Cochrane Roots of Roland Gissing

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pg 56 A Peep into the Past Vol 2 1994 Gordon and Belle Hall

Roland Gissing was born in England in the year 1895, the son of Algernon Gissing. He was a nephew of the well-known English novelist and critic George Gissing and a brother of Alvin Gissing, who, for a short time was in 1927 owner and editor of the Cochrane Advocate. 

Roland came to Canada in 1913 hoping to make living as a cowboy. He worked at various ranches in the district and even tried homesteading in the Raven River country west of Innisfail. In 1916 Gissing went to the western United States. There he became friends with Will James the writer and cowboy artist. Here Roland became interested in sketching cowboys and horses. 

In late 1918 Roland Gissing joined the forces but contacted the Spanish flu in Quebec and was discharged. In 1919 he was back in Alberta where he had many friends who called him Gus. Gus worked at Delbecks and Brooks sawmill and D.P. McDonald calf camp. 

Gissing bought some land just north of the Ghost Lake bridge on the east side of the lake. He helped Major Mortimer who ran a roadhouse on the south of Gissing’s property. He was rewarded with a set of oil paints that had once belonged to Lionel Barrymore. Gissing started to paint in earnest at this point. He sketched cowboys and horses but his main interest was oils. In 1925 myself and my father went to the West Coast with the Peter Welsh stable of show horses in which father was a trainer. Gus gave us 25 pencil and ink sketches to take with us to try and sell them at $1 each. There were two left and Gissing gave them to us and I still have them. 

“If you see an oil painting so truly beautiful that it makes you proud, and perhaps a little homesick for the Alberta foothills, then it is probably a Gissing landscape.”

A broadcast over CFCN, CFRN, CKRD, CJOC Tweet
Roland Gissing courtesy Glenbow Archives

Gissing’s first exhibition was held in Booths Galleries in Calgary in 1925 and was quite successful, but it was not until 1932 that he was able to make a good living at art. His art has been exhibited and sold all over the world and has won many awards. In 1933 Roland married Enie Gillies, one of his nearest neighbours. Some of his hobbies included weaving on a loom he built himself. He prepared and dyed wool and wove saddle blankets. He made model trains, exact in every detail and with every type of passenger and freight cars. He built lengthy railway tracks beside his house with bridges and tunnels. His four-wheel-drive locomotives of the British type were a wonder to behold. 

Disaster struck on Friday, March 3, 1944, when Gissing’s house and studio burned. They lost their home, art, library and steam trains. Gissing built a new home but soon sold out and went to Okotoks. Enie Gissing passed away in the 1960s and Roland remarried. His new wife was Ester Glockgin (nee Skogheim), a native of Hardisty. Roland died in 1967 and Ester still makes her home in Calgary

Frank Hennessey, Gordon Davies & Hamish McNaughton Kerfoot with unknown Gissing painting
Roland Gissing Paintings 1928

Additional reading

A history of the Bow River Horse Ranch

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pg 5 A peep into the past Vol 2, 1994 Gordon and Belle Hall

The Bow River Horse Ranch was a spinoff of the Cochrane Ranche. It took over the leases held by the British American Ranch Co. The British American Ranch was formed in 1884 by the original shareholders of the Cochrane Ranche. In 1888 a new company known as the Bow River Ranch Co. was formed and took over the British American Ranch leases. This new ranch occupied part of the old Cochrane Ranche territory and extended eight to 10 miles along the south side of the Bow River. John Morrison was the manager from 1888 – 1890 after which time Mr. Goddard was appointed to the post. Gilbert Edwin Goddard was born in 1861 in South Devon England. In 1881 he left England and after working in the U.S.A. for a time, came to Canada and in 1888 became a bookkeeper at the Bow River Horse Ranch. 

In 1893 Goddard formed a partnership with two brothers, E.H. and W.P. Warner and acquired control of the Bow River Horse Ranch. The Warners were from Quorn Hall Loughborough, England, the same part of England the promoters of the Quorn Ranch came from. Gilbert Goddard married Luella Grasse, the only daughter of Peter Grasse at Innisfail in 1900. She was an accomplished horsewoman. Goddard built up the ranch with barns, fences and corrals. French Coach and Clyde horses were imported and bred for sale to the mounted police and on the English market. Purebred Angus cattle were imported, and crops of oats and barley were raised. Goddard was remembered by a large lake named after him. Goddard Lake lay north and a bit west of the Springbank Airport. The old Banff Coach Road ran around the north side of the lake. However, the lake has now dried up and the lake bottom has been farmed. In 1918 the ranch was sold to a prince from Naples, Italy and the Goddard family moved to Victoria B.C. The prince, however, couldn’t pay for it and the ranch was repossessed. 

In 1925 it was finally sold to Barons Joseph and Endre Csavasay, Hungarian noblemen. Many ranchers of the early days had at some time worked on the Bow River Horse Ranch. Teddy Harrison of Jumping Pound, Alex Mackay of Cochrane and Clem Gardner at age 17. These are just a few who have worked at the Bow River Horse Ranch.

Images courtesy former Glenbow Archive

Beside stables. Barons Josef and Endre Csavossy purchased Bow River Horse Ranch, Cochrane area, Alberta in 1925. They changed the name to Bow River Ranch since they did not intend to focus on raising horses. Legacy Identifier: na-1019-23 Unique identifier: CU174714
Beside barns. Barons Josef and Endre Csavossy purchased Bow River Horse Ranch, Cochrane area, Alberta in 1925. They changed the name to Bow River Ranch since they did not intend to focus on raising horses. Legacy Identifier: na-1019-22 Unique identifier: CU174807
Staircase right. Barons Josef and Endre Csavossy purchased Bow River Horse Ranch, Cochrane area, Alberta in 1925. They changed the name to Bow River Ranch since they did not intend to focus on raising horses. Legacy Identifier: na-4312-36 Unique identifier: CU1118588
Bow River Ranch Dining Room 1900

Just Home Ranch home to many families

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pg 40 A Peep into the Past 1990 Vol 1 by Gordon and Belle Hall

 

The Justhome Ranch was the brainchild of Harry and Jack McConachie. They bought the C.W. Fisher mansion and property from Jack Tweddle in or about the early ’40s. They also bought three-quarter sections on the north side of the Big Hill Creek, also a section of land on Horse Creek, known as the old Garson section. 

They built a big barn and sheds, also workers residences on the C.W. Fisher site and also finished the big stone house. Harry and Jack had two or three carpenters working steadily. The foreman of the carpenters was a Bob Henderson. The McConachie’s were related to Grant McConachie, president of CP Airlines. Grant McConachie started out as a bush pilot and Uncle Harry bought his first airplane, and also financed him in his ventures. 

The Justhome Ranch was home to a number of families: the Sam Bloods, the George Morris family, Jim McPeak family, Scotty and Terry McConachie, Charles and Olive Clark and Pete Tindal and family, to name a few. Across the creek where the Boothby’s now live was Bob and Mary Hogarth Sr. The McConachies built a big barn on this property too, as well as a large modern granary and machine shed. 

 

Boothby Ranch Barn and Outbuildings built by McConachies

They stocked the ranch with cattle from the Justamere Farms at Camrose. Horses were Percherons from Jonathan Fox at Lloydminister, American Saddle Horse from Fulkerth at Didsbury and sheep from the P.J. Rock Farms at Drumheller. 

I started working at the home place in the fall of 1943, and Belle and I, and Ronnie lived in the stone cottage next to the big stone house. Our pay was $100 per month plus eggs and milk and free lodging. The McConachie’s left quite a bit of money in the country one way or another. They broke about 500 acres of land on the north quarters and on one field got 105 bushels per acre of oats.

Drawing titled Meadow Creek from A Peep into the Past

An amusing thing happened one fall. Old Jack at noon collected the workers in various fields and brought them home for lunch. He was supposed to take us out again at 1 p.m.; however, Jack loved to have a snooze after lunch and sometimes it was 1:30 p.m. before he showed up. This galled Harry, so one day, while everyone was having lunch, he placed a smoke bomb under the hood of the Chev panel attaching the fuse to the sparkplug. Jack arrives about 1:30, turns on the key and poof, there was black smoke coming from under the hood. Jack jumped out yelling “fire,” and the workers were running for fire extinguishers. However, upon raising the hood, the joke was discovered. 

The McConachie’s kept the property until 1949 when the home ranch was sold to the Franciscan order as a retreat house. The land north of the Big Hill Creek was sold to the Boothby’s and progeny from the Percheron horses are being raised by Jack Bates of the Bates Bar J Ranch. 

JW Boothby buys Just Home Ranch

More Reading

Rocks and Stones littered Main Street in Early Years

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pg 58 A Peep into the Past Vol. 1 1990 Gordon and Belle Hall

The main street in Cochrane, in the early days, was something to be desired. The street was dirt with huge rocks and stones on it, plus many mud holes when it rained. The first main street ran from one end of the village to the other. In the east end of the village, the avenue called Pope Avenue, which runs north and south or north from the new R.C.M.P. building was the road going through town and up the hill. It ran up the hill to the first plateau, went on the south side of Copithorne’s place and made a wide sweep around the hill to the east. 

In later years, about 1927, it was made farther up the hill, near the village, to where it turns now down into town, in line with the new post office, then west down the main street. In front of the new post office, the village fathers planted an eight-inch round post in the center of the street, then put boards around the post to make a square box, which was about six feet high. The signpost acquired the name of the “Silent Policeman”. The Silent Policeman had a sign and arrow on it pointing out the route to Calgary. The post stood there until the next Halloween when some small fry (not me this time) got a large wooden toilet on some kind of wagon or truck. They backed up to the Silent Policeman and dumped the toilet over it. The post of the Policeman came up through the hole, and there she sat. 

The next morning, someone had put up the dining room sign from the hotel over the door of the shanty. There was quite an uproar as to how the toilet could be raised up over the post. Chapman Bros. garage tow truck was brought into play as it was the only apparatus in town with a winch on it; a hand winch at that. It took the better part of the day to get the toilet high enough to clear the post. Then after all this work, the town fathers thought they should put a cement Policeman there. They built it big and strong; about four feet across at the base and about two feet at the top. In the face of this huge block, the workmen installed a big red reflector. One of the local farmers, who had too much to drink at the local watering hole, drew up to it with his car and waited half hour for the light to change to green. However, as time went on and traffic got heavier, there were some bad accidents on the turn at the bottom of the hill such as the Police barracks smash. The powers that be decided to move some houses and make a straight run through town. That is the way the road is now, with some more changes contemplated.

Silent Policeman 1920
Copithorne Diary on current site of Glen Eagles Golf Course
CPR Station from Main Street. Webster family photo

Small Pox swept village in 1908

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pg 35 A peep into the past by Gordon and Belle Hall 1990

There were not too many buildings in evidence in Cochrane in a picture taken in 1895. The Anglican and Catholic churches are in the picture., along with a few houses, and the building where MacKay’s Ice Cream is located. The Murphy House or hotel is in the picture, along with about eight 10 other houses. 

From this point until the first world war, was boom time for the little village. Around 1900 the Orangemen from the Orange Lodge #1813 built the hall that the Rebekah Lodge had. This hall was used for many years for dances, concerts, minstrel shows and many other activities. The lighting for the hall was gas lamps. These lamps hung on the wall and with copper lines were fed from a pressure tank. Kerosene lamps were also used. 

In 1908 a smallpox epidemic hit the village, and going through the old council minute books, I find council ordered a supply of tents from Calgary. The tents were erected down near the Bow River and the smallpox patients were all put in isolation there. Whoever looked after the patients were not allowed near the town, and foodsstuff and medicine was left near the compound. May be a tough way to do things, but smallpox was very deadly. 

Medical Record 1916 E. Davies No smallpox scars

More reading

The roaring game has changed in Cochrane

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pg 34 A Peep into the Past Vol.1 Gordon and Belle Hall

The “roaring game” curling was known as. It took up the winter as a sport. The old rink was located the next lot south of where the senior centre or old post office is and in early years just north of the blacksmith shop. 

It was natural ice with water being hauled up from the creamery well by a tank wagon. With a sidewalk down between two sheets of ice. five barrels of water were placed about 15 feet apart, then filled with water and all turned over at once. This flow of water, about 225 or so gallons, levelled itself and froze. 

One amusing thing happened when I was working for Frank Fletcher, the carpenter, in 1930. We were sharpening saws in our shop, which was Bailey’s Old Bakery which stood where the senior centre stands. Seems the curlers had gotten tired of hauling water and were digging a well in or under the coal bin in the front part of the rink. Whoever was digging had struck a massive rock about the feet down, and they had hired Arthur Kirkland from Cochrane Lake area to cope with it. Arthur decided to blow it up with dynamite. Baron Cyvossey had a Tiger Moth airplane which he used to fly up the river from his home at Bow River Horse Ranch. Guess what. This day here comes the Baron about 200 feet up, and of course, everyone went outside to see the plane. 

He just got overhead when Arthur’s dynamite cut loose, Now Kirkland may have been a good well man, but he must have put enough powder into blow up half of Cochrane. Rocks and dirt and pieces of the roof of the shed went sky-high, and there wasn’t a world war vet who wasn’t laying in a ditch or wherever else they could find. Anyhow, Arthur got rid of the boulder, the rink got a well, and put a pump in and had their own water to make ice with. People found out later that the Baron wasn’t trying to bomb Cochrane after all. 

Chinook winds were hard on curling ice, the sheets of ice would become sheets of water until another cold snap came along, then curling resumed. It seemed every one of any importance curled, like the Chapman brothers, Bob and Andy, the Beynons, the Davis’s, F.L. Gainer from the station, Jim Maguire, Earl Whittle, Arthur Crawford, the Moores, Earl Gammon and many more. 

There were a few club rocks but a lot of curlers had their own, some large, up to 48 pounds down to 42 pounds. I remember a small pair of black granite rocks about 38 pounds that belonged to Father Hermus. The ladies were involved too: Mrs. Maguire, the McNamee’s, Elsie Camden, my own sister Doris Hall, Vi Hogarth and Mrs. Garson, to name a few.

Cochrane Curling Rink 1970s

The Simpson Cup was played for by the men. Banff Canmore and Cochrane, they played 16 ends. Whoever won took the cup home. Then there was always the McDonald Briar playdowns. The Banff Carnival was good for a week’s curling. Weather permitting, there would be one or two teams going to Banff. Our own bonspiel was a week long affair with two sheets of ice at the rink and then they would make another four or so on the skating rink, outside mind you. 

Visiting teams brought their own rocks, as did teams going to Banff or Calgary had to take rocks with them. There was usually coffee to be had at the clubhouse and somebody would be playing crib or king pedro which I haven’t seen played since. 

As the year’s passed, a new rink was built by the United Church, artificial ice was installed, the style of curling changed. We got the slide delivery which I think aims the rock instead of throwing it from the hack. Shirt sleeve curling, the rink was warmer, better lighting, and of course more money for dues. Now, we have gone to a fully modern rink with less curlers it seems, and I am sure they have no more fun than we had years ago playing the roaring game.

