Annie Maria Oliver, wife of Albert Woodward, daughter of Albert and Hannah Oliver

Barb Silvester · Senior Member

RE: Annie Maria Oliver, wife of Albert Woodward, daughter of Albert and Hannah Oliver

jane · Senior Member

Me again!

Thanks to Barb I now know that Mawer is near Darmody, so when I saw that a handful of editions of The Mawer Tribune for 1918 had been digitised I thought I'd check to see if there was any mention of the death of Eva Gibbons. These papers aren't searchable but knowing when Eva had died I picked the next available issue (8 November 1918) at http://sabnewspapers.usask.ca/islandora/object/sab%3A11909

There on the front page was this article:

A SAD DEATH

The epidemic resulted in the saddest death yet in this neighborhood when on Sunday evening Mrs. H. Gibbons suddenly passed away. Mrs. Gibbons had apparently gotten over the "flu" and was resuming work: she fetched vegetables from the cellar and coal from the bin [when?] forthwith she had a relapse. On going back to bed Mrs. Gibbons was soon unconscious and in about two days she was deceased. We remember how we appreciated Mrs. Gibbons' proficiency at the [piano?] at Mr. Plumb's sale, and [how?] a few days ago Mr. Gibbons told us the little girl was sick, the mother being then almost [well?] and thus this demise seems [almost?] incredible. Mr. Gibbons is left with a little daughter 4 years and months old, and a very happy home is thus darkened. Mrs. Gibbons was an excellent and devoted wife and mother, and a very industrious citizen, and her good traits in all probability precipitated her decease. We extend our warmest sympathy to Mr. Gibbons and wish to express our real condolence. The interment took place at Eyebrow on Monday afternoon.

In another column on the same page is this acknowledgement:

Mr. H. Gibbons wishes to thank the neighbors and friends for their sympathy and kindness shown him in his sore trial in the death of his beloved wife.

There are many other Saskatchewan newspapers on this site but those digitised so far are mostly too early for this branch of the family (pre-1900) or are war-time editions. Fascinating stuff but until the text is searchable it will not be easy to find relevant articles without knowing a date.

jane · Senior Member

While searching those Oxfordshire newspapers I also came across two notices relating to the Gibbons family in Saskatchewan. The birth of Clarice Gibbons was announced in the Oxfordshire Weekly News of 13 May 1914:

GIBBONS -- April 12, at Eyebrow, Saskatchewan, Canada, the wife of Mr. Harry Fisher Gibbons (née Eva Woodward, of Helen-road, Oxford), of a daughter.

The sad news of her mother's death was announced in the Oxfordshire Weekly News of 4 December 1918:

'GIBBONS. -- November 3, at Darmody, Saskatchewan, Canada, from pneumonia following influenza, Eva, wife of H. F. Gibbons, and eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Woodward, 4, Helen-road, Botley-road, Oxford, aged 32 years.'

Note that according to this notice, Eva died at Darmody. Might this indicate that Miriam looked after her sister in her final illness? Also note the delay (a month) between Eva's death and when it was announced in the Oxfordshire paper. Is that how long it took for a letter to get from Saskatchewan to Oxford?

jane · Senior Member

It's extraordinary that with the vastness of Canada it's possible to locate the little square where Fred and Miriam lived, and just as extraordinary that thanks to StreetView we can land in Darmody and explore. Thank you Shane for sharing those photographs which conjure up the landscape so well.

Barb, thank you for explaining about the sections. It's all so fascinating! I never get tired of genealogy: there are always new things to learn and new insights into social history. I hadn't realised before quite how many people emigrated to Canada just before the First World War. Now looking at articles like this one (from the Oxford Journal Illustrated of 19 July 1911) you can see why so many young people would have been tempted to leave their native land:

HOW TO OBTAIN FREE LAND IN CANADA.

Mr. Julius S. Woodward, Secretary of the Board of Trade of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, asks us to give publicity to the following regulations for the information of those who contemplate settling in the Prince Albert district. Every person who is the sole head of a family and every male who has attained the age of eighteen years, is entitled to obtain entry for a homestead, to the extent of one quarter section of 160 acres, on payment of an entry fee of ten dollars. A widow having minor children of her own dependent on her for support is permitted to make homestead entry as the sole head of a family. Application for homestead entry must be made by the applicant in person . . . Residence for six months in each of the three years, after homestead entry, satisfies the residence requirement necessary to entitle the entrant to patent.

A homesteader who resides on his homestad is required to break a total of at least 30 acres of the homestead (of which 20 must be cropped) before applying for a patent. A reasonable proportion of the cultivation duties must be done during each year. When the duties are being performed under the regulations permitting residence in the vicinity, the total required to be broken will be at least 50 acres (of which 30 must be cropped).

The exodus must have had a huge impact on small village communities in England. Here's just one aspect of that, from a report of an Aston v. Combe cricket match in the 'Oxfordshire Weekly News' of 28 May 1913:

It should be mentioned that since last season three or four of Combe's best players have emigrated to Canada, and to make amends for this two men from the adjoining village of Stonesfield have become members of the Combe C.C. viz. Messrs Oliver and Hunt, the former being a fairly good fast bowler as well as a good bat. At Stonesfield also many of their players have emigrated to Canada, and it is doubtful if they will form a club this year.

Barb Silvester · Senior Member

Thanks for this information, Shane. Now I can see exactly where Darmody was (on Hwy 627, west of Eyebrow and east of Mawer).

Barb

Shane Bywaters · Guru

Hi Jane and Barb

Thank you! This is absolutely fascinating, I didn't know about the 'sections', but looking at a map you can clearly see the land divisions.

That interactive map is quite brilliant with its pinpoint searching and its different views. Of course you can then switch over to Google Maps and get the street view also

darmody_interactive map.JPG

I love it!

Barb Silvester · Senior Member

Hi Shane and Jane:

Darmody keeps appearing in the history of this family, so I’ve requested the Darmody history book from the library. I don't think that community is still in existence but it was in the RM of Eyebrow so close to where Eva and Harry homesteaded and probably where Miriam met Fred.

