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READER'S COMMENTS
12 September 2011
Hello Peter,
I came across your site while trying to find a DVD of 'The
Grey Fox' movie. It is one of my all time favorites as far as
topic, scenery, and music. I have had a VHS copy for ages but
technology keeps moving on as you know. Anyway, I was
surprised and excited to learn of your book. Spent the evening
devouring all available info on the site. I have found some
pictures on the BC Archive site. I would love to learn more.
Is your book available? I didn't find it on Amazon.
Best Regards,
Bill B.
14 Sept 2011
I advised Bill that
the book is still available as a direct order from myself.
We are finishing off the inventory from the fourth print, and
will not be printing the fifth one until my next book is ready
for printing. This will probably be late winter or early
spring 2012. Some book stores however are still carrying
copies, and our distributor, Sandhill Books in Kelowna, is
still supplying stores with stock previously submitted to them
by us.
28 July 2011
In
September of 2010, I received this interesting email from
Alaska. In response to this inquiry, I advised the writer
that there is no documented evidence that Miner ever had any
children. Since publication of my book, a few individuals
have come forward claiming to be his direct descendants, but
there has been no real provenance when they are queried on
details. One documented fact we do know is that a "Mrs. Ezra
Miner" from an address in Spokane, WA wrote the BC
Penitentiary in 1907 for more information about the escapee
who she claims to have been her husband. For anyone
interested in following up on this, they can contact me at my
email address. P.
-------------
Hi,
I live in Anchorage, Alaska and run a tobacco
shop/internet cafe. A few years ago an old man, with an
escort, wandered into my shop to buy a cigar. I started
talking with him and he told me that he lived in a halfway
house after serving a number of years in Lompoc prison in
California. He told me his name was Bill Miner...the only
child of Thee Bill
Miner.
He had been sent to prison for murdering a friend in
Dillingham, Alaska. I had to go look into the court records
to get what I'm going to tell you. I've since lost all the
names involved but if you want or need the information, I can
still find it.
Bill Miner apparently moved to Dillingham with a
childhood friend. They were hard workers but Bill managed to
save his money and invest it wisely. Eventually Bill owned a
lot of land in Dillingham including a successful bar. Bill
got married and had a couple of kids. Also remember that
these men were uneducated and illiterate...and probably built
a lot of animosity among the townspeople because of their
success.
What got Bill sent to prison was an argument with his
childhood friend. His friend was always flirting with Bill's
wife. One day, Bill had enough and pulled out a gun aiming it
at his friend. The friend grabbed the gun and pulled it
toward himself and it went off killing him. Bill was charged
with the murder and sentenced to 99 years in prison.
Bill's wife committed suicide after the trial on the
porch of their home. I'm told that exactly one year later,
their son went to the same spot and shot himself. Bill Miner
died in Anchorage in March 2008.
My question for you is: is there any record of Bill
Miner having children?
Thanks,
Richard G
26 July 2011
As I mentioned in my
"Journal" section, I have been negligent in keeping up with
the emails I have received from my readers. I will try to
rectify that over the coming weeks. Meanwhile, here is one
that I received in September of 2010 from Britain.
--------------
Dear Peter
I had the good fortune
to meet you briefly, a couple of weeks ago ... when my
brother-in-law ... introduced you to me as "a bit of a
historian". What an understatement!
Later that day, Shaun
gave me your book to peruse, and I realised straight away that
this was a serious piece of work. More than that, I became
immediately entranced by the descriptions it contains about
life in this part of BC at the turn of last century. You may
recall that we are visiting from England, and have been to
Kamloops many times over the past 13 years or so, so the
geographical context is pretty familiar. However, it is the
picture painted by the movements of the robbers, the officers
of the Law and the people with whom they interact along the
way which turns the book into a fascinating social history.
Moving a basic understanding of horse-based transport into the
daily lives of real people has been a revelation to me.
From a humble reader, I
hope you will accept my compliments for the brilliant way you
have woven the threads of hard evidence of such a complex
chain of events into such a gripping story. I've struggled to
put it down!
Kindest regards
David S.
22 December 2009
Hello:
I
recently found your website and read your book. Both are
fascinating – the amount of detail you have uncovered is
incredible. James Doyle, the brick yard instructor at the BC
Pen, was my great-grandfather. If you are interested in more
information about his life, see my websitewww.fayewest.ca/doyle/p1030.htm The
tale of James and Bill Miner is one of our more exciting
family stories.
Faye
W.
29 November 2009
Hello:
A thoroughly
entertaining read. I took a photograph of the historical
marker this year and it now hangs in the Keg in Richmond Hill
Ontario. I was appalled to find that staff of this large
restaurant chain have no idea why they serve ‘Billy Miner
Pie’. It was my simple attempt to remedy a little bit of
that. Your book has done much better. Possibly the Keg could
use a number of copies of your book.
In any case it was good
to read of the history, the area and the people of that time.
Since moving from North Vancouver we have been home many times
and travel the area often. I continue to look for a DVD copy
of the Grey Fox as well. I will be recommending your book to
my friends, assuming my copy will be worn out by those I lend
it to.
Regards
Dave L.
Oakville ON
29
July 2009
Hi Peter and Karen,
Thank you so much for
the wonderful gift of your book, it's been a fantastic read!
As you know, I grew up
in The Netherlands and 'historical' events there are
considered to have taken place much earlier in time. In the
area where I was born and raised, civilization started around
3000 before Christ and official archives and documents of
important events have survived for over 1000 years today.
But although BC history
(not civilization!) only goes back some 200 years, it's not of
any less importance. It was shocking to me to read how hard it
was for you to hunt down information on events that only
happened 100 years ago! I get the impression that historical
awareness in BC is on the rise, but it's unbelievable to me to
read how government archives have been (and are?) treated.
History is not only for the handful of 'history buffs' amongst
us, sooner or later in life we'll all want to know more about
'the olden days'. If factional information is simply destroyed
through negligence, how will we show future generations how
things were and how will they be able to learn from things we
could have done better?
With English being my
second language, it may have taken me a little longer to read
your book, but I can assure you that I took it up every night
for almost a month and had to cut my reading time off at
midnight... Your style of writing grabbed me and never let go.
In my opinion, your book is a fantastic document that combines
documenting facts and story telling in a most exciting format.
I can't even begin to imagine how many hours of research went
into this book and I admire your persistence and historical
awareness.
This book for sure is
something to be extremely proud of and I am looking forward to
hearing more about your next project re the Gold Rush.
It was an honor to meet
you both and I am sure we'll meet again.
Best regards,
Remco W.
23 May 2009
Peter
My wife bought a copy of
your book for me at the Kamloops gun show. We talked for a
long time about the firearms used by the miners for your next
book at the show. I'm the guy who still uses an old
blackpowder shotgun to hunt deer with.
Well its taken me longer
than expected to finish my copy of your book. Work and family
commitments you know.
I have to say that I
found the book an outstanding read. To think of all that
history and goings on in the area we were in. And not that
long ago either. A 100 years, as far as history goes is pretty
recent. While travelling back to the island on the ferry after
the Kamloops show. I had the opportunity to run in to a real
old timer who grew up in Kamloops. He said he knew one of the
fellows that was part of the posse chasing miner. He saw my
copy of your book on the table I was sitting at. This fellow
was as the saying goes "older than dirt". I only wish I could
remember his name. We talked for a while and he had a lot of
interesting stories about Kamloops in his younger days.
I find it interesting
that Dunn had a Luger pistol. A pistol so new would be worth a
lot of money I would think. The Luger being in production for
a short time, before the story takes place. Makes me wonder
where the money would come from to buy such an expensive gun.
Anyways thanks again for
a great book. And I wish you luck with your next book. I'm
sure it will be as good of a read as this one has.
Marc S.
Oma Products Ltd.
14 May 2009
Dear Peter, I enjoyed
meeting you and Karen at the Calgary Gun Show in
April , which I attended
with a gun collector friend from Richmond who spent some
time with you talking about Miner's firearms.
The book was a great
read. A fascinating story , both from the history of the
people that settled in that part of BC, and the geographical
details , to say nothing of the story of Bill's escapades .
I spent some time in Tulameen this past summer, and now have
more reason to explore the area . I spent my working years
with the HBC Northern Stores , which became the NorthWest
Company in 1987, and have an interest in Canada's history and
pioneers, particularly in the back country .
Will be looking
forward to your next book
Jim B.
(I
received this email in response to my query noted below.)
22 April 2009
Greetings -
Being a dealer in historical materials relating to the west,
especially, I try to keep familiar with current research (and
older secondary material, as well). Hence I read what looks
good - and Interred
with their Bones fits
that bill. Or that Bill. I was also asked to appraise the
Fitzpatrick/Mary Spencer material that came on the market a
few years ago; my opinion is that the photos were all copy
prints not made from negatives. Anyway, I have also had
several primary documents and printed items relating to Miner,
so have tried to contextualize them when offering them to
clients, and your book is fairly essential for doing so.
I will be issuing a catalogue of manuscript materials relating
to BC colonial history sometime soon; there are a number of
letters and other items relating to the Cariboo from the
American perspective. I'll email you a copy as soon as I've
finished editing it.
I look forward to meeting you in the future.
Very best regards,
Steve
Stephen C Lunsford
Within Canada:
PO Box 3023 714 - 207 W. Hastings
Blaine WA 98231 Vancouver BC V6B 1H7
Ph: 604-681-6830
Associate Director B.C.and Yukon Region, National Archival
Appraisal Board
----- Original
Message -----
From: Peter Grauer <pgrauer@ocis.net>
Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2009 6:44 pm
Subject: catalogues.
To: stevebooks@shaw.ca
Hello Steve,
I received your very interesting "Canadiana Americana"
catalogues in the mail yesterday. Just finished going
through them. I
was very impressed and pleased that they ended up in my mail
box. As you probably
know I am a researcher of early western Canadian documents,
such as I used
for my last book. I am presently researching a book on the
early days
of the Cariboo gold rush which I hope to have go to print
next spring. I
make use of original source material whenever I can access
it. Also in
my next book will be as much 1859-1862 Washington Territory
material as I can
access; particularly the movement of American miners to the
Cariboo and the Indian
Wars that attempted to stop them. Jack Splawn and Chief
Tonasket feature
prominently.
So, thanks again for passing on your catalogues to me. All
I ask is, how
did you get my name? You must have good sources yourself.
Regards,
Peter Grauer in Kamloops
14 March 2009
Hello:
I recently finished
your book and thoroughly enjoyed it. I love BC history and
this just added to my deepening interest. I particularly
like the gold rush history. “Our” history in this province
is so young (I think) and it fascinates me what occurred
only a short time ago. I grew up in Surrey and when the BC
pen was closed I would go over and roam around the grounds
(once getting chased by security patrol). Later, after it
was slowly getting demolished, I climbed through a window of
the entrance/receiving building (not the one on the
riverfront) and looked around; even climbing up onto the
roof up one of the ladders. I personally think it was a
travesty that the site was demolished like it was but I’m
probably one of the few. I’ve tried several times to find
the old Pen graveyard; apparently some of the stones are
still visible. I have a good idea where it is now and hope
to get over soon and find it. I plan to go to the Mission
Museum and look about soon since reading your book.
Thanks for the great
read!
Karen G.
(I responded to
Karen as follows:)
15 March 2009
Hello Karen, nice
to hear from you and I enjoyed your comments on the BC Pen.
You will be pleased
to know that I am well underway on my research to my next
book. It deals with the very early years of the Cariboo
Gold Rush, pre-Barkerville, and documents the exploits of 4
individuals who either left personal reminiscences behind,
or considerable primary and secondary source material has
been discovered in my research. However, none of them are
recognized by most BCers.
It will take place
during 1861-62, the very foundations of BC as we know it.
It concentrates on one creek, Lightning Creek, and one town,
Van Winkle.
So, glad you
enjoyed the book, and
thanks for contacting me.
Peter Grauer
20 February 09
Hi Peter,
Just finished reading
your book, very impressed with the history and facts that
you had researched for your book, it reads like a very
excellent movie script, that jumps right into your thoughts
as it is read, I relived the reality of those days, and all
of the real life characters that opened up this country and
province. My mind was, as on eagles wings, as I read the
last chapter reflecting on all the history and information
that had been compiled between these to book covers.
My wife purchased the
book from your wife at the ... . I have followed B.C.
history with a passion since a young boy. I also had a
friend who lived in Merrit and went to one of Bills old
cabins up Hamilton hill towards Otter Valley / Princeton.
It was down a road that turned off to the left from the
highway, the local population that new about this cabin.
Declared it to be were he had hid something in the area from
one of the robberies, I took a photo of the cabin it still
had all walls and a partial roof in the early 70s, even if
it wasn't a cabin truly connected to Bill Miner it was a
good day adventure ?
I am also very
interested in Politics and unions in Canada, you have
touched on a bit of this history in your book, have you come
across any information on Ginger Goodwin in your research or
read the book published about him? He was a coal miner from
overseas that helped bring in better working conditions in
the Cumberland coal mines of Vancouver Island.
British Columbia
history is far from dry and calm as you have presented, it
is rich and alive with many new historical works, yet to
come to life, in Canadian history.
Thanks
James H.
Hello Karen and Peter,
It was a great
pleasure to meet you personally at the mall this past
weekend.
My wife Guida and I
stopped to have a chat with you, when you showed us the
letter and photograph sent to you from Constable Fernie's
daughter. (Actually,
it was Constable Young's daughter. PRG)
We are the couple who
moved to Canada from South Africa and settled in K... 16
years ago. Living in B... for 12 years, I had the
opportunity to hunt the hills and areas around Monty Lake,
Duck Range Road and Robbins Range just to mention a few of
the locations. As you can understand, reading your book gave
me the insight and understanding of what people went through
during that era.
When you have an
opportunity, would you please send us a copy of the picture
and the letter. I would like to keep these as an addition to
your book.
I thank and
congratulate you both on an excellent, factual and
historical record you have given to Kamloops. I'm sure your
book will be read and appreciated by many people who know
and live in Kamloops, not forgetting those who have an
interest in Canadian history.
Once again thank you,
may you have a wonderful Christmas Season and all the very
best for 2009.
Good luck with the
gold rush writing and am looking forward to reading it as
well.
Regards
Dimas and Guida C.
Kamloops. BC
17 November 2008
Hi Peter,
I heard you speak at
Sun Peaks last month (water conference), I did not have cash
to buy your book but I did purchase it when I returned home
to Grand Forks. This is one of the best books that I have
ever read. Great work, especially since being an author was
not your original line of work.
Thanks
Murray K.
Grand Forks
11 October 2008
What a Great book!!!
I found myself getting
up in the middle of the night being drawn to your book. I
was so happy when recently travelling through Kamloops and
filling up on gas (on heading to Vancouver Island for
holidays) that I noted your book for sale at the gas station (Gateway
Truck Stop, Bill Miner's Roadhouse PRG). I was thrilled
to purchase it, as this book had been in my mind for quite
some time.
I do note you mention
a couple of people in the beginning of your book that were
from Powell River, which happens to be my home town... and
that was a nice surprise to see.
Even though I am not
from the Okanagan, I am married to a family originally from
Kamloops and now Vernon, which happens to be one of the
sons of the founders of Armstrong Cheese (which in a way is
a story in itself). Founder Adrien Schrauwen and his wife
Kay are now gone, but I think most people probably remember
how good the cheese was before it was bought out in the 70's
by Dairyland/Saputo. Well, that is my opinion anyway...
maybe I am prejudiced?
But now.... I am going
to read your book again as it is calling me. So again, I
just want to thank you for what you have given the public.
I certainly can see the work and sacrifice involved in this
great piece of history.
Thank you so much.
Diane S.
(Diane wrote another follow-up email to the writer:)
11 October 2008
Because I had
travelled through Kamloops, and of course past Monte Lake,
many times in the past, I always thought about Bill Miner.
(But the first time I thought of Miner was on looking at a
mural at the Keg Restaurant at Granville Island in
Vancouver many years ago when I use to go there. Someone
there told me it was Miner and a bit about the story.)
So being I had a
long-standing interest in Miner, and while I was at the
Coles bookstore here in Vernon, I asked if they had a book
on Bill Miner. That is when I was told of your book and
that I could even order same through the Web.
Being I am really not
that Web savvy (I am over 50 and do not know how to get
around the computer that much), I sort of put it off, and
that is why I was extremely thrilled when I saw the name of
Miner at that gas station. Yes, I believe it was the
Gateway Truck Stop. It is not far off from the bottom of
the Vernon-Falkland road then crossing the highway into
Kamloops.... there on right hand side.
When I went inside to
see if a book on Miner was there to purchase I could not
find any and I was disappointed. Lucky for me that it was
not too busy at the time and I asked a store clerk if they
had any books on Miner. Of course they had, and it was in
an area behind the main counter. I don't know if I had
missed a sign that may have been displayed about the
book.... but if there was it was not noticed by me.
I think it would be
really neat if they had set up a continuous running movie
(snippets from the Grey Fox or something) that they could
display above the main counter with a notation below the
screen stating "books for sale here". But I expect that
would be too much of an expense; but on the other hand it
would be something of interest to watch while waiting to
make your purchases.
No, I did not see the
escape tunnel, nor any other notable sites either as I had
not read your book until I got home from holidays and I have
not been in the Kamloops area since.
Sorry for rambling on,
but I tend to do this. When your next book is ready for
purchase, can you put me on a list so I can get it?
Hopefully I will still be in the Okanagan by then as we
might be moving to the Maritimes.... but not sure yet??
Thank you very much.
Diane S.
(The following individual, Peter R. requested a book through
the writer's web site. A short exchange of interesting
emails took place.)
2 October 2008
Dear Peter,
OK, lets do it. I may
be missing something on the web-site but I can not find an
address to send the money to!!! I would like a soft cover
edition.
A little family
history. I was lucky enough to marry into a cabin on a
lake. The lake is Allison Lake on the present highway
between Princeton and Merritt. On one of your maps it looks
like the main wagon road went through Otter Lake but showed
a pack-trail that went right by Allison Lake. Did Miner
ever use the pack-trail? It would be interesting to know
because the original road/trail (long moved) went right
along the beach and our cabin is on the beach so it might
be true to suppose Miner actually traveled right through the
very space we are sitting in when we are sitting around our
campfire!!! (Does that make sense?)
The property was
purchase around 1960 by Ed & Dorene R. who have owned it
ever since. The cabin was built in 1962/3. I came into the
picture by marrying their youngest daughter, Dawna in 1981.
The cabin is still used by the whole extended R. family. As
for the dedication in the book maybe something along the
lines of, "To the R...'s of Allison Lake" and then anything
you like after that... What do you think? I plan on
giving the book to "The Cabin" this Christmas. (Man I love
this stuff)
I was a Vancouver City
cop for 30 years so am able to see this story with a little
different eye. Even though, he still strikes me as a
lovable old rogue. I can tell you there aren't many lovable
crooks around these days.
So why isn't this book
on every BC Ferry and the Canadiana section of every book
store in Western Canada? It is very well written and
professionally done. Do they shy away from self published
pieces???
Enough rambling for
now. I look forward to hearing from you.
Peter R.
(I
replied as follows:)
Hello again, Peter,
The present highway
between Princeton and through to Aspen Grove really did not
get built until the 1930s. The main wagon and stagecoach
road went via the Otter Lake Valley. If, when you drive
north of Allison Lake and try to visualize a wagon road
being built through this very rough country, you will see
that building a wagon road through here in the early days
would have involved too much time and money. Hence they
took the easier, even though longer, route. However, a pack
trail did exist through this country. Some parts of it went
through the Missezula Lake country to Aspen Grove. Another
trail would have gone through where the R...'s cabin is
located on Allison Lake. So, … yes, Colquhoun and Shorty
Dunn did lead their pack horses through this way, and Bill
Miner and Jack Budd would often use this trail to go back
and forth to Kamloops, Nicola and the Douglas Lake Ranch.
It took some digging on my part to determine the roads that
would have been taken in those days 100 years ago. Also, I
think more research could be done to nail down those pack
trails through the Missezula Lake Country.
So, … I think the
extended R... family would be able, on a slightly foggy
night, when things are quiet and the moon does throw a bit
of light over the water, … they would be able to see a man
with a light-grey cavalry moustache and a battered
flat-brimmed Stetson with a four-cornered Montana pinch,
wearing a long black duster and riding a black,
high-stepping thoroughbred, heading north towards the
grasslands of Nicola, Quilchena, Rockford, Anderson Creek
and Kamloops. Perhaps he knew he was keeping an unintended
rendezvous with BC history. You see, we are not trying to
glorify a rather inept American bandit here, but rather, we
are using him to tell the story of BC’s heritage; a story
that is as full of adventure and thrills as any in the
western US. The stories just haven’t yet been told up
here. And those stories seem to have a bit of a unique
Canadian twist to them
When an author is
self-published, it is difficult to get their books into such
venues as the BC Ferries. It’s not from lack of trying, but
we just do not have any big publishers behind us. Also,
sometimes the quality of self-published books is less than
professional.
We self-published
because we knew that a main stream publisher would have cut
our book in half. And we were convinced that what BC
readers want to read is the detail of life as it was in BC
100 years ago. You can’t tell the detail of this story
without going to 600 pages. And that is not acceptable to
the publishers.
So, it is up to
readers such as yourself to help us get the word out. Word
of mouth is a very strong method of advertising, and the
response to our book has been most encouraging.
Particularly from people such as yourself.
So, …, yes, …, I would
be more than pleased to send a book to the R...s of Allison
Lake.
Peter Grauer, Kamloops
(This is the email thread referred to in my "Journal.' It
refers to Maisie Campbell-Johnson Hurley. I hope you, Dear
Reader, can follow it. See the "Journal" entry for more
details. Start at Roberts July 18th email at the bottom of
this thread.)
Peter
I'm not sure whether
you got my last email, but yes I am very happy for you to
use my Armytage-Moore findings on any of your websites.
One further finding:
The Ellis Island web
site has a ship's manifest showing that John R A Moore, aged
30 years and 10 months, sailed from Liverpool on the SS
Carmania on 5th January, 1907, arriving at New York on the
13th January 1907, in transit to 748 Westminster Avenue,
Vancouver. The manifest records his occupation as Estate
Agent, Vancouver as his permanent address, and describes him
as 6 feet tall, with dark complexion, brown hair and blue
eyes. It also records he was previously in the U.S.A. in New
York in 1906.
It definitely seems
to be him as it fits all the other information. So it looks
like he moved to Vancouver and met Maisie there, and they
become engaged about a year after this voyage. People from
100 years ago could never have imagined that they would have
digital footprints.
Robert W.
Huddersfield UK
From: Peter Grauer [mailto:pgrauer@ocis.net]
Sent: Thu
7/24/2008 5:00 AM
To:
Robert W.
Subject: RE: armytage-moore
Hello Robert,
Thank you so much for the unexpected information on
Armytage-Moore. Fascinating stuff!
The whole Maisie Campbell-Johnson story is most
interesting, as I have met some of her descendants, and
learned more about her and her escapades. However, the
Armytage-Moore Connection is a mystery to them. When I next
am in contact with them, I will advise them of your
so-skillful research.
With your permission, I will post it on my website. The
site has become a hotbed for genealogists looking into
people associated with the early history of BC.
How did you come across my site? Did you Google
Armytage-Moore?
Thanks again for the solid information, and best regards
from British Columbia. (BTW, a few copies have found their
way to the UK.)
Peter Grauer
Author of the award-winning book,
"Interred With Their Bones, Bill Miner in Canada, 1903 to
1907." See www.billminer.ca.
From: Robert W.
Sent: Wednesday,
July 23, 2008 6:43 AM
To: peter@billminer.ca
Subject: RE:
armytage-moore
Peter
Further to my email
the other day I can now tell you more about John Reginald
Rowallane Armytage-Moore, who was married to Maisie Hurley,
and have also found a photograph of him. He looks a handsome
chap. His sister, Priscilla Countess Annesley, was also well
thought of for her looks.
As you know,
JRRA-M and Maisie married in September 1909. By May 1916 he
is in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force sailing from
Auckland to Samoa. Seehttp://muse.aucklandmuseum.com/databases/Cenotaph/69396.detail
Two years later on
5th June 1918 he was sailing from Sydney in the Australian
12th Field Artillery Brigade Reinforcements. He did
post-armistice war service in France and was discharged in
England in July 1919. See http://www.aif.adfa.edu.au:8080/showPerson?pid=212980 and
alsohttp://libapp.sl.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/spydus/NAV/PM/FULL1/2116/432032 which
links to his photograph.
The records also
state that before joining up he worked as a real estate
salesman, and the Australian records suggest he was also for
a year in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) in the Matabeleland Mounted
Police. I don't know what happened to him after 1919.
As Maisie Hurley
seems to have had 5 children by the date of Centralia riot
(November 1919), she must have eloped with Martin Murphy
within a few years of her marriage to Armytage-Moore (unless
any of her children were Moores).
I also mentioned a
bit about the Armytage-Moore family background in the
previous email, but did not then know about his brothers
Charles and Hugh. Charles Armytage-Moore seems to have
turned out the wealthiest of them all, founding partner in
the London stockbrokers Buckmaster and Moore (which had as a
client John Maynard Keynes, amongst others), and owning an
estate called Winterfold, a Queen Anne style residence with
219 acres near Cranleigh in Surrey, with a fantastic
collection of furniture and art when it was eventually
auctioned off. He died in 1960. The other brother Hugh
William Armytage Moore inherited lands at Rowallane,
Saintfield, County Down, Ireland, and developed them into
famous gardens that are now owned by The National Trust and
open to visitors. He died in 1954.
In other words, JRRA-M
came from a highly privileged and wealthy background. Why
Maisie left him (maybe she found him boring), and why he
went off adventuring around the world, and what eventually
happened to him, I don't know, but there are some
fascinating stories in all of this.
Robert W.
Huddersfield UK
From: Robert W
Sent: 18
July 2008 13:13
To: peter@billminer.ca
Subject:
armytage-moore
Peter
I have been looking
at your Bill Miner web site and note the queries about JRR
Armytage-Moore, the husband of Maisie Campbell-Johnston. I
can supply the following:
John Reginald
Rowallan Armytage-Moore born 25th March 1876 at Arnmore,
County Cavan. Northern Ireland, to William Armytage-Moore
and Mary Elizabeth Metcalfe. (this comes from a Gascoigne
web site in New Zealand. Assuming this is correct then I can
add the following).
He came from a
background of nobility and accomplishment. Close relatives
include his Aunt, Priscilla Cecilia, Countess of Annesley
(wife of the 3rd Earl), his sister, also Priscilla Cecilia,
Countess of Annesley (wife of the 5th Earl) and her daughter
Constance Malleson, writer and long-time lover of Bertrand
Russell the philosopher. His family moved in the highest
circles of London and Dublin society.
Parents: William
Armytage-Moore (1806-1883) (sometimes "Armitage-") and Mary
Elizabeth Metcalfe (1845-1932). They married at the British
Embassy in Paris on 8th June 1869. It was a second marriage
for both. She had previously in 1863 married Horace Day
Lockwood (1842-1864), son of Henry Francis Lockwood the
influential Bradford architect, and later in 1902 married
Frank Hardcastle (1844-1908), industrialist, Conservative
M.P. and Lancashire cricket player.
William
Armytage-Moore managed the Annesley Estates at Castlewellan
in Northern Ireland, and was in fact brother of the Countess
of Annesley, Priscilla Cecilia (wife of the Third Earl).
William and Mary's first daughter was also named Priscilla
Cecilia (1870-1941) after her Aunt, and she later married
her first cousin, Lt. Col. Hugh Annesley, the Fifth Earl.
She was his second wife. Hugh Annesley was then 61 and
Priscilla 22. They had two children, Clare Annesley who
became an artist, and Constance Mary Annesley who became
Constance Malleson, travel writer, actress (Colette O'Niel),
and lover of Bertrand Russell with whom she held a long
correspondence.
Other children of
William Armytage-Moore and Mary Elizabeth Metcalfe/Lockwood
were:
Ethel (Ettie)
Kathleen Armitage-Moore (1871) who married Percy French the
Irish composer and entertainer, but she died in childbirth
at the age of 20.
Hugh William
Armytage-Moore (1873)
Charles Armytage-Moore
(1880)
I know very little
about these last two, nor what happened later to John
Reginald. I wonder whether he became distant from his family
because I have not been able to find any announcement in The
Times (London) about his marriage to Maisie in 1909.
My interest is that
my wife is a direct descendant of Constance Metcalfe
Lockwood, John Reginald's half-sister, daughter of Mary
Elizabeth Metcalfe and her first husband Horace Day
Lockwood. John Reginald also had half-siblings from William
Armitage-Moore's first marriage.
Robert W.
Huddersfield UK
27 May 2008
Hello Peter,
You've written a
fabulous book, "Interred
With Their Bones." This
history is a foot-print in the dust, mud and snow of all
those hills where I have had the great fortune to wander and
make my own life. Princeton to Kamloops to Westwold; all
the quiet meadows, lakes, streams and forest hills in
between; truly a magnificent part of the world.
Once, as kids in the
Princeton hills in the sixties, we found a rusty old
hexagonal-barreled twenty two, down on the Jack Budd lot;
rusted and the barrel bent from some gone-by wreck; but it
fueled our imagination of Bill Miner's day. We rose a few
chuckles from that great old rancher Karl Freeding who owned
the Jack Budd lot and the Reith place for so many years. As
we came trudging up the dusty summer trail touting our new
found treasure, (he
said to us) "Where you two off to? To rob a train?"
Many years later I dug
that rusted twenty-two out of the blacksmith shop scrap iron
and cut the barrel up to make bushings for some haying
equipment repairs.
I have a copy of a
book of poetry written by G.W. Winkler titled , LONELY
TRAILS by THE PROSPECTOR printed by a Victoria printing and
publishing company
GW Winkler was a
Hedley old timer and I believe the same individual mentioned
in association with Billy Dunn.
This collection of GW
Winkler's poems captures a sense of a quieter Similkameen
and Okanagan gone by.
John V.
(I
replied to John as follows-)
2 June 2008
Hello John,
Thank you for your very positive comments on my book. I
wrote it with people like yourself in mind; people who
wanted to know what the real story about Miner was, and who
wanted to know more about that world 100 years ago. Also,
you have a way with words yourself, and your love of our
back country comes through in your email to me.
