George Eldon was a landscape gardener, park superintendent and member of the Vancouver Park Board. He lived at 1155 Park Road from 1907 to 1910.
Family Background
George Eldon was born on January 31, 1846 in Beverley, Yorkshire, England, which is about 12 kilometres northwest of Hull. His parents were John Eldon and Judith Pickard.
Marriage to Martha Page
George married Martha Elizabeth Page on January 1, 1866, in Hull, Yorkshire. She was born in Beverley, Yorkshire, in 1850. Her parents were Robert Thomas Page and Eliza Lavinia Banks.
Living in England
At the time of the 1871 England and Wales census, Martha was living with her parents in Kingston upon Hull. (George Eldon did not appear in the census with this family.P
By 1881, George and Martha were living at Burley Crescent Lodge, in Headingley With Burley, Yorkshire (West Riding), England. George was a gardener.
To Canada
It appears that George and Martha first came to Canada in 1882. They sailed on the Circassian, which arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia in April 1882. Their destination was Quebec City.
To Vancouver
George first appeared in the Vancouver directories in 1889. He was working as a gardener.
![Henderson’s BC Gazetteer and Directory, 1889, page 375 [In the 1890 directory, his address was 1045 Howe Street.]](https://westendvancouver.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/george-eldon-henderson_s-bc-gazetteer-and-directory-1889-page-375.jpg)
Throughout the 1890s, George lived at 1130 Alberni Street, and he continued to work at a series of garden-related jobs.
In 1895, he was the caretaker at the Brockton Point Athletic Club.
In 1896, he was a florist.
In 1897 and 1898, he was a landscape gardener at Stanley Park.
About 1898, he became the Park Ranger in Stanley Park.
Visit to England
In the spring of 1901, George and Martha travelled to England to get specialist treatment for Martha’s health.
George and Martha were visiting in York, England at the time of the 1901 England census.
When George and Martha returned to Vancouver, George brought several birds from England to add to the aviary at Stanley Park.
Martha: Death in Toronto
In late 1903 and early 1904, Martha travelled to eastern Canada. She became ill and she had to go to the emergency hospital in Toronto.
Martha died in Toronto, Ontario, on May 12, 1904.
George: Continuing Public Service
In January 1904, George became the superintendent of parks, which gave him responsibility for all city parks.
Near the end of 1909, George resigned as park superintendent. He was planning to go into private business.
He was a park commissioner from 1910 to 1912, and again from 1917 to 1920.
Marriage to Emily Strathie
On August 27, 1907, in Vancouver, George married Emily Strathie, who was the widow of Alexander Strathie (1854-1903).
Emily was born on March 31, 1860, in St. John’s Newfoundland. Her parents were James Hill and Hannah Gough. (Emily’s first husband was Alexander Strathie, who was a house builder and building contractor. He died in Vancouver on September 26, 1903.)
From about 1907 to 1910, George and Emily lived at 1155 Park Road, which was the park superintendent’s residence at the Beach Avenue entrance to Stanley Park.
From 1911 to 1914, they were at 1158 Alberni Street.
In 1915, they moved to 1150 Alberni Street.
A Visit to Emily’s Old Home on Water Street
In 1910, George and Emily visited 118 Water Street, which was Emily’s home with Alexander Strathie in the 1880s.
According to some sources, their visit was on the day of building’s demolition, sometime in April 1910. However, the demolition seems to have taken place sometime later than April.
A photograph showed George and Emily in front of the building, along with a sign advertising the performance of “Charley’s Aunt,” which ran at the Lyric Theatre during the week of April 4.
![George Eldon and Emily Eldon (formerly Mrs. Alexander Strathie), [118 Water Street prior to demolition],Vancouver City Archives, Str N19; http://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/index.php/118-water-street-prior-to-demolition-2. [See note in sources section below.]](https://westendvancouver.files.wordpress.com/2015/09/george-eldon-and-emily-eldon-formerly-mrs-alexander-strathie-118-water-street-prior-to-demolition-vancouver-city-archives-str-n19.jpg)
- Vancouver Province, April 4, 1910, page 16, column 2.
