Baldwin. James Mathias
Biography: James Baldwin (1857 – ) m. 1879 Diana
Green
Claims: Homestead in 1882. Set up a store on his farm. He
sold the store to T. J. Lawlor and worked for him for three years. In
1890 he came to Killarney where he was with George Lawrence in the
implement business. 1891 he became secretary-treasurer for the
Municipality of Turtle Mountain. In 1897 he opened a private bank. 1898
he became the first manager of the Union Bank. 1906, he became the
first mayor. Owned race horses. Judge and starter at race tracks
JAMES M. BALDWIN was born in Oxford County, Ontario, in 1857 and came
to Manitou with his parents in 1879. That year he married Diana Green
of Waterloo County. In 1882 he home- steaded NE 24-4-17 but showed his
preference for other ways of earning a livelihood by setting up a store
on his farm. He sold the store to T. J. Lawlor and worked for him for
three years. In 1890 he came to Killarney where he was with George
Lawrence in the implement business.
In 1891 he became secretary-treasurer for the Municipality of Turtle
Mountain at a salary of $600 a year. In 1897 he opened a private bank,
saving many farmers from losing machinery to col- lectors by lending
enough to tide them over. In 1898 he became the first manager of the
Union Bank in Killarney. When Killarney was incorporated as a town in
1906, he became the first mayor.
His great interest was horses. He owned race horses, The Babe, Henry H.
and Peter Wilkes, and he was in demand far and wide as a judge and
starter at race tracks. He was also known for his ability to doctor a
horse, mixing his own salves and liniments.
James and Diana Baldwin had two sons, Edward of Vancouver, British
Columbia, and William of North Battleford, Saskatchewan.
When the first crofters arrived at Killarney, they were met at the
station by T. J. Lawlor and James M. Baldwin, the banker, and taken to
tents, which had been set up for them. The Board had arranged that J.
M. Baldwin would supply them with a small sum of money, and with this
they bought from T. J. LawJor what food and furniture they needed, also
poultry, a plough, and seed grain. P105
Horses from Killarney were entered in races far and wide throughout the
province. J. M. Baldwin, the banker, was a recognized expert as starter
or judge. Some of the horses that became famous were
George Lawrence, who had the Massey agency. Lawrence later went into
partnership with James M. Baldwin to handle machinery from several
companies.
Bird, Mr.
Biography:
Claims: Mr. Bird of Emerson opened the first hardware store.
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p 93 / Reflections
p.
Burrows, George
Biography: m. Jennie Scott
Claims: Came from London, England, and took homesteads in the Plum
Hollow district.
He farmed until 1902 when he became a partner of George Winram in
the implement business, and spent the rest of his life in Killarney.
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p / Reflections
p.
Burrows, George William
Biography: (1869 - 1920) m. (1903) Jennie Lind Scott (1876
– 1964)
Claims: Came from London, England, and took homesteads in the Plum
Hollow district.
He farmed until 1902 when he became a partner of George Winram in the
implement business, and spent the rest of his life in Killarney.
Probable Significance: Modest
Source: Trails & Crossroads to Killarney p. 331 /
Reflections p.
Carson, W.J.
Biography: (1875 -1963) . Married Effalena King
Claims: He went to college 1903-1904 to study pharmacy and on his
return bought out Richard Olver. He rented space at the back of the
store to the Telephone Company and became the first manager. After
serving some years on the Council, he was mayor from 1940-1943.
Probable Significance: Modest
Source: Trails & Crossroads to Killarney p. 358 / Reflections
p.
Highlights from Local Histories
W. J. CARSON (1875-1963) was born in Napanee, Ontario, of Irish
parents. He left school at an early age to toil long hours at heavy
work for $3.00 a week. One day he saw a notice in a newspaper, "GO
WEST, YOUNG MAN, AND GET RICH." The fare to Winnipeg was $10.00, so he
sold his bicycle for $10.00, collected a debt of $3.00 and with a gift
of $5.00 from his father set out. He was not favorably impressed by
Winnipeg nor by the boarding house at which he spent the night, so he
went to sit in the C.P.R. station while he wondered what to do. He was
aroused from a nap by the train caller crying "Morden, Manitou, Pilot
Mound, Crystal City, Killarney" and he remembered his father talking
about the beautiful lakes of Killarney in Ireland. He rushed for the
train. Following some difficulty with the conductor because he could
not find his ticket, he was about to be put off the train when the
brakeman called "Killarney, next stop!"
After a depressing night in the hotel there for which he parted with
one of his precious dollars, he set out to look for a job. There was no
building going on; it was too early for harvesting. He tried several
stores; none needed help. Finally he stood in front of one not yet open
for the day. The proprietor, Reuben Cross, arrived and the young man
put his case. Although Cross seemed impressed by the fact that the lad
had studied book-keeping, he made no commitment. Next day there was a
note at the hotel asking him to call in that evening and he had a job.
He stayed in Killarney, to which he had come by chance, for over fifty
years. Before long the name of the firm was Cross and Carson. In 1899
he went to work for Richard Olver in his drug store. In 1902 he married
Effalena King. They had three children, Gwendolen (Mrs. Turner) of
Carman, Wilhelmina, and Sidney. He went to college 1903-1904 to study
pharmacy and on his return bought out Richard Olver. He rented space at
the back of the store to the Telephone Company and became the first
manager. After serving some years on the Council, he was mayor from
1940-1943. He retired to Scarborough, Ontario, in 1948.
Coleman, William J.
Biography: (1853-1926) Married Annie
Berthman
(1870-1951)
Claims: On active service during the Saskatchewan Rebellion of 1885.