I
was pleased to see your references to Jack Budd and to the
Reith family. They were intriguing connections with that
time in the distant past.
As
for George Winkler, he is deserving of some attention
himself. He also left personal legacies behind, some of
which are in his fonds in the BC Archives. I had the
privilege of going through them. The photos in my book of
the Princeton Sports Club, Hedley City and the town of
Princeton are from his collection at the BC Archives.
I
have never seen any of his poetry, but apparently he was
well regarded by his peers. My research tells me that this
was one of his connections with Shorty Dunn, the other being
prospecting, of course. Both he and Shorty would attend
"poetry salons" in Mrs. Allison's place, where they would
all read their poetry to each other. I will keep my eyes
open for a copy of that little book of his that you
mention. BTW, George Winkler has a brother or other
relatives in the area that create some confusion. One was
Anton Winkler.
I
have attached some Winkler info from my database in case you
are interested. Some is a bit confusing, as I did not
follow up on further investigation as it was not pertinent
to the story.
"Winkler was a prospector and mine owner in the
south-central interior in the early decades of the 20th
Century. By 1923 he was living in Victoria, where he was
interviewed by the Victoria Daily Colonist. In 1966 he was
interviewed by Cecil Clark on a lost mine in the Okanagan
country."
"Rec'd phone call from Helen Martens (Museum curator) in
Hedley 3 Dec 2001. They have a photo of Jack Budd as an old
man crossing the street with a cane. With regards to George
Winkler, she thinks he is related to Anton Winkler in
Hedley. (brother?) Maureen Dirksen (Campbell) is a great
niece? of George Winkler. She lives in Cawston close to
Keremeos. She is the great grand daughter? of Anton
Winkler. I called her, and she is no relation to this George
Winkler."
I
have never visited Jack Budd's place, but perhaps I will the
next time we are in Princeton.
Thanks again for your welcome email. Keep spreading the
good word about my book, as it is self-published, and all
the sales are the results of the efforts of my wife Karen
and I.
Regards,
Peter Grauer
(The following correspondence was from a retired RCMP member
now living in the Cariboo. The writer most likely met him
when he was stationed in Revelstoke in the early '60s and
the writer was returning in the summers from UBC. Little
did either of us realize at the time that the Bill Miner
Affair would have our paths cross almost 50 years later.)
(Mike's grandfather played an important role in the Bill
Miner affair. He was a junior BC Provincial Police
constable in Princeton at the time the Ducks robbery was
being investigated. He has passed down to us, through the
BC Archives, some very detailed and valuable Bertillion
descriptions of Jack Budd and Tom Arnold. His story will be
added to the "Journal" section of the website shortly. PRG)
3 February 2008
Peter.
You have written a
wonderful book! It brings back memories for me that go back
over 50 years. I have resided or been stationed as a
policeman in almost (with one exception) all of the areas
you have included: Enderby, Kamloops, Penticton, Chilliwack,
Abbotsford, Williams Lake, Victoria and points in between.
I have kicked most of the dust you have so aptly described,
and never really thought much about the history mixed up in
that dust. It brings back memories, for me, long forgotten,
of riding my bike as a kid on the old Enderby Road to
Westwold and all the adventures we had in between. I
haven't heard the name "Glen Emma" for 50 years, but I
remember the night that I and two hundred other Army Cadets
from Vernon spent most of the night attempting to put out a
grass fire at the top of Glen Emma that was started by an
Officer Commanding with an errant flare gun. He was
attempting to signal our night attack on a machine gun nest
and had obviously never been advised that when firing flare
guns in grass country, particularly in the hot summer
months, one should always point the gun in a vertical,
rather than a horizontal, direction. ....
I stumbled upon the
Douglas Lake ranch (and was) impressed with the beautiful
little river crossing at English Bridge. Little did I
realize that I would stumble across your book some two
months later in a museum in Hedley. ... As I read the
book, I could immediately picture, in my mind's eye, those
exact locations you were referring to. I don't ever recall
reading a book that I felt so connected to in terms of
knowing and identifying the geographically described areas,
the police investigative procedures and the court milieu and
processes. It was all extremely accurate, in my opinion.
You have certainly done your homework.
Mike H. Williams
Lake.
3 January 2008
I enjoyed your book
and became acquainted with the area around Kamloops as we
moved here from North Vancouver two years ago. We are
familiar with the area around Cache creek as we have been
staying at Pavilion Lake a number of years and hunted in
the area.
I did notice in
your book at the time of the Mission robbery you mentioned
a name of F Hutchison. This could have been the name of
my Great Uncle Fred who owned a Corner Grocery in Maple
Ridge on Dewdney Trunk Road and one of the main
cross streets.
I also noticed that
Mr. Fernie married a lady with the last name of Lyle.
This is my Grandfather's name on my mothers side. They
came from Prince Edward Island around the Summerside
area. I know that some others of his family did come West
during that time frame.
Thanks again for
writing such an entertaining read.
(2
January 2008. The following interesting email was recently
received from the Wells/Bowron Lakes area. My response and
the following reply are also included below. PRG)
30 Dec 2007
Dear Peter
Your book, “Interred With
Their Bones” is as inspiring as it is a historical wonder.
Both my husband and I took great joy in reading it and
learning more about the history of our Province. I took
even more joy in learning how you formatted your extensive
historical research into a book. For years I have agonized
and wondered how to put all my own research together. I
have been researching the history of Bowron Lake Provincial
Park for some 30 years now. Actually in the 70’s and 80’s I
didn’t realize what I was doing…. just thought I was
collecting and storing a bunch of old papers and memories.
But in 1990 my husband and I realized our dream of owning
land at Bowron Lake, and since then my collection and
research has been getting serious. Each year I get more and
more people visiting my “collection” and they keep urging me
to put it together into a book. I think now that I have an
idea of how to do this, thanks to you, I should give it a
start. One of the things I agonized about was how to relate
to a reader that there can be many different variations of
one event, as each source has his or her own unique memory.
I am not the one to say which variation is correct and which
is not and your approach of penning open and honest comments
throughout your book have inspired me. Thank you.
Now to get down to
business, you yourself mentioned Bowron Lake twice in the
book. I wonder if I may be bold enough to ask more about
this. Chapter 10, Kamloops Country, page 131; you include a
poem composed by Fernie. You wrote, “Fernie’s poem was
written close to the time that Shorty Dunn penned his own
Paean to the Cariboo in 1896.” The Poem continues:
Goodbye
to Cariboo
Farewell
to far Chilcotin and goodbye to Tatla Lake.
The
thoroughfare that Waddington was not allowed to make
And
hunters out at Bowron Lake, who dares the grizzlies’ fang,
And
trappers at Chilanko Forks, and Cowboys at “The Gang”.
I
am wondering about your having dated this poem, which uses
the name “Bowron Lake” as being written around 1896? The
Bowron Lake country was known as “Bear
Lake” and “Bear
River” from approx. 1862 until a name change in
1914. The Victoria Colonist of April 14th, 1914
reported:
“Now
Bowron River. – By a happy combination of circumstances,
the Geographical Board of Canada, acting on the advice of
the Provincial Government and its representative in this
province – Mr. W. Fleet Robertson, has been able to
perpetuate the memory of one of British Columbia’s foremost
pioneers – the late Mr. John Bowron. The Geographical Board
is making constant effort to eliminate those place names
that overlap in this province, and in its investigations to
this end it discovered that there were a number of Bear
rivers. One river so named, which runs from the head of
Portland Canal, it was decided could not be otherwise than
perpetuated, seeing that it became fixed in historical
documents arising out of the work of the Alaskan Boundary
Commission. But the Bear river, which runs from Barkerville
to the line of the Grand Trunk Pacific, and is a tributary
of the Fraser, will hereafter been known as Bowron river.
Old-timers in the province will recall that John Bowron was
for many years, gold commissioner at Barkerville. Beside
his career while in that post he had other claims for
distinction, inasmuch as he had the honor, with Mr. R. B.
McMicking, of this city, of making the trip overland through
the Tete Jaune Pass. The late Mr. Bowron and was known the
lengths and breadth of the province, and his recognition of
his place in the pioneer life in the country on the part of
the Geographical Board of Canada will it elicit hearty
commendation from all classes in British Columbia.”
I
know that this article refers to Bowron River and not Bowron
Lake, but I have always been under the assumption that both
names where changed at the same time. After reading your
book, I realized that this may be an erroneous assumption on
my part, so am wondering if you have more information with
regards to the date of the renaming of Bowron Lake itself.
John Bowron (1837 – 1906) first came to the Barkerville area
in 1863 and remained at until 1906, when he moved Victoria
and died shortly there after on September 6, 1906 at the age
of 69. Despite the name change, and although the area was
officially named the Bowron Lake Game Reserve in 1925, and
Bowron Lake Provincial Park in 1961, it is still
affectionately referred to as Bear Lake and Bear River by
many of the remaining old-timers.
Chapter 29, Afterward, page
551, you wrote about William Fernie. Here you wrote, “true
to his love of the West, and the outdoor life he led
hunting, fishing and writing, he assisted and was
instrumental in getting the Bowron lakes set aside as a
provincial wilderness Park. John Bowron and was one of the
Fraser River Overlanders, and it was through the Fernie
family’s friendship with Bowron’s daughter Lottie that he
became involved in the project.”
Would
you be kind enough to disclose to me where I may find more
information about William Fernie’s involvement with the
formation of the Bowron provincial wilderness park. I am
going to assume that in your passage here, you meant the “Bowron
Lake Game Reserve” as the Provincial Park was not
established until the 1960’s, long after Fernie’s death. I
have information of other prominent Victoria officials, such
as fisheries Commissioner John P. Babcock and Chief Justice
Hunter, as also being instrumental in the formation of the
Bowron Lake Game Reserve in 1925, and would welcome more
information on this subject.
I thank you for your time
and consideration and for any help you may be able to offer
me. My husband and I also thank you for producing such a
wonderful historical document in the form of your book,
“Interred With Their Bones” and look forward to any new
endeavors that you may have forthcoming.
Yours
Sincerely,
Sandy P.
Bear River
Mercantile, Wells, BC
(I responded to
Sandy as follows:)
1 Jan 2008
Hello Sandy,
What a welcome email you sent. I am so pleased that my book
might have inspired a reader to follow up on work that they
are undertaking.
As you can assume, I was faced with a wealth of detail, and
my quandary was how to give it to the reader without
hopelessly confusing them. I’m glad to hear that you feel I
might have achieved that goal. You see, I was convinced
that what people wanted to read was what life was really
like 100 years ago.
With regards to your questions about William Fernie. Daphne
Fernie (the lady in the photo with me at the back of the
book, and William Fernie’s daughter) was the one who
supplied me with a copy of the Chilcotin poem. She advised
that it was composed upon his leaving that area to take up
his homestead just north of Kamloops. Without doing too
much research into the origins of the Bowron Lakes, I
accepted the assumption that the poem must have been
composed prior to the turn of the century. However, with
your additional information, I have to now assume that
Fernie composed the poem sometime after he left the Cariboo,
and obviously after Bowron had died and the lakes had had
their name changed. I would now date it to after Fernie
returned from overseas during the First World War. He had
kept next to him throughout that conflict a book of poems by
his friend Robert Service, and Fernie greatly admired
Service and the other great poets.
Daphne also told me of her father’s involvement in the
formation of the park. She took great pride in this fact,
and was enthusiastic in her telling of it. If Fernie had a
fault, it was a great shyness and modesty. He always
remained in the background and let others gain the glory
when it should have been him that was recognized. For
instance, refer to the photo in my book on page 193. Fernie
characteristically puts himself almost out of the photo
frame. This is despite the fact that of all the individuals
in the photo, it was he who was most responsible for Miner’s
capture. In Daphne’s relation of her father’s involvement
with the lakes, she did not elaborate too much, and I didn’t
pursue it. (Sorry.) Below is the small portion of the
transcript of the tape recording including that reference.
Daphne: He was a
fisherman, but I'm sure you wouldn't know what kind of gear
he would use as a fisherman.
Peter: Was he a fly
fisherman?
Daphne: Yes. He liked
to go out on the lake in a boat and catch fish. Fish lake …
He had a pet lake up Face Lake.
Peter: F A C E?
Daphne: Yes, it's up
behind the Corn…, the Cherry Creek. And he used to go
camping in there … quite a big lake. Used to blaze his
trail, one short, one long, one short.
Peter: That was his
blaze?
That was his blaze and
for going up in the mountains …probably so we'd know the
way. He used to have a packhorse.
(Terry) Cue: He was
instrumental in protecting one of those lakes wasn't he?
(Terry Cue was the two sisters’ guardian when we first met
with them. Subsequent to this interview, we became quite
close friends with Daphne, and Cue was no longer in
attendance.)
Daphne: The Bowron
Lakes. He really worked on that. He knew Lottie Bowren.
So, I’m sorry, Sandy, that I don’t have more information for
you on Fernie’s involvement. But knowing him like I do
through my research, I am confident that he probably did
play a rather important role.
Again, I’m so pleased you both enjoyed my book. Where did
you pick it up?
As for my next endeavour, I am trying to determine whether
there might be enough information out there to do a detailed
book on the first years of the Cariboo Gold Rush, 1860 to
1863. In the gold fields, it will concentrate on Van Winkle
and Lightning Creek area and story (BB – Before
Barkerville). However, the story will cover much of BC’s
interior at that time. Some of the people I ran into in the
Bill Miner story will also make an appearance. I have met
some very interesting characters in my research, and perhaps
there is something about the gold rush that I can follow up
on. People seem to love the detail in the Miner book, and
some have told me that it’s the detail that puts them right
back to that time 100 years ago in BC’s southern interior.
Regards,
From Peter in Kamloops.
(Sandy responded to
my reply as follows.)
2 January 2008
Hello Peter,
Thank you so much for your
response to my e-mail and for your shared information
regarding my inquires on Fernie. A little information is
certainly better then none. Still, you have opened up many
more avenues for me to look into – during my next visit to
the Victoria Archives I will have to look for fonts
regarding William Fernie to see if I can find anything about
his involvement in the formation of the Bowron Lake Game
Reserve. I still have a lot of work to do at the Archives,
they are a real treasure and invaluable to our Provinces
History. I also thank you for all your references and
footnotes as listed in “Interred With Their Bones, Bill
Miner in Canada, 1903 to 1907”. These also give me many more
avenues to explore. From my experience it seems that many
history writers, write the stories but neglect to list their
sources of information. This is unfortunate for other
researches that strive to expand on works of their own, but
I’m sure you are already well aware of this.
I bought your book as a
Christmas Present for my husband, at Coles Books, during a
recent shopping trip to Prince George. Your next endeavor
sounds quite worthwhile. I know there are already a lot of
writings in that subject area, but a comprehensive and
detailed account, such as what you provide, would really put
the whole picture together. I assume you might find
yourself in the Barkerville Archives some day, and hope that
while in the area you may find the time to come out to
Bowron Lake to pay us a visit. I have some research
pertaining to the Stanley/Van Winkle area. Having been
raised in Wells, my interests actually lie in the area from
Wing Dam to Keithley Creek / Likely, the places I’ve tramped
around since I was a child. So I have collected other
material besides my Bowron Lake stuff and your welcome to
come see what I have. As far as posting my e-mail on your
website, you are quite welcome to do so, this e-mail also,
if you like.
Sincerely
Sandy P.
3 December 2008
Is anything known about
Bill Miner's family? My grandmother's maiden name was
Miner. She wouldNEVER talk
about any of her family or background. There were only
these pictures of her uncles (below). A long time ago
I'd heard of Bill Miner, gentleman bank robber, and
always wondered if there was any connection.
After my parents’ death, I
ran across these old photos. Compare pics of Bill Miner
with Joe & John. Same nose, same chin, moustache, ears,
deep set eyes... I think the pic of Joe in the second
pic really resembles the one of Bill. The following pic
from Wikipedia sure seems like a resemblance to me.
I saw on one
website that the family (Bill's) was involved in mininghttp://outlawbillminer.com/main.html. My
grandmother’s uncles were also involved in mining. (see
pic below). With the family resemblance and background,
it sure makes me wonder. . We are from Iowa but it seems
they all did some moving around.
Des Moines, Iowa
(I
responded to Owen to tell him that, while his photos
were interesting, I rather doubted that any were of the
Bill Miner we know. I am reluctant to post them here as
I do not have his permission to do so. Also, I advised
him that the web URL that he gave me is riddled with
error, and almost useless as a source of any type of
information on Bill Miner. The site merely perpetuates
the same old myths and half-truths that have been around
since before Bill Miner died. The only thing the site
does have to say is that Bill Miner's spread of his own
propaganda was very effective and still alive and well
today. PRG)
(On 21 November 2007, I received the following
query about a Detective Scott mentioned in my book as
being involved in the Mission robbery of the CPR.)
I am reading the
Bill Miner book and discovered on page 47:
"The group
also included Detective Scott, City Officers Hartney
and Deptford,......"
I
believe this is my Grandfather who was promoted to
Detective on Sept 15 1904. The Posse was constituted
on Sept 11but I think it would be quite possible
that he was "acting" prior to official promotion (at
the magnificent sum of $840 p/a - no raise in pay
from 1st Cst.)
Det. Scott is not mentioned in the index so I assume
at this point that he takes no further part in the
book. Also Grauer may have only had his surname from
an article and if not mentioned further, did not
follow up on given name etc.
Would it be possible for you to email him regarding
any further information he may have and at the same
time, asking if he would wish any background from
me.
Greg Scott
(I emailed back to Greg advising him that the
information I had on Detective Scott was limited to what
I had included in my book. He replied as follows:)
23 November 2007
Peter
It is funny this
story did not come down through the family as his son
(my father) spent 46 years with the CPR and one of his
daughters married a long serving CPR employee. I can
remember as a child sitting on his knee (died 1951) and
being told stories of the old days including the
storming of the Komagata Maru. I have emailed out to the
rest of the family to see if they know anything.
By way of
background, I am a volunteer researcher at Touchstones
Nelson, also a museum board member, Chairman of the City
of Nelson Heritage Commission and have written the
weekly history column in the Nelson Daily News for the
past 5 years as well as several stories for November 11
issues etc.
27 September 2007
Hi Peter,
Greg Scott, here in
Nelson, has done some research on Chief Young. (See
the "Author's Journal" for more on Constable Young.)
He is away until next weekend, I believe. Young was an
accomplished artist/painter, as well. I am sure there is
information to be shared. I was browsing through the
Provincial Police records and came across several items
related to Young when he was a Constable. I will go back
and write them down!
What exciting
experiences you have had through your events! I am not
surprized this book has touched a cord. There are far more
tentacles out there then we realize. It really is
fantastic-makes readers out of non readers and arm chair
historians out of those who think Canadian History is so
dry.
I have to pass along
a compliment to you. I loaned my copy of your book to a
friend. She said "I can tell by the way he writes that he
is a good, nice man." It is not often a writer can portray
their own sense of self in a book and still come out with
an outstanding book-you did!
I will be at the
archives on Thursday and will ask Shawn about a picture of
Young. There must be something there. I will also head
back into the Police records and see what I can find for
you and his Granddaughter. I like that connection! I hope
someone is talking to the daughter!
25 September 2007
Mr. Grauer, I had the
pleasure of meeting you at the Salmon Arm fair, and
purchased a hardcover copy of your book there. As I live in
Mission, I went to the Celebration of Community at Heritage
Park September 15 to see you again. I was there at about
6:30 PM and didn’t see you. (We
had left by that time.) It
may very well be that you had left by then, or hadn’t
arrived yet. At any rate, I did attempt to see you
again!!!. I finished reading your book last night, and it
was an intensely satisfying book. I only wish it was longer.
Your research was exhaustive and the illustrations were well
chosen. If I related every facet of your book I enjoyed,
this would be a very lengthy e-mail. You have produced
something very important and very valuable. Your book will
occupy a prominent place on my shelf, and will be read many
times. If you choose to write any more books on the history
of BC, I will be first in line to purchase them! After
finishing your book, I was excited to see the bonus book
companion section of your website, as well as the research
sources. I was glad to see these because I would like to
read as many of the references as I can. I just find the
history of BC so interesting. I can not adequately express
my appreciation of your hard work. Feel free to contact me
at any time. I enjoyed our last conversation immensely.
Brandon K., Mission
(Mary Spencer was the Kamloops photographer who took the
famous photos of the train robbers, the posse and the Royal
North-West Mounted Police. Karen and I were contacted by
some of her relatives from Ontario and the Lower Mainland
this summer. We met them one afternoon for coffee and
conversation, and they are very pleased to see the renewed
interest in Mary as she takes her place as one of BC's
premier early female photographers.
David G., whose email is attached below, is a long-time fan
of Mary Spencer's. He lives in Summerland where Mary and
her sister settled after leaving Kamloops. The home they
built still survives and is visited by Heritage Tours on a
regular basis. Let's hope that Mary and her sister
eventually have their final resting places in Summerland
suitably marked.)
20 September 2007
RE: Mary Spencer Up-date
Dear Peter,
I hope your summer has been
going well. There are a couple things to tell you about. In
the summer I hosted a cemetery tour in Summerland. These are
ALWAYS the most popular heritage tours (you figure that one
out !?!)
Anyway one of the grave sites
is Mary Spencer. So I am sending you a photo. This is Peach
Orchard Cemetery in Summerland. The cemetery looks over
Okanagan Lake. When people die they ALWAYS want a view lot
(you figure that one out too ?!?!) Anyway Mary is buried in
a unmarked grave. Her grave is just below the three green
stone/glass grave sites. One site is for Mary and one for
her sister Isabelle.
Also buried in this cemetery
is her uncle George Spencer (which is a marked grave site)
Anyway just before the tour a
family member from Ontario contacted us asking where Mary
Spencer was buried. Of course, without any hesitation I was
able to tell the person. Anyway, the family is thinking
about putting up a tomb-stone.
That’s all I got Peter, but I
figured you might like to know
Sincerely
David G.
14 September 2007
Hello Peter, missed
you in Revelstoke, ... .
I belong to the
book club here, when it was my turn to recommend a book I
chose yours. Not only because you were from Revelstoke,
but also as a history lesson for the new comers to
Revelstoke. (Some have lived here for 30 years or more.)
Must tell you it was
a huge success. We could not get enough copies from the
library, some of us had to borrow from someone we knew and
the others, after hearing our rave reviews, went ahead and
read it from the library.
I was to go to your
book signing while you were here, ... and somehow we got
our wires crossed so missed you .
What was so
interesting for me is I have been to some of the range
lands you mention. My former husband's family was from
Falkland & Westwold and my son lived on Rosehill. It was
interesting to learn it always was Rosehill.
Thanks for the good
read and what fun the research must have been.
Hello to Karen, take
care, Mary O., Revelstoke.
(Mary O. was a former classmate of mine from Revelstoke High
School, graduating class of 1959.)
11 September 2007
Hello Peter,
Let me begin by
offering my apologies if this is the umpteenth time someone
has asked about touring around the Bill Miner related spots
of interest. I have always had an intense interest in
‘re-tracing’ the steps of events I consider of interest.
This may be mundane and uninteresting to most people,
especially when the locations/buildings/etc. have changed or
disappeared. Like many other people you have probably
encountered, I have a strong interest in seeing the events
unfold as if I was looking through the eyes of the person
who originally created the events (like Bill Miner).
Some years ago, I
retraced the steps (literally the steps) that my father and
my uncle took to escape Nazi Germany into Switzerland. A
few years later, that same uncle and I retraced the routes
that my grandfather took as a door to door salesman in the
period 1920-1939. He had a specific route for each day of
the week and the route never varied. My uncle had to
accompany him during summer vacation so he was able to
describe houses along the route, who lived there, what they
encountered, etc. Needless to say, my uncle had a great
memory. In retracing those steps, we had to deal with
streets now intersected by highways, rerouted parts and the
sprawl of urban highrises into the rural countryside.
Those five days were fantastic. I recorded my uncle’s
entire commentary enroute onto cassette for future use, as
well as some intermittent video.
Which brings me to
your book. I purchased a copy at the Quilchena Store on
September 1, 2007 while staying at the hotel with my wife.
I was immediately drawn to the possibility of learning what
the area was like 100 year ago and what it would have been
like for Bill Miner and other notables you wrote about. I
am only 33 pages in and can see that you are going to give
me some great insight. I have driven through many of these
places like Quilchena and Aspen Grove not knowing the
colourful history, but now I am intrigued. I am very
interested in the October 13 bus tour mentioned on the web
site. However, I think you will probably tell me that
taking such a tour after I complete the book will be much
more rewarding than before. Any thoughts on whether such a
tour may be repeated in the future? Regardless, I can
already say with certainty that I will spend some time over
the coming years poking along back roads and various towns
re-tracing some of the events that I will read about in your
book.
Thanks in advance for
the enjoyment that will give me.
Lee Z., Edmonton, AB.
(My reply to Lee is as
follows:) Hello Lee, Certainly no apologies are
necessary. I like to hear from readers regardless of the
reasons. Your story is especially poignant. The ability to
see in your mind’s eye what happened in certain locations
and with people that are no longer with us is a
characteristic of a discerning reader and observer with a
keen sense of what our mutual past holds for us. This
ability has seen many of the readers of my book contact me
to tell me how they are travelling the roads of southern BC
and the Fraser Valley re-tracing the steps taken by that
inept American bandit over 100 years ago. Their emails and
phone calls are always exciting to receive.
With regards to the bus
tour, I really would recommend that you take it after you
have read the book. So much happened in the places that we
will visit that it would substantially limit the experience
not having read the book. Preliminary interest in the tour
tells me we will have to run another one in the spring with
a bigger bus. I have attached a scan of the recreation
program advertising. For your interest, the building I am
standing in front of is the old Pratt homestead where Paul
Stevens climbed into bed the night of the train robbery.
Let me know your thoughts upon completion of the book.
Peter Grauer in Kamloops
6 September 2007
Hi Peter, Hope you
remember me; I met you and Karen at Government House this
spring. I just wanted to let you know I just finished
reading your book. I found it very informative and
interesting. I look forward to reading more updates on
your website. On page 552 you talk about the Fernie
family-Mary and daughter having a tea house in Metchosin.
Do you know if it still exists today under different
owners? I would be interested from a history point of
view to go look at it. Hope all is well with you and
Karen. Suzan L.
(No,
unfortunately I never did get to see Daphne and Mary's
famous tea house at Metchosin. If any readers have photo
or comments, please let me know.)
(Our new-found
friend in South Africa, Cor van der Merwe, has continued his
correspondence with us. He has completed my book, and has
the following comments to make. I have added my comments in
italics.)
28 August 2007
Good morning, I trust you
are well on that side of the world. You will remember
that I contacted you recently while I was halfway through
Interred...
Just
to say that I finished your fascinating book last night,
and what a wonderful experience it was! Thank you so much
for creating this marvelous read with all that interesting
and almost-long-forgotten information.
A
few things about the book:
1) I think your title
is very apt - the secrets of Bill Miner and co., and I am
sure that of many other people went to their graves
without anyone ever finding out. It is lamentable but
simultaneously adds to the stuff that legends are made of.
2) I really enjoyed
the fact that you were able to include so many bits and
pieces of information from the old timers and local
collectors/museums etc. The photographs I particularly
enjoyed - as you know, a picture is worth a thousand
words... We are fortunate that so many of those people
like Daphne Fernie and others lived on into their 90's or
even 100 years old. It is always sad when those old
people die because they are our last link with a world
long gone, and the last connection with people who lived
in those times. I felt the same when my formidable
grandfather died in 2001 - he was born in 1909, and my
last link with the old timers of the previous century
(19th Cent). After having read the book, I wonder if my
grandfather, for example, was ever aware of Bill Miner,
and who knows - maybe he even saw that WANTED poster that
was also sent to SA?
(Yes, it was a little
known and obscure fact that Miner's wanted posters were
distributed throughout the British Empire of that day, and
South Africa was then part of the Empire. So, Cor's
grandfather may very well have seen a copy of an old Miner
wanted poster.)
The people who lived
from the middle of the 1800's well into the 1900's
particularly went through interesting times as they came
from the midst of the Victorian era into the modern era,
from basically "nothing" to electricity, cars, telephones
etc.
3) I now realize
how fortunate I have been to have passed through B.C. only
in September 2006, and not earlier, since it seems that
your book was still about to be printed only a few months
earlier (in April?). In other words, I almost missed out
on the whole affair!
4) On the other hand,
I would love to have read your book before I travelled
through that area, in order to be informed of all these
events about Bill Miner, and to have had a better
understanding of the lives there a 100 years ago. I think
I would have looked with different eyes to towns like
Kamloops etc., and made a more concerted effort to visit
the museum and the area associated with Miner. The best
will be to visit again! I grabbed my photo album and
looked at my pictures of those areas again, this time in a
much different light. (One picture was of a street in
Merritt with sign boards overhead, showing the directions
to Quilchena, Kamloops, Kelowna etc), as well as the old
hotel.
5) Interesting that
Fernie's (?) estate in later years was called "the Kloof".
Do you know where that name comes from? I wonder if he
didn't perhaps pick that up during his time in South
Africa, since "Kloof" is an Afrikaans word meaning
something like "ravine" or "valley". In fact, there are
some streets in Cape Town called "Kloof Road" or "Kloof
Street" - the one just around the corner of where I live.
Do you perhaps know?
(Indeed the Kloof that
Fernie named his ranch house after was named after that
Afrikaans word for valley, as his family's home then
overlooked the whole of the Thompson Valley just west of
Kamloops. Boer War veterans of those days formed a
lasting attachment to southern Africa, as is borne out by
Col. Sam Steele's "Forty Years in Canada," which details
his service with the South African Constabulary.)
6) Without splitting
hairs, there was one or two occasions where a possible
mistake (I think??) in the book attracted my attention:
e.g. at the beginning of the prison sentence of Bill Miner
in the B.C. Penitentiary in New Westminster you refer that
"before the month was out" he would have escaped. But
Bill only escaped some year and a half later on? Or did I
miss something? Also, a reference to "Burke" where
surely it must be "Bourke"? Anyway, I thought I just
mention it, the overall enjoyment of the book, your way of
writing and making it easy to read, the huge amount of
research, etc more than outweigh a possible slip here or
there.
