Robert "Bob" Allison Barbour - Obituary

1939 - 2018

     At the Western Hospital, Alberton, on Tuesday, July 3, 2018, with his loving family by his side, of Robert Allison Barbour of Alberton, age 79 years. Beloved husband to Shirley Evelyn Mae (nee Roswell) Barbour. Born at Alma, P.E.I., on October 1, 1939. He was the son of the late Archie and Mildred (nee Dunbar) Barbour.

     Loving father to Wendell (Debbie) Barbour of Tillsonburg, Ont., Mike (Rose) Barbour of Charlottetown. Caring grandfather to Brandon, Amber, Chad, Jordan and Victoria. Great-grandfather to Ivry, Sophia, Sarah and Jayden. Dear brother to Carol (Dennis) Rainka of Vancouver, and Ann (Barry) Sandercock of Ontario.

     He is survived by brothers and sisters-in-law, Cliff (Sandy) Roswell of Ont., Kenny Roswell of Ontario., Florence (Wayne) Gibbs of DeBlois, P.E.I., Donna (Dan) Ramsey of Ontario, Bruce (Muriel) Roswell of Ontario, Vera (Wayne) Mordue of Ontario and Eddie Roswell of Ontario. He will be sadly missed by his many cousins  friends and acquaintances.

He was predeceased by sons, Jeffery and Ricky (in infancy), a sister, Helen Barbour, sister-in-law, Marie Goring and brother-in-law, Bobby Roswell.

     Resting at the Rooney Funeral Home & Chapel, Alberton. Visiting hours Friday 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Funeral Saturday afternoon from the Alberton Baptist Church, for funeral servie at 2:00 p.m., Pastor Ross Morrison officiating. Interment in the Baptist Cemetery Greenmount, P.E.I.

     Family flowers only. As an expression of sympathy memorials to the Alberton Baptist Church would be gratefully appreciated.

Helen Barbour Obituary

1950 - 2015

     Helen Janet Barbour passed away suddenly at her home in Newmarket, Ontario, on August 15, 2015 in her 65th year. Helen was born in Alberton, PEI, on August 15, 1950. She is survived by her loving daughter Leann, her brother Robert Barbour (Shirley), her sisters Carol Rainka (Dennis) and Ann Sandercock (Barry). She will be fondly remembered by her nephews and nieces Wendall, Michael, Christine, Sandra, Derrick and Kimberly. She was predeceased by her parents Archie and Mildred and her nephews Richard and Jeffery.     

     Interment is at the Montrose United Church Cemetery on September 3, 2015 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation are requested.

Happy Birthday Wanda (Barbour) Matthews

     Belated birthday greetings to Wanda who celebrated her 80th birthday on June 21, 2015.
     Last year on her 79th birthday she spent the day with her nieces at Avonlea Village in Cavendish.  Below is a photo submitted by Donna MacPhee... 

Front Row: Shirley Hardy and Wanda Matthews

Back Row: Donna MacPhee, Jean Oliver and Gwenda Doyle

     Wanda was born at the Barbour Homestead on the Western Road in Alma on June 21st, 1935 to Harry and Rachel (Hardy) Barbour.  She attended Alma School No. 43 at Alma Corner as did her father, Harry, and her four brothers and one sister Marion.

     Wanda moved from Alberton South to the Town of Alberton after Basil's passing.  Their daughter Diahan has two sons.

     Waldron and Daisy Barbour's four daughter are seen with their aunt Wanda in the photo above.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Below: Sisters Wanda Matthews and Marion Donald

     Photo taken on March 30, 1993 on the occasion of the 45th wedding anniversary of Waldron and Daisy Barbour at Billy and Jean Olivers in Greenmount.

Alma students graduate from Alberton High School 1960

     Two Alma students were amoung the 1960 graduates of Alberton High School - Jean Barbour (front left) and Arlene Rennie (front right).  
     Thanks Donna (Barbour) MacPhee for this photo.

Betty (Barbour) Pederson Obituary - 2015

We were sad to learn of Betty's passing this week - she grew up and went to school in Alma. 

