Person:John Flood (15)

Homestead -land patten applications show John's application was made in 1910 for two 1/4 sections of 160 acres each: north west section 21, twp. 21 range 1 of the 4th meridian and south west section 28, twp. 21, range 1, 4th meridian-- these records indicate John did not occupy these lands until 1913. There is evidence John struggled to maintain these lands in the early years- often he worked in lumber camps in BC during the winters. Plagued by repeated crop failure due to drought conditions - in 1924 he writes to the Federal authorities- "we have had so many failures in crop in this vicinity that I found it impossible to raise the money to pay off pre-emption. The 1911 census shows John working as a Rail Road Brakeman, in Kootney BC The 1916 census indicates he is a farmer in Empress Alberta.

excerpt from nephew, Tom Flood's account of attending John's funeral Jan. 1977 John Flood, (Jack) moved to Empress, Alberta about 1910. From 1910 to 1972 he owned a ranch, and in the early days was well known for his horses, both for work and show. He remained single, and in 1972 at the age of 85, he sold his property and moved to the St. Joseph home, in Medicine Hat, were he remained until his death. John was a "quiet man" but held strong to his ideas, ideals, & principles. He was always active and highly regarded in the community. He supported the local church, the Diocese, and the foreign missions, all without identity or fanfare, On his death he made a bequest to the Carmelite Sisters who ran the St. Joseph home were he was a resident for 5 years, the balance of his estate went to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary.