William Naylor, born November 23, 1882 in
Manchester, England, came to Canada in September, 1898 to the Russell District. For a
number of years he was employed on farms in the area.
On March 29, 1916 he married Margaret Alexina Brooks,
eldest daughter of R.J. and Jane Brooks of Tummel, Manitoba. The Brooks family came to
Manitoba from Ontario in 1882 with their three sons and Alexina, the baby, aged four.
Their residence, later known as Brooks Grove, became a haven for weary travellers
journeying to and from Moosomin with supplies by way of the Pelly Trail which passed by
the door. With no doctor or nurse in the area, Mrs. Brooks was both to anyone in need. She
was also a noted Taxidermis. This was indeed the "House by the Side of the Road"
where a welcome was extended to all and shelter for man and beast after a weary days'
travel on the trail.
William Naylor was employed as a buttermaker at Smellies Creamery, then
by the Town of Russell at the local Power Plant, as night operator.
Beth remembers the many varieties of beautiful moths her father brought
home in the mornings. They collected around the lights of the plant. Building model
sailing ships with full sail and airplanes was a pastime he enjoyed. Gardening was
something he worked hard at but the results were his reward and he got pleasure in giving
vegetables and flowers to his friends and neighbours.
After the local Power Plant was sold to the Hydro, my father was
employed at the Yorkton Air Training School and later at the Rivers Air Training School
during World War II. He then retired and continued gardening.
He died on May l1th, 1956 and his wife on September 6th of the same
year. There was a family of four, two girls and two boys. They received their education in
Russell. George, the eldest, is now employed by Eaton's. Beth still
occupies the family home on Prospect Avenue She is now on the staff of the Russell Post
Office. She is active in the Sunday School of Knox United Church as Superintendent of the
Junior Sunday School Gordon served overseas with the Royal Winnipeg
Rifles. He married Dana Allan and now lives in New Westminster, B.C. with
his family, David, Lana and Kerry. Margaret, the younger
daughter, died on August 3, 1964.
Update by Lana Alexander (nee Naylor)
My father Gordon Naylor brother of Beth Naylor passed away January 9th, 2000. My mother Dana Naylor formerly Dana
Allan passed away this past December 12, 2004.
My parents are survived by their three children, ten grandchildren and five great grandchildren. We miss them both everyday. My father loved his home town and spoke often of his happy memories of Russell.
My Aunt Beth still lives in her Russell home.
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