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Volume 42, No. 4 Publication of the Edmonton Branch of the Alberta Genealogical Society September 2020

From the Editor

Hello, Tansi, Bonjour

Autumn is upon us and mother nature’s fall colours are beginning.

I hope you all had a safe spring and summer and had some successes in your research.

Edmonton Branch had some changes with the resignation of President Nestor Martinez. Nestor’s professionalism and assistance during my term as president was welcomed and I was happy to pass the torch to such a dedicated and knowledgeable volunteer. Nestor, good luck in your ancestor hunt and thank you for volunteering!

Also, another member who made my job easy as president was the webmaster Donna Parker. She informed the Board she was stepping down at the 2020 Annual General Meeting. However, with no replacement she continued until August. Her expertise as webmaster was instrumental in keeping the membership informed of what was happening in the Branch. Donna, your help was much appreciated, best of luck in filling in your family tree. Welcome to Les Campbell who stepped up and took on the position of president AND he also has temporarily taken on web master as well. Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Society and it would be nice if more members would step up to the plate!

IN THIS ISSUE Page From the Editor 1

Board of Directors 2

From the President 3

Fort Saskatchewan Historical 4-5 Society’s Interpretive Signs Norma Leader and Ivy Trumpour

Métis Scrip: 6-8 Land Speculators and Fraud Sheila Genaille

Local Historical Attractions 9 Denise Daubert

Branch News 10-11

We Need Volunteers 12

From the Stacks 13 AGS NEWS 14

ISSN 02226-2436

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Edmonton Branch website: http://edmontongenealogy.ca/ Edmonton Branch Facebook www.facebook.com/AlbertaGenealogicalSocietyEdmontonBranch/

Alberta Genealogical Society Website: http://www.abgenealogy.ca/

Alberta Genealogical Society Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AlbertaGenealogicalSociety

Edmonton Branch Board of Directors

Elected Positions President: Les Campbell Vice President: Judy Bradley Past President: Nestor Martinez Treasurer: Ken Fearnley Secretary: Thea Hawryluk

Appointed Committee Chair Library: Four members Membership Claudine Nelson

Archivist/Historian: Louise Perkins Clandigger: Sheila Genaille Courses: Liz Edmunds Research: Norma Wolowyk Programs: Lisa MacKenzie Publicity: Sharon Dyer

Appointed Ad-Hoc Committee Chair Correspondance: Bev Wardell

Electronic Resources: volunteer needed

Webmaster: Les Campbell (temporary)

#162, 14315 – 118 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5L 4S6

Phone: (780) 424-4429 E-mail:

admin@edmontongenealogy.ca

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From the President – Les Campbell

I welcome the opportunity to serve as the Edmonton Branch President. However, this is a Déjà vu experience for me. Déjà vu is the feeling that one has lived through the present situation before. The phrase translates literally as "already seen”. Let me explain by taking you back to 2007.

I became Vice-President of Edmonton Branch in June and within two weeks I became President. Between June and September of 2007 several events happened at the Edmonton Branch.

On 29 June 2007 the City of Edmonton Asset Management & Public Works represented by Lynn Smith, informed the Alberta Genealogical Society and all tenants/Occupants in the perimeter of the building (under the flat roof) in the Prince of Wales Armouries be required to vacate their leased/occupied premises

prior to September 30, 2007. I vividly remember attending the Prince of Wales Armouries while the movers loaded the truck with our library and furniture.

"When it rains, it pours". Sometime later in September the company who hosted the Edmonton Branch website was no longer providing this service and the website was taken offline. We received no notification that this was going to happen. Apparently, the website was not active for some time before we realized what had happened.

To summarize 2007, Edmonton Branch had no President, Vice-President, Clandigger Editor, and no website. The executive had to scramble to put everything back together again. This was a great learning experience and I managed to survive and later became President of AGS.

So much for the past, let’s discuss the present and future.

In August 2020, Edmonton Branch had vacant positions for President, Vice President, Webmaster (Donna Parker served in a temporary role) and Electronic Resources. In September we now have a President, Vice-President, and a temporary Webmaster.

A few weeks ago, the son of a politician asked his father when will we get back to normal. The father answered there is no normal there is a new normal.

How do we maintain our branch during COVID-19? We will need to adapt to a new normal.