Curling Rink W Laidlaw (caretaker), Unknown, E Davies

More Reading

McEachen Family

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 by Flora Garson and Henry McEachen  pg 396 Big Hill Country

In 1887 Donald McEachen came to Canada from South Uist, an island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. On South Uist, the croftland lay along the centre of the island between high hills.

Perhaps it was the memory of his old home that prompted him to homestead in Grand Valley. He could not have made a better choice for it is one of the loveliest valleys in Alberta. He homesteaded the NE 14 34-26-5-5 and bought the NW14 of the same section. On the west, he had the Wildcat Hills which reminded him of home, on the open east slopes of the hills he had good grazing land for his stock, and lower down he had rich farmland where he could raise forage and grain. Later he acquired more land in the same township: the W1/2 of Section 26 and the N12 and SE14 of Section 27. A few years later Mr. McEachen’s half-sister Katherine came from the old country and homesteaded the SW14 of Section 34. For a while, she lived on it with her children, Dennis and Annie Blaney. Mr. McEachen also bought the SE 14 31-27-5-5. 

 

In 1888 Marjorie McDonald and Mr. McEachen’s sister Jessie came to Canada from South Uist. Jessie later became Mrs. H. B. Atkins. She passed away in 1901. 

For a year Marjorie McDonald worked for Dr. Lafferty in Calgary, and in 1889 she married Donald McEachen. They built a comfortable home and other farm buildings on the homestead. At the spring on the property, they had a stone building put up and used part of it for a dairy. On the upper floor, there was a dance hall. 

Mr. McEachen was a hard-working, upright man, a bit stern but very kind. For a while, he worked on the Betsy line as a brakeman. He even found time to break a saddle horse for Donald Morrison, for he told that one morning when he

was late for his work on the Betsy, he jumped on this bronc and it took him to his job in record time. 

Mrs. McEachen was a wonderful woman, amazingly strong, very capable and a good neighbor. The McEachen home was considered one of the most hospitable in the district. For years they raised sheep as well as horses and cattle. Mrs. McEachen washed the wool after the sheep were shorn, carded it, spun it on her old spinning wheel and knitted it into socks and underwear for her family. For fifteen years straight her butter won first prize wherever she showed it. She always had an extra place at the table for a wandering cowboy and was good to the Indians [sic] who brought her prairie chickens and traded them to her for groceries. One day when Mr. McEachen was liming his henhouse an Indian [sic] came and said he wanted some of that white stuff. Mr. McEachen thought he meant the lime and gave him some; the Indian [sic] thought he was getting flour. When he came back he said, “My wife put water in – and fizz-fizz-fizz!” 

The McEachens had five children: Jim, Flora, Jessie, Katie and Henry. Jim was a big, quiet lad with a keen sense of humour. He was good with machinery, made the repairs and did the blacksmithing. Flora worked out from time to time. She often visited Dave McDougalls, where they thought the world of her. Jessie passed away at the age of two and one-half years. Katie always lived at home. She was a wonderful cook, milked cows and worked in the hayfield. Henry was good with horses. He won many stake races with his horse, Shorty, and he was in 

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demand as a pickup man at local rodeos. All four children attended the Grand Valley School in their youth, and Mrs. McEachen boarded several of the schoolteachers. 

In 1924 Marjorie Atkins, Mr. McEachen’s niece came to make her home with her uncle. After the ranch was sold she married Robert Baptie Sr. 

In 1924 Flora married Andy Garson who owned land northwest of Cochrane. They made their home in Cochrane where Flora kept milk cows. She inherited her mother’s ability and won first prize for her butter, seven years running, in Cochrane, Calgary and Edmonton. One year at the Calgary Exhibition she took first with her cake, second with her biscuits and third with her pie when entries were so numerous that she thought she would have no chance. 

Mr. McEachen was instrumental in getting the Agricultural Fair started in Cochrane. At the Cochrane Fair, Flora once entered seventeen classes and won fifteen firsts and two seconds. She was also an ardent curler and competed in many bonspiels, usually coming home the victor. 

Mr. McEachen leased the road allowance which ran along the east side of his land. There was no road there but he put gates in so that people could travel it if they wished. One day he spotted Ewen MacKay driving along with his housekeeper, Jeanie Smith. They left the first gate open – and the second. Mr. McEachen, angry because his cattle could get out, met them at the third gate just as they prepared to drive away leaving it open too. He jumped in front of the team, seized the horses by their bridles and backed them through the gate. The wagon cramped too sharply, one wheel dropped into the survey hole and the wagon overturned. Mr. McEachen said he could not see Jeanie at all – her petticoats were over her head! They righted the wagon and shortly after Mr. MacKay got home they saw him heading for town on a saddle horse to tell the police. The case went to court but was thrown out, the judge ruling that the gates should not have been left open. 

In the First World War, Henry enlisted in the 89th Battalion and was transferred to the famous 10th Battalion. These were trying years for his parents as he was away from December 15, 1915, until 1919. Fortunately, he came through the War without being wounded. He later returned to the ranch, and after the ranch was sold he worked for the Department of Highways for 20 years. 

Mr. McEachen died March 31, 1930, and Mrs. McEachen on October 25, 1934. In May 1935, Katie married Eddie Rowe, a longtime friend. They continued to live on the home place with Jim, Henry and Marjorie until the place was sold to Earl Campbell in 1940 when they moved to Cochrane. A few years later Earl sold the ranch to Norman and Rose Brohman who sold it to the Austins. The place has now been sold to the Alberta Government for parkland. 

Cochrane Advocate 1924
Garson McEachen announcement 1924

Jim passed away in 1943, Eddie Rowe in 1961, and Katie in 1963. Andy Garson passed away in 1969 and since then Flora has made her home in Cochrane. 

Note: Henry passed away in 1974 after this story was written. 

This news item is from the Calgary Daily Herald of September 6, 1912. COCHRANE FAIR SEPT. 10 

The Annual Agricultural Show at Cochrane which takes place on Tuesday, Sept. 10th is always looked forward to by hundreds of Calgarians who enjoy a genuine Western Fair. Cochrane has always been famous for its magnificent horses and daring riders and the many events are sure to be fast and exciting, while the farm products, stock and horse exhibits can hold their own with any in Canada. Train leaves Calgary at 8:15 a.m. returning at 9:30 p.m.

DONALD McEACHEN'S DANCE — by Andrew Garson 

T‘was lately on a Friday night 

Just now about a week ago 

When to Donald McEachen ranch 

To dance we all did go. 

As he did give this social dance 

Just for old friendship‘s sake 

For now it is over twenty years 

Since this man here did locate. 

For the boys and girls they all did come 

To have a jolly time 

To spend a night on this old time ranch 

As in the days of Auld Lang Syne. 

Some drove there in fancy rigs 

Some rode for many a mile 

But each and all were entertained

 In good old Western style. 

For music we had violin sweet 

Which was played in first class time 

  And the musicians’ names 

  I‘ll give below If I can get them into rhyme. 

 The first I will name is Dennis Blaney

 From Quigley’s lumber mill 

He tuned his fiddle and led the dance 

With a merry old quadrille. 

And we have known Johnny Curren 

Who works in the old coal mine 

He made us think of happy days gone by 

When he played the girl I left behind. 

And Jack Gillies from Ghost River 

He played those old tunes with that Highland swing 

He fairly made the fiddle talk 

He made the house to ring. 

And Harry Jones and Johnny Curren 

The quadrilles they well did call 

They put us through without a hitch 

The Gent and Ladies all. 

We had waltzes and we had two-steps 

And the polka heel and toe 

And Highland schottische and Scotch reels 

Which was anything but slow. 

And lots of other dances 

Too numerous for to name 

But I for one did wish that night 

To be as long again. 

For sure we had a jolly time 

We danced until the clock struck five 

And then one another we bid farewell 

And homeward we did drive. 

But I hope we all will meet again 

And have another dance 

On this familiar spot in Grand Valley 

On Donald McEachen ranch.

Donald McEachen

Flora McEachen

Henry McEachen

Jim McEachen

Katie McEachen

Marjorie McEachen McDonald

Family history is often lost

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We use our own books, Big Hill Country, more Big Hill Country and Volumes 1 and 2 of Belle and Gordon Halls newsletters to retell local stories.

I often search old maps and family stories for names to re-publish. Some of the names I cant find are Martins, Wathans, Biddles,  and McConachie. I find that sad as the stories are probably lost as the families have moved away or died out.

CHAPS has a Youtube channel and website blog where a lot of these stories can be captured. If you have a family story that dates back a few years get in touch and we’ll find a way to retell that story for now and the future.

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Sibbald Family

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ANDREW SIBBALD - by John and Beryl Sibbald pg 780 Big Hill Country

Andrew Sibbald, whose life spanned a century, was born in Ontario, November 19, 1833. Andrew’s father, John Sibbald, along with his wife and three children of Edinburgh, Scotland, immigrated to Canada in 1832 and settled in Ontario. Andrew was the first of their five children born in Canada. 

In June 1875, Andrew Sibbald with his wife, Elizabeth Ann Robins, and their three small children left Stroud, Ontario, to seek a new life in the West. Andrew and his family left Bramley Station on the Northern Rail. They took passage on the Steamer “Frances Smith” and proceeded to Owen Sound, where the Sibbalds joined Rev. and Mrs. George McDougall, their son George; two nephews, George and Moses McDougall; Mrs. Hardisty and her two children, Clara and Richard; Miss Young, who was bound for Edmonton to visit a brother; Mr. and Mrs. R. G. Sinclair; and Rev. and Mrs. H. M. Manning. At Prince Arthur’s Landing, now Port Arthur, the party changed onto the “Quebec ” of the Sarnia Line, bound for Duluth, Minnesota. They then left by the Northern Pacific Junction to Moorhead and from there proceeded down the crooked and muddy Red River to Fort Garry, a distance of five hundred miles. At this point, they were joined by David McDougall, who was to act as a guide for the journey of nearly nine hundred miles across the plains. 

Provisions, horses and oxen, wagons and Hudson Bay carts were purchased at Fort Garry. After all, was ready, the caravan set out. travelling ten to fifteen miles a day, and always resting on Sundays. “We forded all streams in our path,” Andrew Sibbald recalls, “except the South Saskatchewan, which we crossed in a scow.” David McDougall and Andrew kept the travellers supplied with fresh meat. Ducks, geese and prairie chicken were plentiful, but as the hunters had no dog, they were forced to wade the sloughs and streams to retrieve any game 

they shot. In this way, they walked more than two-thirds of the distance from Fort Garry to Morley. They were caught in an early blizzard east of Buffalo Lake on October 3 and forced to make camp. Lacking dry wood they had to collect buffalo chips for fire and dine on pemmican and dried meat. After three days the journey was resumed in two and a half feet of snow. After passing Fort Ellis there was no sign of civilization until on October 21, they arrived at Morleyville. The course laid well to the north, as they wanted to keep away from the Blackfoot country along the Bow River. By the time they reached Morleyville, having taken 104 days from Barrie, Ontario, the trail was like a half-circle, with the bend to the north. 

Andrew had trained as a master carpenter in Ontario. After an accident in which he lost his left hand, he trained as a teacher. It was in this capacity that he accepted a position as an instructor to the Blood Indian Tribe. He was, however, still skillful as a carpenter and had brought west the all-important parts for a sawmill. Andrew, with the help of willing hands, soon had the sawmill assembled and in operation. The school, church and other necessary dwellings and buildings were erected. A village, with a population of approximately five hundred Indians [sic], seemed to appear from nowhere. Sibbald’s sawmill was the first in the district and he supplied lumber for the first church to be built in Calgary. The lumber was floated down the Bow River from Morley to its destination. 

The women who came west in the early days faced many hardships. Often in history books, their role is underplayed. On the journey west, Mrs. Sibbald had in her care their three young children, Howard, nine years old, Frank, six and Elsie, three years. Their youngest son, Clarence (Bert), was born after they came to Morley. In 1882 Mrs. Sibbald became ill during a typhoid epidemic in the settlement. Young Albert Boyd made an epic horseback ride to Fort Macleod for a doctor. Despite the round trip made in eighteen hours, using relays of horses, Mrs. Sibbald died of typhoid. Her youngest child was still only a baby. 

For a number of years, until retiring from teaching in 1896, Andrew taught the Indian [sic] children. He taught the subjects which would help them most, the three Rs — “reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic.” He stressed manliness, honesty, trust in God and respect for one’s fellow man. His own children attended the school and they learned to speak Stoney fluently. Andrew Sibbald was the first schoolteacher in Alberta. As a tribute to Andrew, two schools, one in Cochrane and the other in Calgary have been named in his honour. Andrew was also Superintendent of the Sunday School at Morleyville. He was a loved and trusted friend of the Indians [sic]. 

Andrew homesteaded on the hill north of Morleyville, on the W 1/2 30-26-6-5. Ripley Creek rose from a spring on his north quarter. On the 

home quarter he built a large log house. His brand was the Triangle on the left thigh for horses and 2VT on the right rib for cattle. 

In 1892 his daughter Elsie married a young Englishman, Bertram Alford. He took her to live on his homestead on the Little Jumping Pound Creek, the present site of the Sibbald home place, but the young couple stayed only a short time before moving to Pine Lake, Alberta. The homestead was taken over by his brothers-in-law, Frank and Howard Sibbald, to add to their adjoining homesteads. 

Upon retiring, Andrew moved to the ranch in 1896 and built a cabin that is still there, and in livable condition. He later moved to Banff but spent the winter months with his son Bert in Cochrane. Andrew was honoured on his 100th birthday, which he reached, well in mind and body. The Old-timers Association presented this address to Andrew Sibbald: 

“You are today privileged to enjoy the unique distinction and honour of celebrating the one-hundredth anniversary of your birth. Such an honour is rare in human life, and your legion of devoted friends throughout the province join in extending to you their heartiest congratulations and good wishes. 

“Your long life of unselfish service, devoted to the upbuilding of the Province of Alberta, in which you have resided since 1875, the trials and hardships borne by yourself and family during pioneer days cannot fail to be an inspiration to other generations, as they have been to the present. 

“For the contribution, you have made in laying the foundations of Christian civilization in Alberta, we express our sincerest gratitude coupled with earnest prayer, that the Great Giver of all Goodness, who has watched over and guided you during the past century, maybe your constant future guide.” 

Andrew died at Banff on July 13, 1934, and was buried at the Millward Cemetery at Morleyville. Andrew Sibbald, during the fifty-nine years spent in Alberta, left large footsteps for future generations to follow. 

 

ANDREW FRANKLIN SIBBALD - by John and Beryl Sibbald 

Andrew Franklin (Frank) Sibbald, born in 1869, came west with his parents in 1875, at the age of six years. His early education was obtained on the Stoney Indian Reservation at Morley, where his father, Andrew, was the teacher. 

Having practically grown up with the Indians [sic], Frank learned to speak their language and became a very true and trusted friend. In recognition of his hunting skills, the Indians [sic] gave him the name “Tokuno meaning “The Fox.” 