However, a newspaper article stated that the Vancouver city council’s order to tear down the building did not happen until July 1910.
Perhaps the “Charley’s Aunt” sign was an older one, or maybe George’s and Emily’s visit was some time earlier than the building’s demolition date. In any case, the building did not last much longer, and a replacement building was on the site within a couple of years.
George: Later Years
George and Emily were still living at 1150 Alberni Street when George died in Vancouver on September 22, 1922. He was buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver.
George left an estate of $20,700.
Shortly before he died, George made plans to place a stained glass window in Christ Church. (Christ Church became Christ Church Cathedral in 1929).
The dedication portion of the window says: “To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Judith Eldon, Born Beverley England 1825. Erected by her son George Eldon.”
Emily: Later Years
Emily continued to live at 1150 Alberni from the 1920s and until the early 1940s.
She died in Vancouver on March 16, 1942. She was buried in Mountain View Cemetery in Vancouver.
She left a net estate of over $93,000.
Sources
John Eldon (father of George Eldon)
“England and Wales Census, 1851,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:SG1L-SWM : accessed 2 September 2015), John Eldin, ; from “1851 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing PRO HO 107, The National Archives of the UK, Kew, Surrey.
“England and Wales Census, 1861,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M7TZ-6X3 : accessed 3 September 2015), John Eldin, St Martin, Beverley, Yorkshire (East Riding), England; from “1861 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing PRO RG 9, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey.
“England and Wales Census, 1871”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZLY-Q8S : accessed 2 September 2015), John Eldin, 1871.
“England and Wales Census, 1881,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X3FK-RLR : accessed 3 September 2015), John Eldon, Beverley St Martin, Yorkshire (East Riding), England; from “1881 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing p. 9, PRO RG 11/4741 / 19, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey; FHL microfilm 1,342,145.
“England and Wales Census, 1891,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:759K-T3Z : accessed 3 September 2015), John Eldin, England; from “1891 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing PRO RG 12, Yorkshire (East Riding) county, BEVERLEY subdistrict, The National Archives of the UK, Kew, Surrey.
Beverley Alphabetical Directory, Bulmer’s Directory of 1892, http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/eng/YKS/ERY/Beverley/Beverley92Dry.html: “Eldon John, cowkeeper, Queensgate road.” (possible connection).
“England and Wales Death Registration Index 1837-2007,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2JT5-247 : accessed 3 September 2015), John Eldon, 1897; from “England & Wales Deaths, 1837-2006,” database, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : 2012); citing Death, Beverley, Yorkshire, England, General Register Office, Southport, England. (possible connection).
Judith Pickard (mother of George Eldon)
“England and Wales Census, 1851,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:SG1L-SW9 : accessed 2 September 2015), Judith Eldin, ; from “1851 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing PRO HO 107, The National Archives of the UK, Kew, Surrey.
“England and Wales Census, 1861,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M7TZ-6XQ : accessed 3 September 2015), Judith Eldin, St Martin, Beverley, Yorkshire (East Riding), England; from “1861 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing PRO RG 9, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey.
“England and Wales Census, 1871”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZLY-Q83 : accessed 2 September 2015), Judith Eldin in entry for John Eldin, 1871.
“England and Wales Census, 1881,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X3FK-RLT : accessed 3 September 2015), Judith Eldon in household of John Eldon, Beverley St Martin, Yorkshire (East Riding), England; from “1881 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing p. 9, PRO RG 11/4741 / 19, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey; FHL microfilm 1,342,145.
“England and Wales Census, 1891,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:7592-9N2 : accessed 3 September 2015), Judith Eldin, England; from “1891 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing PRO RG 12, Yorkshire (East Riding) county, BEVERLEY subdistrict, The National Archives of the UK, Kew, Surrey.
