Bernese "Bonn" Hazel South

Other Events:

• Census: 1895, Moland, Clay County, Minnesota
• Census: 1900, Columbia Avenue, Waupaca, Waupaca County, Wisconsin
• Census: 1906, Melfort, Humboldt, Saskatchewan
• Census: 1911, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
• Census: 1916, Carrot River, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
• Census: 1921, Carrot River, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
• Residence: 1939, Goodsoil, Saskatchewan

Bernese married John Richard Bennett on 15 Jan 1911 in Edmonton, Alberta. John (son of Richard Bennett and ?? Walker) was born on 2 Sep 1872 in Napanee, Ontario; died on 1 Sep 1959 in Vernon, British Columbia at Jubilee Hospital; was buried on 3 Sep 1959 in Vernon Cemetery, Vernon, British Columbia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Claude Richard Bennett was born on 28 Apr 1913 in Pathlow, Saskatchewan; died on 28 Dec 1980.
2. Maurice John Bennett was born on 30 Mar 1918 in Pathlow, Saskatchewan; died on 11 Dec 1918 in Pathlow, Saskatchewan; was buried on 12 Dec 1918 in Flett's Springs Cemetery, Pathlow, Saskatchewan.

Other Events:

• Census: 1865, Mantorville, Dodge County, Minnesota
• Census: 1870, Wasioja, Dodge County, Minnesota
• Census: 1875, Wasioja, Dodge County, Minnesota
• Census: 1880, Mantorville, Dodge County, Minnesota
• Census: 1895, Moland, Clay County, Minnesota
• Census: 1900, Columbia Avenue, Waupaca, Waupaca County, Wisconsin
• Emigration: 1905
• Census: 1906, Melfort, Humboldt, Saskatchewan
• Census: 1911, Calgary, Alberta
• Census: 1916, Bear Lake, Edmonton West, Alberta

Notes:

Obituary published in the Northern Tribune Newspaper of Grande Prairie, Alberta on 28 Dec 1939.



This short biography on the John M. South family and their trips from the U.S.A. to Canada and back , along with many other biographies is taken from the "Along The Wapita" published by the Wapita Historical Society and printed 1981 by Ronalds Western Printing Ltd. 14425-118th Ave, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

John South was born in Waupaca, Waupaca Co., Wisconsin, as was his wife Minerva Ballard. Their "Honeymoon Trip" was a trip by covered wagon from Minnesota to North Dakota.
In 1904 they homestead near Melfort, Saskatchewan , Canada. Mr South had itchy feet, so in 1910, the family went to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
That year, South's son Floyd, and his son in law Selby McAusland had went to the Grande Prairie area, and Floyd took a homestead near where Wembly is now.

South decided to try the Peace River country also. On 22 Feb 1911, a large party left Edmonton for the north;
Mr & Mrs J. M. South, their two daughters Minerva (Trix) and Rena, Floyd, Mr & Mrs Selby McAusland and baby, and Fred Smith.
Mr McAusland had two teams of horses and Floyd had one yoke of oxen. Furniture which the South's brought included three bedsteads, springs and mattresses,dining table and six chairs, several rocking chairs, a china cabinet and a full length mirror. (the only item damaged on the trail!)

The South Caboose served the entire party. It was crowded at meal time so the travellers ate in relays, the men first. When not in use the table was hung against the wall. At night, Rena slept on the table , being 7 years old at the time. Mrs McAusland her baby and Trix on a mattress, and Mrs South on a small bed in the corner. The men always slept outdoors.

After many adventures and mishaps the Souths arrived at Lake Saskatoon, Alberta, Canada April 1, 1911.

The following summer South "worked out", to earn money to go to Edson, Alberta for provisions.

As a fire ranger for the District, he patrolled his route (from Saskatoon Mountain to House River) once a month from April to October. He travelled with a "Buckboard" and would try to make the trip in a week.

