Family:William Robinson and Alyce Skillings (1)

Notes for WILLIAM HENRY ROBINSON: 1885 SOUTH DAKOTA STATE CENSUS, Inhabitants in Jackson Township, in the County of Charles Mix, S. Dakota, enumerated by Adam  ?, on the 1st day of June, 1885. ROBINSON, William, W, M, age 29, farmer, born in Iowa. Both parents born in New York.

     "           , Alice, W, F, age 27, wife, born in Wis. Both parents born in New York.
     "           ,  Amos, W, M, age 8, son, born in Iowa.
     "           ,  Eva, W, F, age 5 dau., born in Minn.
     "           ,  Orpha, W, F, age 3, dau, born in Minn.
     "           ,   unnamed, W, M.,  age 1/12, born in S.Dakota.  

(Son, LACY, born in April and not named by June 1. ) Parents & syblings of Alice: Ransom, Nancy, Linus & Amos Skillings live next door.

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1895 SOUTH DAKOTA TERRITORY CENSUS CHARLES MIX COUNTY W. H. ROBINSON, 2 males under 6 yrs.,(Clem & Wm. A.); 2 males over 6 and under 20,(Amos & Lacy); 3 females over 6 and under 20(Eva, Orpha & Birtie or Roberta); 1 male over 20 years (William Henry); 1 female over 20 years (Alyce). Total of 9 in the family.

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1900 UNITED STATES CENSUS STATE: S.D.; COUNTY: Gregory; TWP/CITY: Bonesteel ROBINSON, WILLIAM, head, white, male, Born Jan 1856, age 44, married 24 yrs., born in Iowa, Parents born in New York. Occupation: Farmer; owns farm free/no mortgage. ROBINSON, ALICE B., wife, white, female, born Dec 1857, age 42, married 24 yrs, no. of children: 9; no. of living children: 7. Born in WI., Parents born in New York. ROBINSON, EVA I., dau, white, female, born May 1879, age 21, single, born in MN. ROBINSON, LACEY E., son, white, male, born April 1886, age 14, single, born in S.D. ROBINSON, BIRTIE B., dau, white, female, born May 1888, age 12, single, born in S.D. ROBINSON, CLEMENT L., son, white, male, born May 1890, age 10, single, born in S.D. ROBINSON, WILLIAM A., son, white, male, born Apr 1893, age 7, single, born in S.D.

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ALBERTA, CANADA

FILE NO. 1605752 APPLICATION FOR HOMESTEAD ENTRY I, William Henry Robinson of Macleod, Alta. do hereby apply for a Homestead Entry under sub-clause of "The Dominion Lands Act," for the NE Quarter-section of section number 18 of the 10 township in the 28 range west of the 4 Meridian. Signed: William Henry Robinson Number of family including entrant: 6 Nationality: American Wherefrom: Montana Previous Occupation: Rancher

AFFIDAVIT IN SUPPORT OF CLAIM FOR HOMESTEAD ENTRY BY A PERSON WHO HAS NOT PREVIOUSLY OBTAINED HOMESTEAD ENTRY. I, William Henry Robinson, do solemnly swear that I am over eighteen years of age; that to the best of my knowledge and belief the land in respect of which my application is made, is of the class open for Homestead Entry; that there is no person residing on the said land, nor are there any improvements thereon, and that this application is made for my exclusive use and benefit, with the intention of residing upon and cultivating the said land, and not directly or indirectly for the use or benefit of any other person or persons whomsoever; and that I have not heretofore obtained an entry for a homestead on Dominion Lands. Subscribed and sworn to this 6 day of Sept 1904, before me. W. W. Douglas Local Agent. Signed: W.H. Robinson

RE: File No. 1605752

DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR, OTTAWA, July 29, 1913

Madam, I have to inform you that a patent for NE 1/4 of Section 18 in Township 10 Range 28 West of the 4th Meridian bearing date the 10th of July 1913, as personal representative of the late W. H. Robinson, has issued in your name, and that it has been forwarded to the Registrar of the Land Registration District of South Alberta who will issue the certificate of title upon receipt of your application to him therefor, and upon payment of the proper fees, if any. For this purpose please place yourself in communication with that official giving him your full name and your Post Office address. His address is The Registrar, Calgary, Alta. I am Madam, Your obedient servant. L. Pereira, Secretary. To: Mrs. A. B. Irish, Round Up, Alta.

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REGISTRATION OF DEATH CANADA, PROVINCE OF ALBERTA RECORD NO. 193 OF G. Name of Deceased in Full: William Henry Robinson Date of Death: 10 day of Oct 1904 Place of Death (street and No. if any) or Name of Hospital: Round Up Regular Residence of Deceased (if different from above) blank Sex: male Single, Married, widowed or divorced: blank Age: 48 yrs. 8 mos. 20 days. Profession or occupation: rancher. Place of Birth: Jackson Co., Iowa. U.S.A. Cause of Death: blank Name of Physician (if any) attending fatal illness: Dr. Kennedy Place of Interment (name of cemetery) blank Name and Address of Undertaker or Person in charge of Funeral: Blank

I certify the foregoing to be true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Given under my hand at Macleod this 2 day of November 1904. Informant: Mrs. A. B. Robinson

Post Office Address:  Round Up

I hereby certify that the above return was made to me at Macleod on the 2 day of Nov 1904. A. F. Grady, Registrar

Notes for ALYCE (ALICE) BARBARA SKILLINGS:

1906 CENSUS IN ALBERTA, CANADA Dist. 18, Sub. Dist. 18. enumerated August 9, 1906 by J. M. Bratton Family #123 IRISH, WILLARD, head, male, married, age 49, born in Ontario, mailing address: Roundup. Section 22; Twp. 10; Range 28; Meridian 4; Horses, all ages: 11; Milch cows: 3; Other horned cattle, all ages: 5; Pigs, all ages: 8 IRISH, ALICE, wife, female, married, age 48, born USA, Year of immigration to Canada: 1904.

