Image: Car stuck on a muddy road, with three men attempting to move it, ca. 1925 (SPRA 2002.54.48)
Regimental Number: 3207612
Rank: Private
Branch: 49th Battalion
Arthur was born in Pipestone, Manitoba on November 10, 1891. He was living in Redcliff, Alberta when he was drafted in March of 1918. Arthur forfeited 21 days’ pay for missing parade on December 14, 1918 at 9:00AM. See pages 29 and 31 of Arthur’s service file for information about his family. In 1920, Arthur came to the South Peace and filed on homesteads at SW 26-72-12-W6, SW 22-72-12-W6, and NE 24-72-12-W6. He married Margaret O’Connel in 1925. Arthur was a mail carrier between Hythe and Goodfare for about eighteen years. His car “was the only car around to have license plates on it, and it was a common practice among those who owned a car to borrow Art’s license plates to make a trip to town.” Arthur continued to farm in the Goodfare area until his retirement in 1952. Arthur was hospitalized in Calgary for some time before his death on January 11, 1955.
Sources: surname file; Pioneer Round Up p. 63
Soldier Spotlight highlights veterans from the Archives’ online Soldiers’ Memorial. Each week, our volunteers select a remarkable individual to showcase in this blog series. The Soldiers’ Memorial commemorates more than 1,100 WWI veterans and 2,300 WWII veterans from our region. Three dedicated volunteers have contributed over 1,200 hours to this project by researching and writing biographies. Our goal is to have all South Peace soldiers acknowledged for their service. If you know of someone who lived in the South Peace and should be listed on the Memorial, or would like to get involved by researching a local veteran, please contact the Archives.