“England and Wales Census, 1901,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XS9V-8QX : accessed 3 September 2015), Judith Eldon, Beverley St Martin, Yorkshire (East Riding), England; from “1901 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing Beverley subdistrict, PRO RG 13, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey.
“England and Wales Census, 1911,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X7RB-67H : accessed 3 September 2015), Judith Eldon, Foggathorpe, Foggathorpe Selby, Yorkshire (East Riding), England; from “1911 England and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing PRO RG 14, The National Archives of the UK, Kew, Surrey.
“England and Wales Death Registration Index 1837-2007,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVHQ-2T6Q : accessed 3 September 2015), Judith Eldon, 1923; from “England & Wales Deaths, 1837-2006,” database, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : 2012); citing Death, Beverley, Yorkshire, England, General Register Office, Southport, England. (possible connection).
George Eldon
The First 100 Years: An Illustrated Celebration, by R. Mike Steele; Vancouver, Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, 1988, pages 42, 48, 55, 202, 203, 210, 212.
Eldon Trail, “Putting faces to places,” Vancouver Courier, February 18. 2000, pages 1-2.
George Eldon, emigrated to Canada 1885, Driffield Online, http://driffield.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2598&p=2598.
John Eldon, Kelleythorpe, http://driffield.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=2593:
“We have just returned from Vancouver and by chance happened to see in the Anglican Cathedral a stained glass window dedicated to a Judith Eldon b 1825 at Beverley, England. The window was dedicated by her son George Eldon. I have a picture if anyone is interested. Dirk Ireland.”
. . . You can also get an image if you ‘google’ Vancouver Cathedral and follow the links through ‘History’ to ‘Stained Glass Windows’. Yours is window 3 – Faith. The full dedication (not on the web photo), reads: To the Glory of God and in Loving Memory of Judith Eldon, Born Beverley England 1825. Erected by her son George Eldon. ‘Her Children Rise Up And Call Her Blessed’.
“England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NYSN-B29 : accessed 2 September 2015), George Eldon, 06 Jul 1846; citing Beverley, York, England, reference p 266; FHL microfilm 919,387.
“England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:J3N3-19X : accessed 2 September 2015), George Eldon, 06 Jul 1846; citing SAINT JOHN AND SAINT MARTIN,BEVERLEY,YORK,ENGLAND, reference ; FHL microfilm 0919386-7, 0919421.
“England and Wales Census, 1851,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:SG1L-SW3 : accessed 2 September 2015), George Eldin, ; from “1851 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing PRO HO 107, The National Archives of the UK, Kew, Surrey.
“England and Wales Census, 1861,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M7TZ-6XW : accessed 3 September 2015), George Eldin, St Martin, Beverley, Yorkshire (East Riding), England; from “1861 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing PRO RG 9, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey.
“England Marriages, 1538–1973 ,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NN33-YY1 : accessed 3 September 2015), George Eldin and Martha Elizabeth Page, 01 Jan 1866; citing Holy Trinity Church, Hull, York, England, reference P. 145 no. 290; FHL microfilm 1,657,073.
“England and Wales Census, 1881,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q27T-P4K4 : 11 December 2017), George Eldon, Headingley With Burley, Yorkshire,Yorkshire West Riding, England; from “1881 England, Scotland and Wales Census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing p. 32, Piece/Folio 4540/165, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey; FHL microfilm 101,775,273.
“Canada Passenger Lists, 1881-1922,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2Q9K-DHW : accessed 2 September 2015), Geo Eldon, Apr 1882; citing Immigration, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, C-4511, Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.
Norway-Heritage, S/S Circassian, Allan Line; http://www.norwayheritage.com/p_ship.asp?sh=circa.
