Della (née Shoemaker) Cameron (1912-2000)’s Family Photo Album

Della (née Shoemaker) CAMERON (1912-2000). *Photo courtesy of Keith and Brenda Cameron.*

Della (née Shoemaker) CAMERON (1912-2000). In the 1990s Della made a photo album showing her parents, Albert Charles SHOEMAKER (1878-1964), her mother Caroline Eleanor MOONEY (1878-1962), their brothers and sisters, and their families.

Compiler’s note: Della was my Aunt, married to my mother’s brother Ian Cameron and they lived next door to us while I was growing up. Two years ago I discovered that she had made this carefully labelled album which had been preserved since her death by her son and daughter-in-law Keith and Brenda (née Kilford) Cameron. Brenda made it possible for me to scan the album in July 2023 so I could post the photos and other information on this website, making them more readily available to Della’s children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, future descendants, and other relatives who are interested in family history.

I have added some additional information (e.g. birth & death & marriage dates, obituaries and a few photos) that has become available from online sources since she completed her album and I have moved some of the gravestone photos to the front of the album to go along with the first mention of those individuals. ~ Pamela Forsyth

=====================================================

The MOONEY section follows the SHOEMAKER section.

SECTION ONE: THE SHOEMAKER (SCHUMACHER) FAMILY

Fred SHOEMAKER/SCHUMACHER (1843-1905), born in Germany, and Sophia Maria Christina WEDOW (1849-1890), born in Mecklenburg, Germany, married Feb 14, 1868 in Normanby Township, Grey County, Ontario.

Fred retained the original spelling of SCHUMACHER until his death. See his grave stone below. The spelling seems to have changed to SHOEMAKER when the family moved West.

IMG_6570 2.jpeg — Gravestone of Fred Schumacher (1843-1905) at cemetery at Walkerton, Ontario.

Gravestone of Sophia (née Wedow) Schumacher (1849-1890), wife of Fred Schumacher (1843-1905) in the cemetery at Walkerton, Ontario.

Fred and Sophia Schumacher/Shoemaker had nine children, all born in Ontario. Della included a section on most of them and their families in this album, in order of age:

1) John Louis SHOEMAKER (1869-1951) [Pages 2 & 3 ]
2) Christina SHOEMAKER (1872-1957) [Pages 4 & 5 ]
3) Louis SHOEMAKER (1874-1954) [Page 6 ]
4) Frederick Joseph SHOEMAKER (1876-1956) [Pages 7 & 8]
5) Albert Charles SHOEMAKER (1878-1964) [Pages 9,10, &11]
6) Annie Maria SHOEMAKER (1881-1883) [Page 12]
7) Mathilda Johanna SHOEMAKER (1884-1937) [Pages 12 & 13 ]
8) Sobena SHOEMAKER (1886-1936) [Pages 14 &15 ]
9) William Martin SHOEMAKER (1889-1964) [Pages 16 &17 }

The album pages are unnumbered but I have assigned numbers to try to keep the order correct. Initially, I have taken a photo of the whole page, then enlarged and cropped some individual photos. Some of the captions are Aunt Della’s while some I have added if I found additional information.

Page ONE: SHOEMAKER home in Ontario

Here is an undated view of the Shoemaker home in Ontario (in black and white). The family lived at WALKERTON but the place of birth for some of the children is listed as BELMORE which is nearby. The two colour snapshots show that Della’s brother Les Shoemaker (1914-1992) and his wife Beth visited the home at a later date.

Shoemaker Home, Ontario. “Dad’s house. back view.” [It features the popular field stone construction which was also used in some homes built by early Manitoba settlers.]

Page TWO:

1) FIRST CHILD: John Louis SHOEMAKER ( Jan 4, 1869 – Nov 29 1951). He remained a bachelor and had no children.

Front of the funeral card for John Louis Shoemaker.

Funeral card for John Shoemaker (1869-1951)

Page THREE:

Obituary from a newspaper (probably the Virden Empire-Advance)

“Friends in Virden and district learned with regret of the passing of John L. Shoemaker in Virden Hospital on Friday November 30 [1951].

Mr. Shoemaker was born at Delmore, Ontario [actually Belmore] on January 4, 1869. During the earlier part of his life he carried on farming in his native province but the call of the westcame during the spring of 1905 and soon he was located at Scarth where he farmed. He also held a position as grain buyer for the district for a number of years. Later he moved to a farm near Woodnorth where he lived until his retirement five years ago. Always interested in community effort he devoted much of his time to Agricultural Society work. Grain growing was essential but his main interest was in quality livestock.

Before coming to the Virden district he served for several years in Ontario on the County Council. Since coming west his interest in farm organizations continued. In politics he was always associated with the Liberal party. In religion he was a member of the Lutheran Church.

Left to mourn his loss are his sister, Mrs. Burrill, and four brothers, Louis, Fred, Albert, and William in England, also twelve nephews and thirteen nieces.

The funeral service was held in St. Paul’s United Church, Virden, on Monday December 3, and was conducted by Rev. W. R. Welsh, assisted by Rev. W. G. Galway. Beautiful flowers from the family and friends bore witness to the affection and respect in which John was held by the people of this community.

Honorary pall bearers were R.H.Mooney, M.L.A, Edson McIntosh, Frank Milburn, E. Hagen, James Bennett and Wm. Cochrane. Active pall bearers were F.A. Shoemaker, L.H. Shoemaker, N. Shoemaker, F. Shoemaker, Wm. Shoemaker and H. Shoemaker.

Funeral arrangements were in the care of G. Roy Carscadden’s Funeral Home.”

Della has labelled this “Uncle John” . It appears to be taken in front of the house belonging to his brother Albert Shoemaker on Wellington Street in Virden.