On September 1, the library reopened under the new normal. Our primary concern is the safety of the volunteers, members and patrons who visit the library. The City of Edmonton bylaw is in place which requires effective August 1, 2020, wearing a mask or face covering is mandatory in all indoor public places and public vehicles which includes our library. The Edmonton Branch Board of Directors has been working with AGS (Alberta Genealogical Society) and have established a set of COVID-19 protocols. Please watch for updates and changes on our website.

Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Edmonton Branch. We are looking for volunteers for the positions of Webmaster and Electronic Resources.

Thank you for your support!

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Fort Saskatchewan Historical Society’s Interpretive Signs

“Peoples of the North Saskatchewan”

Written by Norma Leader and Ivy Trumpour

The City of Fort Saskatchewan, located a short distance northeast of Edmonton, recently received a gift of 22 interpretive signs describing the history of the area from the time of the Indigenous Peoples until the 1960s. The fundraising, research, writing, and installation of these signs was provided by the Fort Saskatchewan Historical Society.

The story begins with an explanation and map of the first peoples who lived on the prairies. Their way of life began to change with the arrival of European explorers and traders. The rivers of Rupert's Land became the highways for the North West Company and the Hudson's Bay Company, and one of the signs shows locations of many fur trade posts. The skills and woes of the Métis are mentioned, along with historical photos.

The North-West Mounted Police "March West" lead by Inspector William Jarvis arrived at Fort Saskatchewan in October of 1874, and construction of the barracks started in 1875.

Across the river from Fort Saskatchewan, the community of Lamoureux began in 1872. River lot owners in 1883 were: Alexander Taylor, Henry Lambert, Samuel Taber, P.J. Curran, Walter Scott Robertson, A. Taillian, Phelix Pagerie, Robert Belcher, A. Bergeron, Andrew Lang, Samuel B. Steele, Philip Heiminck, John Newhart, Andrew McNicol, Philip Heiminck, Wm. Chamberlayne, A. McDonald, Phileas Burnette, F. and J. Lamoureux, John B. Beaupre, James Reid, Philip Heiminck, Théophile Lamoureux. Some short descriptions of settlers are given, along with a map of the lot locations. Andrew Lang sold the lot that became the townsite of Fort Saskatchewan in 1887.

The North-West Resistance of 1885 caused concern and reinforcement of defences. James Mowat's 36-hour ride to Calgary is described.

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The story continues with the growth of the town, enhanced by the arrival of the railway in 1905 and construction of the bridge across the river. Only the concrete piers remain of this bridge that originally carried rail and vehicle traffic. Early businesses, hotels, schools, churches and halls are documented on the signs, along with photographs. Everyday life is discussed, including Victoria Day celebrations that were surprisingly popular in the early days.

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The Alberta Provincial Courthouse, built in 1909, still stands as part of the museum. The RNWMP barracks closed in 1913 and a provincial gaol opened in 1915. There are photographs of the gaol and some of its staff. Wardens prior to 1972 were: Henry Driggs, William Blythe, Jack D. McLean, Thomas Holt, A. Earl Wilson, Ernest E. Noel, and Acting Warden Albert Henderson. The gaol has since relocated, but the former warden's residence remains on the museum property.

The impacts of the Great War, women's suffrage and the Spanish flu were felt in Fort Saskatchewan, as was the increased agricultural production of the 1920s. This

was followed by the difficulties of the great depression. Louis Debuc is referred to for his achievement of being the first person born in Fort Saskatchewan to obtain a pilot's license and land a plane here. Local men and women signed up for World War II, and those who stayed home contributed in many ways, for example, by guarding the CNR bridge.

Innovation by Sherritt Gordon Mines developed a new production process to refine nickel and cobalt in 1954. Other industries followed, and recreational facilities were built. Dow Chemical began production in 1961, Thio-Pet opened in 1965.

The story ends with the celebration of Canada's Centennial in 1967. The last sign titled “The End of the Beginning” indicates these 22 signs represent only the beginning of the history of Fort Saskatchewan. There are many untold stories and more to come!

