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FIRST REUNION NOTICE
Mitchell
Reunion July 9-11 2004
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Contact Info: Mabel & Ross Mitchell 5 Hamilton Drive Brandon MB R7C 1A3 Ph. 204-726-5577 |
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We (the Reunion Committee) have been looking into the
prices at Clear Lake Riding Mountain National Park for those planning to attend
the Mitchell Reunion July 9-11 2004, Elkhorn Ranch would be the headquarters
with other motels available.
We are planning it along the same lines as Vernon
where it will be more of a social outing. There is an area where soccer can be
played, indoor swimming pool, lawn darts, horseshoe and a nine hole golf course
available here. Hayrides, horseback riding also available. Golf course is $9.50
and a bigger 18 hole course is nearby-this is one of the top courses in Manitoba
and a must for avid golfers. Softball diamond at Onanole for those wanting a
ball game. This is about three miles from Elkhorn (175 miles west of Winnipeg),
and very close to Smoky Hollow motel.
Rates are as follows: *These prices are for
2002, so will probably be a little higher by 2004. RESERVATIONS CAN BE MADE AT THE ELKHORN RANCH BY PHONING TOLL FREE
1-866-355-4676. When booking tell
the office it is for the GROUP MITCHE Elkhorn Ranch Rooms Pricing:
Smoky Hollow – Onanole
3 night min. booking, outdoor swimming pool and hot tub
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5-3 bedroom condos $175 each
10-2 bedroom condos $140
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6 motel rooms $55
3 kitchenette rooms $75
New Chalet –
Downtown Must book 4 nights.
Prices range $80 - $96, Close to shops & lake.
Campgrounds - walking distance from Elkhorn
Ranch
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Fully serviced $25 per night; water & electricity $22; electricity
only
$20; non service $13. Booking fee $8
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Avondale
Cabins
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Buffalo
Resorts Limited |
Clear
Lake Lodge |
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Elkhorn
Resort |
Idylwylde
Bungalow |
Johnson
Cabins |
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Lee's
Holiday Bungalow |
Manigaming
Motel |
McTavish's
Motel |
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Mooswa
Motel & |
The
New Chalet |
Thunderbird
Bungalows |
RIDING MOUNTAIN
NATIONAL PARK
Manitoba
Manitoba is one of the three Canadian Prairie
provinces. It is bordered to the east by Ontario, to the west by
Saskatchewan. U.S. states of North Dakota and Minnesota are located south
of Manitoba. Manitoba became a province in Canada in 1870. The province is
the fifth smallest in Canada and almost one-third the size of Mexico.
About one million Canadians live in Manitoba. Most of these people have
come from Britain, Western and Eastern Europe and Asia. Winnipeg is Manitoba's capital. Other cities include Brandon and
Thompson. Manitoba has three large lakes: Lake Winnipeg, Lake Manitoba,
and Lake Winnipegosis. It also has more than hundred thousand small lakes.
Manitoba's flower is the Prairie Crocus, its tree is the White Spruce. The
Great Gray Owl is Manitoba's bird. The Royal Canadian Mint in Winnipeg
makes coins for Canada and other countries. With the nickname "Key
Stone Province", Manitoba's contribution in Canada is in the areas of
Farming, Mining, and Fishing. About twenty-five percent of Canada's
fresh-water fish come from Manitoba. Wheat is Manitoba's main crop.
Hydro-electric power is an important industry in Manitoba. Manitoba has
many interesting places to visit. They include Winnipeg's Museum for man
and Nature, the Royal Canadian Mint, and a number of parks. Riding Mountain National Park is one of the two national parks in
Manitoba. The park was established in 1930 in west central Manitoba. The
Park is located on the Great Plains region that stretches northwards from
the Mississippi valley into central Canada. The park contains an area of
1,148 miles of lakes, thick forests and rolling woodlands. Located
175 miles from Winnipeg, Riding Mountain National Park is an ideal place
to go on holidays. The location of the park also makes it easily
accessible from all points in Canada and the United States. Riding Mountain National Park has many natural attractions. The
Eighty-five miles road around the forests make riding and excellent
activity at the park. Different kinds of flowers also add colour to the
park. They include Marsh Marigold, Wintergreen, Fireweed, Roses, Indian
Paint Brush, and Twinflower. Lakes at the park include the Clear Lake,
Lake Audy, Moon Lake, and Kathrine Lake. Clear Lake is the largest and
most beautiful in the park. Outdoor activities in the park include Swimming, Boating, Riding,
Tennis, and Hiking. Others include Yatching, Flower Picking, Sightseeing
and Fishing. Animals that are often seen in the park include Wolves, Moose, Elk,
Black Bear, Mule, and Deer. Birds in the park include Wild Ducks, Canada
Geese, Swans, and Pelicans. Different kinds of plants in the park are Balsam Fir, Jack Pine, Black
Spruce, Green Ash, and Elm. Others include Saskatoon, Dogwood, and
Cranberry. Source:Barb McDermott & Gail Mckeown, Sarah Yates' books about
"Manitoba"; Parks Canada |
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Alexander
3 and Elizabeth Mitchell A
family is a monument of greatness
– Annie Mitchell 4 Alexander’s grandfather William0 was born in Scotland. We
have been trying to track the birth and death and other records of that
William and have some potential leads and each year we build a little bit
more of the story. What we
are fairly confident of is that he was born on his fathers estate near
Aberdeen Scotland. Here he grew to manhood helping on the estate, which
produced much grain, oats, fed to large herds of cattle raised there. In
between times, he was a frequent visitor with his friends about St. James
Palace. After the Stuart banishment, the Mitchell clan lost favour in
the court and their lands and cattle were reduced. William1
accepted an invitation or ventured on his own to Ireland to visit with the
Stuart's that had been banished in prior years. It is believed he went for
the purpose of hunting along the Moors and to visit the Stuart family that
had nine boys and one lovely girl Jane.