John Shoemaker (1869-1951). *Photographer “Larry”*

The **CNR train station at Scarth, Manitoba.** John Shoemaker likely arrived at this station when he moved from Ontario to start farming near Scarth in 1905. Note the train signalling flags at either end of the roof fronting the lobby. The clothing of the unidentified people waiting for the train indicate that the picture was probably taken in the time period 1905-1920.

Page FOUR:

2) SECOND CHILD: Christina SHOEMAKER (1872-1957) who married William BURILL (1877-1940) on Nov 2, 1914. (Della referred to her as “Aunt Tina or Teenie”). They had one adopted child, Ada Perish BURRILL.

Front of funeral card for **Christina Burrill.**

Funeral card for **Mrs. Christina (née Shoemaker) Burrill (1872-1957)**

Page FIVE:

**Christina Shoemaker (1872-1957) and William Burrill (1877-1940). This may be their wedding photo. They married at Brandon, Manitoba on November 2, 1914.**

Christina (née Shoemaker) Burrill (1872-1957)

“Ada Burrill, age 4” (She was age 3 in the 1931 Canada census so was born in 1927 or 1928)

**Ada Perish Burrill married John Pearce in July 1950.** They had two children, Dawn and Calvin.

“**Ada Burrill**” – The handwritten caption at the bottom is a bit obscured by the photo corner but looks to be “You are my sunshine”, probably a song Ada had learned to play on her guitar. Perhaps the caption was added by her mother to indicate that Ada, an only child, adopted when her parents were in their fifties, was their sunshine. *[Thanks to Heather Anderson in my Writer’s Group for figuring out this caption which I had not been able to read.]*

IMG_6383 2.jpeg — “Aunt Tina Burrill, Ada (née Burrill) Pearce, Dawn Pearce, in Victoria, 1954”

PAGE SIX

3) THIRD CHILD: LOUIS SHOEMAKER (1874-1954)

**Louis SHOEMAKER (1874-1954) married Alice DAY (1881-1963) on July 18, 1906** in the R.M. of Wallace, Manitoba. They had seven children – Francis, Allie, Colin, William, Harold, Edna, and Dorothy.

IMG_6390 2.jpeg — Della’s note with the photo of Louis and Alice.

**Allie (Alice Ann) Shoemaker (b. 1905 in England) on the left and a friend. Allie was the daughter of her mother’s earlier marriage or relationship.**

Dorothy Shoemaker (1915-1953) and Edna Shoemaker (1913-1963)

Note: In about 1921, when Edna was eight years old, her parents marriage broke down. Her mother moved to Toronto, taking six-year-old Dorothy with her but leaving the other children with their father. (info from the book “Freedom for Edna” written by Edna’s daughter Alva (née Lowdon) Williams.)

On July 19, 1928 Edna Shoemaker (1913-1963) married Lionel Lowdon (1992-1977). They had ten children.

On August 2, 1936 Dorothy Anita Shoemaker (1915-1953) married George Rupert Bell (1909-1970) in Detroit, Michigan. They had five children.

As per Della’s note on the back of this picture (below): Dorothy (née Shoemaker) Bell (1915-1953), Lou Berard (1922-2010), Brian, Michael & Denis Bell (Dorothy’s children). Lou Berard (1922-2010) was the husband of Merle Milburn (1923-2016), a first cousin of Dorothy Bell. Lou is in uniform here so this picture may have been taken during or shortly after WWII. He was in the RCAF.

It looks like this picture is out of place – at first Della labelled it “Dorothy Shoemaker’s boys “but then crossed that out and said “Bid and Norman’s boys” so **it should go into the section of Fred Shoemaker’s family.** Grant Shoemaker tells me that Norman’s wife Flora Turnbull was called “Biddy” and the boys were Wes and Gerry.

PAGE SEVEN

4) FOURTH CHILD: Frederick SHOEMAKER (1876-1956)

Obituary for **Frederick Shoemaker (1876-1956) who died on August 20, 1956** at the hospital in Moosomin, Saskatchewan, from a newspaper, probably the *Virden Empire-Advance*. Also front of funeral card.

Funeral card for Fred Shoemaker (1876-1956)

Page EIGHT

**Fred Shoemaker ( 1876-1956 )** [at the photo studio of Walter S. Durrer, Mildmay, Ontario. This photographer operated a studio at Mildmay from 1901 to 1906 so Fred’s photo would have been taken in this period when he was between 25 and 30 years of age.]

**Fred Shoemaker (1876-1956) and his sister Mathilda “Tillie” (née Shoemaker) Henry (1884-1937)**

Fred Shoemaker’s only daughter, **Irene Marjorie Shoemaker** with her husband **Everett Simpson** and their two children Devona and Verne. They married in Virden in 1935 but later lived in Victoria, B.C. They divorced in 1957.

PAGE NINE

5) FIFTH CHILD – ALBERT CHARLES SHOEMAKER (1878-1964). In 1907 he married Caroline Eleanor MOONEY (1878-1962). They had seven children: Myrtle (1908-1983), Frederick “Jock” (1909-1984), Vera (1910-1997), Della (1912-2000), Leslie (1914-1992), Elmer (1915-1988), and George (1917-1991).

Baptismal certificate for Albert Shoemaker (folded up), marriage certificate and wedding write-up from the newspaper. (all enlarged below).

**Confirmation certificate for Albert Schuhmacher (Shoemaker),** born August 10, 1878, and confirmed in the Lutheran Church on April 10, 1892 at Walkerton, Bruce County, Ontario.

**Marriage certificate for Albert Charles Shoemaker and Carrie Eleanor Mooney,** both of Virden, Manitoba, April 3, 1907. Witnesses were Annie L. Mooney (the bride’s sister) and John Shoemaker (the groom’s eldest brother). Minister: the Rev. J.W. Dickinson.