In reply to your question about Prince Albert from a few days ago, Shane, I’ve never stayed in the city but have driven through it on the way to Waskasiu, which is in Prince Albert National Park. The North Saskatchewan River runs through Prince Albert and is quite a spectacular sight as you cross the bridge heading north.

Jane, you’ve probably discovered that most of the southern part of Saskatchewan is divided into “sections”. A section is one mile square and is further divided into quarter sections which is what most farmers started out with. These days some farmers own many sections which means their land runs for many miles. The north/south roads which divide these sections are very straight but occasionally there is, what is called, a “correction line” which is a little jog in the road, and occurs every 24 miles. I think it’s so that the roads follow the meridians as accurately as they can.

Also, last thought, as both Eva and Miriam were “Woodward’s” the only family with that surname that I can remember had two children, Terry and his sister, Shirley, so if when you’re looking at Thomas and Arnold’s descendants you find a Terry Woodward, he is still living in the village.

Barb

jane · Senior Member

It's interesting to see those Bruvold photographs, Shane. Though Mable appears to have been Miriam's stepdaughter rather than her biological daughter, she probably wouldn't have been able to remember her own mother.

Somewhere below I think I posted details of the birth of Frederick Hubert Graham, son of Frederick Graham and Miriam Annie Woodward, from the Saskatchewan eHealth site, giving his date of birth (yyyy/mm/dd) as 1916/10/3 (i.e. 3rd October) and place of birth as "24 20 3 3". The "Land Grants of Western Canada, 1870-1930" database gives a very similar set of numbers in details of a grant of land to Frederick Graham and helpfully explains what each number means:

Item no.: 584270

Name: Frederick Graham

Part: NE

Section: 24

Township: 20

Range: 3

Meridian: W3

The reference can thus be decoded as meaning the north-east quarter of section 24 (of 36 in a 6 x 6 grid square with the labels township [i.e. row] 20, range [i.e. column] 3 west of the third meridian [106 degrees] in Saskatchewan. This has turned out to be in Darmody.

Sask Interactive Mapping allows you to pinpoint the location on a map. Put NE-24-20-03-3 into the search box at the top right (note that you have to put a zero in front of the first three, but not in front of the second three!). Then select 'Cadastre - Quarter Section' in the left-hand menu and zoom into the map.

--------------------

Sadly it appears that Frederick Hubert Graham died before his parents. There's a memorial in Aldergrove Cemetery, Smeaton, inscribed 'IN LOVING MEMORY OF FREDRICK H. GRAHAM 1916 1958' (see Findagrave).

-- Edited by jane on Saturday 10th of October 2020 03:57:38 PM

Shane Bywaters · Guru

Before marrying Mariam, Fred Graham was married to a lady called Olive and they had one child, Mable Agnus Graham. It seems that Olive died in1912, aged 32, when Mable was just 2.

There is an openly accessible page on Facebook where various Bruvold family images are being shared and discussed https://www.facebook.com/Bruvolds/

Included is this picture showing Mable, her husband Bennie Bruvold and their 8 children.

I was also able to locate the following gravestones for Mable and Bennie at Aldergrove Cemetery, Smeaton, Saskatchewan, Canada

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/214065859/mable-agnus-bruvold

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/214065913/bennie-bruvold

Shane Bywaters · Guru

Great find there Jane! As always, something like a middle name or place of rest can help lead to other findings, see below:

https://donaldvbrown.ca/tribute/details/7079/Dale-Bird/obituary.html

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thespec/obituary.aspx?n=dale-lawrence-bird&pid=196705697&fhid=31152

Dale Passed away peacefully at Joseph Brant Hospital , Burlington. Dales leaves behind his loving wife Geraldine L. Bird and his brother Fred (Marg) Bird. Dale has gone to join his true soul mate Ruby Bird. My Dale was a gentle, old soul, who loved his face in the sun. He enjoyed fishing with his brother and friends, was a terrific 5 pin bowler. After suffering a stroke he came back to win a high single of 295 and triple of 718. Special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff on 6 South and 400 North Tower at Joseph Brant Hospital as well as his family doctor M. Robinson for over 50 days of care. Cremation has taken place. A graveside interment service will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens 700 Chapel Hill Rd. Stoney Creek on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at 3 p.m. Online condolences may be sent at www.donaldvbrown.ca. " Rest in Peace My Love, Geri"

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/214890078/dale-lawrence-bird

I note the same style gravestone also.

jane · Senior Member

It's lovely to see that the little church in Shipman survives and to think of Miriam playing the organ there. Did she learn to play in Oxfordshire, I wonder?

I've been trying to find out more about her daughter Myrtle Annie Graham who was born in 1918 according to the Saskatchewan eHealth website. From Irene Rudd's reminiscences quoted below, Myrtle's married surname was BIRD.

Perhaps therefore she is the Myrtle A. Bird (born 1918, died 2006) who with husband Claude L. Bird is remembered in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Stoney Creek, Hamilton, Ontario. This is their memorial, from https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/178934910/myrtle-a.-bird :

Claude L and Myrtle A Bird memorial.jpg

One Ancestry tree has Claude L(awrence) Bird marrying a Myrtle Ann Graham at Birch Hills, Saskatchewan in 1936. This tree has more about Claude's ancestry but nothing to indicate whether he and Myrtle had any children.

Claude and Myrtle Bird appear in some electoral registers for Hamilton, Ontario, in the 1950s-1970s. Claude's occupation is variously given as 'cotton mill', 'maintenance' and 'millwright' in the 1950s/60s and as 'retired' in the 1970s. Myrtle is shown as a clerk in some of the earlier registers. There are no other Birds in the same household so no leads in the search for children, if there were any.

