The year 2012 marks the 150thanniversary of Alberta’s Victoria Settlement. In 1862 Methodist minister George McDougall established a mission at the “Hairy Bag” a buffalo feeding ground north of the North Saskatchewan River which was a favourite meeting place and camping site for Aboriginal peoples for thousands of years. The mission was named Victoria in honour of the reigning British monarch. The Hudson’s Bay Company soon noted the activity of free traders in the vicinity and the large numbers of Aboriginals gathering at the mission and established Fort Victoria in 1864, a post which operated for more than three decades.
The mission and trading post attracted several hundred English-speaking Métis (historically known as Mixed-bloods) from the Red River Settlement, in what is now Manitoba, who established a permanent river lot settlement at Victoria. The river lot system was based upon the seigneurial system of New France. It consisted of long narrow river-front lots that provided all settlers river access for transportation and agricultural needs. Combining agriculture with the traditional buffalo hunt, a prosperous community of missionaries, fur traders, settlers and Cree hunters developed. In 1887, when the community established its first post office, it was named Pakan in honour of local Cree chief, James Seenum or “Pakannuk”, in tribute to his leadership during the 1885 Rebellion. During the 1890s, settlement in the district expanded as hundreds of Ukrainian and other European settlers took up homesteads. The community thrived as a commercial and service centre until 1918 when the Canadian Northern Railway line was established north of the settlement at Smoky Lake.
Fort Victoria was designated a Provincial Historic Resource in 1976, ensuring that Victoria Settlement’s historical ties to Alberta’s First Nations, Métis and Ukrainian settlers and it’s associations with the fur trade, mission and homestead history are conserved for the benefit of all Albertans. This site is interpreted as the Victoria Settlement Provincial Historic Site. It includes the Hudson’s Bay Company Clerk’s Quarters built in 1865, Alberta’s oldest structure remaining on its original location and the 1906 Pakan Methodist Church.
In 2001, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada commemorated the area as the Victoria Settlement National Historic Site of Canada. Its highly visible and physical attributes represent an exceptional illustration in a concentrated area of major themes in Prairie settlement including the development of the fur trade, the establishment of the Métis river lot system, the arrival of missions, Prairie agricultural development and the establishment of eastern European immigrants at the beginning of the 20th century. The national designation along the old Victoria Trail includes the Lobstick Settlement to the west, the Victoria (Pakan) Settlement to the east, and a Ukrainian settlement area to the north.
Historical points of interest in the National Historic Site include the site of the McDougall Mission, the McGillivray House originally located on River Lot 7 but currently found on River Lot 3, which is also designated as a Provincial Historic Resource and the Anderson House, a Municipal Historic Resource on River Lot 14 of the Lobstick Settlement. Other resources from the Settlement have been moved: the Erasmus House is currently displayed at Fort Edmonton Park, while the Sinclair House which for many years functioned as the Pakan Museum on the Mitchell property at River Lot 7 is currently displayed at Metis Crossing along with the Cromarty House from River Lot 12.
Written by: Peter Melnycky, Historian
RETROactive 
I can’t believe I found this site. My mother lived in the last remaining house in the Victoria settlement, which appears by the description on this site, to be the Sinclair residence, now displayed at Metis Crossing. My mother is Kathleen Gwendoline Mitchell, soon to be 93, and living in Powell River, BC. Her father, James Alexander Mitchell, acted as the postmaster in Pakan for some tears. My mother and I are Metis, and are descended from Carolyn and Samuel Whitford. I have been trying to find a book written about the Victoria Settlement – I know there is one – to give to my mother. It’s been 51 years since I have been to Pakan in 1960. I hope to get back for a visit. Next year would be appropriate, on the 150th anniversary.
Any advice on the whereabouts of the book I am looking for?
Hello Joseph,
Thank you for your comment. It is wonderful to hear that this post has a personal connection. The author of this post, Peter Melnycky, is going to contact you directly to suggest some reading material, etc.
Brenda
I am responding to the preamble as: ‘1862 Methodist minister George McDougall established a mission at the “Hairy Bag” a buffalo feeding ground north of the North Saskatchewan River which was a favourite meeting place and camping site for Aboriginal peoples for thousands of years.’
At our Victoria gathering of two years ago one of the family histories was given by descendants of George Mcdougall and repeated this line in the talk. I objected to this as there was no basis for a ‘hairy bag’ as the reason for the name of locality as the word or words just are not even used anciently for this place and they certainly didn’t invent a new name for the man of God.
I have always known the area as Hairy Hill in reference to the fact the buffalo were drawn to the area because of a particular low brush or willow which very effectively helped the buffalo shed their heavy winter coats and thus was called Hairy Hill(s) I realized early on it was an error in translation but was mystified as to how it came to be. After a lot of research into the matter it was resolved in accordance to the supposition I put forward that day but could not give background on then.
Normally if you use bag as a separate word and not a conjunctive word then the word would be maskimot or MUS KIH MUT but when it is a suffix changes to wat pronounced WHUT or iwat pronounced IH WHUT.
Hairy = miyawés. Saddlebag is mis(t)atimwat. Mis(t)atim = large dog or horse.
From this line of logic then bag = wat in this instance and thus miyawésiwat = hairy bag.
However, miyawésiwacy = hairy hill
So they are very close but easily mistranslated.
Phonetically then hairy bag is: ME OW AY SIH WHOT
while hairy hill is : ME OW AY SIH WHOT CHYH.
It is evident that George used the term ‘saddle bag’ in Cree a word he no doubt was familiar with to find what he believed to be the source of the word bag. WAT is the word for bag in Cree in this instance and is almost indistinguishable for a non-mother tongued Cree speaker to differentiate. This certainly cannot to lack of attentiveness or concern. It was an easy mistake to make but was perfectly sane as far as an inference to make.
Also Cree speakers tend to not be loud speakers out of respect and therefore the nuances of the language are difficult to pull the proper meaning out of as an inexperienced speaker. Further the mind has a tendency when hearing words which cannot be understood in English [any language really] to Anglify the sounds into the phonetics of the English language which can actually change the sound into a familiar one.
Thus atimw which has an aspirated ‘w’ sound ending when used as a single word which sound is dropped when in conjunction with other words. A further note is that the CHYH syllable can be mixed up with a whole word homonym in Cree which means ‘near here’ and so could have been understood as a locatiional word rather than a part of a word.
My grandfather Gordon Alan Mitchell was one of James’ brothers. The other brother was Frank. I know that one of their sons (Harold) lived on a farm at the site for many years. We used to visit there and at the old historic house, as either James or Frank was still living there at the time.
Terry,
Thanks for sharing your memories. Any photographs from those visits?
I may have some. My aunt may have some also.
My great grandmother’s name was Eva Whitford who stayed with the Mitchell family. Looking for any relatives of the Mitchell family.
Sincerely Brian Jones
Hello. I’m George Sinclair in Ontario and I am writing a genealogy history about the descending families of William & Margaret Norton ‘Nahovway’ Sinclair employees of HBC, c 1782 – c 1890. We are vitally interested in connecting with Sinclair’s or relatives who have connections to Whitefish, Smoky, Goodfish Lakes, Lac la Biche, Pagan and Victoria old communities. Of particular interest are the direct descendants of the Rev. Benjamin Sinclair who was a Methodist Minister who taught & gave sermons in Cree c. 1856- c 1884.
