Ancestral Trails Genealogy ~ Life in the Past Lane

An ongoing family history research project by David A. Walker

Person Page 966

William 'Grandaddy' Axford1

M, #48257
Last Edited 17 January 2026 17:49:54
BirthWilliam 'Grandaddy' Axford was born, in Leith, Edinburgh, ScotlandG.2
NoteWilliam 'Grandaddy' Axford had led an adventurous life. At twelve years of age he ran away to sea. He spent some years on a whaling vessel, sailing all the seven seas. It was a rough life for a boy, among churlish crewmen who often treated him cruelly. The food was coarse and unpalatable. The profits from the whaler's catch were divided among the seamen, but no share was allotted to the boy. When the ship anchored on the shore of New Zealand, William deserted. This was an uncivilized coast and the only inhabitants of the area were Marois. They took him in, adopted him into the tribe, and he lived with them for four years. Eventually, he got passage back to Scotland, where he married Phoebe Glens and raised a family. The family came from Leith, a suburb of Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1883, on the last sail boat to bring passengers over to America, they were on the boat for three weeks, in the month of March and had a very rough trip. They were able to travel by train as far as Brandon, Manitoba, Phoebe and the two girls. Phoebe and Margaret stayed there a year, while William and son, George homesteaded in Grenfell, North West Territories. From the Marois William had learned the art of thatching which he now used to roof the log house he and his son George erected on the homestead. The following year, Phoebe, along with the two girls, came to join the pair. One of the girls, Margaret subsequently married Alf Moore in Grenfell. The other, Phoebe, married John 'Jack' Ennis and had nine children (see the book, 'Ennis History', by Jean Agnes (Ferguson) Smith 1979, pages 5, 7, 44-82). Phoebe didn't have very good health and had been gently reared and was scarcely fitted for pioneer life and in the cold Canadian weather, it was hard on her, she quietly passed away in 1890. Their log house burned three or four years after they built it and they were building a new lumber one, but she didn't last long enough to get in it. William 'Grandaddy' Axford died at Peebles, North West Territories and is buried in Summerberry Cemetery, Grenfell, Saskatchewan, Canada. At this time William's parentage is not known. This account is found in the books, 'Grit and Growth, the Story of Grenfell', by Annie I. Yule, 1970 edition, on page 7 and the 1980 edition, page 7. Both books were published by the Grenfell Historical Committee and Printed by Brigdens and the covers by Universal Bindery, Saskatoon,Saskatchewan, Canada.
MarriageHe married Phoebe Glens in Leith, Edinburgh, ScotlandG.3

Child with Phoebe Glens d. 1890

DaughterPhoebe Axford+ b. 30 December 1864, d. 8 January 1919

Citations

  1. [S1042] Annie I. Yule & Ethel Box, Grit and Growth, the Story of Grenfell (Grenfell, Saskatchewan: Grenfell Historical Committee, (1970 & 1980)). Hereinafter cited as Grit and Growth, the Story of Grenfell.
  2. [S1042] Annie I. Yule & Ethel Box, Grit and Growth, the Story of Grenfell (Grenfell, Saskatchewan: Grenfell Historical Committee, (1970 & 1980)), GRIT& GROWTH, the story of GRENFELL, by Annie I. Yule, 1970, 1980 Editions. A copy of hand wrcy (Mehner) Ruhlman & Donald R. Coy's Family Tree, 3806 51st Ave. SW, Seattle,WA. Hereinafter cited as Grit and Growth, the Story of Grenfell.
  3. [S1042] Annie I. Yule & Ethel Box, Grit and Growth, the Story of Grenfell (Grenfell, Saskatchewan: Grenfell Historical Committee, (1970 & 1980)), GRIT & GROWTH, the story of GRENFELL, by Annie I. Yule, 1970,1980 Editions. Copy of hand writo Nancy (Mehner) Ruhlman, Donald R. Coy's Family Tree, 3806 51 Ave,SW, Seattle,WA. 98116-3615. Hereinafter cited as Grit and Growth, the Story of Grenfell.