They immediately fell in love were married in Ireland, and although
she was loath to do it returned to Scotland to farm, however Jane was
unhappy in Scotland away from her family. The young couple returned to
Ireland, where William procured a farm in Cavan County. They continued to
farm and raised a family of seven. There are several stories on what happened to the four children
who did not immigrate to Canada. One story has the four staying behind in
Ireland. Another possibility, there are three boys of the same names as
the sons (two the same name) that were "sent" to the United
States and Australia, with the right ages and from the right part of the
country, but we are not sure if these are our relatives or not. What we are certain of is that their sixth child, also named
William2, married Catherine Higgins b 1814 of Ladster County in
1837. In 1840, with their young daughter Jane2, William’s
youngest brother Samuel2, and Henry Higgins (Catherine’s
brother) they sailed for Canada. They were eleven weeks crossing the
Atlantic Ocean before finally reaching Ottawa. The young immigrants found employment as lumberjacks up the Gatineau
River and later farmed in Lascelles, Quebec about twenty five miles north
of Ottawa. William and Catherine established a home here and he eventually
cleared a farm of 100 acres. It was on this farm where Alexander3
was born November 21st 1856. He had for sisters and four
brothers. During the winter months Alexander and his brothers worked in
the bush, usually taking teams of horses with them, as wages were higher
for the teamsters and feed was provided for the horses. The men lived in
bunkhouses surviving on a diet of salt pork, beans, pea soup, fish, and
bannock. By degrees, the older brothers left home. Henry married Ann Hartley,
settling on a farm across the Gatineau River at Wakefield, Quebec. Robert,
Samuel, and William Jr. travelled to Manitoba and Saskatchewan to
homestead. The sisters married in the district. Jane, and husband Charlie
Thompson, later settled at Wolseley, Saskatchewan. Mary Ann married James
Kennedy, settling at North Bay, Ontario. Catherine married William Kennedy
(brother of James). William was killed in the bush by a falling tree.
Catherine dies shortly thereafter, leaving her young son Thomas4
to the care of his grandmother, also Catherine. Isabella married Robert
Moore. William Sr. died September 29, 1869 from pneumonia and is buried in
the old Rupert Church Cemetery near Lascelles, Quebec. Alexander 3 and Elizabeth
Mitchell In 1882 Alexander moved west to Wolseley and filed a homestead in the
vicinity of his older brothers, Henry and Samuel. At this time the railway
was only finished as far as Grand Valley (near Brandon, Manitoba), and
there was not even a bridge across the Assiniboine River. Alexander spent
the winter months hauling supplies by team and sleigh from Indianhead,
Saskatchewan to the imperial Army during the Riel Rebellion. In 1885 Alexander sold his land at Lascelles, Quebec and
returned to Woldeley by train with is mother Catherine and his nephew
Thomas Kennedy. Alexander’s brother Henry, sister Jane Thompson, and
their families also accompanied him to Saskatchewan. Cattle and machinery
for homesteading were shipped by train. Alexander again returned to Quebec to marry his fiancée,
Elizabeth Rogers on March 17th, 1886 in her parent’s home at
North Wakefield, Quebec. Elizabeth’s grandparents, James Rogers and
Isabella McMickle were born in Anthrone, Ireland. In 1845 they came to
Canada with their family of eight after a seven-week sea voyage. James worked in Ottawa as a wheelwright and carpenter for seven years before becoming a lumberman and farmer at North Wakefield, Quebec in 1852. The seventh child, David married Emma Birkett of Ottawa on July 30th,
1863. Their oldest child Elizabeth was born the following year, the first
of five girls and five boys. After the marriage of Alexander and Elizabeth, they left by
train from Ottawa for Wolseley. Here they tried to establish a home, but
frost, drought, hail and grasshoppers discouraged the Mitchells. They
decided to go elsewhere. In 1888 Alexander bought 320 acres, the present
site of “The Maples” at the cost of 1600 dollars, north of Douglas,
Manitoba. The family home was built on SE 27-11-17. Henry bought land west of Douglas. Machinery and household goods
were brought by horse drawn wagon and the cattle were driven from Wolseley
to Douglas. The women and children came by train. Fortune was not kind to Alexander, prairie fires destroyed the
barns and granaries, frost and hail ruined the crops. For six years in
succession, there was very little income. The hope of next years crop and
the increasing responsibility of a family kept them on this farm.
Catherine, Alexander’s mother, died October 28th, 1892 at age
78. She is buried in Madford Cemetery near Douglas. Times began to improve. Community life had its benefits.
Alexander and Elizabeth were staunch Presbyterians. Alexander was an
Orangeman and Forrester. They were interested in the education of their
children and supported every advancement in educational facilities.
However, the older boys in the family were deprived of a formal education
and had to help on the farm at a very early age. Their lack of education
did not deter them from being successful farmers. Alexander was an active
supporter of every cooperative movement, which he felt would be for the
betterment of the district. He was an early shareholder of the Grain
Growers Association. Elizabeth is especially remembered for her
hospitality and for her kindness in times of sickness and death. Alexander 3 and Elizabeth
Mitchell Alexander and Elizabeth were not one of the homesteading
families of Douglas but they can indeed be classed as early pioneers. Here
they raised six sons and four daughters; Walter4, Abigail,
Ernest, Dewitt, Eva, Ethel, Norman, Annie, Birkett, and Stuart. A seventh
son, Charles David, died as an infant. On March 17th, 1936,
they celebrated their Golden Wedding. Elizabeth died May 8th,
1937, after a brief illness in the Brandon General Hospital at the age of
72. Alexander died in the lovely old home he built at “The Maples”
March 31st, 1943, at the age of 86. From: The Douglas Centennial Book 1982, and Original work by Ann
Mitchell. Updated and expanded by Mabel Mitchell, Mona Green, Doreen
Andrews, Gail Kilbank, Sharon Swan, Kathy Mennie, Grant Ackney and Ken
Watson. |
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The
Descendants of Alexander 3 and Elizabeth Mitchell Alexander and Elizabeth raised six sons and four daughters; Walter4,
Abigail4, Ernest4, Dewitt4, Eva4,
Ethel4, Norman4, Annie4, Birkett4,
and Stuart4. From: The Douglas Centennial Book 1982, and Original work by Ann
Mitchell. Updated and expanded by Mabel Mitchell, Mona Green, Doreen
Andrews, Gail Kilbank, Sharon Swan, Kathy Mennie, Grant Ackney and Ken
Watson. William Walter4 was born June 15, 1887 at Wolseley,
Saskatchewan, one of the first white babies of that area. As such he was
the object of much interest from local Indian women, who would peer in at
the the windows, scaring Elizabeth greatly. After Alexander and Elizabeth
moved to Douglas, Walter went to "old" Elton School, and
ultimately attended business college for several seasons in Brandon. On
November 17, 1915 Walter married Myrtle Andrews, daughter of Henry and
Margery Andrews of Douglas. They farmed NW 27-11-17 with their four
children Myland, Marjorie, Kenneth and Shirley. In 1928 Walter and his
family moved to a homestead at Spirit River, Alberta in the Peace River
district. He was followed later by his father Alexander and brothers
Norman, Birkett, and Stuart. Walter was the only one to
establish a permanent home in Peace River, prospering and living out his
life at Spirit River. He died
December 31, 1969 at the age of 82 years. His wife Myrtle lives with their
eldest daughter Marjorie Thiessen of Dawson Creek, BC. ©
Myland5 continues to farm the original
homestead. He married Margaret Peters on January 4, 1958.