South also undertook to break 40 acres near Buffalo Lakes. He had just finished the first 10 acres , when one of the Oxen sickened and died. He sold the other Oxen and bought horses. He had a sulky plow and broke 20 acres on his own scrip with horses. During the winter of 1911-1912 South made two trips to Edson, Alberta, the 1st to haul in freight and the 2nd to haul in his own supplies. Each round trip took about 5 weeks.
His family was living in house at Saskatoon Mountain which he rented from "Punch the Post" Patterson. In 1912 South built his own house of Spruce logs on his scrip.

In 1917 Mr & Mrs South and Rena went back to the United States. The farm and equipment were sold. Sometime after 1923 Mr & Mrs South moved back to Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada. Few years later they bought some land in the Flying Shot district and lived there until they retired, due to Mr South's ill health. They died in 1939.

John married Minerva Ann Ballard on 30 Mar 1880 in Kasson, Dodge County, Minnesota. Minerva (daughter of Kelsey Myron Ballard and Eliza Ann South) was born on 28 Dec 1860 in Waupaca, Waupaca County, Wisconsin; died on 28 Aug 1939 in Grande Prairie, Alberta; was buried on 31 Aug 1939 in Flying Shot Cemetery, near Grande Prairie, Alberta. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1870, Waupaca, Waupaca County, Wisconsin
• Census: 1880, Mantorville, Dodge County, Minnesota
• Census: 1895, Moland, Clay County, Minnesota
• Census: 1900, Columbia Avenue, Waupaca, Waupaca County, Wisconsin
• Emigration: 1905
• Census: 1906, Melfort, Humboldt, Saskatchewan
• Census: 1911, Calgary, Alberta
• Census: 1916, Bear Lake, Edmonton West, Alberta

Notes:

Died:
Obituary printed in newspaper, Grande Prairie, Alberta

Pioneer Woman of Grande Prairie District Called by Grim Reaper - 1939
-Came to this country in 1911 and played her part in the life of the Community - lived a wonderful Christian life - many attend funeral services

On Monday, August 28, another old timer of the Grande Prairie district answered the last call when Minerva Ann South, beloved wife of John M. South, passed peacefully away at her home in Grande Prairie.

The funeral services were held in McLaurin Baptist Church, Grande Prairie, on Thursday afternoon, August 31, Captain Waller and Mrs. Waller of the Salvation Army, assisted by Rev. T. D. Jones of Christ Church (Anglican), officiating.

Hymns sung were: "Shall We Gather At The River?" and "There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood".

Rev. Mr. Jones said: "We have met together this afternoon to pay our respects to one who has been very dear to you. In her life Mrs. South shed a radiance of Christian living about her."

Referring to her death, the speaker said it is a journey that must be made alone. Continuing, Mr. Jones said that he spoke on the authority of the Bible when he said that Mrs. South passed on to eternal happiness. In poor health for many years, it seemed a load too heavy to bear, and while the parting is deeply regretted, non who had known her for these many years would have her back.

Captain and Mrs. Waller then sang with great expression, "We Shall Know Each Other Better".

Captain Waller said that, being a newcomer, he did not know Mrs. South, but he had heard many wonderful things about her Christian life.

Burial took place in Grande Prairie Cemetery. Pallbearers were J. E. Thomson, W. J. Thomson, Mr. Dunbar, Dr. Akin, C. Ireland, and A. Westendorf.

"To the heart aglow for Thee, and valley of the shadow is like sunrise on the sea;
her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also and he praises her."

Born at Waupaca, Wisconsin on December 28, 1859, the second child of Kelsey and Eliza Ballard, Mrs. South spent the early years of her life there. When it is considered that she was a direct descendant of those early pioneers who stepped aboard the Mayflower and left England to escape religious persecution, one knows that almost the first words she learned were simple prayers, and her faith in God was so well founded and so sure that on her sixteenth birthday she was baptized through a hole on the ice in the Wisconsin River. In this faith she lived all her life.