Phoebe Glens1

F, #48258, d. 1890
Last Edited 13 April 2024 16:00:05
NamePhoebe Glens was also known as Phoebe Axford.
BirthShe was born, in Leith, Edinburgh, ScotlandG.2
Biographical NoteThey had 3 children by this marriage. At this time we don't know Phoebe's parentage. Phoebe, who had been gently reared and didn't have very good health and was scarcely fitted for pioneer life and the cold Canadian weather, quietly passed away in 1890. She is buried in Summerberry Cemetery, Saskatchewan. See GRIT and GROWTH, the story of GRENFELL', by Annie I. Yule, 1970 edition page 7, 1980 edition page 7.
MarriageShe married William 'Grandaddy' Axford in Leith, Edinburgh, ScotlandG.3
DeathShe died in 1890 in Summerberry, Saskatchewan, CanadaG.1

Child with William 'Grandaddy' Axford

DaughterPhoebe Axford+ b. 30 December 1864, d. 8 January 1919

Citations

  1. [S1042] Annie I. Yule & Ethel Box, Grit and Growth, the Story of Grenfell (Grenfell, Saskatchewan: Grenfell Historical Committee, (1970 & 1980)). Hereinafter cited as Grit and Growth, the Story of Grenfell.
  2. [S1042] Annie I. Yule & Ethel Box, Grit and Growth, the Story of Grenfell (Grenfell, Saskatchewan: Grenfell Historical Committee, (1970 & 1980)), GRIT & GROWTH, the story of GRENFELL, by Annie I. Yule, 1970,1980 Editions. Copy of hand writ) Ruhlman & Donald R. Coy's Family Tree, 3806 51 Ave.Sw, Seattle,WA. Hereinafter cited as Grit and Growth, the Story of Grenfell.
  3. [S1042] Annie I. Yule & Ethel Box, Grit and Growth, the Story of Grenfell (Grenfell, Saskatchewan: Grenfell Historical Committee, (1970 & 1980)), GRIT & GROWTH, the story of GRENFELL, by Annie I. Yule, 1970,1980 Editions. Copy of hand writo Nancy (Mehner) Ruhlman, Donald R. Coy's Family Tree, 3806 51 Ave,SW, Seattle,WA. 98116-3615. Hereinafter cited as Grit and Growth, the Story of Grenfell.

Herbert Clayton Watts, Sr.1

M, #48261, b. 13 March 1921
Last Edited 13 April 2024 16:00:05
AddressHerbert Clayton Watts, Sr., lived at.
BirthHe was born on 13 March 1921, in Ochelata, Washington County, Oklahoma, USAG.1
MarriageHe married Veaujilla 'Vo' Elizabeth Hazen daughter of Unknown Hazen, on 12 March 1944, in Stillwater, Payne County, Oklahoma, USAG.1

Partner with Veaujilla 'Vo' Elizabeth Hazen b. 12 October 1925

Citations

  1. [S1003] collected by Edward Hiram and Evelyn Mae (Nilson) Mahoney, compiler, Mahoney Family Ancestry & History: self published). Hereinafter cited as Mahoney Family Ancestry & History.

Robert 'Osmond' Osmond Ennis1

M, #48265, b. 18 November 1897, d. 22 October 1954

Parents

FatherJoseph William 'Joe' Ennis b. 24 February 1865, d. 10 January 1947
MotherMargaret Esther 'Maggie' McDonell b. 17 December 1875, d. 28 January 1965
Last Edited 13 April 2024 16:00:05
NoteRobert 'Osmond' Osmond Ennis, broke an arm when he was small.Grandfather Ennis set it. And at 18 years of age, enlisted in theCanadian Army and served overseas in World War I. After returning home,he tried farming and various other jobs, including a second stint atfarming before settling in the employ of the Central Alberta Dairy Poolin 1936 where he remained until his death in 1954.
BirthRobert 'Osmond' Osmond Ennis was born on 18 November 1897, in Wolseley, Saskatchewan, CanadaG.1
MarriageHe married Hazel 'Babe' Victoria Blakely on 17 November 1927, in Big Valley, Alberta, CanadaG.1
DeathHe died on 22 October 1954 in Red Deer, Alberta, CanadaG.1

Partner with Hazel 'Babe' Victoria Blakely b. 2 April 1902

Citations

  1. [S935] Jean Agnes (Ferguson) Smith, Ennis History (: privately published, 1979). Hereinafter cited as Ennis History.

