Person Page - 2

     Edourd moved to Granby, Quebec and most of their children were born there. Edouard died. Edouard was born at Roxton Falls, Shefford Co., Quebec, Canada, on 15 October 1865. He was the son of Joseph Robidoux and Julie Thout. He married Hermina (Melina) Gelineau at Roxton Falls, Shefford Co., Quebec, Canada, on 12 June 1894. She was over 21 at the time of her marriage..

     Francis was born at Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England, on 18 August 1884. He was the son of Albert Byrt and Kate Cox. He married Hilda Laws at Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Canada, on 13 April 1913. They were married in St. John's Church.. From South From Lloydminster 1970's and West of the 4th, 1980?

The Frank Byrt Story by Joyce Byrt

Francis William Byrt was born in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England. He entered the family business at an early age, and learned the printing and journalist trades.

By the time he had reached his early twenties, the call of adventure in new lands was so great that he left his native England to emigrate to Canada in 1905. Like many of those enterprising pioneers who founded Canada's great agricultural industry, he was not a farmer by trade or tradition. He spent a year in Ontario and Iowa, USA, where he worked for a farmer. In 1906, having heard of the British settlement in the newly formed provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, he travelled west, and homesteaded among the hills south of Blackfoot at SW 34-48-2 W4.

The first winter on the homestead was spent in a tent with a wooden floor and four foot wooden walls. At the time this was considered a bit of luxury, compared to the living quarters of some of his neighbours.

As there was no income from his homestead, it was necessary to find work to maintain himself, so like many others at the time, he worked on the building of the Grand Trunk Railway in the Wainwright area. He also spent some working at his trade, employed by the Lloydminster Times and the Vermilion Standard. It was always a bit of a mystery to his family as to how he and so many more like him were able to survive the hardships and privations of those early years.

We have heard stories of his oxen that would head for a slough when the flies got bad, of the prairie fires that were a continual menace in the dry seasons, of freighting lumber to Edgerton and the oxen taking a refreshing dip in the Battle River and refusing to move. However, there were also the pleasant times. He often spoke of his association with his neighbours, the open house that was kept for all at the Dan MacKenzie home and how the Brew Brothers kept the welcome mat out day and night.

He was a member of the Saskatchewan Light Horse, the local militia unit, and greatly enjoyed the fellowship and training involved.

For fourteen or so years he, and later his wife, lived in his homesteader's shack as he struggled with oxen, horses and mosquitoes to "prove it". It was a lonely life, as pictured by the heart warming story of the orphan kitten he fed through a wheat stem.

In 1913 his bachelor state had a happy ending. Francis William Byrt and Miss Hilda Laws were married in St. John's Church, Lloydminster. By that time the tent had been supplanted by a one room shack, and to accomodate his bride, another room was added. We have heard stories of how their first visitor was Dr. G.L. Cooke, who was travelling through the area trying to promote rural telephones, and of how the visiting Mountie, on his regular rounds, was fed on illegal prairie chicken, which was enjoyed by all.

Marriage blessed him with children, Hilda in 1914 and Albert Stanley in 1915, and children needed educating. So, because the nearest school, Rising Sun, was seven miles away, he sold his homestead in 1920 and acquired the George Greening property, the fractional half (E) of 27-49-28, one mile south of Lloydminster.

The trees he planted around the house and yard now grace Columbus Park. Also, the gardens grown by his wife were a source of wonder to many in the dry years of the thirties. His hay field and pasture are now the site of the Bill Skinner residence and further south, Byrt subdivision. In 1998 Lloydminster has grown to surround the area

He made his living farming but was very glad, in the "dirty thirties", to get the job maintaining the Meridian (Highway 17) from four miles north of town to six miles south. For himself and four horses he earned the princely sum of six dollars and fifty cents a day! For many years "Frank" was a familiar sight to all who travelled south from Lloydminster as he operated a horse-drawn grader that endeavoured to keep the Meridian is passable condition.

In the late fifties he sold the south part of his property in acre lots, now Byrt subdivision. Then in the sixties he sold the remainder to Skinners and he and Mrs. Byrt retired into town, where he died in 1966 at the age of eighty-seven. As he often said, they had a "good life". There had never been a lot of money, or the material things of life, but they had raised their family and played their part in developing a new country for those who were to come after.

F.W. Byrt, even while caught up in the daily struggle to make the land feed his family, was always anxious that his children should be exposed to some of the finer things in life. He was active, in his homesteading days, in the building of the little Golden Valley Church. In the desperately hard days of the depression he managed to pay for a piano and see that the children learned to play it. He served on the vestry of St. John's Anglican Church for many years. His hobby was his gardening and where ever he travelled he brought back little trees or new seeds to plant and beautify his farmstead.