The Fort Saskatchewan Historical Society is pleased to share with residents and visitors alike a glimpse of the area’s history. The interpretive signs are located in the Fort Saskatchewan Museum and Heritage Precinct next to the recently constructed NWMP Fort representation. Parking is available by the Warden’s Residence where tours of the entire Heritage site by the City of Fort Saskatchewan Museum staff can be arranged. The signs are situated on a free and accessible viewing platform off a walking trail through the NWMP Fort’s original site.

Visitors are encouraged to learn more of our history and enjoy the lovely view of the North Saskatchewan River valley from a bench on the viewing deck. Welcome to Fort Saskatchewan!

1 www.prairie-towns.com/fortsaskatchewan-9.html

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Métis Scrip: Land Speculation and Fraud By: Sheila Genaille

In 1870, the Canadian government devised a system of scrip — referred to as “half-breed” scrip. The government issued certificates redeemable for land or money. Scrip was given to Métis living in the West in exchange for their land rights. The scrip notes issued resembled government bonds and were printed by the Canadian Bank Note Company in denominations of $20, $80, $160, and $240; and in 80, 160 and 240 acres.2

The Department issued grants which all Métis families were promised in 1870 under the Manitoba Act. These grants were meant to extinguish any Aboriginal rights to the landscape that they might hold as an Indigenous culture. Along with the Indian treaties, they would allow the federal government to convey western lands to new settlers unencumbered by prior rights of use. Land grants were seen as the least expensive way for the government to extinguish the Métis title. If Métis rights were recognized through the same reservation system and financial compensation packages that were already in place for other native groups, the cost of western settlement would have been considerably higher than what the government was willing to endure.3

During the Scrip process, Métis were dealt with on an individual basis, as opposed to the collective extinguishment of title, pursued through the treaty process. In the words of Jason Madden, “it (Scrip) was a system that was designed for the speculator, not for the Métis”.

Similar to the treaty process, scrip commissioners travelled to Métis communities and held sittings at various locations where Métis gathered, to fill out the application.

Money and land scrip could only be redeemed at face value in the purchase of homestead lands through a Dominion lands office. Despite this restriction, a considerable black market in scrip existed in Western Canada, whereby these documents were sold and traded at less than their face value.

2 National Archives of Canada, Department of the Interior (RG15) is retained in two separate series: money scrip (all values) can be found in series D II 8f, and land scrip (all values) in series D II 8i 3 www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/metis-scrip/005005-2000-e.html

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Ripe for Fraud: Money scrip, which was not registered in the name of the Métis claimant, but was simply made out "to the Bearer". The Scrip System had no mechanism to prevent against fraud without some form of registration, money scrip could be used by anyone; both Métis and non-Métis. In the acquisition of western lands, Scrip certificates were actively sought by land speculators, and most Métis were swindled out of their land. Many Métis had their names forged and had Scrip certificates traded in their names without their knowledge.

Richard Secord and John McDougall It was very common for scrip lands to be assigned to third parties across the province. One such individual was Richard Secord of Edmonton. Secord, along with his business partner, John McDougall, had the scrip coupons of 37 individuals in Lac La Biche assigned to them. Those assignments amount to a total of 8,880 acres of land from just one community.4

Secord bought an estimated 150,000 acres of Métis land at discounted prices which he, in turn, sold for a huge profit to incoming settlers. Secord would be charged with fraud in connection with speculating in Scrip.

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Rose Mageau discovered that her Métis scrip, redeemable for land, had been sold without her knowledge or permission to McDougall & Secord.

On November 3, 1900, Rose Mageau’s mother received her (Rose’s) Scrip certificate allocating 240 acres/dollars. According to court documents, it was alleged that McDougall and Secord had purchased her Scrip Certificate Number 2298 in 1902 for the sum of $480.00. Rose Mageau, illiterate and unaware of the Scrip process, stated the initial transaction took place without her consent or knowledge. Court documents allege that Secord paid numerous visits to Rose Mageau and her family to attain a full release through intimidation and coercion. Secord achieved said release after paying an additional $500.00, which Rose attempted to return after learning of the ramifications. This circumstance becomes even more troublesome when the land in question was worth an estimated $5,000.00.6

The Secord’s land company used the certificates to develop part of the townsite of Mannville. After she filed claim to restore her title to the land, agents of McDougall & Secord allegedly coerced her into signing a new deed, using a $500 bribe and the threat of imprisoning her father. The case was ultimately dismissed.