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FILE #1394744, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR 1907 ALBERTA, CANADA MRS. W. IRISH, ROUNDUP SUBJECT: S.E. 18-10-28-W4

SWORN STATEMENT OF ALICE B. IRISH, Legal representative of W. H. Robinson, deceased, in support of his application for Homestead Patent for North East of 18 Sec. 10, Thp. 28, Rge.W of 4 Meridian.

1. What is your name in full, age, occupation and Post Office address? Alice Barbara Irish, 55 years, ranching, Round Up, Alta.

2. (1) Are you a British subject at the present time and (2) have you always been one? (3) are you a British Subject by Birth, Naturalization or Repatriation? (1) Yes (2) No (3) Naturalized through marriage

3. (a) When did you obtain homestead entry, (b) when did you build your house thereon, and (c) when did you commence actual residence thereon? (a) 6th September 1904 (b) November 1904 (c) 1 November 1904

4. What portion of each year since commencement of residence have you lived upon the land, giving actual dates? 1 November 1904 continuously to 10 March 1906. 4th March 1908 to 5 May 1909

5. When absent from your homestead, where have you resided and what has been your occupation? 22-9-28-W4 (homestead of Willard Irish) farming

6. Of whom do your family consist: when did they first commence residence upon this homestead, and for what portion of each year since that date have they resided upon it/ 2 sons, same time as I have

7. If residence has been performed on land owned by yourself or duly authorized relative, describe such land. All answers to questions in this area are Blank

8. How much breaking have you done upon your homestead, in each year since you obtained entry, and how many acres have you cultivated each year? 1905, Broke 4 acres, cropped 4 acres. 1906, Broke 7 acres, cropped 11 acres. 1907, broke 4 acres, cropped 15 acres. 1908, broke 0 acres, cropped 15 acres. 1909, broke 0 acres, cropped 15 acres. 1910, broke 0 acres, cropped 15 acres. 1911, broke 0 acres, cropped 15 acres. 1912, broke 0 acres, cropped 0 acres.

9. What stock of which you are the owner have you had on your homestead each year since date of perfecting entry? 1904 - 12 horses; 1905 - 8 horses; 1906 - 9 horses; 1907 - 6 horses; 1908 - 9 horses; 1909 - 9 horses and 2 cows.

10. What is the size of your house on your homestead, of what material and what is its present cash value? 18x24, log, $200.00.

11. What other buildings have you erected on your homestead? What other improvements have you made thereon, and what is the cash value of the same? NONE

12. What extent of fencing have you made on your homestead and what is the present cash value thereof? all fenced, $150.00

13. Are there any indications of minerals or quarries on your homestead? If so, state nature of same and whether the land is more valuable for agricultural than any other purpose. NO. Grazing land.

14. Have you had any other homestead entry? If so, describe it and say what became of it? Deceased had no other homestead, to the best of my knowledge and belief.

15. Have you mortgaged, assigned or transferred, or agreed to mortgage, assign or transfer you present homestead or any part thereof? If so, when and to whom? NO

CANADA, PROVINCE OF ALBERTA TO WIT: I, Alice Barbara Irish do solemnly swear that the answers to the foregoing questions are true and correct in every particular. That I claim a Patent for his Homestead under the provisions of the "Dominion Lands Act. That I obtained an entry, and claim a Patent for the same for my own benefit, and not in the interest or for the benefit of any other person or persons whomsoever. SO HELP ME GOD. Sworn before me at Macleod, 16th March A.D. 1913. Having first been read over and explained to the said applicant. signed. R. T. Barker, Sub-agent of the Dominion Lands, for the Lethbridge District. SIGNED: Alice Barbara Irish

Resworn this 13th May 1913.. R.T. Barker, sub agent. Signed: Alice Barbara Irish

I recommend the foregoing application for Patent, believing that the homestead requirements of the "Dominion Lands Act" have , in this case been complied with. Dated at Lethbridge, march 27 A.D. 1913. T. T. Dixon, Assistant Deputy

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Sworn Statement of Alice B. Irish, formerly Alice B. Robinson, widow in support of her application for Homestead Patent for South East of 18 Sec. 10 Thp. 28 Rge. W of 4 Meridian.

1. What is your name in full, age, occupation and Post Office address? Alice Barbara Irish, 55 years, ranching, Round Up, Alta.

2. (1) Are you a British subject at the present time and (2) have you always been one? (3) are you a British Subject by Birth, Naturalization or Repatriation? (1) Yes (2) No (3) Naturalized through marriage. On the side of this question is written "on NE 22-10-28 4, part 2/6/14. Willard Irish Ref. 86808."

3. (a) When did you obtain homestead entry, (b) when did you build your house thereon, and (c) when did you commence actual residence thereon? (a)24th June 1905 (b) April 1909 (c) 5 th May 1909

4. What portion of each year since commencement of residence have you lived upon the land, giving actual dates? Continuously from 5th May 1909 to the present time.

5. When absent from your homestead, where have you resided and what has been your occupation? Not absent since commencing residence.

6. Of whom do your family consist: when did they first commence residence upon this homestead, and for what portion of each year since that date have they resided upon it? 2 sons, same time as I have

7. If residence has been performed on land owned by yourself or duly authorized relative, describe such land. All answers to questions in this area are Blank

8. How much breaking have you done upon your homestead, in each year since you obtained entry, and how many acres have you cultivated each year? 1908: broke 2 acres, cropped 0 acres. 1909: broke 14 acres, cropped 2 acres. 1910: broke 0 acres, cropped 16 acres. 1911: broke 0 acres, cropped 16 acres. 1912: broke 0 acres, cropped 16 acres.

9. What stock of which you are the owner have you had on your homestead each year since date of perfecting entry? 1909 - 9 horses & 5 cattle; 1910 - 8 horses & 7 cattle; 1911 - 9 horses & 12 cattle; 1912 - 9 horses & 12 cattle; 1913 - 9 horses & 12 cattle;

10. What is the size of your house on your homestead, of what material and what is its present cash value? 16x40, one story log, $300.00.