They had five children, Hilda, Mrs. Roy Davis of Furness, Stan of Lloydminster, Alan who died in infancy, Helen, Mrs. Wayne Lacy of Chemainus, BC, and Harry of Edmonton. They presented him with thirty-three descendants, nineteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

As a post script, it is pointed out that the trees, enjoyed by all who visit in Columbus Park, stand as a living memorial to Frank Byrt and his wife. They struggled for beauty along with survival. Francis died in 1966 at Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Canada.

     Bernard was born at Lloydminster, Alberta, Canada, on 22 April 1916. He was the son of William Whiting and Annie Atkinson.¹ Bernard died on 30 January 1996 at Lloydminster, Alberta, Canada, at age 79.

     Nancy was born at Craig County, Virginia, USA, on 8 January 1853.¹ As of circa 1870,her married name was Looney. She married David Andrew Looney on 16 April 1874.¹ Nancy died in October 1879 at age 26.¹

     Giles Pendleton Looney married Nora Hale.¹ Giles was born at New Castle, Craig County, Virginia, USA, on 13 October 1879.² He was the son of David Andrew Looney and Nancy Margaret Sarver. Giles Pendleton Looney died on 30 September 1966 at age 86.¹

     Ballard was born at New Castle, Craig Co., Viginia, USA, on 13 July 1877. He was the son of David Andrew Looney and Nancy Margaret Sarver. He married Bessie Lake Fisher at New Castle, Craig Co., Viginia, USA, on 30 December 1908. Ballard died on 29 October 1947 at Roseburg, Douglas Co., Oregon, USA, at age 70.

     He married Rose E. Paxton. Coyd was born at Craig Co., Virginia, USA, on 13 April 1875. He was the son of David Andrew Looney and Nancy Margaret Sarver. Coyd died on 14 September 1959 at age 84.

     Joseph died. Joseph was born circa 1883. He was the son of David Andrew Looney and Sarah Jane Clinebell.

     William died. William was born circa 1884. He was the son of David Andrew Looney and Sarah Jane Clinebell.

     Addie was born circa 1882. She was the daughter of David Andrew Looney and Sarah Jane Clinebell.

     Ida was born on 28 June 1881. She was the daughter of David Andrew Looney and Sarah Jane Clinebell. She married Robert Jackson Reynolds on 25 December 1898. As of 25 December 1898,her married name was Reynolds. Ida died on 7 December 1975 at New Castle, Craig Co., Viginia, USA, at age 94.

     Hermina died. Hermina was born before 1874. She was the daughter of Jean Antoine Gelineau and Rosalie Beauregard. She married Edouard Robidoux at Roxton Falls, Shefford Co., Quebec, Canada, on 12 June 1894. She was over 21 at the time of her marriage.. As of 12 June 1894,her married name was Robidoux.

     Andre Robidoux was the son of Edouard Robidoux and Hermina (Melina) Gelineau. Andre died. He married Fernande Desgreniers.

     Eva Marie Robidoux was the daughter of Edouard Robidoux and Hermina (Melina) Gelineau. Eva died. She married Raymond Robert. Her married name was Robert.

     Antoinette Robidoux was the daughter of Edouard Robidoux and Hermina (Melina) Gelineau. Antoinette died. She married Conrad Lemay. She married Louis Grenier. Her married name was Lemay. Her married name was Grenier.

     Camille was a teacher.

Dans le registre de marriage elle porte le nom de Lucia.

They had a double wedding with Lucie-Anne's brother Magloire and his bride Cecilia Robidoux. Camille was born at Quebec, Canada, on 11 July 1905. He was the son of Edouard Robidoux and Hermina (Melina) Gelineau. He married Lucie-Anne Catudal on 29 April 1924. Camille died on 25 August 1987 at Quebec, Canada, at age 82.

     Rosalie Robidoux was the daughter of Edouard Robidoux and Hermina (Melina) Gelineau. Her married name was Lussier. Rosalie died in March 1975.¹

     Henri Antoine Robidoux was the son of Edouard Robidoux and Hermina (Melina) Gelineau. Henri died. He married Jeannette Melancon.

     Alama died. Her married name was St.Pierre. Her married name was Catudal. Alama was born at Roxton Falls, Shefford Co., Quebec, Canada, on 21 December 1904. She was the daughter of Edouard Robidoux and Hermina (Melina) Gelineau.

     Blanche (Arzelie?) Robidoux was the daughter of Edouard Robidoux and Hermina (Melina) Gelineau. Blanche died. She married Ernest Papineau. Her married name was Papineau.

     Charles Robidoux was the son of Edouard Robidoux and Hermina (Melina) Gelineau. Charles died. He married Yvonne Lapalme.