Knowing the country and mountain trails well, Frank was guide and packer for the survey crews of the C.P.R. in 1882-1883. Frank and his brother Howard was with Steele’s Scouts in the 1885 Rebellion. 

In 1893 Professor A. P. Coleman, author of “The Canadian Rockies,” made his third trip toward Mt. Brown, taking with him young Frank Sibbald as a packer and handyman. In that book he wrote, “Sibbald was hardy and resourceful, as Western ranchers are apt to be, was thoroughly familiar with horses, and a fair camp cook, so he served our purpose admirably, though he had seen little of the mountains and did not profess to be a climber. 

“Living in Morley as a boy, he had learned the Cree and Stoney languages from Indian [sic] playmates, so he could talk to the Indians [sic] we met

or travelled with, and pick up useful information from them.” 

Professor Coleman also wrote that “Frank Sibbald was worth as much as two other packers put together. He was not only an excellent horseman but was as skillful in tracking a strayed pony as an Indian [sic], and his uniform readiness and good humour added much to the comfort of the journey in which every side of a man’s character and physique is often sorely tried.” Professor Coleman was happy to learn that Frank Sibbald became a prosperous rancher. 

In 1893 he married Janet Emily Johnstone, “Jennie,” daughter of a pioneer family. Jennie was born in California and came to the Cochrane area in 1884 with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Johnstone. Frank and Jennie were married in the Anglican Church at Mitford. After a wedding breakfast served at the home of Lady Cochrane, they went to live on Frank’s homestead on the Little Jumping Pound Creek. When Frank was away from home, Jennie would keep the table supplied with fresh game and fish. Frank’s cattle brand was The Compass, on the right side for cattle and Jennie’s cattle brand was JS on the right rib. 

In 1915 they enjoyed a trip to California, where some of Jennie’s family lived, and while there learned to play tennis. They so enjoyed the game that upon returning home, they built a tennis court that was enclosed by high wire and had a packed base of fine gravel. This court was 

enjoyed by the family and neighbours and was the setting for many lively matches. 

Frank helped at the Calgary Stampede, particularly with the Indian Village. He was also one of the principals in the organization of the Lord Strathcona Horse and was instrumental in the building of the Jumping Pound Community Hall. 

The Sibbalds were also active in the Banff area. Frank helped with Indian Days. They owned the Hussey bungalow, corner of Moose and Banff Avenue, where they always had open house during the Banff carnivals. 

The collecting of Indian [sic] curios and handicraft work was one of Frank’s hobbies. Many of his most valuable pieces were presented to him by members of the Stoney Indian Tribe in appreciation for acts of kindness on their behalf. 

An 1895 account book is interesting for the prices listed. The wolf bounty was $3.12; horseshoeing was 50¢; overalls $1.00 a pair and boots $1.75. While a bobsleigh was $30.00, you could buy a load of oat hay for $6.00. In the food market, beef was six to eight cents a pound; bacon 12¢; butter 20¢ and a barrel of apples $6.25. During the depression years, Jennie sold a small cow and with the money bought a dishpan and teakettle. Cows were selling for a cent a pound! 

Frank and Jennie had three children: Clarence born in 1896, Wilfred in 1897 and Aileen in 1902. The three children carried on the ranching operations which Frank and Jennie started. Frank passed away in 1941, and Jennie in 1949. 

Frank Sibbald’s love for his ranchland passed from him to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His descendants continue to enjoy and be a part of, the good life along the Little Jumping Pound Creek.

HOWARD EMBURY SIBBALD 1865-1938

A personal narrative by Howard Sibbald, written for the Alberta Old-Timer’s Association in January 1923. The article is printed with the permission of the Archives of the Canadian Rockies, Banff, Alberta. 

In the early part of the year 1875, my father, Andrew Sibbald, had been offered a position as teacher to the Blood Indian tribe in the far west. This offer he accepted and so, at the age of nine years, I, in company with the other members of our family, left Stroud, Ontario, on the 10th of June 1875. The party consisted of my father and mother, a brother Frank aged 6 and a sister Elsie aged 3. 

Travelling by way of Duluth and Moorehead and from there descending the Red River we presently completed the initial stage of our journey by reaching historic Fort Garry. Here we met David MacDougall with his cart train with whom we were to travel into the interior. My father purchased a horse and a light wagon for us to ride in and also secured a cart together with an ox to haul it. In this ox cart were loaded all our personal goods and chattels together with a sewing machine and an organ. This instrument was, I think, the first of its kind brought into the North-West, although some years previously the MacDougall family had imported a folding melodeon. 

Leaving Fort Garry we set out across the prairie, our faces toward the setting sun. To me, a nine-year-old boy, it was a journey of adventure and withal an experience never to be forgotten. Father walked most of the way and with his gun kept the party supplied with meat and game. There being no dog in the outfit I was frequently obliged to act as a retriever, wading into the sloughs for ducks which had fallen to the gun. The game was plentiful at that time and we never lacked fresh meat. 

Travelling on the Old Edmonton Trail we saw no white man until at a point near Bird Tail Creek (now Birtle) we encountered a survey party in which was Mr. Alan Patrick, now of Calgary. This meeting happened on a Sunday and both outfits observing a day of rest, we had an opportunity to learn much about the country through which these men had recently come. 

Long before we reached Fort Ellis our freight ox had become exceedingly footsore and weary so my father traded him off for a partly broken steer. The part which had been broken must have consisted of a very small fraction of the animal because he proved to be an unruly fractious beast upsetting the cart several times. After a few days, my father paid MacDougall to bring our freight along in his train. My mother drove the horse and looked after us children who, sheltered from sun and rain beneath the cover of our wagon, looked out in wide-eyed wonder at the various forms of wildlife then so abundant on the open prairie. Father was quite unfortunate in his choice of draught animals as this horse of ours turned out to be a restless nervous brute. If left standing too long it would become impatient and on several occasions caused considerable alarm by bolting across the prairie, bouncing us youngsters around in the wagon and giving Mother an anxious time until she was able to get it under control and back into the line of teams and carts again. 

The first Indian [sic] we saw came into one of our wayside camps in the evening. Mother was busy preparing pancakes for supper. The Indian [sic], being somewhat of a curiosity to us, was invited to partake of the hotcakes. This he did, bolting them as fast as the astonished cook could turn them out of the pan; while we hungry youngsters watched with awe and wonder the rapacious Redskin [sic] devouring what was to have been our evening meal. This incident was indelibly etched on my memory and I can still recollect that after dark on that evening I lay watching the stars and speculating on just how many pancakes an Indian [sic] could eat were he presented with an unlimited supply of the toothsome edibles. 

After a long and somewhat tiresome journey, we finally reached the foothills and made preparations to spend the winter in the little settlement at Morley. The untimely death of Rev. George McDougall which happened during the winter was an irreparable loss to our small community and had the effect of delaying for several years the establishment of a mission school amongst the Blood Indians. So my father stayed on at Morley, where for some years he taught school and at intervals engaged his time at such seasonable occupations as were to be had in a small rural district far removed from civilization. In later years, when the family had grown up and could be of real assistance, we engaged in ranching near Morley. 

In the early period, all our supplies had to be brought in from Fort Benton. As only one trip was made each year, a considerable train of carts was needed to export hides and furs and to import the necessary food and supplies upon which the settlement depended. So in the spring of 1876, I was quite excited over the prospect of going with the annual supply train to Benton. Our caravan was composed of some forty vehicles. In addition to the animals necessary for hauling the carts, we had a number of unbroken steers, which were to be initiated into the art of hauling in harness as we proceeded on our outward journey. These would then be of service in bringing home our bulkier and heavier imports. These steers were, to say the least, ornery brutes and could only be handled to any purpose when coupled with a steady ox accustomed to the collar. On this trip, I was appointed tutor to a steer hailing from Texas. His horns were long and his list of good qualities was short. My first attempt to lead him nearly proved my last. I was very much afraid of the big hulking brute, so, climbing into a cart to which an old ox was harnessed, I tied the steer to the back end, the other end of the rope being attached to his horns. When the cart ox started ahead Mr. Longhorn reared up on his hind end and brought his fore-end crashing down into and through the bottom of the cart in which I cowered. After recovering from this scare, I persevered with him and soon he was as docile as any animal in the outfit. An ox team depended on a 

great deal on a steady reliable lead animal. A team consisted of six oxen, each one harnessed to a cart. The teamster in charge either rode in the first cart or led the ox at the head of the string. The other animals being tied to the back of the preceding cart were kept in line on the trail. 

Crossing rivers that were too deep to ford, proved to be a tedious undertaking on such a trip and with such a large outfit. A large raft was constructed from four cartwheels which, being entirely of wood, were light and buoyant. Four buffalo hides sewn together were spread over this framework of wheels, the whole forming an ingenious and trustworthy craft. Upon it the carts and their contents were ferried, the raft being pulled from one side to the other by means of a stout rawhide rope. 

We turned our oxen loose upon an island in Sun River; the while the most of the men proceeded to Helena in order to procure material necessary for the construction of the additional carts which would be needed to freight our goods home to Morley. I was left with two of the teamsters to look after the oxen. This island was the home of a very large colony of skunks which I, to pass the time and to impress the others of the party with my prowess as a hunter, proceeded to exterminate. The other members were impressed and said so plainly every time I came near them. 

When the party returned from Helena, they brought a number of old cannon wheels upon which they made the mounted cart bodies. With our augmented caravan we then proceeded to Fort Benton. At that time the Fort was a busy bustling place. It stood on the Missouri River which was navigable up to that point. It also formed a base for prospectors going into the Black Hills country in search of gold. 

While at Benton we heard of the Custer massacre and in consequence when about to start for Morley we were all armed, my particular weapon of defence being an old rimfire thing, which was liable to be as deadly at one end as at the other. However, our fears were groundless, as we saw no hostile tribesmen on our long journey back to the Valley of the Bow. 

An experience that stays fresh in my memory had the Sweetgrass Hills for a setting. There, one morning at dawn, I rubbed my eyes awake and went out with one other man to round up the oxen. On locating the animals we were surprised to discover an old bull bison quietly grazing amongst the oxen. I ran breathlessly back to camp and got an Indian [sic] of our party to come and shoot the great shaggy beast. One of our cartwheels had broken down and so the hide of this bison was made use of at once in repairing the damage. This was accomplished by sewing part of the green hide over the fracture and when it had shrunk and dried it made the wheel as serviceable as ever again. We took the best of the buffalo meat but the weather being hot and sultry, it soon spoiled and we were obliged to throw it away. 

One night instead of sleeping as usual under a cart I crept in under a cover and found a most comfortable sleeping place amongst some sacks of flour. In fact so snug was I, that it was ten o‘clock next morning when I awoke to discover the whole camp in despair of ever seeing me again. They had been out searching for me all morning, and I sure did get a calling down for delaying the outfit a whole five hours. We usually broke camp at five a.m. 

On another occasion, I went to Benton to meet my mother and returning had a disagreeable mishap. I had purchased ten gallons of coal oil, and the jarring of my cart caused the cans to leak so that when I reached Morley the precious oil had entirely disappeared. We had to revert to candles as a means of illumination during that winter. Every time I read of an oil strike in Southern Alberta it reminds me of that incident. 

When I. G. Baker established stores at Macleod and later at Calgary, it relieved us of that long trip south to Benton. 

In the fall of 1877, I was permitted to accompany the men of Morley on a hunting trip. They proposed to go after a supply of buffalo meat. These animals were becoming somewhat scarce over the plains. After being out scouting for them for a few days, we finally sighted a small group near the Bow River and at a point some distance west of the present town of Gleichen. It was almost dark then so we decided to camp. A half-breed Indian [sic] and I went towards the river‘s edge to cut some poplar for the campfire. As soon as my companion laid the axe to a stout tree there was a most unearthly clatter and a shower of bones came rattling about our ears. Unwittingly, we had desecrated the last resting or roosting place of a long-departed Blackfoot brave. 

Some time previous to the coming of the railway to Calgary, I rode a horse in a race against a number of half-breed [sic] jockeys. This race was run on the open prairie almost where Eighth Avenue in Calgary now stands. 

During 1882-1883, I freighted goods from Calgary to Kananaskis for the surveyors who were working on the line of the Canadian Pacific through the Rockies. I also hauled and skidded the first saw logs for Col. Walker’s mill in Calgary. In 1885 I was out with Steele’s Scouts in the capacity of a teamster. From 1886 to 1892 I was employed as a foreman on the cattle ranch of George Leeson. At that time he held the Indian [sic] meat contract. For the next seven years, I acted as Indian Agent [sic], spending five of them at Morley with the Stonies, and the remaining two at Gleichen with the Blackfeet. During the construction of the great cement plant at Exshaw, I operated a store in that village. Since then I have been with the Parks Branch of the Dept. of the Interior and at the present time (1923) have

supervision of the Game and Fire Protection staffs in all Western Parks. 

Banff, Canada. Jan. 1923

Howard married Rettie Grier, daughter of William Grier, one of the first Indian [sic] agents at Morley. Howard and Rettie had seven children, six girls and one boy – Alma, Mary, Dell, Georgina, Hugh, Kina, and a seventh little girl who died very young. Hugh, Mary, Georgina and Kina moved to Los Angeles. Dell married James I. Brewster of Banff, and Alma married G. E. Hunter, also of Banff. 

In 1923 Howard was appointed Superintendent of the Kootenay National Park, a position he held until his retirement in 1928. After retiring, Howard spent his summers in Banff and his winters in California. 

Rettie Sibbald died in 1938, and Howard died two months later in Banff at 73 years of age.

Towers Family

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by Mrs Leslie Towers Big Hill Country pg 786

Francis Towers, born in 1848 in Birmingham, England, left home at the age of 18 years. Having heard so much of Canada, he decided he would manage to get there some way. The captain of a cattle boat took him on as a helper and he worked his way across to Canada. Upon his arrival, he found work on a dairy farm at Kingston, Ontario, where they milked 120 cows. Four men were employed for the job. Needless to say, there were very seldom four, as it was a continuous job, milking by hand. He stayed there for two years. Hearing of work on the C.P.R., he left the dairy and headed for Toronto. 

Upon reaching Toronto, Frank, as he was called, met and married Elizabeth Glover, who had come to Canada from the Guernsey Islands, just off the coast of France. The doctors had only given her six months to live, but she was determined to come to Canada and lived to a ripe old age of 88 years. Her first child died of tuberculosis. 

Frank continued working for the C.P.R. and was promoted to foreman. He was given the job of laying rails to Calgary from Winnipeg, which at that time was the end of the line. He had 40 men working for him. Anxious about his job, as jobs were hard to get, he had been working westward two weeks, when he suddenly remembered that he had left his bride in the immigration shed in Winnipeg. He rushed back to 

find she had searched the town, going from door to door asking for work. Luckily a Mrs. Miller, who had a large family, took her in to sew for them and kept her until Frank came back. From Calgary, the family went back to Winnipeg. Wanting to get to Vancouver, there being no passage through the mountains at that time, he and his family travelled via San Francisco and on to Vancouver where he worked on the Waterfront Hotel until it was completed. He then went back to the C.P.R., which at that time had reached Mission, British Columbia. Their son Walter was born at Yale, British Columbia, in 1879. 