“Wednesday April 3, 1907 “A Quiet Wedding”. A quiet wedding took place last evening at the home of Alexander Mooney, when his eldest daughter, Miss Carrie Mooney, was united in the bonds of holy matrimony with Mr. Albert Shoemaker, a prominent young farmer of the Daybreak district. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. J.W. Dickinson at six o’clock, before a small company consisting of the near relatives of the contracting parties. At the conclusion of the ceremony a delightful supper was served. The Empire joins with their many friends in wishing the happy couple a long and prosperous journey through life. They will reside in this district.”

Image 2023-07-31 at 12.28 PM.jpg — **Carrie Eleanor (née Mooney) Shoemaker (1878-1962)** (*Photo courtesy of Sandra McKellar)* This photo was not in Della’s album but I have added it with thanks to Sandra McKellar, granddaughter of Carrie’s nephew Gordon Mooney. Although it is not dated I think it was probably taken when she was in her 20s.

Page TEN

First page of photos of the family of Albert Charles Shoemaker (1878-1964) and Caroline Eleanor Mooney (1878-1962) – three missing.

Les, Jock, Myrtle, Vera, Della, about 1917.

IMG_6412 3.jpeg — The “three little boys” with the Grey-Dort auto: George, Leslie, Elmer.

The Shoemaker children: Elmer, Vera, Jock, Myrtle, Les, Della, George.

“Our first car “Grey Dort” Had many uses. Jock in driver’s seat. Horse is “Uncle Willie’s Barney Oatmeal”

The Grey-Dort automobile was manufactured in Chatham, Ontario from 1915 to 1925. An interesting article on the company is available on Wikipedia via this link:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gray–Dort_Motors

Photo missing. Caption “Mum & Dad on our favorite stone 1925”

“1928 – “The Gang” -very common around home.” Names on photo, left to right: Percy Boreham, Dick Cosker, Della Shoemaker, Vera Shoemaker, Jock Shoemaker (seated), unnamed boy directly behind Jock, Elmer Shoemaker, “Dad” (Albert Shoemaker), Les Shoemaker, unnamed man, George Shoemaker (seated on running board).

Page ELEVEN

Assortment of photos of the Shoemaker children from the 1930s.

IMG_6418 3.jpeg — **1938: Mike Smuttell (1907-2004) & Myrtle Shoemaker (1908-1983) and their first child, Donna. They married on July 11, 1935.**

IMG_6418 2.jpeg — Jock (Frederick Alexander) Shoemaker (1909-1984) and his first child Claire Shoemaker. He married Sarah Magdalene Iles (1919-2024) in Brandon on Nov 7, 1940.

1937: Vera Lucille Shoemaker (1910-1997) and Percy Henry “Rusty” Cook (1906-1995). They married on July 21, 1934 in the R.M. of Pipestone.

IMG_6420 2.jpeg — **1934: The three Shoemaker sisters: Della (1912-2000), Vera (1910-1997), Myrtle (1908-1983)**

**Albert Elmer Shoemaker (1915-1988). Photographer “Larry”**

**The Shoemaker family in 1937.** Back Row: Vera & Rusty Cook, Mike Smuttell, & Myrtle, Jock. Middle row: Albert Shoemaker & Carrie, Beth & Leslie, Elmer. Front Row: Della, Donna Smuttell, George.

IMG_6423 2.jpeg — George, Elmer, Leslie & Jock Shoemaker in 1934.

IMG_6425 2.jpeg — Elmer Shoemaker (1915-1988)

1938: Elizabeth (Beth) Grace McNabb (1915-1992) & Leslie Howard Shoemaker (1914-1992). They married on December 29, 1937 at Miniota, Manitoba.

1931: Leslie, George and Jock & unidentified girl

Art Misener, unknown, Elmer Shoemaker, Rusty Cook, Les Shoemaker, George Shoemaker, dog.

Page TWELVE

6) Sixth Child: Annie Maria SHOEMAKER (15 Aug 1881 – 29 Jan 1883): This little girl lived for only about eighteen months and there is no photo of her. She is listed on the gravestone of her parents which is shown at the beginning of this narrative.

7) Seventh Child: Mathilda Shoemaker (1884-1937). She married George Albert HENRY (abt 1875-1955) on March 25, 1905 in Wellington County, Ontario.

They had four children: Thelma Christina Henry (1906- 1990), Georgina Alberta Henry (1907-1991), Gladys Mathilda Henry (1912- 1990), Clifford Howard Henry (1917-1967). This family remained in Ontario, except for Georgina who moved to Florida around 1951 and remained there until her death in 1991. Clifford was travelling in British Columbia with friends when he was killed in a traffic accident in Chilliwack on September 10, 1967.

**Mathilda (née Shoemaker) Henry (1884-1937)**

A humorous but undated clipping from a newspaper (presumably in Toronto) regarding a roasted turkey stolen from the Tyndall Avenue home of Clifford Henry (1917-1967) who was about to host thirty guests for a New Year’s dinner.

Mathilda’s children: Gladys, Georgina, Clifford and Thelma HENRY

IMG_6477 2.jpeg — The HENRY sisters: Gladys, Georgina, Thelma.

IMG_6477 3.jpeg — The HENRYs – Thelma, Gladys, Georgina, Clifford.

Niece Thelma Henry (1906-1990) attending the celebration of Albert and Carrie Shoemaker’s 50th wedding anniversary in 1957. Note the photo of Elmer Shoemaker in his RCAF uniform on the shelf of the table to the right of the cake.

Page THIRTEEN – More about Mathilda Shoemaker HENRY and her family

Albert and Carrie Shoemaker and niece Thelma Henry (1906-1990) at the Shoemaker home in Virden on Wellington Street. The occasion was the celebration of Albert and Carrie’s 50th wedding anniversary in 1957.

Page FOURTEEN

8) Eighth Child: Beatrice Sobena (Bena) Shoemaker (1886-1936). She married Frank MILBURN (1876-1970) on May 21, 1918. They had two children, Francis Lloyd MILBURN (1919-1943) and Della Merle MILBURN (1923-2016). [Della notes that she has no picture of her Aunt Bena] Sobena (née Shoemaker) Milburn died of cancer on November 21, 1936 when her children were just 13 and 17 years old.

