- This article was submitted by Marlene Viau
Lt. Michael Lawrence Bouzan (1868-1943)
Father, Husband, War Hero and Prospector
Michael Lawrence Bouzan, born on July 9, 1868, in Western Bay, Newfoundland, Canada was a notable figure in history. He was the son of Michael Bouzan and Clare English, one of seven children, among them, my great grandmother Mary Bouzan(e). She married Richard McDonald and one of their children is my grandfather Terence (Ted) McDonald born in Little Bay (1899).
My research into my grandfather, “Grandpa Ted” revealed unfamiliar names and now, another discovery “Michael Bouzan” a sponsor listed on his birth certificate. So, down the rabbit hole I went yearning to learn about this man and a new extended family, “Bouzane”, another lineage on my ancestral tree. Lieutenant Michael Lawrence Bouzane was his full name, but I found Michael, the husband, father, prospector, and war hero. This intrigued me and spurred me onward.
Background
Michael’s father also named Michael, is believed to have immigrated to Western Bay, Newfoundland from France. He married Clare English in 1850. In 1871, he worked as a fisherman in Western Bay, and passed away in February 1880. Clara moves to Little Bay with her three (3) sons in 1878. A bit of an inaccuracy there but let’s move on.
The first document I found for Michael, aside from his birth certificate was a news article from September 3, 1888, mentioning him as a passenger boarding a coastal steamer in Little Bay. Sometime after 1891 he married Ellen Vail the daughter of a Captain and they had eight children together. Unfortunately, two of their children, Leo and Albert passed away shortly after birth.
Prospector and Mining Ventures
Our gentleman of the hour delved into the mining industry early in his life working as a miner in Little Bay where he lived for fifteen (15) years before relocating to Haileybury, Ontario in 1907, an area where he literally struck gold and would later gain recognition as “an old-time prospector” in his obituary. His brother John Bouzan accompanied him unaware of the looming danger that awaited him in the adjoining town of Cobalt, Ontario.
The influx of prospectors and miners this “booming town” attracted coupled with overcrowded living conditions, unsanitary water sources, and improper waste disposal created a breeding ground for diseases and health risks, including outbreaks of typhoid and other communicable illnesses.
Although Haileybury, considered “millionaire’s row” and provided some respite from the mining town’s hardships, John was not immune to the ravages of disease. He contracted typhoid fever in the fall of 1908 and after convalescence went home for a three-month vacation to recuperate. He returned to Cobalt sometime in Feb. 1909 and a year later (March 2010), his wife received word he relapsed and was very ill.Tragically, John succumbed to typhoid and passed away in 1910.
He was a formidable partner in the mining industry as a former mine captain in Little Bay and built a reputation as a “gentleman” and law-abiding citizen. He worked the mines in Quebec, staked at least one mining claim in Newfoundland (1902) and deemed a reputable advisor and assessor in the mining industry before he ventured to Cobalt with his brother Michael. For him this was another booming town in another province, and another opportunity to stake his claim.
Their partnership set a solid foundation for Michael who would continue to make a name for himself in the mining industry of Northern Ontario. The following section outlines the sources I reviewed to trace his mining ventures, accomplishments, and accolades. A discussion of each report and region is discussed directly under the source document listed.
- Mining American, Volume 64, Dec 7, 1911, Porcupine Mine (Timmins)
Porcupine Mine, Timmins
Three properties on the boundary line between Whitney and Cody township changed ownership to International Gold Syndicate. They were known as the Bouzane Mines, owned by ML Bouzane, manager of La Palmo Mines. No further information about La Palmo Mines was available.
- ARV22-Twenty-second report of the Ontario Bureau of Mines, part 1, 1913, Statistical Review, Mining Companies Incorporated in 1912, page 54.
The Bouzan Mines Ltd. incorporated on September 23, 1912, with a capital of two million dollars and headquarters in Haileybury, Ontario. Who were the investors of Bouzan Mines Ltd?