(Cor's sharp eye has,
indeed, picked out a few inconsistencies in my book.
Before a year was out, Miner would have escaped from the
penitentiary, and the Burke referred to is indeed Bourke.
Other readers have also pointed out some typo errors, but
none of them really interfere with the historical
integrity of the book. That remains as close to
historical fact as I could make it at that time. Perhaps
when I was writing the book, I was struck by the
observation that Miner had started plotting his eventual
escape from the BC Pen before he had even been placed
behind the prison walls.)
7) As a matter of
interest - why was Miner branded/wanted as a "sodomite" as
described by the police at one stage (only one reference
to it in the book)? Surely he was heterosexual as proved
by his patronage of the prostitutes?
(Without any reliable
primary sources to answer this question, I have to suppose
that the Pinkerton's, whose poster contains the "sodomite"
reference, were expressing their frustration at their
inability to catch Miner. He seemed to be able to slip
through their fingers, and to re-appear in the most
unlikely of places. Also, any man that spends the years
he did in San Quentin, 20 years at the last stretch, would
probably be sexually compromised under those conditions.
The Pinkertons would have picked up on this and put it on
the poster just to irk and humiliate him. His affection
for women and prostitutes is well documented, and I have
encountered only one reference to his possible
homosexuality outside of prison. Not being a sociologist
familiar with the trauma suffered by ex-cons, I am only
assuming it would have a permanent effect on their
psyche. Perhaps bi-sexuality would be a logical outcome,
but I have no background enabling me to deduce this
possibility. )
8) I am sure with the
second and third and more prints of your book in future
you will include the other interesting bits that have
surfaced as a result of this first print - e.g. the
picture that's on the web of Bill's grave, and I hope that
Ottawa will be more cooperative with their archives this
time!
(Further printings will
undoubtedly take place, but whether another edition is
forthcoming is somewhat doubtful. However, I will say
that if enough additional information comes to my
attention on any aspects of the Bill Miner Story, I will
add them to this web site as well as trying to get them
into select publications.)
Sorry
for the long email, I hope you have time to read it all.
Thank you again for a most fascinating book!
Cor van der Merwe,
Capetown, South Africa
This summer my
husband and I had occasion to ride the Armstrong
Explorer -
due simply to our interest in old steam engines and
railroads. However, it turned out to be a trip into
genealogy for myself. I am a direct descendent of the
Ducks.
I did pick up your
book "Interred With Their Bones" after our trip and have
just finished it. I had no idea that Albert and Edith had
any knowledge of Bill Miner so it sure made for some
interesting reading. With your permission I would like to
copy off from your site some of the information you have
in regards to statements etc from the Ducks to add to the
family genealogy book.
This past weekend I
had occasion to be in Vernon to pick up my daughter from
Cadet Camp. On the way back I took her to Holmwood. I had
been there many times before. She found it very
interesting to compare the picture of Holmwood in your
book to what is existing today. Not much for changes.
14 August 2007
(I had to post the
following email to my site as soon as I received it. It was
a great thrill to find it in my email basket this morning,
amid numerous solicitations for stocks, sexual aids and
drugs. It is humbling to me that something that I created
should gives such pleasure to someone half-way around the
world.)
I traveled through Canada
in Sept last year, spending some time in Vancouver and
visiting those exciting and beautiful places like Banff,
Lake Louise and Penticton. En route from Vancouver to
Banff, with a lovely 4x4, we passed through Sycamous etc.,
and made stops at Merritt, Kamloops as well
as Revelstoke. And what wonderful countryside it is! I
particularly enjoyed the old type "Wild West" country of
Merritt, Revelstoke etc.
Anyway,
it was on our way back, again through Revelstoke that we
decided to stop for lunch. My friend wanted to cut his
hair so he went off searching for a barber while I browsed
through a small bookstore (Grizzly Book Store) next to the
"pasta" parlour we ate at. And my eye fell on a black
book with the captivating title "Interred with their
Bones". Now me being a history freak and even more so
when it comes to unsolved mysteries and graves of the
past, I was immediately drawn to your fantastic book. The
shop lady told me a little about it, and that you grew
up/lives in Revelstoke and hence very involved in the
area. I paid with a smile and couldn't wait to start
reading it. However, it was only until now, in August
2007, that I finally got through my other books that I had
to read and started reading yours. And WHAT A PLEASURE IT
IS!! Having visited that area personally last year and
having a very vivid imagination I can fully identify with
and picture the happening in my mind as they unfold.
I
am not done with the book yet (only at page 220 now),
sometime after the Ducks Robbery, and look forward to
finished it asap, although I always hate finishing a good
book because it means I'm done with it (for now). So for
now, thank you SO much for an outstanding book sofar - it
is truly a gem and I am enjoying it thoroughly.
Of
particular interest to me, and possibly to you, are your
references to the Boer War, and places like Potchefstroom,
Losberg etc. That being because I am South African,
living in Cape Town, and hence very familiar with the
Anglo-Boer War. It was surprising and fascinating to read
and see this "connection" between your book and where I
come from! To think that Constable Fernie and some others
in your book may have seen the same things (e.g. towns)
and have experienced SA like me, a 100 years ago...
I mean, the chances of
picking up YOUR book in a small Canadian town like
Revelstoke and bringing it back to SA!? I wonder if there
is anybody else in this country who also has your book?
One
last question - do you perhaps know a Tante Thea and Uncle
Carl in Penticton? Unfortunately I don't know their
surname, but they used to run a German restaurant in town
for many many years.
All
the best, and once again thank you for a most marvellous
book sofar!
(9 Aug 2007.
Needless to say, the following email, which arrived last
month, generated some excitement on my part and with my
wife, Karen. Michael's grandfather in Kamloops would have
known some of the participants in the Miner affair
personally, and one can only imagine some of the primary,
first-hand information he may have acquired. This is
another example of the connections this story and the
myths associated with it have generated amongst ordinary
British Columbians. The story of Miner, generating as it
does an interest in the people, places and events of 100
years ago, is such an integral part of the family history
of so many of us in this province. The book seems to have
generated a modest renewal of interest in our provincial
history and served as a vehicle to bring forward all those
stories, memorabilia and photographs associated with those
events of long ago. Stories such as Michael's bring a
fresh look at those simpler days beyond the memory of any
of us living today.
I will keep
everyone informed if anything further develops with
Michael's story as he tells it below. -PG)
4 July 2007
Dear Mr. Grauer,
I am most grateful
for your e-mail message of ..., and apologize for the
absurd length of time it has taken me to respond in kind.
June ended up being a horrendously busy month, with a
whirlwind trip to California and the purchase of a new
computer (along with the consequent transfer of all old
e-mails and to-do items!).
I am greatly
interested in acquiring one of the hardcover copies of
"Interred With Their Bones", and will gladly send a cheque
for $65 ($55 plus $10 shipping). To what address shall I
mail my payment?
... I have followed
the success of your book with great interest, and convey
my congratulations for the honour you received from
Lt.-Gov. Campagnolo. Bill Miner has been a subject of
particular fascination for me since I discovered that my
grandfather, a high school principal and later a
provincial inspector of schools, was the author of an
unfinished manuscript about Bill Miner's years in Canada.
He completed the majority of the book in the 1940s,
assembling sheaves of interviews and primary documents,
before laying the project aside. I suspect that his work
as principal of Kamloops High School, combined with the
birth of his third son (my father), left little time for
the undertaking. Some fifty years later, in the early
1990s, I discovered his work and completed the volume,
distributing it among family members.
Since then,
fascinating connections have arisen. For example, several
of my great-uncles (on my mother's side) were apparently
bathing in the lands around the BC Penitentiary when Miner
escaped. They heard the bell ringing just before he came
crashing out the woods, shared a few choice words, then
disappeared into the brush.
I look forward to
receiving your mailing address so that I may submit my
cheque to you promptly. My mailing address is below.
29 June 2007
Peter, I enjoyed
meeting you ... in P(rince) G(eorge) recently
and more to the point, immensely enjoyed the read.
Great background
and detail- Having lived here in BC these past 37 years,
it gives me a different perspective on the area's we
have camped and traveled through over the years.
(I continue to
embarrass myself and forget people who I meet at book
affairs, as shown below.)
23 May 2007
Hi Peter- an aside to
you regarding Bill Miner- went on the website for the
Register of Canadian Heritage places [not sure if my name is
correct]. When I did a place name search using Billy Miner,
only one hit- the old Bank of Montreal Building in Maple
Ridge, and it only came up because its a heritage building
that now houses the Billy Miner Pub. I wonder, should the
culvert you mentioned be nominated? A second aside- my
Grandpa Garney liked to tell of a day when he held Bill
Miner's horse for him and was given a dime [big money!] for
doing so. He kept a photograph of Miner in the house. Funny
how one man can touch such a large area and yet be
relatively unknown outside of the history books. Jeremy W.,
Kamloops.
25 May 2007.
Hi Peter- apologies, I
should have re-introduced myself- I am one of the people
involved with this BC heritage ride, and we met at Forsters
at our first meeting. Grandpa Garney grew up in the area
now Chilliwack, the family homesteaded there and then
branched to Princeton- I think he also had what is now the
Rocking Chair Ranch in Cawston, among other ranches. Had a
large sheep ranch too with Charlie [?] Taylor as well. The
Willis family was one of the pioneering families during the
Gold Rush. Abraham Willis ran an ox train on the Cariboo
Road- he was Garney's dad. Grandpa was an older man, was in
the army for WW1- I'll have to get the details from the
family album and my father. I believe the picture is in the
book- full front face picture in black and white. I don't
have the book here, I think it went with an in-law, but I'll
see if I can get a copy and give you the page number. W...
E... is my music business- I sing, DJ, MC, and songwrite- my
current focus is songs on BC history, right now on the Gold
Rush days where both my familial lines started in Canada. My
great great grandfather was Sgt Mjr John McMurphy of the
Royal Engineers. I have most of his old documents available
to me, so trying to write about that, Abraham, and some of
the other characters of the Rush. Jeremy W., Kamloops.
One month after
his last email of the 16th of May, Bruce W. had finished
the Bill Miner book, and had these comments to make.
13 June 2007
Peter
Just a short note to
say that I just finished Interred
With Their Bones, Bill Miner In Canada, 1903-1907 and
thoroughly enjoyed it. Nice even writing and I am glad
that you published it on your own as an editor may have
cut out some of the necessary and interesting detail in
the name of economy.
Some thoughts. The
book certainly helped to discredit the
CPR-assisted-escape-in-return-for-the-stolen-bonds
theory. I also hadn't realized that Lewis Colquhoun was,
in fact, not guilty and the third man may have been
someone else. A sad end for Colquhoun. It certainly was
a coup for you getting into the privately held Anthony
Martin collection.
Is Frederick Fulton
a progenitor of E. Davie Fulton for there is a strong
family resemblance?
Glad to see that
you also have disdain for political correctness.
When Karen and I
were in Victoria to accept the award from the BC Historical
Federation 11 May, we made many interesting and
knowledgeable contacts. An exchange of emails with one of
them, Bruce W., follows.
For what it is worth
for the record, I thought I would clarify which relatives
encountered Bill Miner, something which I talked to you
about on Saturday at the Victoria conference of the BCHF.
There is no reason that any of them warrant any mention in
a work like yours as their association was peripheral at
best.
The person that I
mentioned that you thought may have been Calgarian W. A.
McFoy, was Alexander Galbraith McPhee (1865-1942) who was
born in Ontario and spent much of his life in Vancouver.
In 1904, after coming down from the Klondike gold rush he
joined the CPR's Investigations Department, then in its
formative days. In his 28 years with the CPR he served as
constable, then as a "plain clothes" investigator, then as
Assistant Inspector, the rank he held on his retirement in
July 1932. He worked on a variety of criminal cases
including the pursuit in 1909 of Bill Miner. (This
is probably a reference to Miner's escape from the BC
Penitentiary in August of 1907. PG)
At an early age,
Victoria born William Robert Strachan (1885-1962) became
interested in racehorses, and developed into a highly
knowledgeable expert on horses. In his late teens he
worked as a cowpuncher on the Douglas Lake Ranch in the
Nicola area, alongside Bill Miner. He later drove a
stagecoach but, because he froze his hands in particular
cold weather, he had a variety of careers after that. He
died in Vancouver.
Ontario born James
Archibald Galbraith (1878-1962) worked for the Vancouver
Hardware Company and his job took him all over British
Columbia via stagecoach, sternwheeler, and railway. It
was while he was in Kamloops that he spotted Bill Miner on
the street. They never spoke.
My own father, who
never saw or met Bill Miner but was 10 years old at the
time when Miner was captured, remarked that Miner had
garnered a huge amount of public sympathy, probably
because he had scored against the CPR.
There you are. None
of these people deserve to be part of a book on Bill Miner
you can see the influence that the "gentleman bandit"
really had.
Good luck with the
sales of your book. I am enjoying it.
(Of course, as
always, I rarely, if ever, remember the people I meet, even
on the best of occasions. For this, I am eternally
condemned by my wife as being on unfeeling wretch. The
stimuli that happens during these book sales events,
meetings and conventions are always overwhelming, and blank
out my memory processes. At least, that is my excuse. So I
had to ask Bruce who he was.)
17 May 2007
Thanks for your
interesting email, Bruce. I appreciate your following up on
our initial contact. We are continually being overwhelmed
with how the story of this relatively inept and flawed petty
criminal has entered into the unconscious mythology of BC.
Everywhere we go, someone comes forward with family
anecdotes from 100 years ago about Bill Miner. It never
ceases to amaze us. ... BTW, please refresh my memory as to
what position you are in to be at the BCHF conference in
Victoria. Regards, Peter
So, Bruce
graciously responded..
Yes it is amazing
how this flawed soul pushed all the right buttons to enter
the unconscious mythology of BC. I think a big factor
is that he did one up on the CPR, a "home grown" relief
from trying to make interesting history out of being part
of a relatively uncaring Central Canada and English
Empire. He obviously touched a nerve and gave voice to a
certain element in society.
As for me, I was
one of the Vancouver Historical Society gang at the
conference with no role in the BCHF. ... .
My most recent
publication is something jointly written with Jean
Barman: Leaving
Paradise: Indigenous Hawaiians in the Pacific Northwest,
1787-1898 (Honolulu:
University of Hawaii Press, 2006).
Bruce W.
(Jean Barman's "The
West Beyond The West" was
at my elbow when I researched and wrote my book.)
Amazingly, after
receiving the emails of the 14th and 15th of May regarding
Maisie Hurley (Campbell Johnston), the following showed up
in my IN basket.
I am looking to
purchase a book, as I am fascinated with all the extra
tidbits on my
Great Grandmother
Maisie Hurley. I have a picture of Bill Miner that she
had painted that was amazing.
I had heard on her way
to BC on the train, she ran into Bill and wasn't the
least bit frightened
of him or his 6
shooter. They became close friends after that, as I
have been told.
Have a Great Day!
Kerrie H.
I replied to her
as follows:
Hello Kerrie,
Nice to hear from you,
especially from a descendant of Maisie Hurley. She must
have been a very special lady, and from the research I
have done, could very well have a book done on her. I
know some things about her life, including the magazine
“Native Voice,” her boxing promotions and the heart of her
ancestor. Would love to talk to you about her sometime,
and to look at the painting of Bill Miner. ... So pleased
to hear from you. Maisie has been somewhat of a mystery
in some ways. A woman ahead of her time, but also very
complex. PG
Kerrie replied on 24
May 2007.
Thanks for the reply.
A story was told that I was actually playing with the
heart of Montrose and thought that I had broken it when
it broke in two. Apparently I was quite upset but found
out that a bullet apparently had split it in half in its
travels to Vancouver. Yes she was way ahead of her
time. My mother Moira has a book that my great-great
grandmother Amy wrote over the years that goes into
extensive stories of their adventures, with great
concern for Maisie who would break wild horses in the
Nicola Valley. Anyways, fascinating really. have a
great day, Kerrie H.
One of the
intriguing characters I ran into in my research, and who
also made it into my book, is Maisie Campbell-Johnston.
She was the young girl in Aspen Grove that Bill Miner
built a skating rink for. In her later years she married
a lawyer in Vancouver by the name of Hurley, and, among
other things, was the editor of "The Native Voice."
Further information on her is available in the web site
database.
I received the
following interesting series of emails regarding her
family.
I would like to
buy two copies of your book. I have been fascinated
with the Campbell-Johnston family since finding an old
Prospectus for a mining company about 1969, written by
Ronald Campbell Campbell- Johnston. I think it was the
double barreled name that hooked me although the man
himself had to have been a character. You seem to have
a lot of information on his daughter Maisie, who was
also a wild one. There is quite a display at the North
Vancouver museum here, which has a lot of her things.
I have collected
quite a bit of information about RCCJ and have made
contact with a great grandson.
Barry P.
The same day I
replied to him as follows:
Hello Barry, Nice to
hear from you. How did you hear about my book, and that
it had Mazie Hurley and the Campbell-Johnstons in it? I
too was intrigued by the Campbell-Johnstons. There is
more info on them in the Vancouver Archives as well as
the BC Archives. I was not aware of the North Van
display. I hope I can get to see it. I always thought
there was a good story behind them somewhere. I would
appreciate hearing more about the information you have
accumulated. It seems that geologists are enjoying my
book. You are not the first who has contacted me to
share stories and comment on aspects of my book. I did
do some research on mining at the turn of the last
century for my book, as it was such an integral part of
life in BC at that time. It seems that everyone had a
mine or was doing some prospecting at that time. PG.
Barry replied to my
email as follows:
Thanks for the
note. I came across your site in a search for
"Campbell-Johnston". I had been aware of the Bill
Miner connection with Maisie, various versions in
different accounts. My first encounter with RCCJ was
when I drilled the Taltapin silver or Silver Fox
property on Pinkut Creek near Babine Lake about 1970.
Our client was N... C... who had in her files a
prospectus written by RC, which was fabulous in all
senses of the word. Wish I had taken a copy.
RC was also one
of the first "engineers" into the G... Coal field. I
have several thick reports on his exploration there.
His wife was a game old gal, accompanying him into
very isolated country. She may have had connections
with the owners of the S... smelter.
I also have a
little book "Tales of the Totems" written by RCCJ from
accounts written down by his wife.
I look forward
to reading your book.
26 April 2007
Hi Peter – hope to
meet you someday soon. Great book!
I am an
environmental consultant working most of BC. My work has
some archive and heritage elements to it. I recently
found a title to land in Kamloops in the name of William
Lewis Fernie, of Kamloops BC . Land Title # 57831F was
issued May 20th 1931
for the SW ¼ of Section One, Twp 20 Range 18 West of the 6th Meridian.
This is near the corner of Dalhousie and Notre Dame in
Kamloops. There is a tax sale notice on the Fernie title.
It was transferred in 1945 to the Gov’t of Canada as part
of the military camp holdings in Kamloops. Also you
should note the anecdote in the menu of the Coldwater
Hotel in Merritt. It purports Miner stayed there and
stashed things in the dome.
Eric G.
(The author
replied to the above email as follows:)
Thanks, Eric, for the
interesting information on the Fernie property. I
remember Daphne Fernie telling me about how her father
used this part of his holdings for grazing his imported
thoroughbreds. As far as the tax sale information goes,
William Fernie had passed away many years before this
event, and his daughters and wife had moved to Victoria in
the early 1940s. They probably couldn’t find a sale for
this property at that time, so left it to be picked up for
a tax sale. Thank you for this information, which I
wasn’t aware of. Any information that people send me that
relates to my book is most appreciated. It adds to our
store of knowledge of this period and the people who were
around at the time.
As far as the anecdote
in the Coldwater Hotel goes, I am familiar with the story.
However, Merritt was not yet a town in the days that
Miner was in BC, and the dates given were long after Miner
had died. But I suppose it does add some romance to the
hotel itself. Thanks for your positive comment on my
book.
Peter Grauer
(In a second email, John comments
further: )
Peter -- Thanx
for the personal reply. In my work (I am a geologist
with strong landform/map bias) the scenery and
geography of each of the locations in your book always
impress me. I have been driving across BC – all
directions, air, road, coast and rail since I was a
kid – in the 1960 window. Now I write physical reports
on properties including the history of ownership. This
has allowed me to write about Campbell Creek, Merritt,
and Kamloops. Living here near ... allows a wondrous
connection between your book and where I have
rubber-necked for the last 20 odd – they have been odd
– years. I know you are aware of the Merritt museum.
They have the data on this next point. Merritt did not
exist under that name in the period you describe but
the town was there under several other names. (Forksdale
& Midvale.) So… the inference is that Merritt by
another name was there and thriving – parallel to
Quilchena but not on the main route from Kamloops to
Princeton which I believe is on the hill side to the
east of Merritt and was used for a rough road auto
rally last year. The best proof of the montage of
these towns is the legal surveys of that era. You
might want to speak with legal surveyor John Graham in
Merritt. And there is always the knowledge of the
affable author Murphy Shewchuk. I defer to your
previous work however. The command of dates you show
is exceptional. We certainly understand why a hotel
would grasp any story that might add to its marketable
mystique, fact, conjecture, folklore or otherwise.
Eric G.
April 1, 2007
Peter,
Congratulations on doing such a good job of assimilating
so much research. I have just completed reading your
book. You have given me renewed interest in getting back
to work on my family history. My great-grandfather, John
S., arrived in Victoria in 1862, spent time in the
Cariboo, then settled in Victoria. There has been a John
S. there ever since - my father resides a few blocks from
the family plot in Ross Bay Cemetery. I have done some
research in both Victoria and the Provincial Archives, but
have a long way to go. I have just retired from a career
as a high school English teacher (Armstrong) and live in
Vernon. I don't know if I have any material of interest to
you, but I sure appreciate your references in the back of
your book.
Thanks again for the well-researched book! Cheers,
John S.
(In a second email, John comments
further: )
My only comment to
improve the book - more maps would be useful as most
readers won't be familiar with our area. I found myself
bookmarking the map on page 20 and used this for a
continual reference. My next task is pulling the Backroad
Mapbook off my shelf and finding all these places to
explore once the weather improves.
John S.
March 28, 2007
Hello Peter,
I am currently
reading your book with much interest and fascination. A
couple of years ago we purchased acreage in the
......... area for recreational use (we live in
Vancouver). I have been doing some research and found it
is the old .............. ranch, just off ...........
Forest Service Road. It was originally 320 acres but now
is 141 acres. The property has an old road through it
and signs of an old cabin or structure near the lake
(rusty stove and an old bed). In addition, I found that
the 'Similkameen Trail' used to go through the property
as shown on the back the original preempt document from
1891 (which I got a copy from the Merritt Archives). I
think it is this old road we see today and may be the
'pack trail' you refer to in your book. Not sure though.
We would like to
preserve some historical elements of the property and
would appreciate any information you have. My wife and I
are both very interested in the historic nature of the
area.
All the best, E.
P. Vancouver
(Note - Place
and proper names have been removed to protect privacy.
PRG)
(The author
replied to the above email as follows:)
Hello E.,
Thanks for your
intriguing email. I am aware of a number of cabins
around your area that may be associated with Miner,
Allen, Budd, Chisholm et al. However, the ...........
property in my research has only referred to the
Miner/Budd cabin. It is rather special to think that
your cabin could have been the one in which Miner spent
the winter of 1905/06. I will have to refer to my
research documents again and see whether more
information is contained in them. By all means give me
a call sometime. Evenings after 7 and before 10 would be
best. ........... has always been of interest to me,
and I am presently pursuing more information through his
descendants.
Peter Grauer
March 17, 2007
Hi, I liked
the book. I really liked the detail. I have over 700
Canadian and Alaska books, many of them like yours. I
have always been interested in Bill Miner since I have
been going to Quesnel Lake for the last 30 years.
Something has puzzled me for a long time. There is a creek
named Bill Miner on the most remote arm (east arm) of
the lake between Kill Dog and Bouldery creeks. I know why
Kill Dog and Bouldery got it's name . I have talked with
a friend whose father trapped on the lake in the 30's and
Bill Miner creek was named as far back as he could
remember. I have been to the Billy Miner Saloon in
Williams Lake and understand why a saloon would be named
after a colorful character, but why a remote creek? Bill
Miner was not in the area. Can you shed any light on this
???
On page 559, I
found it interesting that Jack Budd's daughter , B.L.
Barron, lived in Chico, California (my home town). I
have looked in the Chico phone book and cannot find any
connection today for the mail routes are not the same.
Thanks for writing
the book. I really did enjoy it. The photos, maps and
research you have done is appreciated by this reader.
Walt R.
(The author
replied as follows:)
The
only explanation I could come up with for the name Bill
Miner Creek would be that it must have been named by a
miner in the first decade of the 20th C.
Many of the Princeton/Nicola/Kamloops miners and
prospectors headed up into that country when the mining
exploration petered out in the south part of the
province. Bill Miner was even then a figure of some
interest to ordinary people in the southern part of BC.
I found not one iota of indication that he went any
further north than Kamloops, Ashcroft or Spence’s
Bridge. However, I should say that there were rumours
passed down in families that he had been up in that
country, but absolutely no primary source data. As
readers of my book know, people were great travellers in
those days, both on foot and on a good through-bred.
New information on Miner that put him in the Cariboo
would never surprise me. He was an interesting
individual.
The
trail of Jack Budd is still warm, and information is
still continuing to come in on him. Descendants have
been trying to trace his trail up here in Canada, and I
hope to be able to post some of the information on my
website in the future.
Thank
you for your positive comments on my book. I tried to
use the detail to put the reader back in that time 100
years ago.
March 4, 2007
I finished reading
your book a couple of weeks ago. I found it quite
interesting and enjoyed learning a little more local
history. You mentioned that Shorty Dunn had worked for
Jack Hanna after serving his time. Jack Hanna was my
step grandfather and the original owner of this
painting. I would assume it is the same Jack Hanna. I
was delighted to see his name mentioned. Giving
someone a break would be in character with how I
remember him. He was quite an interesting person and
always had some story to tell.
John F., Kamloops.
(John came up
to Karen and I during "Art in the Park" in Kamloops in
the summer of '06, and told us he had a contemporary oil
painting done of Bill Miner that had been in his family
for many years. The name of Jack Hanna did not come up
at that time, and this incident just confirms again how
connections have kept happening since the book was first
published last summer. The interest of BC residents in
their own history, and the connections so many had with
the Bill Miner story continues to amaze us. PG)
March 2, 2007
Hi Peter,
I have just
finished reading your book and the best
descriptions I can
use are: superb, excellent, fascinating, terrific,
etc. Other
friends who have read your book share similar comments.
February 16, 2007
I just wanted to
commend you on your book. I know the research involved in
a project like that and it's easy to see your passion for
the subject. To say I devoured it is probably an
understatement. It was all very easy to read. And the
statements you found from the three men seem very telling.
I always had my suspicions about Colquhoun and never
bought his portrayal when I first saw The Grey Fox. It
didn't make sense to me that a young, respected and
consumptive school teacher would leave his home and family
(presumably for both his own sake and the health of
others) only to use explosives and guns to jeopardize the
lives of strangers.
But there are still
a lot of unanswered questions and I'm going to see what
digging I can do at this end.
But maybe you can
offer your thoughts/speculations on one.
The three statements
are fascinating. Were they taken at the same time in the
regular course of activities at the prison? Both Dunn and
Edwards say they make the statements of their own free
will. Colquhoun doesn't. Hmmm. As well, Dunn's statement
suggests it was written by someone else. Was he playing
the illiterate just as he had played the mute in the
store?
My guess is that
Miner (probably in agreement with Dunn) made the
unusual(?) request in a humanitarian effort to free the
sickly Colquhoun without it actually costing them anything
(increased sentence, legal fees, #3's wrath, etc.). And it
is possibly the only reason Dunn might talk to Miner at
all in prison. If it was Miner's first and only recorded
confession, he would have been well aware of that fact,
reinforcing the idea he indeed was a con man with a
conscience. So it also seems the only acceptable con for
him was tricking men into thinking he'd shoot them if they
didn't help unload the express car or open a lock box.
Anyway, I won't
ramble on any longer, though I know I could. My thanks. I
always like reading books that make me want to find out
more.
Richard T.
(Richard Turtle
is a playwright from Ontario. He devoured the 600 plus
pages of "Interred With Their Bones" in just a few days.
A listing of some of his plays can be seen athttp://www.doollee.com/PlaywrightsT/TurtleRichard.htm and
a brief bio can be seen athttps://www.brookpub.com/richard-turtle-and-peter-moore-m-214.html?osCsid=06c583542)
February 16, 2007
I recently finished
your book, which I enjoyed so very much !
It was obviously
written after extensive research, and with a dedication to
"getting it right".
I am a Kamloops
resident, having lived here for 35 years, and been to so
many of the locations described in your book, in my
pursuit of outdoor activities and explorations. Knowing
these locations just adds to my pleasure of reading your
book.
Thanks for an
excellent book.
I will be
recommending it to my friends and family.
February 8, 2007
Hi Peter, Just
wanted you to know that I finally finished "Interred
With Their Bones" and
enjoyed it very much. I am not a fast reader and I do
most of my reading in bed, before I go to sleep.
Usually the sleep-bug gets me before I get about half a
chapter read, so I was the better part of a month
reading it. I'm no expert, but I feel the story would
make a great movie---better than "The Grey Fox." The
book really brought a lot of B.C. heartland history out,
with reference to many places and people to which we
[natives] can relate. You've put a great deal of time,
effort and hard work into the book, and you must be very
proud! I had occasion to speak with Brenda T. a few days
ago, after finding out about her connection to Ducks.
She spoke very highly of "Interred." Good
luck in your marketing of the book.
I'm sure you are
very busy selling the book, so I was wondering if you've
had time to read "An
Okanagan History," (The
Diaries of Roger John Sugars, 1905 to 1919. Sandhill
Book Marketing. PG) and
as it falls into the same time frame as Roger's diary,
what your feeling is for the book. Incidentally, my
first 1800 copies just sold out and I have my second
edition of 500 more. ... I am being given the
opportunity of presenting the books to each (Okanagan
school) library
and doing a short reading in front of the students.
All the best to
you and your wife, Karen. May you have a best seller!!
John Sugars.