11. What other buildings have you erected on your homestead? What other improvements have you made thereon, and what is the cash value of the same? Frame stable 16x30 $100.00; Hen house 12x14- $30.00

12. What extent of fencing have you made on your homestead and what is the present cash value thereof? 1 1/2 mile. $100.00

13. Are there any indications of minerals or quarries on your homestead? If so, state nature of same and whether the land is more valuable for agricultural than any other purpose. NO. Grazing purposes.

14. Have you had any other homestead entry? If so, describe it and say what became of it? NO

15. Have you mortgaged, assigned or transferred, or agreed to mortgage, assign or transfer you present homestead or any part thereof? If so, when and to whom? NO

CANADA, PROVINCE OF ALBERTA TO WIT: I, Alice Barbara Irish do solemnly swear that the answers to the foregoing questions are true and correct in every particular. That I claim a Patent for his Homestead under the provisions of the "Dominion Lands Act. That I obtained an entry, and claim a Patent for the same for my own benefit, and not in the interest or for the benefit of any other person or persons whomsoever. SO HELP ME GOD. Sworn before me at Macleod, 26th March A.D. 1913. Having first been read over and explained to the said applicant. signed. R. T. Barker, Sub-agent of the Dominion Lands, for the Lethbridge District. SIGNED: Alice Barbara Irish

I recommend the foregoing application for Patent, believing that the homestead requirements of the "Dominion Lands Act" have , in this case been complied with. Dated at Lethbridge, march 27 A.D. 1913. T. T. Dixon, Assistant Deputy

The Sworn Statements of Philip Wallin who resides on Sec NW-13; Thp. 10; Rge 29 of 4 Meridian and Charles A. Vaile who resides on Sec 10 Thp. 10 Rge.29-W of 4 Meridian are witnesses for Alice, confirming all the facts she gave in her Sworn Statements, for both of her Homesteads.

FILE NO. 1394744 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, OTTAWA, June 24, 1913 Madam,

I have to inform you that a patent for SE 1/4 of Section 18 in Township 10 Range 28 West of the 4th Meridian bearing date the 27th of May 1913, has issued in your name, and that it has been forwarded to the Registrar of the Land Registration District of South Alberta who will issue the certificate of title upon receipt of your application to him therefor, and upon payment of the proper fees, if any. For this purpose please place yourself in communication with that official giving him your full name and your Post Office address. His address is The Registrar, Calgary, Alta. I am Madam, Your obedient servant. L. Pereira, Secretary. To: Mrs. Alice B. Irish, Roundup, Alta.

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GRANUM TRACES ITS PIONEER HISTORY By C. E. Henker A letter dated Dec. 29, 1906 written from the head office of the Canadian Pacific Railroad to R. Laughton, town overseer of Leavings, stated that they were not in favor of changing the name of Leavings to Granum as Leavings was historically descriptive of where the stage road left Willow Creek. Prior to being called Leavings, the post office was Cut Bank and was housed in a log building on the old Garrow place and is still standing. Eventually in 1907, the name of Granum (meaning - grain in Latin) was given to this struggling little hamlet and it was incorporated in 1910.

  F. J. Sandgathe was the first mayor, Paul Clarke and James Orton being two of the first council.  Fred MacDougall, father of Ralph and Frank MacDougall, was the first postmaster.  Other firsts, were the cafe operated by Mr. and Mrs. Jake Alsgard; Dixon Bros. Now of Fort Macleod, had the first livery barn; Roy Hutton, the first barber shop; Tom Andrews was the first manager of the Bank of Commerce; Emil Kern and Mr. Krueger first blacksmith shops.
 When Mr. and Mrs. Kern arrived from North Dakota, there was only a board on the telegraph pole with the name Leavings on it.  Emil Kern, Jr., was the first child born in Granum.  Hans Ellison had the first grocery store and though J. H. Boyle was not the first CPR agent, he started in 1907.  Mr McBride and Mr. Jeffway ran the first butcher shops, James Blair was one of the first town clerks and P. A. Smith postmaster from 1908 until his retirement in 1952.  John Marsh operated a men's clothing store during those first years.  Granum grew to be quite a thriving town, drawing trade from Monarch and as far east as Barons.  A Mr. Coy was the first elevator agent and was in the National a part of which is still standing.  King and Evans had a large hotel on the corner where Hollis Yorgason now has his service station.  This was burned down during one of Granum's many devastating fires.

EARLY NAMES

Hop Sing was another old timer in Granum and ran a cafe for many years.  Some old familiar names come to mind: Hugh Vosburg, Pat McKenzie, H. Cochlins, Robt. Harmons, Harry Dimm, Andersons, Ross Laughton, Gilbert McCoy, James Brown and J. C. Brown, Vic Smith, Clausens and Vanderworths.  Going further east are the names of L. Van Dellan, Terrences, Miller, Weerstras, Poelmans, Lantingas, McInnes, Farrier, Goeson, Ellefsons, Cameron, Mathesons, Barries, Gardiner, Howards, Jones, McKenzies, Travis, Marshs, Blairs, Vennes, Green, Williamsons, Curie, Ellis, Pinder and no doubt many others.
  Among the settlers who lived along Willow Creek were Dave Nelson, Sherman Bros., Fred Garrow, John Marson, Ernest Henker, Sr., Dave Hobbs, Cyrus Litle and M. McNaught.  The heavy grass which grew here and the open winters drew many ranchers.  Some of the old time ranchers who lived in the hills along the foothills were Jake Merkle, H. Fordman, Wm. McCorkle, Chas. Vaile, WILLARD IRISH, A. Plested, Sam Gordon, C. Huston, Wm. Gray, Baird Bros., Nels Yorgason, Otto Dersch, Jake, Byer, Clifton Bros., Wm. Cochrane, N. Nicholson, Dan Nichols, MacDougall Bros., Mr. Sellers, Bert, Clarke and John Nelson.
 Stories can be told of the terrible prairie fires and floods in the country.  Many stores could be told also of the hardships of the pioneer women in the early days.  I have heard of Mrs. Otto Dersch, living on Cottonwood Creek, Mrs. James Daley and Mrs. Fred McDouglass of Round Up driving to Fort Macleod with their butter and eggs and having to ford the Oldman river when it was in flood.  One of the many tales related by Mrs. Daley was when Charcoal, the notorious Indian was being sought, the police stopped and asked if she had seen him and was told not to feed him if he did come.