They have three children Gail, Betty Anne, and Gary. ©
Marjorie5 trained to be a nurse in
Lethbridge Alberta, later marrying Isaac Thiessen. They lived in
California for some years but now reside in Dawson Creek B.C. ©
Kenneth5 married Roberta Coulter on
November 23 1949. They farm
with their children Patricia, Marcia, Catherine and Gregory. © Shirley5 married Gordon Miller of Dawson Creek. They have two children, Margaret and Donald. Emma
Abigail4
was
born at Douglas, January 5, 1890, twin sister to Ernest Thompson who was
born just after midnight in the early minutes of January 6, 1890. She
attended "old" Elton School and enjoyed skating and dancing. As
the eldest daughter of a large family she had the responsibility of
helping to care for the younger children. Baking as that time was an
"every day chore". She lived at home until her marriage to
Albert Andrews at the Maples on November 26, 1913. Their attendants were
Annie Hoey and brother Ernest. Albert Andrews was the 8th child of Henry and Margery (McVicar)
Andrews. They came west by covered wagon ahead of the railroad. Henry was
born in England and Margery born in Quebec of Scottish ancestry. Four
children were born in Quebec, seven more in Manitoba including Albert in
1887. Two children died in infancy. Henry made a crude toboggan, hitched
up his donkey to go for supplies. Prior
to Brandon being built pioneers would have to ride horseback to Portage La
Prairie for supplies. Henry died in 1912 at an early age and when Albert
and Abbie were married in 1913 Albert took over the duties of farming (SE
20-11-11R.M. of Elton). Albert's
sister Myrtle married Abbie's brother Walter. and children of Walter
and Myrtle namely Myland, Margery, Kenneth, and Shirley always called
themselves "double cousins". The only time the nine cousins were
all together was the Edmonton Reunion in 1992. At this time of writing,
there are five left. The
children of Albert and Abbie namely: ©
Ernest5 b 1914; farmed with his father and then his brother
after Albert moved to Brandon. In 1953 he married Albert Chisholm, a
registered nurse who graduated from Brandon General Hospital. They lived
in Brandon and Ern continued to farm. In 1956 he joined the Masonic Lodge
and held many high posts in that organisation as well as Shriners and
Scottish Rite. He and Alice had no children so they travelled extensively.
In Feb. 2000 Ern lost a limb to diabetes. After many months in hospital he
died October 15, 2002. Alice continues to live in Lion's Manor, Brandon. ©
Grace5 b 1916 Grace (Andrews) Ackney. Attended Campbell School with her siblings, then after a
business course went to Trail B.C where she met Lloyd Ackney. They were
married in 1941. Grace spent 4 years back in Douglas with her parents
while Lloyd served in the R.C.A.F in the war. Lloyd Owned and Operated
Mitchell Building Supply in Castlegar, B.C. which is celebrating it’s 50th
Anniversary this year. Lloyd passed away 1969 Grace lives in Castlegar Lloyd
and Grace have five children: 1.
Terry6 b. 1942 Married Arden Pugsley in 1968. Terry worked
the family business and is semi retired. Arden was a
schoolteacher.They have two children: ·
Karen7 b. 1968 Karen married Chris Knegt in 2001. They own
a Benjamin Moore Paint Store and live in Castlegar ·
David7 b. 1970 is continuing in the family business… 2.
Trinda6 b. 1946 Married Gordon Christie 1966. Gordon worked
for the Calgary Fire Department as their Head Mechanic. He is now retired.
Trinda drove school bus and looked after the Ranch. They have two boys: ·
Murray7 b. 1967 Murray is currently living in Texas and is
the North America Sales Co-ordinator for and Multi National Oil Technology
Company. ·
Blair7 b. 1969 Blair is lives in Claresholm, Alberta and
manages his Ranch… Trinda
and Gordon live in Calgary
3.
Bonnie6 b. 1949 married Dick Crosson 1972. Dick was with
RCMP and later a Customs Agent, now retired. Bonnie was a Customs Broker
and currently devotes her time to the local Library and Community.
They have four children: ·
Toreen7 b. 1973 Toreen
married Chris Sherbinin in 2002; Chris owns a Drilling/Blasting
Business ·
Tammie b 1976 lives in Calgary Alberta and currently works for Telus ·
Jeffery7 b. 1978 Monica Seitz 2000. They are both Attending
University of Lethbridge. They have a daughter Kailen Avery b. 2002 ·
Edward7 (Ted) b. 1981, Edward living at home in Grasmere BC 4.