At that time the C.P.R. had brought over 1000 Chinese to work on the track. One day someone hollered “Fire!” Every worker dropped his tools and headed for Vancouver. They had to come back or be deported. At Yale, the mosquitoes were so bad that despite lining their tents with netting and paper, the family found it impossible to put up with them, so left the C.P.R. again and journeyed back to Alberta where he rejoined the company. Frank was promoted to foreman and stationed at Cheadle at the time of the Riel Rebellion. 

Elizabeth Towers and her children, along with the telegraph operator, were alone when word came that the Indians planned to attack Calgary that night. The operator immediately crawled up into the attic. Fortunately, Frank arrived back and waylaid two Indian [sic] scouts. He locked them up for the night and by getting word to the Police, he was able to stop the Indian [sic] attack. 

Many were the stories they told of their experiences with the Indians [sic] stealing cows and chickens. Mrs. Towers had many close calls. An Indian [sic] appeared at the door one day and asked her if her man was at home. She said he was. The Indian [sic] didn’t believe her, after knowing he was up the track. She kept backing up to the stairway, the Indian [sic] following. Suddenly there was the sound of boots scuffing over the upstairs floor. The boys had been asleep and on wakening had slipped into their dad’s big boots. The Indian [sic] tore off as if shot! 

Leslie was born in a log house at the junction of the Bow and Elbow rivers at Calgary in 1884. At that time Calgary was mostly tents. Leaving Calgary, Frank began to accumulate some cattle and by the time the C.P.R. reached Mitford, he had approximately 90 head. The railway inspector came along one day and told him he could not hold two jobs and advised him to take up land and look after his cattle. 

Frank and Elizabeth finally settled on their homestead on the NW14 20-25-4-5. By this time, seven children had been born to them. Three died in early childhood, leaving Walter, Leslie, Harold and Vera. The Towers built their log house near the Jumping Pound Creek. William Edge and Charlie Pedeprat dovetailed the logs and helped complete the house, which was comfortable and quite spacious for the time. The

Copithornes were their closest neighbours, and the families were always ready to help one another. They shared the beef whenever butchering time came around and helped each other in various ways. The Copithornes had come to the district and settled two years after Frank and Elizabeth. It was a friendship that lasted all their lives. 

The time came for the children to go to school and Leslie and Harold stayed with the John Copithornes so that there would be enough pupils to open a school at Jumping Pound. Later the three boys rode to Mitford to school where Miss Monilaws taught. They also boarded at the James Quigleys where, according to reports, there was more mischief than learning. One Hallowe’en the young fellows locked all the Chinese in Cochrane in the outhouses and loaded them onto a boxcar. They landed in Calgary the next morning. 

Mr. and Mrs. Towers drove by wagon to Calgary for a six months supply of groceries in the spring and fall, always stopping at the Bob Wallaces or the Frayns in Springbank. Mrs. Towers said when they first settled she was two years without seeing a white woman. She made all her soap and candles, all the boys’ overalls, smocks, etc. Like all pioneer women, her life was very hard – bearing most of her children without a doctor and sometimes only an Indian [sic] woman as a midwife. While Frank was working for the C.P.R. she cooked for as many as 50 men, mixing bread every morning in a big round washtub. She was a very small person but had wonderful stamina and was known as a very hospitable, gracious person. She said that often she would come downstairs in the morning and have to step over ten or twelve cowboys sleeping in the dining room, in order to get breakfast for them. As an old lady, she talked of the large herds of cattle scattered over the hillsides where the different ranchers claimed their own, following roundup. 

Half a mile down the creek there was a buffalo jump where the Indians [sic], years before, had run the animals down the coulee and over the bank. Many a load of buffalo bones were taken out of there for years after. 

Mr. and Mrs. Towers left the ranch in 1914 to live at Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver but would come back to Alberta in the summer. In 1928, Francis Towers divided his ranch between two sons Leslie and Harold. He was a very hard worker and a good friend to everyone. He died in 1936, at the age of 85, pushing a wheelbarrow of wood for his fireplace on the beach at Kitsilano. After his death, Mrs. Towers lived alternately with her sons and daughter and died in 1939, at the age of 88 years. 

Of their children: Walter married Miriam Edge, and they had three children, two girls and one boy. Walter tried various ways of making a living. He went into the butcher shop business with Ernie Andison in Cochrane for a time but his wife’s health was not too good. They went to Vancouver where he worked for British Columbia Electric for 25 years. He died there and Miriam lived in their home for quite some time before moving to a Senior Citizen’s home, where she died. 

Vera Towers married a Scotsman, Robert Shaw. They lived at Penhold, Alberta, for four years then moved to Carstairs, where Mr. Towers had bought the Sam Scarlett ranch for his son Walter and his son-in-law Robert. This ranch was the only place between Calgary and Edmonton where travellers were sure of getting water for their stock. Mr. Scarlett charged twenty-five cents a pail for the water. Robert and Walter farmed this place for a short while. Walter did not care for ranching and left Robert to continue with the farm. Robert and Vera had three sons, Alex, Frank and George and one daughter, Bessie (Mrs. Ivan Pointen). Vera passed away in November 1963, at the age of 79. 

Harold Towers was born in the section house at Radnor. He married Dorothy Fitch in 1915, and they had three daughters: Kathleen, now liv

ing in Winnipeg, Betty in Victoria, and Shirley in Vancouver. Harold sold his part of the ranch about 1946 and moved to Calgary, where he bought two large apartment houses, with which he has been very successful. He is now 83 years old and a very prominent member of the Calgary Gun Club, winning a prize for the best shot at 83. 

Leslie Towers homesteaded SE 14 28-25-4-5 and continued ranching, which he loved. He was known for the quality of his cattle. At one time, he and Harold kept 60 head of horses but as the cattle increased, most of the horses went. 

In 1917, Leslie married Edith Callaway, and they had one daughter Alice Vernice. 

Ranching was never too profitable a way to make a living. Every fall when the steers were sold, the bills were all paid and in the spring we were back to the bank again for money to buy bulls. If there was any profit, it went back into buildings and fences. In April 1938, Mr. Coppock of the Merino Ranch and Leslie decided to ship ten carloads of cattle to Chicago, the price was so low here. The cattle were trailed to Cochrane Stockyards by way of the old steel bridge, by Rattrays. At times they had great difficulty crossing the bridge and the cattle would break through the fences, into the swift Bow River. The riders would have to follow through the water, which was very risky. Finally, they hit upon a plan. They roped an old milk cow and dragged her across the bridge, and the rest of the cattle followed. This procedure would take five or six hours and the buyers would still insist on the three percent shrinkage. One carload of Leslie’s cattle topped the market at $8.75 per hundredweight in Chicago. We sold fat cows that same year at 114 cents per pound, $15.00 for 1200 pound cows. Harold Callaway sold oats for eight cents a bushel. We finally decided to milk a few cows to pay our grocery bills and other small expenses. I made 75 pounds of butter a week and found a ready market. Between milking and raising hogs we managed to get through the 1930s. In 1936, we lost all our hay in the big fire and shipped the cattle to Olds, to winter at huge straw stacks.

During this time the government was paying men $5.00 per month to work on the farms and ranches and paid the employer $5.00 for board and room. Looking back and comparing circumstances today, the comparison is hard to realize, if one had not been through it. We all had to work very hard but took it for granted. It was the life we had chosen and there never seemed to be the resentment that came with the more affluent times. I feel the Depression was a good lesson for all who went through it. We were never hungry, depending on our gardens, milk and eggs. Our pleasures were simple, skating, playing cards and games around the kitchen table by the coal oil lamp in winter. 

There were also special occasions: The Fireman’s Ball, Ladies’ Ball, Bachelor’s Ball, and many others. Everyone went dressed for the occasion, in lovely evening gowns, belonging to the better-off folk, or the shorter dresses, to the ankle, never above! Two bachelor brothers never came without their white gloves – a protection for the ladies’ dresses. There were popular card parties at the different homes during the winter. We rode horseback or drove by buggy. There were picnics in the summer. The mothers were never too busy to bake all the day before, loading everyone into the democrat and driving five to six miles and getting back in time to do three hours’ chores in the evening. On cold nights in the winter, we would put hot bricks, for warmth, in the bottom of the sleigh and drive to the neighbours or to the dances. It was a wonderful thing when the little heaters with charcoal were invented. 

Our daughter Vernice married Hugh Wearmouth, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wearmouth of the Glendale district. Leslie took Hugh into partnership with him and after Leslie’s death, September 16, 1963, Hugh managed the ranch. Hugh and Vernice had four children; the first boy died at birth. A second son Douglas is now with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police after spending two years on the City of Calgary Police Force. Irene graduated as a Registered Nurse from the Holy Cross Hospital in Calgary and is presently working at the Calgary General Hospital. Edith trained as a Certified Nursing 

Aide in Calgary and is working for the City of Calgary Health Department. On August 18, 1973, she married Lindsay Ecklund, a Saskatchewan boy, who is working with Hugh on the ranch. 

They reside in Cochrane. 

I still live in the house we built in 1917 on our ranch, NW14 20-25-4-5. This is the quarter that Francis and Elizabeth Towers homesteaded so long ago. Their original log home is still standing directly across the Jumping Pound Creek from my home. 

The Towers brand is the original brand of Francis Towers, the “Wineglass’ on the left shoulder for horses and on the right hip for cattle. Hugh Wearmouth’s cattle brand is Double S Bar on the right rib.

Bateman Family

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By Bill Bateman More Big Hill Country Page 281

John Bateman was born in Cork Ireland on March 25, 1865. At the age of 22, John left Ireland to see new land and came to Canada, settling in the Jumping Pound district in 1887. John Bateman worked for different ranchers in the area including Captain Gardner, J.A.W. Fraser and Stuart brothers. In 1894 John homesteaded on NE Sec 24 Twp 24 Range 5 W5M and built a log cabin. He attended dances and parties throughout the community. John met Jessie Potts at a dance at Frank and Isabella Ricks’ home. Isabella and Jessie were sisters. 

Jessie was a daughter of James A. Potts who was born in 1828 in Locherbie, Dumfriesshire, Scotland. He came to Canada and settled in Cobourg, Ontario. He married Jessie Johnston and raised a family of six children: William 1862, Isabella 1865, John 1867, Walter 1870, Jessie 1876 and Lucy 1878. In 1884 James Potts, accompanied by John and Isabella, came west with a trainload of cattle for John Graham of Morleyville Settlement. By 1887 all the family was in the west. James Potts worked for John Graham until 1893 when he homesteaded SW Sec 2 Twp 26 Range 6 W5M and in 1905 took a second homestead in presumption. Isabella was married to Frank Ricks in 1887 by Reverend John McDougall. Jessie and Lucy lived at Frank Ricks‘ home while attending school in order to be close to the little log schoolhouse built for white children [sic]. Jessie rode horseback to school by sidesaddle

In 1894 John Bateman registered the BN brand which was used on the Right Rib for cattle and the Right Shoulder for horses. John Bateman and Jessie Potts were married on Monday, November 30, 1896. They lived in the log house on his homestead. Three children were born in the log house including Dorothy Louise on September 17, 1897, John James, June 26, 1899, and William Walter on July 13, 1901. John and Jessie acquired the Stuart Ranch on S Sec 30, Twp 24, Range 4, W5M where the family continued to grow. Charles Joseph was born January 31, 1903; Jessie Isabel April 10, 1905; Edith Lillian December 4, 1906; Francis Joseph January 12, 1909; Lucy Eleanor September 28, 1910, and Thomas Geoffrey May 5, 1913. 

The home built in 1890 on the Stuart ranch was made of logs which were all dovetailed and the house still sits intact today (2007). It was a two-storey house with four bedrooms upstairs, one bedroom downstairs, a living room, dining hall, pantry and kitchen. Running a household in those days meant a lot of hard work. The

firewood was hauled in by team and wagon and cut and piled in a huge stack outside the house, enough to get through the winter. Water was hauled by pails from the spring behind the house. 

The water would be frozen in the pails in the house by morning in wintertime. Jessie recalled once that she had a good fire going and the stovepipe got red hot. She called to John for help and he immediately threw a pail of cold water on it. It was a big mess to clean up with soot and water all over the room! 

John (known as the “Boss”) took over the mail route in 1902 and had the Jumping Pound Post Office at his home. John Bateman’s first mail contract was for the sum of $235.00 per annum for service between Jumping Pound and Calgary via Springbank. He charged $1.00 per passenger one way or a $2.00 return. Freight on 50 lbs. of butter was 25 cents. The family milked 20 to 25 dual-purpose Shorthorn cows by hand morning and night in an open corral, regardless of the weather. Jessie could milk two cows to any other person’s one! The milk was cooled in the spring and the cream skimmed off. John would take the cream to a dairy in Calgary when he went for mail and other supplies by team and wagon. The family grew a large garden with lots of potatoes. Jessie liked to cook the new small potatoes, but John did not approve saying they needed to grow more to be larger and better. Jessie would sneak some out and cover up the potato hill again when John was gone for the mail. Since the post office was right at their home, it was not uncommon to have 20 people sitting down to dinner on Sundays when neighbours came for their mail and other supplies. Stanley Cope was one neighbour who never missed a Sunday for years. The family also took other children in so they could attend the “Little Jumping Pound School”. Two of these children were Albert Saunders and Wilf Darnell. The schoolteacher often boarded with the Bateman family also. 

Dorothy Louise married Geoffrey Bealey Bateman on November 30, 1919. A son, John Robert Geoffrey Bateman was born on August 10, 1920.

 John and Jessie’s life held much tragedy and heartache. Jessie Isabel died March 5, 1906; Charles Joseph died May 3, 1906; John James died December 27, 1921, of spinal meningitis. Francis Joseph drowned on February 18, 1912, in the spring. Dorothy Louise and Lucy Eleanor drowned on August 22, 1931, while swimming in the Jumping Pound Creek. However, the Batemans were true pioneers in spirit and heart and continued on in life. John ran the mail route with the help of his family until his death on January 1, 1942, of a heart attack. Jessie continued to live in their home until 1948 and then with their son Tom and his wife Margaret in their home until her death on May 3, 1951. 

William Walter married Mabel Annie Crowe on April 23, 1926. Their children were born in Calgary; James Norman born on February 28, 1933, and Joan Marie born on November 9, 1935. 

Edith Lillian married Clarence Johnson Sibbald on June 18, 1930, and had four children: Wayne Murray born February 22, 1937, John Franklin born January 5, 1942, Sandra Lynn born February 16, 1944, and Janet Louise born March 21, 1947. 

