian Army. His medical records state that he had slightly deformed toes. In October of 1916, James was wounded in the right leg. He returned to the South Peace after the war. In 1920 James married Elizabeth Ann Muirison Alexander from southern Alberta and brought her home. They eventually retired to Campbell River, BC. James died on June 1, 1970.
Sources: surname file; Pioneers of the Peace p. 312-313; Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 149; March 2 1928 p. 5 c. 1
Storm, William
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
William was born on May 21, 1897 in Perth, Scotland. He was educated in Scotland and completed his senior matriculation in 1915. From 1915 to 1922, William served with the Imperial Army and the Regular Indian Army in Mesopotamia (1916), the North-West Frontier (1920-21) and Iraq (1920). As well in 1918, he attended Officer’s Staff College in Bangalore, India. He spoke Hindustani and held a Supervisor’s Certificate in a Machine Gun Course, Physical Training and Army Signaling.
William married Madeleine Prosper and they had four children: William Jr., Dorothy, Joyce and Evelyn. The Storm family immigrated to Canada in 1922. On April 9, 1923, William filed a homestead application on SW 23-72-4-W6. On February 4, 1924, he filed another homestead application this time on SW 25-72-4-W6 and received the patent on both properties in 1927. William farmed until 1928 when he moved his family to Grande Prairie and subsequently became employed as the Secretary Treasurer of the Grande Prairie Municipality. He also opened his own Real Estate Business which he successfully operated until he enlisted in the Army on June 12, 1940 with the Veteran’s Home Guard C.A.S.F. William was stationed at various locations across Canada from Calgary, Fort Henry (Ontario), Camp X Neys (Ontario), Trail (BC), Sea Island, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Moose Jaw (Saskatchewan), New Westminster (BC), Seebee (Alberta), Edmonton, Camp Petawawa, North Bay and Halifax where he was in command of guarding military installation points and internment camps along with providing escort services of POW’s to the United Kingdom. Lieutenant-Colonel William Storm served in Canada and the High Seas and received the War Medal 1939-45 and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp. He was discharged on demobilization on November 20, 1946. William had volunteered for the Pacific Theatre of Operations; however due to age, his application was denied.
The Storms eventually moved to Victoria, BC and retired. Madeleine passed away in 1985. William passed away on June 11, 1987 in Victoria and was cremated.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Sources:
Smoky River to Grande Prairie
Service File
news clippings
Stuart, Peter Alexander
Regimental Number: 100033
Rank: Private
Branch: 66th Battalion; Canadian Forestry Corps
Peter was born in Woodville, Ontario on May 15, 1870. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in Edmonton in June of 1915. Peter served only in England during the war. In 1919, he filed on SW 19-73-12-W6 and SE 13-73-13-W6.
Stumpf, Michael Earl "Mike"
Regimental Number: 3209091
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment; Canadian Forestry Corps
Mike was born in Teeswater, Ontario on July 20, 1897. He was living in Didsbury, Alberta when he was drafted in 1918. Mike was sent overseas to England, but because it was so near the end of the war, he didn't make it to the front lines in France. In 1930, Mike filed on the northern half of 13-75-3-W6. He died on July 12, 1989 at the age of 92.
Sources: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1148
Sully, B.
Regimental Number:
Sully, Thomas Arthur Bernard
Regimental Number: 101348
Rank: Private
Branch: 8th Battalion
Thomas was born in Cascade, Quebec on April 17, 1888. In 1912, he and his brother Cecil came west to the South Peace; Thomas filed on NW 5-72-6-W6. He enlisted in the Canadian Army in October of 1915 and went overseas. On December 2, 1916, Thomas was wounded at Vimy Ridge. He suffered from shrapnel wounds to his left arm, thigh, hand, and head (p. 57 of his service file names the doctor who performed the surgery). In March of 1917, Thomas was invalided to Canada. He was discharged in August. In the 1920s, Thomas returned to Wakefield, Quebec, where he established his own sawmill.
Sources: surname file; Pioneers of the Peace p. 207
Sunderman, Conrad William
Regimental Number: 3210385
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment; Canadian Forestry Corps
Conrad was born in Melrose, Minnesota on February 10, 1896. He came to Alberta with his parents in 1900. In 1914, Conrad homesteaded near Edmonton. He was drafted into the Canadian Army in May of 1918; he served only in England. After being discharged, Conrad came to the South Peace and filed on a homestead at SE 23-73-11-W6. In 1931, Conrad married Agnes Seddons; they lived in Hythe all their married life. Conrad died on March 9, 1986 in Hythe and was buried in the Hythe Cemetery.
Sources: surname file; Feb. 20, 1931 p. 6 c. 4; Pioneer Round Up p. 295
Suprenant, Cyprien
Regimental Number: 3213095
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Cyprien was born in Grouard, Alberta on January 15, 1898. When he was drafted in 1918, he was living in Grande Prairie. Cyprien was sent overseas, but served only in England. After the war, he filed on a homestead at SE 25-72-3-W6.
