He came west from Bruce County, Ontario, in 1879 and walked from Winnipeg to Brandon where he scanned the land surrounding the Brandon hills for a homestead. Because of the lack of
trees, he proceeded north to the Russell district.
His homestead was located on section 36. The first house was built near the Intersection of what is now the four municipalities of Russell, Shellmouth, Boulton and Silver Creek. It was built
of concrete, the lime being made in a kiln from limestone that was gathered.
In 1882, Archie McLennan brought his bride, the former Mary Ritchie of Walkerton, Ontario, to his homestead. She was a fashionable young woman - as quick of wit as she was of movement - and in the years to follow she typified the grit and courage of the pioneer women of the eighties.
The first children born to Archic and Mary McLennan were twins - Milton and Harvey. The babies were born nearly three days apart, and the nearest doctor was summoned from Birtle to attend the birth of the second baby. This was an example of the stamina of the women of those days, when no sedation or medical relief was available.
Mr. McLennan was a good carpenter and farmer; he was recognized as an expert at barn-raising. His services were often in demand by other settlers when he would be away from his home for several days at a time. The Rebellion of 1885 was brewing and bands of Indians
following the Pelly Trail to the North-West passed near the McLennan home. The squeaking of the Red River carts and shouts of Indians on horse-back could be heard for some distance across
the prairie. When alone at this time, Mrs. McLennan would take the twins and Stewart, the baby, and hide in the bluff with her three small boys until the Indians had disappeared. At night she
pushed a heavy tool chest against the door as added protection. It was not until the boys were grown men that they overcame the instilled fear of an Indian.
When Mattie, the only daughter was two years old, the McLennans built a new log house with a sod roof in a location nearer trees and some muskeg, as there was a shortage of water on the site of the concrete house.
Mrs. McLennan was fond of music. She loved to sing. Her family recall her singing “The Birdie’s Ball”, “The Blue-Tail Fly” and Scottish songs beyond number. Many of the folk songs she sang are heard on TV and radio today, but are not enjoyed or appreciated more than when sung by Mary McLennan to her children in those days when all entertainment was your own.
Cameron, the fourth son, was born in the log house, and in 1901 a step in progress was made when the family moved a mile west to Sec. 31. Here a gracious Ontario-type fram house was built with large rooms, baywindows, big pantry and back-kitchen. It was set in a spacious, grassy yard and garden. A large bank-barn was built and a windmill erected to supply power to pump water for the stock. The McLennans raised many fine horses, and were as proud of their driving outfits as the modern young man is of his Ford Mustang.
Twenty years after the birth of the twins, a fifth son, Everett was born.
As the family grew up, the home was the scene of Sunday gatherings of many neighboring young people. Twenty-five for a meal was not uncommon.
As the district developed, Mr. McLennan took an active part in community affairs. He was an elder on the session of Minniska Church, a member of Londonderry School Board, and served as a councillor in the R.M. of Russell for many years. His son, Harvey, followed him
in this capacity for twenty-five years.
Mr. and Mrs. Archie McLennan both lived full useful lives and were diligent hard-working partners in the building of the pioneer community. They died in their mid-eighties on the farm where they had spent the greater part of their lives.
Harvey McLennan and his wife Hannah lived a full community-minded life on their original farm for 28 years. They took pride in their home and surroundings. Minniska United Church and Russell Agricultural Society were among their active interests. In 1941, the sudden death of Hannah was a shock to all who knew her. Harvey remained on the farm for three years when he married the former Leafa Joyce and took up residence in Russell, where he lived until his death in 1959. Mrs. Leafa McLennan still resides in Russell.
Son Norman married Kathleen Simms in 1942 and brought her to the home farm where Norman took over farming operations. For many years Kay gave freely of her care to Archie, who was handicapped from birth. Norman and Kay have one son, Murray, born in 1948,
who is attending High School in Russell.
Daughter Eleanor married Harold Stiver in 1943 in Winnipeg, while he was serving in R.C.A.F. After the war, they took up residence in St. Vital, where they have lived ever since. They have three children - Grant, at Manitoba Medical College; John, at the University of
Manitoba, Agriculture; Mary, attending Glenlawn Collegiate.
Milton McLennan, a bachelor, was Harvey’s twin and also his opposite. His personality was quiet and patient. Farming was his vocation, and at one time he also had a lively interest in Thoroughbred horses. Milton died in Russellin 1950, after a lengthy illness.
Stewart McLennan farmed successfully in the Shellmouth - Royston district where he took an active part in community affairs. Later, on moving to Russell, he was a grain buyer, and then
for many years, was employed by R.M. of Russell in charge of road construction.
Stewart and Lizzie McLennan have eight children who were all married. As evidence of the family ties, scarcely a weekend passes but some member of the family visits the parents. Family is as follows:
Lois, Mrs. Sam Dodds of Yorkton, has one daughter, Darilyn, now Mrs. D. Mc Gill of Roblin.
Beryl, Mrs. Reuben Anderson, lives presently in Calgary. They have no f amily.
Jean, Mrs. Clem Busby of Souris, has four children. They are Patricia (Mrs. Brian Rowe), Donna (Mrs. D. Jackson), and Daniel and Susan at home.
Helen married Stanley Armstrong. They reside in Calgary, and have a son, James, and twins, Barbara and Donald.
Glen was with the Fort Garry Horse 1940-45, and served overseas. His wife is the former Bette Third. They have three children, Robert, David, and Peggy. Glen is employed by Manitoba Telephones. They live in Brandon.
Eric enlisted in Canadian Army Artillery in 1943 and saw overseas service. He married Betty Schramm and resides in Winnipeg. Their three children are Eric Murray, Nancy, and Nola. Eric is employed with Imperial Oil.
James, who is employed by Manitoba Hydro at Strathclair, like his two brothers, served in the Army 1943 to 1945. His wife is the former Marie Hooper, and they have three children, Kenneth, Keith and Katherine.
Margaret, the youngest of the family married James Tallis, and lives in Prince Albert. They have no family.
Mattie McLennan and her husband, William Howard Husband, farmed first in Manor, Sask., but lived the greater part of their lives in Regina. Mr. Husband passed away in 1950. Their son Bob (Robert Murray) graduated from McGill in Montreal with Ph. D. in Chemical Engineering. He and his wife Helen live in Milford, N.J., where he is employed in research capacity with Reigal Pulp and Paper Corp. They have two sons, Jon - 12, and Danny - 8. The second son of Mattie and Bill Husband is Ted (Theodore Howard). He has lived all his life in Regina, and is Manager of a Construction and Maintenance Co. He and his wife Kathy have a threeyear-old son, Murray Howard.
Archie McLennan Mrs. Archie McLennan