S/S Circassian, Allan Line; http://www.norwayheritage.com/p_ship.asp?sh=circa:
| 1882 | Liverpool | Mar. 29 | Halifax | Apr. 08 | Queenstown – Portland |
S. S. Circassian; http://www.clydesite.co.uk/clydebuilt/viewship.asp?id=17333
“Canada Census, 1891,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MWKS-J7X : accessed 2 September 2015), Martha E Eldon, Vancouver City, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada; Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; Library and Archives Canada film number 30953_148093; http://data2.collectionscanada.gc.ca/1891/pdf/30953_148093-00006.pdf.
“England and Wales Census, 1901,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XS9N-R92 : accessed 2 September 2015), George Eldon in household of Thomas L Foster, York, Yorkshire (East Riding), England; from “1901 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing Bootham subdistrict, PRO RG 13, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey.
“Canada Passenger Lists, 1881-1922,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2QSR-SX8 : accessed 2 September 2015), George Eldon, Jun 1901; citing Immigration, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, T-479, Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario.
“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JD81-5SR : accessed 2 September 2015), George Eldon and Emily Strathie, 24 Aug 1907; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, British Columbia Archives film number B11373, Vital Statistics Agency, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1,983,530.
George Eldon and Emily Eldon (formerly Mrs. Alexander Strathie), [118 Water Street prior to demolition],Vancouver City Archives, http://searcharchives.vancouver.ca/index.php/118-water-street-prior-to-demolition-2. [Note: Vancouver City Archives says this is Mr. and Mrs. Strathie, but Alexander Strathie died in Vancouver on September 26, 1903. See Early Vancouver, Volume 2, 1932 (reprinted 1959), page 172: “Mrs. Emily Strathie afterwards married the late George Eldon, City Park Ranger (or superintendent) for many years. There are no children. The home at No. 118 Water Street was demolished in April 1910; (See photo with Mrs. Eldon and Mr. Eldon standing in the doorway, also a bicycle, the day demolition was in progress).” A PDF version of this document is available: Major James Skitt Matthews, Early Vancouver, Vol. 2 (Vancouver: City of Vancouver, 2011), at page 216: http://former.vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/archives/digitized/EarlyVan/SearchEarlyVan/Vol2pdf/MatthewsEarlyVancouverVol2_EarlyDaysInVancouver.pdf.
“Recensement du Canada de 1911,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV95-MRFQ : accessed 2 September 2015), George Eldon, 1911; citing Census, Vancouver Sub-Districts 1-18, British Columbia, Canada, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario; FHL microfilm 2,417,661; http://automatedgenealogy.com/census11/View.jsp?id=63771&highlight=5&desc=1911+Census+of+Canada+page+containing+George+Eldon; http://data2.collectionscanada.gc.ca/1911/pdf/e001940150.pdf.
1921 Canada census, George Eldon, Reference Number: RG 31; Folder Number: 18; Census Place: Ward 1, Vancouver Centre, British Columbia; Page Number: 5; Ancestry.com. 1921 Census of Canada [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2013.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLKN-18R : accessed 2 September 2015), George Eldon, 22 Sep 1922; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13121, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1,927,298.
“Had Served City for Many Years,” Vancouver Province, September 22, 1922, page 2. (Includes photograph of Mr. George Eldon, “who was the second superintendent to be appointed by the Vancouver Parks Board a number of years ago, died in Vancouver General Hospital this morning.”)
“Former Manager of Parks Dies,” Vancouver Sun, September 23, 1922, page 12; https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_SllAAAAIBAJ&sjid=oYgNAAAAIBAJ&pg=6772%2C2176001:“The funeral of George Eldon, a former superintendent of the Vancouver parks system, who died yesterday morning at the Vancouver General Hospital, will be held on Monday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the chapel of Center & Hanna. Burial will be in Mountain View cemetery. Mr. Eldon had been a resident of Vancouver for the past 36 years, and is survived by his wife, Mrs. May [sic] Eldon, 1150 Alberni Street. He was superintendent of the city parks for 20 [sic] years, resigning his post to become a member of the Parks Board.”