He married Margaret Collins at Norway House in 1840 & their family included Ephriem b 1846, William 1850, George 1852, James 1854, John 1858 and Benjamin Jr. 1860. My phone is 1 705 756-8889 email georgedsinclair@sympatico.ca. Interest on your part will be honoured by including your related family in our data base. WE have a manuscript nearing 300 digital pages of info about Sinclair/ et al/ relatives. Thank you for reading this post.
Hi Brian,
My great grandfather is John A. Mitchell, married to Caroline Whitford. They had 3 sons, James, Frank and Gordon (my grandfather). I don’t know who Eva Whitford stayed with, but likely a relative.
Terry Mitchell
I would love some information as well for my dad, his great grandfather was Charles Adams, a former clerk in the settlement. Thank you.
Hi Kathryn, Thank you for your message. The author of the article is going to contact you directly to discuss information on the Victoria Settlement.
Hello
Thank you for the wonderful article. My Great Grandparents William and Sarah (nee Whitford) NORN moved to Pakan in the 1860s and both passed away there.
I would love to purchase a copy of Mr. Melnycky’s book A Veritable Canaan: Alberta’s Victoria Settlement. Are copies available?
Thank you!
Hi Shirley, Thank you for your comment and for sharing a bit of your family history. I will look into how you may get a copy of A Veritable Canaan and get back to you soon.
Brenda
Dear Brenda, Read your post. My mother, Kathleen Mitchell, lived in Pakan in the HBC Clerk’s Quarters with her parents, James Alexander Mitchell and Evelyn Maude Mitchell (nee’ Diamond). I also have Whitford’s in my family tree back to the Red River community. Carolyn Whitford is my great grandmother and Samuel Whitford is my great-great grandfather. I have the book you spoke of by Mr. Melnycky. I emailed him for a copy last year and he sent one, in exchange for information on my genealogical connection to the Victoria Settlement.
Date: Tue, 4 Sep 2012 15:09:02 +0000 To: cycleeurope@hotmail.com
Hi Joe, I am so glad that you were able to get a copy of Peter Melnycky’s book – I trust that you found it to be an interesting read.
Hi Shirley, the author of the book has just returned to the office from a vacation – he has indicated that he will be in touch shortly so that you may obtain a copy of the book.
Brenda, with all the information Peter Melnycky has been collecting on individual families, will he write another book at some point focusing on the metis period maybe even the introduction of specific Ukrainians or others putting detail to the family names and the roles they had, and how the metis and newcomers got along (ie stories say the Metis and Ukrainian women helped one another).
To Joseph and Shirley, who are of Whitford decsent, I am involved in the designation and protection of the “House In The Middle of the Road” also known as the Whitford House and Anderson House located in Lobstick settlement where you may know some history about your great grandparents. In addition, riverlot 17, where I live contains a log house built by a whitford, though one wouldn’t recognize it since the outside has a stucco coating. Were either of you related to Simon or Francis Whitford?
Hi Noreen – thank you for your message! I have forwarded it to Peter so that he is aware that there is interest out there for additional research/publications. I hope Joseph and Shirley respond to your questions – it would be great if this blog were to be used to connect people with similar interests and research objectives.
I am very interested in the book as well – would love to purchase. My Grandmother, her sister and parents were residents of Lobstick. Leopold Perras (G.Gr.father) was issued Lot 2 in and around 1905. We are missing information on this part of the family and looking for further info, on the area etc. Leopold is known to be Metis, would love to learn more about the Metis settlement>
Thank you, Tracey, for your comment. I have spoken with Peter Melnycky and he will contact you shortly to follow up on your request. Cheers!
HI Noreen I am a descendant of Simon Whitford 1826 – 14 May 1903 Lobstick & Francoise Hope 1855 – bef Jun in 1906 the original home builder on river lot 15 -the house in the road-.
hello
I havbe been searching my great grand parents William and Sarah (nee Whitford) and my grandfather Percy gullion for the last few years. I would be so grateful if you had any information you could pass on to me. I was born in Canada and live in Australia.
Thank you
hi linda
I have info on the family to a degree. Percy Harland Goulash a Welsh by birth was adopted by William Gullion & Sarah Whitford when his family including a twin Ralph were immigrating from Wales to British Columbia in the Victoria BC area. As his family passed through the area he became extremely ill and the weather too inclement for his prospects so William & Sarah were asked/offered to care for him. The never was a reunion of the twins to my knowledge although the western raised twin was aware of his brother and sought him out.
Percy had a cousin named George and they had more cousins in California.
William & Sarah married 20 May 1908 at Ft Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada(however it was just registered there and transpired at Andrew or Pakan). Some speculation of an illegitimate daughter of William with unknown named Josette Lillian born 1919.
William born 19 April 1882 Ft Edmonton NWT 23 Nov 1969 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
s\o James Ingram Gullion 1837 of Eaday Ornkney & Flora Fraser 1845 of Ft Edmonton, NWT
Sarah Whitford born 23oct 1883 Pakan, NWT died after 1969 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
d\o Simon Whitford 1826 RRS & Francoise Hope 1855 LLB
The family left Percy when he was about 1 year old. There should be immigration records and given there were twins and you now have more details to pursue. I have not searched immigration records so cant be much help there. Ralph his twin went by last name Lee.
Steven
Hello Linda.
My grandmother, Caroline Gullion, was one of William’s sisters. He had 9 brothers and sisters. If you are interested, I have a newspaper interview with him from 1961 (accompanied with a photo) and also a photo of him and Sarah and my grandmother Caroline. Also have copies of obituaries for William and Sarah, etc. My e-mail address is ablack2000@aol.com.
Carole Tyson-Flyn
Linda,
I would be really interested in talking to you about Percy Gullion, as I read these posts I believe he is also my grandfather. I am here in Canada and would definitely appreciate if you could email me.
Ketaabyyc@gmail.com
Hi Noreen
My G2 Grandmother Sarah Norn (nee Whitford) had a brother named Francis born 1835. I need to do more research to determine if he is the Francis you mention. Sarah’s father James Whitford had a brother named Peter who had a son named Simon (born 1826, died 1903 at VS/Pakan) but I have very little info about them. William and Sarah resided at river lot 14. I have found their homestead docs – processed years after the passing of William. The search continues! I like your suggestion of another book by Peter Melnycky!
A note or two about Francis Whitford died 6 Sep 1883 buried Ft Edmonton Garveyard married to Jane Anderson born 1843 RRS a sister of John Anderson at lot 3 and who also resided at Pakan for a few early years of the 1870’s. Peter Whitford born Jun1894 Swan River, RPTLD died 16 Apr 1883 Pakan, NWT & Christiana Spence born 1804 Ft Vermillion, NWT died about 1877 Pakan, NWT and Simon Whitford born 10 Mar 1826 Ft Garry, RPTLD died 16 Apr 1903 Lobstick lot 15 married 1. Maria Spence 1830 RRS -1862 PLP, RPTLD 2. Francoise Hope born 17 Feb 1855 LLB, NWT – 1906 Lobstick lot 15. Their son Frederick Whitford born 23 JUn1876 Prince Albert, NWT died 7 Feb 1945 Spedden, Alberta, Canada married Catherine Anderson born 2 Aug 1882 Prince Albert, NWT died 25 Jan 1958 Redwater, Alberta, Canada. The Whitford/Anderson house is called so because it passed succession from Whitford’s to Anderson’s in 1912.
I know there were a lot of people with the same name and it causes confusion. Wasn’t there a Francis Whitford who died in 1912 and passed on the property of Lobstick riverlot 14 to Henry Anderson and James Favell. recorded in documents and shows Francis Whitford was the owner in 1906 which Simon originally claimed. Was Peter born in 1796? Do you know what year the Whitford/Anderson House was built?