4 www.ualberta.ca/native-studies/media-library/rcmr/publications/rcmr-scrip-booklet-2018-final-150dpi.pdf 5 provincialarchives.alberta.ca/static/content/Interesting-Cases/Civil/Meunier-vs-McDougall-and-Secord/Clips-Sensational-Case-Capital-Feb-21-1911-p1.jpg 6 citymuseumedmonton.ca/2016/06/28/richard-henry-secord-and-metis-scrip-speculation/

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A Second Complaint Against Secord In 1921, a complaint of forgery and impersonation was made against Secord. Flora Taylor, a Métis, testified that she had impersonated Elizabeth Hislop at the Dominion Lands Office in Edmonton. Secord had paid Flora 10 dollars and a grey shawl to say that she was Elizabeth in order to locate Elizabeth’s entitlement so her land grant could be assigned to Secord. Charged with contravening section 467 of the Criminal Code, Secord was committed to stand trial and remanded on bail of $5,000.

The Justice Department knew scrip speculators had been using forgeries to use scrip coupons to obtain lands to be sold to newcomers at a profit. Support for Secord’s case came swiftly from the prairie establishment. James Lougheed, then senator for Alberta, argued “there were a good many irregularities amounting to fraud and perjury in connection with the location of these lands,” and the law should be changed to prevent prosecutions of fraud in relation to Half-breed scrip lands. 7

Lougheed ensured a provision to amend section 1140 of the Criminal Code — statute of limitations for ``half- breed'' scrip fraud — was inserted into Bill 138, a bill to amend the Criminal Code, prior to third reading in the Senate. At the time, Sir James Lougheed explained: The intention is that if a prosecution for an offence is not brought within three years of the date of its commission, then it is proscribed. There is no provision for that in the Code at present. . . . This brings it into section 1140 in the code, which deals with the limitation of actions. There have been one of two cases brought, going back twenty years, claiming that fraud was committed. Of course, the evidence in connection with them would have disappeared long ago.8

On July 21, 1921, the charges against Richard Secord were dropped.

The unelected Senate’s sudden amendment to the Criminal Code was, so it seems, designed to change the law to protect a well-to-do Edmonton land developer at the expense of Métis grantees. With the wealthy white speculators and the government passing laws in their favor it is no wonder, many Métis had their scrip stolen and no recourse for recovery.

In 1981, then Premier Peter Lougheed and grandson of James, added further insult to the Métis when he named a mountain after Secord as a “prominent Edmonton pioneer.” While Lougheed may have considered him ‘prominent’, Métis whose lands were stolen had a very different view of men like Secord and James Lougheed

Almost a century after the case against Secord was dropped, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in the Daniels vs Canada. The decision in favour of Daniels ensured that the federal government started the process of making amends. Harry Daniels was a well-known Métis leader who had launched case.

With the Daniels win, the federal government began negotiations with the Métis Nation. For example, the federal government signed a Framework Agreement in 2017 with the Métis Nation of

Alberta to allow for the formal negotiation of Métis rights to self-government.

In February 2017, Rachel Notley, Premier of Alberta signed a new ten-year framework agreement with the Metis Nation of Alberta to strengthen their “nation-to-nation” relationship.

Audrey Poitras, President stated that “most importantly, the framework establishes a process to acknowledge and address the sorry legacy of Métis scrip.”

7 Canada, Senate, Debates, 14th Parliament, 1st Session, 1922: 500. 8 sencanada.ca/en/Content/Sen/Committee/411/APPA/25ev-49747-e

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Local historical attractions “in the news” … By Denise Daubert

If you’ve been tuned to the news lately, you’ll no doubt have heard about some exciting announcements surrounding local historical attractions expanding, being adding onto or relocating.

Fort Edmonton Park This City of Edmonton-owned attraction is a jewel and so interesting to explore. Opened back in 1974, many thousands of Edmontonians and visitors from other parts of Alberta, Canada and around the globe have explored this huge open-air museum with its original and re-built historical structures and activities (such as train and wagon rides). The city closed Fort Edmonton Park in 2019 for a huge enhancement project (with plans to re-open in spring of 2021). An exciting fundraising project to raise $1-million is underway; the basis of the fundraiser allows for the purchase of a bulb for $50.00 which will in turn illuminate the 1920’s and midway and games/rides and carousels area of the park. See https://supportfortedmonton.com/light-the-midway/ for details.