     Suddenly at her late residence (corner of Centerline Rd and Montrose Rd., Montrose), on Monday, February 16, 2015, of Elizabeth Eileen (Betty) Pedersen, of Montrose, P.E.I., age 66 years. Born at Alberton on June 1, 1948, she was the daughter of Muriel (nee Arthur) of the Maplewood Manor, Alberton, and the late Donald E. Barbour. Loving mother to Stacey and her husband Brad Davis of Oakville, Ontario. Cherished grandmother to Shawn Tyler Pedersen. Step great-grandmother to Brody Davis, step grandmother to Melissa, Jenna and Brett. Dear sister to Arthur and his wife Jean Barbour of St. Felix and David and his wife Joy Barbour of Alberton. She is also survived by brothers and sisters-in-law: Roy (Bernadette) Pedersen of Tignish; Roger (Firma) Pedersen of Port Hawksbury, N.S.; Kenny (Joan) Pedersen of Burlington, Ont.; Elsie (Brian) Shea of St. Louis; and Wanda (Pedersen) Saunders of Alberton. She is further survived by her many nieces and nephews. She will be sadly missed by her many friends and acquaintances. She was predeceased by her husband Billy, her son Shawn, her father Donald, and by sisters Florence and Cathy, and brother-in-law Glendon Pedersen.  Resting at the Rooney Funeral Home Alberton. Visiting hours Friday 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral on Saturday afternoon from the Gordon Memorial United Church, Alberton, with funeral service at 3:00 p.m., Rev. Lynn McKinnon officiating. Interment to take place at Glenn Oaks Cemetery Oakville, Ont.  As an expression of sympathy, memorials to the Alzhiemers Society would be gratefully appreciated.

Lauretta School - June 1960

     I have a new scanner and back to more posting!!
     Here's a photo of Shirley Barbour and her little sister Gwenda on the last day of Lauretta school in June 1960.  Thanks for the photo Donna (Barbour) MacPhee.

Rae Barbour Obituary 1895-1977

     Miss Rae Barbour of Alma died suddenly in the Western Hospital Sunday morning.  March 6, 1977, as the result of a heart attack.  She was a lifelong resident of this community where she was born eight-two years ago (1895).
     Here parents were James Barbour and his wife Margaret Gordon.  Mrs. Barbour died when her children were very young and her two daughters, Sophie and Rae, became the homemakers for their father and brothers.
     In time three members of the family left Alma but Rae and her brother Gordon remained on the family farm.  Some years ago Robert McAssey came to their home as a lad to help with the farm work but soon became as a son to them. 
     Miss Barbour was active in church and community.  She was a member of the Presbyterian Church and then of the United Church of Canada in Montrose congregation.  She was keenly interested in the life and work of the Church at home and abroad.  She was a member of the Woman's Missionary Society and for many years was an active member of Montrose Cemetery Committee servicing as its treasurer.  She organized and gave leadership to the first CGIT of the Province and also organized and counselled a young people's society.
     Rae Barbour was a person whose strong Christian faith sustained her own life and found expression in unnumbered deeds of kindness.  Her home was a place where the best traditions of Island hospitality were upheld, a place where all who came were made welcome.  She was kind to everyone but in her heart there was a special place for children and for those in need.  To many people her passing has brought a sense of deep personal loss, yet that sense of loss is mingled with thanksgiving for the enrichment her inner strength and her friendship gave to life.
     Miss Barbour was a well informed person who read extensively.  Over the years she complied a series of scrapbooks which will increase in value as time passes.  A good memory combined with much firsthand knowledge made her a recognized authority on both local and family history.  One of her hobbies was stamp collecting.
     Surviving are three brother, Athol in Los Angeles, California; Gordon in Alma and Keith in Germantown, New York.  Her only sister died last year.
     Also surviving are Robert and Lulu McAssey and their children: Margaret, Gordon, John, James and Gary.
     The funeral was held on Wednesday from her home to Montrose United Church where the service was conducted by Rev. Stewart B. Russell.  Congregational hymns were "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Amazing Grace".  The organist was Blanche Crockett.
     Pallbearers were Archie Barbour, Sterling Barbour, Eldon Barbour, Roscoe Barbour, John Barbour and John Clark.
     Flowerbearers were Gordon McAssey, John McAssey, James McAsssey, Gary McAssey and Scott Clark.
     Interment was in the church cemetery.