Hi Steven, I’m trying to put everything in line. Please bear with me. From what you said on another piece you wrote, enumeration took place in 1901 where Catherine and Fred and their family lived in a house beside Simon and Francoise. Were these houses both on riverlot 14 or was one on riverlot 15; and if Simon and Francoise were on riverlot 15, how did Francoise pass along a house on riverlot 14 since that is where the house in the middle of the road is located?
How do we know which house is still standing?
I am researching my family history as well, and wonder if the name Nancy Howse or Charles James Hogan have come up. I am also related to a Whitford family, however, I am not sure if the same family. My great grandmother Nancy Howse was in Pakan in her early years and I am trying to research her ancestry. If anyone can help me, please advise. I would also love to have a copy of the book by Peter Melnycky and would be interested to know if he is aware of these names. Thank you …
Hi Lauren The only Nancy Howse I have from Pakan was born 26 May 1890 d/o Thomas Henry House born 1859 PLP, RPTLD died 2 Nov 1935 Pakan, Alberta, Canada & Eliza ?? born 18 Apr 1864 Ft Victoria died unknown. This Nancy marries and Edward Gladu but I have no further information.
Hi Lauren, I just can across this and I am also doing some research on Nancy Howse and Charles Hogan. Can you email me if you have found out any more info. Thank you.
begin.tracy@gmail.com
Hi Peter: This post has generated a lot of interest and unfortunately a lot of speculation which can be corrected by the family information relative to the Whitford/Anderson house. The original builder of this house was Simon Whitford b.1826 son of Peter Whitford b.1796 who had a small house at Ft Victoria from the 1850’s when Peter and Peter Erasmus gold panned on the river there. Peter Whtiford and his brother James Whitford b.1795 were posted with HBCo. at White Earth Creek opposite of Ft Augustus for approximately 4 years from 1809 -1813 and had intimate knowledge of the area. James Whitford has been recorded as an acknowledged leader of the Scots/English metis or The Company Indians as they were called then. James returned to the area after the failed 1869 metis assertion and parted company from it after Scott’s execution. When research is done on the graveyard it reveals that the metis and Indian families resident in the area were related by marriage and were largely an extension of the James and Peter Whitford families and their children married families. James Mitchell`s map show`s the old house built by Peter Whitford in Pakan of
Simon Whitford had been married into the Spence clan but when his wife died in the early 1860’s in Portage la Prairie Simon and his family joined others who had come to the area. In 1871 Simon married a widow of Jean Baptiste Cardinal d1870 of the Littlehunter Band named Francoise Hope b.1855 and adopted her young son James Cardinal.b.1870
A headman of the Littlehunter Band named Muskegwahtik(Medicine Stick) d. 1885 had a reserve located just to the west of the Lobstick Settlement at Wahsatnow(Cuthill) Creek where Francoise resided. Simon and his family resided at the house from at least the early 1890`s. In 1881 the family was enumerated at enumerated there and expressed such residence in script affidavits which followed Francoise`s expulsion from treaty following the rebellion.
In 1901 the Whitford family was enumerated at the Lobstick house with the son Frederick Whitford b.1876 and his wife Catherine Anderson born 1884 living beside Simon Whitford and his wife Francoise and daughter Sarah b.1883 and son Ray Edgar b. 1897. There has been a suggestion that the ruins of the old livery stable were the original house but there may have been a house built prior to this one of the 1890’s. In 1903 Simon died aged 76 years and Francoise died in 1906 prior to the census and their children inherited the house and liquidated the state hence the title transfer in 1906. Francoise is the Francis Whitford of the title transfer document. My grandfather Allen Curtis b. 1902 the eldest surviving child of Fred and Catherine was born in the house along with five other siblings. Catherine`s father John Micheal Anderson b.1851 was resident with Fred & Catherine now family household heads and Ray E enumerated with their family in 1906. The house which is called the Whitford/Anderson house was built by the family of Simon Whitford and not later settlers as has been suggested. My grandfather Allen Whitford travelled with my father to the house prior to his death in 1982 to rediscover his youthful habitation walk memory lane. I have spent at least 15 years researching many family histories of this area and in particularly those who were interred in the Ft Victoria Graveyard. This research has shown a link by blood or marriage between virtually all of the deceased interred there. I have information I am willing to share including a database showing the genealogy of these families.
Thanks for you comment, Steven. I believe one of our historians has already contacted you about this.
I am very interested in this area Steven. My great grandfather Leopold Perras was at river Lot 2 Lobstick and I know that this eventually became owned by an Anderson. Looking for information on them and the area if you have it.
river lot 2 was owned by Henry G Anderson born Nov 1879 at PA, NWT & Maggie Whitford a daughter Andrew. Henry was living next door to his father John Michael Anderson & Harriet Halcrow on lot 3. It appears by the birth of their children they were on the lot in 1900. This area in the 1880`s had an Indian reserve just past it a mile or two named for the distinctive feature – the cut hill which Cree approximates in English as Wahsatnow from which is rendered Waskatneau the Ukranian settlement in the area. The reserve was removed in 1900.
By 1911 John is living with his son in law Frederick Whitford at lot 15 his wife deceased.
I don’t have much more on the Henry G family other than the two surviving(?) children Eliza and Iria.
Steven
Hello Steven:
I have been doing research on my family that lived in the Pakan. Lewis Thompson and Adaline Norn. I would be very interested in speaking with you about the research you have on the area. please contact me .
Thank you.
Pauline Thompson
Hi Pauline. Sorry for delay not a usual blog for me to check. Louis Thompson born 23 Feb 1836 Norway died before 1911 at Pakan, Alberta, Canada parents unknown. Adelaide Adeline Norn born 18 Jan 1864 PLP, RPTL died 29 Dec 1951 at unknown place. Their daughter Clara Olena married Frank E Mitchell who wrote a book entitled ‘A history od pioneering in the Pakan district’ and a curator of a number of local facts.
I am researching the Anderson family and I wonder if you have any details about Henry Anderson. B 1856. The family did live in Victoria Alberta at some time
Janice,
Thanks for contacting RETROactive. In 1873 Peter Erasmus noted an Anderson living at Victoria Settlement / Lobstick Settlement without elaborating on his name or exact location of settlement. The 1901 Canadian census lists Henry Anderson [b. 16 Nov. 1856] with his wife Margaret [b. 25 May 1860] living at Pakan / Victoria Settlement along with 6 children born between 1887 and 1900. In the same household was an elderly 97 year old Thomas Anderson born in 1803. The 1906 census lists Henry & Margaret and 6 children living on River Lot 9 at Pakan. All the children are listed as “Alberta” born, while Henry and Margaret are listed as having been born in Manitoba. You might check the book by D.N. Sprague & R.P. Frye “Genealogy of the First Metis Nation” to get some possible background information on the Andersons prior to their arrival at Pakan. The Charles Denney Metis genealogy files at Calgary’s Glenbow Museum might also be of help to you. Henry Anderson’s homestead file can be found on Film #2029, File #408009 at the Provincial Archives of Alberta [provincialarchives.alberta.ca 8555 Roper Road Edmonton, Alberta T6E 5W1 (780) 427-1056].
Peter Melnycky
Historian
HI Janice Here is some of what I have. Henry William Anderson born 16 Nov 1856 PLP, RPTLD
died after 1921 at Pakan, Alberta, Canada s\o Henry Anderson born17 Aug 1827 RRS & Sophia Harper born 2 July 1820 Moose Factory. Henry married Mary Margaret Whitford born 25 May 1860 PLP, RPTLD died 15 Jan 1911 North Bank(Pakan). Alberta, Canada d/o Magnus Whitford & Sarah Sally Spence.