Etta Lydia Kathleen Ennis1

F, #48266, b. 12 March 1899

Parents

FatherJoseph William 'Joe' Ennis b. 24 February 1865, d. 10 January 1947
MotherMargaret Esther 'Maggie' McDonell b. 17 December 1875, d. 28 January 1965
Last Edited 13 April 2024 16:00:05
NameEtta Lydia Kathleen Ennis was also known as Etta Lydia Kathleen McNair.
NameShe was also known as Etta Lydia Kathleen Eberly.
NameShe was also known as Kay Ennis.
BirthShe was born on 12 March 1899, in Grenfell, Saskatchewan, CanadaG.1
NoteEtta 'Kay' Lydia Kathleen Ennis in 1918 was away teaching school in Lousana, Alberta, when her family was struggling with the flu epidemic.
MarriageShe married Archibald Campbell McNair on 1 September 1926, in Alix, Alberta, CanadaG.1
MarriageShe married Paul Eberly on 4 May 1971, in Edmonton, Alberta, CanadaG.1

Partner with Archibald Campbell McNair b. 28 February 1895, d. 19 April 1962

Partner with Paul Eberly b. 12 July 1904

Citations

  1. [S935] Jean Agnes (Ferguson) Smith, Ennis History (: privately published, 1979). Hereinafter cited as Ennis History.

Gordon Joseph Mcdonell Ennis1

M, #48267, b. 24 February 1902, d. 30 July 1963

Parents

FatherJoseph William 'Joe' Ennis b. 24 February 1865, d. 10 January 1947
MotherMargaret Esther 'Maggie' McDonell b. 17 December 1875, d. 28 January 1965
Last Edited 13 April 2024 16:00:05
NoteGordon Joseph McDonell Ennis tried farming for a few years and then wentinto a draying business in Bradshaw. He served in the Canadian Army inWorld War II and then worked in a lumber business in Calgary where hestill lived after retiring.
BirthGordon Joseph Mcdonell Ennis was born on 24 February 1902, in Lacombe, Alberta, CanadaG.1
MarriageHe married Iva Jean Kerr on 30 January 1924, in Lacombe, Alberta, CanadaG.1
DeathHe died on 30 July 1963 in Calgary, Alberta, CanadaG.1
BurialHe was buried in 1968 in Calgary, Alberta, CanadaG.1

Partner with Iva Jean Kerr b. 25 July 1903

Citations

  1. [S935] Jean Agnes (Ferguson) Smith, Ennis History (: privately published, 1979). Hereinafter cited as Ennis History.

Jane Frances 'Jean' Ennis1

F, #48268, b. 8 November 1903, d. 5 December 1967

Parents

FatherJoseph William 'Joe' Ennis b. 24 February 1865, d. 10 January 1947
MotherMargaret Esther 'Maggie' McDonell b. 17 December 1875, d. 28 January 1965
Last Edited 13 April 2024 16:00:05
NameJane Frances 'Jean' Ennis was also known as Jane Frances 'Jean' Gaudin.
BirthShe was born on 8 November 1903, in Alix, Alberta, CanadaG.1
NoteJane Frances 'Jean' Ennis' appendicitis episode happened in May, 1920. She was too ill to move so it was decided to operate in our home. Dr. McLennan, of Mirror, and Dr. Hart of Alix attended her. The kitchen table was the operating table. A gas lamp was the source of light. As the anesthetic was ether, the lamp could not be in the same room or an explosion would have resulted, so father held the lamp up to a window on the veranda and the operation proceeded. Jean was very ill. She was in bed for six weeks with a Registered Nurse, a Miss Ford from Calgary looking after her. Jean became a teacher. in May 1920.
MarriageShe married Lorne Robert Gaudin on 28 August 1929, in Paradise Valley, Alberta, CanadaG.1
DeathShe died on 5 December 1967 in Calgary, Alberta, CanadaG.1
BurialShe was buried in Calgary, Alberta, CanadaG.1

Partner with Lorne Robert Gaudin b. 5 April 1900

Citations

  1. [S935] Jean Agnes (Ferguson) Smith, Ennis History (: privately published, 1979). Hereinafter cited as Ennis History.