I might have a theory about some of them. According to oral history, grandpa’s brother, Michael Thomas McDonald invested in some of the Cobalt mines which was a lucrative endeavor. Four decades later (early 1960), he travels there from Newfoundland on his way to Sudbury, Ontario to visit with family.
In another report, C. Boland is listed as an investor in the Teck Township of the Cochrane, Temiskaming region of Northern Ontario while both, Michael Bouzan and C. Boland, are listed on the same page as having property in the Lebel Township. The Bouzan Claims located in the Kirkland Lake-Larder Lake area of Northern Ontario were also in the Lebel Township. Both sites are identified as gold yielding properties. I wondered if this could be my grandfather and Michael T. McDonald’s sister, Celia Boland because Michael Bouzan is an uncle to both Michael Thomas McDonald and Celia Boland (nee McDonald).
War Hero
Amidst this narrative of accounting that highlights the budding success in Michael’s life, it becomes necessary for me to momentarily shift focus and extol the achievements of Michael as a war hero.
Despite his successful career as a prospector and mine owner, Michael, driven by a sense of duty, followed his children to war. He experienced the heartbreak of losing one child, Edward, on the battlefields of France. News articles from the time highlight Michael and his three sons enlisted in the war (World War I). He enlisted on May 29, 1916, received the Military Medal for Bravery in the Field on September 25, 1917, was promoted to Sergeant, then Lieutenant and discharged due to demobilization on April 12, 1919. After the war, he returned to Northern Ontario to resume his mining career.
- The Canadian Mining Journal, Volume 41, 1921, Northern Ontario Letter, The Silver Mines, The Cobalt Field, page 852
It appears in the period after WWI, some returned soldiers lost their interests in mining claims owing to a misunderstanding among mining recorders as to the intent of an order issued late in 1919 by the Minister of Mines. However, they were given full protection of their property up until the beginning of 1921. This meant that applications recorded in the meantime would be thrown out and the former holders fully re-instated.
On October 12th, 1920, the Mining Commissioner T. E. Godson, K.C., held his regular monthly sittings at the Court House, at Haileybury. A total of six mining disputes were on the official list, one of them includes:
- Lt. L. M. Bouzan vs. R.M. Devlin as applicant under section 81 of the Mining Act in respect of mining claims L3096, 3097and 3098.
It is not known whether this dispute involved one of the post war claims, but it is inferred in the report. Finally, I traced the mining claim numbers back to a report titled “Gold Deposits of Ontario”, where it confirms Michael Bouzan completed the surface work on these specific claims in 1913. (The Claim numbers were included at page 207, Lebel Township Claims L3096 – L3098)
- Ontario Department of Mines (1922), Ontario Bureau of Mine, Parts 4-7, page 21
Skead Gold Mines Limited, Temiskaming District, Ontario
In the spring of 1920, Michael moved on to the Skead Gold Mines Ltd, where he had about 20 men under his direction, prospecting 55 mining claims in various parts of Skead Township. Its location is close to New Liskeard, Haileybury and Cobalt in the Temiskaming District. (This information is also included in the Mining Magazine, Volume 27, 1922).
- Annual Report of the Ontario Department of Mines, Part 1-10, page 13 and 31
In this report, it states: “The Skead Gold Mines Limited operated until December 8, 1921, where a dozen men were employed in winter and six in summer with M.L. Bouzan as Superintendent.”
- History of Red Lake McKenzie Island (http://thegalways.org/mckenzie_2.html)
McKenzie Red Lake Gold Mines
This mining property was first staked in 1922, by a group who after finding visible gold, were unable to develop the property. It was re-staked in 1925 by the McNeely group. In 1925, Michael Bouzan, hired by the McNeely Syndicate found the main shear zone.
McKenzie Red Lake Gold Mines sunk the shaft in March 1935, its first gold brick was poured on Mar 15,1935 just two weeks after it began production. Long Lake Mines acquired it in 1956 and, later in 1965, ceased operations.