DALEY CREEK RANCH

  Speaking of ranchers, James Daley was one of the first to settle on a ranch, along the creek which was named "Daley Creek" after him.  Mr. Daley came to Fort Macleod in 1775 with the first contingent of the NWMP which had been organized in Ottawa.  After fulfilling his duties, he started ranching in 1881 and the ranch is still owned by his son Stariley Daley.  The Baird Bros. Had the post office at Round-up for many years and Harry Perkins our local postmaster reported that he had received a letter recently addressed to Round-up post office.

FIRST CHURCH

  The first church services were held in Leavings in 1902 by a Presbyterian student, Peter Henderson and he was stationed in Claresholm.  He mentions traveling across country on a Saturday by horse back to the home of Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Stephenson and holding services in a jumbo Valley school house, then on to Roselawn.  In 1906 there were regular services held in Granum in what is now the Masonic Hall with Glen McLaughlan, a Presbyterian, and F. C. McCall, a Methodist alternating services.  J. B. Allison was another student minister and he assisted in building the present United Church building during 1907-1908.  Mr. Allison married Miss Elizabeth Farrier and continued to live on here.  Mrs. Cyrus Litle was the first organist.  It was through Rev. Henderson's influence that the Round-up mission field was started and J. B. Allison was the first preacher and held services at Round-up, Meadow Creek and Trout Creek.
  In 1903 Jack Baird and J. B. Allison cut the timber and with volunteer labor a little church was built near Frog Coulee and was named "Robertson Memorial Church" in honor of Dr. Robertson, Supt. Of Presbyterian Mission.  This church was painted white and became a landmark, truly symbolic of the aspirations of the people.  Years later it was moved to Granum to become the hall of the present United Church.

DELAYED WEDDING

One interesting event took place in the little Robertson church.  Word got around that ALICE ROBINSON and WILLARD IRISH would be married a certain Sunday at the church and a large number had gathered at the appointed hour, 11 a.m., but no minister appeared.  It was discovered that Mr. Irish had never mentioned the marriage to him and as the roads were bad and the weather cold, the minister had not come.  Jack Baird undertook to get him and the ceremony proceeded at the late hour of 4 p.m.
  As the village of Granum grew and the country settled, the Catholics decided to start their work and for a time, missionaries would go to the homes and say Mass and the people would come from distances to attend.  The first missionaries were Father Leduc and Father Blandchet.  As soon as there was a school built, Mass was heard in it.  It is now the Masonic Hall.  In 1906, a church was built which stands today.  Fathers Leduc and Blanchet were the priests until 1917, when Father Hughes came.
  Granum is situated in one of the best farming country in the South and not even during the worst of the drought years in the "30's", did the Granum district experience a complete failure.
  It is a small town, it has the usual business places and during the past few years a beautiful new high school was built as well as a curling rink and artificial ice is being planned for the future.
  A new elevator, 85,000 bushel capacity, was built in 1954 by the Alberta Wheat Pool and is fully modern.  Granum has water and sewage system that is working satisfactorily.  The town is served by electricity and natural gas.  Most of the farms are electrified.  Granum is also sports minded and with due appreciation to Geo. Wesley, rancher-sportsman, we have provincial winners in baseball.  We have one of the most up to date baseball diamonds and have an almost unbeaten girls and boys basketball team.  A local boy, Norman Johnson, won first with his wheat at Toronto and Chicago Fairs.
  Granum can also boast of having some well known old timers living.  Joe Dorner who has celebrated his 93rd birthday and Bob Baird had his 82nd birthday.  The town has a wide-awake town council, Mayor W. A. Henker, Agnar Johnson, Donald Douglas, T. W. Cairns, Alf Sauter, Lloyd Sherman, and Thos. Syme.  Several new houses have been built and new cement sidewalks are being built, reflecting the general good times.

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March 4, 1960 LETHBRIDGE HAROLD By Jean Hoar

The Early traveler, making his way over the prairie, following the paths of the wandering bands of Indians from landmark to landmark, began to etch in the trails between the first white settlements in the early 1800's and dotting these trails, usually a day's journey apart, were stopping places, often named from the landmarks that had been the only guideposts.

 The trails followed the rivers and creeks whenever possible and the stopping places provided fresh water, driftwood for fires and occasional shelter for the camp.  When the trails left such a spot, and the next day's journey would end in a "dry camp" the place would be called "The Leavings", reminding the traveler to take with him a supply of water and fire-wood.
*   *    *   *   *   *

One such place was on the trail along the eastern edge of the Porcupine Hills, by a ford in what is now Willow Creek. Here the trail to the north left the creek. Tepee rings mark it as a spot frequented by Indians and later it was used as an overnight camp-ing ground for the freighters.

  An early reference to it is in the diary of one of the Mounted Police, sent out on a round-up of whiskey traders from Fort Macleod in February of 1875, just four months after the arrival of the police and the estab-lishment of the fort in the fall of 1874.

The men made their camp at "The Leavings" on the second night of their trip north from the Fort, poorly equipped for the freezing weather they en-countered, their only shelter the willow brush along the bank of the creek.