Isabel Ellice 'Myrle' Myrle Ennis1

F, #48269, b. 30 November 1905

Parents

FatherJoseph William 'Joe' Ennis b. 24 February 1865, d. 10 January 1947
MotherMargaret Esther 'Maggie' McDonell b. 17 December 1875, d. 28 January 1965
Last Edited 13 April 2024 16:00:05
NameIsabel Ellice 'Myrle' Myrle Ennis was also known as Isabel Ellice 'Myrle' Myrle Sawley.
NameShe was also known as Isabel Ellice 'Myrle' Myrle Mugleston.
NoteIsabel Ellice 'Myrle' Myrle Ennis became a nurse.
BirthShe was born on 30 November 1905, in Red Deer, Alberta, CanadaG.1
MarriageShe married Herbert Sawley on 25 September 1935, in Red Deer, Alberta, CanadaG.1
MarriageShe married Harold Thomas Mugleston on 6 April 1950, in Calgary, Alberta, CanadaG.1

Partner with Herbert Sawley b. 3 August 1883, d. 7 January 1949

Partner with Harold Thomas Mugleston b. 23 January 1884

Citations

  1. [S935] Jean Agnes (Ferguson) Smith, Ennis History (: privately published, 1979). Hereinafter cited as Ennis History.

Fred Duncan Ennis1

M, #48270, b. 6 January 1908

Parents

FatherJoseph William 'Joe' Ennis b. 24 February 1865, d. 10 January 1947
MotherMargaret Esther 'Maggie' McDonell b. 17 December 1875, d. 28 January 1965
Last Edited 13 April 2024 16:00:05
NoteFred Duncan Ennis tried farming also and finally settled for a career inrailroading with the Canadian Pacific Railroad, becoming a conductor.Since retiring, he has lived in Kelona, British Columbia.
BirthFred Duncan Ennis was born on 6 January 1908, in Alix, Alberta, CanadaG.1
MarriageHe married Clementine 'Tina' Grant on 2 November 1931, in Omak, Okanogan County, Washington, USAG.1

Partner with Clementine 'Tina' Grant b. 17 December 1907

Citations

  1. [S935] Jean Agnes (Ferguson) Smith, Ennis History (: privately published, 1979). Hereinafter cited as Ennis History.

Margaret Georgina 'Peggy' Ennis1

F, #48271, b. 10 April 1911

Parents

FatherJoseph William 'Joe' Ennis b. 24 February 1865, d. 10 January 1947
MotherMargaret Esther 'Maggie' McDonell b. 17 December 1875, d. 28 January 1965
Last Edited 7 June 2024 12:20:29
NameMargaret Georgina 'Peggy' Ennis was also known as Margaret Geogina 'Peggy' Vincent.
NoteMargaret Georgina 'Peggy' Ennis had serious illnesses which includedruptured appendix which she was unfortunate enough to suffer. Herillness was in November, 1916. After her appendix ruptured, she wastaken to the Red Deer hospital via train, leaving Alix to Lacomb at 8:30a.m. and transferring at Lacomb for Red Deer arriving there at 3:00 p.m.Peggy was accompanied by her Mother and Dr. Shore. Peggy was in thehospital for three weeks and was allowed to come home only if Dr. Shorecould come every day to change the dressing as the incision was stilldraining. Jean's appendicitis episode happened in May, 1920. She was too ill tomove so it was decided to operate in our home. Dr. McLennan, of Mirror,and Dr. Hart of Alix attended her. The kitchen table was the operatingtable. A gas lamp was the source of light. As the anesthetic waseither, the lamp could not be in the same room or an explosion would haveresulted, so Father held the lamp up to a window on the veranda and theoperation proceeded. Jean was very ill. She was in bed for six weekswith a Registered Nurse, a Miss Ford from Calgary looking after her.
BirthShe was born on 10 April 1911, in Alix, Alberta, CanadaG.1
MarriageShe married Fredrick Vincent on 1 January 1934, in Alix, Alberta, CanadaG.1

Partner with Fredrick Vincent b. 15 May 1903

Citations

  1. [S935] Jean Agnes (Ferguson) Smith, Ennis History (: privately published, 1979). Hereinafter cited as Ennis History.

Stanley James Ennis1

M, #48272, b. 9 March 1918, d. 6 April 1977

Parents

FatherJoseph William 'Joe' Ennis b. 24 February 1865, d. 10 January 1947
MotherMargaret Esther 'Maggie' McDonell b. 17 December 1875, d. 28 January 1965
Last Edited 13 April 2024 16:00:05
NameStanley James Ennis was also known as Stan Ennis.1
NoteStan also tried out the farming game but like the other three, left it for greener fields. He worked in automotives and then as a security guard at Battle River Station, Forestburg, Alberta.
BirthHe was born on 9 March 1918, in Alix, Alberta, CanadaG.1
MarriageHe married Ruby May Scorah on 29 September 1933, in Clive, Alberta, CanadaG.1
DeathHe died on 6 April 1977 in Camrose, Alberta, CanadaG.1

Partner with Ruby May Scorah b. 7 September 1919

Citations

  1. [S935] Jean Agnes (Ferguson) Smith, Ennis History (: privately published, 1979). Hereinafter cited as Ennis History.

