The spring of 1878 saw a young man (Born 1854) by the
name of William George Rogers leave New Boyne, Ontario, and proceed
west, landing in Winnipeg. He walked west to Portage la Prairie, then
on past the present town of Minnedosa. Not being impressed with that
part of the country, he walked back to what is now Neepawa (then only a
few houses). Then heading south and being impressed with the Carberry
Plains he picked a homestead and preemption. He proceeded on foot to
Portage la Prairie, and on May 9, 1878, filed claim for this land, the
first taken on this part of the Carberry Plains. "W. G.," as he was
known in those days, worked a month at Portage for $25.00 while he
secured a yoke of oxen, a wagon and plough, then accompanied by a
former school chum, John Lyons, came to the homestead, ploughed the
first furrow, and erected the first roof for miles. In fact his closest
neighbour was twelve miles and his post office 60 miles. On his way to
Portage for supplies he met several of the pioneer Fairview families,
told them of this Plain, and they settled here. Among those people were
the Hopes, McLarens, J. G. Barron, the Fitzsimmons and Boles of
Summerville.
During his sojourn he was the first Clerk of the Rural Municipality of
North Cypress 1881-1883, and Reeve during 1898-1899. He owned and
published the Carberry "News" from 1890-1894, and was the Grand
President of the Patrons of Industry. He took up farming as a full time
occupation from 1894 until 1907 when he retired and moved to Vancouver,
B.C.
George was born in 1854 and was married to Margaret Ann Stinson. Their
large farm home was a local landmark.
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