Rocky Mountain House Alberta

[amersidelaw]

 Have been researching the Johnson family in Northumberland England. Recently going through some old family papers found a Christmas card sent from Rocky Mountain House by a William Johnson. There were the usual family tales of relatives in Canada but this is this first time there has been anything tangible. I have no idea when the card was sent but suspect it would be the early 1900's.
Any information about the Johnson family in Alberta greatly appreciated.

Amersidelaw

[cosmac]

Could you provide details on William such as year of birth, when can you last place him in England, was he married, single, family with him.  William and Johnson are both common names to search for without more information.

This is a link to the 1901 and 1911 Canadian census that are free to search
http://automatedgenealogy.com/index.html
The 1881 and 1891 census are found here as well as a searchable data base for Western Land Grants.
http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/lac-bac/search-recherche/anc.php?Language=eng

This link explains the Township system in Alberta and how each piece of land has its own unique identifying markers - if you look at the 1911 census you will see that this information is needed outside of the cities.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominion_Land_Survey
I know there are better sites to explain this but can't rmember where at the moment.

This link http://railways-atlas.tapor.ualberta.ca/cocoon/atlas/Maps-7-5-4/ shows Rocky Mountain House in the upper left hand corner of the map and it gives you an idea of the topography as well as the townships.

With more information on William we might be better able to help.

Debbie

[amersidelaw]

Many thanks for your early reply and the information on useful websites.

Unfortunately I don't have any more info about William but I suspect the Christmas card was sent to my Grandparents who married 1904,. The card was expensive looking and the message and name were printed which makes me wonder if he was a business man or fairly well off and probably second generation.
I realise the chances of tracking him down are very slim with such sparse information and as you say the names are very common (how I wish I had a rare surname, life and research would be much easier).
Regards
Amersidelaw

[KN]

A Google search comes up with http://www.rockymtnhouse.com/

It seems to be a whole town!

KN

[jorose]

http://www.ourroots.ca/
http://www.ourfutureourpast.ca/
both have local history books. There are books about Rocky Mountain House but can't find a clear hit for William Johnson who lived there. e.g. Days before yesterday : History of Rocky Mountain House district has several references to Johnsons

Are there any William Johnsons in the family that you know of that could be possibles?

You could also contact the local newspaper and see if they'll put something in for anybody who remembers a William Johnson who might have had relatives in England:
http://rmh-mountaineer.awna.com/

[amersidelaw]

Hi everyone
After talking to an older relative it seems there was some family rumour that a Johnson was a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, however like all the other bits and pieces this is only rumour with no substance. I think I'm clinging on to straws
Amersidelaw

[J.J.]

These are ranchers from there, named Johnson...from the Stockmen's memorial http://www.smflibrary.ca/brandj.html
Johnson, Andrew from Rocky Mountain House
Johnston, A.A. from Rocky Mountain House, Scotfield, Bingley
~~~~
Oddly, nothing under land grants for any Johnson at all in that town range though 22-39-7-w5

I wonder if he worked for the fur trade or was just in the area for a short period of time.  He may have been with some militia, though, as well...so.....
Here is another site to post on...you might get lucky as someone who is from that town answers on other postings
http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.canada.alberta.clearwater/mb.ashx

Was there anything on the back of the card?

[amersidelaw]

Thanks for the web sites will have a look at them and see if anything jumps out (ever the optimist).
There was nothing on the back of the card but as I said it was an expensive looking card and printed so looks like he had a few dollars.
He may have been 2nd generation, most of the Johnsons I have researched from Northumberland were agricultural workers.
Will carry on with crossed fingers

[J.J.]

You could write the museum there to see if the card was made locally, and what era...
http://www.rockymuseum.com/