Shane Bywaters · Guru

Charles Wesley Graham b.17.12.1953 d.7.3.2013 (son of Lawrence Wesley Graham)

http://www.coventryfuneralservices.ca/lifestory/spirit/home.html?Year=2013&Month=3&Day=7&FirstName=Charles&LastName=Graham

Charles Wesley Graham was born in Smeaton, SK on December 17th, 1953. Charles passed quietly in his porch on March 7th, 2013.

Charles was a Christian man who enjoyed attending Nipawin Christian Centre, a non-denominational church. He was known to his friends as Charlie and known to his family as Charles. He enjoyed photography, literature and outdoors – but was less active physically than in his younger years.

He was predeceased by his mother Lillian Vandine-Graham and his father Lawrence Wesley Graham. He is survived by sisters Connie and Elaine and well beloved brother and friend Rodney. Charlie was well known for his sense of humour, which could be a bit outrageous at times. In his last two years Charles found a tamer, more peaceful, happier life in his Christian faith.

The family placed their trust with Coventry Funeral Services of Nipawin, SK 306-862-4233

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/157360999/charles-wesley-graham

Shane Bywaters · Guru

Thank you to Jane for locating and sharing the below obituary from the Lloydminster Meridian Booster

Lawrence Wesley Graham b.7.7.1922 d.17.2.2009

"Sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Lawrence "Wesley" Graham who passed away quietly in the Maidstone Hospital on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the age of 86.

He was born on July 7, 1922 at Darmody, Saskatchewan. Wes, and his wife Dorothy, moved to Neilburg in July 2007.

They quickly made friends and took part in various activities at the Seniors' Centre.

They joined the coffee klatch and shared many stories and laughs with their new friends.

In addition to his beloved wife Dorothy, Wes leaves to mourn his passing his children: Elaine, Connie, Charles and Rodney, as well as his step-children: Sylvia, Lorraine, Ed and Lorna; numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held in the Neilburg Seniors' Centre on Thursday, Feb. 19 with Tom Poppleton officiating. LillyKayy Park, Wesley's granddaughter, sang Amazing Grace. Rodney, Wes' youngest son, also brought a tribute at the service.

Wes and Dorothy came to this area from Nipawin where they had lived for 14 years.

The couple enjoyed gardening and planting flowers, bird watching and nature in general."

Shane Bywaters · Guru

Gramy Graham b. Oct 1942 d. May 1943

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/214111524/gramy-graham

Aldergrove Cemetery, Smeaton, Saskatchewan, Canada

Helen Diane “Cookie” Dayton b. 6.7.1943 d.17.9.2004

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/180754868/helen-diane-dayton

South Hill Cemetery, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada

Shane Bywaters · Guru

Capturing a bit more of what we now know about the family of William/Bill (eldest son of Miriam) from the obituary of their son Bobby

Annie Maria Oliver b 29.11.1864 d 27.10.1951
m 1885
Albert Woodward b 24.11.1865 d 26.08.1945

-Eva Emily Woodward b 24.3.1886 d 3.11.1918
-m. ?
-Henry Fisher Gibbons b 29.12.1883 d 7.12.1971

--Clarice May Gibbons b 12.4.1914 d 11.11.2000
--m 18.4.1933
--Andrew Noble Benson b 24.1.1911 d 5.11.1988

---Sharon Benson, married Merlin Thompson
---Gail Benson, married Laurence Berger
---Garnet Benson, married Alvin Wagner
---Janet Benson, married Jack Fulwiler
---Debbie Benson, married David Lougheed / partner Marvin Maier
---Marlys Benson, partner Brent MacLowich

-Ernest Albert Woodward b. 1887
-Thomas Robert Woodward b. 1889
-Arnold Edward Woodward b. 1892

-Miriam Anne Woodward b. 1894 d.1963
-m. ?
-Fred Graham b.1894 d.1963

--Mable Agnus Graham b.1910

--William Graham b.1915 d.1977
--m.?
--Flora Rose Fiddler b.1914 d.1996

---Gramy Graham b. Oct 1942 d. May 1943
---Helen 'Cookie' Diane Graham b. 6.7.1943 d. 17.9.2004
---Dearle Graham
---Robert 'Bobby' Graham b.5.2.1948 d. 6.7.2014
---Rick Graham
---Anna Graham, married Gerald 'Jerry' Maurice Goota
---Lori Graham, married Tony Boguslaw

--Frederick Graham b.1917
--Myrtle Graham b.1918
--Lawrence Graham b.1922
--Ernest Graham b.1926
--Archie Graham b.1927

-May Alice Woodward b. 3.9.1896

Shane Bywaters · Guru

Hi Barb

That's brilliant - thank you so much - as I've been gathering all of this recently I've wondered whether during your 50 something years in Sask you've ever been north to Prince Albert, or maybe even on to or past the tiny settlement of Shipman?!?!

Thanks!

Shane

Barb Silvester · Senior Member

Hi Shane:

I’ve requested the book “North to New Beginnings” through the library system. I’ll let you know if there is anything about Fred and Miriam in it.

Barb

Shane Bywaters · Guru

http://www.inmemoriam.ca/view-announcement-438750-bobby-graham.html

Graham, Robert (Bobby) 1948-2014

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our brother Bobby Graham.

He passed away in the loving arms of his family and friends July 6th, 2014 at Surrey Memorial Hospital after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

He was predeceased by his parents, Flora and Bill Graham, brother Gramy, Sister Helen (Cookie) Dayton, brother-in-law Jerry Goota, nephew Chip Goota and great nephew Bretton Stephanyshyn.

He is survived by the light of his life, daughter Kirstin Ali, her mother Vicki Lustig, brothers Dearle (Maria), Rick (Diane), sisters Anna Goota and Lori (Tony) Boguslaw and their families.

Bob was born February 5th, 1948 and grew up in the Prince Albert area. Following High School he moved to Calgary to work for Miller and Brown then later joined Vicki in Vancouver where he was employed in construction.

Bob loved people and animals and was a very personable guy, never judging or demeaning he was a champion for the underdog; you always left him with a big " I love you" and a smile on your face. He always said the best day of his life was the day his daughter was born and stated it often.