  Five years later, by 1880 the trail was deeply slashed into the prairie gumbo by the wheels of the oxen freight trains.  Red River carts and settlers' wagons, and a stagecoach made the run between the two forts of Macleod and Calgary.
  Mail and passengers were dropped off at the small log shack built at "The Leavings" by Henry Kountz, a Pennsylvania Dutchman who had come to the area about 1870 and who is referred to both as a whiskey trader and buffalo hunter.  The Indians called him "Siomak" which meant  "Lone Bull", referring to his habit of always hunting alone.  One of the stories referring to Kounts claimed that he had lived for seven years on buffalo "straight" - meaning without any other food whatsoever -- and apparently thrived on this restricted diet.
   *   *   *   *   *

In 1881, Kountz and his log cabin became part of the era of the "land barons" -- hundred thousand acres tracts of land leased to private individuals or companies for ranching. He was hired as camp cook and his cabin was purchased by John R. Craig, manager of the Oxley Ranching Company, as the first of the ranch buildings.

  The following year, Mr. Alexander Staveley Hill, QC, MP, a managing director of the Oxley Ranching Company (and whose name is used now, misspelled, by the town of Stavely), made his first visit to the ranch, riding up the trail from Fort Macleod on horseback.  
  Mr. Staveley Hill gives an account of his arrival at "The Leavings" in his book From Home to Home, and in diary form under the date of September 25, 1882, reports on his ride up the creek, after stop-ing at Colonel Winder's ranch and his meeting with Craig Kountz at the head-quarters of the ranch, which he named, "The New Oxley" after his home in England.
  In 1883 he made another visit to the same location, reporting in his diary that more buildings had been added, and that the stage still made use of the Oxley Ranch headquarters at "The Leavings" to put off mail and pass-engers. 
  By 1884, the Oxley Ranch headquarters were moved further north; the buildings were dismantled, the logs numbered, moved, rebuilt and many may still be seen on this new location on the property of Mrs. Elsie Lane Gordon, daughter of the Late George Lane, present owner of the Oxley Ranch as it exists today.
  Back at "The Leavings" the one remaining log cabin was supplemented by a large sandstone structure built into the hillside and the Mounted Police established a field garrison there, the first detachment being under the command of Sgt. E. J. Camies, whose daughter, Mrs. George Murdock, re-sides in Fort Macleod.
  A log cabin and stable and a hand-dug well, all with excellent stone foundations, were also built to accommodate the stagecoach, with a change of horses being kept in the stable.  These were located approximately three quarters of a mile south of the police barracks, nearer to the ford.  Only the stonework around the well remains today, the crumbling remains of the foundation of the stable having been washed away in the flood of 1952.  The stonework from the house was hauled in by oxen on a stoneboat by Dr. Tupper, and used in the foundations of the school built in the town of Claresholm in 1907.
   *    *    *    *
Another two or three miles further south on the trail along Willow Creek, a small cabin housed the post office for the area, using the name New Oxley PO.  Only pictures remain today of this building, but pieces of mail addressed to the early settlers at The New Oxley PO, N.W.T. are prized by their owners.
  The stopping place was in continual use as the oxen freighters cut the trail in deeper and deeper, the heavy wagons often stretch-ing out one behind the other for miles.  Traces of the trail are still to be seen in some places close to "The Leavings".
  The completion of the Calgary and Edmonton Railroad gradually brought the activity on the trail to an end.  The small villages on the railroad replaced the stopping places and around 1903, the police garrison was moved into the town of Clare-sholm.  The land was homesteaded by Mr. Ed Leader and his father, on adjoining property, divided today between Drift-willow Ranch, used primarily as the NWMP horse pasture, and part of the H. Maur-ushat ranch, where the stone barn and log cabins are still in use.
  The quarter section of land at the ford, on which the stagecoach stable and well were located, was main-tained as a water right until 1905, but in that year it too was made available and taken over by Mr. W. J. Elliott.  His daughter, Mrs. Flossie Powell, of Petersborough, Ont., has made recent visits to the homestead, now open by Mr. Clem Best and has contributed many interesting facts and stories of the early days.
  *   *   *   *   *
  One of the first working projects of the newly formed Willow Creek Historical Association is to be the restoration and fur-nishing to a log cabin, to depict a typical settler's shack of the 1870-90 period.  This cabin has already been donated to the site overlooking the various association and moved to a location of "The Leavings" on Willow Creek, and it is hoped that the building at least will be completed early in the spring.  Future projects will include such projects as further buildings to house wagons, machinery, etc.
  *   *   *    *   *

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LETHBRIDGE HERALD summer 1983

  James Daley was one of those very early ranchers. He had serv-ed with  the N.W.M.P.

(North West Mounted Police), and was en-titled to a "military homestead" of 320 acres. In 1884 he filed on the S1/2 30-10-27-4, and later brought the other half of the section. He acquired more land and ran a viable operation of farming and ranching that is still owned by his descendants.

  With the influx of settlers at the turn of the century,  a thriving  town suddenly mushroomed.  An impressive hotel was built to accommodate the newly arrived.  To ease the pangs of homesickness or to celebrate the acquisition of a home-stead, whisky could be bought by the bucket.  Enterprising business people quickly moved in to establish their shops and offices.
 In haste the farm land was being broken and by 1906 Leavings shipped 350,000 bushels of grain.  By 1907 production was up to 500,000 bushels.
  Malcolm Mackenzie was the first member to represent the Fort Macleod area in the Alberta government.  He was known as M.P.P. (Member of Provincial Parliament).  Mr. Mackenzie was a prominent southern Alberta lawyer and a very forceful speaker.  He was a hard worker in the Legislature and was highly respected by other members as well as by his constituents.
 Seventy-five years ago MalcolmMackenzie envisioned the potential of the rugged settlers and this virgin land.
 "Leavings is not a fit name for this town", he announced.  "We shall call it Granum.  Granum means grain, and grain it shall produce in abun-dance."
  At that time the population of the village had grown to 350.  As "Overseer" and three councillors were appointed to administer the town's business.  Soon it was felt necessary to hire Mr. C. Cameron as secretary-treasurer and add three more members to council.
  The dedication of those first town fathers is very impressive.  Much humor and sadness is written into those early town minutes.  The town, by-laws, for example, read as follows:
Every hawker, pedlar or petty chapman, or any person who carries on a petty trade on foot or with any animal drawing goods, must buy a five dollar license.
  Every keeper of a pawnshop, junk shop, peanut stand, or fruit stand must have a license. (FINE $50.)
  No person shall run, race, jostle or crowd any other foot passenger, or create confusion on the streets.
  No person shall break or train any horse, mare or gelding, or shall exhibit or let to mare any entire horse, in any public place or in the streets.
  No person shall advertise goods by blowing a horn, crying or hallooing, or making a noise.
  No person shall carry or throw firecrackers, bombs, squibs, or serpents in streets.
  No person shall beat horse, ox or cow in town.
  No person shall maintain any house of ill-fame and no person shall inhabit such a house, unless done so for lawful purpose.
  No person shall maintain any gambling house.
  No person shall expectorate on the streets except into receptacles provided for this purpose.