Elizabeth6 b. 1951 married Vel Tukkimaki 1972. Vel is a
Commercial Real-estate Agent with Royal Lepage and teaches Real-estate at
Mount Royal College, Calgary . Vel is very involved with The Rotary
Student Exchange Program. Liz works as Vel's assistant and is currently
acting in a Theatre Production Group at Heritage Park. They have two
children:
·
Alisa7 b. 1982 is working and attends Mount Royal College
and is also acting at Heritage Park. ·
Mitchell7 b.1987 is still attending High School Grade 10
and involved in Musical Theater. They
live in Calgary. 5.
Grant6 b. 1955, Bonnie
Credico 1988.Grant owns and operates a Roof Truss Manufacturing Business
in Nelson and is active with Rotary and Music. Bonnie is a Horticulturist
and also does bookkeeping and payroll for a large Tree Planting Company.
They have one daughter: ·
Melanie7 b. 1989.Melanie is in Grade 8 and is involved in
Music, Dance, Soccer and Skiing. They
live in Nelson BC ©
Laurence5 (Bud) b, 1921 twin to Lois married Doreen Wolfe
in 1947. (When Doreen's grandparents emigrated from Ireland in 1914 the
first people to welcome them to this new land of Canada, were Bud's
grandparents Alexander and Elizabeth Mitchell). Bud rented his Dad's farm
and worked at mixed farming until Darryl took over the farm. Doreen worked along with Bud and always had a big garden
and full pantry of vegetables and wild fruit to help with the farm
economy. Later she worked as a unit clerk at Brandon hospital. They
retired to Brandon in 1995. Bud continues to enjoy golfing and curling,
and attending ballgames. Bud and Doreen have four children: 1.
Neil6 b. 1948 married Heather Stewart in July 1971. Heather
is an educational assistant at Forrest Elementary. Neil has been a teacher
and farmer before partnering with brother Daryl in Guild Insurance in
Brandon Manitoba. They have two children:
Neil
and Heather live near Rapid City and Nate and Tara and Kristin in Brandon. 2.
Darryl6 b. 1951, married Barbara Forster in July 1972. Barb
is a resource coordinator for home care with the Brandon Regional Health
Authority. Daryl farmed for some years before partnering with brother Neil
in the insurance business in Brandon. They have one son: ·
Ryan b. 1979 is an Information Technology Manager with the R.G. Mazer
Group. Both
Daryl and Neil became deeply involved in civic and sporting activities in
Brandon. Baseball and curling are their special interests. Daryl, Barb and
Ryan all live in Brandon. 3.
Laurie6 b. 1954, married Janice Mac Gillivray in May 1983.
Jan works with Investor's Group in Edmonton. Laurie went to Edmonton in
1976 and is currently in Print Sales at the St. Albert Gazette Press Ltd.
Laurie and Jan are separated. They have one son: ·
Jeffery7 Laurence b. 1985 named after his grandfather, is
taking after his Dad as a lefty pitcher, they both love baseball. Laurie's
girlfriend Mary Jamison is an avid golfer and curler. They all live in St.
Albert Alberta. 4.
Karyn6 b. 1958, married Leonard Kondro in April 1984.
Len graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of
Commerce degree and is a comptroller with Alberta Blue Cross. Karen took
Child Psychology at Grant McEwen Community College and graduated in Child
and Youth Development. Presently she is employed at Ft. Saskatchewan High
School as an Educational Assistant appraising special needs and problem
children. Jay and Devin enjoy indoor and outdoor soccer. They live in
Carbondale, Alberta. They have two sons: ·
Jay7 b. 1989 ·
Devin7 b. 1993 ©
Lois5 (twins) b, 1921 to Laurence (Bud) born 1921. Lois
went to work in Brandon and met Milton Jacks. They were married in 1941.
Milt served in the navy and they lived most of the war years in Victoria,
B.C. Then they ran general stores in Manitoba and then Milt went into the
insurance business. They had four children: 1.
Carol Ann6 born in 1942. Was an R.N. who went to Hawaii to
work and met and married Dr. Albert K.S. Chun in 1969. They had two
daughters. Whitnee7 born in 1973 and Courtnee7 born
in 1974. Carol and Boz are divorced and Carol now lives with her present
husband Jorge Toledo in Chile, South America. Whitnee is a veterinarian
living in Greeley, Colorado and will be getting married to Jason on May 4,
2003. Courtnee lives in Denver, Colorado and works with investments. 2.
Barry6 born in 1947 married Carol Diller in 1969. Barry
worked for many years with the Co-op , retired from there and works for an
independent now. Carol is employed with the Royal Bank. They have two
children: ·
Sherry7 born in 1971 married Derrick Huck 1994. Derrick and
Sherry are divorced. Sherry works as a cashier at the Co-op. They had
three daughters: -
Alyssa8 born in 1995 -
Stephanie8 (twin) and -
Ashley8 (twin) born in 1997. ·
Shawn7 born in 1973 married Julie Fulton in 2000. Shawn
works at the Co-op as a meat manager. They have a daughter: -
Charlize8 born 2002. Barry
and his family all reside in Calgary, Alberta. 3.
Douglas6 born in 1952 died 1968 a victim of a shooting
accident. 4.
Kathryn6 born in 1956. Married Rick Mennie in 1982. Rick
and Kathy work together in their business Diamond Edge Glass Works in
Brandon. They have two children: ·
Jenna born 1984 Jenna7 is in 1st year University working
towards being a Doctor. ·
Josh7 born in 1986. Josh is in Grade 11 and interested in
Auto Body. They
all live in Brandon. Milt
died in 1964 of a heart attack. In 1970 Lois married Les Reid. Les was a
freelance carpet layer. In June 2002 Les & Lois moved to a seniors
complex "Hobbs Manor" in Brandon. Lois passed away Nov 9, 2002
from cancer. She is buried with Milt and Doug in the Brandon Cemetery. ©
Ruth5
b. 1924, (E) Ruth - Ella Margaret Ruth Andrews,
(Watson) was born on a cold November 18, 1924, the youngest of the family.
Her recollections of her early childhood were pleasant and amusing.