- Consolidated Sudbury Basin Mines Ltd., Structural Geology of the Errington Mine – Vermillion Lake Mine
- Blogspot.com, Who sold the farm? Vermillion Mine
- Historique de la Paroisse de Chelmsford, Ontario (1948), Lionel Seguin, ptre
- Chelmsford (1883-1983), Marie-Jeanne Vaillancourt
- Mining Properties Township of Balfour 1880-1920
- Map of mining properties Rheaume and Sauve (AVR 38. p.84)
Serendipitous Connections – Chelmsford, Ontario
Errington Mine
During my early days of delving into mining reports and articles, I came across information suggesting Michael Bouzan was the prospector credited with discovering the Errington Mine site, Chelmsford, Ontario. However, I have been unable to relocate this specific piece of information.
Nevertheless, I was captivated and filled with excitement as I delved deeper into details about this property. The Errington Mine was discovered, in 1929 by diamond drillers, likely J. Errington and Sudbury Mining Drilling Co., situated across the lake from the property owned by Joe Sauvé and Eva Rheaume. Interestingly enough, Eva happened to be the sister of my great grandfather, Rosario Rheaume.
Errington Mines not only acquired my great grandfather’s property (Rosario Rheaume), but also Eva’s and other relatives’ properties, including those belonging to the Sauvé and Bradley family.
Furthermore, in 1923, my grandpa Ted relocated to Chelmsford and began working as a diamond driller for Sudbury Mining Drilling Co. He resided in Rosario’s home during his time in Chelmsford, and it was there that he encountered Fleurette, Rosario’s daughter, whom he later married in 1926.
Vermillion Mine
The Little Vermillion Lake Mine is an earlier discovery site in Chelmsford. James Stobie makes the first discovery of mine mineralization in 1897, at Stobie Falls on the Vermillion River, half a mile west of the Errington Mine. A few years later, Alphonse Ollier, a prospector finds pyrite. Coincidentally, Alphonse Ollier, also lodged at Rosario’s residence.
No work of consequence began until 1924 when J. Errington acquired options on a large acreage of ground which was later taken over by Treadwell Yukon Company Ltd. After considerable diamond drilling this company sank #1 Shaft in 1926 and operations ceased in 1931.
Grandpa owned mining rights on land in the Vermillion Lake area, but I am unaware if he acquired them through purchase or if they were gifted to him by his father-in-law Rosario, his uncle Michael Bouzan or Ollier. As part of his responsibilities with Sudbury Mining Drilling Co. Grandpa Ted bused the miners to and from the job site. This gave him access to all who worked there.
Interestingly, Grandpa’s life was intersecting with his uncle Michael Bouzane’s life. From thereon, he appears to follow in Michael’s footsteps working in every mine that Michael had an interest in. Were they working together in Chelmsford? Was he the person who spoke to Grandpa about work in Chelmsford? Why had I not heard of him? Was this just a coincidence? All these questions crowded my mind and remain unanswered. However, with new mines in Northern Ontario offering opportunity for employment, it is not surprising that grandpa would follow suit.
According to family stories, Grandpa left Newfoundland as a teenager to seek employment in Quebec. However, I was unable to find evidence supporting this claim other than in a Bouzan Genealogy document. Could it be possible that he trailed his uncles in the hope of finding work? It is plausible considering the association of the Bouzane name with the Quebec mining industry.
- 38th Annual Report Department of Mines 1929, VOL. XXXVIII, PART I, 1929, Mines of Ontario in 1928 (References to Michael Bouzan: Page 70, 71, 108,142)
- Red Lake Mammoth Gold Mines Ltd., Red Lake Ontario
Operator: Red Mammoth Gold Mines Ltd.
HO: Toronto, ON
Mine: Smith Morrison
Manager: M. Bouzan
Address: Red Lake via Sioux Lookout
Twenty men were employed were employed at this mine under the direction of M. Bouzan. Its operation closed in the winter 1928 -1929.
- Haslat-Duck Lake Mines Ltd, Schreiber Ontario
Operator: Haslat-Duck Lake Mines Ltd.