(John Sugars is
the son of Roger John Sugars, and he edited his father's
diaries to create a poignant vignette of life on
Okanagan Lake 100 years ago, as well as an enduring
legacy detailing our local interior heritage. PG)
February 3, 2007
I've just finished
reading your very excellent book about Bill Miner . I have
a great interest in the stories as I remember my
grandfather Victor S. talking about him. In your book on
page 108 the picture of William Dodd's roadhouse is, I am
very sure, a picture that I have of my Grandfathers ranch
house. The front porch has been removed in my photo, but
you can see the lighter area that it was attached to the
house with. I would guess I'm about 2yrs old ..muddy pants
and all ..looks like spring time. I'm not sure when he
bought the ranch or from who...I do know from Don
Blake's book Blakeburn,..Dust to Dust ...they
were in Blakeburn in the 20's as they are mentioned as
residents and my uncle Bill's picture is in the school
photo. Vic was looking after the mine mules and just
going in when it blew up. He was only slightly
injured. Bill S. had the Missezula Lake ranch that you
talked about ..but later. ( He passed away last month in
Princeton at 90 yrs.)
I remember up above
the ranch at Aspen Grove an old mine site with a short
tailings ramp ...could it be some of their old diggings ?
I used to ride from Aspen Grove to Missezula a couple of
times a year.
Bill B. Westbank B.C.
(The author and
Bill B. are working together to determine the provenance
of this photo from the Nicola Valley Museum and Archives.)
January 30, 2007
Dear Peter. I have just
completed reading the book that my wife bought from you at
Coles Book Store ... before Christmas. I found the story of
Bill Miner, Shorty Dunn. Lewis Colquhoun and all the others
absolutely fascinating and captivating. I have barely put
your book down since I received it on Christmas Day. There is
so much information and detail that really brings out the
character of the many people who you wrote about. Many of the
names have stood the test of time and are part of the cities
and regions today. I am quite familiar with many of the areas
that were spoken about, both in the interior of BC and at the
coast. My Dad's family pioneered in the Mission area and
there is a street there named after us. ... Some of my
ancestors are in the Mission Museum and the New Westminster
Museum.
It was sad that Lewis
Colquhoun may have gotten convicted for a robbery that he
apparently knew nothing about. He should have had independent
legal representation, and their defence lawyer, Alexander
Duntroon Mcintyre, appears to be as unscrupulous as many a
lawyer today. I was especially sad to read that Shorty Dunn
drowned whilst guiding on the river and that his grave is now
below water.
Further, Bill Miner ...
mostly stole from corporations who were also considered as
stealing from their customers, given the exorbitant rates that
were being levied. ... He must have been quite the challenge
for the authorities and railways alike. ...
Terrific book, Peter. I
look forward to reading the next one. There will be others, I
hope.
Bob W., Kamloops.
January 21, 2007
Dear Peter. Just before
Christmas you were signing books at Aberdeen Mall, and I had a
brief conversation with you about my Dad's interest in B.C.
history. My Dad, Dinty M., is thoroughly enjoying your book,
and has constantly remarked on the similarities between
William Grell, aka Shorty Dunn, and his 'Old Bill', William
Henry Dunbar. Thank you for writing such a fascinating story:
it's been worth every penny, just for the hours of wonder it
has provided my father, William 'Dinty' M. And I promise to
read it myself!
Regards, Linda F.
January 16, 2007.
Good morning Peter. I
can’t tell you how much my wife and I enjoyed this book. What
a wonderful, informative and amazing story. We both enjoyed
it very much. In fact we can not keep it in the house,
because we keep lending it out. Is it still possible to order
another copy of it from you directly; and would it be possible
to have you autograph it for the people we want to give it
to? Could you please let me know by return e-mail when you
get a chance?
Thanks very much, Craig
and Judy R., Vernon, BC.
January 16, 2007.
Well, I must say your
book is the best one I've read in, I don't know how long!
Of course, Bill Miner's story has always been my favourite.
I first read about Bill when I was 13 and bought the book
Bill Miner Train Robber. That book started me on a 30 year
adventure into B.C.'s history, and of course I just have to
have every book written on Bill Miner! The irony of it is
though, and I just realized it after reading your book, I
moved to Princeton 15 years ago, and every morning upon
opening my curtains I look at Baldy (Miner) mountain!
Thanks for the hours of happiness!
Sylvia H., Princeton,
BC.
January 15, 2007.
just wanted to let you
know how much I have enjoyed this book. I received as a gift
and the fact it was signed made it even more special. I am
curious about some of the places you mention, grande prairie
rd. Where is that today and are any of the homesteads still
standing? I live in Mclure and I often travel up the
Barnhartvale Rd. I love the old place at the end close to
the junction. Is that part of any of this history?
11 January 2006.
Thanks Peter for all your
research and the detail you put into writing Interred With
Their Bones. My brother-in-law, Mark H. from Kamloops picked
up a copy for me, which you were kind enough to autograph. I
enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any additional
books you may have in the works - Follow the Tracks,
Phillip N., Mission, BC
December 24, 2006
HELLO Peter, I AM so
excited to hear from you!!!! I have a lots of information I
know we could trade and your just the person I NEED TO HELP ME
TO CONFIRM WHAT I THINK I ALREADY KNOW! ''BILLY MINER IS MY
GREAT-GRANDFATHER!!!!
EVERYTHING WE HAVE IN
OUR FAMILY GE NEOLOGY POINTS IN THIS DIRECTION............I
WOULD BE PLEASED IF WE COULD FIND SOMETIME... TO CHAT ABOUT
IT!
I am only sorry I do not
have copy of your book yet, "Interred with their bones", I
would be very pleased to be able to purchase it, if you could
tell me where I can do so?
At the present time I am
not too well, In "Hospice Care" ... , I AM NOT SURE HOW MUCH
TIME I WILL HAVE LEFT TO GET MY STORY TOLD, SO I would like to
get at it as soon as I possibly can. I CAN GO BACK QUITE A
FEW GENERATIONS IN HIS LIFE TO CONFIRM.
ALMOST Everything KNOW,
since I am his oldest living great granddaughter. He also
still has one grand-daughter alive living in the Kamloops
area!!!!
Please contact me at
your earliest convenience, it would be very much
appreciated!!!! Wow, I can hardly believe this! And a very
Merry Christmas and Holiday Season to you!
Yours in success
MRS. DOLORES J.
December 19, 2006
Hi............just
found your site recently..........wow!!!! I AM SO
EXCITED............BILLY miner you see is my Great
Grandfather...........I am so interested in doing more
research into the "Gentle man Bandit", your help will be
greatly appreciated. I would be nice if we could get
together and compare some notes and history! Please consider
getting in touch with me!
Your truly
Mrs. Dolores J.
November 30, 2006
Hi Peter,
Just a note to say that I really enjoyed your book. You
certainly achieved a great level of detail, proving that not
only is the book an impressive work of scholarship but also
that the news media of the day must have really gone to town
following the story, providing you with a wealth of source
material. I was surprised, from what is revealed of his
character, that Dunn went along with concealing the name of
the Third Man, which made Colquhoun a suspect in the actual
robbery. We can suppose Dunn was completely under Miner's
evil influence, and anyway he probably didn't have much
confidence in altering the big justice machine. Thanks
again for recreating the past, and congratulations. Jim N.
(From 1941 to 44 and 1949 to 55, I lived at 129 Seymour St.,
near the Court House where all the excitement climaxed.)
November 29, 2006
Peter, Karen and Kirsten
This is a great book, detailed, interesting, historical and a
must read book. The research you have done is amazing. What
makes it most interesting to me is that the places in Kamloops
and New Westminster are all familiar. I must commend you on
your accomplishment I know there must have been times when you
wondered if you would ever finish! Thanks so much for doing
so. Orest M.
November 07, 2006
Hi Peter. Just a short
note to Thank You ! for the book of Summerland and the CD.
Great pictures... Mom has nearly finished the book (Interred
With Their Bones) so then it will be our turns. She raves
when she comes in for dinner, and dinner goes a little bit
slower, stopping to hear of the chapter she is involved in.
(Many cold dinners lately) So we really appreciated your
kindness and we look forward to seeing you and your wife in
beautiful Summerland. Our very best regards to you, Michael
November 03, 2006
Peter: I have just
finished your book and it is excellent. The detail you have
given makes you feel that in reading this book, you are living
in that time period. Top marks to ya. Cheers Calum
November 02, 2006
Hi: Well as you say once
I read the book I get to check out this web site and write to
you. I just this Oct. finished my 9th season of work on the
Rocky Mountaineer Train. Somehow I don't think I need to
explain what that is to you. I knew nothing of BC & Canadian
history when I started but now have two book cases full of
history and train books and I'm dangerous in a book store,
like the one in Kamloops. Thank-you for writing this book, the
only problem is I'll have to change my three minute story
about Miner that I do on the train because now I know "The
rest of the story". Actually maybe I'll stay with the story as
written in newspapers and one page articles as it's funnier
and more Robin Hood'ish. But the nice thing is When asked for
more detail by a guest I will be able to recommend your book
as the final authority. I will stay in touch with this site.
Alex D.
November 01, 2006
Hello Peter & Karen;
I've just finished your book and loved it! It's a 10/10! You
have a way with words and it's wonderful that you were able to
have so much history and mystery included. You and Karen are
very special people and I know your daughter is too because of
the web site she has created. I really enjoyed meeting you at
Westwold and it made reading the book that much more
meaningful. - Burnie
October 30, 2006
Hello Peter, I can't
wait to start reading "Interred With Their Bones"-- love the
title btw, and the jacket design is perfect--my mum bought a
copy and said it's great and that you are a very talented
writer. I have mid-terms this week but I am planning to reward
myself with your book as soon as I can actually start reading
for pleasure again and not for credit. I've seen your book all
over town! Fiona O.
October 30, 2006
Dear Peter, Loved your
book! One of those books that gets better and better the
further along the story you get. Tks Don E.
October 18, 2006
Hi Peter, I used to have
a room in the old Portland stage stop in a room upstairs. At
that time Verna Sledge used to cook for the crew downstairs,
in a pretty rough kitchen. The pack rat smell never left that
place. The old road went right in front. The barn below is
original to that era too, I understand. When I was manager I
pushed to keep the roof sound to keep the historic old barn
sound. I dont know that I could find the Smoky Chism cabin,
but we might do it in conjunction with a Douglas Lake cowboy
who is familiar with the area, like the Portland cowboy
foreman. As for Dhad Allen (spelling?) all I know of him is
that the road east of the Merrit Princeton leading to the
Crater Lake/Bluey Lake chain is named after him. I don't
remember much else, except that Joe Sledge, now long since
deceased, did talk about him. Sincerely, Neil W.
October 18, 2006
Hi Peter, Douglas Lake
Cattle Co Ltd took catte down to Westwold for many many years:
anywhere from 1000 to 1500 yearling heifers (unbred) would go
down some time just before Christmas and stay there until
there was open bunchgrass country at Douglas Lake to turn them
out on probably in March. Initially, I guess Toddy (was this
his name) Clemitson bought the hay; when I was first at
Douglas Lake Robert Clemitson Sr looked after buying the hay,
always at a fairly low price, as open yearling heifers did not
need top quality hay. Robert would be in charge of the cattle
while they wintered at Westwold. In those days Douglas Lake
bred the heifers as two year olds, a practice long since
abandonded once ample feed sources were locally grown and the
calves could be grown out to be large enough to be bred as
yearlings. One winter Robert Clemitson was short-handed, so he
contacted Brian Chance the Manager at Douglas Lake, and asked
him if he could spare anyone from the ranch. He sent down a
young fellow- his name escapes me for the moment- but he never
came home: he married Robert's daughter, and they eventually
moved back to Alberta, where he came from. Anyway, I digress.
What I wanted to tell you is that I remember the cowboys
telling me that "The Company" used to put them up at the
Westwold Hotel, and "then it burned down" they said. They were
sorry, as after that we always stayed at Bobby Talbot's place
up the Salmon Lake road. All the best with your book and its
promotion. Sincerely, Neil W.
October 18, 2006
Kirsten, I’m at home and
listening to the Bill Good Show on Radio NL. They were talking
about books and one caller provided a glowing report on your
dad’s Billy Miner book. The caller is so enamored with it, he
is taking a holiday to retrace the steps of the first robbery
near Mission. Just thought you’d want to know. Kirk F.
October 18, 2006
Hello Peter My Dad
finally got here to visit me this week, he has been very busy
with a new job. The funny thing was that he brought his
girlfriend who is from Saskatchewan, and she had never really
been to BC>So on the trip my Dad was telling her stories about
BC,and when they drove through Monte Lake he told her about
Bill Miner. Anyways he truly loves the book, he said if it
wasn't for me he would of ignored us and read the whole book.
He was half way through when we left, he visited for 5 days. I
told him that I promised you we would contact him when his
finishes the book and let you know, so you will be hearing
from Old Man Green soon. It was one of the best presents that
my Dad had ever got, so Thanks for that. Hope all is well with
you, your Wife, and your book sales. Take it easy Kerri G.
October 10, 2006
Good Morning Peter I met
you during my visit of the Spencer Home in Summerland during
the Heritage Home tour. It was my family's home during the
years I grew up. I enjoyed meeting you. I am so glad that I
purchase your book Interred With Their Bones. I enjoyed it
immensely. In fact I could hardly put it down until it was
finished. I, as many I suppose had heard little bits about
Bill Miner over the years. What a fascinating character he
was. Growing up in Summerland during the fifties and sixties
gave me the opportunity to meet many pioneers and early
residents of our area. I found them and their description of
the early years in Summerland to be very interesting. Your
story sheds a lot of light onto what life was like in those
times. Anyone who thinks that Canada has a dull past would do
well to read your book. Thank you Sandy B.
October 03, 2006
Hi Peter, I really
enjoyed your book - I am familiar with so much of the area you
describe. Where is Furrer siding? I haven't been able to see a
sign for it along the tracks. I've given several copies for
gifts - it's what I'm giving for Christmas and birthdays this
year. I checked with all the high schools ... and only S.(had
one) on order - the others are going to purchase one or more
copies for their school libraries. It should be in every high
school library in BC! Regards, Holly C.
October 03, 2006
Dear Peter, A most
interesting book, well researched. Congratulations on a
terrific job. Gordon Lloyd, Kamloops. I am interested in
learning more about Chief Constable Pearse, as I think his son
is recognized in the Kamloops High School Hall of Fame see www.kamhigh.com.
Thanks again for your terrific research and a well written
book.
October 03, 2006
Dear Peter: I very much
enjoyed reading your book...as a third generation Kamloopsian
I particularly appreciated the details about life in Kamloops
in the early 20th C. My grandmother used to tell us stories
about going to the trial. One specific bit of information I
would appreciate you comments on are Chief Constable Pearse.
I was the principal of Kamloops High School for many years and
have written the story of Kam High which is on www.kamhigh.com
website. Under the banned alumni; special recognition, hall of
fame Walter Pearse is recognized as a Kam High Grad., Rhode
scholar and killed during World War I. I would appreciate and
further information you have about Ernest Pearse and his
family. I was recently contacted by a gentleman who is writing
a book about young men who played hockey for Oxford University
just before WWI. He is anxious to learn more about Walter and
his background.
September 07, 2006
I doubt you remember me,
but we met one Saturday morning in Merritt, in July (the
weekend of the country music festival). You were just setting
up outside a book store, and I bought a copy of the book. I
just wanted to let you know I have just finished reading it,
and enjoyed it completely. It reminded me of the Pierre Berton
style of writing - address and cover a particular series of
events and time period in careful detail and from a number of
different angles, but still able to avoid falling into the dry
recitation of mere history. I will look forward to reading
anything else you write and publish! As a criminal defence
lawyer, I found your review of the proceedings in Kamloops
particularly interesting - especially the speed with which
things happened 100 years ago. These days, a similarly serious
robbery trial would likely take place months (if not a year or
more) after the event, and would likely take two or three
weeks! And was the speaking to sentence really as brief as
your book suggests? I was particularly shocked that defence
counsel seems to have said nothing at all about the proper
penalty to be imposed, etc. Best wishes with everything.
Charles D.
September 02, 2006
Hi Peter Just got back
from holidays at my cabin up on Powell lake, had great time
and weather. Completed reading the book and I think it is
excellent, well done. Did you miss the part where the posse
passed right by Jacks (Montieth) folks home and his mother
tried to pet the dogs but cst. Fernie told her not to as they
were not to be petted. Jack said he was there when this
happened . The dogs were tied on long chains at the time.
Jacks dad had a sawmill on the property at the time. When we
visited there the ranch was called the Fox ranch. maybe you
have been there on your search for information. All the best
for now. Don K.
September 02, 2006
Hello Peter When I was
visiting my daughter, Jen Fretz, in Kamloops, she loaned me
your book. It was fascinating and I really enjoyed it. I was
intrigued with the pictures taken by Mary Spencer and wanted
to know more about her. Thanks very much, Isabel H.
September 02, 2006
Hello Peter, I have just
finished reading your book. It is truly wonderful. My brother
Anthony came over here to England in June and gave me the book
to read. I found it really interesting because in 1965 I was
lucky enough to visit BC with my Mother and Father. My Dad had
won over £1,000 in a draw and we sailed from Salford to east
Canada to visit relatives before boarding the CPR for three
days to Burnaby, New Westminster. As I was only 1 year old
when my eldest sister Mary emigrated to Canada, and 5 years
old when Anthony went it was very exciting for me to visit
them. As I had travelled through Kamloops, Kicking Horse Pass,
Revelstoke etc I could picture the storey of the robbery very
easily. When we were in New Westminster my brother took us for
a visit to the BC Penitentiary and so I was also familiar with
the Warden's office and the Prison Yard where the escape took
place. I work for Salford City Council as Conservation Officer
maintaining the records for Protected Buildings (Listed
Buildings) and Protected areas (Conservation Areas) and have a
special interest in history. Thank you once again for such an
interesting adventure that reminded me so much about my visit
to Canada 41 years ago. Best wishes, Joe M.
September 02, 2006
Hello Peter, I would
like to order a copy of your book Interred With Their Bones.
We met on Aug. 12 at the Second Glance bookstore during the
car show on Victoria Street. I am the granddaughter of Thomas
Kilpatrick , the C.P.R. Superintendent who was with the posse
who apprehended Bill Miner. It was great to meet and talk with
you that day, ... . Thanks so much, Heather B.
August 29, 2006
Hi Peter I had trouble
putting your book down once I started reading it. I couldn't
wait to get back to it. I found it to be a superb blend of
history and mystery. Congratulations !!! Harvey E
August 28, 2006
Hi Peter: Just finished
reading " Interred with their bones" - congratulations on a
great book. I was fortunate to have visited beautiful Kamloops
and area in October 2005 and April 2006 and now again 100
years ago. Thank you so much for the signed copy and personal
message. Francis & Kathleen B., Kippens, Newfoundland
August 27, 2006
Hi Peter, I just
finished you book and enjoyed it very much. Thanks Dave Lands
End Studios Ltd.
August 27, 2006
HI Peter, I have been
enjoying your book immensely. So often when a researcher uses
quotations in a book or research project he strings them
together emphasizing the fact he cannot write. You can write!
The details are a pleasure to read as you do it in such an
easy manner. As Ever, Pat
August 27, 2006
Hi Peter: I finished
this wonderful book a few days ago. WOW!!! You sure do know
how to keep a persons interest from start to finish. It helped
a lot to have lived in Princeton for three years, and have
traveled to almost every place that is mentioned. It made
reading real easy and very interesting. When we lived in
Princeton, 62-65, I was a scout leader and we took the boys up
to Shorty Dunn's ranch several times. Of course during that
time it didn't mean too much to me. The boys being local new a
lot more than I did. You sure have a way with words Peter, All
the little extra expressions just lay everything out to be
enjoyed to the fullest. Thank you again for the book. It will
be a real addition to my library of BC history. Herb A.
August 16, 2006
Dear Peter, I wanted to
pass on to you my feeling of satisfaction in the reading of
your book " Interred With Their Bones". The in-depth research
along with the paraphrasing to put it all together makes it a
most enjoyable read. Thank you. Bert J.
August 14, 2006
Hello Peter, I took
advantage of my time off to start your book. I am enjoying it.
I also decided to rent Grey Fox and found, after reading some
of your book, that this is completely inaccurate! It's funny
what Hollywood does to make movies work. Heather T.
August 14, 2006
Hi Peter, My name is
Neil W. and I have just finished your book, which I have found
fascinating. Your book is of particular interest to me,
because I know pretty well all of the country you refer to,
and many of the names in one way or another. I spent the years
1960 through 1980 at Douglas Lake, and before that spent time
at the Guichon Ranch at Quilchena in the time of Dr Laurance
Guichon and Gerard Guichon. When I first started cowboying at
Douglas Lake, I worked at the Portland Ranch at Aspen Grove
rounding up stock. My foreman at that time was Joe Sledge, who
had jumped a square rigger (illegally) at the outbreak of WW
Two in Montreal, and ended up at Douglas Lake for many years.
He showed me Jack Budd's cabin at Aspen Grove, and told me
about the man, his ways with horses, and his questionable
dealings. He told me that when he first went to the Aspen
Grove country, it was thought of as a robbers roost, and had
the feel to go with it. When I first became manager at Douglas
Lake I hired a retired RCMP to patrol that country, as we were
still suffering above average stock losses over there. We
talked about Jack Budd's friend George Edwards, and how he
would go to the Sunday school picnics in Princeton, and give
candy to the children. We looked at Smoky Chism's cabin as we
rode by. When I was irrigating the haylands at Douglas Lake
Home Ranch in 1960, I irrigated the land where Bill Miner,
Shorty Dunn and Lewis Colquhoun were caught. Many names in
your story have special meaning to me. I learned a lot when I
was cowboying from Slim Cammpbell (Campbell Creek). I have
riden into Stephens Meadows, but did not know how infamous
this man was! Toddie Clemitson, Jerry Mellin, Joseph B. & Joe
Greaves Jr, Susan Allison, Franci Basil, Dr. Burris, Lewis
Campbell, Joe Coutlee, F. J Fulton: these are all people whose
family I know! I could go on and on. A lot of the Douglas Lake
story came alive for me ... I have some idea of the tremendous
research job you have done. I am sorry to be finished reading
(every word of) your book; it has made a lasting impression on
me. Thank you for writing such a great history of this era,
and making it come alive for me! Once a cowboy always a cowboy
I guess. I hope our paths cross. Sincerely, Neil W.
August 06, 2006
Hi Peter, I am enjoying
your book! I was wondering if it would be possible to put a
present day map of the area up on your site marking in the
"Miner spots?" I have a rough idea of most of the places, but
I am sure others, not familiar with Kamloops and area, are
lost. If you could also use the previous names of present day
communities it would also help. Just a thought! Pat R
August 03, 2006
Peter: I am now reading
and enjoying your book. I have ties to the McKay family of
Rose Hill so am finding lots of interesting reading.. Virginia
S. Toronto
August 01, 2006
Hello Peter, I have just
finished reading your book and found it be extremely
interesting . It was a real pleasure to read a well written
and detailed account of Canadian history. Congratulations!!
Also Kirsten, the website you created is awesome. Louise S.
July 30, 2006
Great book. Have tried
to enter the bonus site but no luck. My father in his early
teens worked for Jack Bud, but said he seldom spoke of Bill
Miner CW
July 29, 2006
Dear Peter, I have just
finished the book and really enjoyed it. I really liked the
idea of the Afterword, where you told us what happened to the
major characters. I also liked the extensive use of the old
photos. The only quibble I have (and I'm not familiar with the
legal requirements of footnotes) was with the many footnotes.
However, I solved that by using a second bookmark and as I
came to each chapter I quickly scanned down the footnotes and
then ignored them when I came upon them in the chapter. I
don't know if just listing a full bibliography would fulfill
the legal requirements--probably not. I think you did a
magnificent job. When do you think you will find the energy to
tackle another one???!!!! All the best, Barb E.
July 29, 2006
Hi Peter, I ... was
surprised to learn that Chilliwack played a very important
roll in Bill Miner's life and times in BC. I really enjoyed
the book. I must say, things haven't changed much in law
enforcement over the years with respect to "Taking claim" or
embellishing one's roll in an arrest etc. I can really relate
to many of the incidents you so aptly describe. Hope all is
well in the heat of Kamloops.. Cheers, Brian K.
July 29, 2006
Hi Peter, Your book
arrived and I now have my nose in it! It is an easy read for
which I thank you. A lot of historical writers just string
quotations together which makes for a very difficult read and
showcases the fact they cannot write! Thank you for such a
splendid job! Patricia R.
July 23, 2006
Hey Peter, Enjoying your
book very much. The detail you've included is amazing. Even
more amazing is how well travelled some of these characters
were, given the mode of transportation of the day. This is
really my first foray into any kind of history in B.C. and
specifically the Kamloops area. Quite enlightening. John S.
July 21, 2006
Hi Peter, Just read the
Saturday, June 24, 2006, John Mackie's review of your book in
the Vancouver Sun. I am also doing research for a book that
takes place during that same period of time on Vancouver
Island, and have come across interesting articles on Bill
Miner. I noticed that you self-published which is also my
intent. If you have a few minutes to spare, please Email
me my name is
Robert Janning. Cheers.
July 12, 2006
Hi Peter, I'm about 2/3
of the way through your book and am enjoying it hugely. Your
reconstructions of the time and the events -- very masterful.
It gives me such a vivid sense of that landscape too ...
Anyway, thanks so much for a fascinating read. Theresa K.
July 12, 2006
Hello Peter, I am half
way through the book and will finish it before the weekend, It
is wonderful and should be mandatory reading in BC High
Schools. Cheers, Brian Kingman
July 03, 2006
Hi Peter, I'm a slow
reader, but I savoured every word of your book. Finished it,
loved it, any more in the works? Did you notice that even
though Bill Miner was noted for his very blue eyes that the
$500 reward poster listed him as having brown eyes! Hmmm. As I
said, loved the book. Am in awe of Bill Miner as a traveller
(all by horseback); the area he covered astounds me. Did you
by any chance trail-ride the same routes? Would love to hear
you talk about your book. - Heather Murdoch
July 03, 2006
Hi Peter Just wanted to
let you know that I have read the book Although I am no critic
I want you to know that I think you have a very powerful story
with an exceptional way of relating the facts and making the
story very interesting Your understanding of the horses and
riders is most interesting and having some knowledge of them
(Horses) myself , your explanation is quite factual Perhaps
this is because I have an interest in the area and the history
of the Province --- I was born in the Royal Columbian Hospital
in New Westminster,which was located above the B.C
Penitentiary--- Back to your book I think in time it will
become required reading for the school children to learn about
the history of the Province Best Regards Ken W Miller
June 19, 2006
Hi Peter, Almost
finished your book..............congratulations you did a
superb job, am taking a copy to England with me on thursday
for one of my brothers. Thought you may be interested in the
attached correspondence in the Vancouver Sun. I won't see
Saturdays copy until I return Tony (Tony Martin was the
retired BC Penitentiary guard who saved all the records and
glass plate negatives from the dumpster when the Pen was
closing in 1980. PRG)
June 19, 2006
Hi Karen and Peter, Hope
this finds you both relaxed and enjoying the 'book' interest.
Anyways, after the second read of the 'book', I am very
impressed with it. You have done a great job and I surely look
forward to your next book, Peter. I have talked to several
locals that have read the book, people are very impressed with
it. It is a very easy read, most history books are more
difficult to stay with for most people. Congratulations on a
great job. Sandi
June 14, 2006
Hi Peter, Thank you so
much for taking the time to be a part of our TV series for the
Bill Miner segment. We really appreciate it. I hope you
enjoyed your time with our hosts and crew. Sincerely, Jessie
Kergan Kergan Big Red Barn Entertainment 6556 60th Ave Delta,
BC V4K 4E2
June 11, 2006
Dear Peter and
Family....the book has arrived and I have spent most of the
afternoon boasting and showing it to friends....this of course
comes with my I know the author so well ...Peter what can I
say....It has been a long journey for you from the start to
the publishing and you did it like a pro. I loved the
dedication which of course is so well deserved. I am not a
voracious reader but I will read it and I know Ann will as she
is a voracious reader. Thank you for the wonderfull words and
the signing it is more than I could ever hope for....you are
the best....Thanks to Karen and Kirsten.....So my dear friend
.....thank you so much.....I am still coming down from the
high I got from getting the opportunity to talk to you
.....best to all the family.....Love Terry
May 31, 2006
Hi Peter, WOW you did a
fantastic job. Your writing is so good, you write so
descriptively I could almost see what was happening. Everyone
will enjoy this book!! I will be re-reading it just to be sure
I did not miss anything. I really enjoyed that actual robbery
at Ducks. Not the most suave robbers were they? Thank you
again for all your efforts to tell the true story and at the
same time you have captured a lot of history for the world to
see. Poor Lewis, he really did get set up didn't he? Thanks
again for sharing this book with us. Enjoy the rest of the
ride, it is going to be a great time for you and Karen and
Kirsten. Sandi p.s. we are getting rave reviews on the book
launch.
May 30, 2006
I was lucky enough to
receive an invitation to your official launch in Westwold.
What a well-organized and enjoyable event. I especially
enjoyed your reading - you are definitely a natural speaker
and story-teller. Thank you for signing my book, I am already
half way through and can't put it down! RB
May 28, 2006
Hi, Peter and Karen, As
soon as I got home from school, I went over to show your book
to my Dad. He is 92 now and remembers you and your wife very
well. Dad is very anxious to read your book. I thnk that I
will be lending him the book to read during the day when I am
working, and I can read it in the evenings. I don't know if
you realise it, but my wife and I live in the log house built
by Robert Pratt. I have only read as far as the Mission
robbery at this point, but I already see that it is a very
impressive work. You are skilled in your use of words. I
cannot begin to conceive of what a massive undertaking it must
have been to write such an extensive history. From reading
even this far into the book I already see that you very
skillfully portray Bill Miner for what he was. I think that is
important. I am very interested in history and try to pass it
on to my students. I put together my little history of
Barnhartvale when I realised that very few people living here
now know the history of Barnhartvale and that the history that
was known was not always very accurate. You probably know that
a group of people are working to put together a book on
Barnhartvale history. I have sent them all the information I
have. My interest is in getting the history known. I think I
will be teaching my Barnhartvale history with a little extra
enthusiasm this week because of you. Gary and Lynda Kershaw
May 28, 2006
Bravo Peter! The book
looks great. Love the cover and the format and the liberal use
of photographs makes it so appealing! You've managed to make
an historically-accurate publication that will appeal to the
non-academic readers. Thanks for using a type-set that's large
enough to actually read without a magnifying glass. Nicely
done, and most importantly, very handsome author's photo on
the book flap. ;-) Thank you for the Archives' copies. I'll be
sneaking a copy home with me this weekend. Very impressive!