Although Bob had a few struggles in his lifetime, we are so proud that his life came full circle with, meaning and direction. The last few years were spent at the Phoenix House where he helped countless people and where he was loved and well regarded.

Our family would like to thank everyone at the Launching Pad and the Phoenix House for their love and support, the numerous visitors and many coffee runs.

We were so blessed to have Bobby in our lives and are grateful for the gifts of courage and laughter he mustered till the very end, and his life long example of humility and compassion.

Love you always and forever Bobby, till we meet again.

A graveside service will be held in Prince Albert at a later date following a Celebration Of Life and Dedication service in Vancouver

Shane Bywaters · Guru

I think this is likely to be William/Bill, eldest son of Miriam and Fred - noting also the small plaque to Helen 'Cookie' Diane Dayton

South Hill Cemetery, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/180754766/william-graham

Shane Bywaters · Guru

Hmmm, this book looks like it could be interesting, and I wonder if it might even be the book that has the story of Fred and Miriam in??

North to New Beginnings : Smeaton, Shipmand & Districts [Saskatchewan] by the Smeaton Historical Society

shipman book.jpg

I see there are copies available for purchase from various part of the world - tempting!!

Shane Bywaters · Guru

I was able to find some information about Fred and Miriam, written by their Granddaughter Irene Rudd, attached to someone's tree on ancestry - the images are of typed up text and it appears to be in a book of some sort.

Graham, Fred and Miriam by Irene Rudd

My grandparents, Fred and Miriam Graham came to the north from Darmody, Sask, in 1931. They took a homestead two miles west of Shipman.

The land was covered with poplar and spruce, which had to be cleared by hand a little at a time, then horses were used to break and work the land.

In contrast to the dry prairies at that time in the 1930's, garden and crops grew lush and green on the newly plowed land in the north country.

They had two daughters and five sons; Mable (Bruvold), Myrtle (Bird), Bill, Fred, Wesley, Ernie and Archie.

This is where they raised their family and lived for about 25 years until they sold their quarter to Bill Stewart in about 1951-1952 and moved to the hamlet of S? ... (probably Shipman).

Grandma took pride in playing the organ in the shipman church on Sundays and even while on the farm would walk the distance to attend.

Gradma passed away in Nov. of 1963. Grampa lived in Shipman until Sept 1966 when he moved to Prince Albert after 32 years in the district.

Grampa lived on 13th St West in Prince Albert, close to his son, Bill and wife, Flora until he passed away in Dec. of 1972.

This is really helpful in confirming some of the previous findings, telling us a little about Fred and Miriam's life, and also giving a couple of ne clues for their descendants.

Shipman looks to be a tiny hamlet with a population of something like 10 - 15 these days, but the church that Miriam walked so far each Sunday to attend and play the organ does still appear to exist which is really nice.

jane · Senior Member

Wow, Shane, what an avalanche of information just from that one new lead in Ernest's will! Though it initially looked so short and disappointing, I think you definitely got your £1.50's worth with this one!

That looks like a very likely match for Miriam's arrival in 1913 especially as it says (on the version I'm looking at) that she's heading for Eyebrow, Sask. I've just found the corresponding outgoing passenger list for the 'Ausonia' in UK records. Ticket no. 36546 belonged to Miss M. Woodward, a 24 year old servant. On this list the column headed 'Country of Last Permanent Residence' has not countries but towns/cities listed. For Miss M. Woodward it says Oxford, which is encouraging.

The Saskatchewan Residents' Index (one version on Ancestry and another on the Saskatchewan Genealogical Society (SGS) website) has a reference to a marriage of a Miriam Woodward in 1914 in Darmody in 1914. Unfortunately I can't find a matching entry for a groom. I don't know if you'd be able to get further details from the SGS.

I'll send you a private message with some more up-to-date sightings of Miriam's family - I've found some of her grandchildren on Facebook!

Shane Bywaters · Guru

Miriam Annie Woodward

Following the lead from Ernest's Will to his sister Miriam in Saskatchewan, and with thanks to a tag-team effort with Jane, below are some of details of how things look so far ...

So, there are no super obvious records for Miriam's journey to Canada, the most plausible looks like

Name: Marion Woodward

Gender: Female

Arrival Age: 19

Birth Year: abt 1894

Departure Port: Southampton, England

Arrival Date: 26 Oct 1913

Arrival Port: Quebec, Canada

Vessel: Ausonia

The forename name isn't very clear, but it does detail 'married sister' and we know Eva was already in Canada.

I'm not yet able to find Miriam in the 1916 or 1921 Canadian census records but the https://www.familysearch.org/ website does offer up something helpful when performing a fairly wide search on forename = Miriam, birth year = 1894 and place of birth = England, residence - sask

Household Role Sex Age Birthplace

Fred Graham Head of Household Male 36 Ontario

Miriam Graham Wife Female 32 England

William Graham Son Male 10 Saskatchewan, Canada

Frederick Graham Son Male 9 Saskatchewan, Canada

Myrtle Graham Daughter Female 8 Saskatchewan, Canada

Lawrence Graham Son Male 4 Saskatchewan, Canada

Ernest Graham Son Male 1 Saskatchewan, Canada

Further checking on some of the children's births at http://genealogy.ehealthsask.ca/ include for example

Registration Number: 13057

Last Name: GRAHAM

First Name: MYRTLE ANNIE

Sex: F

Birth Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 1918 / 3 / 30

Place of Birth: 24 20 3 3

Mother

MIRIAM ANNIE WOODWARD

Father

FREDERICK GRAHAM

Soo, YES!. this is our Miriam - who we can see married Fred Graham. It seems as if Fred was previously married and had one daughter Mable from that marriage, not clear yet what the circumstances are and what happened to his first wife who was called Olive.

Here's an initial look at what the tree looks like with this added - I'd bet that with so many children at this level up the tree there must be lots of descendants in Saskatchewan still.