Mine: Haslat-Duck
Manager: M.L. Bouzan
Mine: Haslat-Duck Lake
Address: Schreiber (located about 16 miles north of Schreiber, Ontario on Duck Lake)
After the closure of Red Mammoth Gold Mines, Micheal L. Bouzan replaced R.C. Harrison as Manager of Operations of the Haslat-Duck Lake Mines (January 10, 1929).
- Geological Survey of Canada, Miscellaneous Report 49, Rocks and Mineral for the Collector, Sudbury to Winnipeg, Ann P. Sabina, Energy Mine and Resources Canada (page 185 or 206)
McKenzie Mine
This mine was staked in 1925 by McNeely Red Lake Holdings Ltd. The report reads: “The surface exposure of the main shear zone was discovered in 1928 by M.L. Bouzan, a prospector for the company; it outcropped as a quartz vein carrying native gold.”
In 1933, McKenzie Red Lake Gold Mines LTD began development of the deposit which is located on the north-west side of McKenzie Island, Red Lake Ontario.
- Report on Geological, Stream Sediment Overburden and Whole Rock Programme, South Red Lake Property, Heyson and Byshe Townships, Red Lake Mining Division, Ontario, Peter M D Bradshaw, First Point Minerals Corp., January 1998
Spruce Lake Gold Mines
In 1936, a “spectacular gold discovery” was made by Michael Bouzan in Ontario, situated between Boyden and the north shore of Lake Bouzan, which now carries his name. Similarly, there is another lake in Quebec within the territory discovered by Bouzan that shares its name. However, I was unable to find information confirming whether it was named after John and/or Michael.
This property was acquired by Spruce Lake Gold Mines LTD.
- Rural Preliminary List of Electors, 1938
District of Kenora – Rainy River 1938 Rural Polling Division 136 Red Lake-Howey
Michael and his wife lived in Red Lake, Ontario until he moved to Manitoba only 14 months before his death in 1943. The inscription on his monument reads: “Christian Pioneer of the Pre-Cambrian Shield.” Nonetheless, his legacy lived on.
A Legacy – Bouzan
The following reports indicate Bouzane Mines and the Bouzane properties continued to be “in the game” after Michael’s passing and well through the next four decades. The business and properties were involved in some of the largest and renowned explorations, mining projects, and mergers in the Ontario and Quebec mining industry. An account of further explorations is listed below.
As mentioned earlier, I could not verify the owners or past and current board members of Bouzan Mines Ltd in Quebec, nor confirm the involvement of Michael and/or John Bouzan in its establishment or operations. However, it is advisable to include the following information to facilitate further research in this area based on the leads set our below.
Researching mining in the Northern Ontario region proved to be less challenging for me since I was born in Chelmsford, Ontario, a town just twenty miles from Sudbury, the “nickel capital of the world” into an extended family of rugged and hardworking miners. This personal connection aided me in focusing my investigation on specific locations and areas of interest.
Further Explorations
- GM 06513, Quebec Dept of Mines, 1957 – Chibaugamau Quebec
Although information is available regarding Bouzane Mines’ interest in the Chibaugamau region of Quebec after 1950, little has been uncovered about their involvement in the province prior to Michael’s passing. This report discusses recent developments in the exploration of the Chibaugamau region (1957), accompanied by a map illustrating its geology. The mining properties in the area are marked as either producers or potential producers.
- GM11962, Report on Bouzan Mine Property, Quebec Dept of Mines 1962
The property of Bouzan Mines Ltd. is in McKenzie Township in the Chibaugamau District of the province of Quebec. The mining claims were acquired by J.J. Coghlan for Bouzane Gold Mines Ltd in September 1950. This company changed its name to Bouzan Mines in August 1955.
On May 15, 1956: Noranda Mines Ltd acquires an interest in Bouzan Mines and has directed the work on the Chibaugamau property ever since. Exploration started by surface drilling by Bouzan in June 1955. (Based on the context, it is evident that the reference is to Bouzan Mines, or to another relative named Bouzan, rather than Michael Bouzan himself, as he passed away in 1943).
