This is right beside Highway 40 west of Longview, Alberta.
From a sign on the post:
"John J. Sullivan, and Irish-born miner from Montana, turned to ranching and in 1884 ran his herd into the North-West Territories near the site of present day High River. In 1887, Sullivan was married to Barbara Harkley in Saint Mary's Church, Calgary, by Father Albert J. Lacombe, and the couple took up residence at this ranch site the following year. The first settlers to move into this valley, the Sullivans soon built their property into a first-class horse ranch.
Tragedy struck in 1894 when the Sullivan family fell victim to diphtheria. Despite the desperate efforts of Mrs. Walter Ings of the O H Ranch to nurse the children back the health, three of the four children died: Margaret, aged six; two year-old Patrick; and Peter, aged fourteen months. The Sullivans had four more children in the ensuing years, but in 1905 tragedy again befell the family when John was dragged to his death by a runaway horse. Brokenhearted, Mrs. Sullivan and the children moved to High River.
James Gordon Bews, who worked for Sullivan, purchased the property from the estate in 1910. The ranch has remained in the Bews family ever since and their operation is visible close to the river on the north side of the road."
A plain marker notes those interred here.
How sad that the children should die and then their father. But it is good that someone still looks after their graves.
ReplyDeleteIn those days Vicki EVERYONE lost children. You were darned lucky if you didn't lose the mother too.
ReplyDeleteNot to make light of it or anything, but times change and we take things for granted.
Father Lacombe is a big wheel in Alberta history but I thought his tramping grounds were further north...? I see I need a trip through the history books again...
Interesting history... and the picture in your header...where is that? Very intriguing shot.
ReplyDeleteSo many families were wiped out by diseases that can be prevented now. A lot of the old cemeteries with tiny stone markers tells the sad tales of many of the pioneers. Thoughtful photographs, BW.
ReplyDeleteWow - This is my 2nd great grandfather. I just started documenting the Sullivan family history and stumbled across this. Is there any chance you could send me the original photo of the grave and tell me exactly where it is? I would be very appreciative! Thank you so much.
ReplyDeletewho are you? These were my great aunt and uncles. My grandmother was Margaret, one of the children born after the tragedy
DeleteI corresponded with him. His name is David Roberts.
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