She remembered learning to milk a cow at age 4, being chased by
clucking hens and big roosters (her Dad told her often that they disliked
her white hair), her singing debut at a Campbell School Christmas Concert
singing Away In A Manger, with her sister Grace helping her to keep in
tune. Her first love was her horse APet@ whom she spent many hours riding around the countryside with childhood
friends. Her 9 years at
Campbell School were full of family and community functions, school
parties, ball games and skating. In
1939, she moved to Brandon to further her education.
She completed a business course and found work at the YMCA and
later at the Manitoba Telephone System.
In 1942, she met Hilliard Charles Watson, son of Charlie and Kate
Watson of Ingelow, Manitoba at the Imperial Dance Gardens just before he
went overseas with the Royal Canadian Artillery.
On Hill=s return from overseas in 1946 they were married and had 3 sons, Brad,
Ken and Don. For 26
years, they made their home in Brandon on Russell Street.
They operated Watson=s Flower Shop and Taxi Stand and later the
Hospital Confectionery (The Store). The
Store was always the meeting place for friends and family. She also
enjoyed her curling and golfing outings.
Hill in his younger days also enjoyed golfing, curling and in later
years enjoyed the Tweed Lodge and Scottish Rite with brother-in-law Ern
Andrews. After retiring in
1974, Hill and Ruth spent 4 years traveling in Canada and the U.S.
visiting friends and family. Hill
passed away in 1977. Ruth
moved and then resided in Vernon, B.C.
She continued her love of travel by visiting Alaska, Australia,
Eastern Canada and many points in between.
As much as she enjoyed traveling, she always loved to entertain her
family and friends in the Okanogan. She
did the groundwork for hosting the 1995 Mitchell Family Reunion at Silver
Star Mountain, however, after a lengthy battle with cancer, Ruth passed
away in April 1995 before the reunion was held. The sons: 1.
Brad6 (Robert Bradford) - Born June 18th
1948. Attended King
George School, Earl Haig Junior High, and Brandon Collegiate Institute.
Played and enjoyed many sports but his special interest was the Boy
Scouts. Many happy weekends
were spent jamboreeing, and camping with the troops. In 1970, Brad married
Karen Sue Diehl, daughter of Morris and Sue Diehl of Souris, Manitoba.
They had two sons: ·
Clayton7 Robert, born March 13, 1973, currently resides in Calgary, Alberta
where he is finishing his final courses in obtaining his papers as a
Journeyman Electrician. ·
Richard7 Charles, born November 10, 1976, currently resides in Calgary, Alberta
and is a corporate sales representative with CompuSmart. Brad spent many years in various locations in western Canada with IAC and Continental Bank. After leaving the bank he spent 12 years as Credit Manager for Kal Tire in Vernon, B.C. He is an avid golfer and skier and enjoys life in the Okanagan. He and Karen were divorced in 1993. Brad currently works at Predator Ridge Golf Course and operates his own Natural Healing practice. 2. Ken6 ( Kenneth Ronald ) - Born Aug. 31st
1950. In 1972 Ken married Kathy Wood, daughter of
Roy and Jean Wood of Brandon.
They have two children, twins, Andrew Stephen and Jennifer Lynn,
born May 9th, 1977. Ken
and Kathy currently reside in Vernon, B.C.
·
Andrew7 (twin) is currently in his final year of studies in
Linguistics at the University of Calgary.
He has parttime jobs as a teacher=s assistant and as a waiter with The Keg Restaurant on McLeod.
·
Jennifer7 (twin) is a graduate of
Olds College, Olds, Alberta. She
currently resides in Calgary and is the Head Horticulturalist at Pine
Brook Golf Course. She also
operates her own company, Jenn-uine Landscapes. 3. Don6 ( Donald Charles) - Born
Nov. 23rd 1953.
In 1987, Don married Cheryl Ann Tateyama, daughter of Chiz and Kitch
Tateyama of Kelowna, B.C. They
reside in Vernon, BC. Don has been employed with Tolko Lumber for 30 years
and Cheryl has been with the Toronto Dominion/Canada Trust Bank for 25
years. Both boys do well in
their academics at school and enjoy extra curricular activities. They have
two sons: ·
Dempsey7Charles born Jan. 31, 1988 and ·
Braden7 Kenneth born Jan. 29, 1990. Albert died at age 90 in 1977, and Abbie at 91 in 1981, both are
buried at the Madford Cemetery near Douglas.
Ernest
Thompson4
was
born January 6, 1890, a twin to Abigail. He received his education at the
"old" Elton School , 2.5 miles from his home, a long trek in
winter months. This was the only time that many farm youths attended
school as they were very much needed at home during the seeding, haying,
and harvesting seasons. As a youth, his weekly outing consisted of going
to church on Sunday by wagon or sleigh - a round trip of sixteen miles.
His fun activities consisted of football, baseball, dancing, etc. but
always after the work was done. Being one of the eldest in a large family
he learned the responsibility of farming at a very early age.
He was ten years old when he helped with his first harvest by
handling horses on a binder. When
there was rather a sparse crop at home and fall work was finished the men
would go west to earn a few extra dollars. As a young man, Ernest learned
to operate a steam outfit, first as tankman, then fireman and later as
engineer. He purchased his first outfit in 1910. He married Mayme (Mary)
Black second daughter of William and Mary Black in the Black family home
on December 26, 1923 at Douglas Manitoba. Their married life began in their new home situated SW1/4 26-11-17.
Ernest was a hard working and successful farmer with Mayme always a
willing and supportive partner. In the beginning of their married life
they raised grain, cattle, pigs and chickens. Later they concentrated on
registered Polled Hereford cattle and registered grain. Ernest was an early supporter of the Brandon consumers co-operative
and the Manitoba Pool Elevators. Mayme attended church meetings and was a
member of the W.I. They supported and contributed generously to all
community activities. After retirement to Brandon in 1961, they continued
to call Douglas home. In heart and mind, they spent their entire lives
there devoted to a rural way of life, their home, their family, and their
community. Ernest died March 27, 1972 at age 82. Mayme died January 12,
1977 at age 82. They are buried in Madford Cemetery. The family is blessed
with a multitude of happy memories. Their two children were born at home.