Hazel 'Babe' Victoria Blakely1

F, #48273, b. 2 April 1902
Last Edited 13 April 2024 16:00:05
NameHazel 'Babe' Victoria Blakely was also known as Hazel 'Babe' Victoria Ennis.
BirthShe was born on 2 April 1902, in Sandown, North Dakota, USAG.1
MarriageShe married Robert 'Osmond' Osmond Ennis son of Joseph William 'Joe' Ennis and Margaret Esther 'Maggie' McDonell, on 17 November 1927, in Big Valley, Alberta, CanadaG.1

Partner with Robert 'Osmond' Osmond Ennis b. 18 November 1897, d. 22 October 1954

Citations

  1. [S935] Jean Agnes (Ferguson) Smith, Ennis History (: privately published, 1979). Hereinafter cited as Ennis History.

Archibald Campbell McNair1

M, #48283, b. 28 February 1895, d. 19 April 1962
Last Edited 13 April 2024 16:00:05
BirthArchibald Campbell McNair was born on 28 February 1895, in Shoal Lake, Manitoba, CanadaG.1
MarriageHe married Etta Lydia Kathleen Ennis daughter of Joseph William 'Joe' Ennis and Margaret Esther 'Maggie' McDonell, on 1 September 1926, in Alix, Alberta, CanadaG.1
DeathArchibald Campbell McNair died on 19 April 1962 in Edmonton, Alberta, CanadaG.1

Partner with Etta Lydia Kathleen Ennis b. 12 March 1899

Citations

  1. [S935] Jean Agnes (Ferguson) Smith, Ennis History (: privately published, 1979). Hereinafter cited as Ennis History.

Paul Eberly1

M, #48286, b. 12 July 1904
Last Edited 13 April 2024 16:00:05
BirthPaul Eberly was born on 12 July 1904, in Halfway, Polk County, Missouri, USAG.1
MarriageHe married Etta Lydia Kathleen Ennis daughter of Joseph William 'Joe' Ennis and Margaret Esther 'Maggie' McDonell, on 4 May 1971, in Edmonton, Alberta, CanadaG.1

Partner with Etta Lydia Kathleen Ennis b. 12 March 1899

Citations

  1. [S935] Jean Agnes (Ferguson) Smith, Ennis History (: privately published, 1979). Hereinafter cited as Ennis History.

William 'Bill' Jackson Blannin1

M, #48287, b. 28 December 1924
Last Edited 13 April 2024 16:00:05
BirthWilliam 'Bill' Jackson Blannin was born on 28 December 1924, in Vancouver, British Columbia, CanadaG.1

Citations

  1. [S935] Jean Agnes (Ferguson) Smith, Ennis History (: privately published, 1979). Hereinafter cited as Ennis History.

Iva Jean Kerr1

F, #48297, b. 25 July 1903
Last Edited 13 April 2024 16:00:05
NameIva Jean Kerr was also known as Iva Jean Ennis.
NameShe was also known as Iva Jean Fairweather.
BirthShe was born on 25 July 1903, in Vancouver, British Columbia, CanadaG.1
MarriageShe married George Fairweather.
MarriageShe married Gordon Joseph Mcdonell Ennis son of Joseph William 'Joe' Ennis and Margaret Esther 'Maggie' McDonell, on 30 January 1924, in Lacombe, Alberta, CanadaG.1

Partner with George Fairweather b. 8 August 1902

Partner with Gordon Joseph Mcdonell Ennis b. 24 February 1902, d. 30 July 1963

Citations

  1. [S935] Jean Agnes (Ferguson) Smith, Ennis History (: privately published, 1979). Hereinafter cited as Ennis History.

George Virgil Swenson1

M, #48300, b. 10 June 1920
Last Edited 13 April 2024 16:00:05
BirthGeorge Virgil Swenson was born on 10 June 1920, in Scandia, Alberta, CanadaG.1

Citations

  1. [S935] Jean Agnes (Ferguson) Smith, Ennis History (: privately published, 1979). Hereinafter cited as Ennis History.