JAMES WILLIAM MAN by Vera Man (1967)

    James Man arrived in Russell from Reigate, Surrey, England, in 1884, at the age of sixteen. He stayed at the home of the Simpsons on Section 14-20-28. He homesteaded the north half of 24-20-28. The east quarter of this land was an Indian encampment during the Riel Rebellion. Mr. Man acquired the south half of the same section from the Butcherts. This half, from then on, was known as the "south pasture".

    The first years Mr. Man was in the district, he took turns going to Moosomin and later Birtle for mail and supplies until the railroad came nearer.

    Sunday was the day to visit. A walk to the Jollye's near Binscarth, the Gray's at Silverton, or the Storey's near Millwood, was the order of the day, especially for the bachelors.

    In 1899, James Man married Alba Henderson MclDonald, daughter of Geo. McDonald, who lived a mile and a half north of his homestead. He took his bride to England and returned home with a son, George.

  After the birth of three more children, Vera, Charles and Robert, the house was expanded from two to seven rooms, the family living in a tin granary where the tin made merry in a rain or hail storm.

    During her lifetime, Mrs. Man made a trip to Honolulu with Mrs. Doig, whose husband had promised her the trip. Mrs Doig only lived a couple of days after they arrived, her heart not having stood up the trip. Mrs. Man was greatly impressed by the kindness and hospitality of the Hawaiian people while she awaited the next boat back.

    Mrs Man was active in the Anglican W.A., encouraging pie and salad making for the annual fair lunches the ladies served.

    James Man crossed the ocean seven times, Vera accompanied him on his last trip in 1927 to see his mother.

    Mrs. Man died in 1939  and James Man in 1950. 

    The eldest son, George, farmed the homestead until his retirement in 1966.  He lives in Russell with his wife and three children, Reid, Larry and June.

   The only daughter, Vera, worked as an artist in Winnipeg for serveral years and is now employed in Los Angeles California.

    Carlie, the second youngest of the family, died in 1931.

    Robert, the youngest, is employed by the railroad and lives in Brandon.  His family, Cameron, Corrine and Charlene are in Winnipeg, while Conrad is employed in the U.S.A.

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