This is Aunt Della’s label. The birth and death dates are a year different than the ones I have. Manitoba vital records online gives Sobena’s death date as Nov 21, 1936 and will check again with Vital Stats from Ontario for her birth record.

First page on the Milburn family: It includes the front of the funeral card for Frank Milburn and the envelope for a letter from Lloyd Milburn to his cousin Della (née Shoemaker) Cameron who was living in Victoria, B.C. where her husband Ian Cameron, who was in the Canadian Navy, was stationed. The envelope is postmarked April 3, 1943, just ten weeks before Lloyd was killed in action on his first mission with the RCAF, June 13, 1943. The letter is reproduced further down this page.

Funeral card for **Frank Milburn (1876-1970)**

Page FIFTEEN

More photos of Frank and Sobena (née Shoemaker) MILBURN”s family.

Francis Lloyd Milburn (1919-1943). “Lloyd in England. Went missing on his first trip. 43”

IMG_6442 2.jpeg — **Frank Milburn** (seated). Behind him is Keith Cameron, and Grant Shoemaker. The women were unidentified but some family members think they are Beth (Mrs Les) Shoemaker, and her daughter Janet (Hawkins). The photo must have been taken in the late 1960s. Frank died on Oct 19, 1970.

IMG_6442 3.jpeg — Lloyd Milburn and his little sister Merle Milburn. She was born April 18, 1923 so this photo must have been taken later that year.

Della has written the names of Merle Milburn (1923-2016) and her husband Lou Berard (1922-2010) on this photo but the other people remain anonymous. The young girl might be Merle and Lou’s daughter Adrienne Berard.

Note: I have added in the obituaries of Merle and her husband below, just as Della would have done if she had had the opportunity! P.F.

DELLA MERLE BERARD (NAN) 1923 – 2016 That is right 93 hardworking, fun, and traveling years. Nan was born in Woodnorth, Manitoba in 1923. She survived the Great Depression and the war. She was kind, loving, hardworking, and as frugal as they come. She leaves behind to celebrate a life well lived her daughter Adrienne Berard; granddaughters Lisa (Bill) Brandstrom, and Venise (Bruce) Riehl; and the light of her life, her great-grandson Aaron Riehl. She also leaves to mourn Ted’s grandson Brandon and his mom Kim. Nan was predeceased by her mother Bena and father Frank Milburn. In war time she lost her brother Lloyd Milburn RCAF, and sadly six years ago she lost the other light of her life her husband Lucien Berard after 67 years of marriage. She was also predeceased be her son-in-law Ted Saunby. Thank you to River Ridge II for making her house a home and treating her like family. A very special thank you to Middlechurch Home and the staff of A-Appletree ward for the kindness, dignity, and caring offered to Nan and the family in her final days. To say she will be missed is a grave understatement. Please join us for a celebration of Nan’s life Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main Street, West St. Paul, MB. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Winnipeg Pet Rescue or Osteoperosis Canada. Glen Eden Funeral Home & Cemetery 204-338-7111 As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 08, 2016

LUCIEN (HONORE) BERARD Peacefully on December 19, 2010 at Deer Lodge with his family by his side. He will be greatly missed and leaves to mourn his loving wife of 68 years, Della Merle, his daughter Adrienne (Ted), his granddaughters Lisa (Bill) and Venise (Bruce) and his great-grandson Aaron that gave him so much joy, along with extended family John, Kim and Brandon. Lucien was predeceased by his parents Pierre and Marie, his sister Gloria in infancy, brother-in-law Lloyd and father-in-law Frank. Lucien was a mid-gunner on a Lancaster and to his end was proud of the R.C.A.F., the men, and the aircraft he served with. After the war and a long recovery, he worked at Canada Post until his retirement when he took up travel, gardening, music, model trains and restoring his 1964 Dodge Polara. We would like to give thanks to all the staff on 3 East at Deer Lodge and a very special thank you to Charlotte, Tracy, and Amanda for their extraordinary care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society or to the Manitoba Lung Association to help find a cure for COPD. A private family service will be held on Thursday, December 23. As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 23, 2010

Francis **Lloyd Milburn (1919-1943)** in uniform. He was a Flying Officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force. (Service number J20816). According to his service record at the Library and Archives Canada website his parents’ address was St. Vital, Manitoba. He had been working at a farm near Decker, Manitoba prior to enlistment.

The brief and full records of military personnel killed during World War II are available online so Francis Lloyd Milburn’s may be viewed at the link. below. Included are the letters sent to his father confirming his death and burial place. It notes that his plane crashednear Burgateinfurt, 31 miles SW of Osnabrook Germany on June 13, 1943 and that he is buried in the British military cemetery, three miles west of Cleve, Germany It is called Reichswald Forest British Military Cemetery.

https://recherche-collection-search.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/home/record?app=kia&IdNumber=24854

Della has included in her album a six-page letter Lloyd wrote to her, dated March 25, 1943. The writing is very legible but I have transcribed it as well.