I realize this is an old post but I am searching for information in my past family history. My great grandfather Ray Edgar Whitford
Steven Bentley has researched the Whitford family extensively as you can see from previous posts. I might add that there is a homestead file at the Provincial Archives of Alberta regarding Ray Edgar Whitford receiving Section 5, Township 66, Range 13, West of the 4th Meridian [Film #2448, Accession #1970.313, File #3139911]. Also Ray Edgar Whitford’s attestation papers for his WWI service are available online at https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca. His complete service record can also be ordered through Library and Archives Canada.
Raymond Edgar Whitford born 25 Mar 1897 at Saddle Lake died 3 Oct 1967 Goodfish Lake son of Simon Whitford born 1826 Red River & Francoise Hope born 1855 Lac la Biche as described in previous posts by myself above this one.
Ray married Nancy Helena Bigsnake born 1900 Whitefish Lake died 1989 Goodfish Lake daughter of Alexander Bigsnake born about 1883 Whitefish Lake died about 1903 Whitefish Lake and Edith Emma Neeneekutawapiw Sparklingeyes born Dec1878 Whitefish Lake died unknown. Edith’s parents were R. Neeneekutaways/Sparklingeyes born abt 1830 Whitefish Lake died before 1901 Saddle Lake and Sophie born May 1831 Whitefish Lake died unknown.
.
Alexander’s father was Bigsnake born 1845 Muskwachies died about 1893 Whitefish Lake and Margaret Emma Muskwaychuk Stanley born 1843 Whitefish Lake died 6 May 1909 Ft Saskatchewan. Margaret was brother to Jacob Muskwaychuk Stanley born 1835 Weechuskasees Sakaihigan (Onion Lake) died before 1885 White Fish Lake. Margaret was married previously to Samuel Favel born Sep1854 St Andrew’s Red River.
Ray & Nancy had 7 children- Charles Clarence 1920-1958; Olive 1922-1991;Mina Maryjane 1926-; John Kenneth Dick 1928-2010; Marilyn born about 1930 died about 1933;Simon Andrew 1936-1997; Martha Sylvia 1939- 2010
I have more information but some is living descendant information and private and some only relevant if seeking status. Contact me if you wish to correspond/query further.
contact me at stevencbentley@yahoo.ca
Hi Steven,
I am wondering if the Allen Whitford you are speaking of is Allenson Whitford who married Beatrice Turner? I am a great-granddaughter to him and we just had a Turner family reunion at Metis Crossing and is was surreal to say the least to see pictures and walk on the land where our ancestors worked,played, lived, loved and lost.
Sheri,
Thanks for visiting the blog and sharing information on your family reunion. That must have been very moving.
Hi Sheri
Sorry for the delay in responding. These two Allens are different people. The Allen mentioned in my posts is a son of Fred Whitford & Catherine Anderson. Fred is s son of Simon Whitford & Francoise Hope. Simon Is a son of Peter Whitford & Christie Spence. Peter is a son of James Peter Whitford born England & Sarah a Cree woman. Peter Whitford has son named John who married Jane Mary Tate. Peter had a brother named James Whitford married to Nancy Spence and they had a son named Alexander Whitford married to Eliza Jane Cook. Their son Edwin Thomas married Mary Margaret Whitford daughter of John Whitford and Jane Mary Tate. Edwin and Mary’s son named Allenson married Beatrice Bertha Lenore Turner on 5 July 1926 at Ft Saskatchewan. Email me directly at stevencbentley@yahoo.ca for more information.
Hi Steven I come across this site researching my 4th great grandfather and his wife. James Peter whitford and Sarah. I was interested in more information on them. Well mostly my gggg grandmother sarah. Like her last name and where and when she was born. If you have anything that could help I would appreciate it. Thank You C.J. Belore
Very cool, my family is John Whitford/Maria Bremner. I just found your site
We’re glad you found it interesting.
Found this site and there it is. Pakan. My Grandfather Steve Ratsoy immigrated here with his wife Katrina and one child from the Ukraine as did many others. My Grandfather was very active apparently in the community but I am unable to find much in writing about him. He did move as many did over into Smokey Lake and farmed there after their having 17 kids. Ratsoy was originally spelled Racoi
Anyhow anybody with information about Steven contact me at rumbleinthealley@live.com Thanks much. My mother’s name was Violet (Waslinka) with Elizabeth as a sister, Metro and Nick were brothers. The others I do not know.
Bob,
Thanks for contacting RETROactive. Leslie J. Hurt’s “The Victoria Settlement 1862-1922” notes that the Ratsoy family was one of the first to settle in the Pakan area. The Smoky Lake local history “Our Legacy: History of Smoky Lake and Area”, as you might be aware has a one page article on your branch of the family on p. 758. There is also an older manuscript history of Smoky Lake by Mary Ratsoy “History of Smoky Lake Ukrainian Settlement” which might also have information of help to you, but I have never seen a copy of this work. The Provincial Archives of Alberta hold records pertaining to homesteads taken up in Alberta, including that of your grandfather. Stephen Ratsoy’s homestead files re. Section 24-59-17-W4 can be found on Film #2526, File #101368A. [provincialarchives.alberta.ca, 8555 Roper Road, Edmonton, Alberta T6E 5W1 (780) 427-1056]. You might also want to contact The Alberta Ukraine Genealogical Project at AB-Ukraine.Genealogy@gov.ab.ca which may have detailed information on file about your family history.
Peter Melnycky
Historian
Thank you for your information. I will definitely follow up. Again I appreciate your help.
Bob
I am very interested in your site and your book, my boyfriend is from the Lamont area, and would love a copy of your book, there is another out there that I would like to find, if you could please contact me I would very much appreciate it. He is a member of the Bryks family from Lamont. with much thanks in advance
Sheila,
Thanks for contacting RETROactive. The book “A Veritable Canaan: Alberta’s Victoria Settlement” can be obtained through Ross Stromberg, Program Coordinator at Victoria Settlement Provincial Historic Site. His coordinates are #318, 5025-49th Ave., St Paul AB TOA 3A4, telephone: [780] 645-6256 and email Ross.Stromberg@gov.ab.ca. He will be very happy to get a copy of the book to you. What was the other book you were looking for?
Peter Melnycky
Historian
Hello Peter
Just wanted to comment on the book “A veritable Canaan: Alberta’s Victoria Settlement. I visited there last summer and was able to pick the book up there. I was amazed when I realized the cover picture was my great grandfather Lewis Thompson and his wife Adaline Norn Thompson the little boy standing was my great uncle Henry. the baby I believe to be his sister Mary. would you have any information on Lewis Thompson
Pauline,
Thanks for contacting RETROactive regarding the Thompson family at Victoria Settlement. The portrait of the Thompson family on the cover of the “A Veritable Canaan” is in the collections of the Smoky Lake Musuem. I can tell you that the 1901 Canadian census listed Lewis [born 23 Feb. 1837] and his wife “Adilina” [18 Jan. 1865] at Pakan along with seven children: Sarah C. [3 Aug. 1887], Clara O. [24 June 1889], Cleophus [30 March 1891], Henry T. [20 March 1894], Mary E. [1 Dec. 1897], David [24 Sept. 1898] and Elsey L. [30 Sept. 1900]. The 1906 census lists Lewis & Adeline on River Lot 5 along with 8 children the latest being 3 year old Velma U. and notes that Lewis arrived in Canada from Norway in 1871 while Adeline came from Manitoba. You might check the book by D.N. Sprague & R.P. Frye “Genealogy of the First Metis Nation” to get some possible background information on the Thompsons prior to their arrival at Pakan. The Charles Denney Metis genealogy files at Calgary’s Glenbow Museum might also be of help to you. There appears to be a homestead file for Lewis Thompson from after his time at Pakan. It can be found on Film #2735, File #929477 at the Provincial Archives of Alberta [provincialarchives.alberta.ca 8555 Roper Road Edmonton, Alberta T6E 5W1 (780) 427-1056].
