86
Sam Sollid's log home with community members1906
Edison, Westlock, Alberta, Canada
87
The Sterling family came from Manitoulin Island1958
Unknown
88
In 1900 William Sterling married Miss Eva Spry, who came from Peterborough, Ontario. They had four children when they arrived on the Prairie in 1907. Their first public appearance may well have been at church, all in their Sunday best, the little girls Rae and Rita just over school age, Russell about five, George a toddler with golden curls and dimples, and a black velvet Fauntleroy suit.At first they lived in Art Edgson's house and the children attended Dungannon School. Then they lived in Joe Maloney's house for a time and from there it was a new road to Edison School. Rita remembered how their mother went with them the first day and broke twigs along the trail so they could find their way home.
In 1910 Mr. Sterling rented Mike Alton's farm for a year while the Altons lived on their homestead. Thus the children had regular schooling for a while. Then came the final move to his own homestead down on Section 12. Here there was no school, but he joined with William Tracy in organizing Clover Valley School district, which elected its first trustees in 1912. They were William Sterling, William Tracy, and Mike O'Brien. School opened that fall.
It was rather far to the school and to Edison or Clyde. But the joy of living on their own land was compensation for many troubles. Good soil it was, rich and black and pleasantly loose. William Sterling could hardly wait to get his plough into it. Indeed he did not wait, but ploughed a few furrows for his garden on the very first evening in the new home.
The family prospered and the children attended school regularly when there was school. This often involved driving the old horse, Sandy, in the old buggy, across a creek that could be a torrent. Sometimes they walked. But get there they did, since father and mother were equally determined. Often on cold days or when rains were heavy they were the only pupils.
Three more children were born: Leonard, Ruby, and Gordon. Hard work and thrift, those old and now unpopular virtues, enabled them to live respectably, to improve the homestead, and prepare, all unknowingly, for the Great Depression...
The Sterlings lived too far from the centre of the settlement to share in what William Garrison called "every dog-fight". But they continued in their quiet way, educating their children, making a farm out of the homestead, holding steadfastly their firm standards of right and wrong.
Mrs. Sterling died in Westlock at sixty-six. Mr. Sterling lived to be eighty-eight and farmed almost to the last, driving back and forth to Westlock on his tractor when he had given up driving a car. His was the blessing: "As thy days, so shall thy strength be.
(Garrison, D. Edison Settlement. Alberta Historical Review, Winter 1962)
89
Mr. and Mrs. William Sterling in their later years1960
Edison, Westlock, Alberta, Canada
90
The Pollard family1915
In an undefined or unknown area near the present Westlock, Alberta, Canada
91
The Pollard family was not recorded for this story, but the family arrived early and their descendants remain in the area to this writing. Tom (brother of Mrs. Charlie Edgson Sr.) died not long after coming to the settlement.92
A group at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Jack, directly north of the (1960s) Jim Jarvis farm.1910
Edison, Westlock, Alberta, Canada
93
Tom was a quiet Scottish bachelor who seemed quite content with life in his small sparsely furnished tent, which he banked with manure in winter to protect himself from the harsh Alberta winter. He had built a cozy barn for his team of horses, which he exercised on an oval track around his farm site, on days when they were not needed for other chores. Tom was known to have spent much time singing from a favorite hymn book.94
Group at home of Mr. and Mrs. James Beatt1910
Edison, Westlock, Alberta, Canada
95
Mabel and Dios Smith1960
In an undefined or unknown area near the present Westlock, Alberta, Canada
96
Mabel and Dios Smith were early pioneers, Mabel arriving with her parents (P. MacEacheran) in 1905. Dios was a skiled telegraph operator, and they were active in promoting a district Old Timers' Cabin, a popular meeting place during the Westlock Fair Days.97
Mrs. P. McEachern1960
In an undefined or unknown area near the present Westlock, Alberta, Canada
98
McEacheran FamilyMrs. P.McEachern came with her husband and daughter Mabel in 1905. After her husband died in 1905 she shared her home with her daughter and son in law Mr. and Mrs. Dios Smith. As a midwife, she assisted at the birth of many pioneer children.
One day when the men were to be away, Mr. Douglas asked Mrs. McEacheran to watch out for coyotes that man be after his hens, assuring her that his dogs would scare them away. Sure enough, she heard great cackling among the chickens. Grabbing the broom on her way out the door, she raced out to confront the 'coyote' which appeared to be larger that she thought a coyote would be, and totally disgusted with the Douglas' dogs that cowered behind her skirts. The 'coyote' had his aim on a fine big rooster and Mrs. McEacheran swung her broom at him and missed. After a few more swings, the villan took to his heels and fled.
Upon reporting the incident to the men, Mr. Douglas told her that the culprit was not a coyote but, in fact, a timber wolf.
99
The map of Edison settlement 1902-19131980
Edison, Westlock, Alberta, Canada
 |
 |
 |
 |