“March 25, 1943. Dear Della & Ian (if you’re still living together). Well Honey guess I’d better show a little (de) appreciation for letter received some time ago. So here goes. Altho’ I can’t manhandle the English Grammer in the same as you I can try can’t I. Just in case you (possibly) do (not) know, I’m at an O.T.U. doing all my last training here before going on “ops”. I’ve been here since the beginning of February and getting along [page 2] fine. Spent another 4 weeks Ground School but am flying now. In our crew we have an T/O pilot from “Wpg.”, navigator from Viking, Alta, Wag from Toronto, and airgunner from Halifax, so we is pretty well distributed. They are pretty nice bunch of fellows and by now we are just begining to get to know each other. We have nearly finished all daylight flying and with luck we should be thru night flying and everything in three weeks. Then two or three weeks leave and then to “ops” squadron. Over here we find out just how little we do…”

Page 3 … know about this job so there’s a lot to be learned. And talking about Jerry, *[the Germans]* I ‘ve been here 4 months and have yet to really see one of his aircraft. The weather over here is a forbidden subject but everyone says this has been an exceptional English winter. I’ve been glad to miss the -45 degree, 50 degree, 60 degree stuff. This here child has been a good, quiet little kid since he been in England and quite honestly I haven’t (or they haven’t) had anything to do with the feminine world. I spent one 48 (the only one) visiting Gladys at her college…

Page 4 … “in Nottingham *[his first cousin Gladys Shoemaker],* met a bunch of her friends, but that’s all. I just can’t seem to get interested, you know I want to be a happily, singled, old bachelor. I’m not alone on this station as there is another Decker chap here. And just the other day got talking to a pilot on our course who was on the second course to go thru Virden. Seems as if he knew Alpha Berry very well and I think still writes to her, His last name is Russell. I suppose the folks will all be tearing around a-getting the work ready for spring. I suppose we’ll be sowing 40 acres of oats over on the back…

Page 5… quarter. My gosh that sounds strange to me after two years farm leave! But I ain’t kicking. I am getting more where I am in one month than in one year on the blinking farm. Honestly, Del I don’t do without one thing if I can help. There are a few more clothes and stuff I should like to buy but haven’t any coupons at the moment and no way to carry it all around. All my money over here is deposited in the bank and anytime I need a few “lbs” just write a check. We have picked up a lot of British expressions since coming here, especially in connection with our work…

Page 6… Some such as “Gen” for information, Duff gen for wrong information, Pukka gen – true gen. Prang – to mess up an aircraft, anything easy – piece of cake, something good or bad – good show or poor show, smart person (like you) keen type, lots of this or that – bags of this, etc., etc. I suppose if you’re away home when this gets there that it will be forwarded. If not I hope you’re still finding life enjoyable “at the coast”. Give my love to everybody and hubby included (don’t let him go at it too hard he is working for the gov’t now) and write again sometime. So Cheerio for now. Love Lloyd.”

Page SIXTEEN

9) Ninth child William Martin Shoemaker (1889-1964).

IMG_6450 2.jpeg — **William Martin SHOEMAKER (1889-1964) married Lily GARGAN on Oct 14, 1914** at Brandon. They had two children, Doris (1919-2003) and Gladys (1922-?).

IMG_6448 2.jpeg — At their home in Canada, at Woodnorth. Doris, Gladys, and Lily Shoemaker.

Gladys, Doris, Willie, Lily, at their home in England.

IMG_6447 2.jpeg — **In 1964, Myrtle (née Shoemaker) Smuttell and Vera (née Shoemaker) Cook visited their Uncle Willie Shoemaker and Aunt Lily in England for the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary.**

Uncle Willie and Aunt Lily, with Fred Paisley, husband of their daughter Gladys, and their two children Katherine and Robert Paisley.

Page SEVENTEEN

“I recall Della telling me that her Aunt Lily had been struck in the throat by a piece of metal when a cream separator on the farm flew apart. She was sure that she would get better medical care to repair the problem if only she could get back to England so the family moved to England. This article mentions she had 25 operations to repair the problem.” ~ P.F.

IMG_6445 2.jpeg

Letter from Della ‘s Aunt Lily Shoemaker (1896-1980) in England, transcribed below. Della notes, “Her last letter. She was almost blind.”

“Dec 1980, 134 New Croft, Weedon, Northampton, England. Dear Della, Ian & Everyone, We all join in wishing you all a Merry Xmas & a Happy New Year. It was so nice of Myrtle to have the get together of all the Family & of course of you entertaining them. They had a lovely time & did enjoy seeing all & meeting everyone & I do thank you all. Thank you for the sweet mat you sent me. It is somethng I can use & remember you by. Thank Myrtle for having everyone. All is well & all send love & thank you. Doris is my stand by. I can always send for her if I am not well and she comes at once. I have a good family & love them all. & By the way Christine is now expecting a happy event so I’ll have 5 gret-grandchildren. Love from all to you & all from Aunt Lily & Doris & all.”

******************************************

SECTION TWO: The MOONEY Family of Della’s mother Caroline Eleanor Mooney (1878-1962)

In the front of Della’s album is this handwritten note (transcribed below):

Transcription:

Robert ORR and his wife Ann SPARROW came from County Kilkenny, Ireland to Peel County, Ontario in about 1856. Their family of three sons and five daughters were all born in Ireland. A number of relatives had located in Peel County, including five brothers of the Sparrow family. Probably one of these brothers is an ancestor of Lester Bowles Pearson whose mother was Mrs Annie Bowles Pearson. Robert Orr was in charge of a covert (hunting ground) in Ireland before coming to Canada.

“ORRs emigrated from England to County Kilkenny, Ireland at the time of Oliver Cromwell in England. There is still a staunch settlement of Protestants in that part of Ireland.”, notes Stuart Keys, son of Minnie Keys, Orillia, Ontario.

Their home in Peel County was at the present site of Mona Mills near Orangeville. They moved to East Wawanosh Township, Lot 32, Concession 11, [in Huron County] near Wingham, Ontario before 1862.

Quote from Mrs. Gordon McBurney, neighbour of ORRs in East Wawanosh. “Orrs had English hawthorns at their home.” Gordon McBurney remembered his father telling about Bob ORR playing the violin and when he would start playing his cat would jump up onto his shoulder. Sometimes he played so long that it was late when he finished his chores.

Della has compiled details of three generations of the ORR family. [Although this is quite easy to read I may try to transcribe it at a later time. PF]

Robert Orr and Ann Sparrow’s daughter Susan ORR (1847-1882) married Alexander MOONEY on Feb 17, 1871 in Huron County, Ontario.

Alexander’s parents Matthew MOONEY (1798-1873) and Nancy KELLY (1803-1875) had come to Canada from County Antrim, Ireland.