Tom, the youngest son of John and Jessie Bateman was born May 5, 1913, at Jumping Pound. He attended the “Little Jumping Pound School” and had chores to do before and after school. At the age of sixteen, Tom started to drive and help his Dad with the mail. Transportation gradually changed from horse and wagon to automobile. With this change, John had fewer trips and gradually his family took over as mail carriers, although John preferred a team of horses to the automobile because of road conditions. Jim hauled the mail from 1918 until his death in 1921, then Bill hauled the mail from 1921 to 1926, and then Edith helped the “boss” haul mail for a time. A truck was an improvement from the team and wagon when Tom took over at this time as sometimes it became very difficult with deep snow and drifts or mud in rainy weather. However, the mail and supplies always got picked up and brought to Jumping Pound to the post office where everyone received their mail and supplies. Tom also worked on a road crew when Ollie Edge was road foreman. As well, he rode and checked the power line with Bob Armistead, Ernie Thompson and Mr. Colliday. If there was trouble on the line they may have to change insulators or stub poles. Tom also helped to service and repair the overhead rural telephone lines.

Margaret Isabella Rowan was born in Cranbrook, British Columbia, on November 12, 1910. She came to Calgary with her parents and attended school there. Margaret trained at the Calgary General Hospital and graduated in 1933 as a Registered Nurse. She worked in her profession until her marriage to Tom on March 31, 1937. Margaret met the Bateman family when she would visit her uncle Dave Lawson who owned the XC Ranch in Jumping Pound. Tom and Margaret’s first date was a Saint Patrick’s Day dance in Cochrane accompanied by Scotty Patterson and John Robinson. 

Tom and Margaret lived with John and Jessie Bateman for their first year of marriage before moving into the Calgary Powerhouse across the road from the post office. Their daughter Elaine was born on February 2, 1939. Tom’s Dad passed away on January 1, 1942, and Tom took on the management of the ranch as well as the mail route and post office. Margaret was appointed Postmistress until the post office was closed and mailboxes were established. Tom continued to run the mail route until 1951. 

Tom and Margaret moved back to the home place after John’s death and continued to live there where their two sons were born: James Thomas on February 13, 1942, and William Harvey on May 10, 1946. In 1945 they started building a new two-storey house just east of the original home. The new home was roomy and had coloured glass stucco on the outside. The family moved into the house in 1947. Water for the house was hauled from the spring behind the house and lamps were the only source of light: In the mid to late fifties, the power was installed. What a difference that made to their lives! They now had electric lights, running water, a flush toilet and bathtub, and the furnace was changed from wood and coal to oil and even had a thermostat. Wash days were so much easier with power instead of a temperamental gas motor that sometimes wouldn’t run or would smoke you out or just about deafen you. There was a grand housewarming when they got the power in. Harvey Huggard ran around flicking the lights off and on and yodelling at the same time, which he did with expertise. Jessie moved in with the family in 1948 until her death in 1951. 

Tom ran a trucking service hauling livestock, fuel and supplies for neighbours. He hauled feed for Clem Gardner when he moved his cattle from the ranch on Pirmez Creek to the Ricks’ place or back again. Some of those times moving cattle occurred in the very cold of winter. You could hear the cattle coming from a distance with the crunch of snow and see the steam rising from the heat of the herd. 

Social events were always a highlight for everyone. The family always attended the local dances at the Jumping Pound Hall where Tom was almost always the Master of Ceremonies directing the different dances and he excelled at calling the square dances. Tom and Margaret also sat on the Board of Directors and committees. Dances were also attended in Cochrane, Bragg Creek and Elbow Valley. Tom loved to play the mouth organ and Elaine the accordion. It was wonderful to listen to the old-time music and sing along when Tom and Margaret had family and friends visiting. Card parties and whist drives were held very often at different homes. There were Christmas concerts every December at the hall for all of the local children and adults with Santa making an appearance. Box pie socials were also a popular dance with surprises in store as to who buys. Community picnics were also enjoyed by everyone.

Tom and Margaret were also involved with the Cochrane Light Horse Association attending many local gymkhanas and competitions over the years with children involved as they grew. They were also members of the Southern Alberta Pioneer Association, taking executive positions and attending functions. Elaine, Jim and Bill belonged to the Springbank 4-H beef club under the leadership of Donald Matthews and assistant leader Earl Harwood. Margaret was a member of the Rebecca Lodge in Cochrane and thoroughly enjoyed her years of curling at the Cochrane Curling Rink. 

Work on the ranch was important and everyone helped out, often with neighbours sharing tasks and then helping them in return. Elaine liked to drive the team and rake in the summertime putting up the loose hay in stacks. Jim would man the mower when haying and the tractor when cutting the crop. Bill, because of allergies to hay and grass, was not allowed in the hayfield until he was about 14 years old, and then it was with the aid of a mask and goggles for some protection. By this time they were making square hay bales. It was always great fun in the fall when Lennie Mickle brought his crew and threshing machine to thresh the grain. The threshing and stacking crew always consisted of some of the local native neighbours. There would usually be card games following supper. Someone always organized a baseball pool on the World Series which was always on during threshing time. 

Elaine, Jim and Bill rode horseback to the Jumping Pound School. Elaine started in 1945 and attended Jumping Pound school until 1954. From 1954 to 1957. She attended Mount Royal College and then teachers college in 1957 and 1958. She boarded with the Clark family in Calgary. Jim attended Jumping Pound Schoo from 1948 to 1957, Cochrane High School from 1957 to 1959 and then drove to Calgary to Crescent Heights High School from 1959 to 1960. Bill attended Jumping Pound School from 1952 until 1957, Brushy Ridge 

School from 1957 to 1959, and then Cochrane Schools from 1959 until 1963. Once the Jumping Pound School closed in 1957 Jim and Bill rode the school bus driven by John Robinson. Bill and Jim both played recreational hockey and Bill also played flag football. 

Elaine taught school at Westbrook School for two years after graduating from Mount Royal College. She boarded at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Janz and rode horseback to school. Elaine then taught at Springbank School and lived in the teacherage. Elaine married Norman Hanna, son of John and Edith Hanna, on April 21, 1962. They reside on their ranch at James River north of Sundre and have two sons, Curtis Thomas and James John. 

Jim attended the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology to become a machinist and continues to work in this field. Jim married Noreen Teghtmeyer, daughter of Carl and Rachel Teghtmeyer, on June 27, 1964, and they have one son Sean James. After Tom’s passing and Jim and Noreen’s divorce, Jim now resides on the original Bateman property. 

Bill worked with his Dad, Tom, after finishing school and still resides and actively ranches on Bateman ranch property. Bill married Pat McGonigle, daughter of Clarence and Rose McGonigle, on November 12, 1966. They have three children: Shane William, Cody Lee and Jennifer Lynn.

In May of 1974, there was a spring snowstorm which caused the power to be cut out for seven days and roads became impassable. The families always found ways to cope with adversities such as this. Sadly Margaret passed away on June 4, 1977, from cancer, and 17 years later Tom passed away on July 6, 1994, from a heart attack.

We are grateful to so many

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I was looking for the next article to re-publish on our blog. I didn’t have to go far. I re-read the acknowledgements of More Big Hill Country.

I was struck by the goals of the organization and the number of people involved. I shouldn’t have been surprised by either as our town was built by people that saw what could be. It also  shows what can be accomplished by community.


So here are the acknowledgements from More Big Hill Country, Cochrane and Area 1945-1980.

In writing this sequel to the Big Hill Country book, we have attempted to record, the future, the continuing advancements and growth that the descendants– of the pioneers in the early 1880’s and those that have come later, carried on their initiatives and built a town and industry to support themselves and the people of Alberta. 

In some cases, the reader may find some repetition to the Big Hill Country stories, but that was done in order to familiarize the relationships going back many years and the generations that have followed. The newcomers who arrived after 1945, also pioneered in their own right, bringing their talents and fortitude to help make a living in this beautiful country a pleasure. 

We would like to acknowledge the Book Committee of CHAPS for their hard work and dedication. Co-Chairs, Marilyn Whittle, Bernice Klotz, Business Manager Gayle Want; Copy Editor, Margaret Buckley; Typist, Lynda Alderman; Proof Readers and Writers, Ellen Buckler, Arlene Hepburn, Shannon Want, Dorothy Anderson, Bev Genung, Dave Whittle, Ken Thompson, Gordon Davies and Ernie Trosch. Our thanks also to Janette Whittle for the cover drawing and to David Callaway, who with his talent in the publishing business, volunteered to get the book “print-ready” for us. Our thanks also to the many phoners and helpers we needed to complete this task. 

Our very sincere appreciation goes to the Cochrane and Area Community Foundation, Cochrane Eagle newspaper, Stockmen’s Memorial Foundation, the Cochrane Advocate newspaper, the Old Timer newspaper, Cochrane Royal Canadian Legion, Town of Cochrane, Bearspaw Historical Society, Cochrane Times newspaper, Calgary Herald newspaper, Glenbow Museum and Archives, Bearspaw Lions, Sure Print Copy and Tremar Computer Solutions. 

We have attempted to get as accurate information as possible and regret any unintentional omissions. Due to the fact that the Big Hill Country book was printed as a limited edition, we would ask you to visit the Nan Boothby Library or the Stockmen’s Memorial Foundation Library to read any of the previous family or area histories and stories. 

We hope that you will enjoy with us the history of the little town by the Bow River that grew and has prospered in the beautiful surrounding farm and ranch country that has, for so many years, been a great supplier of agricultural products for your table and home. 

Get your Copy

Village of Cochrane 1903

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Page 159 Big Hill Country Author not recorded

In 1903, an application was made to the Commissioner of Public Works at Regina, N.W.T. for the Hamlet of Cochrane to become a Village. The following is a copy of the letter sent to the Lieutenant Governor: 

Lieutenant Governor. 

Regina, Wednesday, June 17, 1903 

Upon the recommendation of the Commissioner of Public Works, dated June 11, 1903, all the requirements of The Village Ordinance with respect to the establishment of Villages having been complied with, the Executive Council advises that, under the provisions of the Village Ordinance in that behalf, the west half of Section two and the east half of Section three in Township twenty-six Range four west of the fifth Meridian be established as a Village under the name of Cochrane; that Monday the twenty-ninth day of June 1903 be the day fixed for the election of an Overseer of the said Village, and that James Quigley, of Cochrane, Alberta, be appointed to act as Returning Officer at the said election. 

W. G. Haultain 

Chairman 

 

Following is a list of homeowners and businesses that was sent to the Commissioner of Public Works in Regina for the tax roll. At that time there were no livery stables in the Village. Beginning at the west end of town and moving eastward:

Mrs. Jones – house 

Mrs. Phipps – shack-vacant 

Mrs. Beam – shack 

Mrs. Townsend – shack 

Mrs. Bevan – shack 

Chinese laundry — shack 

C. W. Fisher – General store 

Murphy Bros. – Hotel keepers 

The Rev. Mr. Claxton – minister 

Alex McEwan – house 

R. O. Hobbs – house 

D. J. Bruce – house 

D. C. White – house 

Jas. Quigley – house 

Robert Downing – shack 

C.P.R. Station – J. C. Pope agent – no family 

C.P.R. Section house — W. Barrett — family of four 

These two houses are not taxable. 

On August 31st, 1903, D. White was appointed Overseer, by Commissioner of Public Works, Government of the NorthWest Territories. For the next four years the following men were Overseers: 

1904 – A. McEwan 

1905 – D. J. Bruce 

1906 – D. J. Bruce 1907 — James Quigley 

 In 1907 the Village Act came into effect and on January 14, 1908 the following people ran for council: 

 George Mortimer – 29 votes 

Chas. Grayson — 23 votes 

A. Chapman – 30 votes 

M. McCuish — 16 votes 

Jos. Murphy – 6 votes 

D. Alexander – 1 vote 

J. C. Laird – Secretary-Treasurer 

 

In 1909 the village sent a Petition to the Minister of Public Works and it contained the following: 

To the Hon., the Minister of Public Works, 

Province of Alberta.

 

Sir: 

We, the undersigned ratepayers of the Village of Cochrane hereby ask that our present system of taxation be changed to that known as Single tax, or assessment based on the actual value of all lands, exclusive of the improvements thereon.

C. Butler                   J. Evans

J. McNamee           J. A. Claxton

J. McCuish              Mrs. D. J. Bruce

W. Park                   Josephine Murphy

J. Howard              M. A. Shattuck

C.M. Burnham     E. Perrenoud

M. Tesky                G. G. Fuller

A. Chapman         J. Murphy 

Jas. Hewitt            Helen Murphy 

Mrs. Dora Burnham         Bertha Hiller 

Mrs. R. J. Baldock              Frank Brown

W. Seal                   D. Curren

Mrs. Andison        E. Andison

M. F. Foster          J. Williams

A. R. Howard       D. McBain

G. M. Mortimer   F. Towers

Ralph Hobbs       S.J. Peyto

J. A. Campbell    Geo. Bevan

D. Alexander      W.J. Simpson

W. Tempany       R. McLeod

Jas. Quigley        Louisa Howard

Thos. Quigley     R. Chapman

Alvin Rellinger   R. Butler 

Robert Hewitt     T. G. Ritchie 

J. Murphy              I. Pepper 

A. R. McKay           A. Beam 

Mrs. C. Butler       W. H. Robinson 

Jane Bell Irving    D. Foster 

Mrs. A. Grummett   Jas. Gibson 

Mrs. R. Downey     C.W. Fisher 

 

In 1909 the following men served on the council: A. Chapman, Chairman, J. A. Campbell and G. Mortimer. 

1910 – Wm. Andison, A. Chapman and R. Hewitt 

1911 – G. Mortimer, A. Chapman and W.J. Simpson 

1912 – R. J. McNamee, R. Hewitt and W.J. Simpson 

1913 – R. A. Webster – Reeve, A. Chapman and G. Mortimer 

1914 – A. Chapman – Reeve Population was 500 1915 – R. A. Webster – Reeve 

June 15th, 1915 – James Andison – Secretary Treasurer 

 

COCHRANE, 1899 

In 1899 Henderson’s Directory describes Cochrane as a rising town on the main line of the C.P.R., on Bow River, at foot of Big Hill, 861 miles west of Winnipeg in the district of Alberta: 

Baldwick, John — rancher 

Barnes, Robert — rancher 

Battrick, Miss – teacher 

Bassett, Percy – rancher 

Beam, A. – rancher 

Bell-Irving, William – rancher 

Bruce, Daniel – section boarding house 

Canadian Pacific Railway Co. – J. B. Ross – agent 

Cowan, R. W. – rancher 

Downie, A. – carpenter 

Elliott, W. B. – rancher 

Fisher, C. W. – general store 

Goddard, G. E. – sec’y B. R. H. ranche 

Haigh, J. – rancher 

Johnstone, Jas. – Postmaster and rancher 

Jones, W. – rancher 

Kerfoot, W. D. – rancher 

William Perry, manager 

MacKay, E. D. – rancher 

McEachen, D. – rancher 

Martin, Alex— general store, also Mitford 

Murphy Bros. (James and Joseph) – hotel and livery 

Nesbitt, David – carpenter 

Phipps, John — rancher 

Quigley, James – section foreman 

Reid Bros. – ranchers 

Smith, Richard — rancher

Cochrane Stockyards 1914

A Peep at the Area’s Pioneering Ranches

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from a Collection of Historic Poems and Short Stories by Gordon and Belle Hall Volume II.