POUNDKEEPER - Charges for animals impounded: Stallion or bull....$1.00 Horse, mare, Jack..75 Mule, ox, cow, swine................75 Colt, calf, sheep or goat .................25 Unless suckling mother, goose, hen, turkey, duck.......05

  There were those who were certain Granum would some day be a city of importance and size.  In 1923, Mayor Leyden was delegated to attend a meeting in Calgary to investigate Tram Service.
 Through the years, the predictions of Malcolm Mackenzie have been verified many times over.  Granum farmers are consistent.

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1920 UNITED STATES CENSUS STATE: Washington COUNTY: King TOWNSHIP: Seattle Enumerated on Jan. 5, 1920 by Mary Isabella Johnson. ROBINSON, ALICE B., mother-in-law, female, white, age 62, married, born in Wis., resides with James & Orpha Dunakey & 5 children. (Orpha is Alice's daughter)

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1930 UNITED STATES CENSUS STATE: Washington COUNTY: Pierce TOWNSHIP: Kelly Lake Precinct Enumerated April 16, 1930 by Orin C. Fulton. ROBINSON, ALICE B., head, female, white, age 72, widow, born in Wisconsin. Owns farm. ROBINSON, AMOS B., son, male, white, age 53, widower, born in Iowa.

More About ALYCE (ALICE) BARBARA SKILLINGS: Burial: 02 Sep 1937, Evergreen Cemetery, 11111 Aurora Ave. N. Seattle, WA. Cause of Death: a. pulmonary embolism b. arteriosclerotic heart disease

Children of WILLIAM ROBINSON and ALYCE SKILLINGS are: 58. i. AMOS OSCAR4 ROBINSON, b. 13 Mar 1877, Oran, Fayette County, Iowa; d. 26 Feb 1954, Glasgow, Valley Co., Montana. 59. ii. EVA ISADORA ROBINSON, b. 19 May 1879, Villard, Pope Co., Minnesota; d. 03 Aug 1946, Salem, Marion County, OR. at age 67 yrs and 2 mos. 60. iii. ORPHA (MAE) EDNA ROBINSON, b. 05 Aug 1883, Osakis, Douglas Co., Minnesota; d. 27 May 1956, Seattle, King Co., WA.. iv. LACY ELMER ROBINSON, b. 22 Apr 1885, Jackson Twp., Charles Mix Co., S.D.; d. 19 Dec 1918, Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada62.

Notes for LACY ELMER ROBINSON: THE INFORMATION BELOW IS FROM THE APPLICATION FOR A HOMESTEAD IN ALBERTA CANADA.

File #1461600 Department of the Interior 1907 From: A.D.L./ Lethbridge Date received: 23/9/1907 Subject: Gottlieb Krieger Abandon NE 36-9-28-W4

Case #4550562

Application for Entry for a Homestead, I, Lacy Elmer Robinson of Granum Alberta do hereby apply for an Entry for a Homestead under the provisions of Section ___ in that behalf of the Dominion Lands Act, for the NE Quarter Section of Section number 36, in Township 9, Range 28, of the 4 Meridian. (2) I am a British subject.

Signed/ L. E. Robinson 21 JUNE 1909 Lethbridge District

Number in the family: One Male age 28, for a total of one. Country of Birth: United States of America Sub-division of Country of Birth: S. Dakota Last Place of Residence: Alberta Previous Occupation: Farming Contact: Please write Mrs. A. B. Robinson, Granum, Alberta

Affidavit in support of an Application of Entry for a Homestead I, Lacy E. Robinson of Granum, do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be), that I am over eighteen years of age; that there is no person residing on the land herein applied for; that there are no improvements thereon; that there is not ore than twenty-five (25) acres of merchantable timber on the land. (3) That I obtained Entry for a Homestead on the 15th day of September 1904, for NW Quarter-section of Section 18, Township 10, Range 28W, of the 4 Meridian, but abandoned the same. (4) That this application is made for my exclusive use and benefit, with the intention of my residing upon and cultivating the said land and neither directly nor indirectly for the use or benefit of any other person or persons whomsoever. (5) That to the best of my knowledge and belief the land in respect of which my application is made is agricultural land and open to Entry. (6) That my Homestead Entry is in good standing at this date. Signed: L. E. Robinson Subscribed and sworn to this 18th day of August 1914, before me at Macleod. R. T. Barker, Sub Agent

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Sworn Statement of LACY ELMER ROBINSON, of Granum, Alberta in support of his application for Homestead Patent for the NE Quarter of Section 36, Township 9, Range 28 W of the 4th Meridian. 1. What is your name in full, age, occupation and Post Office address? Lacy Elmer Robinson, age 32, farmer, Granum, Alberta

2. (1) Are you a British subject at the present time? and (2) have you always been one? (3) Are you a British subject by birth, naturalization or repatriation? (1) Yes (2) no (3) Naturalization

3. (a) When did you obtain homestead entry: (b) when did you build your house thereon, and (c) when did you commence actual residence thereon? (a) 19th August 1914 (b) 2 November 1914 (c) 2 December 1914

RESIDENCE ON HOMESTEAD 4. What portion of each year since commencement of residence have you lived upon this homestead, giving actual dates? From December 2nd 1914 continually to the present March 4, 1918 on Homestead. 5. When absent from your homestead where have you resided and what has been your occupation? (There was no answer to this section.) 6. Of whom do your family consist, when did they first commence residence upon this homestead, and for what portion of each year since that date have they resided upon it? Self.

