James and Esther immigrated to Canada in the fall of 1913 from County Derry, North Ireland. They had of family of ten who were all born in Ireland and seven came to Canada.
Their daughter, Margaret Ann (Maggie), immigrated in 1911 to marry Sam Neely; and their son, William (Bill), came in early 1912. Then followed their son, Robert and their daughter, Elizabeth (Lizzie) and husband, James (Jimmie) Lawrence, with their children, David and Esther (later called wee Essie), in April 1913. Last but not least came James and Esther, with three more of their children; Esther Blair (Essie), Ella, and Henry in October 1913, to seek out new horizons.
Ireland was a land of unrest and political change. Land was cheap in Canada especially on the prairies. One quarter section sold for ten dollars and was called a homestead. James and Esther first lived in Eriksdale (32-21-6W) with their daughter Lizzie and Jimmie.
When the WWI broke out in 1914 James and his sons, Bill and Robert, all joined the army and went overseas to fight for freedom. Bill was taken prisoner of war in Germany.
While the men were away at war, Esther, her children, Ella and Harry, lived with the Lawrence family. They were responsible to look after some of the other homesteads in the area during this time.
The town was 8½ mile way. Esther drove a horse and buggy to deliver the cream and eggs to sell in town and buy any needed supplies. Wee Essie remembers going on these trips with her Grandmother Esther.
After the war and while their own home in the Pineview district (SE-6-22-6W) was being built, James and Esther lived on their son’s (Robert) homestead, as he worked in Winnipeg. They made a living from mixed farming (cows, chickens, turkeys, and pigs) and of course they grew a garden and preserved the produce for winter use. Their daughter Essie, and husband, Joe Lamb, came to live with them after Joe retired. They took over the farm when the old folks passed away.
Esther is remembered fondly by her grandchildren for her beautiful crocheting. She made each a bedspread in her spare time. Esther lived to listen to and sing hymns. She could list the books of the Bible forward and backward to the amazement of her grandchildren. She did not believe in doing any hand work on the Sabbath day.
James is remembered as an accomplished elocutionist and step dancer. Many times on trips to the lake he kept his grandchildren regaled with comic songs. He played the flute and calurra and was a joy to listen to. In later years James became blind, but this didn’t stop him from visiting family and friends or keep him from his music.
Christmas was a great family affair with lots of music! It was spent at the home of Bill and May’s since they had the largest house, until the families became too big for even their place.
James and Esther lived a long life surrounded by many members of their family, the Sam Neelys, the Bill Allens, the Joe Lambs, and the Jimmie Lawrences.
James was born in 1861 and passed away December 25, 1946. Esther was born in 1861 and passed away in May 1947. They both rest in the Eriksdale cemetery.
James and Esther’s children:
v Agnes, born June 12, 1898. Died June 21, 1898. Laid to rest in Ireland.
v Samuel, born August 18, 1900. Died February 27, 1911. Laid to rest in Ireland.
v John, born September 6, 1902. Died April 20, 1910. Laid to rest in Ireland.
Sources:
Beyond Beginnings: Eriksdale Area History Book. Published by Eriksdale Heritage Advisory Committee, 1996. Pages 253-256, 435-437, 487-489, 506-7,
(information has been edited and updated)