The Smith Family Celebrate Christmas

by Fran | Dec 14, 2024

Moses Rowe Smith came to BC in 1858 from London, Ontario. He had been engaged in the bakery business there. Smith, like many others, headed to the gold fields and it is reported he was a partner in the Ericson claim which was one of the richest claims in the Cariboo....

Golden Wedding Anniversary

by Fran | Dec 15, 2022

Charles Alexander and Nancy Carter were married on December 25th, 1849. This portrait was done for their 60th wedding anniversary. Direct descendant Karen Hoshal tells us “The long, black heavily petty-coated dress was a common formal dress in colonial times....

Sylvia Stark

by Fran | Sep 8, 2018

Born into slavery, as a child she taught herself to read; travelled from Missouri with her parents, was a pioneer on Salt Spring Island, became a legend, living to the age of 106. Image courtesy of: Myrtle Holloman, Salt Spring Island, B.C. & Peggy Cartwright....

Fielding Spotts

by blackhistory | Jun 15, 2018

Farmer, cooper, husband, father, church leader, school trustee … Applicants for British Citizenship in an 1858-1859 report in the Victoria Gazette listed Fielding Spotts as a cooper. It is believed he arrived late in 1858/early 1859 and worked at this trade in...

Charles & Nancy Alexander

by blackhistory | May 31, 2018

Patriarch and Matriarch of Alexanders of Victoria, arrived in Victoria aboard the ship Oregon in July 1858. Charles was born August 16, 1824 in St. Louis, Missouri. He was a free black. Nancy was born May 25, 1834 in St. Louis, Missouri. She was also a free black....