Peter Melnycky
On behalf of all those posting on this Victoria Settlement blog I wanted to thank Steven Bentley for sharing the valuable genealogical information which he has accumulated over the years. His research is a huge achievement and it is very generous of him to share it with us.
Peter Melnycky
Historian
I Stumbled on this site by fluke. To me it was my grandpa and grandma’s house, who were James and Evelyn Mitchell. My father’s name was Ken. When my Dad passed away I inherited his scrap books which a lot have to do with the Pakan community, If anyone is interested, I can try to scan the pictures I have which I believe would mainly date around the 50’s.
Evelyn Mitchell Coene
hello Evelyn: I would be very interested in your information. My grandfather was Cleophus tThompson and brother to Clara Mitchell. I have been doing family research for a couple of years now and am always excited when I can find new information. My grandparents homesteaded in Pakan.
Steven Bentley,
I have a quick follow up to a previous post. On some information on Percy Gullion I was wondering if I could check the birth name as I am not having any luck with that name in my research. Goulash seems to me to be Hungarian or something similar, rather than welsh. As for the cousin George was that by lee or his birth name?
Thank you so much and I really appreciate this information it has opened a whole new world to me.
Jodie S.
Hi Jodie The info I received was from a telephone interview with Percy’s daughter Marjorie who may not be alive now as it was in 2005 when I spoke with her. Our family history is that he was left with a Welsh family who intended to return for him but believed him to be terminally ill so likely considering the distances and the times couldn’t timely achieve this. If you would like to correspond direct you can do so at stevencbentley@yahoo.ca In a more private atmosphere I may be able to put you in contact with some of the person who gave me these details. I can speak to my elders again for more info but no one really knew too much and I have tried to give the most reliable facts I have. However direct contact with the family may reveal more.
Steven,
You are a 5th cousin of mine. Frances Ingram, wife of my cousin, Gary Ingram has informed me in 2013 of our relationship since she is an avid genealogist. Our connection will be through the Whitfords. If you are in the neighbourhood of Surrey, BC, I would like to get together. My phone is 604-536-9049. Let me know.
Joseph Shannon
South Surrey, BC
My husband’s great, great grandparents were William and Sarah (Whitford) Norn, who lived on Lot 14 in Victoria Settlement and who, I believe, were buried in the cemetery there. I have had lots of good info from our distant cousins, Shirley and Pauline, but would love to know more about Norn relatives, including Rory McCrae.
How may I purchase a copy of Peter Melnycky’s book? We plan a second trip to V.S. this summer (the first one was fascinating but much too short). I wonder if Mr. Melncky is in residence there at any time? – it would be so great to talk to him. Would he consider giving a seminar there?
If any of you are considering taking a trip to V.S. just do it. History comes to life there.
Jan and Dan Norn,
Crescent Valley, B.C.
Jan,
Thanks for contacting RETROactive. You will see from previous comments on this blog that there are a great number of very knowledgeable people with genealogical interests similar to your own.
Perhaps we could all meet at the site one weekend for a gathering of Victoria Settlement families and do some networking?
In the meantime please check out the Victoria Settlement website for special events coming up this summer at http://history.alberta.ca/victoria/summerevents/summerevents.aspx
The book “A Veritable Canaan: Alberta’s Victoria Settlement” can be obtained through Ross Stromberg, Program Coordinator at Victoria Settlement Provincial Historic Site. His coordinates are #318, 5025-49th Ave., St Paul AB TOA 3A4, telephone: [780] 645-6256 and email Ross.Stromberg@gov.ab.ca. He will be very happy to get a copy of the book to you.
You can find William and Sarah Norn listed on the 1901 Canada Census. Also homestead files relating to William Norn’s farm at Victoria can be found at the Provincial Archives of Alberta: Accession #1970.313, Film #2970, File #789529.
Peter Melnycky
Historian
Many thanks, Peter. I think a day spent at V.S. with you and some of our many relatives would be enormously productive – and exciting.
Shirley (who is a far more organised researcher than I am) will be in touch with you to discuss this further.
I will contact Ross for a copy of your book and look forward to more discoveries.
Hi :
This is pauline and I would love to be included in a day at Victoria Settlement i will bring the family info i have and would really enjoy meeting relatives. Please let me know when.
Still hoping and planning Pauline. It would need to be a weekend in August to give us time to put things together. It will depend on permission from Peter and Ross… So look forward to meeting you and more of our cousins.
hi I found this site while searching my husbands family (john a. Mitchell)
is I believe his great great grand father
do you have any information on him
thank you
It is happening!
With the help of Peter and Ross there will be a GATHERING of families and friends of the original settlers at Victoria Settlement on Saturday, August 6th, 2016. For more details email Shirley and Jan at victoriasettlementgathering@gmail.com or visit our Facebook Page: Gathering at Victoria Settlement, 2016. We look forward to meeting our cousins and friends. Please spread the word…
Steven Bentley
It looks like you are referring to Simon Whitford building the Whitford House which is now just farm buildings that have fallen in. These are located across from the Anderson House that was built in 1906.
Hi Noreen
The 1893 Lobstick Settlement map shows the buildings located on the north side of the road. The ruins which you make mention of are the original buildings from even earlier build as Simon arrived in the area in 1870 married in August 1871 to an Indian widow woman Francise Hope/Cardinal from the reserve just two miles west of the settlement. Henry G Anderson is located on lot 2 beside his father on John M on lot 3. Henry Anderson first cousin to John M is resident on lot 11. Joseph J Favel is resident on lot 12. Lot 13 appears to be empty. Simon Whitford is enumerated in 1881 at Victoria and given that the hamlet was already overflowing the river lot system was employed and as settlers arrived they built a residence it is probable that he built the old ruins at this time. This community was all related by marriage as the House/Howse, Whitford, Spence and Favel family intermarried. James Cardinal on lot 8/9 is from Goodfish an Objiway indian who enfranchised. Benjamin Sinclair his bother in law lives on lot 10. This map shows the location of the buildings from 1893 and while it does not show the old buildings it does show the house ‘in the road’ as well as the other building to the north of it. There our family history with my grandfather Allan Whitford having been born in that house in 1902. There is a strong possibility that Frederick Whitford the father of Allan being born in the OLD ruins in 1876 as Simon Whitford (2) son of Simon and Francoise was born there in 1873. Simon and Francoise have 7 of their 9 children born at Lobstick. Two children were born at the residence of Simon’s brother Charles who operated a Stopping House at Pipestone Creek on the buffalo hunt trail. In 1901 Simon’s family as well as Frederick’s family are enumerated in two residences at the site. This is in keeping with the ‘new’ house being north of the road already since previous to 1901 in keeping to the 1893 map. The two successors you mention are both son inlaws of Simon Whitford. Frederick remains in residence until after 1912 when he removes to Lafond and worked at Saddle Lake. The full story of the title transfer has not been passed down but from what did and the Lobstick map of 1893 showing buildings at the current location I am convinced that the new house was built by Simon Whitford before 1901 and was the house he occupied in the 1901 census while Frederick his son lived in the old ‘ruins’ structure. The logs used in the new house were hand hewn as I personally inspected them. As for dovetailing remember that all of the early churches and other buildings were built by local artisans whether Alex Cardinal building churches for Lacombe or other who gained their craft from Hudson bay employment constructing boats or buildings as required. Also the Whitford family were early sawmill workers and would have had access to sawn lumber which was used on upgrades not the original structure. Many years ago the exterior walls had a form of siding that was available late in the 19th century which was used by the Whitford family. In particular Philip Whitford who operated the trading post at Andrew used an embossed metal covering which fit together and could be painted and was very durable. In fact it still on the original trading post built before 1880 which had these applied to it before 1900 that is located in a historic theme museum near Shandro bridge. Philip was a first cousin to Simon and their fathers had married sisters. All of these elements tend to blend together to point to the ‘new’ house being built in the last decade of 1890-1900 by Simon Whitford. The 1893 map was prepared from information gathered by Dominion Land Surveyor (DLS) D Beatty in 1882-1883; DLS Tom Kains in 1884; DLS J E Woods in 1896; and by DLS J E Mclean in 1900. A tree ring survey on the original logs may yield the best date and be able to create a maximum age for the structure. The census shows Frederick there until aft 1911 which is very close to the 1912 homestead improvement. As for Simon not proving up homestead it was his passing in 1903 followed by Francise’s passing in 1906. Frederick also raised his young brother Raymond Edgar and was able to purchase land and build a livery stable shortly after leaving this house. He was the joint heir and brother in law to the two new owners both who owned property in the area who between them determined title holder on what ever basis and which action transpired in 1912. If you will provide me with an email I will forward you a copy of the map.