After living for a time in Ninga, and on SE 33-2-15 which he bought
from the railway, he moved to Killarney to manage the Leland Hotel.
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p 221 / Reflections
p.
From the Local History Sources...
WILLIAM J. COLEMAN (1853-1926) was on active service during the
Saskatchewan Rebellion of 1885. After living for a time in Ninga, and
on SE 33-2-15 which he bought from the railway, he moved to Killarney
to manage the Leland Hotel. He married Annie Berthman (1870-1951) of
Carman (formerly of Listowel, Ontario), and they lived in the hotel
until 1903 when they moved into the house on Mountain Avenue.
Cowan, William James
![](images/cowan_wj3.jpg)
Biography: Ontario. (1866 – 1924) He married Addie
Maxwell Gouldie on 11 January 1899.
Claims: Farmer, businessman.
Wakopa pioneer. Livery Barn. Town Council. Bought and sold horses. He
also bred Clydesdale and Percheron horses
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p 222 / Reflections
p.
From
the Local History Sources...
Born
in Prince Edward County, Ontario on 12 August 1866, son of James
Cowan and Ellen Wilkins, he took up a homestead near Wakopa, Manitoba
in 1882. He farmed until 1890 when he started a livery business and
bought and sold horses. He also bred Clydesdale and Percheron horses.
He served three terms as a councilor in the Rural Municipality of
Turtle Mountain and two years on the council of the Town of Killarney.
He married Addie Maxwell Gouldie on 11 January 1899. They had six
children: Ruby Gladys Cowan, Sybil Cowan, James McIntosh Cowan (b
1905), Larson Cowan, John Cowan, and Glen Cowan. He was a member of the
AF & AM (Killarney Lodge No. 50) and the COF. He died on 7 December
1924.
Cross, Reuben
Biography: d. 1941 m. Annie Armstrong (d. 1939)
Claims: General Store in 1895
Probable Significance: Modest
Source: Trails & Crossroads to Killarney p. 360 /
Reflections p.
Dufty, Norah
Biography: Widow, sister in-law of Peter
Duffy
Claims: Opened a boarding house on the north-east shore of the
Bay. When the railway came, her boarding house was moved to a spot back
of the Grand Central Hotel.
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p. 231 / Reflections
p.
Dufty, Peter
Biography: Not married.
Claims: Came in 1881. One of the first trustees of Oak Lake
School and in 1884 was elected to the Council of Turtle Mountain
Municipality.
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p. 231 / Reflections
p.
From
the Local History Sources...
PETER
DUFTY originally came from England to the United States where he
was joined by his brother and his family. On the way to the Killarney
district with his brother and his brother's wife, Norah, and four
children, his brother died. Peter brought the family on and the widow
opened a boarding house on the north-east shore of the Bay. When the
railway came, her boarding house was moved to a spot back of the Grand
Central Hotel.
Peter Dufty filed for E 26-2-17 in 1881. He did not marry. He was one
of the first trustees of Oak Lake School and in 1884 was elected to the
Council of Turtle Mountain Municipality.
Dunsford, James
Biography:
Claims: With Frank Simpson, managed Ogilvie Milling
Co.
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p / Reflections
p.
Early, Jack
Biography:
Claims: Implement Dealer
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p / Reflections
p.
Finnen, Alex
Biography: m. 1886 Ann (1866- 1939)
Claims: Came in 1881 to the Tisdale area.
Probable Significance: Helped build the first frame house in the
district. Peter Finnen and Byron Mason moved T. J. Lawlor's store to
Killarney in 1884. Alex moved Killarney and shipped stock to Winnipeg.
Source: Trails to Killarney p. 239 / Reflections
p.
Finnen, Peter
Biography: (1854-1938) m. 1885 Agnes (1860-1940)
Claims: Came in 1881 to the Tisdale area.
Probable Significance: Helped build the first frame house in the
district. Peter Finnen and Byron Mason moved T. J. Lawlor's store to
Killarney in 1884. Alex moved Killarney and shipped stock to Winnipeg.
Source: Trails to Killarney p. 238 / Reflections
p.
From
the Local History Sources...
PETER
FINNEN (1854-1938) and ALEX FINNEN (1859- 1921) were born in
Huntingdon, Quebec, the eldest sons in a family of nine. When they were
quite young, their parents moved to Wingham, Ontario. In 1881 the young
men came to the Tisdale area, Peter homesteading W 34 and Alex NE
34-3-16.
When they walked to Deloraine to file their claims in April, 1881, one
of the group, Tobias Gillespie, became so exhausted on the return trip
that he could walk no farther. Peter Finnen carried him on his back the
last half mile. Apparently life on the homestead was too strenuous for
Gillespie; he did not complete his homestead duties.
The Finnen brothers built a sod shack on the bank of the Pembina for
their first shelter, but the next year they hauled lumber from a
sawmill near Pelican Lake for a frame house which they built on Peter's
land - the first house of its kind in the district. Their neighbour,
Charles Fowler, had two daughters, Agnes and Ann. Peter married Agnes
(1860-1940) in 1885, and Alex married Ann (1866-1939) the following
year.
North-east of their homesteads, the village of Tisdale was springing up
in the hope that the railway would pass that way. When the southern
route was chosen, most of the buildings were torn down or moved south,
too. Peter Finnen and Byron Mason moved T. J. Lawlor's store to
Killarney in 1884. P238
Alex moved to Killarney and shipped stock to Winnipeg. He and Ann had
eight children,
Peter Finnen built the first bridge across the Pelican Lake outlet in
1882.