Take care, Susan
May 17, 2006
Looking forward to the
release! Saw you on the History Channel a few years ago...hope
to be able to go to some of your readings. LG
May 07, 2006
Beautiful site! I read
the chapter excerpt on this site - I am craving more! Am
really looking forward to reading the book. -NR
|
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READER'S
COMMENTS
_______________________________________________________________
28 July 2011. In September of 2010, I received
this interesting email from Alaska. In response to this
inquiry, I advised the writer that there is no documented
evidence that Miner ever had any children. Since
publication of my book, a few individuals have come forward
claiming to be his direct descendants, but there has been no
real provenance when they are queried on details. One
documented fact we do know is that a "Mrs. Ezra Miner" from an
address in Spokane, WA wrote the BC Penitentiary in 1907 for
more information about the escapee who she claims to have been
her husband. For anyone interested in following up on
this, they can contact me at my email address. P.
-------------
Hi,
I live in Anchorage, Alaska and run a tobacco
shop/internet cafe. A few years ago an old man, with an
escort, wandered into my shop to buy a cigar. I started
talking with him and he told me that he lived in a halfway
house after serving a number of years in Lompoc prison in
California. He told me his name was Bill Miner...the only
child of Thee Bill Miner.
He had been sent to prison for murdering a friend in
Dillingham, Alaska. I had to go look into the court records
to get what I'm going to tell you. I've since lost all the
names involved but if you want or need the information, I can
still find it.
Bill Miner apparently moved to Dillingham with a
childhood friend. They were hard workers but Bill managed to
save his money and invest it wisely. Eventually Bill owned a
lot of land in Dillingham including a successful bar. Bill
got married and had a couple of kids. Also remember that
these men were uneducated and illiterate...and probably built
a lot of animosity among the townspeople because of their
success.
What got Bill sent to prison was an argument with his
childhood friend. His friend was always flirting with Bill's
wife. One day, Bill had enough and pulled out a gun aiming it
at his friend. The friend grabbed the gun and pulled it
toward himself and it went off killing him. Bill was charged
with the murder and sentenced to 99 years in prison.
Bill's wife committed suicide after the trial on the
porch of their home. I'm told that exactly one year later,
their son went to the same spot and shot himself. Bill Miner
died in Anchorage in March 2008.
My question for you is: is there any record of Bill
Miner having children?
Thanks,
Richard G
__________________________________________________________________
26 July 2011. As I mentioned in my "Journal" section, I
have been negligent in keeping up with the emails I have
received from my readers. I will try to rectify that
over the coming weeks. Meanwhile, here is one that I
received in September of 2010 from Britain.
--------------
Dear Peter
I
had the good fortune to meet you briefly, a couple of weeks
ago ... when my brother-in-law ... introduced you to me
as "a bit of a historian". What an understatement!
Later that day, Shaun gave me your book to peruse, and I
realised straight away that this was a serious piece of work.
More than that, I became immediately entranced by the
descriptions it contains about life in this part of BC at the
turn of last century. You may recall that we are visiting
from England, and have been to Kamloops many times over the
past 13 years or so, so the geographical context is pretty
familiar. However, it is the picture painted by the movements
of the robbers, the officers of the Law and the people with
whom they interact along the way which turns the book into a
fascinating social history. Moving a basic understanding of
horse-based transport into the daily lives of real people has
been a revelation to me.
From a humble reader, I hope you will accept my compliments
for the brilliant way you have woven the threads of hard
evidence of such a complex chain of events into such a
gripping story. I've struggled to put it down!
Kindest regards
David S.
___________________________________________________________________
22 December 2009
Hello:
I recently found your website and read your
book. Both are fascinating – the amount of detail you have
uncovered is incredible. James Doyle, the brick yard
instructor at the BC Pen, was my great-grandfather. If you
are interested in more information about his life, see my
website
www.fayewest.ca/doyle/p1030.htm The tale of James and
Bill Miner is one of our more exciting family stories.
Faye W.
____________________________________________________________________
29 November 2009
Hello:
A
thoroughly entertaining read. I took a photograph of the
historical marker this year and it now hangs in the Keg in
Richmond Hill Ontario. I was appalled to find that staff of
this large restaurant chain have no idea why they serve ‘Billy
Miner Pie’. It was my simple attempt to remedy a little bit
of that. Your book has done much better. Possibly the Keg
could use a number of copies of your book.
In any case it was good to read of the history, the area and
the people of that time. Since moving from North Vancouver we
have been home many times and travel the area often. I
continue to look for a DVD copy of the Grey Fox as well. I
will be recommending your book to my friends, assuming my copy
will be worn out by those I lend it to.
Regards
Dave L.
Oakville ON
____________________________________________________________________
29 July 2009
Hi Peter and Karen,
Thank you so much for the wonderful gift of your book, it's
been a fantastic read!
As you know, I grew up in The Netherlands and 'historical'
events there are considered to have taken place much earlier
in time. In the area where I was born and raised, civilization
started around 3000 before Christ and official archives and
documents of important events have survived for over 1000
years today.
But although BC history (not civilization!) only goes back
some 200 years, it's not of any less importance. It was
shocking to me to read how hard it was for you to hunt down
information on events that only happened 100 years ago! I get
the impression that historical awareness in BC is on the rise,
but it's unbelievable to me to read how government archives
have been (and are?) treated. History is not only for the
handful of 'history buffs' amongst us, sooner or later in life
we'll all want to know more about 'the olden days'. If
factional information is simply destroyed through negligence,
how will we show future generations how things were and how
will they be able to learn from things we could have done
better?
With English being my second language, it may have taken me a
little longer to read your book, but I can assure you that I
took it up every night for almost a month and had to cut my
reading time off at midnight... Your style of writing grabbed
me and never let go. In my opinion, your book is a fantastic
document that combines documenting facts and story telling in
a most exciting format. I can't even begin to imagine how many
hours of research went into this book and I admire your
persistence and historical awareness.
This book for sure is something to be extremely proud of and I
am looking forward to hearing more about your next project re
the Gold Rush.
It was an honor to meet you both and I am sure we'll meet
again.
Best regards,
Remco W.
____________________________________________________________________
23 May 2009
Peter
My wife bought a copy of your book for me at the Kamloops gun
show. We talked for a long time about the firearms used by the
miners for your next book at the show. I'm the guy who still
uses an old blackpowder shotgun to hunt deer with.
Well its taken me longer than expected to finish my copy of
your book. Work and family commitments you know.
I
have to say that I found the book an outstanding read. To
think of all that history and goings on in the area we were
in. And not that long ago either. A 100 years, as far as
history goes is pretty recent. While travelling back to the
island on the ferry after the Kamloops show. I had the
opportunity to run in to a real old timer who grew up in
Kamloops. He said he knew one of the fellows that was part of
the posse chasing miner. He saw my copy of your book on the
table I was sitting at. This fellow was as the saying goes
"older than dirt". I only wish I could remember his name. We
talked for a while and he had a lot of interesting stories
about Kamloops in his younger days.
I
find it interesting that Dunn had a Luger pistol. A pistol so
new would be worth a lot of money I would think. The Luger
being in production for a short time, before the story takes
place. Makes me wonder where the money would come from to buy
such an expensive gun.
Anyways thanks again for a great book. And I wish you luck
with your next book. I'm sure it will be as good of a read as
this one has.
Marc S.
Oma Products Ltd.
____________________________________________________________________
14 May 2009
Dear Peter, I enjoyed meeting you and Karen at the Calgary
Gun Show in
April , which I attended with a gun collector friend from
Richmond who spent some time with you talking about Miner's
firearms.
The book was a great read. A fascinating story , both from
the history of the people that settled in that part of BC, and
the geographical details , to say nothing of the story of
Bill's escapades . I spent some time in Tulameen this past
summer, and now have more reason to explore the area . I spent
my working years with the HBC Northern Stores , which became
the NorthWest Company in 1987, and have an interest in
Canada's history and pioneers, particularly in the back
country .
Will be looking forward to your next book
Jim B.
____________________________________________________________________
(I received this email in response to my
query noted below.)
22 April 2009
Greetings -
Being a dealer in historical materials relating to the west,
especially, I try to keep familiar with current research (and
older secondary material, as well). Hence I read what looks
good - and Interred with their Bones fits that bill. Or
that Bill. I was also asked to appraise the Fitzpatrick/Mary
Spencer material that came on the market a few years ago; my
opinion is that the photos were all copy prints not made from
negatives. Anyway, I have also had several primary documents
and printed items relating to Miner, so have tried to
contextualize them when offering them to clients, and your
book is fairly essential for doing so.
I will be issuing a catalogue of manuscript materials relating
to BC colonial history sometime soon; there are a number of
letters and other items relating to the Cariboo from the
American perspective. I'll email you a copy as soon as I've
finished editing it.
I look forward to meeting you in the future.
Very best regards,
Steve
Stephen C Lunsford
Within Canada:
PO Box 3023 714 - 207 W. Hastings
Blaine WA 98231 Vancouver BC V6B 1H7
Ph: 604-681-6830
Associate Director B.C.and Yukon Region, National Archival
Appraisal Board
----- Original Message -----
From: Peter Grauer <pgrauer@ocis.net>
Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2009 6:44 pm
Subject: catalogues.
To: stevebooks@shaw.ca
Hello Steve,
I received your very interesting "Canadiana Americana"
catalogues in the mail yesterday. Just finished going through
them. I
was very impressed and pleased that they ended up in my mail box.
As you probably
know I am a researcher of early western Canadian documents, such as
I used
for my last book. I am presently researching a book on the early
days
of the Cariboo gold rush which I hope to have go to print next
spring. I
make use of original source material whenever I can access it. Also
in
my next book will be as much 1859-1862 Washington Territory material
as I can
access; particularly the movement of American miners to the Cariboo
and the Indian
Wars that attempted to stop them. Jack Splawn and Chief Tonasket
feature
prominently.
So, thanks again for passing on your catalogues to me. All I ask
is, how
did you get my name? You must have good sources yourself.
Regards,
Peter Grauer in Kamloops
14 March 2009
Hello:
I recently
finished your book and thoroughly enjoyed it. I love BC history and this
just added to my deepening interest. I particularly like the gold rush
history. “Our” history in this province is so young (I think) and it
fascinates me what occurred only a short time ago. I grew up in Surrey and
when the BC pen was closed I would go over and roam around the grounds (once
getting chased by security patrol). Later, after it was slowly getting
demolished, I climbed through a window of the entrance/receiving building
(not the one on the riverfront) and looked around; even climbing up onto the
roof up one of the ladders. I personally think it was a travesty that the
site was demolished like it was but I’m probably one of the few. I’ve tried
several times to find the old Pen graveyard; apparently some of the stones
are still visible. I have a good idea where it is now and hope to get over
soon and find it. I plan to go to the Mission Museum and look about soon
since reading your book.
Thanks for the
great read!
Karen G.
(The writer responded
to Karen as follows:)
15 March 2009
Hello Karen, nice to hear from you and I enjoyed your comments on the BC
Pen.
You will be pleased to know that I am well underway on my research to my
next book. It deals with the very early years of the Cariboo Gold Rush,
pre-Barkerville, and documents the exploits of 4 individuals who either left
personal reminiscences behind, or considerable primary and secondary source
material has been discovered in my research. However, none of them are
recognized by most BCers.
It will take place during 1861-62, the very foundations of BC as we know
it. It concentrates on one creek, Lightning Creek, and one town, Van
Winkle.
So, glad you enjoyed the book, and thanks for contacting me.
Peter Grauer
20 February 09
Hi Peter,
Just finished
reading your book, very impressed with the history and facts that you had
researched for your book, it reads like a very excellent movie script, that
jumps right into your thoughts as it is read, I relived the reality of those
days, and all of the real life characters that opened up this country and
province. My mind was, as on eagles wings, as I read the last chapter
reflecting on all the history and information that had been compiled between
these to book covers.
My
wife purchased the book from your wife at the ... . I have followed
B.C. history with a passion since a young boy. I also had a friend who lived
in Merrit and went to one of Bills old cabins up Hamilton hill towards Otter
Valley / Princeton. It was down a road that turned off to the left
from the highway, the local population that new about this cabin.
Declared it to be were he had hid something in the area from one of the
robberies, I took a photo of the cabin it still had all walls and a partial
roof in the early 70s, even if it wasn't a cabin truly connected to
Bill Miner it was a good day adventure ?
I am also very
interested in Politics and unions in Canada, you have touched on a bit of
this history in your book, have you come across any information on Ginger
Goodwin in your research or read the book published about him? He was
a coal miner from overseas that helped bring in better working conditions in
the Cumberland coal mines of Vancouver Island.
British
Columbia history is far from dry and calm as you have presented, it is rich
and alive with many new historical works, yet to come to life, in Canadian
history.
Thanks
James H.
Hello Karen and
Peter,
It
was a great pleasure to meet you personally at the mall this past weekend.
My wife Guida
and I stopped to have a chat with you, when you showed us the letter and
photograph sent to you from Constable Fernie's daughter.
(Actually, it was Constable Young's daughter. PRG)
We are the
couple who moved to Canada from South Africa and settled in K... 16 years
ago. Living in B... for 12 years, I had the opportunity to hunt the hills
and areas around Monty Lake, Duck Range Road and Robbins Range just to
mention a few of the locations. As you can understand, reading your book
gave me the insight and understanding of what people went through during
that era.
When you have an
opportunity, would you please send us a copy of the picture and the letter.
I would like to keep these as an addition to your book.
I
thank and congratulate you both on an excellent, factual and historical
record you have given to Kamloops. I'm sure your book will be read and
appreciated by many people who know and live in Kamloops, not forgetting
those who have an interest in Canadian history.
Once
again thank you, may you have a wonderful Christmas Season and all the very
best for 2009.
Good
luck with the gold rush writing and am looking forward to reading it as
well.
Regards
Dimas
and Guida C.
Kamloops. BC
17 November 2008
Hi Peter,
I heard you
speak at Sun Peaks last month (water conference), I did not have cash to buy
your book but I did purchase it when I returned home to Grand Forks. This is
one of the best books that I have ever read. Great work, especially since
being an author was not your original line of work.
Thanks
Murray K.
Grand Forks
11 October 2008
What a Great book!!!
I found myself getting up in the middle of the
night being drawn to your book. I was so happy when recently travelling
through Kamloops and filling up on gas (on heading to Vancouver Island for
holidays) that I noted your book for sale at the gas station (Gateway
Truck Stop, Bill Miner's Roadhouse PRG). I was thrilled to purchase it,
as this book had been in my mind for quite some time.
I do note you mention a couple of people in
the beginning of your book that were from Powell River, which happens to be
my home town... and that was a nice surprise to see.
Even though I am not from the Okanagan, I am
married to a family originally from Kamloops and now Vernon, which happens
to be one of the sons of the founders of Armstrong Cheese (which in a way is
a story in itself). Founder Adrien Schrauwen and his wife Kay are now gone,
but I think most people probably remember how good the cheese was before it
was bought out in the 70's by Dairyland/Saputo. Well, that is my opinion
anyway... maybe I am prejudiced?
But now.... I am going to read your book again
as it is calling me. So again, I just want to thank you for what you have
given the public. I certainly can see the work and sacrifice involved in
this great piece of history.
Thank you so much.
Diane S.
(Diane wrote another follow-up email to the
writer:)
11 October 2008
Because I had
travelled through Kamloops, and of course past Monte Lake, many times in the
past, I always thought about Bill Miner. (But the first time I thought of
Miner was on looking at a mural at the Keg Restaurant at Granville Island in
Vancouver many years ago when I use to go there. Someone there told me it
was Miner and a bit about the story.)
So being I had
a long-standing interest in Miner, and while I was at the Coles bookstore
here in Vernon, I asked if they had a book on Bill Miner. That is when I
was told of your book and that I could even order same through the Web.
Being I am
really not that Web savvy (I am over 50 and do not know how to get around
the computer that much), I sort of put it off, and that is why I was
extremely thrilled when I saw the name of Miner at that gas station. Yes, I
believe it was the Gateway Truck Stop. It is not far off from the bottom of
the Vernon-Falkland road then crossing the highway into Kamloops.... there
on right hand side.
When I went
inside to see if a book on Miner was there to purchase I could not find any
and I was disappointed. Lucky for me that it was not too busy at the time
and I asked a store clerk if they had any books on Miner. Of course they
had, and it was in an area behind the main counter. I don't know if I had
missed a sign that may have been displayed about the book.... but if there
was it was not noticed by me.
I think it
would be really neat if they had set up a continuous running movie (snippets
from the Grey Fox or something) that they could display above the main
counter with a notation below the screen stating "books for sale here". But
I expect that would be too much of an expense; but on the other hand it
would be something of interest to watch while waiting to make your
purchases.
No, I did not
see the escape tunnel, nor any other notable sites either as I had not read
your book until I got home from holidays and I have not been in the Kamloops
area since.
Sorry for
rambling on, but I tend to do this. When your next book is ready for
purchase, can you put me on a list so I can get it? Hopefully I will still
be in the Okanagan by then as we might be moving to the Maritimes.... but
not sure yet??
Thank you very
much.
Diane S.
(The following individual,
Peter R., requested a book through the writer's web site. A short
exchange of interesting emails took place.)
2 October 2008
Dear Peter,
OK, lets do it. I may be missing
something on the web-site but I can not find an address to send the money
to!!! I would like a soft cover edition.
A
little family history. I was lucky enough to marry into a cabin on a lake.
The lake is Allison Lake on the present highway between Princeton and
Merritt. On one of your maps it looks like the main wagon road went through
Otter Lake but showed a pack-trail that went right by Allison Lake. Did
Miner ever use the pack-trail? It would be interesting to know because the
original road/trail (long moved) went right along the beach and our cabin
is on the beach so it might be true to suppose Miner actually traveled right
through the very space we are sitting in when we are sitting around our
campfire!!! (Does that make sense?)
The property was purchase around
1960 by Ed & Dorene R. who have owned it ever since. The cabin was built in
1962/3. I came into the picture by marrying their youngest daughter, Dawna
in 1981. The cabin is still used by the whole extended R. family. As for
the dedication in the book maybe something along the lines of, "To the
R...'s of Allison Lake" and then anything you like after that... What do
you think? I plan on giving the book to "The Cabin" this Christmas. (Man
I love this stuff)
I was a Vancouver City cop for 30
years so am able to see this story with a little different eye. Even
though, he still strikes me as a lovable old rogue. I can tell you there
aren't many lovable crooks around these days.
So why isn't this book on every
BC Ferry and the Canadiana section of every book store in Western Canada?
It is very well written and professionally done. Do they shy away from self
published pieces???
Enough
rambling for now. I look forward to hearing from you.
Peter
R.
(The
writer replied as follows:)
Hello again,
Peter,
The present
highway between Princeton and through to Aspen Grove really did not get
built until the 1930s. The main wagon and stagecoach road went via the
Otter Lake Valley. If, when you drive north of Allison Lake and try to
visualize a wagon road being built through this very rough country, you will
see that building a wagon road through here in the early days would have
involved too much time and money. Hence they took the easier, even though
longer, route. However, a pack trail did exist through this country. Some
parts of it went through the Missezula Lake country to Aspen Grove. Another
trail would have gone through where the R...'s cabin is located on Allison
Lake. So, … yes, Colquhoun and Shorty Dunn did lead their pack horses
through this way, and Bill Miner and Jack Budd would often use this trail to
go back and forth to Kamloops, Nicola and the Douglas Lake Ranch. It took
some digging on my part to determine the roads that would have been taken in
those days 100 years ago. Also, I think more research could be done to nail
down those pack trails through the Missezula Lake Country.
So, … I think the
extended R... family would be able, on a slightly foggy night, when things
are quiet and the moon does throw a bit of light over the water, … they
would be able to see a man with a light-grey cavalry moustache and a
battered flat-brimmed Stetson with a four-cornered Montana pinch, wearing a
long black duster and riding a black, high-stepping thoroughbred, heading
north towards the grasslands of Nicola, Quilchena, Rockford, Anderson Creek
and Kamloops. Perhaps he knew he was keeping an unintended rendezvous with
BC history. You see, we are not trying to glorify a rather inept American
bandit here, but rather, we are using him to tell the story of BC’s
heritage; a story that is as full of adventure and thrills as any in the
western US. The stories just haven’t yet been told up here. And those
stories seem to have a bit of a unique Canadian twist to them
When an author is
self-published, it is difficult to get their books into such venues as the
BC Ferries. It’s not from lack of trying, but we just do not have any big
publishers behind us. Also, sometimes the quality of self-published books
is less than professional.
We self-published
because we knew that a main stream publisher would have cut our book in
half. And we were convinced that what BC readers want to read is the detail
of life as it was in BC 100 years ago. You can’t tell the detail of this
story without going to 600 pages. And that is not acceptable to the
publishers.
So, it is up to
readers such as yourself to help us get the word out. Word of mouth is a
very strong method of advertising, and the response to our book has been
most encouraging. Particularly from people such as yourself.
So, …, yes, …, I
would be more than pleased to send a book to the R...s of Allison Lake.
Peter Grauer,
Kamloops
(This is
the email thread referred to in my "Journal.' It refers to Maisie
Campbell-Johnson Hurley. I hope you, Dear Reader, can follow it.
See the "Journal" entry for more details. Start at Roberts July 18th
email at the bottom of this thread.)
Peter
I'm not
sure whether you got my last email, but yes I am very happy for you to use
my Armytage-Moore findings on any of your websites.
One further
finding:
The Ellis
Island web site has a ship's manifest showing that John R A Moore, aged 30
years and 10 months, sailed from Liverpool on the SS Carmania on 5th
January, 1907, arriving at New York on the 13th January 1907, in transit to
748 Westminster Avenue, Vancouver. The manifest records his occupation as
Estate Agent, Vancouver as his permanent address, and describes him as 6
feet tall, with dark complexion, brown hair and blue eyes. It also records
he was previously in the U.S.A. in New York in 1906.
It
definitely seems to be him as it fits all the other information. So it looks
like he moved to Vancouver and met Maisie there, and they become engaged
about a year after this voyage. People from 100 years ago could never have
imagined that they would have digital footprints.
Robert W.
Huddersfield
UK
________________________________
From:
Peter Grauer [mailto:pgrauer@ocis.net]
Sent: Thu 7/24/2008 5:00 AM
To: Robert W.
Subject: RE: armytage-moore
Hello Robert,
Thank you so much for the unexpected information on
Armytage-Moore. Fascinating stuff!
The whole Maisie Campbell-Johnson story is most
interesting, as I have met some of her descendants, and learned more about
her and her escapades. However, the Armytage-Moore Connection is a mystery
to them. When I next am in contact with them, I will advise them of your
so-skillful research.
With your permission, I will post it on my website.
The site has become a hotbed for genealogists looking into people associated
with the early history of BC.
How did you come across my site? Did you Google
Armytage-Moore?
Thanks again for the solid information, and best
regards from British Columbia. (BTW, a few copies have found their way to
the UK.)
Peter Grauer
Author of
the award-winning book, "Interred With Their Bones, Bill Miner in Canada,
1903 to 1907." See
www.billminer.ca.
From: Robert
W.
Sent:
Wednesday, July 23, 2008 6:43 AM
To: peter@billminer.ca
Subject: RE:
armytage-moore
Peter
Further to
my email the other day I can now tell you more about John Reginald Rowallane
Armytage-Moore, who was married to Maisie Hurley, and have also found a
photograph of him. He looks a handsome chap. His sister, Priscilla Countess
Annesley, was also well thought of for her looks.
As you
know, JRRA-M and Maisie married in September 1909. By May 1916 he is in the
New Zealand Expeditionary Force sailing from Auckland to Samoa. See
http://muse.aucklandmuseum.com/databases/Cenotaph/69396.detail
Two years
later on 5th June 1918 he was sailing from Sydney in the Australian 12th
Field Artillery Brigade Reinforcements. He did post-armistice war service in
France and was discharged in England in July 1919. See
http://www.aif.adfa.edu.au:8080/showPerson?pid=212980 and also
http://libapp.sl.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/spydus/NAV/PM/FULL1/2116/432032
which links to his photograph.
The records
also state that before joining up he worked as a real estate salesman, and
the Australian records suggest he was also for a year in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe)
in the Matabeleland Mounted Police. I don't know what happened to him after
1919.
As Maisie
Hurley seems to have had 5 children by the date of Centralia riot (November
1919), she must have eloped with Martin Murphy within a few years of her
marriage to Armytage-Moore (unless any of her children were Moores).
I also
mentioned a bit about the Armytage-Moore family background in the previous
email, but did not then know about his brothers Charles and Hugh. Charles
Armytage-Moore seems to have turned out the wealthiest of them all, founding
partner in the London stockbrokers Buckmaster and Moore (which had as a
client John Maynard Keynes, amongst others), and owning an estate called
Winterfold, a Queen Anne style residence with 219 acres near Cranleigh in
Surrey, with a fantastic collection of furniture and art when it was
eventually auctioned off. He died in 1960. The other brother Hugh William
Armytage Moore inherited lands at Rowallane, Saintfield, County Down,
Ireland, and developed them into famous gardens that are now owned by The
National Trust and open to visitors. He died in 1954.
In other
words, JRRA-M came from a highly privileged and wealthy background. Why
Maisie left him (maybe she found him boring), and why he went off
adventuring around the world, and what eventually happened to him, I don't
know, but there are some fascinating stories in all of this.
Robert W.
Huddersfield UK
___________________________
From:
Robert W
Sent: 18
July 2008 13:13
To: peter@billminer.ca
Subject:
armytage-moore
Peter
I have been
looking at your Bill Miner web site and note the queries about JRR
Armytage-Moore, the husband of Maisie Campbell-Johnston. I can supply the
following:
John
Reginald Rowallan Armytage-Moore born 25th March 1876 at Arnmore, County
Cavan. Northern Ireland, to William Armytage-Moore and Mary Elizabeth
Metcalfe. (this comes from a Gascoigne web site in New Zealand. Assuming
this is correct then I can add the following).
He came
from a background of nobility and accomplishment. Close relatives include
his Aunt, Priscilla Cecilia, Countess of Annesley (wife of the 3rd Earl),
his sister, also Priscilla Cecilia, Countess of Annesley (wife of the 5th
Earl) and her daughter Constance Malleson, writer and long-time lover of
Bertrand Russell the philosopher. His family moved in the highest circles of
London and Dublin society.
Parents:
William Armytage-Moore (1806-1883) (sometimes "Armitage-") and Mary
Elizabeth Metcalfe (1845-1932). They married at the British Embassy in Paris
on 8th June 1869. It was a second marriage for both. She had previously in
1863 married Horace Day Lockwood (1842-1864), son of Henry Francis Lockwood
the influential Bradford architect, and later in 1902 married Frank
Hardcastle (1844-1908), industrialist, Conservative M.P. and Lancashire
cricket player.
William
Armytage-Moore managed the Annesley Estates at Castlewellan in Northern
Ireland, and was in fact brother of the Countess of Annesley, Priscilla
Cecilia (wife of the Third Earl). William and Mary's first daughter was also
named Priscilla Cecilia (1870-1941) after her Aunt, and she later married
her first cousin, Lt. Col. Hugh Annesley, the Fifth Earl. She was his second
wife. Hugh Annesley was then 61 and Priscilla 22. They had two children,
Clare Annesley who became an artist, and Constance Mary Annesley who became
Constance Malleson, travel writer, actress (Colette O'Niel), and lover of
Bertrand Russell with whom she held a long correspondence.
Other
children of William Armytage-Moore and Mary Elizabeth Metcalfe/Lockwood
were:
Ethel (Ettie)
Kathleen Armitage-Moore (1871) who married Percy French the Irish composer
and entertainer, but she died in childbirth at the age of 20.
Hugh
William Armytage-Moore (1873)
Charles
Armytage-Moore (1880)
I know very
little about these last two, nor what happened later to John Reginald. I
wonder whether he became distant from his family because I have not been
able to find any announcement in The Times (London) about his marriage to
Maisie in 1909.
My interest
is that my wife is a direct descendant of Constance Metcalfe Lockwood, John
Reginald's half-sister, daughter of Mary Elizabeth Metcalfe and her first
husband Horace Day Lockwood. John Reginald also had half-siblings from
William Armitage-Moore's first marriage.
Robert W.
Huddersfield UK
27 May 2008
Hello Peter,
You've
written a fabulous book, "Interred With Their Bones." This
history is a foot-print in the dust, mud and snow of all those hills where I
have had the great fortune to wander and make my own life. Princeton
to Kamloops to Westwold; all the quiet meadows, lakes, streams and forest
hills in between; truly a magnificent part of the world.
Once, as
kids in the Princeton hills in the sixties, we found a rusty old
hexagonal-barreled twenty two, down on the Jack Budd lot; rusted and the
barrel bent from some gone-by wreck; but it fueled our imagination of Bill
Miner's day. We rose a few chuckles from that great old rancher Karl
Freeding who owned the Jack Budd lot and the Reith place for so many years.
As we came trudging up the dusty summer trail touting our new found
treasure, (he said to us) "Where you two off to? To rob
a train?"
Many years
later I dug that rusted twenty-two out of the blacksmith shop scrap iron and
cut the barrel up to make bushings for some haying equipment repairs.
I have a
copy of a book of poetry written by G.W. Winkler titled , LONELY TRAILS by
THE PROSPECTOR printed by a Victoria printing and publishing company
GW Winkler
was a Hedley old timer and I believe the same individual mentioned in
association with Billy Dunn.
This
collection of GW Winkler's poems captures a sense of a quieter Similkameen
and Okanagan gone by.
John V.