- Kerr Addison, Annual Mine Report, Period ending Dec 31, 1963, (page 4, 5)
Bouzan Mines
Kerr Addison’s report to its shareholders explains Bouzan Mines consists of 272 acres in McKenzie Township in the Chibaugamau area, province of Quebec (1963).
Kerr Addison Mines Ltd (1963)
It further states, Kerr Addison Mines Ltd, which came into being on November 18, 1963, is the continuing company which resulted with the merger of four companies: Kerr Addison Gold Mine LTD, Anglo- Huronian LTD., Bouzan Mines LTD and the subsequent purchase of the assets and undertakings of Prospectors Airways Company LTD. It became one the largest gold mine in Canada.
- GM 40644, Cadillac – Bouzane Claims Group, Energies et Resources Naturelles, Quebec (20 Mar. 1984), Assessment for East Bay Gold Mines
Cadillac – Bouzane Claims Group
The Cadillac-Bouzane “fault zone” is a major “gold bearing structure” that extends over 100 miles from Kirkland Lake, Ontario easterly to Val D’Or, Quebec. This property is located about 6km SSW of Rouyn Noranda Gold Mines and some 320 miles NW of Montreal
In 1980, East Bay Mines commissioned an evaluation of two locations, the Rouyn Twps. and Clericy property to assess viability and it recommended further drilling as they were potentially gold targets.
- MDC003, Mineral Resources and Mining Properties, Kirkland Lake-Larder Lake Area, W.S. Savage, Mineral Resources Circular No. 3, 1964, Department of Mines (Map, page 115)
“The Kirkland Lake-Larder Lake mining area” in Ontario is a section of the great gold-producing belt that extends for more than 150 miles from Kirkland Lake, eastward to Larder Lake, and across northwestern Quebec to and beyond the Malartic-Cadillac area.”
The Bouzan Claims located in the Kirkland Lake-Larder Lake area of Northern Ontario were in the Lebel Township.
History
“The Larder Lake area was the scene of the first gold rush in the northeastern part of Ontario. The discovery of rich silver ores at Cobalt in 1903 stimulated widespread prospecting that extended farther and farther afield until, in August 1906 a gold discovery occurred on ground now owned by Kerr-Addison Gold Mines near the northeast arm of Larder Lake.”
The aforementioned information coupled with the geographical information at page 3 of my essay, and the reports discussed below lead me to believe Michael Bouzan and his company Bouzan Mines may have been a major player of the early 1900 of the mining industry in Quebec.
- Report on the Bouzan Gold Prospect of Conisil Mines Ltd., Lebel Township, Kirkland Lake, Ontario (December 1984)
Conisil Mines Ltd., Lebel Township, Kirkland Lake, Ontario.
This report focuses on a 1984, LANDSAT-Air Photo lineament study of the Bouzan Gold Prospect in Lebel Township, Kirkland Lake Mining District. It explains the Bouzan Gold Prospect straddles the Larder Lake Break.
On the Bouzan Property, gold mineralization reported from diamond drill holes in the Larder Lake Break and in volcanic interflow sediments is located within the “Larder Lake-Cadillac Fault Zone”, a geologic region rich in precious metals. The town was the site of the first gold rush in northeastern Ontario.
- Geophysical Report on Bouzan Lake Property, Heyson Township, Red Lake, Ontario for Noramco Exploration Inc., For Noramco Exploration Inc., Feb 1988
Noramco Exploration Inc.
The “Bouzane Lake Property” consists of 137 contiguous, unpatented mining claims in Heyson Township, Bouzan Lake Area, Red Lake in Northwestern, Ontario. All the group is situated in the Red Lake Mining Division, Red Lake, in Northwestern Ontario.
