Henry Ernst was born in Morley, lowa, March, 1878.
At the age of 20 he lost his right arm in an accident
with a corn sheller. This did not deter him and he
continued in life with many accomplishments. He
came to Canada in March, 1904 and homesteaded
in the Brant area. Besides being active in farming
he was a land evaluator with the E.E. Thompson Co.
from High River and helped many people find
homesteads and get started.

Rea Washburn was born in Columbus, Indiana, Oct.
1887. At age 16 she came to Canada with her mother
Alice and brother Sep. They landed in Spring Coulee
in April 1904, and visited with Alice's sister Clara C.
Thompson. They moved overland to the Brant area
where both Alice and Sep homesteaded. Here Rea
met Henry and they were married in November 1905.

Henry and Rea farmed in numerous areas but ended
up back in Spring Coulee in 1929 on a farm about
six miles west of the town. It was known as 'the
poor farm'. After several years they moved to a
farm 4 miles west and 2 miles north of town.

They were both active in community affairs. Rea
worked in both the Ladie's Aid (U.C.W.) and
Womens Institute.

Of the union three girls were born. Charlotte,
born in 1909, worked for Harlan and Margaret
Thompson before attending Normal School in
Calgary. She taught several years before
returning to teach one year in Spring Coulee.
She met and married Burton Payne of
Cardston and made her home there. They had
five children, three of whom are still living. Two
live in Cardston and one in Calgary. Burt passed
away in 1970 and Charlotte in 1972.

The middle daughter was away from home
before the family moved back to Spring Coulee.
She also was a school teacher.

When the Ernst family returned to Spring Coulee,
the youngest daughter attended high school
through grade eleven in Spring Coulee. This was
during the "Dirty 30's" and while no one had any
money we had many good times. Sleigh rides,
skating parties, ball games, community dances, card
parties and just visiting. Mrs. Blance had a girls club
where we met and did crafts etc.. A highlight of it was
when she took us to Waterton for a few days. We
stayed in Thompson's cabin and had a ball. We
were even allowed to go to the dances.

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