Alexander Petrie - 1886-1953, came to Canada from Scotland
in 1905 at age 19. He worked on a farm in Manitoba, a
dairy in Oregon, tried farming in Saskatchewan, had a stint
with the Great Northern Railway, building line from Montana
up into B.C., before settling in the Magrath area. This began
his career in irrigation, starting with the A.R. & I, later to be
part of the C.P.R. Alexander was predeceased by his father
in 1886, and his mother in 1923. His only brother, James
was killed in 1916 while serving with a Highland Regiment
(Seaforth). Beekeeping was Alex's principal hobby and
provided many hours of relaxation as well as keeping the
family supplied with honey for the entire year.

Lucy McGann (1888-1974), came to Magrath from Nottingham,
England in 1913. She arrived with her mother Elizabeth
and was active in dressmaking and drycleaning. Lucy had
served seven years as an apprentice in the tailoring trade.
Her father, Isaac McGann arrived later, having been a
foundry worker in Nottingham. Lucy's mother and father
both worked for the irrigation company, she as a cook for
the men, and he as a blacksmith.

Alexander and Lucy were married in Lethbridge in February
of 1916. They moved from Magrath to the Chin Gates
house in the spring of 1916. Their first son James was
born in 1917. He drowned in an irrigation canal in 1925.
A second son was born in 1919, and a third son was born
in 1928.

Lucy was active with many community and church
organizations throughout her years. Her beautiful flower
gardens, easily visible from the old Coutts highway,
were always a show piece. Poetry was a gift, that
provided suitable verse for any and all occasions.
After the death of Alex in 1953, Lucy moved to Calgary,
and resided in her own home until her passing in 1974.

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