Gouldie, Alex
Biography: (1852-1936) m. 1875, Martha McIntosh
(1840- 1928).
Claims: They came to Gretna, Manitoba, in 1885 and a year later
he built the Grand Central Hotel in Killarney. After an expedition to
the Klondike he settled on a farm, N 32-4-17.
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p / Reflections p.
From
the Local History Sources...
ALEXANDER GOULDIE (1852-1936) came from London, England, and in Chicago
in 1875 married Martha McIntosh (1840- 1928). They came to Gretna,
Manitoba, in 1885 and a year later he built the Grand Central Hotel in
Killarney. After an expedition to the Klondike he settled on a farm, N
32-4-17.
Grant, S.G.
Biography:
Claims: Jeweller
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p. 341 / Reflections
p.
![](images/Grant.jpg)
High, Archie M.
Biography:
Claims: Owned lumber yard
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p / Reflections
p.
Hoar, Thomas George
Biography: (1864 – 1946) m. Clara Robbins (1875- 1955)
Claims: He opened the first barber shop. By 1893 he had completed the
Hoar Block on Main St. The main floor held the barbershop, which he ran
for over forty years, and a billiard hall. He built another
office building and six houses, and owned two farms, one in the
Enterprise area which he managed for two years, and one in the
Bannerman area on which his eldest daughter and her husband lived for
eight years.
Probable Significance: Medium
Source: Trails & Crossroads to Killarney p. 364 /
Reflections p.
Kent, Fred
Biography: (1886 – 1947) m. (1911) Annie Eccles (1886 – 1947)
Claims: Came to Killarney in 1889. While still a boy he had one of the
first fret saws in the com- munity, made for him by his grandfather out
of a sewing machine. He made and sold picture puzzles, shelves,
brackets, cabinets and chairs. He also became interested in making
candy, a skill he later turned to good account in his business. He was
of an inventive turn of mind, one of his inventions being a glass
enclosed rack for holding large spools of lace. In 19l0 he bought Angus
McQueen's grocery store, which he conducted until he retired in 1946.
During World War I he attended Flying School in Chicago, and later
assembled the first airplane ever seen in Killarney. In addition to
running his store, he took a very active part in community affairs. He
was secretary-treasurer of Holy Trinity Anglican Church and a member of
the Brandon Diocesan Executive, secretary of the Rink Company,
president of the People's Mutual, served on the "Board of Trade and the
Town Council, was a Past Master of the Masonic Lodge, a member of the
LO.O.F. and of the Elks Lodge. He was one of the founders of the Golf
Club and acted as secretary for many years. He also took an active part
in establishing the present Fair Grounds and Erin Park and in having
waterworks installed in Killarney.
Probable Significance: High
Source: Trails & Crossroads to Killarney p. 345 /
Reflections p.
Kilpatrick, F.
Biography:
Claims: Operated a store 1886.
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p / Reflections
p.
Lawlor, T.J.
![](images/LawlorTJ.jpg)
Biography: (1853 – 1937). Married Sarah
Francis Brown in
1886.
Claims: Arrived in 1882.Established a store in Tisdale.
Travelling salesman for Thibaudeau Brothers. Moved to his store to
Killarney when the railway chose that site. It was the first real
building to be erected in Killarney. On January 3, 1886, the first
mixed train brought a carload of merchandise and building material for
his store. He visited Scotland in 1888 to encourage the
organization to send some settlers to the Killarney area, one result
was the Croifters settlement. He served as Killarney town auditor and,
in 1904, was elected Mayor of Killarney. He was a member of the AF
& AM (Killarney Lodge No. 50), and the IOOF.
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p 108 / Reflections
p.
![](images/LawlorAd.jpg)
From
the Local History Sources...
Thomas
James Lawlor (1853-1937)
General merchant, municipal official.
Born at North Sydney, Nova Scotia on 12 December 1853, son of Daniel
Lawlor and Agnes Crawford, he left school at the age of 14 years and
engaged in the grocery and hardware business at Dartmouth. In 1876 he
took a business course and, from 1878 to 1882 was engaged in general
business at North Sydney. He came to Manitoba in 1882 and settled at
Pelican Lake where he established a general store. From 1883 to 1885 he
was a travelling salesman for Thibaudeau Brothers. In 1886 he
established one of the first stores at Killarney.
In 1886 he married Sarah Frances Brown, of North Sydney, Nova Scotia.
They had seven children: George B. Lawlor (b 1887), James W. Lawlor (b
1889), Thomas Wilson Lawlor (b 1890), Agnes Crawford Lawlor (b 1892),
Jessie B. Lawlor (b 1894), Frances I. Lawlor (b 1899) and Leonard
Lawlor (b 1902). He served as Killarney town auditor and, in 1904, was
elected Mayor of Killarney. He was a member of the AF & AM
(Killarney Lodge No. 50), the IOOF, and the COF.
He died at Killarney on 17 February 1937
There was great jubilation when the first work train reached Killarney
in December, 1885. On January 3, 1886, the first mixed train brought a
carload of merchandise and building material for T. J. Lawlor. When the
news came that the railway was to follow the southern route, T. J.
Lawlor had promptly arranged to have his store at Tisdale taken down
and the lumber transported to Killarney. He went to Killarney, found
out from the Land Commissioner where the railway station was to be
placed, and located his lots on the southeast corner of Railway Street
and Broadway.
T. J. Lawlor's store was the first real building to be erected on the
new townsite,
Lawlor visited Scotland in 1888 to encourage the organization to send
some settlers to the Killarney area, and his efforts were successful,
one group being located in the Fairhall-Dunrea-Bella- field district
later in the year. A solicitor, A. G. Barradaith, representing the
Board, bought land from the Canada Northwest Land Company to which the
C.P.R. had transferred over 2,000,000 acres in the west.