(The writer replied to John as follows-)
2 June 2008
Hello John,
Thank you for your very positive comments on my book.
I wrote it with people like yourself in mind; people who wanted to know what
the real story about Miner was, and who wanted to know more about that world
100 years ago. Also, you have a way with words yourself, and your love of
our back country comes through in your email to me.
I was pleased to see your references to Jack Budd and
to the Reith family. They were intriguing connections with that time in the
distant past.
As for George Winkler, he is deserving of some
attention himself. He also left personal legacies behind, some of which are
in his fonds in the BC Archives. I had the privilege of going through
them. The photos in my book of the Princeton Sports Club, Hedley City and
the town of Princeton are from his collection at the BC Archives.
I have never seen any of his poetry, but apparently he
was well regarded by his peers. My research tells me that this was one of
his connections with Shorty Dunn, the other being prospecting, of course.
Both he and Shorty would attend "poetry salons" in Mrs. Allison's place,
where they would all read their poetry to each other. I will keep my eyes
open for a copy of that little book of his that you mention. BTW, George
Winkler has a brother or other relatives in the area that create some
confusion. One was Anton Winkler.
I have attached some Winkler info from my database in
case you are interested. Some is a bit confusing, as I did not follow up on
further investigation as it was not pertinent to the story.
"Winkler was a prospector and mine owner in the
south-central interior in the early decades of the 20th Century. By 1923 he
was living in Victoria, where he was interviewed by the Victoria Daily
Colonist. In 1966 he was interviewed by Cecil Clark on a lost mine in the
Okanagan country."
"Rec'd phone call from Helen Martens (Museum
curator) in Hedley 3 Dec 2001. They have a photo of Jack Budd as an old man
crossing the street with a cane. With regards to George Winkler, she thinks
he is related to Anton Winkler in Hedley. (brother?) Maureen Dirksen
(Campbell) is a great niece? of George Winkler. She lives in Cawston close
to Keremeos. She is the great grand daughter? of Anton Winkler. I called
her, and she is no relation to this George Winkler."
I have never visited Jack Budd's place, but perhaps I
will the next time we are in Princeton.
Thanks again for your welcome email. Keep spreading
the good word about my book, as it is self-published, and all the sales are
the results of the efforts of my wife Karen and I.
Regards,
Peter Grauer
(The
following correspondence was from a retired RCMP member now living in the
Cariboo. The writer most likely met him when he was stationed in
Revelstoke in the early '60s and the writer was returning in the summers
from UBC. Little did either of us realize at the time that the Bill
Miner Affair would have our paths cross almost 50 years later.)
(Mike's
grandfather played an important role in the Bill Miner affair. He was
a junior BC Provincial Police constable in Princeton at the time the Ducks
robbery was being investigated. He has passed down to us, through the
BC Archives, some very detailed and valuable Bertillion descriptions of Jack
Budd and Tom Arnold. His story will be added to the "Journal" section
of the website shortly. PRG)
3 February 2008
Peter.
You have written a wonderful
book! It brings back memories for me that go back over 50 years.
I have resided or been stationed as a policeman in almost (with one
exception) all of the areas you have included: Enderby, Kamloops, Penticton,
Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Williams Lake, Victoria and points in between.
I have kicked most of the dust you have so aptly described, and never really
thought much about the history mixed up in that dust. It brings back
memories, for me, long forgotten, of riding my bike as a kid on the old
Enderby Road to Westwold and all the adventures we had in between. I
haven't heard the name "Glen Emma" for 50 years, but I remember the night
that I and two hundred other Army Cadets from Vernon spent most of the night
attempting to put out a grass fire at the top of Glen Emma that was started
by an Officer Commanding with an errant flare gun. He was attempting
to signal our night attack on a machine gun nest and had obviously never
been advised that when firing flare guns in grass country, particularly in
the hot summer months, one should always point the gun in a vertical, rather
than a horizontal, direction. ....
I stumbled upon the Douglas Lake
ranch (and was) impressed with the beautiful little river crossing at
English Bridge. Little did I realize that I would stumble across your
book some two months later in a museum in Hedley. ... As I read
the book, I could immediately picture, in my mind's eye, those exact
locations you were referring to. I don't ever recall reading a book
that I felt so connected to in terms of knowing and identifying the
geographically described areas, the police investigative procedures and the
court milieu and processes. It was all extremely accurate, in my opinion.
You have certainly done your homework.
Mike H. Williams Lake.
3
January 2008
I
enjoyed your book and became acquainted with the area around Kamloops as
we moved here from North Vancouver two years ago. We are familiar with
the area around Cache creek as we have been staying at Pavilion Lake a
number of years and hunted in the area.
I
did notice in your book at the time of the Mission robbery you mentioned a
name of F Hutchison. This could have been the name of my Great Uncle Fred
who owned a Corner Grocery in Maple Ridge on Dewdney Trunk Road and one
of the main cross streets.
I
also noticed that Mr. Fernie married a lady with the last name of Lyle.
This is my Grandfather's name on my mothers side. They came from Prince
Edward Island around the Summerside area. I know that some others of his
family did come West during that time frame.
Thanks
again for writing such an entertaining read.
(2 January 2008. The following interesting email was recently
received from the Wells/Bowron Lakes area. My response and the
following reply are also included below. PRG)
30
Dec 2007
Dear Peter
Your book, “Interred With
Their Bones” is as inspiring as it is a historical wonder. Both my husband
and I took great joy in reading it and learning more about the history of our
Province. I took even more joy in learning how you formatted your extensive
historical research into a book. For years I have agonized and wondered how
to put all my own research together. I have been researching the history of
Bowron Lake Provincial Park for some 30 years now. Actually in the 70’s and
80’s I didn’t realize what I was doing…. just thought I was collecting and
storing a bunch of old papers and memories. But in 1990 my husband and I
realized our dream of owning land at Bowron Lake, and since then my collection
and research has been getting serious. Each year I get more and more people
visiting my “collection” and they keep urging me to put it together into a
book. I think now that I have an idea of how to do this, thanks to you, I
should give it a start. One of the things I agonized about was how to relate
to a reader that there can be many different variations of one event, as each
source has his or her own unique memory. I am not the one to say which
variation is correct and which is not and your approach of penning open and
honest comments throughout your book have inspired me. Thank you.
Now to get down to
business, you yourself mentioned Bowron Lake twice in the book. I wonder if I
may be bold enough to ask more about this. Chapter 10, Kamloops Country, page
131; you include a poem composed by Fernie. You wrote, “Fernie’s poem was
written close to the time that Shorty Dunn penned his own Paean to the Cariboo
in 1896.” The Poem continues:
Goodbye
to Cariboo
Farewell
to far Chilcotin and goodbye to Tatla Lake.
The
thoroughfare that Waddington was not allowed to make
And
hunters out at Bowron Lake, who dares the grizzlies’ fang,
And
trappers at Chilanko Forks, and Cowboys at “The Gang”.
I
am wondering about your having dated this poem, which uses the name “Bowron
Lake” as being written around 1896? The Bowron Lake country was known as “Bear
Lake” and “Bear River”
from approx. 1862 until a name change in 1914. The Victoria Colonist of April
14th, 1914 reported:
“Now
Bowron River. – By a happy combination of circumstances, the Geographical
Board of Canada, acting on the advice of the Provincial Government and its
representative in this province – Mr. W. Fleet Robertson, has been able to
perpetuate the memory of one of British Columbia’s foremost pioneers – the
late Mr. John Bowron. The Geographical Board is making constant effort to
eliminate those place names that overlap in this province, and in its
investigations to this end it discovered that there were a number of Bear
rivers. One river so named, which runs from the head of Portland Canal, it was
decided could not be otherwise than perpetuated, seeing that it became fixed
in historical documents arising out of the work of the Alaskan Boundary
Commission. But the Bear river, which runs from Barkerville to the line of the
Grand Trunk Pacific, and is a tributary of the Fraser, will hereafter been
known as Bowron river. Old-timers in the province will recall that John
Bowron was for many years, gold commissioner at Barkerville. Beside his
career while in that post he had other claims for distinction, inasmuch as he
had the honor, with Mr. R. B. McMicking, of this city, of making the trip
overland through the Tete Jaune Pass. The late Mr. Bowron and was known the
lengths and breadth of the province, and his recognition of his place in the
pioneer life in the country on the part of the Geographical Board of Canada
will it elicit hearty commendation from all classes in British Columbia.”
I
know that this article refers to Bowron River and not Bowron Lake, but I have
always been under the assumption that both names where changed at the same
time. After reading your book, I realized that this may be an erroneous
assumption on my part, so am wondering if you have more information with
regards to the date of the renaming of Bowron Lake itself. John Bowron (1837
– 1906) first came to the Barkerville area in 1863 and remained at until 1906,
when he moved Victoria and died shortly there after on September 6, 1906 at
the age of 69. Despite the name change, and although the area was officially
named the Bowron Lake Game Reserve in 1925, and Bowron Lake Provincial Park in
1961, it is still affectionately referred to as Bear Lake and Bear River by
many of the remaining old-timers.
Chapter 29, Afterward, page
551, you wrote about William Fernie. Here you wrote, “true
to his love of the West, and the outdoor life he led hunting, fishing and
writing, he assisted and was instrumental in getting the Bowron lakes set
aside as a provincial wilderness Park. John Bowron and was one of the Fraser
River Overlanders, and it was through the Fernie family’s friendship with
Bowron’s daughter Lottie that he became involved in the project.”
Would
you be kind enough to disclose to me where I may find more information about
William Fernie’s involvement with the formation of the Bowron provincial
wilderness park. I am going to assume that in your passage here, you meant
the “Bowron Lake Game Reserve”
as the Provincial Park was not established until the 1960’s, long after
Fernie’s death. I have information of other prominent Victoria officials,
such as fisheries Commissioner John P. Babcock and Chief Justice Hunter, as
also being instrumental in the formation of the Bowron Lake Game Reserve in
1925, and would welcome more information on this subject.
I thank you for your time
and consideration and for any help you may be able to offer me. My husband
and I also thank you for producing such a wonderful historical document in the
form of your book, “Interred With Their Bones” and look forward to any new
endeavors that you may have forthcoming.
Yours
Sincerely,
Sandy P.
Bear River
Mercantile, Wells, BC
(I responded to Sandy as follows:)
1 Jan 2008
Hello Sandy,
What a welcome email you sent. I am so pleased that my book might have
inspired a reader to follow up on work that they are undertaking.
As you can assume, I was faced with a wealth of detail, and my quandary was
how to give it to the reader without hopelessly confusing them. I’m glad to
hear that you feel I might have achieved that goal. You see, I was convinced
that what people wanted to read was what life was really like 100 years ago.
With regards to your questions about William Fernie. Daphne Fernie (the lady
in the photo with me at the back of the book, and William Fernie’s daughter)
was the one who supplied me with a copy of the Chilcotin poem. She advised
that it was composed upon his leaving that area to take up his homestead just
north of Kamloops. Without doing too much research into the origins of the
Bowron Lakes, I accepted the assumption that the poem must have been composed
prior to the turn of the century. However, with your additional information,
I have to now assume that Fernie composed the poem sometime after he left the
Cariboo, and obviously after Bowron had died and the lakes had had their name
changed. I would now date it to after Fernie returned from overseas during
the First World War. He had kept next to him throughout that conflict a book
of poems by his friend Robert Service, and Fernie greatly admired Service and
the other great poets.
Daphne also told me of her father’s involvement in the formation of the park.
She took great pride in this fact, and was enthusiastic in her telling of it.
If Fernie had a fault, it was a great shyness and modesty. He always remained
in the background and let others gain the glory when it should have been him
that was recognized. For instance, refer to the photo in my book on page
193. Fernie characteristically puts himself almost out of the photo frame.
This is despite the fact that of all the individuals in the photo, it was he
who was most responsible for Miner’s capture. In Daphne’s relation of her
father’s involvement with the lakes, she did not elaborate too much, and I
didn’t pursue it. (Sorry.) Below is the small portion of the transcript of
the tape recording including that reference.
Daphne: He was a fisherman,
but I'm sure you wouldn't know what kind of gear he would use as a fisherman.
Peter: Was he a fly
fisherman?
Daphne: Yes. He liked to
go out on the lake in a boat and catch fish. Fish lake … He had a pet lake up
Face Lake.
Peter: F A C E?
Daphne: Yes, it's up behind
the Corn…, the Cherry Creek. And he used to go camping in there … quite a big
lake. Used to blaze his trail, one short, one long, one short.
Peter: That was his blaze?
That was his blaze and for
going up in the mountains …probably so we'd know the way. He used to have a
packhorse.
(Terry) Cue: He was
instrumental in protecting one of those lakes wasn't he? (Terry Cue was the
two sisters’ guardian when we first met with them. Subsequent to this
interview, we became quite close friends with Daphne, and Cue was no longer in
attendance.)
Daphne: The Bowron Lakes.
He really worked on that. He knew Lottie Bowren.
So, I’m sorry, Sandy, that I don’t have more information for you on Fernie’s
involvement. But knowing him like I do through my research, I am confident
that he probably did play a rather important role.
Again, I’m so pleased you both enjoyed my book. Where did you pick it up?
As for my next endeavour, I am trying to determine whether there might be
enough information out there to do a detailed book on the first years of the
Cariboo Gold Rush, 1860 to 1863. In the gold fields, it will concentrate on
Van Winkle and Lightning Creek area and story (BB – Before Barkerville).
However, the story will cover much of BC’s interior at that time. Some of the
people I ran into in the Bill Miner story will also make an appearance. I
have met some very interesting characters in my research, and perhaps there is
something about the gold rush that I can follow up on. People seem to love
the detail in the Miner book, and some have told me that it’s the detail that
puts them right back to that time 100 years ago in BC’s southern interior.
Regards,
From Peter in Kamloops.
(Sandy responded to my reply as follows.)
2 January 2008
Hello Peter,
Thank you so much for your
response to my e-mail and for your shared information regarding my inquires on
Fernie. A little information is certainly better then none. Still, you have
opened up many more avenues for me to look into – during my next visit to the
Victoria Archives I will have to look for fonts regarding William Fernie to
see if I can find anything about his involvement in the formation of the
Bowron Lake Game Reserve. I still have a lot of work to do at the Archives,
they are a real treasure and invaluable to our Provinces History. I also
thank you for all your references and footnotes as listed in “Interred With
Their Bones, Bill Miner in Canada, 1903 to 1907”. These also give me many more
avenues to explore. From my experience it seems that many history writers,
write the stories but neglect to list their sources of information. This is
unfortunate for other researches that strive to expand on works of their own,
but I’m sure you are already well aware of this.
I bought your book as a
Christmas Present for my husband, at Coles Books, during a recent shopping
trip to Prince George. Your next endeavor sounds quite worthwhile. I
know there are already a lot of writings in that subject area, but a
comprehensive and detailed account, such as what you provide, would really put
the whole picture together. I assume you might find yourself in the
Barkerville Archives some day, and hope that while in the area you may find
the time to come out to Bowron Lake to pay us a visit. I have some research
pertaining to the Stanley/Van Winkle area. Having been raised in Wells, my
interests actually lie in the area from Wing Dam to Keithley Creek / Likely,
the places I’ve tramped around since I was a child. So I have collected other
material besides my Bowron Lake stuff and your welcome to come see what I
have. As far as posting my e-mail on your website, you are quite welcome to
do so, this e-mail also, if you like.
Sincerely
Sandy P.
3
December 2008
Is anything
known about Bill Miner's family? My grandmother's maiden name was Miner.
She would NEVER talk about any of her family or background. There
were only these pictures of her uncles (below). A long time ago I'd heard
of Bill Miner, gentleman bank robber, and always wondered if there was any
connection.
After my
parents’ death, I ran across these old photos. Compare pics of Bill Miner
with Joe & John. Same nose, same chin, moustache, ears, deep set eyes... I
think the pic of Joe in the second pic really resembles the one of Bill.
The following pic from Wikipedia sure seems like a resemblance to me.
I saw on one website that the family
(Bill's) was involved in mining
http://outlawbillminer.com/main.html.
My grandmother’s uncles were also involved in mining. (see pic
below). With the family resemblance and background, it sure makes me
wonder. . We are from Iowa but it seems they all did some moving around.
Des Moines,
Iowa
(I responded to Owen to tell him that,
while his photos were interesting, I rather doubted that any were of the
Bill Miner we know. I am reluctant to post them here as I do not
have his permission to do so. Also, I advised him that the web URL
that he gave me is riddled with error, and almost useless as a source of
any type of information on Bill Miner. The site merely perpetuates
the same old myths and half-truths that have been around since before Bill
Miner died. The only thing the site does have to say is that Bill
Miner's spread of his own propaganda was very effective and still alive
and well today. PRG)
(On 21 November 2007, I
received the following query about a Detective Scott mentioned in my
book as being involved in the Mission robbery of the CPR.)
I am
reading the Bill Miner book and discovered on page 47:
"The group also included Detective Scott,
City Officers Hartney and Deptford,......"
I
believe this is my Grandfather who was promoted to Detective on Sept
15 1904. The Posse was constituted on Sept 11but I think it would be
quite possible that he was "acting" prior to official promotion (at
the magnificent sum of $840 p/a - no raise in pay from 1st Cst.)
Det.
Scott is not mentioned in the index so I assume at this point that he
takes no further part in the book. Also Grauer may have only had his
surname from an article and if not mentioned further, did not follow
up on given name etc.
Would it
be possible for you to email him regarding any further information he
may have and at the same time, asking if he would wish any background
from me.
Greg Scott
(I emailed back to Greg
advising him that the information I had on Detective Scott was limited to
what I had included in my book. He replied as follows:)
23
November 2007
Peter
It
is funny this story did not come down through the family as his son (my
father) spent 46 years with the CPR and one of his daughters married a
long serving CPR employee. I can remember as a child sitting on his knee
(died 1951) and being told stories of the old days including the storming
of the Komagata Maru. I have emailed out to the rest of the family to see
if they know anything.
By
way of background, I am a volunteer researcher at Touchstones Nelson, also
a museum board member, Chairman of the City of Nelson Heritage Commission
and have written the weekly history column in the Nelson Daily News for
the past 5 years as well as several stories for November 11 issues etc.
27 September 2007
Hi Peter,
Greg Scott,
here in Nelson, has done some research on Chief Young. (See the "Author's
Journal" for more on Constable Young.) He is away until next weekend, I
believe. Young was an accomplished artist/painter, as well. I am sure there
is information to be shared. I was browsing through the Provincial Police
records and came across several items related to Young when he was a
Constable. I will go back and write them down!
What exciting
experiences you have had through your events! I am not surprized this book
has touched a cord. There are far more tentacles out there then we realize.
It really is fantastic-makes readers out of non readers and arm chair
historians out of those who think Canadian History is so dry.
I have to pass
along a compliment to you. I loaned my copy of your book to a friend. She
said "I can tell by the way he writes that he is a good, nice man." It is
not often a writer can portray their own sense of self in a book and still
come out with an outstanding book-you did!
I will be at
the archives on Thursday and will ask Shawn about a picture of Young. There
must be something there. I will also head back into the Police records and
see what I can find for you and his Granddaughter. I like that connection!
I hope someone is talking to the daughter!
As Ever,
Pat
25
September 2007
Mr. Grauer, I had the pleasure of
meeting you at the Salmon Arm fair, and purchased a hardcover copy of your
book there. As I live in Mission, I went to the Celebration of Community at
Heritage Park September 15 to see you again. I was there at about 6:30 PM and
didn’t see you. (We had left by that time.) It may very well be
that you had left by then, or hadn’t arrived yet. At any rate, I did attempt
to see you again!!!. I finished reading your book last night, and it was
an intensely satisfying book. I only wish it was longer. Your research was
exhaustive and the illustrations were well chosen. If I related every facet of
your book I enjoyed, this would be a very lengthy e-mail. You have produced
something very important and very valuable. Your book will occupy a prominent
place on my shelf, and will be read many times. If you choose to write any
more books on the history of BC, I will be first in line to purchase them!
After finishing your book, I was excited to see the bonus book companion
section of your website, as well as the research sources. I was glad to see
these because I would like to read as many of the references as I can. I just
find the history of BC so interesting. I can not adequately express my
appreciation of your hard work. Feel free to contact me at any time. I enjoyed
our last conversation immensely.
Brandon K., Mission
(Mary Spencer was the
Kamloops photographer who took the famous photos of the train robbers, the
posse and the Royal North-West Mounted Police. Karen and I were
contacted by some of her relatives from Ontario and the Lower Mainland this
summer. We met them one afternoon for coffee and conversation, and they
are very pleased to see the renewed interest in Mary as she takes her place as
one of BC's premier early female photographers.
David G., whose email is
attached below, is a long-time fan of Mary Spencer's. He lives in
Summerland where Mary and her sister settled after leaving Kamloops. The
home they built still survives and is visited by Heritage Tours on a regular
basis. Let's hope that Mary and her sister eventually have their final
resting places in Summerland suitably marked.)
20 September 2007
RE: Mary Spencer Up-date
Dear Peter,
I hope your summer has been going well.
There are a couple things to tell you about. In the summer I hosted a cemetery
tour in Summerland. These are ALWAYS the most popular heritage tours (you
figure that one out !?!)
Anyway one of the grave sites is Mary
Spencer. So I am sending you a photo. This is Peach Orchard Cemetery in
Summerland. The cemetery looks over Okanagan Lake. When people die they ALWAYS
want a view lot (you figure that one out too ?!?!) Anyway Mary is buried
in a unmarked grave. Her grave is just below the three green stone/glass grave
sites. One site is for Mary and one for her sister Isabelle.
Also buried in this cemetery is her
uncle George Spencer (which is a marked grave site)
Anyway just before the tour a family
member from Ontario contacted us asking where Mary Spencer was buried. Of
course, without any hesitation I was able to tell the person. Anyway, the
family is thinking about putting up a tomb-stone.
That’s all I got Peter, but I figured
you might like to know
Sincerely
David G.
14 September 2007
Hello Peter, missed you in Revelstoke, ... .
I belong to the book club here, when it was my turn to recommend a book I
chose yours. Not only because you were from Revelstoke, but also as a
history lesson for the new comers to Revelstoke. (Some have lived here for
30 years or more.)
Must tell you it was a huge success. We could not get enough copies
from the library, some of us had to borrow from someone we knew and the
others, after hearing our rave reviews, went ahead and read it from the
library.
I was to go to your book signing while you were here, ... and somehow
we got our wires crossed so missed you .
What was so interesting for me is I have been to some of the range lands you
mention. My former husband's family was from Falkland & Westwold and
my son lived on Rosehill. It was interesting to learn it always was
Rosehill.
Thanks for the good read and what fun the research must have been.
Hello to Karen, take care, Mary O., Revelstoke.
(Mary O. was a former classmate of mine from Revelstoke High School,
graduating class of 1959.)
11 September 2007
Hello Peter,
Let me begin by offering my apologies if this is the
umpteenth time someone has asked about touring around the Bill Miner related
spots of interest. I have always had an intense interest in ‘re-tracing’
the steps of events I consider of interest. This may be mundane and
uninteresting to most people, especially when the locations/buildings/etc.
have changed or disappeared. Like many other people you have probably
encountered, I have a strong interest in seeing the events unfold as if I was
looking through the eyes of the person who originally created the events (like
Bill Miner).
Some years ago, I retraced the steps (literally the
steps) that my father and my uncle took to escape Nazi Germany into
Switzerland. A few years later, that same uncle and I retraced the routes
that my grandfather took as a door to door salesman in the period 1920-1939.
He had a specific route for each day of the week and the route never varied.
My uncle had to accompany him during summer vacation so he was able to
describe houses along the route, who lived there, what they encountered, etc.
Needless to say, my uncle had a great memory. In retracing those steps, we
had to deal with streets now intersected by highways, rerouted parts and the
sprawl of urban highrises into the rural countryside. Those five days were
fantastic. I recorded my uncle’s entire commentary enroute onto cassette for
future use, as well as some intermittent video.
Which brings me to your book. I purchased a copy at the
Quilchena Store on September 1, 2007 while staying at the hotel with my wife.
I was immediately drawn to the possibility of learning what the area was like
100 year ago and what it would have been like for Bill Miner and other
notables you wrote about. I am only 33 pages in and can see that you are
going to give me some great insight. I have driven through many of these
places like Quilchena and Aspen Grove not knowing the colourful history, but
now I am intrigued. I am very interested in the October 13 bus tour mentioned
on the web site. However, I think you will probably tell me that taking such
a tour after I complete the book will be much more rewarding than before. Any
thoughts on whether such a tour may be repeated in the future? Regardless, I
can already say with certainty that I will spend some time over the coming
years poking along back roads and various towns re-tracing some of the events
that I will read about in your book.
Thanks in advance for the enjoyment that will give me.
Lee Z., Edmonton, AB.
(My reply to Lee is as
follows:) Hello Lee, Certainly no apologies are necessary. I like
to hear from readers regardless of the reasons. Your story is especially
poignant. The ability to see in your mind’s eye what happened in certain
locations and with people that are no longer with us is a characteristic of a
discerning reader and observer with a keen sense of what our mutual past holds
for us. This ability has seen many of the readers of my book contact me
to tell me how they are travelling the roads of southern BC and the Fraser
Valley re-tracing the steps taken by that inept American bandit over 100 years
ago. Their emails and phone calls are always exciting to receive.
With regards to the bus
tour, I really would recommend that you take it after you have read the book.
So much happened in the places that we will visit that it would substantially
limit the experience not having read the book. Preliminary interest in the
tour tells me we will have to run another one in the spring with a bigger bus.
I have attached a scan of the recreation program advertising. For your
interest, the building I am standing in front of is the old Pratt homestead
where Paul Stevens climbed into bed the night of the train robbery. Let
me know your thoughts upon completion of the book.
Peter Grauer in Kamloops
6 September 2007
Hi Peter, Hope you
remember me; I met you and Karen at Government House this spring. I just
wanted to let you know I just finished reading your book. I found it very
informative and interesting. I look forward to reading more updates on your
website. On page 552 you talk about the Fernie family-Mary and daughter
having a tea house in Metchosin. Do you know if it still exists today under
different owners? I would be interested from a history point of view to go
look at it. Hope all is well with you and Karen. Suzan
L.
(No, unfortunately I
never did get to see Daphne and Mary's famous tea house at Metchosin.
If any readers have photo or comments, please let me know.)
(Our new-found friend in South Africa, Cor van der Merwe, has continued
his correspondence with us. He has completed my book, and has the
following comments to make. I have added my comments in italics.)
28 August 2007
Dear Peter,
Good morning, I
trust you are well on that side of the world. You will remember that I
contacted you recently while I was halfway through Interred...
Just to say
that I finished your fascinating book last night, and what a wonderful
experience it was! Thank you so much for creating this marvelous read with
all that interesting and almost-long-forgotten information.
A few things
about the book:
1) I think
your title is very apt - the secrets of Bill Miner and co., and I am sure
that of many other people went to their graves without anyone ever finding
out. It is lamentable but simultaneously adds to the stuff that legends are
made of.
2) I really
enjoyed the fact that you were able to include so many bits and pieces of
information from the old timers and local collectors/museums etc. The
photographs I particularly enjoyed - as you know, a picture is worth a
thousand words... We are fortunate that so many of those people like Daphne
Fernie and others lived on into their 90's or even 100 years old. It is
always sad when those old people die because they are our last link with a
world long gone, and the last connection with people who lived in those
times. I felt the same when my formidable grandfather died in 2001 - he was
born in 1909, and my last link with the old timers of the previous century
(19th Cent). After having read the book, I wonder if my grandfather, for
example, was ever aware of Bill Miner, and who knows - maybe he even saw
that WANTED poster that was also sent to SA?
(Yes, it was a
little known and obscure fact that Miner's wanted posters were distributed
throughout the British Empire of that day, and South Africa was then part of
the Empire. So, Cor's grandfather may very well have seen a copy of an
old Miner wanted poster.)
The people who
lived from the middle of the 1800's well into the 1900's particularly went
through interesting times as they came from the midst of the Victorian era
into the modern era, from basically "nothing" to electricity, cars,
telephones etc.
3) I now
realize how fortunate I have been to have passed through B.C. only in
September 2006, and not earlier, since it seems that your book was still
about to be printed only a few months earlier (in April?). In other words,
I almost missed out on the whole affair!
4) On the
other hand, I would love to have read your book before I travelled through
that area, in order to be informed of all these events about Bill Miner, and
to have had a better understanding of the lives there a 100 years ago. I
think I would have looked with different eyes to towns like Kamloops etc.,
and made a more concerted effort to visit the museum and the area associated
with Miner. The best will be to visit again! I grabbed my photo album and
looked at my pictures of those areas again, this time in a much different
light. (One picture was of a street in Merritt with sign boards overhead,
showing the directions to Quilchena, Kamloops, Kelowna etc), as well as the
old hotel.
5)
Interesting that Fernie's (?) estate in later years was called "the Kloof".
Do you know where that name comes from? I wonder if he didn't perhaps pick
that up during his time in South Africa, since "Kloof" is an Afrikaans word
meaning something like "ravine" or "valley". In fact, there are some
streets in Cape Town called "Kloof Road" or "Kloof Street" - the one just
around the corner of where I live. Do you perhaps know?
(Indeed
the Kloof that Fernie named his ranch house after was named after that
Afrikaans word for valley, as his family's home then overlooked the whole of
the Thompson Valley just west of Kamloops. Boer War veterans of those
days formed a lasting attachment to southern Africa, as is borne out by Col.
Sam Steele's "Forty Years in Canada," which details his service with the
South African Constabulary.)
6) Without
splitting hairs, there was one or two occasions where a possible mistake (I
think??) in the book attracted my attention: e.g. at the beginning of the
prison sentence of Bill Miner in the B.C. Penitentiary in New Westminster
you refer that "before the month was out" he would have escaped. But Bill
only escaped some year and a half later on? Or did I miss something?
Also, a reference to "Burke" where surely it must be "Bourke"? Anyway, I
thought I just mention it, the overall enjoyment of the book, your way of
writing and making it easy to read, the huge amount of research, etc more
than outweigh a possible slip here or there.
(Cor's
sharp eye has, indeed, picked out a few inconsistencies in my book.