Edmonton Radial Railway Having the opportunity of riding aboard an Edmonton Radial Railway streetcar during spring to autumn months is a unique way to experience Edmonton’s transportation history! I have a personal tie to and interest in this attraction, as my maternal great grandfather, John Neill Sr., worked for the Edmonton Radial Railway from when he immigrated from Ireland in 1909 to Edmonton and then he retired with the railway in the 1930’s. The tracks in the Old Strathcona area are being expanded so that the terminus is being relocated from north of the AB Financial Arts Barns to north of Whyte Avenue and Gateway Blvd. for better visibility and having the terminus easier to find. Check the website of the Edmonton Radial Railway Society to learn about the trips on the streetcar crossing over the High Level Bridge and into Edmonton’s downtown. The 2020 season for the streetcar was/is cancelled due to Covid-19 with plans for re-opening next season see http://www.edmonton-radial-railway.ab.ca/. Leduc #1 Oil Derrick

This summer, the Leduc #1 Oil Derrick “returned home” to near Devon where, in 1947, oil was discovered by Imperial Oil. This derrick is of course a very significant part of Alberta and Edmonton-area history. For two decades - from 1951 to 1971 the oil derrick was up at the Gateway Visitor Centre on Calgary Trail welcoming visitors. Then it was dismantled and stored. Now the derrick has been put together once again right at the Canadian Energy Museum (formerly the Leduc #1 Energy Discovery Centre) - where it was originally. An interesting fundraiser has been launched called Buy A Bolt to cover the costs of the relocation. For information on this fundraiser and to learn about the history of the derrick, see https:www.canadianenergymuseum.ca/.

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NOTICE TO ALL LIBRARY PATRONS LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS

THE LIBRARY IS NOW OPEN

VOLUNTEERS AND PATRONS MUST WEAR A MASK AT ALL TIME WHILE IN THE LIBRARY. MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY IS SIX PATRONS AND VOLUNTEERS.

IS THIS YOUR FAMILY? Ancient Bible left at the library on September 2, 2020. This very old King James Bible was given to Edmonton Branch in hopes of finding a descendant. There is a long list of births and deaths written in, dating from 1894.to 1982. It appears that this Bible story began at Applewhaites, St Thomas, Barbados 1894. Amongst the pages is a communion service booklet May 1977 which has several pages of a hand written speech or sermon on fellowship.

Births range 1894 – 1940 and deaths: 1921 - 1982. The surnames listed are: (there are some difficult spelling interpretations): Huikson Lamb Darcy Perkins Clarke Laming Parris Cocks Mannis Bancroft Archer Phillips Carter May Barrister Sealy Ballon Howell Hubon Armstrong Fover Parons Hoad

Anyone who is interested contact the Edmonton Branch. (780) 424-4429 or library@edmontongenealogy.ca SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS (SIGs) Some Special Interest Groups have begun to meet digitally using ZOOM. If you are a member and want information, please contact the group leader. For contact information, please check out the website at https://edmontongenealogy.ca/special-interest-groups/.

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The Library has re-opened, volunteers and patrons must follow the COVID-19 Protocols. The protocols were adapted from the “Recommended AGS Branch Libraries/Office

Protocols COVID-19” issued by AGS July 2020)

1. If you currently have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone who has

tested positive, please visit the Edmonton Branch Library at another time.

2. Maximum occupancy is six (6) patrons and volunteers (excluding AGS staff members). Library

visits may be limited to three hours, if necessary, to accommodate all patrons wishing to use

the library.

3. Use hand sanitizer BEFORE signing in. Non members will be asked for their contact

information on a different form which will be kept separately in a folder to be destroyed after

one month.

4. Use the online library catalogue before coming to the library, if possible, or use the computers

at the library to access the catalogue. It is found at www.edmontongenealogy.ca. As the stacks

are closed to visitors, volunteers will retrieve requested items for patrons’ use.

5. AGS Staff are required to wear a face mask when interacting with patrons and volunteers.

6. While in the library, ALL patrons and volunteers are required to wear a face mask over their

nose and mouth as recommended by AHS.