When the first crofters arrived at Killarney, they were met at the
station by T. J. Lawlor and James M. Baldwin, the banker, and taken to
tents which had been set up for them. The Board had arranged that J. M.
Baldwin would supply them with a small sum of money, and with this they
bought from T. J. Lawlor what food and furniture they needed, also
poultry, a plough, and seed grain. Hired wagons took them to their
allotted quarter sec- tions on the odd-numbered sections purchased from
the land com- pany. The crofters are listed as homesteaders in the Land
Office records, and although they arrived in 1888, the date of entry in
the Land Office records is March, 1890, for most of them.
Lindsay, Jonathan
![](images/lindsayj3.jpg)
Biography: B. 1862. married Sarah Jane Sanders of
Killarney, in February 1886.
Claims: Homestead in 1882. Livery business 1892 – 96. From 1895
to 1905 he was a general agent for the Winnipeg firm of Frost &
Wood Company. He was a bailiff for the county court of Killarney from
1892 to 1899
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p. 94 / Reflections
p.
From
the Local History Sources...
Jonathan
Lindsay
Hotelier.
Born near Port Huron, Michigan on 28 March 1862, son of George Lindsay
and Elizabeth Hodgins, he came to Manitoba in August 1882 and took up
farming south of Killarney, which he continued to operate throughout
his career. From 1890 to 1895 he engaged in the implement and livery
business. He was a bailiff for the county court of Killarney from 1892
to 1899. From 1895 to 1905 he was a general agent for the Winnipeg firm
of Frost & Wood Company. In 1905 he went into partnership with R.
H. Orr in ownership of the Palace Hotel at Deloraine. He married Sarah
Jane Sanders of Killarney, in February 1886. They had three children:
Harold E. Lindsay, May Lindsay, and Frank Linday. He was a member of
the AF & AM (Killarney Lodge No. 50), and IOOF.
McBurney, Thomas
Biography:
Claims: Massey Harris dealer
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p. 348 /
Reflections
p.
McCalpin, James Henry
Biography: m. 1882, Mary Elizabeth Lloyd
Claims: Carpenter. Furniture and hardware business. Undertaker
He also bought the farmland south of the Bay, part of which became the
Demonstration Farm, later the fair grounds and race track.
Gardener… Some of the trees he planted are still growing on Broadway
Ave. Operated the John Deere and Cockshutt agencies until
retirement.
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p. 366 / Reflections
p.
From
the Local History Sources...
James Henry McCalpin and Mary Elizabeth Lloyd were married in Ontario
in 1882. They settled in Boissevain area and farmed until 1902 when
they purchased the furniture business from Robert Monteith, and moved
to Killarney. J.H. McCalpin also bought the farm land south of the Bay,
part of which became the Demonstration Farm, now the fair grounds and
race track. A carpenter by trade, he built and remodelled a number of
houses and business establishments. Gardening was his hobby. Some of
the trees he planted are still growing on Broadway Ave., and on the
farm south of town. He owned one of the first tractors and school boys
often visited just to see or have a ride on it. He was a funeral
director and kept a beautiful team of black horses to use on the
hearse. On long hard trips in the wintertime, it was necessary to
change horses part way, in order that his own team could rest and be
fed and watered.
Selling the farm, they moved to Killarney and he operated the John
Deere and Cockshutt agencies until retirement.
Mrs. McCalpin, although not a trained nurse, befriended the sick and
lonely. The Killarney Exhibition attracted many people from the
surrounding areas. They arrived by train and if rooms were not
available, the McCalpins set up new beds and mattresses, supplied
linens from their home, and accommodated many stranded guests.
McCann, James
Biography:
Claims: Built the Leland Hotel. IOOF 1894. Mason – Inner Guard
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p. 93 / Reflections
p.
McKnight , W.A.
![](images/McKnight.jpg)
Biography: m. Charlotte Almina Fairhall
Claims: First child born in Riverside Municipality on March
25, 1883.
Moved to Killarney in 1903. Carpenter. Grocery store business until
1927. He sold insurance until 1938. Clerk of the Session of
Killarney United Church, Superintendent of the Sunday School, President
of the Curling club, and President of the local Constituency
Conservative Association. He was a Past Master and County Master of
Orange Lodge No. 1583, and was a member of the Masonic Lodge. For eight
years he served as County Court Clerk and Bailiff.
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p. 280 / Reflections
p.
![](images/Knight%27sStore.jpg)
McNight’s Store
From
the Local History Sources...
William
A McKnight was the first child born in Riverside Municipality
on March 25, 1883.
He married Charlotte Almina Fairhall, who was born near London,
Ontario. She came west with her parents about 1885 to a homestead eight
miles north of Killarney and later moved into town with her parents.
Will McKnight moved to Killarney in 1903, working first as a carpenter,
then in partnership with J.A. Per- cival in a grocery store business.
He assumed full control in 1908 and continued in that business until
1927 when he sold out to GM Anderson. He sold insurance and worked at
other jobs until 1938. He and Mrs McKnight spent ten years
Saskatchewan, returning to reside in Killarney in 1948.
Will McKnight held many community offices during the years. He was
Clerk of the Session of Killarney United Church, Superintendent of the
Sunday School, President of the Curling club, and President of the
local Constituency Conservative Association. He was a Past Master and
County Master of Orange Lodge No. 1583, and was a member of the Masonic
Lodge. For eight years he served as County Court Clerk and Bailiff.