I was also able to find a picture of Miriam and Fred on a tree at ancestry.com and also this image at https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/214205939/miriam-graham

Shane Bywaters · Guru

Very curious indeed Jane! Hmm, I think I might have to order up that marriage certificate .. but in the meantime I did order Ernest's will with the hope that it might help in someway.

Here's an extract:

Sadly nothing here pertaining to a possible wife Evelyn or possible children.

Interestingly though, as well as detailing his sister May (of Sunny Banks, Hanborough, Oxford) it does help shed light on his sister Mariam. I wasn't yet able to locate her on the 1939 Register or locate any helpful marriage or death records. From the Will here it looks as though she may also have emigrated away to Canada, and though not at all easy to read it does look like 'Sask, Canada' is mentioned, where of course her sister Eva was already settled.

So a helpful lead there for possibly finding more about Miriam; did she marry? have children? etc etc - time for more digging!

jane · Senior Member

Very curious, Shane!

It's hard to see how Ernest's parents could have made a mistake about his marital status when they filled in the 1911 census form. I'm just wondering if he might be the Ernest A. Woodward who married in the Willesden district in the first quarter of 1911. It's likely that this Ernest's bride was one Evelyn Wheeler as the other two people with matching references in FreeBMD (Steven Stephens and Ada Gronqvist) can be found as a married couple on the 1911 census. Oddly they claim to have been married for 3 years; this may have been a fib to try to cover up an illegitimate child.

I can't find either of these marriages in records that have been digitised online so you'd have to order a copy of this Ernest's marriage certificate to see exactly where he married and whether he might be 'our' Ernest. Perhaps it was a quiet register office marriage?

I can't find an Ernest Woodward with wife Evelyn on the 1911 English census (taken on 2nd April), which could fit with him being the one who had emigrated in March 1911. Or perhaps he's someone else entirely and just happened to be away (maybe on honeymoon?) at census time. (I can't find our Ernest on the Canadian 1911 census either.)

Going back to that outgoing passenger list where Ernest and his sister emigrated, I see that there is an Evelyn Woodward a couple of lines down. Could she be Ernest's wife? As with Ernest her age [or just an @ maybe for adult?] is in the column indicating single 'or unaccompanied by husband or wife' . . . so we can't rule out the possibility that she is his wife but travelling on a different ticket.

Next I looked for a passenger list for the 'Megantic' arriving on the other side of the Atlantic in case there was more information about Ernest and Evelyn. FamilySearch in its 'Canada Passenger Lists, 1881-1922' collection has not one but two lists for the ship's arrival (free to view if you're signed in). One is for the ship's arrival at her ultimate destination, Halifax, Nova Scotia. The other lists British passengers who were on the ship at Portland [the one in Maine I think] but bound for Canada. This is the most informative one: it tells us that Evelyn Woodward was married, a dressmaker and bound for Toronto. An age which appears to say 17 has been added in a different hand, as has the note 'With Husband'.

It may well be significant that on this version of the passenger list, Ernest Woodward is also shown as married.

So what happened in between 1911, when Ernest maybe with a young wife were supposed to be going to Toronto, and 1914, when Ernest was back in England joining the army, saying firmly 'No' when asked if he was married and giving his parents as his next of kin? When did he come back to England? (so far no obvious sightings on incoming passenger lists).

I haven't yet found any further trace of the Evelyn Woodward (maybe née Wheeler) who was on the 'Megantic' with Ernest. If she was his wife, presumably the marriage was a very short-lived one. If they never divorced then Ernest may not have been able to marry again. That makes it hard to trace any children he might have had with another partner.

All this is just speculation. That marriage certificate is the best way to tell whether I have been barking up the wrong tree or not!

Shane Bywaters · Guru

Ah, brilliant, thank you Jane, great deciphering!! So it looks like some sort of bone + inflammation thing he was carrying.

On a slight aside, I had written 'It would appear at the moment that he didn't marry or have children' and I was cautious because the 1911 census (taken when Ernest was in Canada with Eva) has him listed but crossed out because of course he wasn't actually there, but the entry did include that he had a status of Married - just a mistake by Albert perhaps?, or, was Ernest actually married before 1911? No mention in the 1914 Army Records for sure. Intriguing!

Shane

jane · Senior Member

Shane Bywaters wrote:
- By the end of September however he was discharged, but can't quite make out the writing detailing the reason (see below) 'something something something of the Tibia' perhaps?

Hi Shane.
My reading is that he 'Became non-effective by reason [of?] old standing Osteomyelitis of L. Tibia'. Later in the war that might not have stopped him being sent out to the Front but in 1914 they were a lot fussier about the fitness of soldiers. It must have been frustrating for him to be sent home so soon - but it could well have saved his life.

Jane

Shane Bywaters · Guru

Ernest Albert Woodward

- Born 22nd October 1887

- In 1911 we know that he traveled with Eva to Canada (but returned)

- On the 31st August 1914 Ernest joined the war effort and signed up to the Royal Engineers. Ernest is described as 26 years or age, 5 ft 7 inches, 140 lbs, fresh complexion, hazel eyes, brown hair and in good physical condition

- By the end of September however he was discharged, but can't quite make out the writing detailing the reason (see below) 'something something something of the Tibia' perhaps?

- Ernest is recorded in 1939 Register, single status and living at 262 Kings Roads, Kingston Upon Thames, Carpenter Joiner. The house also had a Rosa Ellen Blythman present and I do note that Rosa was still living there when she died in 1971.

- The final record I have found for now for Ernest is from the 'England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1995' records and it details that he was living at 3 Kingsley Road in London and died on the 8th December 1965 at Southend-on-Sea Hospital. His sister May Alice Campbell (nee Woodward) is mentioned. It would appear at the moment that he didn't marry or have children.

Shane Bywaters · Guru

Not sure if you've much knowledge of Eva's brothers (x3) and sisters (x2) Bonnie and how much contact was kept between them in the years after Eva moved away to Canada and then on during Clarice's life? - I'm going to have a dig into the records to see if we can locate anything about them and their lives.