Alexander MOONEY (1835-1918) and Susan ORR (1847-1882) moved from Ontario to Manitoba in 1874. They had five children and Della has prepared a section on each of them as she did with her father’s Shoemaker siblings. But she starts with an obituary and some other information about her grandfather Alexander Mooney.

1) John (Jack) MOONEY, born 1871 at Wingham, ON, died 1963 at Elkhorn, MB
2) Robert Henry MOONEY, born 1873, Wingham, ON, died 1953, Virden MB
3) Edward Albert MOONEY, born 1876 in MB, died 1928, R.M. of Pipestone, MB
4) Caroline (Carrie) Eleanor MOONEY, born 1878 in MB, died 1962, Virden MB
5) Annie Louise MOONEY, born 1880 in MB, died 1952, Elkhorn, MB

Page Eighteen

**Obituary of Della’s grandfather Alexander Mooney (1835-1918)** and some letters from him.

IMG_6479 2.jpeg — Obituary for Alexander Mooney who died at Elkhorn, Manitoba on December 5, 1918, aged 83 years, 7 months.

Della has noted that this is the last letter Alexander Mooney wrote to his daughter Carrie (Della’s mother). It was written at Elkhorn in December 1917. Transcription below:

TRANSCRIPTIION OF LETTER:

“Well Carrie I would like to write you a letter but my hand says no. I wish you could sign these papers. You may trust me to take no advantage of you. I am doing this for your benefit. I would go down and have a talk with you about it but I don’t think I could stand it. I came to Virden from the farm in that storm to send other money to Mrs Gross. I have a bad cold now. I think Al should not find fault. I won’t ask him to work the place any longer than he wants to. I can get it done without him if he wishes. He has had six years without even paying the taxes during that time. Albert Mooney has paid me $2500 in trust and I have it all and so much more sunk in that farm as you see by this account. We missed you at Xmas. A happy new year to you all. Thanks for your Xmas present. [can’t make out the last sentence] Your Dad”

“Ab Shoemaker in account with A. Mooney” Accounts from May 1912 through May 1916, as referred to in the letter above.

**March 19, 1919, letter to Carrie (née Mooney) Shoemaker from her brother Jack Mooney (1871-1963) at Elkhorn, regarding the disposition of their father (Alexander Mooney)’s estate.**

Funeral card for Alexander Mooney (1835-1918)

Page Nineteen

**Alexander Mooney (1835-1918)** This is an interesting photograph – no indication of where it was taken or by whom and unusual in that the subject is shown only in profile, but with a book in hand and a shelf full of books beside him to indicate that he was a keen reader.

**The Mooney children:** Back row: Carrie (1878-1962), Robert (1873-1953), Albert (1876-1928). Front: Annie Louise (1880-1952), Jack (1871-1963). Taken at the A.D. Cooper studio, Virden, Manitoba, which operated from 1886 to 1900. *[Info from “The Western Canada Photographers List (1860-1925)” by Glen C. Phillips.]* Looking at the probable ages of the people this was likely taken in the mid-1890s.

====================================================================

Page Twenty

Child 1) John (Jack) Mooney (1871-1963) married Jane (Jennie) Lane (1869-1947) at Virden on Nov 28, 1899. They had two children – Eva Estelle Mooney (1901-1982) and Harold Alexander Lane Mooney (1907-1994).

Eva Estelle Mooney (1901-1982) married William Franklin Baker (1901-1974) in 1934. They had no children.
Harold Alexander Lane Mooney (1907-1994) married Gladys Carthew (1906-1987) in 1937 and had two children, Joan and John.

This clipping would have been from 1954 when John Mooney (1871- 1963) celebrated his 83rd birthday.

IMG_6487 2.jpeg

Harold Alexander Lane Mooney (1907-1994) and Eva Estelle Mooney (1901- 1982)

Page Twenty-one

John (Jack) Mooney (1871-1963) married Jane (Jennie) Lane (1869-1947) on Nov 28, 1899 at Virden, Manitoba

Eva Estelle Mooney (1901-1982) married William Franklin Baker (1901-1974) at Elkhorn, Manitoba on Dec 27, 1934. *[They lived in Winnipeg]*. No children.

A letter from Jack Mooney (1871-1963) to his sister Carrie Shoemaker, (1878-1962) undated but probably not long before her death in 1962. It shows that, in his nineties, he still had a good sense of humour in spite of some health issues. “Now Carrie – this is not up to standard of either composition or penmanship but it serves to indicate that I am still in the land of the (partly) living. You & Al take a little jaunt up one of these days for supper or dinner or call it what you like. Till then “olive oil” Jack”

=================================================================

Page Twenty-two

Child 2) Robert Henry MOONEY (1873-1953), born at Wingham, Ontario August 10, 1873, married Margaret Ann KIRK (1879-1952) on April 9, 1901 at Rat Portage (Kenora). They had no children.

Wedding photo of Robert Mooney (1873-1953) and Margaret Ann Kirk, (1879-1952), April 9, 1901 at Rat Portage (Kenora). Behind the seated couple are Dave (the bride’s brother) and May Kirk.

Page Twenty-three

This clipping would be from the Virden-Empire Advance on February 4, 1953.

==================================================================

Page twenty-four

Third child 3) Edward Albert MOONEY, born October 22, 1875 in Manitoba, died July 31, 1928, in the R.M. of Pipestone, Manitoba.

“Uncle Ab, Maud, Gordon”. Edward Albert Mooney (1875-1928), his wife Sarah Maud McPhaden (1884-1968) and their first child Gordon Mooney (1905-1987). Probably taken in the winter of 1905-06.

Page twenty-five

Another page about the Albert Mooney family.

Taken in 1929, the year following Edward Albert Mooney’s early death – his family: Front row – children Gordon, Norman, Gladys, Jack, his wife Maud McPhaden; Back row: daughters Kathleen. Eileen, Dorothy (Dot)

Funeral card for Edward Albert (Ab) Mooney (1875-1928)

Page twenty-six

More of the family of Albert and Maud Mooney.