7. As much as possible, maintain a distance of at least 6 feet (2 metres) between yourself and all

others in the library.

8. The sharing of food or drink is NOT ALLOWED in the library (see AHS directive Restaurant /

Buffet service by Community and Volunteer Organizations). Each patron and volunteer must

provide their own food and drink.

9. All patrons and volunteers must take their used masks and gloves with them when leaving the

library for disposal at home.

10. Resources that have been used or returned during a library visit must not be re-shelved for 72

hours. Please place them on the designated cart.

11. Computer usage may be restricted to 2 hours per patron per visit to allow for equal access by

all.

12. All coats and sweaters are to be placed on the back of the patron’s chair as coat hangers will be

removed to avoid cross-contamination.

13. Tables, chairs and other surfaces, used during a library visit, must be sanitized immediately

after the patron leaves the area.

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Are you interested in Volunteering? Edmonton Branch is urgently looking to fill the following positions.

Webmaster 1. Website Management / Maintenance / Improvements 2. Communications [monthly SIGs, General meetings, email accounts] 3. Publications [posters, brochures, Clandigger]

➢ prepare event posters for events and announcements [currently using Publisher, any software can be used;

➢ prepare event posters and documents for uploading into standard templates in Mailchimp – an automated mass email marketing software – to send to membership via distribution lists that are provided on a regular basis by AGS; maintain distribution lists

➢ interface with 4WEB - web host for the edmontongenealogy.ca website and email accounts; be familiar with the 4WEB portal to manage/maintain about 20 *@edmontongenealogy.com email accounts; monitor 4WEB web hosting annual maintenance agreements and invoices;

➢ maintain edmontongenealogy.ca website content, design and create new pages, functionality;

➢ monitor the webmaster’s email account [edmontonagswebmaster@gmail.com] for inquiries, notifications,

➢ provide monthly report for Executive Committee meetings, including mailout and social media and website statistics; prepare annual statistical report for AGS that forms part of the funding submission.

Electronic Resources ➢ oversee the library electronic equipment and other equipment used by the patrons and

Branch members;

➢ maintains the computers in the Edmonton Branch Library.

PLEASE CONTACT: admin@edmontongenealogy.ca

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IN THE LIBRARY

F R O M T H E S T A C K S By Heather Harper

Alberta: Local History Elkwater: Down The Years at Elkwater, - Hope Michael & Hope Johnson. Pinedale: Pinedale Wolf Creek Memories. - Compiled by the Wolf Creek - Pinedale Book Club St Albert: A Week in the Life of St Albert 1990 - Compiled by the St Albert Historical Society -Editor: May Kates

Ontario Peterborough: The Early Settlement of Peterborough County. – Dr. T.W.Poole

Family History Chaffin: The Thomsen-Chaffin Saga. – Dora (Chaffin) Lloyd Pettapiece: Mathias & Margaret Pettapiece. Their histories and descendants. Revised 2017 – Irene & Wayne Pettapiece

General Poland: To War Survive. – Steven Kashuba

Magazines Family Tree-US July - Aug 2020

• 101 Best Genealogy Sites

• Scots-Irish Roots

• 12 Tips for using Family Tree Maker

• DNA & Privacy

• States: Maryland - Oklahoma

Who Do You Think You Are-UK June 2020

• Records of the Poor

• Family Search Website: Unindexed Records

• Date Old family Albums

• Shipbuilders

• Metalworkers

• Derbyshire

• Major events 1900-1909

Family Tree - UK July 2020

• At home search skills

• Archives Websites Masterclass

• Essential Reading List

• 1911 census

• Battle of Britain

Internet Genealogy: April - May 2020

• Family Search Wiki

• Israeli cemeteries

• Goodreads for genealogy

• US Federal census 1790-1840

• Germans from Russia

• Genealogical Records from US Congress & Senate

• Gedcom

Your Genealogy Today: Mar - April 2020

• Property Records: beyond Deeds & Land Grants

• Difficult Ancestors

• DNA matches

• Voices Via Petitions.

• Visiting Ancestral Towns.