It is very interesting to research some of the very early ranchers in Alberta. The Dominion Land Act of 1872 opened up the west to homesteaders. The north immediately began to settle. However, due to Blackfoot hostility, the area south of the Bow River remained empty of white men [sic] except for a few traders and “Wolfers” from south of the border. The first fort at Spitze (High River) was built by the whiskey trader “One Spot’ Samples in 1865. 

With the coming of the North West Mounted Police in 1874, things quieted down, the whiskey traders were muzzled. However, the area was not safe for settlers until after the signing of the Treaty of 1877 which put the Blackfoot on reservations [sic]. In 1879 Tom Lynch and George Emerson trailed 1,000 head of cattle from Montana and established the Rocking P Ranch four miles west of High River. About the same time, O.H. Smith established a ranch on the upper Highwood. In 1882 he sold it to Fred Ings. The next year Stimson started the Bar U. Although Fred Ings and his brother Walter named their spread the Rio Alta Ranch almost a century later it was still known locally as O.H. brand was one of the first four brands registered and is the oldest brand in Alberta. During the early eighties, thousands of head of cattle and horses were trailed from the States. Crossed with British bulls, those tough Longhorns formed the foundations of Alberta’s cattle industry. As the railroad pushed westward the government encouraged settlement. 

The Cochrane Ranche Co. was formed sometime prior to 1881. Their headquarters was one mile west of the present town of Cochrane, with the present boundaries the site is closer than one mile. In the spring of 1881 Major Walker went to the States and purchased 6,800 head of cattle at a price of $18 per head, to be delivered at the border. The I.G. Baker Co. contracted to deliver the cattle to the Cochrane Ranche for $2,50 per head. The drive consisted of 30 cowboys, and 300 head of horses. Arriving at Cochrane Ranche after a hard drive on which many of the cattle perished, and although it was a mild winter, many more cattle perished. A second herd was brought up from the States the following year. Poindexter and Orr undertook to deliver the new herd to the Cochrane Ranche at $2.75 a head. The winter of 1882-83 was a disaster for Cochrane Ranche and thousands of cattle died, due mainly to the chinook winds which put a crust on the snow, and the fact that the new herd arrived here late in October after the winter had started. The following year, 1884, the Ranche was moved to a new location near Waterton Lakes. 

Gilbert Ranch 1950 formerly Cochrane Ranche

Digitally Preserving Alberta’s Diverse Cultural Heritage has a very interesting article on the history and research done on the site and includes the above photo of the Ranche Site.

Jean Dartigue

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JEAN D’ARTIGUE ALSO NAMED JOHN D’ARTIGUE PEYRON BROCQ – by Ellen Buckler 

Jean D’Artigue, known locally as John D’Artigue, was born in France in 1855 and educated to be a teacher. He travelled to Canada and answered an advertisement in a newspaper calling for volunteers for The North West Mounted Police. His experiences are recorded in a book he wrote after his discharge from the Police Force and published in Toronto by Hunter Rose and Company. 

Jean D’Artigue was the author of Six Years in the Canadian North West.” This book was the first book ever written concerning the North West Mounted Police and the first book ever written about the Force by a man who had served in its ranks. On April 14, 1874, at the age of 20, Jean D’Artigue was accepted into the North West Mounted Police Force. Enlisting in Montreal, he headed West to Manitoba in July of 1874, to join the Force’s famous march West. He was a member of “A” Troop, which travelled northwest to Fort Edmonton. 

Mr. D’Artigue attempted to furnish the Canadian public with an account of the trials, privations, and adventures which the men encountered and the results of the great expedition. He tells of the journey into the far North West and his acquaintance with the Indians in their primeval state, and the return from Fort Saskatchewan by boat and rail to Quebec. 

Mr. D’Artigue’s experiences on the vast grasslands came to an end on April 14, 1880, when he took his discharge. He sailed for Liverpool in the fall of 1880 en route to his native France. 

In the early 1880s, Jean D’Artigue returned to Western Canada and settled on Spencer Creek, a short distance north of the Bow River. In 1883 he moved north to the Dog Pound Creek to settle. 

The land was later surveyed as SE 14 24-28-5 5. Alex McLachlin built his house for him. 

In 1884 he returned to France and brought his two nephews, Charles and John Pedeprat, and his brother and sister-in-law back to Canada with him. In 1888 John D’Artigue’s brother and his wife moved away from the Dog Pound area. 

In 1890 Jean D’Artigue mortgaged his homestead to secure $225.00 with interest at 15% per year. He held an auction sale in 1895 to finish paying this debt. 

Mr. and Mrs. Shea, also Mr. and Mrs. Piere and daughter Sammy lived with Jean for a while. Mrs. Shea and Mrs. Piere were his nieces. Sammy did very well with her studies, as her great uncle taught her while she stayed with him. The Pieres returned to France. Mr. and Mrs. Shea moved to the Beaver Dam area. When Mr. Shea passed away Mrs. Shea married Barney Madden. It is rumoured that Mr. Shea asked Mr. Madden to look after his wife when he was gone, or if he didn’t, he’d come back and haunt him. She is remembered by neighbours as “that friendly French lady who always did her wash in the Beaver Dam Creek.” 

Mrs. Agnes Hutchinson remembers going with her father Charles Perrenoud to Mr. D’Artigue’s place to buy wine. Mr. D’Artigue had a tube through the wall from a barrel in the kitchen to his bedroom so he could have a sip in bed. She also remembers lifting the lid off the canner on the stove and seeing furry bodies boiling up, whole gophers, presumably for the chickens. Her uncle, Vincent Phipps, looked after Walter Hutchinson’s cattle on the D’Artigue place upon the Dog Pound and talks of being given too much wine in the corral. 

“One time when Mr. D’Artigue stayed with us (Perrenouds), he read the Range Men by L. V. Kelly, and he enjoyed reading about General Steele, as he once travelled with him. One time they came to a river that was rough. Mr. D’Artigue fastened a rope around his waist and swam across. He said he was very strong at that time. The horses and carts then followed, then the other livestock. One time when a horse died while pulling a cart, it had to be replaced by a cow. General Steele didn’t think much of that, but Mr. D’Artigue thought it was a big joke.” 

 

Mrs. Perrenoud remembers John D’Artigue quite well. He was a big strong man who hated cameras, but the private detective portraying “Cannon” on television reminds her of him. He was a great walker and always walked around the country to visit or on business. 

In January 1914, Jean D’Artigue took out his Canadian citizenship. 

Mrs. Mary Houghton remembers Mr. D’Artigue as being very friendly especially with young people. Her sister and brother-in-law, the Jim Myrams, were his neighbours. When Cecil Myram had the croup, Mr. D’Artigue fixed up some mixture, using homemade brandy and other things, it was a sure cure. Mrs. Houghton rode the range checking on the cattle and remembers the snake fence of rails all around the D’Artigue property. Mr. D’Artigue took in bulls to pasture for the winter. In the summer he made sandals from ends of apple boxes, which he wore in the summer. He froze his feet very severely when he was lost in a storm while he was with the Mounted Police. He spent months in the hospital in Fort Saskatchewan. This may have been the reason for making his own sandals. He later suffered from rheumatism. 

In the spring of 1914, a public road was built through the D’Artigue land. Mr. D’Artigue rented land to Mrs. Oldaker. Later D. M. McRae, Fred Sholtz, A. Harrison, M. S. Matthews, John Morgan, and Jim Reeve also rented it. Mr. D’Artigue had protected the beaver. There were about 50 of them destroying the timber, so Mr. Harrison was issued a permit in 1921 to trap 20 beaver, but all pelts were to be sent to the Department of Agriculture in Edmonton.

The D’Artigue School District No. 3814 was formed with A. G. Butler as secretary-treasurer. Later D. M. McRae, A. Wells, and S. Tyrell held this office. As the school was never built, most families with school children moved out closer to a school. In later years a school bus served this area and Bill Postlethwaite bused children first to Chapelton, then to the Consolidated School at Westbrook. 

Mr. D’Artigue went to California in the winter, as he was finding the winters harsh and his health was declining. He’d bring back cases of huge oranges which he’d hand out to children and friends. Often children had never had an orange before so it was especially treasured. 

Mr. D’Artigue never married. Maybe the time he first went to an Indian settlement, where a white man had never been, was an experience he never forgot. As a special gift, the chief offered him an Indian maiden for a wife. He didn’t want to offend them, but he had to do some talking to get out of the situation unattached. By explaining he’d have to get permission from his superior, he was able to leave and made a point of not returning to that area. 

In 1921 Mr. D’Artigue returned to France and on June 6, 1924, he passed away at the age of 69. He had written six books that were published, but not all were translated into English. There is a French copy at the Glenbow Foundation Library. In 1930 his ranch was sold to Lloyd Birkett. This land is now owned by a former mayor of Calgary, Jack Leslie. The Dartigue Lodge, where many good times have been had and still continue to be, was named in his memory.

Dartigue Lodge

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from Big Hill Country, Cochrane and Area 1977 pg 461

Before 1933 dances and parties were held in homes or the one-roomed schools. As the population in the district increased the houses were all too small for parties. Often all the furniture in the houses was set outside on party night, which was fine if it didn’t rain. 

In 1933 Paul Swanson, Cliff and Ben Henry, Joe and Fred Taylor called a meeting regarding the building of a community hall. Everyone agreed that the need for a community hall in the district was long overdue. 

Deeded land was donated by the Henry Brothers on the northwest corner of the NW14 18 28-4-5 and a log hall was built and opened in 1934. The hall was named Dartigue, after Jean D’Artigue who was one of the first homesteaders in the area. 

The logs were hauled from the bush back of Paul Swanson’s ranch. Everyone in the district turned out to help. Some of the helpers were: Paul Swanson, Arthur Wells, Howard Southwood, George Nelson, Alex Moore, Charlie Copithorne, Dave Bryant, Jimmie Reeve and sons, Joe and Fred Taylor, Don Patterson, Rolfe Tempany, George Sherriff, Ben and Cliff Henry, Sam Pratt, Guy Gano, Harry Viney, Joe Gray and sons,  Ollie Tidball, Milford Boucher, Fred Howard, Les Chadderton, Pearl and Lloyd Birkett, Henry Whitfield, Billy and George McKay, Harvey Perrin, Slim Moore, Harry Wright, Tom and Johnny Zuccolo, Hank Fricke, Sam McDonald, Ed Bundt, Mac Allan, and Ken Florer. 

The log work on the four corners was done by Milford Boucher, Dave Bryant, Harvey Perrin and Jim Reeve. Alex Moore and Dave Bryant hewed the top logs flat so the rafters could be placed. The rafters were hauled to Zuccolo’s where Tom and John sawed one side of the rafters flat so the open-beam ceiling would have a log effect. Hank Fricke and Zuccolos sawed and donated most of the lumber. 

At first, the floor was just of ordinary boards, but soon enough money was raised to install a hardwood dance floor which was sold to the community at cost. George Sherriff took care of the outdoor plumbing. 

Mrs. Birkett, who lived just across the road from the hall, saw to it that the boys had lots of hot coffee and tea. 

Winter employment during the 1930s was almost nil, and young and old alike enjoyed having something worthwhile to do and did not mind donating their help. 

The women in the district under the leadership of Ivy Swanson made a quilt for a raffle and collected donations from Cochrane and Calgary. Woolworths donated the cups; Black’s Jewellers donated a lovely clock which was later stolen. Other places of business gave similar donations. 

The neatest little log balcony was built on the inside of the west end and it was faced with rows of tiny, six-inch willow branches nailed across the front. The words “Dartigue Lodge” were placed in the centre and were also made of little willow twigs. This tedious work was done by a man staying with the Henry brothers. His name was Turk. 

The first dance in the hall was held in the fall of 1934. So many people came, one could hardly dance, and everyone was wishing the hall had been built bigger. 

For several years as many people came with horses as with cars. On cold nights horses were best, as cars had to be started about every hour to keep the water in the radiators from freezing. 

Many young people rode to the dances. At that time girls just didn’t dance in their overalls, so girls that rode would change into their dresses up on the balcony. On cold nights the dances lasted until daylight. 

For years the music was supplied by Gene Winchell’s orchestra; Mr. Howard, piano-only; the Bosch orchestra from Water Valley; and sometimes Gazeley’s orchestra, all of whom supplied good old-time music. For a few years during the war, the hall was not used very much. Finally, the Handy Annie Ladies’ group cleaned and polished the inside of the hall and held benefit dances there. 

The hall has been broken into several times. Unfortunately, there are some who do not appreciate the hard toil it took to build the hall for their convenience. The last time the hall was broken into a very valuable picture, painted by Granny Winchell, and a picture of the workers standing on the top logs of the hall before it was finished, were stolen. Paul Swanson, now 84 years old, has offered a reward to anyone knowing where these pictures are.

From Google Earth
from facebook

Rose and Clarence McGonigle

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Thanks to RW Dickason for becoming a member, volunteering for CHAPS and getting involved in the retelling of this story from More Big Hill Country 1945-1980 .

Clarence McGonigle, the seventh child and fifth son of William and Kate McGonigle, was born in the homestead shack with Mrs. Bush as a midwife on December 30, 1916. With the exception of two years in high school at Bedford Collegiate in Saskatoon, childhood and adolescence were spent on the home farm. 

Rose Marie Becotte was born on September 17, 1920, in the Unity Hospital in Saskatchewan. She was the second child of four born to Adelard and Florida Becotte. Rose was seven and one-half years old when the family moved close enough to the Seagram School so she could attend for twelve years. 

Clarence McGonigle and Rose Becotte were married on February 10, 1943, at Unity, Saskatchewan on a -40 degree winter day. After several years on a rented farm and the arrival of three daughters, the family moved to Turner Valley, Alberta in 1947. In 1950 further opportunities in the Gas and Oil industry attracted the family to Cochrane, Alberta. Clarence worked on the construction of a processing plant for the Shell Oil Company. 

After construction, employment as an operator followed, Which lasted for twenty-five years. Clarence retired in 1976. Rose still resides in the West Valley Community in Cochrane on McGonigle Place West. 

During the ensuing years the family grew to eleven, five girls and six boys in the following order: Flora, Patsy and Sheila born before moving to Alberta; Clarice born while living in Turner Valley; and Glen, Dan, Lyle, Meryl, Shawn, and twins Murray and Mary born while living in Cochrane, Alberta. After all eleven children were on their own, Rose went to work at the Big Hill Lodge where she made enough money for her first long holiday to Eastern Canada. Since then Rose has travelled to many countries and most continents of the world. 

All five girls were active in community youth groups, which included Girl Guides, C.G.I.T., band and the Church choir, as well as being active in local sports such as basketball, volleyball, swimming, badminton and hockey. 

The six boys were all involved in Boy Scouts, the School Band and local sports teams; hockey, basketball, volleyball, swimming, badminton and football. 

Flora graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Education. She married Darrell Newsome in 1967 and they live on a farm in Cremona, Alberta. They have three girls and one boy. All four children are married and Darrell and Flora have six grandchildren. 