George Eldon, death notice, Vancouver Province, September 23, 1922, page 17; Vancouver Sun, September 23, 1922, page 14; https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=_SllAAAAIBAJ&sjid=oYgNAAAAIBAJ&pg=2155%2C2184354: “Eldon—Sept. 22, 1922, at the Vancouver General Hospital, George Eldon, late of 1150 Alberni St., in his 77th year. Funeral services from Center & Hanna’s chapel Monday afternoon at 2 o’clock, Rev. C.C. Owen officiating. Interment in the family plot, Mountain View Cemetery.”
“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVV5-371V : accessed 2 September 2015), George Eldon, 1922; Burial, Vancouver, Greater Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia, Canada, Mountain View Cemetery; citing record ID 26264182, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=26264182.
Martha Elizabeth Page (first wife of George Eldon)
“England and Wales Birth Registration Index, 1837-2008,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:26TP-P9N : accessed 3 September 2015), Martha Elizabeth Page, 1850; from “England & Wales Births, 1837-2006,” database, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : 2012); citing Birth Registration, Beverley, Yorkshire, England, citing General Register Office, Southport, England. (possible connection)
“England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:J7QS-JF4 : accessed 3 September 2015), Martha Elizabeth Page, 21 Oct 1850; citing SAINT JOHN AND SAINT MARTIN,BEVERLEY,YORK,ENGLAND, reference ; FHL microfilm 0919386-7, 0919421.
“England and Wales Census, 1851,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:SGC8-N89 : 8 November 2019), Martha Page in household of Robert Page, St Martin, Yorkshire,Yorkshire (East Riding), England; citing St Martin, Yorkshire,Yorkshire (East Riding), England, p. 22, from “1851 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing PRO HO 107, The National Archives of the UK, Kew, Surrey.
“England and Wales Census, 1861,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M7TZ-NMR : 24 October 2019), Martha Page in household of Robert Thomas Page, St Martin, Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom; from “1861 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing PRO RG 9, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey.
“England and Wales Census, 1871”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KZGM-JTZ : 24 April 2019), Martha Eldin in entry for Robert Thos Page, 1871.
“England and Wales Census, 1881,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q27T-P4KT : 11 December 2017), Martha Eldon in household of George Eldon, Headingley With Burley, Yorkshire,Yorkshire West Riding, England; from “1881 England, Scotland and Wales Census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing p. 32, Piece/Folio 4540/165, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey; FHL microfilm 101,775,273.
“Canada Census, 1891,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MWKS-J7X : accessed 2 September 2015), Martha E Eldon, Vancouver City, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada; Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; Library and Archives Canada film number 30953_148093; http://data2.collectionscanada.gc.ca/1891/pdf/30953_148093-00006.pdf.
“England and Wales Census, 1901,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XS9N-R9L : accessed 2 September 2015), Martha Eldon in household of Thomas L Foster, York, Yorkshire (East Riding), England; from “1901 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing Bootham subdistrict, PRO RG 13, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey.
“Ontario Deaths, 1869-1937 and Overseas Deaths, 1939-1947,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:J6WX-NZ3 : 26 March 2020), Martha Eldon, 12 May 1904; citing Toronto, York, Ontario, yr 1904 cn 2611, Registrar General. Archives of Ontario, Toronto; FHL microfilm 1,854,283.
“Ontario, Toronto Trust Cemeteries, 1826-1989”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:276S-M5W : 2 July 2019), Martha Eldon, 1904.
Alexander Strathie (first husband of Emily Hill)
Alexander Strathie (c.1853-1903), Vancouver Voters, 1886: A Biographical Dictionary, Vancouver, British Columbia Genealogical Society, 1994, page 669.
“Canada Census, 1891,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MWKS-KDG : accessed 3 September 2015), Alexander Strathie, Vancouver City, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada; Public Archives, Ottawa, Ontario; Library and Archives Canada film number 30953_148093.
