The Howse and Livingstones

by Jim Howse, 2000.

The Howse family is unique in having the good fortune to share a remarkable monument, Howse Mountain, named in honour of our illustrious forefather, Joseph, however we should keep in mind that Ft. Victoria also played a significant role in our history. Ft. Victoria is where the family first planted roots.

It began with Henry Howse, Joseph's only living descendent. Henry was born in 1809. Like many Metis, he lived in Red River Settlement where he married Janet Spence, 1 November 1830. As they say, "The union was fruitful". They had thirteen children.

Henry became disturbed by the influx of white migrants and government surveyors that had threatened title to his property. His sense of loyalty to the Hudson's Bay Company and Canada deterred him from joining forces with the disgruntled French Metis that were in a state of rebellion. He chose not to take sides and decided to move his family to a safer location. In 1864 the Howse family set out for Ft. Victoria. Henry selected Ft. Victoria because he wished to join the Reverends George and John McDougall. He was also confident he would be employed by his old friend, the Hudson's Bay Company. They made their way in ox carts along the established route, the Carlton Trail. The agonizing nine hundred mile trek took six weeks. As he had anticipated, Henry found full time work at the Fort, where he was engaged as a trader and carpenter. It is likely that he was involved in constructing the clerk's quarters that still remains at the original site. Henry died at Ft. Victoria on the 9th of February, 1891.

It was at Ft. Victoria where another noted pioneer, Sam Livingstone, joined the Howse family during the bitter winter of 1864-65. Two of Henry's daughters, Jane and Nellie, were setting rabbit snares when they saw two visitors climb up the river bank. They looked like walking skeletons, dressed in their bedraggled buckskins. One of the strangers displayed long golden locks that fell to his waist from under and old felt hat that provided little protection from the cold. The two emaciated travellers were Sam Livingston and James Gibbons.

Sam and James had been prospecting in the Eastern Rockies in search of gold. They were attempting to find the North Saskatchewan River when they fell upon hard times. They were forced to eat one of their horses, and in rugged bush country, their remaining mount was stolen. Lost and afoot they wandered aimlessly until they stumbled upon a travois track. The track lead them to Rocky Mountain House where Chief Factor Hardisty took them in. After they regained their strength Hardisty supplied them with snowshoes and provisions, pointing them in the direction of Ft. Edmonton.

Sam and James arrived unceremoniously at Ft. Edmonton in December 1864. After acquainting themselves they decided not to stay because the local inhabitants spoke mainly Gaelic, French and Cree. Just imagine how frustrating it would have been for them to recite tales of their exploits to an audience that did not understand a word they said. Rather than become multi-ligual they chose once more to brave the elements and move on. Malcolm Groat suggested they spend the remaining of the winter at Ft. Victoria where they could resume prospecting when the river ice cleared. Once again, undaunted by previous hardships, they trudged their way along the frozen North Saskatchewan, to the place they scaled the steep banks at Ft. Victoria.

After a brief stay, James Gibbons pulled stakes, but on that occasion, Sam chose to stay behind, ending his normadic ways. Perhaps it was Jane that brought about the change. They were married by the Reverend George McDougall in the Methodist church. Only the family and the Hudson's Bay factor were allowed to attend the ceremony but it was followed by a gala celebration, open to everyone. The dinner consisted of pea soup, bear, venison, trout, duck and buffalo. Sam insisted there would be no "hawk soup'. There had been too much of that on his menu during his stay in the wilds. Jane also mentioned she had lost her appetite for 'rabbit stew'. The grand feast was followed with musicians playing a strange variety of instruments. Metis and Irish played fiddles. Scotsmen played their pipes while Cree and Blackfoot beat drums in rhythm.

Sam and Jane set up housekeeping in a one room, eight by ten shanty. It was reported that Sam was able to pan $16.00 worth of gold per day. (Good money in the 1860s.) He also tended a small garden, and finally, he learned to speak Cree. Three of their children; Jane, Nellie and George were born at Victoria Settlement. They later moved a short distance, seven miles Northeast, to White Mud Settlement. The move saved them from a small pox epidemic at Ft. Victoria in 1870, that took fifty lives. The Livingstones eventually moved on again, seeking greener pastures at Morley Alberta. They settled at Morley to be with their friend, Reverend John McDougall, who was establishing a new mission. They were also encouraged by reports that buffalo could still be found in the region. From Morley, Sam made his last move to Calgary, where he became on of Calgary's most prosperous and prominent citizens.

Little is known about the other Howse descendents. Records indicate their mother, Janet, died at Fort Victoria on the 15th of June, 1902. Joseph Howse II, died at Pakan (Ft. Victoria) 14 January 1903. Adam died at Ft Victoria in 1867. Eliza died at Ft. Victoria in 1872. Thomas Howse married Susanne (Sussette) Hope at Ft. Victoria in 1882. (Elizabeth) Nellie married Joseph Favel at Ft. Victoria in 1872. Undoubtedly a number of past family members now rest in unmarked graves, off to the West of Ft. Victoria. They are silent now but it is incumbent upon us who remain to keep their memory and our heritage alive.

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