Hello Steven – Shirley and I have been trying to contact you but I think we may have had an old email address. We are hoping that you will come to the Victoria Settlement Gathering on August 6th. It will be a day of sharing memories and family histories – and your knowledge of the V.S. history would be so greatly appreciated. Please email us at victoriasettlementgathering@gmail.com. if you are able to be part of the Gathering.
Peter Melnycky and Ross Stromberg will be in attendance as well,
I am excited to read all the notes. I am hoping to attend this gathering in Aug. I am not really connected to the Norn family by blood but by marriage. Annie Norn, daughter of Sarah and William, and Richard Steele. I will leave you now and save the ending for the Gathering!
Look forward to meeting you Anne. Have just been corresponding with your cousin Annie (from Richard’s second marriage) and hope she may come as well. So exciting to find out our history…
Hello Steven
I have not viewed this site for quite a while and am amazed at your responses. You have done a lot of work which is obviously helping many people look into their family history. Not only have you compiled genealogy but you have considered building materials and how crafts were learned. It would be interesting to see the map you refer to. My email address is eastklym@mcsnet.ca. Thanks very much for sharing.
August 6th, 2016 is the date of our Gathering at V.S. Steven Bentley will be there with two other genealogists to help you find your family history. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn about your past.
I found this site engaging. My wife’s great-great-great grandfather was George MacDougall. We were at the Victoria Settlement in the summer of 2015 and I saw your settlement gathering notice 3 weeks too late. That would have been an interesting weekend.
It was a wonderful gathering. Sorry you missed it. Perhaps we will do it again in the future.
Interesting site.
I see several distant, unknown to me, relatives…
My grandfather, Gordon Alan Mitchell (son of John Alexander Mitchell) and wife Laura, and my parents Alan and Wilma Mitchell used to visit the site before it was a historic site. We have traced our roots back to Parkmore farm Scotland, and Dufftown Scotland, where the first licensed scotch distillery was established.
Terry Mitchell
Thank you for visiting the blog and sharing your family connection to Victoria Settlement. Fascinating!
I have compiled a list of the Ukranian people who passed away in this general area North Bank, Pine Creek and Pakan. Some of the early people must be interred in the Victoria graveyard but others will be buried in the Methodist church graveyard until there were more Ukranian and Russian Orthodox Churches built. I will update this list as more information becomes available.Contact me at stevencbentley@yahoo.ca for more information
Ida May Barber died Pakan 1914
George Becker died 1901 Victoria
George Joseph Boleychuk died 1917 Pakan
Roland Buchanan died 1899 Victoria
Frederick Carter died 1914 Pine Creek
William Carson died 1915 Pine Creek
Kosma Cheernoochon died 1904 Pakan
Stefan Cebuliak died 1908 Pakan
Parasceva Chernivchan died 1911 Pakan
Wasyl Cebuliak died 1911 Pakan
Stephan Chebree died 1910 Pakan
Domka Cebuliak died Pakan 1910
Mriuka Cebuliak died 1912 Pakan
Ilene Cebuliak died 1912 Pakan
Sanda Cebuliak died 1917 Pakan
George Cheronak died 1918 Pakan
Elizabeth Cookcroft died 1918 Pine Creek
A J Scott Cunliffe died 1898 Victoria
Robert J Cunningham died 1907 Pakan
Maruika Cebuliak died 1912 Pakan
John Cebuliak died 1916 Pakan
Petro Cebuliak died 1916
Natasia Cebuliak died 1916
Dora Demiunczuk died 1914 North Bank
Yan F Debakken died 1915 Pakan
Marie Alcie Debakken died 1918 Pakan
John Demnonchuck died North Bank 1917
Domna Dwerenychuk died Victoria 1899
Marie Dwerenychuk died Victoria 1899
P Democrysyn died North Bank 1910
? Dematrasczuk died 1913 Pakan
Franscisla Dudick died 1899 Victoria
Joseph Dudick died 1899 Victoria
John Dudick died 1899 Victoria
Amitza Dubetz died 1908 Pakan
Mrs Danyluk died Pakan 1906
Anne Duger died Pakan 1911
Joanne Wilson died Victoria 1898
Stephen Witwicki died Pakan 1912
Katryna Witwicki died Pakan 1912
Domna Dwerinychuck died 1899 Victoria
Alec Esopenko died Pakan 1918
Marie Esopenko died Pakan 1918
Nikoli Esopenko died Pakan 1919
Frances Helene Fane died Victoria 1898
John Fagertick died Pakan 1911
Stefan Falbrendza died Pakan 1917
Wawarwa Ferby died Pakan 1912
Joseph E Fetterly died Pakan 1919
Fanny Ferby died Pakan 1919
John Fedduik died Pakan 1928
Katrina Fedirczek died Pakan 1930
Richard Fisher died Pine Creek 912
Eugene Foisy died Victoria 1905
Roderick Alexander Joseph Foss died Pine Creek 1912
George Gavritz died Pakan 1905
Maritza Gawralacz died Pakan 1908
Katrina Galigan died Pakan 1912
Wasil Galigan died Pakan 1912
Tawasko Galagan died Pakan 1916
Peter Galagan died Pakan 1918
J C Gordon died Pakan 1905
Saucina Gorda died Pakan 1914
Nikoli Galagan died Pakan 1917
Domka Goryniuk died Pakan 1917
Ivan Gurieniuk died Pakan 1902
Mary Harasym died Pakan 1905
George H Harper died Pakan 1909
Maria Halas died Pakan 1911
Hannah Harasym died Pakan 1910
Helmi Hapli died Pine Creek 1913
Echtimi Hawlicki died Pakan 1916
Mike Harasmiuk died Pakan 1916
Hjordas Hanson died Pakan 1918
Elena Harasym died Pakan 1927
Francis J Henry died Pine Creek 1910
Nettie Henson died Pine Creek 1917
Reginald Hodgson died Pine Creek 1909
Hlana Hourstczuk died North Bank 1915
Charles C Hoszowsky died Pakan 1915
Mike Horoczuk died Pakan 1916
W Hunczak died Pakan 1910
Robert Charles Iredale died Pine Creek 1908
Elia Ilkowicz died Pakan 1911
Wasyl Issipenko doed Pakan 1916
? Jewell died Pine Creek 1913
Petro Kabich died Pakan 1911
Samuel Katruke died Pakan 1918
Toter Fred Klem died Pakan 1914
Hrepko Kebicz died Pakan 1914
Mary Koroluk died Pakan 1907
Domka Kotek died Pakan 1909
Geroge A S Koshman died Pakan 1910
Paza Houtsun died Pakan 1910
Stefan Koshman died Pakan 1911
Ivan Kotek died Pakan 1910
Aitza Kasma died Pakan 1912
Nikoli Koitzun died Pakan 1911
Domka Koschelek died Pakan 1915
Dimitri Kotek died Pakan 1918