     Lucie-Anne was born on 23 December 1904. She was the daughter of Barthelemy Catudal and Josephine Isola Agnes Boisse. Lucie-Anne Catudal appeared on the census of 1911 in the household of Barthelemy Catudal at Ely South, Shefford County, Quebec, Canada.¹ She married Camille Robidoux on 29 April 1924. As of 29 April 1924,her married name was Robidoux. Lucie-Anne died on 21 January 1974 at age 69.

     Sister Albertin, a nun, lived in Magog, Quebec. She was a teacher. Albertine was born at Quebec, Canada, on 3 July 1908. She was the daughter of Barthelemy Catudal and Josephine Isola Agnes Boisse. Albertine Catudal appeared on the census of 1911 in the household of Barthelemy Catudal at Ely South, Shefford County, Quebec, Canada.¹

     Sister Marie Louise, a nun, lived in Magog, Quebec. She was a nurse. Marie-Louise Catudal was ill with a colostomy for years, according to Edith Catudal. Marie-Louise was born at Valcourt, Shefford, Quebec, Canada, on 3 December 1901.¹ She was the daughter of Barthelemy Catudal and Josephine Isola Agnes Boisse. Marie-Louise Catudal appeared on the census of 1911 in the household of Barthelemy Catudal at Ely South, Shefford County, Quebec, Canada.² Marie-Louise died on 27 November 1987 at Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke Co., Quebec, Canada, at age 85.

     Marie-Anne was born at Valcourt, Shefford, Quebec, Canada, on 3 May 1898.¹ She was baptized on 4 May 1898. Religion: (an unknown value). She was the daughter of Barthelemy Catudal and Josephine Isola Agnes Boisse. Marie-Anne Josephine Catudal witnessed the census 1900 of Barthelemy Catudal.² Marie-Anne died in 1908. Her body was interred in 1908 at Valcourt, Shefford Co., Quebec, Canada.

     Albertine's twin. His body was interred at Mgr Pelletier Granby. Alexander was born at Valcourt, Shefford Co., Quebec, Canada, on 3 July 1908. He was the son of Barthelemy Catudal and Josephine Isola Agnes Boisse. Alexander Ulysse Catudal appeared on the census of 1911 in the household of Barthelemy Catudal at Ely South, Shefford County, Quebec, Canada.² Alexander died on 30 August 1982 at age 74.

     Napolean was born on 31 May 1900. He was baptized on 31 May 1900. Religion: (an unknown value). He was the son of Barthelemy Catudal and Josephine Isola Agnes Boisse. Napolean Adelard Catudal witnessed the census 1900 of Barthelemy Catudal.¹ Napolean Adelard Catudal appeared on the census of 1911 in the household of Barthelemy Catudal at Ely South, Shefford County, Quebec, Canada.² A December 13, 1960 postcard in the possession of Jen Maguire reads "To Mr. and Mrs. George Malburn, From Adelard Catudal. From your cousins and family, Adelard and Yvonne Catudal."
Napolean Adelard Catudal died on 29 June 1983 at Hailebury, Ontario, Canada, at age 83.³

     He was in the army from approximately June 1940 to Nov 1945. He entered as a private and was a lieutenant when he was discharged. He and Joyce married while he was on leave. He had only 21 days before he had to report back for duty, so the wedding was small and private.

Stan and Joyce lived on a farm near Kitscoty through the early years of their marriage.

Later, Stan was a water well driller and founder of Stan Byrt & Sons Ltd. water well drilling. When Stan retired he pretty much left the running of the company to his sons. When he died in 1983 while on winter holidays in Arizona, he left the company to his children.

Over time most of the children sold their shares until just Jim and his son Clayton owned the company. It was with great sadness that they ceased operations in 1994 due to rising costs and a depressed economy. Stan Byrt & Sons Ltd. had a run of nearly thirty years. Albert was born at Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Canada, in 1915. He was the son of Francis William (Frank) Byrt and Hilda Laws. Albert died on 8 March 1983 at Yuma, Yuma Co., Arizona, USA. He was cremated at Yuma, Yuma Co., Arizona, USA, in March 1983. His ashes were scattered in the desert as he had requested..

     Hilda was born at Northumberland, England, on 9 February 1882. She was the daughter of Joseph Burnett Eldon Francis Laws and Hannah Jane Spraggon. She married Francis William (Frank) Byrt at Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Canada, on 13 April 1913. They were married in St. John's Church.. As of 13 April 1913,her married name was Byrt. Hilda died in January 1970 at Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Canada, at age 87.

     Phyllis was born at Burnham, Buckinghamshire, England, on 5 May 1895. She was born at Britwell Farm.. She was the daughter of William Mills Bayley and Ellinor Webster. As of 9 January 1919,her married name was Deane. She married James Webster Deane at Wexham, Buckinghamshire, England, on 9 January 1919. The ceremony was performed by Rev. C.H. Stokes. The record was filed as Eton as location.. Phyllis died on 7 May 1983 at Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Canada, at age 88.