Donn in November 1926 and Mona in June 1928. ©
Donn5 attended Elton School and completed Grade 10 by
correspondence. At a very early age, he had a keen interest in cattle and
at the tender age of 11, in 1937 he showed his first call in the Boys and
Girls Calf Club at the Winter Fair in Brandon. In 1944, his Dad and he
purchased their first registered Polled Hereford heifers, and from their
continued successfully with that breed. Donn
married Sylvia Carkner of Brandon in 1959. Their first home was at
"The Maples" (Donn's grandparents home). In 1961, they moved
into the family home. The family farm was incorporated in 1966 as Klondike
Farms Ltd. In 1978, Donn was presented with the "Mister Manitoba
Farmer" award. Donn and Sylvia continued to raise registered Polled
Hereford cattle grain and took an active part in all agriculture and
community affairs. Donn died in October of 2000, and Sylvia still lives in
their farm home. ©
Mona5 attended Elton School, St. Michael's Academy and
Wheat City Business College. She worked in Brandon and Regina and in 1954,
married Russell Green of rural Brandon. They operate their family farm and
their children: Jim, Patti, Doug and Don all graduated with their
Diploma's in Agriculture from the University of Manitoba. In 1977, the
farm was incorporated as G. Six Farms Ltd. 1.
Jim6 married Lori Dangerfield of Brandon in 1987. They have
two children: ·
Aran7 and ·
Mitchell7 2.
Patti6married Gordon Beddome from Minnedosa, Manitoba in
1988. They have three
children: ·
Holly7 ·
Danny7 ·
Kelli-Mae7 3.
Doug6 Married Michelle Barber from Macgregor Manitoba in
1991. They have two children: ·
Nicole7 and ·
Carson7 4.
Don6 married Jill Ransom from Boissevain, Manitoba in 1999.
At present they have no children. All
of the children of Russ and Mona are farming and are actively working in
agricultural businesses as well as community organisations. Russ and Mona
are living in the family home. John
DeWitt4
was born December 3, 1891. He attended "old" Elton School for a
short time and then new Elton School for the remainder of his education.
He worked for his father on the home farm. DeWitt also went west during
the later part of various autumns and helped with the harvest at several
places in Saskatchewan. He purchased the NE 1/4 of 22-11-17 and the N 1/2
of 23-11-17 in 1919 and moved to the buildings on the NE 1/4 of 22-11-17.
He participated in the various sports, particularly baseball, at first
making good use of his bicycle as a means of transportation. Later he
bought a Model T Ford. He also, for a time, acted as a coach for the
girl's baseball team. DeWitt married Ivy Musgrove of Boissevain Manitoba on July 6, 1921.
Ivy had been teaching at Derry school since 1917. Dewitt and Ivy
retired in Brandon in 1955
when their son Ross took over the operation of the family farm. Dewitt
died December 1967 and Ivy in 1987. They had four sons Keith, Grant, Ross
and Glenn: ©
Keith5, born April 19, 1922 worked at home until after the
war, attended University and then farmed for four years. Keith married Ada
Wareham in 1962 and was a lawyer for several years. He and Ada are still
living in Brandon. ©
Grant5, born December 22, 1923, began working on the CPR
when he was 17 years old and six months later joined the Navy where he
served until the end of the war. He married Jean Halayko April 19, 1945.
They had three children: 1.
Wayne6 born April 19, 1946 and after working with his Uncle
Ross for several years. He married Pauline Dube in 1970 and they moved
into the Maples the original Mitchell homestead. Wayne and Polly had two
children: ·
Leslie7 Grant born July 16, 1971 and ·
daughter Tracy7, born April 13, 1973. Wayne
is now living in Kenora Ontario, Polly and Leslie in Brandon and Tracy in
Vancouver. Grant passed away in March 2000 while curling in Kenora
Ontario. 2.
Nadine6 Lee was born November 26, 1948 and married Pat
O'Connor in October 1972. Nadine is currently working as a registered
nurse for Telehealth in Thamesford Ontario. ·
They have two girls, Tamara7 Jean born April 5, 1975, now
working on her PhD at McMaster University, and ·
Danielle7 Renee was born December 7, 1978 and is currently
working as a goldsmith in Guelph, managing her own jewellery business from
home and residing in Stratford with her new husband Niels Kouwenberg. They
were married December 13, 2002. 3.
Norman6 married Brenda Kennedy June 11, 1977 and they have
three girls: ·
Erin7 their first daughter arrived July 15, 1978 and is
living in Dryden Ontario with her husband Scott Parkin whom she married
May 2000. ·
Owen7Gregory Parkin was born January 11, 2002 and is the
first grandson of Norman and Brenda and the -
first great grandchild of Jean Mitchell -
second daughter Nori Elsie was born August 4, 1981 and is attending
Lakehead University in pursuit of a teaching degree. ·
Third daughter Jana7 Beverly was born June 8, 1984 and is
currently working and living with her parents while deciding which career
to pursue. ©
Ross5 was born August 16, 1925 and worked with his father
after completing grade 8. He joined the army in 1943 and went overseas as
a paratrooper, returning to the farm when the war was over in 1945. He
married Mabel Clark in 1951 and they lived in the upper floor until 1955
when DeWitt and Ivy moved into Brandon. At this time Ross and Mabel had
two girls Judith Anne and Barbara Lynn born in February 1953 and November
1954. Susan Gail arrived in March 1957 and Cathryn Joan in November 1959. 1.
Judy6 married Clark Lang in 1975 are now living in Ft. St.
John B.C. and in between teaching had two girls: ·
Cassidy7 Sue born June 12, 1980 and ·
Jillian7 Jae born December 15, 1983. The
girls are both going to the University of Calgary.
2.
Barbara6 is married to Don Williams and they have a family
of three children. ·
Breigh Anne7 born May 17, 1980 is going to Brandon
University, ·
Laura7 Cathryn born August 16, 1985 and ·
Jess7 Mitchell born December 30, 1987 are in Deloraine High
School. They
are involved in a large potato farm, 3.