Pat graduated from the Holy Cross Hospital as a Registered Nurse. She married Bill Bateman and they live on a ranch in the Jumping Pound District, south of Cochrane, Alberta. They have two sons and one daughter. They also have two grandsons. 

Sheila graduated from the Holy Cross Hospital as a Registered Nurse. She married Gary Walroth and they lived most of their married life in Kelowna, British Columbia. They have two daughters, one son, and two grandsons. 

Clarice attended the University of Calgary in accounting and works as an accountant in Grand Prairie, Alberta. She married Harvey Biehn and they have two daughters, one son and two grandchildren. 

Glen attended Olds College and is now a Correctional Officer at the Remand Center, Calgary Alberta. Glen married Vivian Jehn and they have one son and one daughter. 

Dan graduated from Southern Alberta Institute of Technology as an electronics technician and has worked for Alberta Government Telephone and Telus and is currently in management with Telus. He married Rosemarie Gilchrest and between them, they have two sons and two daughters. Dan and Rosemarie have three grandchildren. 

Lyle attended the University of Saskatoon and graduated as a veterinarian. He then attended the University of Alberta and graduated as a medical doctor. He is now a pediatrician in Edmonton. He married Donna Scott and between them, they have three sons and two daughters. At this time they have eight grandchildren. 

Meryl went to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in the electronics field. He is in management in the manufacturing industry. He has one son and one daughter. 

Shawn attended the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and became a machinist. He is now manager of France Compressor Products servicing the oil industry. He is married to Wendy Thon and they have one daughter and one granddaughter. 

Murray also attended the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in the powerline trade. He is now in management for Enmax Power Corporation to Lynn Mac Donald and they live on an acreage near Strathmore with their many horses, dogs and cats. 

Mary graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Education degree and is teaching in Springbank. She married Pat Magee and they have two sons and one daughter. They live on an acreage in the Sibbald Flats area west of Jumping Pound. 

Rose and Clarence have taken on many responsibilities in service clubs, the church and sports groups, including actively campaigning for new facilities that have been built for sports and activities new to the area. 

Clarence not only belonged to many organizations but took on a leading role in most: Group Committee Chairman of Boy Scouts, Recreation Board President for five years, twice Noble Grand of Odd Fellows, co-chairman of Cochrane Ranche Society, Vice-chairman of Heritage Association, Big Hill Lodge Activity Society, started and led a local 4-H Horse Club, first Vice-President of the Agricultural Society, and Superintendent of Sunday School for many years, to name a few. Clarence was also recognized and honoured for some of these positions: Cochrane’s Citizen of the Year in 1982, an outstanding service honour from the Canadian Cancer Society, the Lions Club Melvin Jones Award and he was one of four Canadians who received a special St. John’s Ambulance citation from Governor General George Vanier for his work as a first aid instructor. Rose also volunteered and received recognition, especially for her work with the Lioness Club in Cochrane, a Life Membership. This was all accomplished while raising and educating eleven children! 

Rose recalls Cochrane when they first moved here in 1950. “There was no water, no gas, no pavement, no inside plumbing and we had boardwalks on the main street.” They had to haul water or melt snow for all their water needs. At that time Cochrane had between four hundred and five hundred people. 

One of the best memories of their years in Cochrane was participating in the Hooves of History Cattle Drive in 1990. Clarence rode his horse and Rose rode in the wagon. The years living in Cochrane have been busy and happy. 

Vivian McGonigle passed away in 1990, Clarence McGonigle in 1993, and Gary Walroth in 2001.

Presidents Message 2020 Year End

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The Covid-19 pandemic has brought new kinds of challenges to the Cochrane Historical Museum, especially if we have to remain shut for any length of time. How best can we evolve to reflect the current situation? How can free flow display rooms be converted into directional paths? What might our role be post-Covid-19? These are critical questions that fall within the remit of our museum’s role in our community. The current crisis has forced the Board of Directors to consider questions that have been emergent in this current situation and we have been responding to them, to help our museum remain firm in front of any storm but also lead to emerge stronger and more resilient. 

These are truly unprecedented times, and thanks to the determination and selfless acts of our volunteers, our Society is more secure and more grounded. Being a volunteer is a demanding task, so thank you for contributing so much of your time, energy, and efforts. You did an excellent job and you are so appreciated. 

The role of our museum in education, communication, research, heritage preservation, and our social responsibility is enormous. Thus, it is the responsibility of all of us to support our Society so that we can face the post-Covid-19 challenges. Last year the world turned upside down may next year turn it back again 

Even as we face unprecedented challenges and fears in the years to come, the show must, and will, go on. I thank you once again and wish you all the very best. 

Thank you, 

Larry Want

Presidents Message for year end July 31, 2020

The recent cataclysmic past year has been a true test of our resilience, and certainly some of the most challenging of our lives and careers. Like so many museums and cultural institutions around the world, we temporarily closed our doors, which lead to concern about our future, but it is also an overwhelming sense of solidarity, knowing that we are all in this together. I believe that our Society and our museum play a crucial role in seeing our community through these tough times.

Our volunteers have jumped into action to bring history into community lives. The Cochrane Historical Museum has launched social media campaigns, drawing on our collections of pictures, stories, and artifacts for moments of nostalgic memories to create interest, engagement, moments of inspiration, hope, and even a touch of humor. 

This campaign is a desire to reveal valuable and entertaining content to our readers, to grow and nourish a relationship and get the word out about our Society. Our virtual tour showroom presents the Cochrane Historical Museum in a new and interactive way providing a new exciting experience for the audience. 

The contributions volunteers’ have made to support our Society have been extraordinary-and I wanted to let you know these efforts are recognized and very much appreciated. The Cochrane Historical 

Museum displays are the result of our volunteers’ incredible examples of their creativity, expression, ingenuity and imagination. 

Coronavirus has forced individuals and our community to revaluate our priorities. If you have the means to do so, consider donating and buying a membership to our museum. Our very survival may depend on it. 

Thank you, 

Larry Want 

CHAPS needs a secretary

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Duties normally take just 3 hours a month and include:

– Main duty is attending meetings and taking minutes doing up agendas.
– Keep and update membership list.
– Organize and send out AGM notices
– Check CHAPS emails and forward to appropriate person
– Check CHAPS phone for messages and forward to appropriate person ( not a lot of use at this point)
– Keep and maintain CHAPS office

Usually 2 – 3 hours a week depending on meetings. Time is in small increments, usually in your own schedule.

Clarence and Irene Copithorne

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Thanks to Donna Jordan Orr who has become a member of CHAPS and gotten involved in research by scanning this article from More Big Hill Country on Irene and Clarence Copithorne.

Clarence was the youngest son of Richard and Sophia Georgina (Wills) Copithorne and was born on November 12, 1920 in the little brick hospital in Cochrane, where Ed and Ruth Davies later made their home.

He was educated in the log school called the Little Jumping Pound about a four mile ride from home. When he arrived at school, he tied his horse to the bush and went into the school. Weather played a very big factor and in his home if it was twenty degrees below Fahrenheit you didn’t have to go to school, therefore the degrees on the thermometer were very important to a boy who was not academically inclined. Later the school was moved to within a half mile of his home so he walked to school.


Clarence did not remember his mother since she died when he was two years old. He was raised by his sisters Margaret and Annie. When his father died in April 1936 of a ruptured appendix it was a great blow to him. He was only 16 years old.


Sunday evenings, the family gathered around the piano for sing songs and often the neighbours, the Edge boys, Tom Bateman and others would gather together. Dave Lawson and Percy played the violin and Jack Copithorne played the drums for an entertaining fun evening. With his sisters he often went down to Jack Copithorne’s to listen to the hockey games on the radio which was a highlight for Clarence and made him a lifelong Toronto Maple Leafs fan. After the game they were treated to cake, cookies and cocoa by Jack’s wife Nan, part of the “good old days” that were really good!


The first public office he held was that of Secretary/Treasurer of the Jumping Pound Forestry Grazing Association, a position he held until 1971. Clarence joined the Masonic Lodge of King Solomon, in Cochrane and later became Master of the Lodge.


In 1946 Clarence married Irene Robertson, eldest daughter of Don and Yvonne Robertson of Calgary. They met while attending Olds School of Agriculture. Clarence and Irene set up their ranch headquarters on the Joe Clemens homestead on the Jumping Pound Creek.Clarence had started to build their home in September of 1945. It was a small two roomed house that they moved into, travelling across country from the main road near to his father’s homestead.


The first summer they were married Irene had a tough indoctrination into ranch life, with two hay crews and a crew of carpenters to cook for. As they were building a barn and then started on a new house which would become their permanent home, Irene cooked for 27 men all summer. Clarence often wondered why did not leave him at that point. It was either because 25 miles to Calgary was a long distance in those days and mobility, in the way of vehicles, was scarce plus the fact that Irene was not an enthusiastic horse back rider that she stayed as she didn’t care to walk. Maybe love was blind!!

Along with the busy life of setting up a home, planting trees and building all the things that go with constructing a ranch, there seemed to be a regular occurrence of children being born. Each year for three years one appeared. First Don, then Roy and Margery arrived. Then there was a two year gap and along came Wendy, then Jo-Anne and finally Sue.


The children were all normal healthy little ones and enjoyed many of the activities that their father did. They all competed in the local gymkhanas and Springbank 4-H Beef Club. Getting six children and six calves bathed and fitted for showing at one time proved to be quite a challenge. However they enjoyed every minute. Clarence at this time was active in the Cochrane Light Horse Association and served as President for two years.


Onward from 1946, Clarence was very active and involved in the Springbank Rural Electrification Association for which he served as President for 25 years. This was probably one of the most beneficial ideas devised “to help revolutionize the farming in Alberta.” He used to say, “It put the lights on in Rural Alberta.”


In the late 1950’s Clarence and some of his neighbours got into a hassle with Calgary Power over rights of land ownership. It started out as a dispute whether Calgary Power could expropriate land without notification to the owner. A most lengthy quarrel developed which ended up in the Supreme Court of Canada. The REA lost, however one bit of satisfaction they did have was that it was a compulsory case for all law students in Canada to study because of its extraordinary nature. After this case Clarence was involved with several expropriations with oil and gas companies in the area regarding pipelines and property rights. It seemed under the statutes, the decks were stacked against the farmers receiving a fair deal from expropriation procedures. Probably from the experience of these proceedings, vanity and anger crossed and one evening 40 or so neighbours arrived at his home and asked him to run for election in the 1967 Provincial Election in the Constituency of Banff/Cochrane. F.L. Gainor was retiring and so Clarence agreed to run as an Independent in the Banff/Cochrane Constituency. He was duly elected and joined the Alberta Government as an Independent representing Banff/Cochrane. In 1970 he joined the Conservatives to run in his second election after successfully winning again was appointed Minister of Highways and Transport.


When Clarence became involved in politics, his involvement in the many community affairs that he was committed to ended. After he took his oath of office as the newly appointed Minister of Highways and Transport, a reporter asked him “What qualified you to be the Minister of Highways?” Clarence answered “I was wondering the same thing but I have graded thousands of miles of road in Alberta with the bottom of my car and the face of my windshield and that is what qualified me to be the Minister of Highways.” It brought a great laugh from those who heard the story and the interview with the press was over for the first day.


On his retirement from politics Clarence formed the Cochrane Ranche Historical Society and was the ram-rod in getting the Ranche designated a historic site. He was able to see his dream of the Cochrane Ranche Historic Site officially opened on their 33rd Wedding Anniversary.

Clarence passed away on June 4th, 1979 in the Foothills Hospital after a lengthy illness.


Irene and Clarence’s family is as follows: Donald Gordon Copithorne married Patti Frederikson from Millet, Alberta where they still reside. They have three children; Brandon, Shane and Kaitlin. Don sells Real Estate.


Roy Adam Copithorne married Judy Lewis Eastend Eastend, Saskatchewan in 1975 and they have four children. Their daughter Bernadette married Hamish from New Zealand and son Malcolm Clarence, born 1982 is working on the ranch with his father. Daughter Beverley graduated from the University of Alberta with her Education Degree. Their youngest daughter Katy attended university in the Maritimes and is a Chef.


Margery Yvonne Copithorne married Robert “Bob” John Richmond in 1970 and they live in Fort Collins, Colorado. They have a daughter Carla Jean, born 1972 who married Kieren Stutley and they have a daughter December 6, 2005. Carla and Kieren and family live in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Margery and Bob have a son Clinton Robert born 1973 and he is single.


Wendy Irene Copithorne married David Neil Hawes and lived in and around Salmon Arm, British Columbia. They have two boys and one girl. Rhett David born 1976, is an Oil Rigger Manager. He married Kelly Clermont and they have a cute little boy, Evan David.


Wendy and Dave’s second son Tyler Neil, born 1978, is single and is a Rugby Star living in Alcante, Spain. Their daughter Shannon, born 1982 is single, lives in Springbank, Alberta and is very active in Barrel Racing. Wendy and Dave now live in Jumping Pound.


Jo-Anne Copithorne married Robert Hugh Paterson and they have two sons, Clarence Hugh born June 8, 1989 and David James born August 1, 1991. JoAnne and Rob and their family reside on the family ranch in the Jumping Pound district.


Lillian Susan Copithorne “Sue” married John Simpkin in 1975. They farm at Hamaruka, Alberta and have three children: Jillian Irene, Mark John and Emily Cecilia.


Irene still resides in the home that she and Clarence built when they were married. She enjoys entertaining, playing bridge and the company of her two grandsons, Clarence and David, who live close by her on the ranch with their parents.

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Copithorne, a true Alberta builder

Vern and Evelyn Lambert

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By Evelyn (Beadle) Lambert More Big Hill Country

Having started his life in the Munson/Drumheller area, Vern and his brothers Ray and Gordon and their mother Daisy, took up residence in Springbank. Vern attended school in Bowness. 

On July 22, 1949, he arrived in the Cochrane area where he went to work with George Harrison at the Bar DL Ranch. Later on, he went logging with Bill Richards and from there to the Alf Scott Sawmill in Cochrane. In 1951 he, along with many other Cochrane men, worked on the construction of the Shell Jumping Pound Gas Plant, his foreman being Leonard (Shorty) Kinch. In 1951 Vern went to work for the Town of Cochrane, installing the sewer and waterworks, working with Jack Steel, Arthur Kirkland, George Morris and Ted Lee, to name a few. 

Vern and his brothers were very musical. In 1953 they started their own Country and Western Band which consisted of Vern, Ray, Gordon, Al McMahon and Fred Steinmetz at the beginning with Ted Westerson joining the Lambert Brothers later on. They played all around Alberta, keeping very busy every weekend. Finally, in July 1980 they decided to cease the band business. Then later on Vern played drums for George Fox for one year, before George moved down east. 

In 1954 Vern went to work for Precision Construction in Calgary, building and repairing buildings. His brother Ray and Ed Davies also worked there. 