Gordon Alexander Mooney (1905-1987) married Sarah Ellen Cook (1901-1931). on Dec 31, 1929. They had one boy, Glen.

Glen Mooney, son of Gordon Mooney and Sarah Ellen Cook.

Kathleen Isobel Mooney (1908-2011) married Dalton Boyd Aug 18, 1934. They had one child, Joan Boyd.

Sarah Maud (née McPhaden) Mooney (1884-1968) and her son Gordon Mooney (1906-1987) and his second wife, Elizabeth (Elsie) Muir Torrance (1910-1985) whom he married on Oct 1, 1938. They had one child Elizabeth Diane Mooney.

Annie Dorothy (Dot) Mooney (1912-2011) married William Curran (1915-1999). They had two boys, Brian & Terry.

Gladys (1918-2016) and Eileen Mooney in 1940. Eileen (1915-2016) married an American, Nicholas Eberle BOSTA (1908-1989) and they lived in Alexandria, Virginia. They had two daughters, Linda and Susan Bosta. Gladys never married and had no children. Her obituary from the *Winnipeg Free Press* is below.

GLADYS MARGARITE MOONEY May 26, 1918 – July 26, 2016 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our sister, aunt and friend on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at Deer Lodge Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, at the age of 98 years. Left to mourn Gladys’ passing are her sister Ileen; nephews; nieces; and friends. She was predeceased by brothers Gordon, Norman and Jack; and sisters Kay and Dot. On the family farm near Woodnorth, Manitoba, on May 26, 1918, Gladys Margarite was the fifth child born to Albert Edward and Sarah Maud’ Mooney. Gladys went to school in Woodnorth and Virden, Manitoba, then Dominion Business College in Winnipeg. She started working for Manitoba Telephone System in 1939. Starting as an Operator and working up to Supervisor of Repairs. In 1977, after 38 years, Gladys retired from MTS. For many years Gladys bowled with the MTS league and after retirement with the MTS Pioneers. She enjoyed playing Bingo and trips to Las Vegas. Gladys was a caring person who helped several family members in times of sickness and death. She has been a very caring Aunt and Great Aunt. In compliance with Gladys’ wishes a private funeral service will be held at a later date in Virden, Manitoba. As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 30, 2016

IMG_6513 2.jpeg — Left to right: Eileen (née Mooney) Bosta’s daughters, Susan and Linda Bosta in 1958. (date of 1959 in pen conflicts with the development date of the photo which is Oct ’58 so I think the earlier date is correct)

Note: Della did not seem to have any photos of the two youngest Mooney boys but I have added ones from Sandra McKellar’s archive and the obituaries that Della would have included had she not predeceased these two first cousins of hers:

NORMAN ALBERT MOONEY (1920-2012)

MOONEY: Norman Albert Mooney, beloved husband of Evelyn and loving father of Daryl, Garth and Donald, of Virden, Manitoba passed away at Virden Health Centre on Wednesday; January 18, 2012 at the age of 91 years. Funeral services will be held from St. Paul’s United Church – Virden at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday; January 24th with Reverend Janice Van Aertselaer officiating. Interment will be in the Virden Cemetery. If friends so desire, donations may be made to The Sherwood Home Tub Fundraiser c/o ARHA – The Sherwood, P. O. Box 2000, Virden, Manitoba R0M 2C0 in memory of Norman. E-mail messages of condolence or sign the online Book of Condolence at carscaddenfuneralchapel. comG. R. Carscadden Funeral Chapel – Virden in care of arrangements. As published in Brandon Sun on Jan 23, 2012.

JOHN ROBERT MOONEY 1924 – 2010 With cherished memories of a life well lived, we announce the passing of a dear husband to Merle, devoted father of Brent (Kathleen), Blaine (Mary) and Marylea (Ron). Grandpa will be lovingly remembered by his treasured grandchildren, Kaitlin, Maude, Eric, Braden, John, Cailea and Daniel. Also remembered by Kaitlin and Maude’s mother Karen Morgan. He will be sadly missed by his sisters Kathleen, Dorothy, Ileen and Gladys, and his brother Norman (Ev). Jack was predeceased by his parents Albert and Maud and his older brother Gordon. Jack was born on October 14, 1924 on the home farm at Woodnorth, Manitoba. He attended school in Woodnorth and Virden. Jack joined the South Saskatchewan Regiment and served his company proudly during the Second World War. In later years, Jack was deeply honoured to have had the opportunity to return to Holland to attend reunions celebrating the Dutch Liberation. After the war, Jack attended Khaki College in England, and the University of Manitoba, obtaining a BSC in Agriculture. Jack joined Green Cross Products in 1950 and retired from the parent company, Ciba Geigy Agriculture Division in 1988. On his retirement, he and Merle moved to Tsawwassen, BC. Jack was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Virden, the United Church, Tsawwassen Legion, and the Lawn Bowling, Senior Golf and Senior Curling Clubs. The family would like to acknowledge Jack’s coffee club group and friends for all their supportive phone calls and visits over the past few months. A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at Delta Funeral Home, 5329 Ladner Trunk Road, Delta, BC on Sunday, August 8 at 2:00p.m. Interment and family gathering will be held in Virden, Manitoba at a later date. The family would like to extend their appreciation to St. Paul’s Cardiac Unit, Surrey Memorial Surgical Unit, Reverend Wendy Biley, Dr. Hollinger and all the staff and volunteers at Irene Thomas Hospice for their compassionate and exceptional care. In lieu of flowers, Jack and his family request donations be made to the Irene Thomas Hospice, 4635 Clarence Taylor Crescent, Delta, BC, V4K 4L8, for the purchase of a reclining wheelchair. Delta Funeral Home (604) 946 6040 [from The Winnipeg Free Press July 31, 2010.]