Susan6 and Garth Meadows live north of Brandon on a farm
and have two girls: ·
Lisa7 Jean, Born November 8, 1985 and ·
Kali7 Sue arrived May 8, 1988. They both go to Elton
Collegiate. 4.
Cathryn6 Joan was born in November 1959 and was born
severely handicapped with Cerebral Palsy and after almost six years of
caring for her at home, she spent six years in the St. Anant home in
Winnipeg where she passed away in October 1971. Ross
and Mabel have lived in Brandon since 1980 and are still golfing and
curling (and travelling, especially to reunions and planning the next
reunion for 2004). In December 1981 the big house the Ross was born in
burned to the ground taking with it a lot of memories. Wayne and Polly had
recently done a lot of remodelling and put in a new fireplace where the
fire started. Ross
sold the original homestead - the Maples - that he had bought from his
Uncle Birkett in 1959 to his cousin Donn Mitchell and it was named a
century farm in 1988. Over the years spent in the cattle business Ross
became very involved in the associations and was President of the Manitoba
Stock Growers, Canadian Cattleman's Association, Canadian Simmental and
Canadian Tarentaise. ©
Glen was born May 20, 1927 and moved out to B.C. after finishing
school, living in Trail, Christina Lake and Hope where he still resides.
He married June McKenzie and they had four girls: 1.
Wendy6 born July 24, 1954, married Tom Evans May 14, 1976
and they have two children: ·
Daughter Lindsay7 21 years old going to the University of
Calgary ·
Scott7 going to high school They
live in Vancouver where Wendy is teaching. 2.
Tracy6born May 15, 1958 and Brock McFarlane were married
May 18, 1989 and live in Prince George where Tracy teaches. They are
parents of: ·
Mitchell7 born November 20, 1990 and ·
Daughter Jamie7 born October 10, 1993. 3.
Christina6 born December 15,1960 married Ed Graham
September 3, 1983 and they have a son: ·
Jason7, born October 17, 1989 and a ·
Daughter Kelly7 born August 27, 1992. They
live in Kelowna BC where Christie works as a computer programmer. 4.
Melanie6 born July 31, 1963 and Ray Vance were married
November 28, 1992 and have a daughter: ·
Jodi7 born July 28, 1994
and a son ·
Dillon7 born October 14, 1997. They
make their home in Port Coquitlam B.C. where Mel also works for the B.C.
government. Glen's
wife June died in May of 1983 following a battle with cancer. Catherine
Eva4
was
born at Douglas December 23, 1893. She attended Elton School and Brandon
Collegiate. After Normal School she taught in Manitoba and British
Columbia schools. While at Trail B.C., she met Bilson Merry, a lumberman
at Slocan City, B.C. They were married at Douglas on January 1, 1923,
Bilson Merry died June 20, 1981. Eva is presently in a nursing home in
Trail B.C. (1982). They have a family of four: ©
Patti Elizabeth5 married Otella Nocente of Trail, B.C. and
they now reside in Burnaby B.C. They have a family of four – 1.
Daniel6 2.
Helen6 3.
Catherine6 4.
Paula6 ©
Mina Catherine5 married Robert Bijou. They have two
daughters: 1.
Danielle6 2.
Lauren6 They
live in Blairmore, Alberta. ©
Ethel Aleta5 is married to Basil McDonnell. They have five
children – 1.
Ellen6 2.
Nadine6 3.
Julia6 4.
Bilson (B.J.) 6 5.
Qunetin6 ©
George Alexander5 carried on his parents lumbering business
at Trail B.C. He is married to Janet Beker. They have four children – 1.
David6 2.
Bilson6 3.
Bette Anne6 4.
Eva Lynn6 Ethel
Elizabeth4
was born August 28, 1896. She attended Elton School, Brandon College,
Yorkton and later Winnipeg Normal School. She taught school in
Saskatchewan and Manitoba before marriage to Earl Lovering, a traveller of
Stoughton, Saskatchewan. They were married June 26, 1926. They have one
daughter: ©
Lynette5, who is married to John Dechaine of Stoughton.
Lynette and John have four children: 1.
Judith Anne6 2.
Ross6 3.
John6 4.
Doris6 Ethel died at the age of 82 on June 3, 1978. Earl died February 12,
1982 at the age of 95. Norman
Edgar4
was born at Douglas, January 28, 1899. He attended Elton School and
Brandon College. He farmed at Douglas and Spirit River Alberta. In 1935 he
turned lumberman and working with Bilson Merry at Trail B.C. He married
Nora Shankland of Brandon on June 5, 1937. He went into the hardware
business with his brother Stuart in Trail. He retired to Vancouver with
Nora in 1969. Nora died in November of 1983, Norman in 1984. Annie
Ruth4
was born December 16, 1900. She attended Elton School and Brandon College.
She taught school for eighteen years in Manitoba and BC. She then worked
during the war with the YMCA War Services. Later she went to Ottawa and
became a civil servant until her retirement in 1965. Anne died in 1985 and
is buried beside her grandmother Catherine. Alexander
Birkett4
was born June 29, 1904. He attended Elton School. Birkett farmed the home
farm with his father Alexander and Brother Norman. He spent four summers
at Spirit River Alberta to prove up his homestead there. Later he sold his
homestead to his brother Norman. On September 30, 1938 he married Mossie
Noble of Elkhorn Manitoba. In 1959 Birkett sold the farm to nephew Ross
Mitchell. Birkett and Mossie then retired to Brandon. Mossie died on
September 16, 1973. Birkett Mitchell and his sister Anne Mitchell lived in
Hobb's Manor up to the time of Anne's death. Birkett moved into an
apartment by himself until a bad fall made it impossible for him to care
for himself. Gail and her family arranged with Birkett to have him move to
Lloydminster and to a senior's complex close to the family. He settled in
there very well until his death on June 22nd 1988. They had one
daughter, ©
Gail Elizabeth5, who is married to Charles Kilbank. The
family lives in Lloydminster, Alberta and have four children of their own: 1.
Brian6 was married to Lisa Baker, they have since divorced
but have three children ·
August7 (AJ) and Loressa have two children of their own -
Ocean8 -
Thye8 ·
Eric7 ·
Natasha7 1.