- Proton Magnetic and Vertical Loop Electromagnetic Survey Reports, Bouzan Claims, Parts of Lamplaugh and Harker Townships, Map No’s G3662 and G3643, Larder Lake Mining Division, District of Cochrane, N.TS. 32 D 12, Jan. 5, 1998
Tracing the Bouzan claims is akin to navigating through a complex labyrinth of prospecting partnerships, mining operations, and mergers, which leaves one pondering the current state of the company and its ownership. Is it dissolved?
Upon perusing this report, I came across a significant lead: it states that any interest in Cobalt now belongs to Donald A. Bouzane from Haileybury, Ontario. Notably, Donald’s great-great grandfather, Richard Bouzane (1824), is the brother of Michael’s father.
Another intriguing coincidence is that we resided just a street away from Donald Bouzane’s residence in Haileybury between 1994 and 1998, yet we never crossed paths. I knew his wife Muriel in social settings but was unaware this lady, with an unfamiliar last name, was a relative of mine nor did she mention her husband’s involvement in mining. Unfortunately, my attempts to contact Muriel, as Donald is now deceased (2012), have met with no response. Nevertheless, I will persist in my efforts to reach out to her.
- Geological Report on Prospecting and Geochemical Orientation, Surveys on the Heyson Property, Red Lake Mining Division, Ontario, on behalf of Sunridge Gold Corp. Vancouver BC (28 June 2002)
Spruce Lake Gold Mines, Heyson Property, Red Lake Ontario
As mentioned before, in 1936, Mike Burzan (name is misspelled) reportedly located a “spectacular gold discovery” between Bouzan and Boyden Lakes.
A History of Exploration is presented listing the various parties that have explored the Heyson property from 1936-1996.
Personal Life
To present a clearer historical and genealogical perspective of Michael’s family life, I have included a timeline of events in his personal life (Appendix A).
CLOSING:
Lt. Michael Lawrence Bouzane, a remarkable individual, led a life filled with adventures as a miner, prospector, and war hero. His mining ventures in Northern Ontario and his military service during World War I, have left a lasting impact. Discovering his story and uncovering the connection to my own family history has been a fascinating journey, shedding light on a previously unknown branch of my family tree.
This man’s legacy will live forever: he will be remembered as a pioneer, a war hero, and a devoted family man in a book that currently being written and will be published soon.
In correspondence with the author last year, I raised an interesting question that remains unanswered regarding this extraordinary individual: Could he be the same Micheal Bouzan mentioned in a news article from Little Bay, where he was found guilty of mail theft and sentenced to 12 months in Her Majesty’s Prison (HMP), St John’s Newfoundland? He doubted this was the same man. Nonetheless, I delved into this possibility.
The sequence of event intertwines: There is a gap in his whereabouts, his employment history, and the spacing of his children during this specific period. However, this does not provide definitive proof.
It is yet another unsolved mystery that can only unravel through further investigation. And does it truly hold significance? The answer is yes it does, because it would not diminish the remarkable abilities of this man but may potentially present another perspective, the rehabilitative and redemptive quality of the human spirit, one to overcome human flaws and become a contributing member of Canadian society. Could it be mere coincidence? Yet, haven’t I already demonstrated that coincidence is both commonplace and not unusual in the narrative of his story, as well as mine and my ancestors?
APPENDIX A – TIMELINE of EVENTS
Michael L. Bouzane and Family
Aug 7, 1868 – Michael Lawrence Bouzane born in Western Bay, NL
After 1891 (date unknown) – marries Ellen “Nellie” Vail. She is listed on the 1891 Census with her family (Halifax, N.S.)
Mar 29, 1892 – his son Edward is born (Little Bay, NL)
Aug 4, 1893 – his son Benedict is born (Little Bay, NL)
Aug 16, 1895 – his son Albert Stanilaus is born and dies from convulsions the same day (Little Bay, NL)
Aug 1, 1896 – his first son named Leo Patrick is born
Oct 15, 1896 – his first son named Leo Patrick dies from whooping cough
Sep 15, 1897 – his second son named Leo is born
18 Dec 1900 – His brother John (mine application in St John) Note: John Bouzan made an application for a mining location, Registry Volume 1, Folio 134. Source: Journal of the House of Assembly of Newfoundland 1902 (Third Session), Appendix page 114.
