Meet Amelia

While this section of British Columbia does possess stunning landscapes, rich farmland, and abundant reserves of oil and gas, its finest offering is indeed, its people.  Countless “hellos and how ya doin’s” have been offered to me by complete strangers simply passing by.  These unsolicited greetings serve as tinder for conversation that satisfies the curiosities of all parties involved.  Once I identify the genealogical nature of this portion of my journey, they pour forth information with veracity that proves out.  I haven’t been steered in the wrong direction yet and I’m doubtful that the well-intended and good natured citizens of Rolla BC ever will.  No matter the age, they are warm and genuine people that work and play in equal measure.  A week here is enough to redeem anyone who thinks society is eroding.

This little bright spot for today goes by the name of Amelia.  Her great-grandmother and my grandmother also shared that name, although mine began hers with an “E”.  Try as I might, I had no luck talking her into a trade for that ice cream cone, but quite happily was willing to settle for her smile.

 

During yesterday’s lunch stop, my host, Brenda, suggested that I meet John and Mary Miller.  I had previously read about the Lea Miller family departing Rolla MO and trekking to Rolla BC as one of the founding families.  Knowing that my grandfather had followed the same course, my interest was piqued.  And so today went, with me as a stranger, motorcycling into the driveway of the Little Valley Farm.

 

As I parked and explained my presence, Mary greeted me and welcomed me in.  The next 2 hours were very informative.  John identified Lea Miller as his grandfather.  Mary read aloud excerpts from the Lea Miller family journal recounting their journey away from one Rolla, only to found another.

 

Departing MO in 1902, along the way they dug irrigation canals and worked rail construction jobs.  They traveled sometimes by wagon when dry ground permitted and other times by wagon-on-sled, when it didn’t.  With milk-cows in-tow, they forged on for several years, bisecting the Dakotas then on to Edmonton AB in 1909, eventually progressing west to Edson AB, the start of the Edson Trail.

By 1912 their tribulations delivered them to this area and shortly thereafter, Rolla BC was founded.  Many others followed this same plan in the period 1902-1920 to take advantage of the Railway Belt and Peace River Block homestead grants.  My grandfather Angelo was one of them.

Before leaving my gracious hosts, Mary indicated that her maiden name was Baldwin and further that her father Dave Baldwin owned the 3 quarter sections adjacent to that of my grandfather.  This was clearly displayed on the section map that she unfurled on the kitchen table.  She recalled seeing the buildings that Angelo left behind, as she traveled past them on her way to school.