Tracing My Roots: The Journey of Robert "Bob" Kingsley Toane

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The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked a period of significant transformation in Canada, characterized by westward expansion, the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, and a surge of settlers seeking new opportunities. These events played a pivotal role in shaping modern-day Canada. One individual who not only witnessed but also actively contributed to this transformative era was Robert "Bob" Kingsley Toane. My connection to Robert is somewhat indirect compared to other stories I have shared on my blog, yet I found it incredibly intriguing. Specifically, Robert is the father-in-law of my grandfather's first wife's father-in-law.

Early Life

Robert "Bob" Kingsley Toane was born on September 17, 1866, in Lucan, Ontario, Canada. He was the son of William Toane and Sarah Toane, who were 56 and 41 years old at the time of his birth, respectively. Lucan, located in the township of Lucan Biddulph in southwestern Ontario, was a predominantly agricultural community during the 19th century. It is famously known as the location of the Black Donnellys massacre in 1880, an event that marked the community and is still discussed today.

Journey to the West

In 1889, at the age of 23, Bob decided to leave his hometown and venture west to Alberta, a decision that marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life. This move was part of a broader migration pattern of Canadians and immigrants moving westward in search of better opportunities and a new life. The Canadian government encouraged this migration by offering land at low prices to those willing to develop it, a policy that led to the settlement and development of the Canadian Prairies.

Bob settled in the Agricola district near Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, where he homesteaded a plot of land (SE 34-53-22-4). Fort Saskatchewan, located northeast of Edmonton, was established as a North-West Mounted Police post in 1875 and played a crucial role in maintaining law and order during the early days of settlement in the region.

Life as a Pioneer

Bob's early years in Alberta were marked by hard work and determination. He hauled freight from Calgary to Edmonton for about three years while improving his homestead. The journey between Calgary and Edmonton was challenging due to the lack of developed roads. Travelers had to navigate around swampy areas and across high lands, and stopping places were available approximately every 40 miles, allowing freighters and teams to rest overnight.

In 1898, Bob married Annie Harriet Phyllis Simpson, and together they had six children: Nelson William (b. 1901), Victor Earl (b. 1907), Harvey Reginald (b. 1911), Phyllis (b. 1915), Bea Anna (b. 1920), and Leona McMasters (b. 1930, adopted by Annie in 1935). Bob also had a daughter from a previous relationship.

A Life of Enterprise

Bob and Annie initially farmed in Agricola before moving to Nakusp, British Columbia, where Bob contracted hauling logs for Gennel Lumber Co. They eventually returned to the Agricola farm before moving to Strathcona and later Pine Creek.

While living on the Stapley farm, Annie operated a small store. In 1919, in Waskatenau, she kept boarders in a building where the present poolroom stands. Bob built the Pioneer Hotel in 1919/20, which provided rooms and meals but did not serve liquor. Annie operated the hotel until 1927.

Bob was an avid horseman and maintained a herd of horses. Besides farming, he traveled around Waskatenau and the surrounding district with a Clydesdale stallion for years. This entrepreneurial spirit was common among pioneers, who often had to find creative ways to make a living in a challenging environment.

The Final Chapter

In the winter of 1926/27, Bob became ill with lung cancer. He sold his horses in the spring of 1927 and passed away on May 18, 1927, in Radway Hospital, Alberta, after a winter of much pain and suffering. He was 60 years old at the time of his death and was buried in Waskatenau, Alberta.

Annie's Resilience

After Bob's passing, Annie moved to Edmonton, where she kept a boarding house and occasionally baked for Kally's Bake Shop. She later moved to Rochfort Bridge, Alberta, and opened a restaurant before moving back to the Whitemud to live with her parents. Annie passed away from a stroke at the age of 84.

Legacy

The story of Bob and Annie Toane reflects the resilience and determination of pioneer families in Canada during a time of significant change and development. Their journey from Ontario to Alberta, the challenges they faced, and their contributions to their community are an integral part of the history of the region.

As Canada continued to grow and develop throughout the 20th century, the experiences of pioneers like Bob and Annie Toane became part of the fabric of the nation, contributing to the development of the Canadian identity and the shaping of the country we know today.

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Photo of Robert's tombstone from 'By River & Trail - History of Waskatenau & District,' page 1233, published in 1986.