VICINITY RESIDENCE (no portion of this was filled out)

How much breaking have you done upon your homestead in each year since you obtained entry, and how many acres have you cultivated each year? Year 1914 Broke 0 acres, cropped 0 acres. Year 1915 Broke 10 acres, cropped 0 acres. Year 1916, broke 10 acres, cropped 10 acres. Year 1917, broke 0 acres, cropped 20 acres.

What stock of which you are the owner have you had on your homestead each year since date of perfecting entry? Year 1914, Cattle 0, horses 22, sheep 0, hogs 20 Year 1915, Cattle 1, horses 18, sheep 0, hogs 0 Year 1916, Cattle, 3, Horses 14, Sheep 4, Hogs 14 Year 1917, Cattle 5, Horses 14, Sheep 0, Hogs 0

Has such stock been kept on homestead for grazing in summer and feeding in winter? Yes

What is the size of your house on your homestead; of what material and what is its present cash value? 10x18, frame, Value $100.00

What other buildings have you erected on your homestead? What other improvements have you made thereon and what is the cash value of the same? Barn 20x24, shop 14x16, chicken house, Corrall. Value $260.00

What extent of fencing have you made on your homestead, and what is the present cash value thereof? 2 miles, value $150.00

Are there any indications of minerals or quarries on your homestead? If so, state nature of same, and whether the land is more valuable for agricultural than any other purpose. No. Agricultural land.

Have you had any other homestead entry? If so, describe it and say what became of it. Yes. NW4-18-10-28W4. Abandoned.

Have you ever obtained patent for a homestead on Dominion Lands? No.

Have you mortgaged, assigned or transferred, or agreed to mortgage, assign or transfer your present homestead or any part thereof? If so, when and to whom? No.

I, LACY ELMER ROBINSON, do solemnly swear that the answers to the foregoing questions are true and correct in every particular. That I claim a Patent for the Homestead under the provisions of the Dominion Lands Act. That I obtained an entry, and claim a Patent for the same for my own benefit and not in the interest or for the benefit of any other person or persons whomsoever. So Help Me God. Sworn before me at MACLEOD, in the Province of ALBERTA this 4th day of March A.D. 1918. Signed: Lacy Elmer Robinson having been first read over and explained to the said applicant. Chas. C. Rhodes, Agent of Dominion Lands, for the Lethbridge District. IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF MACLEOD

BE IT KNOWN that on the tenth day of March A.D. 1919, Letters of Administration of all and singular the property of LACY ELMER ROBINSON late of near the town of Granum in the District of Macleod who died on or about the Eighteenth day of December 1918, at Cranbrook in the Province of British Columbia, Intestate, and had at the time of his death a fixed place of abode at near Granum in the Province of Alberta were granted by the District Court of the District of Macleod to ALICE BARBARA IRISH of the Town of Granum in the Province of Alberta, the natural and lawful mother of the said intestate, she having been first sworn faithfully to administer the same by paying his just debts and all taxes and duties payable in respect of his estate, and by distributing the residue (if any) of his property according to law, and to exhibit under oath a true and perfect inventory of all and singular said property, and to render a just and true account of her administration and to surrender this grant whenever required by law so to do. Signed: Trenholme Dickson, Clerk of the Court

This grant is made upon the condition that no portion of the assets shall be distributed or paid during the War to any beneficiary or creditor who is a German, Austre-Hungarian, Turkish or Bulgarian subject or other alien enemy wherever resident, or to anyone on his behalf, or to or on behalf of any person resident in Germany, Austria-Hungary, Turkey or Bulgaria or other enemy country of whatever nationality, without the express sanction of the Crown acting through the Treasury and if any distribution or payment is made contrary to this condition the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration will be forthwith revoked. Signed: Edw. P. McNeill, Judge District Court Macleod March 8th, 1919 I certify the foregoing to be a true copy of the Letters of Administration issued herein. Signed: Trenholme Dickson, Clerk of the Court

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SUPPLEMENTARY STATEMENT made and confirmed by the affidavit of Mrs Alice Barbara Irish, legal rep of Lacy E. Robinson in support of application for patent for the north east of Section 36 Township 9, range 28 of the 4 Meridian.

1. What is your present address? Granum Alberta

2. Since applying for patent for the above land what length of time have you resided thereon. (Give exact dates of commencing and ending each period of residence.) 4 March 1918, to his death 18 December 1918.

3 (a). Blank 3 (b). Blank 4. How much breaking have you done since date of application for patent, and how much land have you had under crop? 1918 Break 0 Crop 20 1919 Break 0 Crop 20 1920 Break 0 Crop 0 1921 Break 10 Crop 0 5. Blank 6. How many horned cattle, horses, sheep and pigs have you on your home land? None 7. Have you improved your house? NO 8. What is the total extent of you fencing and its present cash value? 2 miles $150. 9. What other improvements, if any, have you made and what is the value thereof? none 10. Have you assigned or transferred or agreed to assign or transfer any right, title or interest in the above land or any part thereof? No 11. Do you wish to correct any statement contained in your application for patent or to add anything thereof. NO

I, Alice Barbara Irish, do solemnly swear that the answers to the foregoing questions are true and correct to every particular; and that I obtained an entry and claim a patent for the land referred to therein for my own benefit and not in the interest or for the benefit of any other persons whomsoever. Sworn before me at Lethbridge, Province of Alberta this 6 day of June A.D. 1921, having been read over and explained to the said Mrs. A. B. Irish. E. Layton, Asst. Agent signed: Alice Barbara Irish Witnesses signed: W. G. Smith & Paul Dersch