* * * * * * *

    The above was published in the Journal Pioneer Newspaper, March 17, 1977. Page. 5, Cols. 4-7.  Copy supplied by Donna (Barbour) MacPhee.

Montrose United Church

     Montrose United Church sits, facing east, in a grove of mostly maple trees at the far east end of the Centerline Road.  It served both Montrose and Alma communities as a regular place of worship until 1969 when amalgamating with Alberton Pastoral Charge, thus becoming known as the Alberton-Elmsdale Pastoral Charge.

     The church was erected in 1945 after fire destroyed the original church on May 21, 1944 – seventy (70) years ago.  The new church opened one and a half years later on November 11, 1945.

     The planning, faith, cooperation and hard work put into rebuilding was well worth the effort.  There was once again a place to give thanks and worship in Montrose.  Fellowship meetings for both the youth and adults (Sunday School, Young Peoples Society, Bible Study, etc.) resumed in the church.

     It must have been a glorious day as people congregated for that first service in 1945, in their new Montrose United Church.

     A couple of photos shows a few people of the congregation gathered at the church entrance following Sunday Worship.

     In this summer 1959 photo...

Muriel (Baker) Barbour – (wife of Roy Barbour); Marion Barbour – (later wife of Jack Donald); Ann Barbour – (later wife of Barry Sandercock); Shirley Barbour – (later wife of Leslie Hardy); Jean Barbour – (later wife of Billy Oliver); between Marion and Shirley, in the door, is “Artie” Arthur Pridham of Montrose – a faithful man to his church.

     The Rev. Robert A. Crooks served as Minister at the Montrose Pastoral Charge for the years 1959-61.

           

     Standing outside the church in this 1963 photo...

Lynda Bowness – ((later wife of Allan Leard); Donna Barbour  - (later wife of Ronnie MacPhee); Revada (Rayner) Barbour – (wife of George Bowness); Kay (Lockerby) Barbour – (wife of Jack Barbour); Daisy (Rix) Barbour – (wife of Waldron Barbour)

      Mr. Brown M. Jardine served as minister at the Montrose Pastoral Charge for the years 1962-65.

** The write-up,  pictures and 1950’s postcard of the Montrose United Church courtesy of Donna (Barbour) MacPhee.

Alma Children at Alma School - Summer 1965

     Here's a few great photos taken by Donna (Barbour) MacPhee on the Alma School grounds in the summer of 1965 - they're amazing!!  We're fortunate she had the foresight to document everyday goings-on in our little community!

Above: Alma Children

Back: Judy & Verna Smallman, Mary McNeill, Debbie Bowness and Gwenda Barbour.

Front: Kevin Kelly, ? McAssey, Carter Jeffery, Gordon & Margaret McAssey, ? Shields.

In the background you can see Alvie Mountain's Homestead at Alma Corner.

Above:  ? Girl with Ralphie Clark peaking around from behind.

Note the buildings in the background -

Will & Sadie Mountains house on the far left; and rear view of Rennie's Store & sheds.

Above: Anne Marie Murphy, daughter of Wilbert & Geraldine (Gavin) Murphy.
Behind Anne the boys are playing with Blanche Crocket's dog, Laddie (far left).
In the background on the left is 'Con' Cornelius & Jennie O'Brien Homestead
at the corner of the Western and Centerline Roads.  On the right is Art Rennie's house.

Lauretta ( Loretta ) School Kids - 1963

     On the back of this photo it says, "Loretta School Kids 1963".   
     Since Loretta School closed in 1960 with Shirley Barbour being the last teacher - maybe these were the school children from the Lauretta district who were then going to Alma School.