Surtees, Frederick MacQueen
Rank: Lieutenant
Branch: Highland Light Infantry
Fred was born in Scotland ca. 1895. He graduated from Oxford with a degree in Agriculture. Fred served in the Highland Light Infantry during World War I. In 1930, he filed on SE 5-73-26-W5 and SE 36-72-1-W6. Frederick died on January 27, 1949 and was buried in Debolt.
Sources: Across the Smoky p. 204; April 7, 1949 p. 6 c. 7
Surtees, John
Regimental Number: 4090037
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Canadian Mounted Rifles; 10th Battalion
John was born in Canterbury, Kent, England on December 16, 1865. He was living in Regina, Saskatchewan at the time of his enlistment in November of 1917. John served only in England. In April of 1918, he suffered from double pneumonia (a diagram is available on page 75 of his service file). John returned to Canada after the war and in 1919 filed on SE 13-74-23-W5 and SW 9-77-20-W5.
Sutherland, Daniel William
Regimental Number: 101391
Rank: Private
Branch: 66th Battalion
Daniel was born in River John, Nova Scotia on October 9, 1875. In 1911 he filed on a homestead at NE 30-72-7-W6; two years later he filed on an additional quarter at SE 31-72-7-W6. Daniel enlisted in the Canadian Army in October of 1915, but deserted just a month later. Daniel died in Vancouver on February 5, 1935.
Sources: Oct 21 1913 p. 1 c. 4
Sutherland, Hector Thomas Wesley
Branch: Royal Flying Corps
Wesley was born on October 16, 1892. During World War I, he served in Britain's Royal Flying Corps. Wesley met Eleanor, a Red Cross volunteer, during the war - they became engaged only two weeks after they met. They were married on February 12, 1920. Wesley taught in the Kleskun Hill school after the war. Their homestead was located at SW 27-78-15-W6; it is uncertain when Wesley filed on this quarter. They later moved to Dawson Creek, where Wesley died on August 31, 1973.
Sources: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 266
Sutherland, John Hamilton
John was born ca. 1874 in Scotland. He filed on the southern half of 20-79-12-W6 in 1930; the homestead record states that he had served in the military.
Svenson, John Agathon
Regimental Number: 2504399
Rank: Sapper
Branch: Canadian Railway Troops
John was born on April 10, 1887 in Halmstad, Sweden. At the age of 15, he went to sea as a ship's broker. After a few years thus employed, John decided to immigrate to the United States. In 1918, he came up to make his home in Canada. John enlisted in the Canadian Army in June of 1918 and served in England. In 1919, he filed on the eastern half of 2-79-13-W6 and SE 4-79-12-W6. In 1938, John sold his farm and moved to Bessborough, BC. He married Hilda Blakis in 1957 and they moved to Dawson Creek. Hilda died in 1959. John moved to Rotary Harbor, where he lived for a few years, then on to Vancouver in 1971. There he married Ethel Tomas. After five years, they moved back to Dawson Creek. John died in Pouce Coupe in December of 1987.
Sources: Homesteaders Heritage p. 125
Swanson, Alexander
Regimental Number: B 2869
Rank: Leading Seaman
Branch: Royal Navy
Alexander was born in Sangomore, Scotland on February 13, 1877. He began working as a fisherman at the age of 14, and joined the Royal Navy reserve in 1893 at the age of 16. On January 15, 1909, Alexander married Mrs. Swanson in Burghead, Scotland. During World War I, Alexander served on a minesweeper. He was on patrol duty in the Atlantic for some time; though he saw only very little of Canada during this time, it was enough to "file away for future reference." After a few more years in the difficult life of a a fisherman, Alexander, his wife, and their children decided to move to Canada. They arrived in the South Peace in 1926, and filed on LT 2-77-5-W6 in 1930. He later abandoned this homestead, but purchased two other quarters that he farmed until 1950 - his 73rd birthday. His son took over the farm then, though Alexander and his wife continued to help on the farm until into their 80s. Alexander died in 1966.
Swift, George
Regimental Number: 427305
Rank: Private
Branch: 46th Battalion
George was born in Leicester, England on April 12, 1883. He and his wife, Mrs. E. Swift were living in Lumsden, Saskatchewan where George was working as a well digger when he in enlisted in June of 1915. However, he was discharged later that same year, having been found medically unfit. George filed on the western half of 36-78-21-W5 in 1919.
Sydbo, Oscar
Regimental Number: 4100151
Rank: Private
Branch: 1st Depot Battalion, Alberta Regiment
Oscar was born in Fosston, Minnesota on January 27, 1890. He filed on SW 5-75-9-W6 in 1915 and was drafted into the Canadian Army in December of 1917. Oscar served in Canada for the remainder of the war. He died on August 5, 1920. There are conflicting reports about the cause of Oscar's death (see Pioneer Round Up and the Veterans Death Card).
Sources: Pioneer Round Up p. 715
Sylvester, George
Regimental Number: 2288454
Rank: Private
Branch: Southern Alberta Forestry Corps
George was born in Port Lexington, Michigan on June 5, 1874. On April 24, 1917, he filed on SE 18-74-8-W6. George enlisted in the Canadian Army two days later, but was discharged on June 15, 1917. George returned to his homestead and raised draft horses. He left the area in the late 1920s. George died on October 27, 1937 and was buried in Edmonton.
Sources: Buffalo Trails p. 208