Bonnie · Member

There, that’s better...

Barb Silvester · Senior Member

Hi Bonnie: Small world indeed! I can honestly say that I thought I was the only person from Stonesfield who had found their way to Moose Jaw, but I guess Eva did it before me. I found out today that the Moose Jaw Public Library has a copy of the Eyebrow history book (Coming Home to Eyebrow), so when the library opens, in September, I’ll request the copy and see if there is anything else in it about Eva and her family. You posted another beautiful photo today, of Clarice and her husband. These photos are real treasures. Thanks again for letting all the other “Olivers” see them.

Barb

Bonnie · Member

Hi Barb,

Yes, the write up would probably be from the 80’s. I don’t recall the name, sorry. They did farm and live in Eyebrow, small world isn’t it!

Cheers,

Bonnie

Bonnie · Member

I believe that this is the wedding picture for Clarice May Gibbons and Andrew Noble Benson...married April 18, 1933

Shane Bywaters · Guru

Wow, Wow, Wow!

How amazing to see these family photographs, I’ll look at them in more detail tomorrow and read the write up by Clarice too!

Thanks so much for sharing these Bonnie - certainly made my day seeing these new images from within the Oliver Family History!

Shane

Barb Silvester · Senior Member

Hi Bonnie: Those are incredible photos of Eva and her family. Thanks so much for sharing them. I also found the write-up by Clarice about the pioneer days on the prairies very interesting. Was this from one of the history books published in the 1980s? What makes Clarice’s life so interesting to me is that I am from Stonesfield and as her mother, Eva, was born only 2 years before my granny (whose name was May) it’s quite possible that they knew one another, especially as my granny was also an “Oliver” and our branch of the family is on the website. However, what makes this even more interesting is that I now live in Moose Jaw, so it’s great to know that others, with roots in Stonesfield, live ‘just down the road’ from me. I look forward to seeing and reading more of your posts.

Barb

Bonnie · Member

Here is a write up on the family by Clarice May Gibbons Benson

Sorry that it is sideways!

Bonnie · Member

This could very well be the only family picture of Henry, Eva and Clarice as Eva died in Nov. 1918. Clarice was born in April 1914.

Bonnie · Member

I think this might be the wedding picture of Henry Fisher Gibbons and Eva Emily Woodward...married Sept. 11, 1911

Bonnie · Member

Hi, here are a few pictures I have found

Albert and Hannah Oliver - no date

Albert Ernest and Annie Maria Woodward - no dates

Eva Emily Woodward Gibbons and her daughter Clarice May - about 1916/1917

Bonnie · Member

I will try to find some pictures of the family.

-- Edited by Bonnie on Sunday 12th of April 2020 09:05:54 PM

Bonnie · Member

That is my family tree that you saw on Ancestry...kevinb11

Henry Fisher Gibbons did not know Eva Emily Woodward in England. My mother in law has the story of how they meet. I will try to get a copy of it from her once all is right with the world.
I can tell you that Eva came to Canada with her friend Margaret E Heaslip (not sure of her last name spelling) but her name is the first name on the passenger list just above Eva’s name. It also looks like Eva’s brother Ernest Albert Woodward came with the girls to Canada...their plans were to go to Toronto, Ontario.

Stay safe,

Bonnie

-- Edited by Bonnie on Sunday 12th of April 2020 09:29:17 PM

Shane Bywaters · Guru

Looking further into the Canadian Passenger Lists we can see that Eva's future husband Henry F Gibbons was also on board the Megantic:

Name: Henry F Gibbons
Gender: Male
Arrival Age: 27
Birth Year abt: 1884
Departure Port: Liverpool, England
Arrival Date: 25 Mar 1911
Arrival Port: Portland, Maine, USA
Vessel: Megantic
Household Members Name: Henry F Gibbons

Name: Henry F Gibbons
Gender: Male
Arrival Age: 27
Birth Year: abt 1884
Departure Port: Liverpool, England
Arrival Date: 25 Mar 1911
Arrival Port: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Vessel: Megantic
Household Members Name: Henry F Gibbons

Although I can yet seem to trace his departure record from England in 1911, based on the 1906 and 1916 Canadian census records it looks although Henry had orignally emigrated to Canada in 1904 with his mother, Harriet/Hatty.

So, I wonder when and where Eva and Henry met, back in England?, aboard the ship in 1911?, or once settled in Canada?.....

Shane Bywaters · Guru

Well, this is sad to discover, and I think rather poignant given the current global crisis.

As we've seen earlier in the thread, Eva Emily Woodward emigrated to Canada in 1911, married Henry Gibbons and together they had their first child Clarice in 1914 - but we then see that Eva passes away in 1918, aged just 32.

I've just read within one of the family tree's on Ancestry (kevinb11)' Death: died of Spanish Flu....was pregnant with their second child when she died'.

Wow.

This page here gives a little detail on the impact of the Spanish Flu in Moose Jaw https://www.moosejawtoday.com/local-news/moose-jaw-hospitals-overwhelmed-during-1918-spanish-flu-2163647

Shane Bywaters · Guru

From the UK and Ireland, Outward Passenger Lists archives we can find the very papers that list Eva departing England 18.3.1911:

Name: Eva E Woodward
Gender: Female
Age: 25
Birth Date: abt 1886
Departure Date: 18 Mar 1911
Port of Departure: Liverpool, England
Destination Port: Portland
Ship Name: Megantic
Shipping Line: White Star Line
Master: H Smith

We can also see that her brother Ernest Alert also traveled with her, although I think may have returned back to England.