On March 30, 1880, she was united in marriage to John M. South. Shortly after their marriage they moved to what is now Minnesota and later to North Dakota. So she began her life as a pioneer.

To the union were born eight children, five girls and three boys. Two sons and one daughter pre-deceased her. The remaining children are: Mrs. S. McAusland (Blanche) and Mrs. F. R. Smith (Minerva), Grande Prairie; Mrs. John Bennett (Bernese [Bonn]), Goodsoil, Sask.; Mrs. William Rolph Price (Rena), Klickitat, Washington; and Claude M. South, Cass Lake, Minnesota.

In 1904, the family moved to Melfort, Sask., where they resided until 1910, when they moved to Edmonton. In February, 1911, they started over the long trail for the Peace River country with S. McAusland, arriving at their destination on April 1, after an adventurous trip, and it was only a matter of weeks until Rev. A. Forbes held services in their home. Mrs. South immediately identified herself with Christian work, if not in her own church, then with any other that needed her help.

Swiftly the years sped on, bringing their joys and sorrows, until war broke out in 1914. September, 1915, she saw her son and son-in-law sign up for active service overseas. It was characteristic of this daughter of a Civil War veteran that she bid them go, "And God be with you and keep you."

In 1932 Mrs. South was stricken with arthritis, but she would not give up and kept on her feet until January, 1933, when she fainted and was taken to her bed unconscious. For many months she suffered untold agony, and it seemed as though she must pass on at any moment.

During her illness she kept her faith in God, and her sweet, sunny disposition remained the same.

The death of her son, Floyd J., in 1934 was a heavy blow.

Three years ago she joined her husband at Grande Prairie where they have since resided. Although unable to walk or leave her home, she made many new friends and her influence reached farther than she ever dreamed.

A paralytic stroke brought her beautiful and useful life to a close. Her husband and two daughters were with her when the end came, also Mrs. Frank Crummy and Mrs. Cal. Campbell.

Other Events:

• Census: 1860, Green Lake, Wisconsin
• Census: 1870, Wasioja, Dodge County, Minnesota
• Census: 1880, Wasioja, Dodge County, Minnesota
• Census: 1900, Lake Eunice Township, Becker County, Minnesota

James married Harriet Ann Reed on 18 Nov 1845 in Erie County, New York. Harriet was born on 8 Aug 1829 in Montgomery County, New York; died on 20 Jul 1889 in Amenia, Cass County, North Dakota; was buried on 24 Jul 1889 in Evergreen Cemetery, Mantorville, Dodge County, Minnesota. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1860, Green Lake, Wisconsin
• Census: 1870, Wasioja, Dodge County, Minnesota
• Census: 1880, Wasioja, Dodge County, Minnesota

Notes:

Buried at the Evergreen Cemetery,Mantorville , Dodge, Minnesota beside her husband James South and their two daughters, Harriet & Florence Sout

Obit in Dodge Co. Republican states the following:

DEATH OF Mrs. JAMES S. SOUTH

Last Sunday Norman E. South received a telegram announcing the death of his mother at Amenia, Cass Co., North Dakota, which occurred that morning and in which he was notified to make preparations for the funeral in Kasson, Dodge Co., Minnesota as the remains would be brought here and buried by the side of her two daughters, in Evergreen Cemetery, in Mantorville.

On Monday morning, the remains arrived, accompanied by her husband, James S. South and the following children: William, Clark, Lewis and wife, Elmer and Inez, only surviving daughter. Norman E. and wife and a nephew joined them on their arrival. A large number of sympathizing friends were present.

The remains were removed to the residence of G. Joslyn, where the funeral services were held at 1:30 o'clock, Rev. Mr. Witter officiating. The remains were lovingly laid to rest and followed to their last resting place by a cortege of eighteen teams.

