George and Florence Underwood began their married life in Yorkshire, England. Through their courage and sense of adventure they engendered a family that would thrive in Canada and the United States.
George and Florrie sailed from Liverpool, England on 27 March 1908 and landed in Halifax, Canada on 5 April 1908. After ten days on the ship, S.S. VIRGINIAN, they boarded a CPR special train and within two hours were headed to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. With them were their two children, Edith Alice, age two, William, not quite nine months and their future sister -in-law, Emily Fisher. Imagine the tribulations of having to deal with the whims of a two year old, lots of diapers (not disposable), seasickness and home sickness. Even with the help of Emily and being in Second Cabin, the journey was a huge undertaking.
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ships arriving Halifax, Sep 1907 – May 1908
S.S. VIRGINIAN Line – Allen Sailed from Liverpool on 27 March 1908; arrived Halifax 4 April 1908 at 10:20 pm; landed 2:30 April 5; saloon – 65 passengers, 2nd cabin- 499 passengers, steerage – 953 passengers
CPR passengers left by special train at 4:20 pm 7:45 mp
Sheet J # 11
2nd cabin to Canada British bonus allowed
Underwood, Geo Wm 29 platelayer CPR Edmonton, Alb cash on hand $30.00
Mrs. Florence 29 wife CPR Edmonton
Edith A. 2 child CPR Edmonton
Wm Inf CPR Edmonton
Sheet I # 37
Fisher, Emily 25 to marry ultimate place of destination – Edmonton
country of birth – England cash on hand $75.00 British Bonus Allowed
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Arriving with “$30 cash on hand” , they boarded the special train for immigrants. Leaving from Halifax, they had a five day journey to Edmonton. They traveled on the north shore of Lake Superior to Fort William, Kenora, Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, Brandon, Regina, Moose Jaw and Calgary before reaching Edmonton. Probably more cramped than the ship, the small family endured the discomforts of travel. What would keep little “Edie” occupied on such a long journey? What toys would she have with her? A doll or teddy for the endless hours on someone’s lap?
What did the family bring with them? Clothes for themselves and the little ones would make up the bulk of the baggage. Maybe a few sentimental items from home. Certainly some pictures of family left behind.
Waiting their arrival in Edmonton were George’s two brothers, Percy and Alfred, who had previously immigrated to Edmonton. They arrived by ship and were originally bound for Saskatchewan. Did they ever make that destination? Did they reach Saskatchewan and found they did not like it or there was no land to be had? Were they told of a better place right away and they made their way to Edmonton? However they decided to be in the Edmonton area, they wrote their older brother George and family and told them to come to Edmonton. They planned to homestead land west of Edmonton. Alfred was especially anxious for the spring to come as his bride-to-be, Emily Fisher, was arriving with his brother, George. (The family story says they were married at the immigration building in Strathcona or Edmonton. However, a newspaper article about their golden wedding anniversary says they were married at All Saints Cathedral on 15 April 1908. That would be about five days after Emily arrived in Edmonton.)
