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By 'Editor, LDSCaNews'
LDS Pioneer Remembered In Local History
LETHBRIDGE, ALBERTA -- In the late 19th-centry, many brand-new
Canadians were quickly realising how harsh life was in an area of the
country which had been painted as a land of plenty.
In order to maintain control over the entire territory, the Canadian
government had to quickly settle the west. They knew the dry,
timberless land would not appeal to locals, so they started large
marketing campaigns in eastern Europe and the United States,
emphasising free land.
All the free land suffered from drought and lacked timber to build
houses. It didn't take long for settlers to realise they could divert
water from rivers and streams to irrigate their land, making it
possible to till. To encourage men to help on the projects, often pay
was given out half as money and half as land.
Many men worked long hours in order to end getting large parcels of
land. Peter Christensen, 36, left his family behind and was sent on a
mission by the LDS Church to help on such projects. Peter did more
than dig canals however - he had over 400 mouths to feed as a
part-time cook as well.
His work paid off. He had received a quarter section of land as part
of his pay. As soon as he received his pay, he sent for his family,
and travelled up to Canada by train.
Source:
Lethbridge Shopper, 26Nov2000
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