Before a year was out, Miner would have escaped from the penitentiary, and
the Burke referred to is indeed Bourke. Other readers have also
pointed out some typo errors, but none of them really interfere with the
historical integrity of the book. That remains as close to historical
fact as I could make it at that time. Perhaps when I was writing the
book, I was struck by the observation that Miner had started plotting his
eventual escape from the BC Pen before he had even been placed behind the
prison walls.)
7) As a
matter of interest - why was Miner branded/wanted as a "sodomite" as
described by the police at one stage (only one reference to it in the
book)? Surely he was heterosexual as proved by his patronage of the
prostitutes?
(Without any reliable primary sources to
answer this question, I have to suppose that the Pinkerton's, whose poster
contains the "sodomite" reference, were expressing their frustration at
their inability to catch Miner. He seemed to be able to slip through
their fingers, and to re-appear in the most unlikely of places. Also,
any man that spends the years he did in San Quentin, 20 years at the last
stretch, would probably be sexually compromised under those conditions.
The Pinkertons would have picked up on this and put it on the poster just to
irk and humiliate him. His affection for women and prostitutes is well
documented, and I have encountered only one reference to his possible
homosexuality outside of prison. Not being a sociologist familiar with
the trauma suffered by ex-cons, I am only assuming it would have a permanent
effect on their psyche. Perhaps bi-sexuality would be a logical
outcome, but I have no background enabling me to deduce this possibility. )
8) I am sure
with the second and third and more prints of your book in future you will
include the other interesting bits that have surfaced as a result of this
first print - e.g. the picture that's on the web of Bill's grave, and I hope
that Ottawa will be more cooperative with their archives this time!
(Further
printings will undoubtedly take place, but whether another edition is
forthcoming is somewhat doubtful. However, I will say that if enough
additional information comes to my attention on any aspects of the Bill
Miner Story, I will add them to this web site as well as trying to get them
into select publications.)
Sorry for the
long email, I hope you have time to read it all. Thank you again for a most
fascinating book!
Regards
Cor van der
Merwe, Capetown, South Africa
This summer my husband and I had occasion to
ride the
Armstrong Explorer - due simply to our interest in old steam
engines and railroads. However, it turned out to be a trip into
genealogy for myself. I am a direct descendent of the Ducks.
I did pick up your book "Interred With Their
Bones" after our trip and have just finished it. I had no idea that Albert
and Edith had any knowledge of Bill Miner so it sure made for some
interesting reading. With your permission I would like to copy off
from your site some of the information you have in regards to statements etc
from the Ducks to add to the family genealogy book.
This past weekend I had occasion to be in Vernon
to pick up my daughter from Cadet Camp. On the way back I took her to
Holmwood. I had been there many times before. She found it very interesting
to compare the picture of Holmwood in your book to what is existing today.
Not much for changes.
Kind Regards,
Tracey F.
14 August 2007
(I had to post the following email to my site as soon as I
received it. It was a great thrill to find it in my email basket this
morning, amid numerous solicitations for stocks, sexual aids and drugs.
It is humbling to me that something that I created should gives such pleasure
to someone half-way around the world.)
Dear Peter,
I traveled
through Canada in Sept last year, spending some time in Vancouver and
visiting those exciting and beautiful places like Banff, Lake Louise and
Penticton. En route from Vancouver to Banff, with a lovely 4x4, we passed
through Sycamous etc., and made stops at Merritt, Kamloops as well
as Revelstoke. And what wonderful countryside it is! I particularly
enjoyed the old type "Wild West" country of Merritt, Revelstoke etc.
Anyway, it was
on our way back, again through Revelstoke that we decided to stop for
lunch. My friend wanted to cut his hair so he went off searching for a
barber while I browsed through a small bookstore (Grizzly Book Store) next
to the "pasta" parlour we ate at. And my eye fell on a black book with the
captivating title "Interred with their Bones". Now me being a history freak
and even more so when it comes to unsolved mysteries and graves of the past,
I was immediately drawn to your fantastic book. The shop lady told me a
little about it, and that you grew up/lives in Revelstoke and hence very
involved in the area. I paid with a smile and couldn't wait to start
reading it. However, it was only until now, in August 2007, that I finally
got through my other books that I had to read and started reading yours.
And WHAT A PLEASURE IT IS!! Having visited that area personally last year
and having a very vivid imagination I can fully identify with and picture
the happening in my mind as they unfold.
I am not done
with the book yet (only at page 220 now), sometime after the Ducks Robbery,
and look forward to finished it asap, although I always hate finishing a
good book because it means I'm done with it (for now). So for now, thank
you SO much for an outstanding book sofar - it is truly a gem and I am
enjoying it thoroughly.
Of particular
interest to me, and possibly to you, are your references to the Boer War,
and places like Potchefstroom, Losberg etc. That being because I am South
African, living in Cape Town, and hence very familiar with the Anglo-Boer
War. It was surprising and fascinating to read and see this "connection"
between your book and where I come from! To think that Constable Fernie and
some others in your book may have seen the same things (e.g. towns) and have
experienced SA like me, a 100 years ago...
I mean, the
chances of picking up YOUR book in a small Canadian town like Revelstoke and
bringing it back to SA!? I wonder if there is anybody else in this country
who also has your book?
One last
question - do you perhaps know a Tante Thea and Uncle Carl in Penticton?
Unfortunately I don't know their surname, but they used to run a German
restaurant in town for many many years.
All the best,
and once again thank you for a most marvellous book sofar!
Regards
Cor van der
Merwe
Cape Town
(9 Aug 2007. Needless to say, the following email, which arrived
last month, generated some excitement on my part and with my wife, Karen.
Michael's grandfather in Kamloops would have known some of the participants
in the Miner affair personally, and one can only imagine some of the
primary, first-hand information he may have acquired. This is another
example of the connections this story and the myths associated with it have
generated amongst ordinary British Columbians. The story of Miner,
generating as it does an interest in the people, places and events of 100
years ago, is such an integral part of the family history of so many of us
in this province. The book seems to have generated a modest renewal of
interest in our provincial history and served as a vehicle to bring forward
all those stories, memorabilia and photographs associated with those events
of long ago. Stories such as Michael's bring a fresh look at those
simpler days beyond the memory of any of us living today.
I will
keep everyone informed if anything further develops with Michael's story as
he tells it below. -PG)
4 July 2007
Dear Mr. Grauer,
I am most grateful for your e-mail message of ..., and apologize for the
absurd length of time it has taken me to respond in kind. June ended up
being a horrendously busy month, with a whirlwind trip to California and the
purchase of a new computer (along with the consequent transfer of all old
e-mails and to-do items!).
I am greatly interested in acquiring one of the hardcover copies of
"Interred With Their Bones", and will gladly send a cheque for $65 ($55 plus
$10 shipping). To what address shall I mail my payment?
... I have followed the success of your book with great interest, and convey
my congratulations for the honour you received from Lt.-Gov. Campagnolo.
Bill Miner has been a subject of particular fascination for me since I
discovered that my grandfather, a high school principal and later a
provincial inspector of schools, was the author of an unfinished manuscript
about Bill Miner's years in Canada. He completed the majority of the book
in the 1940s, assembling sheaves of interviews and primary documents, before
laying the project aside. I suspect that his work as principal of Kamloops
High School, combined with the birth of his third son (my father), left
little time for the undertaking. Some fifty years later, in the early
1990s, I discovered his work and completed the volume, distributing it among
family members.
Since then, fascinating connections have arisen. For example, several of my
great-uncles (on my mother's side) were apparently bathing in the lands
around the BC Penitentiary when Miner escaped. They heard the bell ringing
just before he came crashing out the woods, shared a few choice words, then
disappeared into the brush.
I look forward to receiving your mailing address so that I may submit my
cheque to you promptly. My mailing address is below.
Yours sincerely,
Michael G.
29 June 2007
Peter, I enjoyed meeting you ... in P(rince)
G(eorge) recently and more to the point, immensely enjoyed the
read.
Great background and detail- Having lived
here in BC these past 37 years, it gives me a different perspective on the
area's we have camped and traveled through over the years.
Many thanks for that.
regards frank d
(I continue to embarrass myself and forget people who I meet at book
affairs, as shown below.)
23 May 2007
Hi Peter- an aside to you regarding Bill Miner- went on the website for the
Register of Canadian Heritage places [not sure if my name is correct]. When I
did a place name search using Billy Miner, only one hit- the old Bank of
Montreal Building in Maple Ridge, and it only came up because its a heritage
building that now houses the Billy Miner Pub. I wonder, should the culvert you
mentioned be nominated? A second aside- my Grandpa Garney liked to tell of a
day when he held Bill Miner's horse for him and was given a dime [big money!]
for doing so. He kept a photograph of Miner in the house. Funny how one man
can touch such a large area and yet be relatively unknown outside of the
history books. Jeremy W., Kamloops.
25 May 2007.
Hi Peter- apologies, I should have re-introduced myself- I am one of the
people involved with this BC heritage ride, and we met at Forsters at our
first meeting. Grandpa Garney grew up in the area now Chilliwack, the
family homesteaded there and then branched to Princeton- I think he also had
what is now the Rocking Chair Ranch in Cawston, among other ranches. Had a
large sheep ranch too with Charlie [?] Taylor as well. The Willis family was
one of the pioneering families during the Gold Rush. Abraham Willis ran an ox
train on the Cariboo Road- he was Garney's dad. Grandpa was an older man, was
in the army for WW1- I'll have to get the details from the family album and my
father. I believe the picture is in the book- full front face picture in black
and white. I don't have the book here, I think it went with an in-law, but
I'll see if I can get a copy and give you the page number. W... E... is my
music business- I sing, DJ, MC, and songwrite- my current focus is songs on BC
history, right now on the Gold Rush days where both my familial lines started
in Canada. My great great grandfather was Sgt Mjr John McMurphy of the Royal
Engineers. I have most of his old documents available to me, so trying to
write about that, Abraham, and some of the other characters of the Rush.
Jeremy W., Kamloops.
One month after his last email of the 16th of May, Bruce W. had finished
the Bill Miner book, and had these comments to make.
13 June 2007
Peter
Just a short note to say that I just finished
Interred With Their Bones, Bill Miner In Canada, 1903-1907 and
thoroughly enjoyed it. Nice even writing and I am glad that you published
it on your own as an editor may have cut out some of the necessary and
interesting detail in the name of economy.
Some thoughts. The book certainly helped to
discredit the CPR-assisted-escape-in-return-for-the-stolen-bonds theory. I
also hadn't realized that Lewis Colquhoun was, in fact, not guilty and the
third man may have been someone else. A sad end for Colquhoun. It
certainly was a coup for you getting into the privately held Anthony Martin
collection.
Is Frederick Fulton a progenitor of E. Davie
Fulton for there is a strong family resemblance?
Glad to see that you also have disdain for
political correctness.
Bruce W.
When Karen and I were in Victoria to accept
the award from the BC Historical Federation 11 May, we made many interesting
and knowledgeable contacts. An exchange of emails with one of them,
Bruce W., follows.
For what it is worth for the record, I thought
I would clarify which relatives encountered Bill Miner, something which I
talked to you about on Saturday at the Victoria conference of the BCHF.
There is no reason that any of them warrant any mention in a work like yours
as their association was peripheral at best.
The person that I mentioned that you thought
may have been Calgarian W. A. McFoy, was Alexander Galbraith McPhee
(1865-1942) who was born in Ontario and spent much of his life in
Vancouver. In 1904, after coming down from the Klondike gold rush he joined
the CPR's Investigations Department, then in its formative days. In his 28
years with the CPR he served as constable, then as a "plain clothes"
investigator, then as Assistant Inspector, the rank he held on his
retirement in July 1932. He worked on a variety of criminal cases including
the pursuit in 1909 of Bill Miner. (This is probably a reference to
Miner's escape from the BC Penitentiary in August of 1907. PG)
At an early age, Victoria born William Robert
Strachan (1885-1962) became interested in racehorses, and developed into a
highly knowledgeable expert on horses. In his late teens he worked as a
cowpuncher on the Douglas Lake Ranch in the Nicola area, alongside Bill
Miner. He later drove a stagecoach but, because he froze his hands in
particular cold weather, he had a variety of careers after that. He died in
Vancouver.
Ontario born James Archibald Galbraith
(1878-1962) worked for the Vancouver Hardware Company and his job took him
all over British Columbia via stagecoach, sternwheeler, and railway. It was
while he was in Kamloops that he spotted Bill Miner on the street. They
never spoke.
My own father, who never saw or met Bill Miner
but was 10 years old at the time when Miner was captured, remarked that
Miner had garnered a huge amount of public sympathy, probably because he had
scored against the CPR.
There you are. None of these people deserve to
be part of a book on Bill Miner you can see the influence that the
"gentleman bandit" really had.
Good luck with the sales of your book. I am
enjoying it.
Bruce W., Vancouver
(Of course, as always, I rarely, if ever,
remember the people I meet, even on the best of occasions. For this, I
am eternally condemned by my wife as being on unfeeling wretch. The
stimuli that happens during these book sales events, meetings and conventions
are always overwhelming, and blank out my memory processes. At least,
that is my excuse. So I had to ask Bruce who he was.)
17 May 2007
Thanks for your
interesting email, Bruce. I appreciate your following up on our initial
contact. We are continually being overwhelmed with how the story of this
relatively inept and flawed petty criminal has entered into the unconscious
mythology of BC. Everywhere we go, someone comes forward with family
anecdotes from 100 years ago about Bill Miner. It never ceases to amaze us.
... BTW, please refresh my memory as to what position you are in to be
at the BCHF conference in Victoria. Regards, Peter
So, Bruce graciously responded..
Yes it is amazing how this flawed soul pushed
all the right buttons to enter the unconscious mythology of BC. I think a
big factor is that he did one up on the CPR, a "home grown" relief from
trying to make interesting history out of being part of a relatively
uncaring Central Canada and English Empire. He obviously touched a nerve
and gave voice to a certain element in society.
As for me, I was one of the Vancouver
Historical Society gang at the conference with no role in the BCHF. ... .
My most recent publication is something jointly
written with Jean Barman: Leaving Paradise: Indigenous Hawaiians in
the Pacific Northwest, 1787-1898 (Honolulu: University of Hawaii
Press, 2006).
Bruce W.
(Jean Barman's "The West Beyond The West"
was at my elbow when I researched and wrote my book.)
Amazingly, after receiving the emails of the 14th
and 15th of May regarding Maisie Hurley (Campbell Johnston), the following
showed up in my IN basket.
I am looking
to purchase a book, as I am fascinated with all the extra tidbits on my
Great
Grandmother Maisie Hurley. I have a picture of Bill Miner that she had
painted that was amazing.
I had heard
on her way to BC on the train, she ran into Bill and wasn't the least bit
frightened
of him or
his 6 shooter. They became close friends after that, as I have been told.
Have a Great Day! Kerrie H.
I replied to her as follows:
Hello Kerrie,
Nice to hear
from you, especially from a descendant of Maisie Hurley. She must have been
a very special lady, and from the research I have done, could very well have
a book done on her. I know some things about her life, including the
magazine “Native Voice,” her boxing promotions and the heart of her
ancestor. Would love to talk to you about her sometime, and to look at
the painting of Bill Miner. ... So pleased to hear from you. Maisie has
been somewhat of a mystery in some ways. A woman ahead of her time, but
also very complex. PG
Kerrie replied on 24 May 2007.
Hi Peter!
Thanks for
the reply. A story was told that I was actually playing with the heart of
Montrose and thought that I had broken it when it broke in two.
Apparently I was quite upset but found out that a bullet apparently had
split it in half in its travels to Vancouver. Yes she was way ahead
of her time. My mother Moira has a book that my great-great grandmother
Amy wrote over the years that goes into extensive stories of their
adventures, with great concern for Maisie who would break wild horses in
the Nicola Valley. Anyways, fascinating really. have a great day,
Kerrie H.
One of the intriguing characters I ran into in my research, and who
also made it into my book, is Maisie Campbell-Johnston. She was the
young girl in Aspen Grove that Bill Miner built a skating rink for. In
her later years she married a lawyer in Vancouver by the name of Hurley,
and, among other things, was the editor of "The Native Voice." Further
information on her is available in the web site database.
I received the following interesting series of emails regarding her
family.
I would like to buy two copies of your book.
I have been fascinated with the Campbell-Johnston family since finding an
old Prospectus for a mining company about 1969, written by Ronald Campbell
Campbell- Johnston. I think it was the double barreled name that hooked
me although the man himself had to have been a character. You seem to
have a lot of information on his daughter Maisie, who was also a wild
one. There is quite a display at the North Vancouver museum here, which
has a lot of her things.
I have collected quite a bit of information
about RCCJ and have made contact with a great grandson.
.........
Thanks and Cheers
Barry P.
The same day I replied to him as follows:
Hello
Barry, Nice to hear from you. How did you hear about my book, and
that it had Mazie Hurley and the Campbell-Johnstons in it? I too was
intrigued by the Campbell-Johnstons. There is more info on them in the
Vancouver Archives as well as the BC Archives. I was not aware of the
North Van display. I hope I can get to see it. I always thought there
was a good story behind them somewhere. I would appreciate hearing more
about the information you have accumulated. It seems that geologists
are enjoying my book. You are not the first who has contacted me to share
stories and comment on aspects of my book. I did do some research on
mining at the turn of the last century for my book, as it was such an
integral part of life in BC at that time. It seems that everyone had a
mine or was doing some prospecting at that time.
PG.
Barry
replied to my email as follows:
Thanks for the note. I came across your site in a search for
"Campbell-Johnston". I had been aware of the Bill Miner connection with
Maisie, various versions in different accounts. My first encounter with
RCCJ was when I drilled the Taltapin silver or Silver Fox property on
Pinkut Creek near Babine Lake about 1970. Our client was N... C... who
had in her files a prospectus written by RC, which was fabulous in all
senses of the word. Wish I had taken a copy.
RC was also one of the first "engineers" into the G... Coal field. I
have several thick reports on his exploration there. His wife was a
game old gal, accompanying him into very isolated country. She may have
had connections with the owners of the S... smelter.
I also have a little book "Tales of the Totems" written by RCCJ from
accounts written down by his wife.
I look forward to reading your book.
Cheers
Barry P.
26 April 2007
Hi Peter – hope to meet you someday soon.
Great book!
I am an environmental consultant working most
of BC. My work has some archive and heritage elements to it. I recently
found a title to land in Kamloops in the name of William Lewis Fernie, of
Kamloops BC . Land Title # 57831F was issued May 20th 1931 for
the SW ¼ of Section One, Twp 20 Range 18 West of the 6th
Meridian. This is near the corner of Dalhousie and Notre Dame in Kamloops.
There is a tax sale notice on the Fernie title. It was transferred in 1945
to the Gov’t of Canada as part of the military camp holdings in Kamloops.
Also you should note the anecdote in the menu of the Coldwater Hotel in
Merritt. It purports Miner stayed there and stashed things in the dome.
Eric G.
(The author replied to the above email as follows:)
Thanks, Eric, for the interesting information on the Fernie property. I
remember Daphne Fernie telling me about how her father used this part of his
holdings for grazing his imported thoroughbreds. As far as the tax sale
information goes, William Fernie had passed away many years before this
event, and his daughters and wife had moved to Victoria in the early 1940s.
They probably couldn’t find a sale for this property at that time, so left
it to be picked up for a tax sale. Thank you for this information, which I
wasn’t aware of. Any information that people send me that relates to my
book is most appreciated. It adds to our store of knowledge of this period
and the people who were around at the time.
As far as the anecdote in the Coldwater Hotel goes, I am familiar with the
story. However, Merritt was not yet a town in the days that Miner was in
BC, and the dates given were long after Miner had died. But I suppose it
does add some romance to the hotel itself. Thanks for your positive
comment on my book.
Peter Grauer
(In a second email, John comments further: )
Peter -- Thanx for the
personal reply. In my work (I am a geologist with strong landform/map
bias) the scenery and geography of each of the locations in your book
always impress me. I have been driving across BC – all directions, air,
road, coast and rail since I was a kid – in the 1960 window. Now I write
physical reports on properties including the history of ownership. This
has allowed me to write about Campbell Creek, Merritt, and Kamloops.
Living here near ... allows a wondrous connection between your book and
where I have rubber-necked for the last 20 odd – they have been odd –
years. I know you are aware of the Merritt museum. They have the
data on this next point. Merritt did not exist under that name in the
period you describe but the town was there under several other names. (Forksdale
& Midvale.) So… the inference is that Merritt by another name was there
and thriving – parallel to Quilchena but not on the main route from
Kamloops to Princeton which I believe is on the hill side to the east of
Merritt and was used for a rough road auto rally last year. The best
proof of the montage of these towns is the legal surveys of that era.
You might want to speak with legal surveyor John Graham in Merritt. And
there is always the knowledge of the affable author Murphy Shewchuk. I
defer to your previous work however. The command of dates you show is
exceptional. We certainly understand why a hotel would grasp any story
that might add to its marketable mystique, fact, conjecture, folklore or
otherwise.
Eric G.
April 1, 2007
Peter,
Congratulations on doing
such a good job of assimilating so much research. I have just completed
reading your book. You have given me renewed interest in getting back to
work on my family history. My great-grandfather, John S., arrived in
Victoria in 1862, spent time in the Cariboo, then settled in Victoria.
There has been a John S. there ever since - my father resides a few blocks
from the family plot in Ross Bay Cemetery. I have done some research in both
Victoria and the Provincial Archives, but have a long way to go. I
have just retired from a career as a high school English teacher (Armstrong)
and live in Vernon. I don't know if I have any material of interest to you,
but I sure appreciate your references in the back of your book.
Thanks again for the well-researched book! Cheers,
John
S.
(In a second email, John comments further: )
My only comment to improve the book - more
maps would be useful as most readers won't be familiar with our area. I
found myself bookmarking the map on page 20 and used this for a continual
reference. My next task is pulling the Backroad Mapbook off my shelf and
finding all these places to explore once the weather improves.
John S.
March 28, 2007
Hello Peter,
I am currently reading your book with much
interest and fascination. A couple of years ago we purchased acreage
in the ......... area for recreational use (we live in Vancouver). I have
been doing some research and found it is the old .............. ranch, just
off ........... Forest Service Road. It was originally 320 acres but now
is 141 acres. The property has an old road through it and signs of an old
cabin or structure near the lake (rusty stove and an old bed). In addition,
I found that the 'Similkameen Trail' used to go through the property as
shown on the back the original preempt document from 1891 (which I got a
copy from the Merritt Archives). I think it is this old road we see today
and may be the 'pack trail' you refer to in your book. Not sure though.
We would like to preserve some historical
elements of the property and would appreciate any information you have. My
wife and I are both very interested in the historic nature of the area.
All the best, E. P. Vancouver
(Note - Place and proper names have been
removed to protect privacy. PRG)
(The author replied to the above email as follows:)
Hello E.,
Thanks for your intriguing email. I am
aware of a number of cabins around your area that may be associated with
Miner, Allen, Budd, Chisholm et al. However, the ........... property in my
research has only referred to the Miner/Budd cabin. It is rather
special to think that your cabin could have been the one in which Miner
spent the winter of 1905/06. I will have to refer to my research
documents again and see whether more information is contained in them.
By all means give me a call sometime. Evenings after 7 and before 10 would
be best. ........... has always been of interest to me, and I am
presently pursuing more information through his descendants.
Peter Grauer
March 17, 2007
Hi, I liked the book. I really liked the detail. I
have over 700 Canadian and Alaska books, many of them like yours. I have
always been interested in Bill Miner since I have been going to Quesnel
Lake for the last 30 years. Something has puzzled me for a long time. There
is a creek named Bill Miner on the most remote arm (east arm) of the lake
between Kill Dog and Bouldery creeks. I know why Kill Dog and Bouldery got
it's name . I have talked with a friend whose father trapped on the lake in
the 30's and Bill Miner creek was named as far back as he could remember. I
have been to the Billy Miner Saloon in Williams Lake and understand why
a saloon would be named after a colorful character, but why a remote
creek? Bill Miner was not in the area. Can you shed any light on this ???
On page 559, I found it interesting that Jack Budd's daughter , B.L.
Barron, lived in Chico, California (my home town). I have looked in the
Chico phone book and cannot find any connection today for the mail routes
are not the same.
Thanks for writing the book. I really did enjoy it. The photos, maps and
research you have done is appreciated by this reader.
Walt R.(The author replied as follows:)
Hello Walt,
The
only explanation I could come up with for the name Bill Miner Creek would
be that it must have been named by a miner in the first decade of the 20th
C. Many of the Princeton/Nicola/Kamloops miners and prospectors headed up
into that country when the mining exploration petered out in the south
part of the province. Bill Miner was even then a figure of some interest
to ordinary people in the southern part of BC. I found not one iota of
indication that he went any further north than Kamloops, Ashcroft or
Spence’s Bridge. However, I should say that there were rumours passed
down in families that he had been up in that country, but absolutely no
primary source data. As readers of my book know, people were great
travellers in those days, both on foot and on a good through-bred. New
information on Miner that put him in the Cariboo would never surprise me.
He was an interesting individual.
The
trail of Jack Budd is still warm, and information is still continuing to
come in on him. Descendants have been trying to trace his trail up here
in Canada, and I hope to be able to post some of the information on my
website in the future.
Thank you for your positive comments on my book. I tried to use the
detail to put the reader back in that time 100 years ago.
Regards,
March 4, 2007
Dear Peter:
I finished reading your book a couple of weeks
ago. I found it quite interesting and enjoyed learning a little more
local history. You mentioned that Shorty Dunn had worked for Jack Hanna
after serving his time. Jack Hanna was my step grandfather and the
original owner of this painting. I would assume it is the same Jack
Hanna. I was delighted to see his name mentioned. Giving someone a break
would be in character with how I remember him. He was quite an
interesting person and always had some story to tell.
Thanks
John F., Kamloops.
(John came up to Karen and I during "Art in
the Park" in Kamloops in the summer of '06, and told us he had a
contemporary oil painting done of Bill Miner that had been in his family
for many years. The name of Jack Hanna did not come up at that time,
and this incident just confirms again how connections have kept happening
since the book was first published last summer. The interest of BC
residents in their own history, and the connections so many had with the
Bill Miner story continues to amaze us. PG)
March 2, 2007
Hi Peter,
I have just finished reading your book and the
best
descriptions I can use are: superb,
excellent, fascinating, terrific,
etc. Other friends who have read your book
share similar comments.
Thanks very much!!!!!
Ron P., Kamloops.
February 16, 2007
Hi Peter.
I just wanted to commend you on your book. I
know the research involved in a project like that and it's easy to see your
passion for the subject. To say I devoured it is probably an understatement.
It was all very easy to read. And the statements you found from the three
men seem very telling. I always had my suspicions about Colquhoun and never
bought his portrayal when I first saw The Grey Fox. It didn't make sense to
me that a young, respected and consumptive school teacher would leave his
home and family (presumably for both his own sake and the health of others)
only to use explosives and guns to jeopardize the lives of strangers.
But there are still a lot of unanswered
questions and I'm going to see what digging I can do at this end.
But maybe you can offer your
thoughts/speculations on one.
The three statements are fascinating. Were they
taken at the same time in the regular course of activities at the prison?
Both Dunn and Edwards say they make the statements of their own free will.
Colquhoun doesn't. Hmmm. As well, Dunn's statement suggests it was written
by someone else. Was he playing the illiterate just as he had played the
mute in the store?
My guess is that Miner (probably in agreement
with Dunn) made the unusual(?) request in a humanitarian effort to free the
sickly Colquhoun without it actually costing them anything (increased
sentence, legal fees, #3's wrath, etc.). And it is possibly the only reason
Dunn might talk to Miner at all in prison. If it was Miner's first and only
recorded confession, he would have been well aware of that fact, reinforcing
the idea he indeed was a con man with a conscience. So it also seems the
only acceptable con for him was tricking men into thinking he'd shoot them
if they didn't help unload the express car or open a lock box.
Anyway, I won't ramble on any longer, though I
know I could. My thanks. I always like reading books that make me want to
find out more.
All the best
Richard T.
(Richard Turtle is a playwright from Ontario.
He devoured the 600 plus pages of "Interred With Their Bones" in just a few
days. A listing of some of his plays can be seen at
http://www.doollee.com/PlaywrightsT/TurtleRichard.htm
and a brief bio can be seen at https://www.brookpub.com/richard-turtle-and-peter-moore-m-214.html?osCsid=06c583542)
February 16, 2007
Hello Peter.
I recently finished your book, which I enjoyed
so very much !
It was obviously written after extensive
research, and with a dedication to "getting it right".
I am a Kamloops resident, having lived here for
35 years, and been to so many of the locations described in your book, in my
pursuit of outdoor activities and explorations. Knowing these locations just
adds to my pleasure of reading your book.
Thanks for an excellent book.
I will be recommending it to my friends and
family.
Garry G.
February 8, 2007
Hi Peter, Just wanted you to know that I
finally finished "Interred With Their Bones" and enjoyed it very
much. I am not a fast reader and I do most of my reading in bed, before I
go to sleep. Usually the sleep-bug gets me before I get about half a
chapter read, so I was the better part of a month reading it. I'm no
expert, but I feel the story would make a great movie---better than "The
Grey Fox." The book really brought a lot of B.C. heartland history out,
with reference to many places and people to which we [natives] can
relate. You've put a great deal of time, effort and hard work into the
book, and you must be very proud! I had occasion to speak with Brenda T. a
few days ago, after finding out about her connection to Ducks. She spoke
very highly of "Interred." Good luck in your marketing of the book.
I'm sure you are very busy selling the book,
so I was wondering if you've had time to read "An Okanagan History,"
(The Diaries of Roger John Sugars, 1905 to 1919.
Sandhill Book Marketing.
PG) and as it falls into the same time frame as Roger's diary,
what your feeling is for the book. Incidentally, my first 1800 copies just
sold out and I have my second edition of 500 more. ... I am being given
the opportunity of presenting the books to each (Okanagan school)
library and doing a short reading in front of the students.
All the best to you and your wife, Karen.
May you have a best seller!! John Sugars.