Stefan Kolotiliuk died Pakan 1918
Steve Lesniak died North Bank 1918
Ivan Lonchook died Pakan 1908
Maude Lundy died Pine Creek 1912
Mike Lukwitch died Pakan 1916
George Makarenko died Pakan 1909
James A Manakan died Pine Creek 1909
Sidney R Mackay died Pine Creek 1909
Katrina Mazurina died Pakan 1914
Anne Mihalcou died Pakan 1916
Nikoli Mihalcou died Pakan 1916
Ewana Morgocz died Pakan 1910
Elina Morogocz died Pakan 1911
Stefan Morogocz died Pakan 1912
Maggie Myhowicz died Pakan 1915
Metro Mozgart died Pakan 1917
Anna Moros died North Bank 1917
Metro Meckichook died Pakan 1907
Lanbeer Murgoaish died Pakan 1913
Susie Murphy died Pakan 1918
Samuel Nelson died Pine Creek 1909
Francis Louis Nelson died 1914 North Bank
Georian R Neldon died North Bank 1917
Anna Mikolaiczuk died Pakan 1908
Senkira Mikolaiczuk died Pakan 1908
Domka Mikolaiczuk died Pakan 1908
Nicholas Mikolaiczuk died Pakan 1908
Kalence Nikolaiczuk died Pakan 1918
Waselyna Nikolaiczuk died Pakan 1918
A Nowok died Pakan 1906
George Olyniuk died Pakan 1909
Raifta Olyniuk died Pakan 1912
Sauchura Olyniuk died Pakan 1916
Petro Olyniuk died Pakan 1911
Iwan G Olyniuk died Pakan 1918
Ivana Olyniuk died Pakan 1918
Domka Onagaron died Pakan 1920
Michel Olyniuk died Pakan 1905
Frozena Olyniuk died Pakan 1912
Domka Olyniuk died Pakan 1912
Nick Olyniuk died Pakan 1922
Mary Olesiuk died Pakan 1930
John Olesiuk died Pakan 1934
Tom Olesiuk died Pakan 1936
Elena Olyniuk died Pakan 1909
Olga Ozurko died Pakan 1916
Edward Pandre died Pakan 1904
Wasyl Paryko died 1908
Marta Palamerek died Pakan 1909
Saylda Paryko died Pakan 1910
Felix Paradis died Pakan 1911
Alex Palylik died Pakan 1915
Martin Plasnick died North Bank 1915
Wasyl Palylik died Pakan 1917
Joseph Plisnick died North Bank 1918
Frozena Philipchuck died Pakan 1912
Joe Pytypier died North Bank 1912
Elizabeth J Philips Pine Creek 1913
Alex Pilak died Pakan 1917
Raisa Rypka died Pakan 1904
Dominica Ratzaj 1905
George Ratsoy died Pakan 1910
George Ratsoy died Pakan 1915
William Ratsoy died Pakan 1918
Mary Rotter died Pakan 1913
William Elijah Robinson died Pine Creek 1915
John Rusnak died Pakan 1909
Wasillsa Robuliak died Pakan 1905
Mary Rutter died Pakan 1913
Frozena Rusnak died Pakan 1912
Waslyna Rusnak died Pakan 1912
Metro Rusnak died Pakan 1912
Nikoli Rusnak died Pakan 1912
Constanine Rusnak died Pakan 1912
Mikoli Rusnak died Pakan 1913
Katrina Rusnak died Pakan 1912
? Rubiliak died Pakan (stillborn) 1914
John Rusnak Jr died Pakan 1918
Mary Rubuliak died Pakan 1919
Jennie Rubuliak died Pakan 1919
Savata Rusnak died Pakan 1921
Michel Rusnak died Pakan 1922
George Rubuliak died Pakan 1922
George Spence died Pakan 1905
Peter Szal died Pakan 1909
Nasconoo Shandro died Pakan 1909
Verona Starczuk died Pakan 1909
Wasyl Starczuk died Pakan 1917
Isabelle Spence died Pakan 1908
Mrs Sraba died Pakan 1910
John James Snyder died Pakan 1914
John Serafinchin died Pakan 1914
John W Skevington died Pakan 1917
Xenia Simophychuk died Pakan 1905
Christopher Sinclair died Pakan 1909
Mary Smith died Pine Creek 1909
Wasyl C Siminiuk died Pakan 1908
Marie Siminiuk died Pakan 1918
Mary Stogren died Pakan 1908
Ewan Soochuck died Pakan 1908
Steven Sorochan died Victoria 1909
Nickoli Srophen died Pakan 1914
Caroline Schultz died Victoria 1898
Iwan Supenija died Pakan 1915
Ella A Sutton died Pakan 1914
Onupri Tartanitch died Pakan 1901
Mary Tanasiuk died Pakan 1912
Jan Tchoruiski died Victoria 1906
Kostyn Trefanko died Pakan 1914
Elena Timoficzuk died Pakan 1908
Ignace Timchew died Victoria 1898
Anne Thomas died Victoria 1900
Louis Thompson died Pakan 1909
Lily Agnes Turner died Victoria 1898
Doma Ungaron died Pakan 1920
Wasyl Ungurian died Pakan 1917
Elena Ungurian died Pakan 1919
John Ungurian died Pakan 1924
Dolika Ungurian died North Bank 1924
Alexandra Verenka died Pakan 1914
Metro Wasylaska died Pakan 1908
Kaherina Wasylaska died Pakan 1908
Metro Wynnyk died Pakan 1911
Stephan Wynnyk died Pakan 1912
Bennie S Walden died Pine Creek 1913
Mary Anne Warr died Pine Creek 1913
John Watts died Pine Creek 1914
Mildred Eleanor Wan died Pine Creek 1915
Jane Watts died Pine Creek 1915
William Walker Watt died Pine Creek 1918
Daniel B Werner died Victoria 1898
John Wychenko died Pakan 1910
Charles West died in Pine Creek 1913
Mrs Stepan Wertzpora died Pakan 1914
? West died Pakan 1916
Wasyl Wynnyczyuk died Pakan 1913
Evodokia Ylko died Pakan 1907
Nastasia Zaharia died Pakan 1915
Elijah Zachar died Pakan 1923
Florence Zachar died Pakan 1925
Elizabeth Zachar died Pakan 1925
Daniel Zachar died Pakan 1931
Lucy Zachar died Pakan 1933
Sophie Zachar died Pakan 1933
Grace Zukerosky died Pakan 1945
Mrs Martha Adair died North Bank 1911
Steven Andrusiak died North Bank 1920
O T Braden died Victoria 1899
Minnie May Bradeen died Victoria 1898
Violet M A Barron died Pine Creek 1911
Ida May Barber died Pakan 1914
Alice E Bastien died North Bank 1917
William Bell died Victoria 1899
Edward Becker died Victoria 1898
Isabelle Bell died Victoria 1898
Jacob Peter Berg died Pakan 1912
John Beatry died North Bank 1912
Elizabeth Byrne died Pine Creek 1914
John Brinkman died Pine Creek 1912
John Bose died Victoria 1898
Thomas A Brown died 1898
Metro Bolichowski died Pakan 1912
George Joseph Boleychuck died Pakan 1917
Roland Buchanan died Victoria 1899
Iletza Brusonowski died Pakan 1916
Frederick J Carter died Pine Creek 1914
William Carson died Pine Creek 1915
Steve Capsty died Pakan 1918
Mary Chebuliak died Pakan 1908
Steven Andrusiak died North Bank 1920
Sophie Bahry died North Bank 1922
George Branson died Pakan 1922
Sandra Bulickowsky died Pakan 1919
Paraska Cabbage died Pakan 1923
Mary Chetek died Pakan 1927
Metro Chetek died Pakan 1927
Maria Cebuliak died Pakan 1927
George Chetek died Pakan 1927
Nick Chetek died Pakan 1930
Mary Chishon died Pakan 1919
Ernest Davis died Pakan 1919
Frank Dwarnichuk died Pakan 1919
Rosina Deane died North Bank 1919
Ariel Demnonchuk died North Bank 1919
James C Debakker died Pakan 1919
James Dean died North Bank 1925
Hi all,
It has been a pleasure reading through your posts. I am late to the process and not even sure if this is still an active site.
