The Pawson family fonds

History Biographical: W.H. (Hal) Pawson and his brother Benjamin Sunderland Pawson came from their hometown of Delavan, Illinois to the Coaldale area in 1907. They farmed in partnership. Ben married Alma Blanche McDowell in 1909. Hal was married to Jessie Bond Pawson. In April 1911 they had a daughter, Edith Bond Pawson, who died on 5 March 1916 at age 4 years 11 months. Her parents took Edith's body back to Delavan, Illinois where she was buried. Sometime between Edith's death and 1919, Hal and Jessie Pawson moved to Long Beach, California. Hal's brother Ben Pawson died of meningitis at Long Beach on 18 December 1919, while on vacation with his family from the farm near Coaldale. Subsequently Ben's widow Alma decided to sell the farm in Canada and relocate to Long Beach with her children. Ben's parents, brother Hal and his wife Jessie already lived there. Alma's father and her sister Florence were also living in Long Beach by 1919. Sources: Coaldale Gem of the West 1900 1983, pages 763-764 The Lethbridge Herald

Custodial History: 20081084001 Pawson family album #1, 32 photos. Photos depict family, farm buildings and farm operations 20081084002 Better Babies Contest (Calgary Industrial Exhibition) letter 1914 [winner Edith Bond Pawson] 20081084003 Pawson family album #2, 72 photos, newspaper clippings. Photos depict family, especially toddler Edith Bond Pawson, farm operations, (equipment, irrigation)