Mrs. South, nee Harriet Ann Reed, was born in Montgomery Co., New York, on the 8th day of August, 1829 and consequently was 59 years, 11 months and 12 days old at the time of her Decemberease. She was married in Erie Co., New York on the 18th of November in 1845 and removed to this Co. in 1862, where they resided and reared their family of 11 children, 4 being born in this Co. (Dodge). About 6 years ago, they removed to Amenia, North Dakota.

Mrs. South was a very exemplary woman in her family and society relations and beloved by all who knew her. She was a member of the M. E. church 33 years and lived the life of a consistent Christian and died with a well-grounded hope in a blessed immortality and truly if a self-denying life increases the moral wealth of the soul and adds to the luster of Christian life, Mrs. South's reward will be great in heaven.

Mr. South and children have the sincere sympathy of this community in their sore bereavement.

Dodge Co. Republican

Other Events:

• Military: 23 Feb 1864, Wisconsin; Enrolled in Co. A 8th Reg. Wisconsin Vol. Inf. and also Colorado F 23rd Reg. VRC in the Civil War. Served as a private.
• Census: 1870, Waupaca, Waupaca County, Wisconsin
• Census: 1880, Mantorville, Dodge County, Minnesota

Kelsey married Eliza Ann South on 6 Apr 1857 (by Rev. Clark) in Waupaca, Waupaca County, Wisconsin. Eliza (daughter of Benjamin Franklin South and Almyra Winston) was born on 6 Apr 1842 in Cattaraugus County, New York; died on 26 Dec 1924 in Waupaca, Waupaca County, Wisconsin; was buried on 29 Dec 1924 in Lakeside Memorial Park Cemetery, Waupaca, Waupaca County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1850, Concord, Erie County, New York
• Census: 1870, Waupaca, Waupaca County, Wisconsin
• Census: 1880, Mantorville, Dodge County, Minnesota
• Census: 1900, Waupaca, Waupaca County, Wisconsin

Other Events:

• Census: 1850, Concord, Erie County, New York
• Census: 1880, Montivideo, Chippewa County, Minnesota

Benjamin married Almyra Winston on 1 Aug 1817 in Stephen Town, Rensselaer County, New York. Almyra (daughter of Joseph Winston and Hannah ??) was born on 22 Aug 1803 in Stephentown, Rensselaer Co., New York; died on 5 Jan 1896 in Royalton, Waupaca Co., Wisc. at the home of her son Zed South; was buried on 7 Jan 1896 in Lakeside Memorial Park Cemetery, Waupaca, Waupaca County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1850, Concord, Erie County, New York

Other Events:

• Residence: 1824, Lot 4, Otto, Cattaraugus County, New York; Brothers Isaac, Stephen and Benjamin Ballard are listed in the 1824 Otto tax assessment as owning Lot 4. Reported at http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nycattar/pioneer/1824otto.htm.
• Census: 1850, Otto, Cattaraugus County, New York
• Census: 1870, Waupaca, Waupaca County, Wisconsin

Notes:

Brothers Isaac, Benjamin and Stephen left Vermont in 1818 and walked to western New York state. here they took 630 acres of land and built a shanty of logs six feet by eight feet and roofed it with elm logs.

Stephen Ballard and wife Matilda Ballard were 2nd cousins. Lived in Otto, Cataragus County, NY. Moved to Erie County in 1850. Then to Waupaca County, Wisconsin in 1858 by means of boat on the Wolf River to Gills Landing. From there they travelled by ox cart to Woyauwega (Butternut Ridge District) where they took a land grant of 60 acres.

Stephen married Matilda Ballard about 1826 in Otto, Cattaraugus County, New York. Matilda (daughter of Adam Ballard and Mercy Combs) was born on 14 Jul 1810; died on 20 Aug 1881 in Weyauwega, Waupaca County, Wisconsin; was buried on 22 Aug 1881 in Lakeside Memorial Park Cemetery, Waupaca, Waupaca County, Wisconsin. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Census: 1850, Otto, Cattaraugus County, New York
• Census: 1870, Waupaca, Waupaca County, Wisconsin