In 1957 Vern and Ray started their own construction company (Lambert Brothers Construction). They purchased 2 acres from the Town of Cochrane and built their own shop. Some of their first hired help were Bill Postlethwaite, Jim Postlethwaite, Don Patterson, Alf Brown, Al McMahon, Phil Cook, Hugh Hillman, Jim Brodie, Basil Powers and Hank Bakker. They built many houses, R.E. Moores Food Store, St. Mary’s Church (later called Nan Boothby Library), Scott Lake Garage and numerous other projects. 

During the mid-1960’s Vern and Gerald Tustian broke many horses. 

In 1967 Lambert Brothers sold their shop and Vern and I purchased a quarter section of land NW Sec 36 Twp 26 Range 5 W5M plus lease from Phil Austin in beautiful Grand Valley. We had a small ranching operation while Vern continued doing construction and playing in a band. 

During 1986 and 1987 construction of the Mountain View Car Wash and Chiropractic Building in Cochrane was done with the help of Mac Leask Jr., Dan Fenton, Jim Rutledge and Gordon Quinn. Then Vern teamed up with Ed Schmidt in 1988 doing more construction projects until September 1995 when he decided to stay home to look after his cattle and general ranch work and repairs 

Vern and I (Evelyn Beadle) were married in 1953. I was born in the Beadle house on the farm and was delivered by Mrs. Walter Beard, a friend of the family. I attended the Cochrane Lake School until they decided to bus us into the Cochrane Brick School in Cochrane. Our bus drivers were Eddie Rowe and Bill Gogs. 

In 1950 I went to work in the Cochrane Post Office for the summer holidays. My wages were $37.50 a month. I enjoyed the work very much and 29 years later I was still there. During those early years worked with Cyril Camden, Andy Chapman, Dorothy Springett, Bernice Reid, Bob Hogarth, Lloyd and Vi Des Jardine, Gordon Hall and Margaret McDowall, to name a few. 

In those days we had to push the mail cart to the Canadian Pacific Railway station to meet the train every day in order to pick up the mail. 

Wanting a change in 1979 I decided to work for Cochrane’s first I.G.A., later at Kerfoot and Downs Hardware and then to Lorne Helmig’s Esso Station. 

In 1981 I was asked to apply for the Rural Mail contract. which I acquired and did with the help of Winnie Conaboy, Jean Copithorne, Joyce Schmidt, Kathy Harbridge, Mary Anne Beaton, my Dad (Alex Beadle and nephew John Lambert. The two routes covered a distance of 100 miles. RR2 consisted of the Lochend areas and RR1 consisted of the Bottrel and Horse Creek areas. In September 1995 I decided to retire after 14 years of delivering mail, making a total of 43 years working for the Cochrane Postal Department. 

In May 2000 I joined the Cowgirl Cattle Company, an enterprising group of ladies from Cochrane and surrounding areas.

Norman and Shirley Edge

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from More Big Hill Country

Beaupre Creek Ranch NE Sec 28 Twp 26 Rge 5 W5M.

Big Hill Country continues and the history of the Norman Edge family follows. But first, we must bring you up to date on where we came from. Norman’s mother Margaret (better known as “Peggy”) was born in Grand Valley, just over the hill from our home, in 1896. Her father had come to Calgary from South Uist, Scotland in 1887. See Big Hill Country page 400 for the Morrison Story. Norman’s Dad, Clem was born in 1890 in Derbyshire, England, one of ten children. He came to Canada with his brother in 1904 when he was just fourteen. He married Peggy Morrison in 1922 at the Catholic Church in Cochrane. They had five children Donald, Margaret (who died of a heart seizure at nine months of age,) Norman, Edith, and Frank. See Page 297 in Big Hill Country for their history and photos. 

That brings you up to date to understand where we are continuing with Norman Edge’s history. In Big Hill Country we recorded that he married Shirley Moore of Calgary in 1955 and they had four children: Duane, Jackie-Lou, Lyle, and Marty. Shirley has asked each one of them to continue their lives in print for her as they know much better than she what they found really interesting in their lives once they left home. 

Rodeo is still a high priority in their family. Once Norman quit bull riding he started judging and has travelled all over Canada and the United States in his career. He was asked to judge the World Cup of Rodeo in Australia, the stock at the National Finals in Oklahoma City, the first rodeo in the New Madison Square Gardens, the Canadian National Finals and many more. 

Although Shirley was never a rodeo contestant, she was involved as a rodeo secretary, and timer, and was instrumental in developing the CRES (central entry system) for the Professional Rodeo Association. She carried a press card and wrote for the Canadian Rodeo News covering the National Finals in Oklahoma City, U.S.A. Shirley was the convener of the convention that accompanied the First Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton. This rodeo was six days long and she had to organize daily luncheons, breakfasts, hospital visits, sporting events, cabarets and the final awards banquet that was the largest in Edmonton at the time, hosting 1200 guests. 

Norman and Shirley were also involved in the formation of the Canadian Rodeo Historical Association. It has been a long road to develop the organization and Shirley has held the position of Secretary and President over the years. With the formation of the Western Heritage Centre, a joint venture of the Historical Association and the Stockmen’s Foundation, Shirley was its first president. The memorable 1990 Cattle Drive to raise funds for this centre was indeed most successful. Both Norman and Shirley were inducted into the Professional Rodeo Hall of Fame in October 2007. 

The two of them are still ranching on the Beaupre Creek Ranch about 14 km. west of Cochrane. Norman is still involved in the film industry working on western movies doing special skills, the varied jobs of a wrangler, that range from working with the horses or other livestock, teaching the actors to ride and feel comfortable on a horse, harnessing and driving teams and wagon and many other things. He really enjoys himself when he is working on films but mostly because he can renew friendships with other workers that he may not have seen since the last film. Our son Marty, partners with us on the ranch. He and Norman have a good working arrangement where one of them is always here to look after business. 

Once their children were raised, Shirley decided to take up painting with the Cochrane Art Club. It has been quite an experience for her and she has thoroughly enjoyed it for the past 30 years. She works mostly in Oil and Acrylics but likes to pursue watercolour as well. She has received several awards for her work and an interesting commission from the Government of Alberta. Their lives haven’t changed much over the years, ranching is still their first priority but they each have a few other interests to keep their lives interesting.

Norman and Shirley were the first couple inducted into the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2007

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Ermina Maria Cochrane

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Michael Martin, great-great Grandson of Matthew Cochrane recently got in touch with CHAPS President Larry Want. He provided more information on the history of the Cochrane Ranche Company and some details on his lineage.

Here is his email to CHAPS.

”One of Senator Cochrane’s daughters (Ermina Maria) married my great-grandfather Charles Cassils in 1876 so I thought I’d get in touch. The history of Cochrane Ranche after the original ranche folded and its property was sold off to the Mormon Church didn’t end in the early part of the 1900’s….

The Cassils branch of the Cochrane family lived in Montreal and that’s where I live.

The Senator had nine children as far as I’m aware – I think this website is mostly correct: https://baladodecouverte.com/circuits/356/poi/2987/matthew-henry-cochrane but I don’t have a Cochrane family tree – only a Cassils one that goes back as far as Charles and Ermina Maria. Here’s an early picture of her….

The Senator died in 1903 in Compton, south-east of Montreal (where he was born) and I think his sons sold off his farm there called ‘Hillhurst’.

The company itself sold its assets to the Mormons, not the Senator – and the company was wound up in about 1909 or so. In the winding up process, they didn’t realize that the Ranche owned mineral rights in the Pincher Creek area and those rights were left dormant until oil and gas drilling in the 1950’s brought them to light. When that occurred, a shareholders list was re-constituted and the Cochrane Ranche (1962) Company was formed – it’s now called Cochrane Ranche Inc. and for my many and varied sins, I’m its current President. Many shareholders are Senator Cochrane descendants or those of families he persuaded to invest in the original 1888 Ranche.

Family members of mine have visited there – I’m not sure of the Museum but the cowboy statue for sure. I’m not in Montreal at the moment but I do have some 100+ year old papers which I’ll look over when I am back there towards the end of June. The corporation isn’t having much success these days with current prices being so low. ”

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Cochrane Ranche significance to Alberta history

The Royal Bank of Canada in Cochrane

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from More Big Hill Country 1945-1980

The Village of Cochrane had only been in existence for four years when the Union Bank of Canada arrived in 1907 to set up a branch. Frequently referred to as the pioneer bank of Western Canada, the Union Bank followed Canada’s railway across the Prairies and had the distinction of being the first bank to provide an extensive branch system throughout the Prairie Provinces. After Cochrane gained village status in 1903, its growth took off making it only a matter of time before banking services came to the area; and the Union Bank was the first bank on the scene. 

The arrival of the Union Bank would signal the start of a new era for Cochrane. For a time, the branch not only served the residents of Cochrane; the Bank Staff also travelled via horseback to provide on-site banking services to a coal mine located three miles from the branch. 

In the early 1900s, banking was considered a highly respectable and dignified profession for a gentleman to set his sights on. Young men, starting at the ages of 16 or 17, were eager to acquire junior positions with a banking establishment as a means to moving into the professional ranks and increasing one’s social standing. 

Their roots were rural or small-town and they were very often the second or third sons of farmers, who 

foresaw little chance of inheriting the family home stead and were eager to find respectability. Starting off as junior with a salary of $150 -$250 per year was a far cry above the wages to be had from labour intensive positions. Through meticulous work, a junior at the bank could work his way up the ladder, eventually obtaining the position of Branch Manager. This was considered quite an achievement in one’s banking career, as the Manager was the public face of the Bank in the town. Plus the increase in salary was agreeable; a rural Bank Manager’s salary could range from around $100 to $1,400 per annum in the early 1900’s. 

On September 1, 1925, the Union Bank of Canada merged with Royal Bank and the latter bank continued to operate out of the same building. Three years later, the Branch was destroyed by fire. A new building was erected on the same site shortly thereafter, and Bank business was conducted from these new premises for the next forty-nine years. During that time, the Branch was renovated in 1964 and expanded in 1969. 

In the mid-1970s, the Branch’s quarters had become cramped and there was no room for further expansion. In 1976, the bank leased space in a mall complex that was being built. On March 7, 1977, RBC celebrated the grand opening of its new premises in the Cochrane Valley Shopping Center. The Branch continued to grow and on November 30, 1995, it moved to its current location at 130 1st Avenue West. 

Royal Bank Managers

  • R.W. Widdoes 1907-1909

  • T.C. Patterson 1909-1926

  • R.C. Jamieson 1926-1928
  • C.G.M. McBey 1928-1934
  • J.K Atkinson 1934-1938
  • A.H. O‘Keefe 1938-1946
  • A.J. Allen 1946-1952
  • J.W. Clark 1952-1955
  • G.W. Woods 1955-1966
  • C.M. Moe 1969-1972
  • E.L, Archer 1972-1976
  • M.E. Robertson 1976-1984
  • L.R. Harding 1984-1989
  • W.R. Lyse 1989-1997
  • K.M. Zimmel 1997-1998
  • R.G. Parker 1998-2000
  • M.J. Semple 2000-2003

  • J.D. Walton 2003 – 

     

Royal Bank by Gayle Want

The bank had outgrown the mall location. Although there were already bank machines in the foyer, it needed a building that would accommodate a drive-through machine as well. The corner at 130 – 1st Avenue West was perfect.

It’s on the same street, only 100 yards from the corner the bank started on 100 years ago. That location has always been a hub of activity.

In 1898, the Murphy Brothers built the Murphy House which was later called the Alberta Hotel there. It was a large three-story hotel that hosted many functions. On December 12, 1927, it burned to the ground. Only 10 months later on October 1, 1928, the Fisher Block that housed the Royal Bank was destroyed by fire. 

There were two old buildings on the lot in 1994 that had to be demolished to build the new bank. One was the old Webb and Milligan ESSO garage building and gas pumps, as well as the old brick Alberta Government Telephone building. The bricks from the Telephone building were made here in Cochrane by the Collin’s Brickyards. They were salvaged during demolition and were used to build the corner signage and benches. There is a historical plaque with a picture of the brickyards and Mr. Collin’s on it. 

It’s still a very busy corner and you often see folks visiting or resting on those benches on warm sunny days. 

Tidbits gathered from bank employees Joanne Fenton, Vicki Deeton, Gloria Johnson, Cheri Lyse as told to Gayle Want.

It was considered quite a privilege to work for the bank in a small town for men or women. 

The first woman to work in the banking industry was Jennie Moore in 1904. The first female bank manager in Cochrane bank was MJ. (Maggie) Semple from 2000-2003. 

At one time the bank staff had to get bank permission to get married. 

At one time the bank staff were not allowed to socialize or drink in the local taverns or beer parlours 

Dress codes for women were relaxed some in the 1970s when they could wear dress pants. 

They had to have a top or jacket that would be long enough to cover their buttocks. 

Cochrane’s first automatic banking machine in the 1980s was serviced by two staff members who would be on-call evenings and weekends. Pagers were carried for contacting staff. The contents of the machines were verified each morning by bank staff. 

The bank always encouraged staff to take courses and upgrade their skills.

Notes found in George Wood's Momentos

Compiled by Marilyn Woods Whittle

The objective of all dedicated employees should be to thoroughly analyze all situations, anticipate all problems prior to their occurrence, have answers for these problems and move swiftly to solve them if called upon. 

However… 

When you are up to your ass in alligators it is difficult to remind yourself that your initial objective was to drain the swamp 

– Started career in Pierson, Manitoba May 15, 1922.

– Arrived in Cochrane on February 28, 1955.

– Retired from Cochrane March 31, 1966.

– Relieved in 68 branches and retired again on February 23, 1976.

– The Bank was used on Saturday mornings as a place for bake sales. Church ladies group took turns and the baked items were sold quickly. 

– Two bachelor brothers had their first phone installed. The one brother was angry that his brother had made many phone calls so he arrived at the bank to pay his bills and he said to George, I just told him (my brother) “What’s the point of having a telephone if you ain’t gonna use it”. 

– Another client with very limited eyesight arrived at the bank and always got George to write out the cheques for his bills. He would then remove his thick glasses, put his nose right on the desk and sign the cheques. 

– The McGonigles – Rose came to the bank with her family allowance cheque and deposited the money into each child’s account. The picture shows 9 children. The last children were twins, a boy and a girl. 

– The Bank offered a course from Queens University – “Queens University in accordance with the authority given by the Canadian Bankers Association does hereby certify that has duly passed with Honours the examinations for the Certificate of the Association, has thereby become an Associate of the

Canadian Bankers Association”. 

– George also took many legal courses via correspondence from Queens. He helped probate the will of many locals. 

– The RCMP received information that the bank in Cochrane was to be robbed. George Woods was the bank manager. In consultation with the RCMP, they decided that George should arrive as usual. The RCMP would hide in the ditch across the street from the bank. Two men in trench coats approached the bank, peered in the window and banged on the door. George came to the door, opened it, the RCMP (a two-man detachment at the time) sprang from the ditch with their guns drawn. The two men were bank inspectors. They were very impressed with the security in Cochrane. The “robbers” never arrived. 

In 1959 the bank decided that it had to replace the safe door. A contractor was hired. Yvon de Carle was an employee and George Woods was the bank manager. Yvon slept at the bank to protect the contents for the duration of the renovation.

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