Photo cf. Donna (Barbour) MacPhee Collection

Above translated:

Loretta School Kids
Left to Right 1963
Back Row - Barry Arsenault; Burt Arsenault; Billy MacLellan; Leigh Arsenault.
2nd Row: Wayne MacLellan; Jimmy MacLellan
Seated:  Holly Arsenault; Beth Smallman; Debby McLellan; Judy Smallman; Doris Dunbar; 
Verna Smallman; Anne Barbour; Helen Barbour; Norma Smallman; Mary MacNeill
and Gail MacLellan.
On left seated - probably George MacNeill

Thank-you Donna ( Barbour ) MacPhee

     Recently Donna ( Barbour ) MacPhee brought me a whole lot of photos, clippings, documents, etc. relating to the history of Alma and Lauretta.  I've started scanning them and will post them over the next few weeks.  She has a valuable collection and I sincerely thank her for sharing!!
     Donna is the daughter of Waldron & Daisy (Rix) Barbour of the Centerline Road, Alma.

Mildred ( Dunbar ) Barbour Obituary

1914-1985

      The death occurred suddenly today, at Community Hospital, O'Leary, of Mrs. Mildred Sarah Barbour of Alma at the age 71 years.

      She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary (Harris) Dunbar of Alma.  She leaves to mourn, besides her husband Archie Barbour, one son and two daughters: Robert of Brantford, Ont., Carol, Mrs. Dennis Ranka of Victoria, B.C., and Helen Barbour of Toronto, as well as six grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

     She is also survived by one brother, Keir of Vancouver, B.C.

     She was predeceased by two brothers and three sisters: Isaac, William, Celesta, Eliza and Ellie, and a grandson, Ricky.

     Remains are resting at Ferguson Funeral Home, O'Leary.  Funeral notice will be later.  Visiting hours Thursday are 2-4 and 7-9.  Memorials to the Alma-Alberton United Baptist Church or the Canadian Heart Foundation would be appreciated.

     Post-script.  The notice of Mildred's funeral was in the Journal-Pioneer Newspaper on Saturday, December 14, 1985.

Alma Folk

     Here are some photos from the Donna (Barbour) MacPhee collection of a few people around Alma and Laruetta.

 Above: Daisy (Rix) Barbour and Raigh Currie.

 Above: 25th Wedding Anniversary of Isaac and Edna (Herlihy) Dunbar.

    Above: Jean (Barbour) Oliver; Wanda (Barbour) Matthews; way in the back, Daisy (Rix) Barbour; Eva Jeffery; Geralda (Shields) Arsenault and Velda (Dunn) MacRae.  The date on the photos is 1962 - fifty years ago.

 Above: Mrs. Allan Clark; Blanche (Gordon) Clark and Scott Clark.

     Above:  Taking a break from planting potatoes - Leslie Mountain; Blanche (Mountain) Bowness; Sid Vincent: Lila Mountain; Geralda Shields; ? ; Preston Murphy.

Alma School - Winter 1972

     This photo was given to my brother Kerras the other day by Norma Barbour - she was a Substitute Teacher and taught at Alma School on two occasions that winter, January 4th and February 7th, 1972 - the following photos were taken on either of those days.

 Above: Norma (Locke) Barbour at the head of the class.

     Above: Wayne McNeill in front left.  I think that's me, Carter Jeffery, by the window, 2nd back in blue sweater - I was in Grade 4 with Kevin Kelly and Jean Murphy.  I can't identify the rest of the students.  This is the east side of the school, facing the Western Road and schoolyard.

Alma Women's Institute On The Go 30 Years

cf. Journal-Pioneer Newspaper c. 1978

From the left, Mrs. Edna Dunbar, president of Alma Women's Institute, Doris Duggan, Mildrend Dunbar and Daisy Barbour were presented with life memberships in the Alma WI at the 30th Anniversary meeting held recently in the Regional Service Center in O'Leary.  The four ladies had each been WI members for over 25 years.

ALMA – The 30th anniversary of Alma Women's Institute was celebrated recently when present and former members met at the Regional Service Center in O'Leary. 

            Many of the members were in attendance including the first president, Mrs. Archie Barbour, the first secretary. Mrs. Muriel Dunbar, who read the minutes of the first meeting.

            Life memberships were presented to the current president, Mrs. Isaac Dunbar.  Doris Duggan, Mildred Barbour and Daisy Barbour who have been with the group for over twenty-five years.  Mrs. Olive Wilkie, Alberton, read the citation.