“Canada Census, 1901,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KHVJ-6RR : accessed 3 September 2015), Alexander Strathie, D, Burrard, British Columbia, Canada; citing p. 9, Library and Archives of Canada, Ottawa.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLVB-YY7 : accessed 3 September 2015), Alexander Strathis [sic], 26 Sep 1902; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13094, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1,927,122. [Note: correct death date is September 26, 1903.]
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLVB-YYQ : accessed 3 September 2015), Alexander Strathis, 26 Sep 1903; citing Vancouver B C, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13094, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1,927,122.
“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:JDZ6-121 : accessed 3 September 2015), Alexander Strathie in household of Duncan Strathie and Deborah Hicks, 04 Oct 1898; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, British Columbia Archives film number B11372, Vital Statistics Agency, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1,983,529. (brother of Alexander Strathie)
“Another Old-timer Gone,” Vancouver Province, September 26, 1903, page 3:
The death occurred at 3:30 o’clock this morning of Mr. Alex. Strathie, one of the best known of old-timers of the city. The deceased had been sick for several weeks, and the immediate cause of his demise was congestion of the lungs. Mr. Strathie was a contractor and builder, and owned a considerable quantity of real estate in the city. He was a native of Newfoundland, and came to Vancovuer in 1886. He leaves a widow and one brother, Mr. Duncan Strathie, to mourn his loss. The deceased was fifty years of age. The funeral will be held on Monday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock from the family residence, 321 Georgia street, Rev. R.J Wilson being the officiating clergyman.
Alexander Strathie, death notice, Vancouver Province, September 26, 1903, page 3: “Strathie—In this city, on the 26th inst., the death occurred of Alexander Strathie, aged 50, a native of Newfoundland. Funeral will take place on Monday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock from the family residence, 321 Georgia Street.”
Emily Hill (Strathie) (second wife of George Eldon)
118 Water Street, https://changingvancouver.wordpress.com/2015/07/06/118-water-street/ [refers to Emily Hill, her life in Vancouver with Alexander Strathie, and her marriage to George Eldon.]
Major James Skitt Matthews, Early Vancouver, Vol. 2 (Vancouver: City of Vancouver, 2011), 215; http://former.vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/archives/digitized/EarlyVan/SearchEarlyVan/Vol2pdf/MatthewsEarlyVancouverVol2_EarlyDaysInVancouver.pdf.
“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLRP-YSC : accessed 3 September 2015), Emily Eldon, 16 Mar 1942; citing Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Archives film number B13174, Division of Vital Statistics, Victoria; FHL microfilm 1,953,634.
“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVV5-371J : accessed 3 September 2015), Emily Eldon, 1942; Burial, Vancouver, Greater Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia, Canada, Mountain View Cemetery; citing record ID 26264181, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=26264181.
“City Heroine of Great Fire Dies Suddenly,” Vancouver Province, March 17, 1942, page 2 (includes photograph of Mrs. Emily Elden):
“Mrs. Emily Eldon, 1150 Alberni, who escaped with her husband from Vancouver’s fire of 1886 on a raft in the Inlet, died during the night at her residence. She was found sitting up in a chair when friends visited her this morning.
Mrs. Eldon was a life member of the Vancouver Pioneers’ Association and came to the city in March 1886 from Victoria, where she had resided for some time after coming to the Coast from Winnipeg.
She and her husband, the late George Eldon [sic: should be Alexander Strathie], used to cross to Stanley Park on a tree stump wedged by the . . . spot where the causeway now stands.
Mrs Eldon was on hand to greet the first train arriving at Port Moody. She was photographed with Sir John and Lady Macdonald on that historic occasion.
When Vancouver was swept by the fire of ’86 Mrs Eldon won much praise for her rescue work. When the raft on which she and her husband were sank, she aided in the rescue of a third passenger.
