James was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1851. Francis was born in Yorkshire,
England in 1852. They married in 1883 and moved to Brandon, Manitoba the same year.
They settled in Brandon their first winter and then laid claim to this land the next spring. The land was formerly owned/leased by Morton Dairy Company.
George Morton came from Kingston, Ontario. He arrived in the area in 1881. His intention was to create a large-scale dairy operation named The Morton Dairy Farming and Colonization Company. George planned to set up 108 dairy farms, 36 stock farms, and a cheddar cheese factory. George thought the land on the north side of Whitewater Lake would be ideal. It was perfect for the rich hay land needed for cattle feed. The reality was that winters were too harsh in Manitoba and hundreds of cattle were lost. The railway also veered off their original plan and did not build a line close to the farm.
The dairy project failed. Still, George stayed in the area. He contributed to the early development of Boissevain.
During James & Francis’ first summer they lived in a tent and then spent the winter in Brandon. Then in the spring of 1885 they stayed on the land permanently and “struggled” as typical prairie homesteaders. The first home they built on the land was a sod hut which they lived in until 1895.
The couple raised 4 children on this farm. Two boys and two girls. The boys worked hard on the farm and were known for their Clydesdale horses which won many awards.
One of the boys went to World War 1. Upon his return, the family started the task of piping running water into the home. That son later moved to B.C. leaving his brother to continue farming the family homestead.
The girls participated in many local fairs selling baked goods, poultry and cut-glass bowls which they won prizes for. The Kitchen family home was known for their home cooked meals and hospitality.
The property was located along the trail. Aboriginal people from the Turtle Mountain Reserve used this trail to travel the prairies. The family was also known for their pig who also served as a family pet.
CRUMBLING MEMORIES 