Mrs McKnight was active in all church activities and was a Life Member
of the Women's Institute. Mrs McKnight died on January 19, 1970 and Mr
McKnight on December 28, 1974. Both were buried in Killarney Cemetery
from the United Church.
W.A. McKnight was another grocer who spent almost his whole life on the
business block, first as an employee, then a tenant, and finally owner
of his own establishment.
McNaughton, James A.
Biography:
Claims: Hardware Store. Mason. The former museum was built in
1889 by James McNaughton for Charles Bate, the postmaster,
Probable Significance: |
Source: Trails to Killarney p / Reflections
p.
McQueen, Angus
Biography:
Claims: Angus who had been a baker in Scotland, opened a
bakery. Trustee of Northcote School
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p 370 / Reflections
p.
![](images/McQueen%27sStore.jpg)
Angus McQueen, store. The lady with the carriage is Mrs. McQueen.
![](images/McQueenBreadToken.jpg)
Bread Token
Angus McQueen and son bought the northwest corner of Broadway and
Finlay where they had a grocery and bake shop.
In 1933 to Angus McQueen II , also set up asa baker and grocer,
followed by his son Angus III.
Highlights from Local Histories
ANGUS McQUEEN (1835-1912) had been a baker in Scotland but decided to
seek his fortune in Manitoba. When Captain Rigby came through Emerson
in 1880, he was welcomed there by his old friend, Angus McQueen. Two
years later, Angus with his wife Elizabeth (1835-1926) followed his
friends and homesteaded N 34-3-17 in the Northcote district. His son,
Angus (1869-1953), remembered camping on the north shore of the lake
until they located their homestead.
As Killarney grew after the coming of the railway, Angus Mc- Queen
opened the first bakery there, later including groceries in his stock.
Angus Jr. clerked in Fred Moule's store and in other stores. When his
father retired he took over the business which he ran until he sold it
to Fred Kent in 1910. For a time he was a sales- man for Jobin Marrin,
Wholesale Grocers, until in 1933 he bought Alex Middleton's grocery
store.
Angus Jr. married Flora Huffman who had taken a stenog- rapher's
training in Petrolia, Ontario. P. J. Sherlock encouraged her to come to
Killarney where she worked in the C.P.R. office.
For over fifty years she sang in the Methodist and United church choirs
where, according to a friend, "the warmth and beauty of her voice
brought pleasure and solace to successive generations of Killarney
people."
Melville, Mrs. John
Biography: John Melville (1842-1935) came with the
Harrisons to Wakopa with his wife Jane Hannon (1853-1944)
Claims: Boarding House (Melville House), a “high class
boarding house … built and operated for many years by Mrs. John
Melville, a strong and capable woman whose "Home away from Home" was
patronized by many having Killarney on their regular beat. Later became
the Morden House, then the Killarney Hotel
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p / Reflections
p. 429 , 38
![](images/MelvilleHouse.jpg)
From
the Local History Sources...
John
Melville (1842-1935) came with the Harrisons* to Wakopa in 1878
and filed on E 24-1-18. His wife Jane Hannon (1853-1944) and three
children came the next spring. Some years later Jane opened a boarding
house in Killarney (The Melville House). John sold his farm to his son
William in 1905, bought a half section on the slopes of Turtle Mountain
and spent 30 happy years trapping. He was a resident of the district
for 56 years and died at William's home.
The Melville house, a high class boarding house at 427 Williams Avenue,
was built and operated for many years by Mrs. John Melville, a strong
and capable woman whose "Home away from Home" was patronized by many
having Killarney on their regular beat. The "Melville House" porter was
something to see. Dressed in a uniform and a fine hat, with buttons and
braid, one of his duties was to meet the passenger train morning and
evening, with a push cart in summer and a sleigh in winter to carry the
valises of travellers past the hotels to the homier atmosphere of "The
Melville House". This site also has the honor of being one of only
three businesses to operate continually on the same premises. It was
later owned and operated by June and Jerry Letkeman as a motel and
dining room. They also operate a full fledged catering service at 521
William Ave.
Midford, Elizabeth
Biography: d. 1922
Claims: Elizabeth left England in 1888. After two years in
Philadelphia, she came to Killarney opened a boarding house on Railroad
Avenue, just west of T. J. Lawlor's store. She ran it until after the
turn of the century when she married George Latham of the Dunrea area.
Probable Significance: Medium
Source: Trails & Crossroads to Killarney p. 284 /
Reflections p.
Moule, Fred
Biography:
Claims: Early store
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p. 282 / Reflections
p.
Highlights from Local Histories
“Angus McQueen Jr. clerked in Fred Moule's store and in other stores.”
“Wallace Dafoe clerked in Moule's store for a short time and went to
Montreal. “
Mustard, Arthur
Biography: (1870 – 1939) m. (1893) Anne Stilwell
(1886 – 1933)
Claims: Came to Manitoba with his neighbours, the Haights,
in 1882. He eventually filed homestead claim on 10-4-18.
Mr. and Mrs. Mustard farmed and beautified 10-4-18 until 1923 when they
moved to a farm on the outskirts of Killarney. Mrs. Mustard was an avid
gardener as well as an accomplished musician. Mr. Mustard was much in
demand for his veterinary skill as well as being a weed inspector,
stone mason and auctioneer. He was Secretary-Treasurer of the Rowland
School District for many years and was a member of the Masonic Lodge.
