Week 5: (27 Jan 2025 – 2 Feb 2025)
The theme for Week 5 is “Challenge.” Which ancestor has been challenging to research? What ancestor faced an enormous challenge?

Walter Scott Archibald was born in May 1835 in Truro, Colchester, Nova Scotia, Canada, into the well-regarded Archibald family. His father, Alexander Lackie Archibald, and mother, Christiana Nicholson Cock, provided him with a strong foundation in a region deeply rooted in Scottish heritage and agricultural traditions. Growing up in Nova Scotia, Walter likely experienced the hardships and resilience required for life in a rural, developing community.

In 1859, at the age of 24, Walter married Olivia Upham McCurdy in Nova Scotia. Olivia, born in 1839, came from a lineage that emphasized education and civic duty. Together, they built a family and eventually had nine children: Frank Ira, Alfred Gordon, Alice, Percy Scott, Mary Elizabeth, James McCurdy, Sarah, Ettie Mary, and Roy F. Archibald. Providing for such a large family would have been both a joy and a challenge, requiring Walter to seek out opportunities beyond his birthplace.

By 1861, Walter and his family were still residing in Colchester, Nova Scotia. However, like many others of his time, he sought better economic prospects and migrated to the United States. By 1870, he had settled in Port Huron, St. Clair County, Michigan, an area bustling with trade, particularly in the lumber and shipping industries. The move likely presented challenges—adapting to a new country, establishing himself in a competitive economy, and ensuring stability for his growing family.

On August 31, 1871, Walter was mentioned in The Times Newspaper in Port Huron, indicating some level of community involvement or recognition. The nature of this mention is unclear, but it suggests he was an active participant in local affairs. However, his time in Michigan was not permanent. By 1881, he had relocated again, this time to Essex, Ontario, Canada, where census records place him and his family. This move might have been motivated by economic shifts, family connections, or changing political landscapes in North America.

Walter’s journey was emblematic of the challenges faced by 19th-century migrants. Moving cross-country in the 1880s was a daunting endeavor, requiring careful planning and resilience. Transportation options varied—some traveled by wagon, enduring months of harsh terrain and unpredictable weather, while others took advantage of the expanding railroad system, particularly after the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869. Railroads like the Union Pacific and Central Pacific made migration faster and somewhat safer, although financial costs and legal barriers remained a concern. For those traveling along major waterways, steamboats provided an alternative means of transport.

Challenges along the way included health risks, such as outbreaks of dysentery and cholera in crowded travel conditions, financial struggles, and social adjustments upon arrival in a new community. Economic opportunities were a major driver of migration, with many seeking work in industries such as railroads, mining, and agriculture. Warmer climates, like those in California and Florida, also attracted individuals suffering from chronic illnesses. Walter’s movements across Canada and the United States suggest that he, too, faced many of these trials while searching for a stable livelihood and a secure future for his family.

In November 1886, Walter left Essex, perhaps in pursuit of better opportunities or due to declining health. Eventually, he moved to Florida, where he spent the last years of his life. Warmer climates often attracted those suffering from ailments aggravated by colder weather, hinting that health issues may have played a role in his relocation.

Walter Scott Archibald passed away in February 1892 in Florida, USA, at the age of 56. His remains were buried in Sumter, Florida. A beneficiary payment recorded on May 25, 1897, in Windsor, Ontario, suggests that his family, particularly his wife Olivia, may have faced financial struggles following his death. Olivia, however, lived a long life, passing away in 1933.

Walter’s life was marked by movement and adaptation. From his roots in Nova Scotia to his travels across North America, he faced the challenges of migration, economic shifts, and the responsibility of providing for a large family. Despite these trials, he left behind a legacy carried on by his children, many of whom lived long and full lives, shaping the next generation of the Archibald lineage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“write a narrative of the life of _____ using the following facts:” prompt. ChatGPT, ChatGPT4.0 version, Open AI, February 2024, https://chat.openai.com/