We can see that Eva and Ernest traveled on the ship 'Megantic', the image below and other can be found at this website https://greatships.net/megantic

The U.S., Atlantic Ports Passenger Lists pick up Eva's arrival 25.03.1911

Name Eva E Woodward
Age 25
Estimated Birth Year abt 1886
Gender Female
Ethnic Background English
Arrival Date 25 Mar 1911
Port of Arrival Portland, Maine
Port of Departure Liverpool, England
Ship Name Megantic
Friend's Name Chamberlin
Last Residence England
Place of Origin England

Then the Canadian Passenger Lists also

Name Eva E Woodward
Gender Female
Arrival Age 25
Birth Year abt 1886
Departure Port Liverpool, England
Arrival Date 25 Mar 1911
Arrival Port Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Vessel Megantic
Household Members Name Eva E Woodward

Shane Bywaters · Guru

The 1939 England and Wales Register and the England & Wales, National Probate Calendar help us gather precise birth and death dates for Annie Maria and Albert:

1939 England and Wales Register

Name: Albert Woodward
Gender: Male
Marital status: Married
Birth Date: 24 Nov 1865
Residence Year: 1939
Residence Place: Witney, Oxfordshire, England
Occupation: Joiner (Retired)
Inferred Spouse: Annie M Woodward

Name: Annie M Woodward
Gender: Female
Marital status: Married
Birth Date: 29 Sep 1864
Residence Year: 1939
Residence Place: Witney, Oxfordshire, England
Occupation: Unpaid Domestic Duties
Inferred Spouse: Albert Woodward

England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1995

WOODWARD Albert of Sunnybank Long Hanborough Oxfordshire died 26th August 1945. Probate Oxford 18 December to Arnold Edward Woodward retired builder.

WOODWARD Annie Maria of Hunters-grove Swindon Witshire died 27th October 1951 at St. Margarets Hospital Stratton St Margaret Swindon. Probate Birmingham 17 December Arnold Edward Woodward joiner.

Annie Maria Oliver b 29.11.1864 d 27.10.1951
m 1885
Albert Woodward b 24.11.1865 d 26.08.1945

-Eva Emily Woodward b 24.3.1886 d 3.11.1918
-m. ?
-Henry Fisher Gibbons b 29.12.1883 d 7.12.1971

--Clarice May Gibbons b 12.4.1914 d 11.11.2000
--m 18.4.1933
--Andrew Noble Benson b 24.1.1911 d 5.11.1988

---Sharon Benson, married Merlin Thompson
---Gail Benson, married Laurence Berger
---Garnet Benson, married Alvin Wagner
---Janet Benson, married Jack Fulwiler
---Debbie Benson, married David Lougheed / partner Marvin Maier
---Marlys Benson, partner Brent MacLowich

-Ernest Albert Woodward b. 1887
-Thomas Robert Woodward b. 1889
-Arnold Edward Woodward b. 1892
-Miriam Anne Woodward b. 1894
-May Alice Woodward b. 3.9.1896

Shane Bywaters · Guru

http://www.inmemoriam.ca/view-announcement-204436-alvin-wagner.html

In memory of Alvin Wagner, husband of Garnet Wagner nee Benson, passed on August 27th, 2010.

Born In: Saskatchewan, Canada
Born: July 19th, 1936

Passed in: Saskatchewan, Canada
Passed on: August 27th, 2010

WAGNER - Alvin Alfred Wagner (Al), husband, father and grandfather passed away August 27, 2010 after a brave and noble battle with cancer. Al was born July 19, 1936 at Coronach, Saskatchewan. Al attended Adler School Division and later Crane Valley High School, and completed high school at Central Collegiate in Moose Jaw. Al met his beloved wife and best friend, Garnet, in Moose Jaw and they were married in October of 1962. He completed his first year of a Bachelors degree in Education at Regina Teachers College in 1966 and taught in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, New Dale School in Queenstown, Alberta, and Barons Consolidated School in Barons, Alberta. Al and Garnet relocated with their young family to Swift Current, Saskatchewan in 1971 where Al took a position working for Saskatchewan Health. Swift Current would eventually become their home and Al and Garnet raised their family there. He later retired from Saskatchewan Health in June 1996. Al found his most precious joys in life by spending time with his family and was happiest when he was fishing and camping with his sons and their families. Al is predeceased by his parents Henry Wagner and Olga Schanowski, his brother Ernie Wagner and sister-in-law, Sharon Thompson. Al is survived by his wife of 47 years, Garnet; two sons Brent (Mary) Wagner and Brad (Patti) Wagner both of Regina; grandchildren Alex, Noah, Aaron and Mikayla; brothers Ed Wagner and Karl (Arlene) Wagner and sister Alma (Doug) Roberts; brother-in-law Merlin Thompson, sisters-in-law Gail (Laurence) Berger, Janet (Jack) Fulwiler, Marlys Benson (Brent), Debbie Ann (Marv) Lougheed and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. A private service was held by W.J. Jones & Son Funeral Home at Sunset Cemetery in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan on September 1, 2010 at 3:00 PM. Della Ferguson officiated. Memorials to the Canadian Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated. In living memory of Al, a tree will be planted in Besant Park by W. J. Jones & Son Funeral Home. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries).

Shane Bywaters · Guru

https://www.moosejawfuneralhome.com/project/lougheed-deborah-ann/

In memory of Deborah “Debbie” Ann Lougheed (nee Benson), passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 15th, 2017

Deborah “Debbie” Ann Lougheed, aged 62 years of Moose Jaw, SK, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 15th, 2017. Debbie grew up in Eyebrow, SK and later moved to Moose Jaw, SK where she raised her family. For the past 20 years, she held the position of a Care Aide at Valley View Centre. Debbie had a special place in her heart for the residents that she cared for and considered them as family. Over the years, she opened her home to numerous foster children with whom she developed special relationships. Debbie enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, family, and friends, and was always known for a good laugh. She also enjoyed bowling, playing slo-pitch, golfing, travelling, and having a good long talk on the phone. She will be greeted with open arms by George and Doris; parents, Andrew and Clarice Benson; brother, Joey; sister, Sharon; brother-in-law, Al Wagner; as well as many other loved ones. Debbie leaves behind her common-law partner, Marv; daughter, Natasha (Calvin), son, Richard (Kristi); daughter, Nicole (Brian); grandchildren: Kevin, Carissa, Bodie, Riley, Shelby, Stacia, Shae, Taylah, Jayke, River, and Mylo; sisters: Garnet, Gail (Lawrence), Janet (Jack), and Marlys (Brent); as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. A Celebration of Debbie’s Life will be held on Friday, March 24th, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home with Dave Foley officiating. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Debbie’s name may be made to The Canadian Diabetes Association, 917A Albert St, Regina, SK S4R 2P6.
“There is no death, only a change of worlds…”
Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Michelle Surtees Funeral Director 306-693-4550