Probable Significance: Modest
Source: Source: Trails & Crossroads to Killarney p. 288 /
Reflections p. 451
Highlights from Local Histories
Arthur Mustard was probably the youngest immigrant coming west on his
own initiative. His early days were spent on his father's farm in Essex
County, Ontario, adjacent to the Haight farm where the family were all
boys, while the Mustard fam- ily at that time were all girls, except
Arthur. When the Haight family decided to go west, Arthur, catching the
fever, too, boarded the train, unknown to anyone and managed to conceal
his presence from the Haights and the conductor for two days. It was
then, they thought, too late to send an eleven-year-old boy back alone
so they wired the Mustard family and Arthur remained with the Haights.
When he was old enough, he homesteaded NW 10-4-18.
In 1892 he married Fred Stilwell's daughter, Annie Kent, who was
teaching Rowland School and boarding with the Haights. They had nine
children, Winnie, Emma, Madge, Ruby, Archie, Harry, Joe, Olive, and
Jack. The children drove four miles to attend Rowland School where
Arthur Mustard served as secretary for twenty-one years. Annie Mustard
was an accomplished pianist and active in the women's organizations of
Rowland Church.
Arthur Mustard ran his farm and also performed many tasks needed in a
growing community - weed inspector, stone mason, building foundations
for barns, granaries, etc., dehorning cattle. He also acted as
auctioneer until impaired hearing forced him to give that up. He was
widely known for his veterinary skill and he and his bay horse
'Queen' were a welcome sight to many a farmer in distress.
Olver, R.W.
![](images/OlverRW.jpg)
Biography: (1853-1932), married Pearl Blanche Opperman (b
1896)
Claims: Richard and Pearl farmed in the Glendenning
District and later moved to Killarney where Richard started the town’s
first pharmacy business in 1894. He sold his business in 1911 and
farmed near Killarney until his death in 1932.
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p. 350 / Reflections
p.
![](images/OlverAd.jpg)
From
the Local History Sources...
Richard
Olver (1853-1932), son of Edwin, born in Mitchell, Ont.,
married Pearl Blanche Opperman (b 1896) in Boissevain. Richard and
Pearl farmed in the Glendenning District and later moved to Killarney
where Richard started a pharmacy business.
The first pharmacy was opened by Mr. R.W. Olver in 1894; he had come
from England and served his apprenticeship in Boissevain. He sold his
business in 1911 and farmed near Killarney until his death in 1932.
Parker, William
Biography: (1879-1967) In 1902 he married Henrietta
Henderson (1875 - 1960).
Claims: Employed as a farm hand for many years before buying his own
place near Bannerman. Mr. Parker then operated the International
Harvester Co. in Killarney until his retirement.
Served as councillor for the Turtle Mountain Municipality as well as
holding the position of secretary-treasurer and trustee of the Victoria
Lake School District
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p / Reflections
p. 465
From
the Local History Sources...
William
Parker (1879-1967) was born at Goderich, Ontario to John and
Mary Jane Parker (Pennyfeather). He had two brothers and two sisters.
One sister, Mrs. Flo Henry (97) still resides in Stratford, Ont. He
received his formal education at Clinton, Ont. In 1900 he came west to
the Wakopa and Bannerman districts where he was employed as a farm hand
for many years before buying his own place near Bannerman. On Dec. 3,
1902 he married Henrietta Henderson of Wakopa. She was born Aug. 3,
1875 in Ecclefechan, Scotland, the middle child of William and Janet
Henderson* (Davidson). The Henderson family arrived in Canada in 1881.
From 1902 until 1928 when they moved to Killarney, William and
Henrietta were successful farmers. Mr. Parker then operated the
International Harvester Co. in Killarney until his retirement. At one
time he served as councillor for the Turtle Mountain Municipality as
well as holding the position of secretary-treasurer and trustee of the
Victoria Lake School District.
Mrs. Parker was of a quiet retiring
nature and devoted to her family and grandchildren. Mrs. Parker died
Oct. 28, 1960 and Mr.
Parker Dec. 28, 1967. They rest side by side in Killarney Cemetery.
Parsons, George
Biography: (1866-1966) married Mary Ellen Hodgins d. 1960
Claims: Early tenant of the Wallis Building. Built a bake
shop at the rear of building. Had a market garden by the lake on the
site of the first post office.
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p. 351 / Reflections
p.
From
the Local History Sources...
George
Parsons (1866-1966) was the only one of eleven children in his
family to come west in 1891 from Singhampton, Ont.
He bought S.E. 25-3-17 on the Pembina River and in 1894 married Mary
Ellen, daughter of Wm. and Mary Hodgins. They later lived in Killarney
and also had a market garden by the lake on the site where the first
post office was. They moved with Mabel to Vancouver in 1936. Mrs.
Parsons died in 1960 and George in 1966 aged 100 years.
Pinkerton, George
Biography:
Claims: Watch Repair Shop. Geo. Pinkerton opened a watch
repair shop and added silverware and
dishes as finances permitted, finally seIling out to Wilbur Baxter.
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p / Reflections
p.
Pritchard, Joseph
Biography: d. 1928 m. Armine Turriff.
Claims: Joseph Pritchard did an extensive business shipping cattle and
horses, often shipping ten or twelve carloads to St. Paul. The cattle
were driven in huge herds to Bannerman and thence by the Great Northern
to various points in the United States. He also shipped carloads of
horses to Saskatchewan to supply homesteaders there. For about fifteen
years he operated his own elevator which he finally sold to Norman
Paterson and Son. When Killarney was incorporated as a village in 1903
he was elected to the first council.
Probable Significance: Medium
Source: Trails & Crossroads to Killarney p. 294 /
Reflections p.
Ramsay, William Francis
Biography: (1886 – 1933) Married Mary Jane Tait (1868-1948).