Later she conducted a soup kitchen for the homeless in the lane between Water and Cordova streets.
She is survived by a niece.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later by Center & Hanna.”
“Mrs. Emily Eldon, Real Pioneer, Dead,” Vancouver Sun, March 18, 1942, page 17 (includes photograph of Mrs. Emily Eldon):
“There are pioneers and pioneers, but Mrs. Emily Eldon, 1150 Alberni Street, was one of the real old-timers, for she was here “before the fire,” and underwent some dramatic experiences during the burning of Vancouver in 1886.
Tuesday she died at the age of 81.
Mrs. Eldon escaped on a raft in the Inlet with her husband, the late George Eldon [sic: should be Alexander Strathie], from the conflagration of ’86. The fire was all about them as they pushed away from shore on the hand-made sea-going structure.
Born in Newfoundland, Mrs. Eldon came west at an early date, spent four years in Winnipeg, and then moved to Victoria. “I had heard that the people in Victoria didn’t welcome strangers,” she once said, “but they were very kind to my husband and me.”
In 1885 the couple came to Vancouver, when it was known as Gastown, and built a two-storey house on Water Street.
“The first that burned Vancouver must have been smouldering for weeks,” Mrs. Eldon said. “We could smell smoke but couldn’t locate its source. We were kind of uneasy about it because everything was tinder dry and we knew that if a fire broke out the place would burn like matchwood.”
Mrs. Eldon was the first customer of the first Hudson’s Bay Co.’s store in Vancouver, and had dealt with the company ever since.
She was a life member of the Pioneers’ Association, and was very well known in the organization.
When the first train arrived at Port Moody she was on hand to greet it. Mr. Smith, manager of the Port Moody Mill, sent for her, and she was photographed with Sir John and Lady Macdonald on this historic occasion.
Before banks were known in early Vancouver, Mrs. Eldon acted as banker for more than one party.
She leaves a brother, James Hill, Elliston, Newfoundland, and a brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Duncan Strathie, Vancouver.
Last rites will be performed Thursday at 12:30 p.m. in Center and Hanna’s chapel by Rev. E.D. Braden. D.D.; burial, Mountain View Cemetery.”
“Mrs. Eldon Funeral At Noon Thursday,” Vancouver Province, March 18, 1942, page 3:
“Funeral services for Mrs. Emily Eldon, 1150 Alberni, one of Vancouver’s first residents, who died on Tuesday morning, will be held in Center & Hanna Chapel on Thursday at 12:30 noon with Rev. Dr. E.D. Braden officiating. Interment will take place at Mountain View Cemetery.
Mrs. Eldon was born in Newfoundland and came to Vancouver, or Gastown as it was known then, in 1885. She and her husband built a two-storey house on Water street.
Mr. and Mrs. Eldon [sic, should be Strathie] had a narrow escape in the fire of 1886 as their house went up in flames. Fleeing on a raft, which broke up a little way out in Burrard Inlet, they were picked up by Captain Butler’s ship from Port Moody.
The remains of Mr. Eldon’s [sic, should be Strathie’s] watch, found after the fire, are now in the City Hall museum.
Mrs. Eldon is survived by a brother, William J. Hill, Newfoundland, and a brother-in-law and a sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Duncan Strathie, Vancouver.”
Emily Eldon, death notice, Vancouver Province, March 18, 1942, page 17; Vancouver Sun, March 18, 1942, page 18: “Eldon—Suddenly, on March 16, 1942, at her residence, 1150 Alberni St., Mrs. Emily Eldon, aged 81 years. Survived by one brother, William James Hill, of Elliston, Newfoundland; brother-in-law and sister, Mr. and Mrs. Duncan Strathie, city. Member of Vancouver Pioneers’ Association. Funeral service in Canter & Hanna’s chapel, Thursday afternoon, March 19, at 12:30 o’clock; Rev. Dr. E.D. Braden officiating. Committal family plot, Mountain View Cemetery.”
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