I am a descendent of Margaret Norn, William and Sarah (Sally)’s eldest child. Margaret’s son, my great-grandfather Albert Norn was one of two recorded children that she had outside of her earlier marriage to Peter Bahan. Albert had four daughters with wife Viola Holmes but both passed away when the girls were quite young and within a year of one another. Each was adopted out to a different family (Alhwardts, Campbells, LeMays, and Haldanes). Unfortunately they have all passed so my opportunities to engage in oral histories are few and far between.
Shirley has been helping me out quite a bit with the numerous bits of information and documentation that she has collected. I am living in eastern Ontario but am hoping to plan a visit to MB and AB to visit the two areas surrounding the settlements by next summer or perhaps the following. I love the idea of being able to attend a gathering one day, as well. I hope to further engage with my distant relatives and would be happy to exchange information, photos, etc. if it might be helpful for anyone!
Hello Karen,
Thank you for visiting the Victoria Settlement blog and for sharing your family history!
Hello Karen. Guess we would be distant cousin . My gr gr was Adaline born.
Great to e-meet you, Pauline! Apologies for my late response as I am just seeing this now. Yes I am connected to Louis and Adeline (nee Norn) Thompson. I have uncovered a lot of information about the Norn/Whitfords with one of my aunts in the last few months! Would be great to connect and see if we can help each other fill in some blanks. Cheers!
Karen, I see your message today (April 13, 2021). I am Joseph Shannon of Surrey, BC. My mother grew up in the last, and oldest house in Fort Victoria. Her name was Kathleen Gwendoline Mitchell. Her father was postmaster there. My mom’s connections are to the Whitford family from Pakan /Fort Victoria. I have not been back since 1960. Now 71. I am due for a last visit asap. Hope you are having a great time investigating your family roots.
Kischee Tey Mo’yawn Aen Li Michif Wi’yawn! (Proud to be Metis!)
Joseph Shannon Surrey, BC
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I would love to set up a day to meet at pakan. My family is Thompson. Norn. Whitford. Mitchell.
My great grandmother Nancy Wapikacowin Pichi’ married John Morrow at the old church in1863. The Morrow family from BC are descended from Nancy. Nancy signed away her treaty status from the nearby Wasahatnowin Indian Band 1885 to get Half-Breed Scip.
Roger,
Thank you for Visiting the Victoria Settlement Blog and for sharing your family history. It is always amazing to hear how many families have roots which stretch back to this important historic site.
Hello… I have found this website fascinating. Good work all! My name is George Sinclair and I am writing a genealogy history book about the William and Nahovway Sinclair pioneering families and descendant families originating from Oxford House Manitoba during the fur-trading era 1760-1860. I am currently researching the Methodist Missionary work of Benjamin Sinclair Sr. (a son) who worked at Rundle’s Mission at Pigeon Lake c1847 and Whitefish Lake were he is buried (died Dec 28, 1884). Ben married Margaret Collins in Norway House Manitoba where they were both born (sic). I believe his son John and wife Flora Hope also lived and died at Whitefish Lake but have been unable to prove this.
Benjamin I believe connects to other area descendants named Gullion, Gladu, Desjarlais, Hamelin, Courtoreille, Pierce, Whitford among other Métis folks who have lived in or around Lac La Biche, Lesser Slave Lake and Whitefish. A few of the names I have read on this site likely connect in one way or another to these Sinclairs. One last thing, I would very much like to know more about Sinclair House and who lived there. The W&N Sinclair family also connect back to Orkney and Roslin, Scotland through (William of Rosslyn) William St. Clair 3rd Jarl of Orkney under Norwegian Rule and 1st Earl of Caithness, Scotland. Any ideas offered or guidance suggested would be greatly appreciated. You may contact me at george@clansinclair.ca. Thank you for reading this lengthy note, aye!
George,
Thank you for visiting our blog and sharing your project with us. I think you will find some valuable contacts among the contributors to the blog. Benjamin Sinclair Jr. settled at River Lot #10 at the Lobstick Settlement. Eventually the house was moved by John A. Mitchell to River Lot #7 at Victoria Settlement where it housed the Fort Victoria Museum. It is now located at the Metis Crossing Interpretive Centre. We look forward to hearing about the progress of your research.
Hi Everyone, such a joy to find this blog! Mary E Thompson is my Great Grandma (daughter of Lewis and Adeline). It is so nice to read a bit about them on this blog. I also come from the Henderson’s and am wondering if anyone has information about them? My Grandpa was Robert Henderson (b. 1927), his dad was Howard Henderson (b. 1902), his dad was John F. Henderson (b. 1874). There is a photo of the Henderson’s in the Veritable Canna, which I think is either Charles Henderson and Mary Stuart or John F. and Florence Henderson (nee Whitford). I’d love some information on the Henderson’s! Also, anyone up for a reunion at the settlement in the summer of 2022?
Lisa,
Thank you for visiting our blog and sharing your information about the Hendersons. I am sure that others who have visited the blog will be eager to share information as well. You can access Les Hurt’s occasional paper on Victoria Settlement through the digital collections of the University of Calgary:
https://digitalcollections.ucalgary.ca/CS.aspx?VP3=DamView&VBID=2R3BXZSXWUNV2&SMLS=1&RW=1412&RH=936#/DamView&VBID=2R3BXZSXWUTNK&PN=1&WS=SearchResults
Also you might be interested in acquiring a copy of the booklet “A Veritable Canaan” which Alberta Historic Sites published on the history of the site: Phone: 780-656-2333 // Toll-free in Alberta: first dial 310-0000 //
Email: VictoriaSettlement@gov.ab.ca
Again, thanks for sharing your family history.
Peter Melnycky