Shane Bywaters · Guru

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/34824636/sharon-eva-thompson

In memory of Sharon Eva Thompson (nee Benson) b 9.10.1934 d. 1.4.2008, married Merlin Thompson 7.3.1953

Sharon Eva Thompson, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away April 1, 2008.

Sharon was born October 9, 1934 in the Darmody district and grew up in Eyebrow. She moved to Moose Jaw in 1950 to work at the Union Hospital. She met Merlin (Dad) in the fall of 1951 and they were married on March 7, 1953. Sharon continued to work at the Union Hospital while raising her children.

She is predeceased by her parents, Andrew and Clarice Benson, her grandparents and numerous sisters and brothers-in-law. She leaves to mourn her husband of 55 years, Merlin; son, Glen Thompson – Iron Springs, AB; two daughters, Maxine (Carl) Johnson – Davidson, SK and Brenda (Rick) Stokes – Moose Jaw; grandchildren: Greg (Debbie) Thompson – Moose Jaw, Kirk (Crystal) Johnson – Davidson, Kelly (Brandon) Babich – Moose Jaw, Ryan (Christine) Stokes – Moose Jaw, Lindsay Johnson – Davidson, Neal Stokes (Kassidy) – Victoria and Justin Stokes – Moose Jaw; great-grandchildren: Katherine, Andrew and Cody Thompson and Reece Johnson; sisters: Gail (Laurence) Berger – Brooks, AB, Garnet (Alvin) Wagner – Swift Current, Janet (Jack) Fulwiler – Lethbridge, Marlys Benson (Brent) – Moose Jaw, Debbie Ann (Marv) Lougheed – Moose Jaw; special friends Heather and Swanee Gemmell, Dorothy Olynek and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

Funeral Service held at the Alliance Church, corner of 9th Ave. NW and Thatcher Drive, on Friday April 4, 2008. Della Ferguson officiated. Interment at Sunset Cemetery.

From obituary published in the Moose Jaw Times-Herald on 4/3/2008

http://www.inmemoriam.ca/view-announcement-11243-sharon-eva-thompson.html

Shane Bywaters · Guru

From the obituaries for Clarice and Andrew we can see they were blessed with 6 daughters, Sharon, Gail, Garnet, Janet, Debbie and Marlys!

Annie Maria Oliver b 1863
m 1885
Albert Woodward

-Eva Emily Woodward b 24.3.1886 d 3.11.1918
-m. ?
-Henry Fisher Gibbons b 29.12.1883 d 7.12.1971

--Clarice May Gibbons b 12.4.1914 d 11.11.2000
--m 18.4.1933
--Andrew Noble Benson b 24.1.1911 d 5.11.1988

---Sharon Benson, married Merlin Thompson
---Gail Benson, married Laurence Berger
---Garnet Benson, married Alvin Wagner
---Janet Benson, married Jack Fulwiler
---Debbie Benson, married David Lougheed / partner Marvin Maier
---Marlys Benson, partner Brent MacLowich

-Ernest Albert Woodward b. 1887
-Thomas Robert Woodward b. 1889
-Arnold Edward Woodward b. 1892
-Miriam Anne Woodward b. 1894
-May Alice Woodward b. 3.9.1896

Shane Bywaters · Guru

Obituaries for Clarice May Benson (nee Gibbons) and her husband Andrew Noble Benson.

https://www.newspapers.com/clip/41265870/obituary-for-clarice-may-benson/

https://www.newspapers.com/clip/41274165/andrew-noble-benson/

Shane Bywaters · Guru

We've known of this fabulous Oliver Family photograph (http://www.oliverfamilyhistory.co.uk/v4/stories/albert-oliver-stonesfield-family-photograph.htm) for several years now and its been great to have learned lots about this family line, both up the family line to Solomon and down the family line and into the families of Albert and Hannah's children - there are several descendants who have been here on the messageboard and also having met up on the Oliver Family History days.

One of the family lines however that hasn't been so thoroughly researched is that of Albert and Hannah's daughter Annie Maria who married Albert Woodward, and I don't recall us having met any descendants of Annie Maria … until now!, see this thread started just recently by Bonnie https://oliverfamilyhistory.activeboard.com/t66481055/hi-from-canada/.

Sooo, I'm starting this thread as Bonnie's message has already clarified a possible hunch that I'd had sometime back on one particular line down from Annie and it'll also provide a place for other information that we may be able to find across all six of her children.

Annie Maria Oliver b 1863
m 1885
Albert Woodward

-Eva Emily Woodward b 24.3.1886 d 3.11.1918
-m. ?
-Henry Fisher Gibbons b 29.12.1883 d 7.12.1971

--Clarice May Gibbons b 12.4.1914 d 11.11.2000
--m 18.4.1933
--Andrew Noble Benson b 24.1.1911 d 5.11.1988

-Ernest Albert Woodward b. 1887
-Thomas Robert Woodward b. 1889
-Arnold Edward Woodward b. 1892
-Miriam Anne Woodward b. 1894
-May Alice Woodward b. 3.9.1896

With Bonnie's confirmation that Annie and Albert's eldest daughter Eva Emily did indeed move away to Canada, it now confirms that these images are indeed of the correct Eva!

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/110891141/eva-e-gibbons

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/106931574/clarice-may-benson

Thanks

Shane