Claims: Builder, hardware merchant
Lumber business. Hardware firm of W.F. Ramsay and Sons in 1908.
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p / Reflections
p.
From
the Local History Sources...
Born
in Huron County, Ontario on 10 December 1866, one of ten children
born to James Ramsay (1829-1881) and Elizabeth Jones (1840-?), he
apprenticed as a carpenter starting at age 16. He moved to Washington
state at the age of 21, where he worked for two years, returning to the
family farm for a year, after which he worked in contracting and
building. He moved to Killarney in 1892 where he continued in the
building trade for six years, then operated a lumber business for nine
years. He established the hardware firm of W. F. Ramsay and Sons in
January 1908. On 22 January 1890, he married Mary Jane Tait
(1868-1948). They had five sons: James Guy Ramsay (1891-?), George Earl
Ramsay (1893-?), Frank Gladstone Ramsay (1900-?), John William Ramsay
(1902-?), and Charles Clarence Ramsay (1910-?). He was a member of the
IOOF, Independent Order of Foresters, and Presbyterian Church. He died
at Killarney on 31 October 1933 and was buried in the Killarney
Cemetery.
Rigby,
Miss. A.A.
Biography:
Claims:
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p / Reflections
p.
![](images/RigbyMiss.jpg)
Miss A.A. Rigby in her millinery shop on the east side of Main Street.
Mrs. Lea is in background.
Rigby, Angus N. (Jack)
Biography: (1886 - 1938) 1892 married Mabel B
Coleman ( - d. 1970)
Claims: Eldest son of Capt John and Agnes Rigby. In
1928 they moved to a farm one mile east of Killarney and in 1930 Jack
became an agent for John Deere Implements. The Rigbys were actively
involved in all community life taking part in the (Methodist) United
Church and school affairs and in the project of building a Manitoba
Pool Elevator at Rhodes. Mr Rigby served on the school boards of
Northcote and Killarney Collegiate Institute. He helped organize and
was superintendent of the Sunday School which was held in Northcote
school, served on the Board of Stewards for Killarney United Church,
was a member of Canadian Order of Foresters and enjoyed playing ball in
summer and curling in winter.
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p / Reflections
p.
![](images/RigbyAngus.jpg)
Mr. and Mrs. AN (Jack) Rigby, Dec. 7, 1910.
From
the Local History Sources...
Angus
N Rigby (known as Jack) was born March 21, 1886 on the Rigby
homestead northwest of Killarney, the eldest son of Capt John and Agnes
Rigby and grew up there with his four sisters and one brother.
He received his early education mainly in winter in the little red
school house (Oak Ridge) as the boys were needed to help with the farm
duties during the summer.
In the spring of 1906 he left home to farm on his own and purchased the
west half of 32-3-17 from Mr. Edmund Lillew.
On December 7, 1910 he married Mabel B Coleman.
Mr and Mrs Rigby were actively involved in all community life taking
part in the (Methodist) United Church and school affairs and in the
project of building a Manitoba Pool Elevator at Rhodes. Social life
consisted mainly of family gatherings, school and SS picnics in summer;
one of the highlights being the annual Northcote picnic which was held
on the banks of the Pembina River at the home of Mr and Mrs Howard
Brown.
In 1928 Mr and Mrs Rigby and family moved to a farm one mile east of
Killarney and in 1930 Jack became an agent for John Deere Implements.
III health interrupted an active and enjoyable business and social life
and he died Feb 23, 1938.
Mr Rigby served on the school boards of Northcote and Killarney
Collegiate Institute. He helped organize and was superintendent of the
Sunday School which was held in Northcote school, served on the Board
of Stewards for Killarney United Church, was a member of Canadian Order
of Foresters and enjoyed playing ball in summer and curling in winter
After Mr Rigby's death Mrs Rigby carried on in her home in Killarney.
These were depression years and she used her home to provide nursing
care for many in the community and will be remembered for her kind and
loving care and contributions to her church and community. Her life was
centered around her own family with special pleasure derived from her
twelve grand- children. She died in a nursing home in Winnipeg on April
2, 1970.
Rolston, Robert
Biography:
Claims: First lumber yard. First livery barn – the “Brocho Stable”.
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p. 94 / Reflections p.
Rowe, Samuel
Biography: (1846 – 1904)
Claims: He came to Killarney in 1895 from Greenway where he had settled
in 1881. While there he kept what he called a "Work and Weather Diary,"
- a first hand look at events. He is well remembered as the
affable host of the Leland Hotel and he also served as county clerk
until ill health forced him to retire. Probable Significance:
Medium
Source: Trails & Crossroads to Killarney p. 371 / Reflections
p.
Sherloch, Philip J.
Biography:
Claims: Station Agent 1899 – 1928
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p. 354 / Reflections p.
Simpson, Frank
Biography:
Claims: Ogilvie Milling Co. 1886
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p / Reflections p.
Smaill, James Wellington
Biography: (1860-1937). Married Ruth Ella Burns
(1859-1955)
Claims: Arrived in Killarney in 1884. Homestead and Real
Estate Business. Reeve 1901. He served for 13 years as County
Court Clerk, was a member of the Killarney School Board for nine years,
and President of the Killarney Curling Club for fourteen years. A
notary public and a Police Magistrate, he was President of the
Killarney Board of Trade for several terms. During the First World War,
he was a member of the Tribunal Board and Chairman of the Red Cross and
Patriotic League. He was Secretary of the Jamestown-Brandon Highway and
Governor of the Highway for Canada.
Source: Trails to Killarney p. 309 /
Reflections
p. 514
![](images/Smaill.jpg)
Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Smaill and their first grandson, Jack Kenaston.