Brian married his second wife Melody Coutts on December 14 2002 2.
Alan6 married Laurie Fehr and they moved to Edmonton and
had one child before divorcing: ·
Christopher7 3.
Mark6 remains single 4.
Karen6 married Geoff Hatton on June 25, 1988 and they moved
from Vancouver to Fayetville North Carolina and now reside in Arlington
Texas. They have three children: ·
Leah7 ·
Matthew7 ·
Kieran7 Chuck
and I semi-retired in 1990 when we purchased a condo in Logan Lake BC. We
now live here full time. Stuart
Nelson4 was
born March 6, 1909 at Douglas. He attended Elton School and Brandon
College and decided against farming. He undertook employment at a bank and
later at an insurance office. He decided to homestead in the Peace River
District. Having proved his homestead, Stuart then went to Trail BC to
work with the Merry lumber company. Later
he obtained hardware stores at Fruitvale, Castlegar, and Trail BC in
partnership with his brother Norman. On May 22, 1937 he married Marjorie
Bowman of Vancouver, BC. They have three daughters: ©
Sharon5 married (and since divorced) to Stuart Swan of
Boston Massachusetts 1.
S. Mitchell6 Swan married to Antoinette Puglieie and live
in Athens Georgia with 3 children: ·
Matthew7 Mitchell 6 ·
Andrew7 Bowman 4 ·
Samantha7 Elizabeth 2 2.
Sarah6 Elizabeth married to Christopher Rhinesmith, no
children yet, live in Chatham (Cape Cod) Mass. ©
Lynda5 married to William Workman of Edmonton Alberta have
since moved to Kelowna and had four children: 1.
Christopher6 married to Joanne Simpson live in Calgary with
their two children: ·
Joseph7 6 ·
Caroline7 2 2.
Jane6 married to Brian Blischek live in Allen Texas with
their 3 children: ·
Twin Brandon7 6 ·
Twin Nicolas7 6 ·
Lindsay7 1 3.
Timothy6 married to Karen Day and live in Fredericton New
Brunswick with their 2 children: ·
Andrew7 6 ·
Liam7 2 4.
Heather6 Workman lives in Edmonton with son ·
Gabriel7 5 ©
Ruth5Mitchell Ramsden - Wood married to Gary Ramsden -Wood
live Calgary Alberta as do their two children: 1.
David6 25 2.
Ashley6
23 |
|
Ready
for Summer Yet? A
Reminder from 2002 from Mary Ann 3, William 2 Quite
a few of our branch of the family tree have cottages up at French River
and several of us were around on this hot day in August to gather for a
quick family picture before resuming the water volleyball game.
The people in the picture are (all Mary Ann 3, William 2): Top
row: Emma Dunn 8, Satchell Purcell 8, Jane Kennedy 7,
Peter Granata 7, David Kennedy 6, Barb Alexander,
Sam Alexander 8, John (Gasparetto) Alexander 7, Ben
Alexander 8 (hiding), Robin (Gasparetto) Purcell 7,
Mike Purcell Middle
row: Peter Kennedy 7, Susan Kennedy, Sarah Kennedy 7,
Bobby Dunn 8, Jenny (Kennedy) Dunn 7, Judy Kurtz Bottom
row: Carrie (Kennedy) Granata 6, Mike Coutanche, Brett
Coutanche 8, Jennie (Kurtz) Coutanche 7, Sarah
Coutanche 8, Tom Kurtz 6, Robert Granata |
|
Something
for Easter, Christmas, Birthday’s or even a Reunion A Present for Your Descendants by Michael John Neill Genealogists
might want to consider adding one other "person" to the list of
those in need of a gift: the unborn family descendants. If
your family is fortunate enough to get together at Christmas, see if you
can make some time to ask some of those questions you have been putting
off. Make time to identify individuals in any old pictures that have not
yet been identified. Bring copies of pictures to the get-together for
family members to identify (photocopies that can be written on work well
for this purpose). You may want to inconspicuously take advantage of this
time to fill in some of the blanks in your family history database. You
might even want to get a parent or grandparent one of those
"Grandparent Memories" books to complete. Just remember that the
holiday's purpose is not genealogical research. There's
something more personal you can leave for your descendants this holiday
season: a record of how your family celebrates Christmas and what the
holiday season means to you. As
a holiday season approaches (and wanes), many of us think of holidays
past, traditions no longer practiced, and family members long since
deceased. Memories of these occasions and individuals are excellent things
to leave as a present for future generations of your family. You might
have written down some details of your family's past, but have you
included holiday information? I
do wonder how my family celebrated the holiday. Did they put their own
personal "spin" on family traditions? I wonder how my family
practiced the various customs how nice it would have been if my ancestors
had left records of some of their traditions. Write
down some of the traditions your family currently has at Christmas. If the
traditions have changed since you were a child, write down the old ones as
well so they can be passed on. It might even be possible to begin
practicing the tradition again, albeit in an altered form. I
can remember going to church on Christmas Eve with my parents and my
maternal grandparents. There was always a children's pageant at church on
Christmas Eve. Every year after the program, the children were given bags
that contained an orange, peanuts (always in their shells), and more
chocolate stars than a kid should have. Afterwards my grandparents would
come to our house where we always had "checkerboard" sandwiches
and oyster stew. As far as I was concerned, the oysters were too
"slimy" to eat; I always ate the broth with lots and lots of
crackers. Who
came for holiday dinner? Were there any arrivals that were momentous or
surprising? The size of the get-together may range from the small ones I
was used to, to larger affairs of forty or more people. Some
memories may not be entirely positive. Was there a Christmas during the
war when brothers or husbands were away? Write about it. Have you ever had
tuna noodle casserole for Christmas dinner? Maybe it was because Dad was
on strike and the "fixins" for tuna noodle casserole were all
Mom could eke out of the food budget. Or maybe it was because the entire
family had been sick for four days and by Christmas Mom was sick herself
and only felt like putting some things in a pot and placing it in the
oven. |