            The meeting was presided over by the current president, Edna Dunbar.  Attending the meeting was Ann MacFarlane, provincial safety convener from Bedeque.

            Membership pins were presented to Gertrude MacNeill, Carrie Smallman, Margaret Kelly, Verna Jeffery and Mary Dunbar, by the president.

            Institute spoons were presented to former members, Blanche Bowness, Zena Yeo, Muriel Dunbar, Wilma Warren, Blanche Rennie, Blanche Clark, Lulu Rennie, Lulu MacAssey, Catherine Profit, Jean Rennie, Ferne Gordon, Martha Gordon, Eva Jeffery, Geraldine Murphy and Marion Donald.

            Entertainment was provided by Garth MacKay, Geralda Arsenault and Miss Gillis.  The guest speaker was Mrs. Don King.  Carrie Smallman led the memorial service for the five departed members.

            Muriel Barbour thanked the guest speakers and Doris Duggan presented a flower.  A poem was read to the members containing the names of each, by Mary Dunbar.

            Grace was said by Daisy Barbour and a decorated cake by Verna Jeffery, was served.  The meeting was closed with all singing Blest Be The Tie That Binds.

Alma Baptist Church Celebrates a Century of Witness - 1985

     I came across this article in my scrapbook - there's no source or date but in the write-up it refers to the formation of the congregation in 1885...
     "In 1885 the Baptist members from Alma asked permission of the Alberton Church to form a separate church in their community because of the distance they were travelling.  Permission was granted and a church was built."

Hon. George Hilton Barbour, MLA, Senator

George Hilton Barbour, larbourer, farmer, fox rancher, constable, chief prohibition inspector, chief of customs and excise department, insurance salesperson, and civil servant; born 05-September-1878 in Alma, son of Thomas Archibald Barbour and Mary Currie; married 24-April-1907 to Carrie Elora Casely, and they had two children, Greta Mary and Wendell George; United; died 06-February-1962 in Ottawa.
            George Barbour, a Liberal, was first elected in the general election of 1935 for 2^nd Prince.  He was re-elected in the general election of 1939, 1943, and 1947.  Barbour resigned his seat in 1942 when he was selected as the prices and supplies representative to the regional office of the Wartime Prices and Trade Board in Charlottetown.  Upon re-election in 1943, Barbour was appointed to Executive Council as Minister of Public Works and Highways.  On 06-July-1949 he was appointed to the Senate.
            Barbour received his primary education in Alma, and at the age of 17 moved to Boston.  While residing in Massachusetts, he attended educational upgrading classes and worked at a company that sold ice.  In 1907 Barbour returned to the Island and settled in Bloomfield where he farmed and bred foxes.  He relocated in 1913 to Alberton and was employed there as a constable.  While in this position, his barn was burned and shots were fired at him.  In 1923 Barbour moved to Howlan.  While he lived there, another of his barns burned down under suspicious circumstances.  From 1918 until 1927, Barbour was chief prohibition inspector, and while on duty took an active part in the seizure of the Nellie J. Banks, a famous rum-runner.  He moved to Summerside in 1923 and resided there until 1927.  In that year, after resigning as prohibition inspector, Barbour moved to Charlottetown and became the district chief of the Customs and Excise Department.  In 1934 he moved to the Brae, purchased a farm, and grew seed potatoes and raised dairy cows.  Barbour returned to Charlottetown in 1942 and built a house at 130 Upper Prince Street.  He maintained ownership of the Brae farm but had someone manage it for him until 1945, when he sold it.  Barbour also worked with the Dominion Life Insurance Company.  George Barbour died 06-February-1962 in the Senate Chamber in Ottawa, shortly after giving a speech.
            Carrie Barbour, the daughter of William Samuel Casely of Kensington and Mary Ann Moase, was born 20-November-1886 and died 26-July-1970.

The information above comes from the book,

Minding the House: Prince Edward Island MLA’s 1873-2000 by Blair Weeks.

Post Script.  George's son Wendell Barbour was a very successful Charlottetown businessman owning a service station, many apartment buildings, and the Islander Motor Lodge.  Following his death his daughter Anne carried-on his businesses.