From
the Local History Sources...
James
Wellington Smaill (1860-1937)
Businessman.
Born at Goderich, Huron County, Ontario on 3 March 1860, son of
architect James Smaill, he was educated at the Goderich Public School
and Collegiate Institute. He came to Manitoba in 1880, working in the
real estate business in Emerson in the days of its boom then moved to
Crystal City in 1881 where he opened an office and had charge of the
business of the late Hon. Thomas Greenway. He moved to Killarney in
1884 where he homesteaded and opened a real estate business.
He and wife Ruth Ella Burns of Bowmanville had one son and two
daughters. He was active in municipal affairs, serving as Reeve of the
Rural Municipality of Turtle Mountain and Mayor of Killarney (1910,
1928-1937). He served for 13 years as County Court Clerk, was a member
of the Killarney School Board for nine years, and President of the
Killarney Curling Club for fourteen years. A notary public and a Police
Magistrate, he was President of the Killarney Board of Trade for
several terms. During the First World War, he was a member of the
Tribunal Board and Chairman of the Red Cross and Patriotic League. He
was Secretary of the Jamestown-Brandon Highway and Governor of the
Highway for Canada. He was an Anglican and supported the Liberal party
in politics.
He died at Killarney on 6 September 1937
Stevenson, Fredrick Ernest
![](images/stevensonfe.jpg)
Biography: (1881 – 1957) In 1907 he married Emily
Maude Howard (1884 – 1961)
Claims: Jeweler, municipal official . Came from Renfrew,
Ontario in 1903. Started a Jewellery Store (1903 – 1946). He served
several years on Town Council and was Mayor of Killarney for two terms
(1938 – 39) . Agricultural Society Secretary. Golf Club. Curler.
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p / Reflections
p.
530
From
the Local History Sources...
Born
at Renfrew, Ontario on 6 February 1881, he came to Killarney in
1902 and operated a jewelry store until 1946 when he moved to
Vancouver, British Columbia. During his time in Killarney, he served as
the Mayor (1938-1939) and was a member of the Killarney Golf Club and
Manitoba Horticultural Association. He moved to Winnipeg in 1951 and
was a member of the Winnipeg Horticultural Society and Riverview United
Church. He and wife Emily Maude Howard (1884-1961) had two children:
Howard W. Stevenson and Kathleen Stevenson. He died at his Winnipeg
home, 194 Oakwood Avenue, on 13 May 1957 and was buried in the
Killarney Cemetery.
Frederick E. Stevenson came from Renfrew, Ontario in 1903 to establish
a jewellery business in Killarney. In 1907 he married Emily Howard.
They had two children, Willard and Kathleen, who grew up in Killarney.
The entire family were active in the community. They were supporters of
the Methodist, later United Church, Mrs. Stevenson taking an active
part in the musical activities of church and community. Mr. Stevenson
served several years on Town Council and was Mayor of Killarney for two
terms.
Treleaven, George
Biography:
Claims: Opened the first harness shop. Built the Treleaven
Block on Broadway Ave and a brick cottage near the bay.
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p / Reflections
p.
Vipond, Ralph
Biography: (1850 – 1931) m. Jane (1852 – 1932)
Claims: Ralph established a logging camp on Turtle Mountain where he
cut logs for $3.00 a thousand board feet. He was a Methodist and often
took the pulpit when there was no minister.
Probable Significance: Modest
Source: Trails & Crossroads to Killarney p.
316 / Reflections p.
Vipond, George Isaac
Biography: (1852 – 1931) m. 1883) Gertrude Boxill
Claims: Arrrived in 1886. George had a large smoke house in which he
specialized in the home curing and smoking of pork using oak bark for
fuel and fol- lowing the Armour sugar-curing recipe. He undertook one
unprofit- able venture, selling small treadmill-driven threshing
machines which were soon superseded by more modern equipment.
George Vipond sang in the Methodist choir and gave singing lessons both
in Rowland and in Killarney. He also played the violin and offered free
lessons to John Rigby's daughter but at the time the Rigbys could not
afford to buy a violin. He owned and operated Killarney's electric
light plant.Probable Significance: Modest
Source: Trails & Crossroads to Killarney p. 317 /
Reflections p.
Williams. C.W.
Biography:
Claims: William Harrison and C. W. Williams built their
first grist-mill and sawmill at Wakopa in 1878. Early Store in
Killarney.
C. W. Williams of Wakopa had a small printing press and the minutes of
the Municipal Council record that he was given a contract to do some of
its printing on February 21, 1885. He moved to Killarney after the
railway came and published a small sheet, printed on one side only and
distributed free of charge, called The Occasional. A copy, dated August
16, 1887, containing some business notices and news items, is in the
Killarney Museum.
Probable Significance: Medium
Source: Trails & Crossroads to Killarney p. 40, 96 /
Reflections p.
Wallis, H. A.
Biography:
Claims: Store – then Real Estate, Insurance, and Collection
Agency. Built the Middleton Bakery Block.
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p / Reflections
p.
From
the Local History Sources...
The
Wallis building had several grocery
owners or tenants. George Parsons, an early tenant, built a bake shop
at the rear and operated both the grocery and bakery until about 1918
when Alex Middleton bought the building from the Wallis estate. For a
few years, one-half was occupied by Andrew McNamee, a grocer, and the
other side by the owner, Mr. Middleton, a baker by trade.
Winram. George
Biography:
Claims: Livery operator. Councilor – 1915 – 1921
Probable Significance:
Source: Trails to Killarney p / Reflections
p. |