• Missionaries: 19th century India

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I N T E R N E T S O U R C E S Sheila Genaille

CHECK OUT THESE SITES, ESPECIALLY THE EDMONTON BRANCH SIG LEADERS!!! COLLEEN MURRAY AND JOHN ALTHOUSE

Colleen Murray BCom, PLCGS Professional Genealogist https://www.cmgenealogy.com/

Colleen was a hobby genealogist for ten years before becoming a professional and her ancestral lines are Irish and French Canadian. These are two of her speciality areas, but she also has expertise in other areas including DNA.

She is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), the National Genealogical Society (NGS), the Alberta Genealogical Society (AGS), and La Société généalogique du Nord-Ouest (SGNO).

Check out her website and blog you won’t be disappointed.

John Althouse German Special Interest Group https://edmontongenealogy.ca/special-interest-

groups/german/ John has spent many hours volunteering for Edmonton Branch, check out his newsletter on the branch website. “My German Roots” Newsletter – past issues of the German SIG Newsletters are at the above link.

Edmonton Branch – Face Book https://www.facebook.com/AlbertaGenealogical

SocietyEdmontonBranch/ This page provides a platform for members to keep up to date on upcoming events, share stories, and connect with others interested in genealogy. Posts are done on a daily basis, check it out!

Alberta Genealogical Society - Face Book https://www.facebook.com/AlbertaGenealogical

Society/ This is a platform for members to keep up to date on upcoming events. Posts are done on a daily basis check it out!

Medicine Hat Branch AGS Telephone Books Project https://mhdgs.ca/phonebooks.html Old Alberta telephone books were given to the volunteer group Medicine Hat Telus Community Ambassadors. The Ambassadors donated the phone books and their shelving units to the Medicine Hat Genealogical Society to be scanned and stored as one unit. The project will be ongoing until complete.

Historical Society of Alberta http://www.albertahistory.org/ The Original Act, governing the Historical Society of Alberta was passed in 1907 by the Alberta Legislature. (Revised June 2, 1972).

The County of Grande Prairie - GenWeb

http://sites.rootsweb.com/~abgrande/ A Web-Site to help Genealogists in the County of Grande Prairie

Canada’s Historic Places

https://www.historicplaces.ca/en/pages/about

-apropos.aspx The Canadian Register of Historic Places provides a single source of information about all historic places recognized for their heritage value at the local, provincial, territorial and national levels throughout Canada.

Genealogy à la carte https://genealogyalacarte.ca/ Gail Dever is a Canadian family historian, genealogy news blogger. She posts a daily blog about genealogy news, resources, and issues facing the genealogy community across Canada and, from time to time, in the United States and elsewhere around the world.

Check out this site, lots of information including archived blogs.

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LOOKING TO FILL TWO VOLUNTEER POSITIONS AGS Second Vice President May 1, 2020 – May 1, 2021

Do you have time and the interest to volunteer for this Executive position for one year to complete the term of this position?

❖ Appointed by the Executive.

❖ Duties are negotiable

❖ Four Virtual Executive meetings

❖ Four Quarterly Board meetings—Virtual for the foreseeable future

❖ Great team already in place to mentor you

Contact pastpresident@abgenealogy.ca to nominate a friend or to volunteer

CONFERENCE 2022 - Chairperson Status: Appointed, by the Board of Directors Term of Office: Two years with no limit Reports To: AGS Board Executive Summary: Plans and organizes a biannual conference held in Edmonton Responsibilities:

• Convene a Conference committee including Chair(s), a Conference Registrar and others to fulfill all responsibilities. It is recommended to have some former conference committee members on each new committee for continuity.

• Locate and reserve a site for conference

• For the September Board meeting (one year prior to the conference), prepare a draft budget and development plan including site, date and theme for Board approval.

• Seek out and engage speakers

• Promote and publicize the event, liaising with the Webmaster and others as appropriate

• Seek out vendors and sponsors.

• Meet with the Bookkeeper and Office Coordinator to discuss procedures for banking, handling of and payment of invoices, Pay-Pal payments and charges, credit card payments and charges and Registrations.

• Work with the Executive Committee in planning the AGM and social event

• Advise/assist branches in planning workshops or seminars

• Provide a written and oral report for each AGS Board meeting and a submission to the Annual Report

• After the Conference a binder is prepared containing all planning information and recommendation/evaluations for future conferences. The binder is to be given to the incoming chair along with an orientation by the Conference Chair.

Contact - pastpresident@abgenealogy.ca