1902 – Florence is born in St John’s NL
June 9, 1905 – his daughter Mary Theresa is born in St John’s NL
Oct 12, 1906 – travels from St John’s to Halifax with his brother John Bouzane
1907 – Michael arrives in Haileybury (indicated on 1921 Census for Haileybury)
Apr 11, 1909 – Ellen, Florence Mary and Leo travel from Sydney to Cobalt to visit their father
who is ill.
March 5, 1910 – he is appointed Executor of his brother John’s will (Fabre, Temiscamingue Quebec)
May 4, 1910 – his brother John dies after falling ill.
Feb 3, 1915 – travels from Port aux Basques, NL to Sydney, N.S.
Aug 31, 1915 – his son Edward enlists in WWI. Lists residence as Haileybury ON
Nov 17, 1915 – his son Benedict enlists in WWI. Lists his residence as Haileybury, ON
1915 -1918 – his daughter Frances Josephine enlists in WWI. No documentation found other than news article listing her as another son joining his father and two brothers at war. This is inaccurate. According to military documents, his 3 sons enlisted. I could not find military documents for his daughter, Frances.
Jan 17, 1916 – his son Leo enlists in WWI (Military Records – WWI)
May 29, 1916 – Michael enlists in WWI (Attestation Papers and Military Records – WWI)
June 16, 1916 – his son Edward* is killed in action in Ypres, Belgium (WWI), Canada War Graves Register on Ancestry
Sept 25, 1917 – Michael is awarded a Military Medal for Bravery (WW1)
April 18, 1918 – son Leo is discharged from WWI for compassionate reasons and because he is underage
Mar 15, 1919 – son Benedict is discharged from WWI, due to demobilization
April 10, 1919 – travels from Glasgow, Scotland to St John’s (return voyage home from war)
April 12, 1919 – ends service in WWI (demobilization)
Oct 8, 1919 – son Benedict marries Jessie Ina McKinnon (Montreal PQ)
June 1, 1921 – listed on 1921 Census for Haileybury, Ontario (Canada) with his wife Ellen and children Leo and Mary.
July 7, 1924 – his daughter Frances Josephine marries her first husband Will Eric Thornton (a lawyer) in T.O.
Aug 5, 1924 – his daughter Frances Josephine arrives in Detroit Michigan with her husband Will Eric Thornton. Her sister Florence is listed as living in TO (contact on her travel documents).
1928 to 1929 – listed as foreman to two mines in Schreiber Ontario. Mary Theresa crosses the border, travels to Schreiber to visit her mother and father. (Immigration document).
Jan 29, 1930 – Mary Theresa arrives in Blaine, Washington with a destination of Portland, Oregon and lists her father Michael as living in Schreiber ON as noted on her travel documents.
March 27, 1930 – his daughter Florence marries Rudolph James Edward White in T.O.
Aug 25, 1934 – Benedict listed as a crew member (Mat at Arms) RMS Empress of Asia arriving in Honolulu, Hawaii. He resides in Vancouver, BC
April 29, 1935 – Benedict is as a crew member (Mat at Arms) RMS Empress of Asia arriving in Honolulu, Hawaii. He is a resident of Vancouver, BC
March 27, 1937 – his daughter Frances Josephine marries her second husband, William James Porter in T.O.
1938 – Michael and his wife Ellen, are residing in Red Lake, Alberta (List of Electors, 1938). He is identified as a prospector.
1940 – Residence Kenora, Rainy River, Red Lake (Canada Voter’s List)
June 19, 1943 – his wife Ellen dies at Tache Hospital, St Boniface, Greater Winnipeg, Manitoba
Oct 17, 1943 – Michael dies at Tache Hospital, St Boniface, Greater Winnipeg, Manitoba
Nov 17, 1945 – his daughter Florence’s husband dies in Timmins, ON
Apr 30, 1965 – his son Benedict dies in Vancouver, British Columbia