(John Sugars is the son of Roger John Sugars,
and he edited his father's diaries to create a poignant vignette of life
on Okanagan Lake 100 years ago, as well as an enduring legacy detailing
our local interior heritage. PG)
February 3, 2007
I've just finished reading your very excellent
book about Bill Miner . I have a great interest in the stories as I remember
my grandfather Victor S. talking about him. In your book on page 108
the picture of William Dodd's roadhouse is, I am very sure, a picture that I
have of my Grandfathers ranch house. The front porch has been removed in my
photo, but you can see the lighter area that it was attached to the house
with. I would guess I'm about 2yrs old ..muddy pants and all ..looks like
spring time. I'm not sure when he bought the ranch or from who...I do
know from Don Blake's book Blakeburn,..Dust to Dust ...they were in
Blakeburn in the 20's as they are mentioned as residents and my uncle Bill's
picture is in the school photo. Vic was looking after the mine mules
and just going in when it blew up. He was only slightly injured. Bill S. had
the Missezula Lake ranch that you talked about ..but later. ( He passed away
last month in Princeton at 90 yrs.)
I remember up above the ranch at Aspen
Grove an old mine site with a short tailings ramp ...could it be some of
their old diggings ? I used to ride from Aspen Grove to Missezula a couple
of times a year.
Bill B. Westbank B.C.
(The
author and Bill B. are working together to determine the provenance of this
photo from the Nicola Valley Museum and Archives.)
January 30, 2007
Dear Peter. I have just completed reading the book that my wife bought
from you at Coles Book Store ... before Christmas. I found the story of
Bill Miner, Shorty Dunn. Lewis Colquhoun and all the others absolutely
fascinating and captivating. I have barely put your book down since I
received it on Christmas Day. There is so much information and detail that
really brings out the character of the many people who you wrote about.
Many of the names have stood the test of time and are part of the cities and
regions today. I am quite familiar with many of the areas that were spoken
about, both in the interior of BC and at the coast. My Dad's family
pioneered in the Mission area and there is a street there named after us. ...
Some of my ancestors are in the Mission Museum and the New Westminster Museum.
It was sad that Lewis Colquhoun may have gotten convicted for a robbery that
he apparently knew nothing about. He should have had independent legal
representation, and their defence lawyer, Alexander Duntroon Mcintyre, appears
to be as unscrupulous as many a lawyer today. I was especially sad to read
that Shorty Dunn drowned whilst guiding on the river and that his grave is now
below water.
Further, Bill Miner ... mostly stole from corporations who were also
considered as stealing from their customers, given the exorbitant rates that
were being levied. ... He must have been quite the challenge for the
authorities and railways alike. ...
Terrific book, Peter. I look forward to reading the next one.
There will be others, I hope.
Bob W., Kamloops.
January 21, 2007
Dear Peter. Just before Christmas you were signing books at Aberdeen
Mall, and I had a brief conversation with you about my Dad's interest in B.C.
history. My Dad, Dinty M., is thoroughly enjoying your book, and has constantly
remarked on the similarities between William Grell, aka Shorty Dunn, and his
'Old Bill', William Henry Dunbar. Thank you for writing such a fascinating
story: it's been worth every penny, just for the hours of wonder it has provided
my father, William 'Dinty' M. And I promise to read it myself!
Regards, Linda F.
January 16, 2007.
Good morning Peter. I can’t tell you how much my wife and I enjoyed this
book. What a wonderful, informative and amazing story. We both enjoyed it very
much. In fact we can not keep it in the house, because we keep lending it out.
Is it still possible to order another copy of it from you directly; and would it
be possible to have you autograph it for the people we want to give it to?
Could you please let me know by return e-mail when you get a chance?
Thanks very much, Craig and Judy R., Vernon, BC.
January 16, 2007.
Hi Peter,
Well, I must say your book is the best one
I've read in, I don't know how long! Of course, Bill Miner's story has always
been my favourite. I first read about Bill when I was 13 and bought the book
Bill Miner Train Robber. That book started me on a 30 year adventure into
B.C.'s history, and of course I just have to have every book written on Bill
Miner! The irony of it is though, and I just realized it after reading your
book, I moved to Princeton 15 years ago, and every morning upon opening my
curtains I look at Baldy (Miner) mountain! Thanks for the hours of
happiness!
Sylvia H., Princeton, BC.
January 15, 2007.
just wanted to let you know how much I have
enjoyed this book. I received as a gift and the fact it was signed made it
even more special. I am curious about some of the places you mention, grande
prairie rd. Where is that today and are any of the homesteads still standing?
I live in Mclure and I often travel up the Barnhartvale Rd. I love the old
place at the end close to the junction. Is that part of any of this history?
Peggy Y.
11 January 2006.
Thanks Peter for all your
research and the detail you put into writing Interred With Their Bones. My
brother-in-law, Mark H. from Kamloops picked up a copy for me, which you were
kind enough to autograph. I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any
additional books you may have in the works - Follow the Tracks,
Phillip N., Mission, BC
December 24, 2006
HELLO Peter, I AM so excited to hear
from you!!!! I have a lots of information I know we could trade and your just
the person I NEED TO HELP ME TO CONFIRM WHAT I THINK I ALREADY KNOW! ''BILLY
MINER IS MY GREAT-GRANDFATHER!!!!
EVERYTHING WE HAVE IN OUR FAMILY GE
NEOLOGY POINTS IN THIS DIRECTION............I WOULD BE PLEASED IF WE COULD FIND
SOMETIME... TO CHAT ABOUT IT!
I am only sorry I do not have copy of
your book yet, "Interred with their bones", I would be very pleased to be able
to purchase it, if you could tell me where I can do so?
At the present time I am not too
well, In "Hospice Care" ... , I AM NOT SURE HOW MUCH
TIME I WILL HAVE LEFT TO GET MY STORY TOLD, SO I would like to get at it as soon
as I possibly can. I CAN GO BACK QUITE A FEW GENERATIONS IN HIS LIFE TO
CONFIRM.
ALMOST Everything KNOW, since I am
his oldest living great granddaughter. He also still has one grand-daughter
alive living in the Kamloops area!!!!
Please contact me at your earliest
convenience, it would be very much appreciated!!!! Wow, I can hardly believe
this! And a very Merry Christmas and Holiday Season to you!
Yours in success
MRS. DOLORES J.
December 19, 2006
Hi............just found your site
recently..........wow!!!! I AM SO EXCITED............BILLY miner you see is my
Great Grandfather...........I am so interested in doing more research into the
"Gentle man Bandit", your help will be greatly appreciated. I would be nice if
we could get together and compare some notes and history! Please consider
getting in touch with me!
Your truly
Mrs. Dolores J.
November 30, 2006
Hi Peter,
Just a note to say that I really enjoyed your book. You certainly achieved a
great level of detail, proving that not only is the book an impressive work of
scholarship but also that the news media of the day must have really gone to
town following the story, providing you with a wealth of source material.
I was surprised, from what is revealed of his character, that Dunn went along
with concealing the name of the Third Man, which made Colquhoun a suspect in
the actual robbery. We can suppose Dunn was completely under Miner's evil
influence, and anyway he probably didn't have much confidence in altering the
big justice machine. Thanks again for recreating the past, and
congratulations. Jim N.
(From 1941 to 44 and 1949 to 55, I lived at 129 Seymour St., near the Court
House where all the excitement climaxed.)
November 29, 2006
Peter, Karen and Kirsten
This is a great book, detailed, interesting, historical and a must read book.
The research you have done is amazing. What makes it most interesting to me is
that the places in Kamloops and New Westminster are all familiar. I must commend
you on your accomplishment I know there must have been times when you wondered
if you would ever finish! Thanks so much for doing so. Orest M.
November 07, 2006
Hi Peter. Just a short note to Thank You ! for the book of Summerland
and the CD. Great pictures... Mom has nearly finished the book (Interred
With Their Bones) so then it will be our turns. She raves when she comes
in for dinner, and dinner goes a little bit slower, stopping to hear of the
chapter she is involved in. (Many cold dinners lately) So we really appreciated
your kindness and we look forward to seeing you and your wife in beautiful
Summerland. Our very best regards to you, Michael
November 03, 2006
Peter: I have just finished your book and it is excellent. The detail you
have given makes you feel that in reading this book, you are living in that time
period. Top marks to ya. Cheers Calum
November 02, 2006
Hi: Well as you say once I read the book I get to
check out this web site and write to you. I just this Oct. finished my 9th
season of work on the Rocky Mountaineer Train. Somehow I don't think I need to
explain what that is to you. I knew nothing of BC & Canadian history when I
started but now have two book cases full of history and train books and I'm
dangerous in a book store, like the one in Kamloops. Thank-you for writing this
book, the only problem is I'll have to change my three minute story about Miner
that I do on the train because now I know "The rest of the story". Actually
maybe I'll stay with the story as written in newspapers and one page articles as
it's funnier and more Robin Hood'ish. But the nice thing is When asked for more
detail by a guest I will be able to recommend your book as the final authority.
I will stay in touch with this site. Alex D.
November 01, 2006
Hello Peter & Karen;
I've just finished your book and loved it! It's a 10/10! You have a way with words and it's wonderful that you were able to have so much history and mystery included. You and Karen are very special people and I know your daughter is too because of the web site she has created. I really enjoyed meeting you at Westwold and it made reading the book that much more meaningful. - Burnie
October 30, 2006
Hello Peter,
I can't wait to start reading "Interred With Their Bones"-- love the title btw, and the jacket design is perfect--my mum bought a copy and said it's great and that you are a very talented writer. I have mid-terms this week but I am planning to reward myself with your book as soon as I can actually start reading for pleasure again and not for credit. I've seen your book all over town!
Fiona O.
October 30, 2006
Dear Peter,
Loved your book! One of those books that gets better and better the further along the story you get.
Tks
Don E.
October 18, 2006
Hi Peter,
I used to have a room in the old Portland stage stop in a room upstairs. At that time Verna Sledge used to cook for the crew downstairs, in a pretty rough kitchen. The pack rat smell never left that place. The old road went right in front. The barn below is original to that era too, I understand. When I was manager I pushed to keep the roof sound to keep the historic old barn sound.
I dont know that I could find the Smoky Chism cabin, but we might do it in conjunction with a Douglas Lake cowboy who is familiar with the area, like the Portland cowboy foreman. As for Dhad Allen (spelling?) all I know of him is that the road east of the Merrit Princeton leading to the Crater Lake/Bluey Lake chain is named after him. I don't remember much else, except that Joe Sledge, now long since deceased, did talk about him.
Sincerely,
Neil W.
October 18, 2006
Hi Peter,
Douglas Lake Cattle Co Ltd took catte down to Westwold for many many years: anywhere from 1000 to 1500 yearling heifers (unbred) would go down some time just before Christmas and stay there until there was open bunchgrass country at Douglas Lake to turn them out on probably in March. Initially, I guess Toddy (was this his name) Clemitson bought the hay; when I was first at Douglas Lake Robert Clemitson Sr looked after buying the hay, always at a fairly low price, as open yearling heifers did not need top quality hay. Robert would be in charge of the cattle while they wintered at Westwold. In those days Douglas Lake bred the heifers as two year olds, a practice long since abandonded once ample feed sources were locally grown and the calves could be grown out to be large enough to be bred as yearlings. One winter Robert Clemitson was short-handed, so he contacted Brian Chance the Manager at Douglas Lake, and asked him if he could spare anyone from the ranch. He sent down a young fellow- his name escapes me for the moment- but he never came home: he married Robert's daughter, and they eventually moved back to Alberta, where he came from.
Anyway, I digress. What I wanted to tell you is that I remember the cowboys telling me that "The Company" used to put them up at the Westwold Hotel, and "then it burned down" they said. They were sorry, as after that we always stayed at Bobby Talbot's place up the Salmon Lake road.
All the best with your book and its promotion.
Sincerely,
Neil W.
October 18, 2006
Kirsten,
I’m at home and listening to the Bill Good Show on Radio NL. They were talking about books and one caller provided a glowing report on your dad’s Billy Miner book.
The caller is so enamored with it, he is taking a holiday to retrace the steps of the first robbery near Mission.
Just thought you’d want to know.
Kirk F.
October 18, 2006
Hello Peter
My Dad finally got here to visit me this week, he has been very busy with a new job. The funny thing was that he brought his girlfriend who is from Saskatchewan, and she had never really been to BC>So on the trip my Dad was telling her stories about BC,and when they drove through Monte Lake he told her about Bill Miner. Anyways he truly loves the book, he said if it wasn't for me he would of ignored us and read the whole book. He was half way through when we left, he visited for 5 days. I told him that I promised you we would contact him when his finishes the book and let you know, so you will be hearing from Old Man Green soon. It was one of the best presents that my Dad had ever got, so Thanks for that. Hope all is well with you, your Wife, and your book sales. Take it easy
Kerri G.
October 10, 2006
Good Morning Peter
I met you during my visit of the Spencer Home in Summerland during the Heritage Home tour. It was my family's home during the years I grew up. I enjoyed meeting you. I am so glad that I purchase your book Interred With Their Bones. I enjoyed it immensely. In fact I could hardly put it down until it was finished. I, as many I suppose had heard little bits about Bill Miner over the years. What a fascinating character he was. Growing up in Summerland during the fifties and sixties gave me the opportunity to meet many pioneers and early residents of our area. I found them and their description of the early years in Summerland to be very interesting. Your story sheds a lot of light onto what life was like in those times. Anyone who thinks that Canada has a dull past would do well to read your book.
Thank you
Sandy B.
October 03, 2006
Hi Peter,
I really enjoyed your book - I am familiar with so much of the area you describe. Where is Furrer siding? I haven't been able to see a sign for it along the tracks.
I've given several copies for gifts - it's what I'm giving for Christmas and birthdays this year.
I checked with all the high schools ... and only S.(had one) on order - the others are going to purchase one or more copies for their school libraries. It should be in every high school library in BC! Regards, Holly C.
October 03, 2006
Dear Peter,
A most interesting book, well researched. Congratulations on a terrific job. Gordon Lloyd, Kamloops.
I am interested in learning more about Chief Constable Pearse, as I think his
son is recognized in the Kamloops High School Hall of Fame see
www.kamhigh.com.
Thanks again for your terrific research and a well written book.
October 03, 2006
Dear Peter:
I very much enjoyed reading your book...as a third generation Kamloopsian I particularly appreciated the details about life in Kamloops in the early 20th C. My grandmother used to tell us stories about going to the trial.
One specific bit of information I would appreciate you comments on are Chief Constable Pearse. I was the
principal of Kamloops High School for many years and have written the story of Kam High which is on www.kamhigh.com website. Under the banned alumni; special recognition, hall of fame Walter
Pearse is recognized as a Kam High Grad., Rhode scholar and killed during World War I. I would appreciate and further information you have about Ernest Pearse and his family. I was recently contacted by a gentleman who is writing a book about young men who played hockey for Oxford University just before WWI. He is anxious to learn more about Walter and his background.
September 07, 2006
I doubt you remember me, but we met one Saturday morning in Merritt, in July (the weekend of the country music festival). You were just setting up outside a book store, and I bought a copy of the book.
I just wanted to let you know I have just finished reading it, and enjoyed it completely. It reminded me of the Pierre Berton style of writing - address and cover a particular series of events and time period in careful detail and from a number of different angles, but still able to avoid falling into the dry recitation of mere history. I will look forward to reading anything else you write and publish!
As a criminal defence lawyer, I found your review of the proceedings in Kamloops particularly interesting - especially the speed with which things happened 100 years ago. These days, a similarly serious robbery trial would likely take place months (if not a year or more) after the event, and would likely take two or three weeks!
And was the speaking to sentence really as brief as your book suggests? I was particularly shocked that defence counsel seems to have said nothing at all about the proper penalty to be imposed, etc.
Best wishes with everything.
Charles D.
September 02, 2006
Hi Peter
Just got back from holidays at my cabin up on Powell lake, had great time and weather. Completed reading the book and I think it is excellent, well done. Did you miss the part where the posse passed right by Jacks (Montieth) folks home and his mother tried to pet the dogs but cst. Fernie told her not to as they were not to be petted. Jack said he was there when this happened . The dogs were tied on long chains at the time. Jacks dad had a sawmill on the property at the time. When we visited there the ranch was called the Fox ranch. maybe you have been there on your search for information.
All the best for now. Don K.
September 02, 2006
Hello Peter
When I was visiting my daughter, Jen Fretz, in Kamloops, she loaned me your book. It was fascinating and I really enjoyed it. I was intrigued with the pictures taken by Mary Spencer and wanted to know more about her.
Thanks very much,
Isabel H.
September 02, 2006
Hello Peter,
I have just finished reading your book. It is truly wonderful. My brother Anthony came over here to England in June and gave me the book to read. I found it really interesting because in 1965 I was lucky enough to visit BC with my Mother and Father. My Dad had won over £1,000 in a draw and we sailed from Salford to east Canada to visit relatives before boarding the CPR for three days to Burnaby, New Westminster. As I was only 1 year old when my eldest sister Mary emigrated to Canada, and 5 years old when Anthony went it was very exciting for me to visit them.
As I had travelled through Kamloops, Kicking Horse Pass, Revelstoke etc I could picture the storey of the robbery very easily. When we were in New Westminster my brother took us for a visit to the BC Penitentiary and so I was also familiar with the Warden's office and the Prison Yard where the escape took place.
I work for Salford City Council as Conservation Officer maintaining the records for Protected Buildings (Listed Buildings) and Protected areas (Conservation Areas) and have a special interest in history. Thank you once again for such an interesting adventure that reminded me so much about my visit to Canada 41 years ago.
Best wishes, Joe M.
September 02, 2006
Hello Peter,
I would like to order a copy of your book Interred With Their Bones. We met on Aug. 12 at the Second Glance bookstore
during the car show on Victoria Street. I am the granddaughter of Thomas Kilpatrick , the C.P.R. Superintendent who was with the posse who apprehended Bill Miner.
It was great to meet and talk with you that day, ... .
Thanks so much,
Heather B.
August 29, 2006
Hi Peter
I had trouble putting your book down once I started reading it. I couldn't wait to get back to it.
I found it to be a superb blend of history and mystery.
Congratulations !!!
Harvey E
August 28, 2006
Hi Peter:
Just finished reading " Interred with their bones" - congratulations on a great book. I was fortunate to have visited beautiful Kamloops and area in October 2005 and April 2006 and now again 100 years ago. Thank you so much for the signed copy and personal message.
Francis & Kathleen B.,
Kippens, Newfoundland
August 27, 2006
Hi Peter, I
just finished you book and enjoyed it very much. Thanks Dave Lands End Studios
Ltd.
August 27, 2006
HI Peter,
I have been enjoying your book immensely. So often when a researcher uses quotations in a book or research project he strings them together emphasizing the fact he cannot write. You can write! The details are a pleasure to read as you do it in such an easy manner.
As Ever,
Pat
August 27, 2006
Hi Peter:
I finished this wonderful book a few days ago. WOW!!! You sure do know how to keep a persons interest from start to finish.
It helped a lot to have lived in Princeton for three years, and have traveled to almost every place that is mentioned. It made reading real easy and very interesting.
When we lived in Princeton, 62-65, I was a scout leader and we took the boys up to Shorty Dunn's ranch several times. Of course during that time it didn't mean too much to me. The boys being local new a lot more than I did.
You sure have a way with words Peter, All the little extra expressions just lay everything out to be enjoyed to the fullest.
Thank you again for the book. It will be a real addition to my library of BC history.
Herb A.
August 16, 2006
Dear Peter, I wanted to pass on to you my feeling of satisfaction in the reading of your book " Interred With Their Bones". The
in-depth research along with the paraphrasing to put it all together makes it a most enjoyable read. Thank you.
Bert J.
August 14, 2006
Hello Peter, I took advantage of my time off to start your book. I am enjoying it.
I also decided to rent Grey Fox and found, after reading some of your book, that this is completely inaccurate! It's funny what Hollywood does to make movies work.
Heather T.
August 14, 2006
Hi Peter,
My name is Neil W. and I have just finished your book, which I have found
fascinating. Your book is of particular interest to me, because I know pretty well all of the country you refer to, and many of the names in one way or another.
I spent the years 1960 through 1980 at Douglas Lake, and before that spent time at the Guichon Ranch at Quilchena in the time of Dr Laurance Guichon and Gerard Guichon. When I first started cowboying at Douglas Lake, I worked at the Portland Ranch at Aspen Grove rounding up stock. My foreman at that time was Joe Sledge, who had jumped a square rigger (illegally) at the outbreak of WW Two in Montreal, and ended up at Douglas Lake for many years. He showed me Jack Budd's cabin at Aspen Grove, and told me about the man, his ways with horses, and his questionable dealings. He told me that when he first went to the Aspen Grove country, it was thought of as a robbers roost, and had the feel to go with it. When I first became manager at Douglas Lake I hired a retired RCMP to patrol that country, as we were still suffering above average stock losses over there. We talked about Jack Budd's friend George Edwards, and how he would go to the Sunday school picnics in Princeton, and give candy to the children. We looked at Smoky Chism's cabin as we rode by. When I was irrigating the haylands at Douglas Lake Home Ranch in 1960, I irrigated the land where Bill Miner, Shorty Dunn and Lewis Colquhoun were caught. Many names in your story have special meaning to me. I learned a lot when I was cowboying from Slim Cammpbell (Campbell Creek). I have riden into Stephens Meadows, but did not know how infamous this man was! Toddie Clemitson, Jerry Mellin, Joseph B. & Joe Greaves Jr, Susan Allison, Franci Basil, Dr. Burris, Lewis Campbell, Joe Coutlee, F. J Fulton: these are all people whose family I know! I could go on and on. A lot of the Douglas Lake story came alive for me ... I have some idea of the tremendous research job you have done.
I am sorry to be finished reading (every word of) your book; it has made a lasting impression on me. Thank you for writing such a great history of this era, and making it come alive for me! Once a cowboy always a cowboy I guess.
I hope our paths cross.
Sincerely,
Neil W.
August 06, 2006
Hi Peter,
I am enjoying your book! I was wondering if it would be possible to put a present day map of the area up on your site marking in the "Miner spots?" I have a rough idea of most of the places, but I am sure others, not familiar with Kamloops and area, are lost. If you could also use the previous names of present day communities it would also help.
Just a thought!
Pat R
August 03, 2006
Peter:
I am now reading and enjoying your book. I have ties to the McKay family of Rose Hill so am finding lots of interesting reading..
Virginia S. Toronto
August 01, 2006
Hello Peter,
I have just finished reading your book and found it be extremely interesting . It was a real pleasure to read a well written and detailed account of Canadian history.
Congratulations!!
Also Kirsten, the website you created is awesome.
Louise S.
July 30, 2006
Great book. Have tried to enter the bonus site but no luck. My father in his early teens worked for Jack Bud, but said he seldom spoke of Bill Miner
CW
July 29, 2006
Dear Peter,
I have just finished the book and really enjoyed it. I really liked the idea of the Afterword, where you told us what happened to the major characters. I also liked the extensive use of the old photos. The only quibble I have (and I'm not familiar with the legal requirements of footnotes) was with the many footnotes. However, I solved that by using a second bookmark and as I came to each chapter I quickly scanned down the footnotes and then ignored them when I came upon them in the chapter. I don't know if just listing a full bibliography would fulfill the legal requirements--probably not.
I think you did a magnificent job. When do you think you will find the energy to tackle another one???!!!!
All the best,
Barb E.
July 29, 2006
Hi Peter,
I ... was surprised to learn that Chilliwack played a very important roll in Bill Miner's life and times in BC.
I really enjoyed the book. I must say, things haven't changed much in law enforcement over the years with respect to "Taking claim" or embellishing one's roll in an arrest etc. I can really relate to many of the incidents you so aptly describe.
Hope all is well in the heat of Kamloops..
Cheers,
Brian K.
July 29, 2006
Hi Peter,
Your book arrived and I now have my nose in it! It is an easy read for which I thank you. A lot of historical writers just string quotations together which makes for a very difficult read and showcases the fact they cannot write! Thank you for such a splendid job!
Patricia R.
July 23, 2006
Hey Peter, Enjoying your book very much. The detail you've included is amazing. Even more amazing is how well travelled some of these characters were, given the mode of transportation of the day. This is really my first foray into any kind of history in B.C. and specifically the Kamloops area. Quite enlightening.
John S.
July 21, 2006
Hi Peter,
Just read the Saturday, June 24, 2006, John Mackie's review of your book in the Vancouver Sun. I am also doing research for a book that takes place during that same period of time on Vancouver Island, and have come across interesting articles on Bill Miner. I noticed that you self-published which is also my intent. If you have a few minutes to spare, please
Email me my name is Robert Janning. Cheers.
July 12, 2006
Hi Peter,
I'm about 2/3 of the way through your book and am enjoying it hugely. Your reconstructions of the time and the events -- very masterful. It gives me such a vivid sense of that landscape too ...
Anyway, thanks so much for a fascinating read.
Theresa K.
July 12, 2006
Hello Peter,
I am half way through the book and will finish it before the weekend, It is wonderful and should be mandatory reading in BC High Schools.
Cheers,
Brian Kingman
July 03, 2006
Hi Peter,
I'm a slow reader, but I savoured every word of your book. Finished it, loved it, any more in the works?
Did you notice that even though Bill Miner was noted for his very blue eyes that the $500 reward poster listed him as having brown eyes! Hmmm.
As I said, loved the book. Am in awe of Bill Miner as a traveller (all by horseback); the area he covered astounds me. Did you by any chance trail-ride the same routes?
Would love to hear you talk about your book.
- Heather Murdoch
July 03, 2006
Hi Peter
Just wanted to let you know that I have read the book
Although I am no critic I want you to know that I think you have a very powerful story with an exceptional way
of relating the facts and making the story very interesting
Your understanding of the horses and riders is most interesting and having some knowledge of them (Horses) myself , your explanation is quite factual
Perhaps this is because I have an interest in the area and the history of the Province --- I was born in the
Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster,which was located above the
B.C Penitentiary--- Back to your book I think in time it will become required reading for the school children to learn about the history of the Province
Best Regards
Ken W Miller
June 19, 2006
Hi Peter,
Almost finished your book..............congratulations you did a superb job, am taking a copy to England with me on thursday for one of my brothers. Thought you may be interested in the attached correspondence in the Vancouver Sun. I won't see Saturdays copy until I return
Tony
(Tony Martin was the retired BC Penitentiary guard who saved all the records and glass plate negatives from the dumpster when the Pen was closing in 1980. PRG)
June 19, 2006
Hi Karen and Peter,
Hope this finds you both relaxed and enjoying the 'book' interest.
Anyways, after the second read of the 'book', I am very impressed with it. You have done a great job and I surely look forward to your next book, Peter.
I have talked to several locals that have read the book, people are very impressed with it.
It is a very easy read, most history books are more difficult to stay with for most people.
Congratulations on a great job. Sandi
June 14, 2006
Hi Peter,
Thank you so much for taking the time to be a part of our TV series for the Bill Miner segment. We really appreciate it. I hope you enjoyed your time with our hosts and crew.
Sincerely,
Jessie Kergan
Kergan
Big Red Barn Entertainment
6556 60th Ave
Delta, BC V4K 4E2
June 11, 2006
Dear Peter and Family....the book has arrived and I have spent most of the afternoon boasting and showing it to friends....this of course comes with my I know the author so well ...Peter what can I say....It has been a long journey for you from the start to the publishing and you did it like a pro. I loved the dedication which of course is so well deserved. I am not a voracious reader but I will read it and I know Ann will as she is a voracious reader. Thank you for the wonderfull words and the signing it is more than I could ever hope for....you are the best....Thanks to Karen and Kirsten.....So my dear friend .....thank you so much.....I am still coming down from the high I got from getting the opportunity to talk to you .....best to all the family.....Love Terry
May 31, 2006
Hi Peter, WOW you did a fantastic job. Your writing is so good, you write so descriptively I could almost see what was happening.
Everyone will enjoy this book!!
I will be re-reading it just to be sure I did not miss anything.
I really enjoyed that actual robbery at Ducks. Not the most suave robbers were they?
Thank you again for all your efforts to tell the true story and at the same time you have captured a lot of history for the world to see.
Poor Lewis, he really did get set up didn't he?
Thanks again for sharing this book with us.
Enjoy the rest of the ride, it is going to be a great time for you and Karen and Kirsten. Sandi p.s. we are getting rave reviews on the book launch.
May 30, 2006
I was lucky enough to receive an invitation to your official launch in Westwold. What a well-organized and enjoyable event. I especially enjoyed your reading - you are definitely a natural speaker and story-teller.
Thank you for signing my book, I am already half way through and can't put it down!
RB
May 28, 2006
Hi, Peter and Karen,
As soon as I got home from school, I went over to show your book to my Dad. He is 92 now and remembers you and your wife very well. Dad is very anxious to read your book. I thnk that I will be lending him the book to read during the day when I am working, and I can read it in the evenings. I don't know if you realise it, but my wife and I live in the log house built by Robert Pratt.
I have only read as far as the Mission robbery at this point, but I already see that it is a very impressive work. You are skilled in your use of words. I cannot begin to conceive of what a massive undertaking it must have been to write such an extensive history. From reading even this far into the book I already see that you very skillfully portray Bill Miner for what he was. I think that is important.
I am very interested in history and try to pass it on to my students. I put together my little history of Barnhartvale when I realised that very few people living here now know the history of Barnhartvale and that the history that was known was not always very accurate. You probably know that a group of people are working to put together a book on Barnhartvale history. I have sent them all the information I have. My interest is in getting the history known.
I think I will be teaching my Barnhartvale history with a little extra enthusiasm this week because of you.
Gary and Lynda Kershaw
May 28, 2006
Bravo Peter! The book looks great. Love the cover and the format and the liberal use of photographs makes it so appealing!
You've managed to make an historically-accurate publication that will appeal to the non-academic readers. Thanks for using a type-set that's large enough to actually read without a magnifying glass.
Nicely done, and most importantly, very handsome author's photo on the book flap. ;-)
Thank you for the Archives' copies. I'll be sneaking a copy home with me this weekend. Very impressive!
Take care,
Susan
May 17, 2006
Looking forward to the release! Saw you on the History Channel a few years ago...hope to be able to go to some of your readings.
LG
May 07, 2006
Beautiful site! I read the chapter excerpt on this site - I am craving more! Am really looking forward to reading the book. -NR
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