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DEATH CERTIFICATE #60888 GR2951 - Volume 187 - British Columbia City: Cranbrook District of: East Kootaney, B.C. Division of VITAL STATISTICS 1. Full Name: Lacy E. Robinson 2. Sex: male Color: White Married, Single, Widow, Div.: Single 3. Birthplace: Montana, USA Date of Birth: blank 4. Age 33 years 5. Died on the 19 day of Dec. 1918 at about 8 a.m. 6. Last occupation: labor 7. Former occupation: farmer 8. Place of death: (a) St. Eugene Hospital (b) How long at place of death: 4 days 9. Former or usual residence: Bull River 10. How long resident in City: 4 days 11. How long in district: 3 weeks 12. How long in Canada, if foreign born: 14 years. 13. (a) Name of father: blank (b) Birth place of Father: blank 14. (a) Maiden Name of mother: blank (b) Birth place of Mother: blank The Foregoing Stated Personal Particulars are True to the Best of my knowledge and belief: 15. Informant: J. S. Powell Address: Mcleod 16. Place of Burial: Granum, Alta. Date of burial: Dec. 24 Hour: 11 a.m. 17. Undertaker: F. ? MacPherson Address: Cranbrook PHYSICIAN'S CERTIFICATE OF CAUSE OF DEATH I hereby certify that I attended Lacy E. Robinson from Dec. 15, 1918 to Dec. 19, 1918. That I last attended him on the 18 day of Dec. 1918. That he died as I am informed on the 19 day of Dec. at about 8 o'clock a.m., and that to the best of my knowledge and belief, the cause of his death is as hereunder written. IF UNDER ONE YEAR OLD, STATE HOW DIED. Female or earlier Pathological or medical condition: (can't read the writting - it could be influenza) Was operation performed within one month before death? blank Immediate or final determining cause: pneumonia Witness my hand, this 23 day of Dec. 1918. Signature: G. E. ??? Address: Cranbrook

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Lacy Elmer Robinson died of pneumonia, at the age of 33 years, 7 months and 27 days. He was single and apparently never married.

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More About LACY ELMER ROBINSON: Cause of Death: pneumonia

v. ROBERTA ISABELL ROBINSON, b. 08 Oct 1886, Jackson Twp., Charles Mix Co., S.D.. vi. BIRDELLA B. ROBINSON, b. May 1888, Bonesteel, Gregory Co., S.D.. 61. vii. CLEMENT LEE ROBINSON, b. 08 May 1889, Bonesteel, Gregory Co., S.D.; d. 08 May 1957, Galen, Deer Lodge Co., MT.. viii. CLARA LEONE ROBINSON, b. 08 May 1889, Bonesteel, Gregory Co., S.D.; d. Bef. 1895, Bonesteel, Gregory Co., S.D.63. 62. ix. WILLIAM ALBERT ROBINSON, b. 04 Apr 1892, Bonesteel, Gregory Co., S.D.; d. 15 May 1970, Bozeman, Gallatin Co., MT..

25. ALMINA LOIS3 ROBINSON (AMASA2, AMASA1) was born 05 May 1859 in Fayette Co., Iowa, and died 03 Mar 1934 in Defiance, Defiance Co., Ohio. She married JOHN H. RATH 28 Sep 1878 in Fayette Co., Iowa64, son of JOHN RATH and MARY ?. He was born 17 Mar 1854 in Tiffin Township, Defiance Co., Ohio, and died 11 Jul 1939 in Defiance, Ohio..

Notes for ALMINA LOIS ROBINSON: OBITUARY FROM THE DEFIANCE CRESCENT NEWS, DEFIANCE, OHIO, MARCH 1934

Funeral services for Mrs Almina Lois Rath, 75, wife of John H. Rath, who died Saturday at 1 p.m. at her home, 729 Harrison Avenue, were to be held this afternoon at 2 o'clock in the Mansfield funeral home, Jefferson Avenue and Fifth street, with Rev. Theodore Strauss, pastor of St Paul's Lutheran church officiating. Burial was to be made in Riverside cemetery. Mrs. Rath had been in failing health for some time and bedfast the last week with heart trouble. She leaves her husband, John H. Rath; and a son, William Rath of Chicago, a radio artist with the Tribune station, WGN. Mrs Rath was a school teacher in Iowa as a young woman and had lived in Defiance since her marriage to Mr Rath on Sept 28, 1878. For four years in the 90's she was a matron at Defiance College. She was born May 5, 1859 in Fayette County, Iowa, a daughter of the late Amasa and Mary Robinson.

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More About ALMINA LOIS ROBINSON: Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Defiance, Ohio Cause of Death: heart trouble Highlights of life: Information regarding the marriage of Lois has been taken from the family tree of Tom Smith @ genealogy.rootsweb Occupation: School teacher in Iowa; matron at Defiance College 4 years in 1890's Religion: St Paul's Lutheran Church, Defiance, Ohio

Notes for JOHN H. RATH: OBITUARY FROM THE DEFIANCE CRESCENT NEWS, DEFIANCE, OH. JULY 11, 1939

John H. Rath, 85, died of infirmities of age in the bathroom of his home at 729 Harrison Avenue today at 12:30 p.m. Funeral arrangements have not been made pending word from a son, William A. Rath, Chicago. The body has been taken to the Mansfield funeral home. Employed most of his life as a foreman at the Defiance Box Co., Mr Rath was active until March 1934 when his wife passed away. They were married in Des Moines, Iowa, September 28, 1878, while he was spending a few years in the west. Mr Rath was born in Tiffin township, March 17, 1854. Mr and Mrs Mark Harader have lived in the Rath home since Mrs Rath's death. Only other survivors are a sister, Mrs Henry Toberen, 500 North Clinton street and a half sister, Mrs Della Ackus, Rockland, OH.

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Child of ALMINA ROBINSON and JOHN RATH is: i. WILLIAM A.4 RATH, b. Jun 1881, Kansas65.