Howdy! September 1, 2020, is Alberta’s 115th birthday, and to celebrate this special day, I have dedicated this article to Historic Albertans who were either born or married on September 1.
Alberta’s Only Knighted Citizen
Sir James Lougheed was born on September 1, 1854, fifty-one years before Alberta became a province in 1905. He moved to Calgary in August 1883, the same month that the Canadian Pacific Railway arrived here. Sir James and his wife Belle welcomed many interesting people to their beautiful home, now called the Lougheed House, including the Duke of Connaught and his wife in 1912, when they led the first Stampede Parade, and the Prince of Wales in 1919. Sir James was named Chairman of the Military Hospitals in 1915. As a reward for his service, he was knighted by King George V in 1916, becoming the only Albertan to ever earn the honour. Sir James is also the grandfather of Peter Lougheed, who was the tenth Premier of Alberta from 1971 to 1985.
Brave WWI Victoria Cross Recipient
Frederick Harvey was born in Ireland on September 1, 1888, seventeen years before Alberta became a province. His family immigrated to Medicine Hat, and when WWI started, Frederick enlisted in the Lord Strathcona’s Horse. It was with this fine regiment that Lieutenant Frederick Harvey received the Victoria Cross, the highest award for bravery, for his actions on March 30, 1918, during the advance on Moreuil Wood. He was also awarded the French Croix de Guerre.
Pioneer’s Wedding Anniversary Date
John Glenn and his Métis wife Adelaide Belcourt were married on September 1, 1873, thirty-two years before Alberta became a province. After they were married in northern Alberta, they loaded up their mule, travelled south, and settled where the Fish Creek meets the Bow River, the site of today’s historic Bow Valley Ranche in Fish Creek Provincial Park. John and Adelaide were involved in many activities in the area. At Fort Calgary, John built the stone fireplaces and grew hay for the horses. Adelaide operated a rooming house for travellers to stay in and was also one of the most sought-after midwives in the area. Incidentally, one of the women whose babies she helped deliver was none other than Belle Lougheed, the wife of Sir James.