John Robert MOONEY (1924-2010 ) married Merle Routledge (1931-2023). They had three children – Brent, Blaine and Marylea. *Photo courtesy of Sandra McKellar.*

Obituary from the Winnipeg Free Press on january 13, 2024 for

MOONEY, Merle
We regret to announce the passing of Merle Noreen Mooney (Routledge) on December 30, 2023, 12:33 AM. She was surrounded by family at her time of passing.

Merle Routledge was born March 18th, 1931 on the Routledge family farm in the Lenore District. She was the youngest of four children of William Henry (Harry) Routledge and Mary (May) Hester (Pollock), joining older brothers Doug, Glen and Elgin. Merle was the last surviving family member.

Merle received her formal education at Ravine and Lenore schools. Merle moved to Virden with her mother in 1948. But enrolled at Logan Business school in Brandon. After graduation she worked in the Ag. Rep. office in Virden. It was here she met the love of her life, John Robert (Jack) Mooney. They were married August 11, 1951. Jack was transferred to Winnipeg with his job and later to Regina. They retired to Tsawwassen B.C. to travel and enjoy the good life. Along the way they had three children. Brent, Blaine and Marylea. They have 7 grandchildren. Kaitlin, Maude, Eric, Braden, John, Cailea and Daniel, great grandchild Lorelei with another one on the way.

Merle and Jack were soon the record keepers and family historians and put together an extensive Family historical archive that she has preserved and added to over the years.

When Jack passed in 2010 Merle eventually got the itch to move back to Winnipeg. While leaving family and friends was a difficult move, Merle quickly settled in at River Ridge Assisted Living in 2020. Making friends has never been a problem for Merle who was liked by residents and staff alike. Merle was known as the “Marathon Lady” doing her daily multi-kilometer walks!

==============================================================

Paage twenty-seven

Fourth child 4) Caroline (Carrie) Eleanor Mooney (1878-1962) married Albert Charles Shoemaker (1878-1964) on April 3, 1907 at her parents farm at Woodnorth. They had seven children – Myrtle, Fred (Jock), Vera, Della, Leslie, Elmer, George.

IMG_6514 2.jpeg

Funeral card for Carrie Eleanor Shoemaker (1878-1962)

Tucked into the envelope on the page above were some assorted notes on family history:

Page twenty-eight

IMG_6515 3.jpeg — Carrie & Albert Shoemaker’s seven children with spouses and (some of) their children.

Jock (Frederick) Shoemaker married Sarah Iles on Nov 7, 1940 at Brandon, MB. They had two boys, Claire and Albert (little Ab) .

IMG_6529 2.jpeg — Vera Shoemaker (1910-1997) married Rusty (Percy Henry) Cook (1906-1995) on July 21, 1934. (This photo was taken in 1946 in Toronto.)

Myrtle Shoemaker (1908-1983) married Mike Smuttell (1907-2004) on July 11, 1935. They are pictured here with their three children Marian, Allan, and Donna.

Della Ileen Shoemaker (1912-2000) married Donald Ian Cameron (1912-1998) on July 9, 1941 at Brandon. They are pictured here with their two oldest children – Jack and Don Cameron. Later came Doug, Keith and Karen.

Albert Elmer Shoemaker (1915-1988) married Phyllis Hannah Patterson on July 8, 1944 at Calgary, AB. They had two children – Sandra and Grant.

Leslie Howard Shoemaker (1914-1992) married Elizabeth (Beth) McNab (1915-1992) on Dec 29, 1937 at Miniota, MB. They are pictured here with their children Janet (1940-2014) and Ken (1939-2023). Another daughter Leona Maxine, died in 1942 at the age of six weeks.

Janet (née Shoemaker) Hawkins (1940-2014) and Chuck Hawkins (1935-2020) and their first child, Deborah Hawkins. Seated – Albert and Carrie Shoemaker. Taken in about 1962. *[This was a loose photo that Della had not pasted into her album but I have added it to the section where she would likely have placed it. PF]*

George Sydney Shoemaker (1917-1991) married Katherine (Kay) Smith (1922-2011) on July 18, 1945. They had one son, Ronald.

Page Twenty-nine

April 3, 1957 – 50th Wedding anniversary celebrations for Albert and Carrie Shoemaker and a picture of all their grandchildren.

**Albert Shoemaker (1878-1964) and Carrie (née Mooney) Shoemaker (1878-1962)** on the occasion of their **Fiftieth wedding anniversary**, April 3, 1957, in Virden Manitoba.

**The Shoemaker grandchildren**: Left to right: The person who is cut off might be Claire Shoemaker. Then Sandra Shoemaker, Little Ab Shoemaker, Jack Cameron, half hidden behind Jack must be Ken Shoemaker, then Don Cameron, Allan Smuttell, Marian Smuttell, Janet Shoemaker. Middle row – Doug Cameron and Ron Shoemaker. Front row Grant Shoemaker, Karen and Keith Cameron.

Page thirty

More about the 50th anniversary celebration.

Niece Thelma Henry (1906-1990) from Ontario attending the 50th Anniversary celebration.

Fred Norris, (1880-1957) *back left,* was married to Carrie’s sister Annie Louise Mooney (1980-1952), Maud (née McPhaden) Mooney (1884-1968) *centre back*, was married to Carrie’s brother Albert Mooney (1875-1928), “Cousin Will” Robinson, *back right*, was a first cousin of Carrie’s, the son of her mother’s sister Annie (née Orr) Robinson (1851-1934). Front row: Albert Shoemaker, (1878-1964) Carrie (née Mooney) Shoemaker (1878-1962), Carrie’s brother John (Jack) Mooney (1871-1963).

===========================================================

Page thirty-one and thirty-two

Fifth and youngest child 5) Annie Louise MOONEY (1880-1952) married Fred Corbett NORRIS (1880-1957) on June 14, 1911. They had four children – Audrey, Jack, Kathleen and Mary.