"Ernest Edward Bolton"

Ernest Bolton was born in England in 1881 by parents Charles and Elizabeth Bolton.  Ernie and my father David were the identical age and became the best of friends.  He homesteaded SW.18.31.18 in 1907 which was three miles due West of our farm on section 10.  Ernie's section neighbors at the time were Charles Harvey, Ross Jackman and George T. Brinn.  At 37 years of age in 1918, Ernie married an American born girl Mabel Sylvia Brown.  They were also the exact same age.  Their son Walter (Wally) Ernest was adopted two years later in 1922.  From 1910 onward Ernie was the road boss for the Royal Municipality of Big Quill.  My mother Jessie took this photo on the road in front of our house in 1924.  Dad is standing in front and my brother Clarence and I are sitting on the front wheel.  Ernie is the operator.  His boss at the time was Darwin S. Fish.

The first time I mention the Boltons' in my 1933 diary was on April 23 when the family came over at 3:30pm for a Sunday visit and dinner.  The following Saturday (29th.) dad borrowed their cultivator which I used the same day.  We kept if for six weeks, returning it on Wednesday June 14.  On May 1st. Mrs. Bolton came over and baked for us when mother was in hospital in Wadena.  Mother had high blood pressure and developed nosebleeds that would not stop without medical treatment.  Dad visited Boltons' Wednesday May 3rd. and again on June 4th. after mother had returned from hospital.  On August 25th I took their mare back that we had been using to help us cut wheat.

The very next year my father David suddenly passed away and Ernie was one of the six pallbearers at his funeral.  His son Wally later joined the Fennemore Brass Band and we often played together at band practices.  Wally is second from the right (back row beside George) in the Band Photo taken sometime before 1939.  Ernie and Mable sold their farm in 1948 to their neighbor Charles Harvey and retired to Victoria British Columbia.  They are both buried beside each other at Royal Oak Burial Park in the City of Gardens.

WHERE IS WALLY NOW? (403).601.3820  (403).601.3857

Charles Bolton ?-?  Elizabeth Bolton (nee ??) ?-?
Ernest Edward Bolton 1881- July1957  Mabel Sylvia Bolton (nee Brown) 1881- October 1965
Walter Ernest Bolton 1922-?

Diary April 23, 29 May 1, 3 June 4, 14 Aug 25