Elmer Ross Oatman (1898 - 1976)

Born 4 Jun 1898 in Tillsonburg, Oxford, Ontario, Canada

Ancestors

Husband of Eva Margaret (Powell) Oatman — married 5 Dec 1931 in Anyox, British Columbia, Canada

Descendants

Died 8 Nov 1976 in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada

Profile manager: Peggy Watkins [send private message]

Biography

Ross was born in 1898, the son of Archie Oatman and Frankie Smith^[1][2] and they lived in Tillsonburg, Ontario.^[3] In 1909, his family moved to Milwaukee, WI.^[4][5][6]He may have lived briefly with his grandmother, Almira.^[7] As a young man, he served in the military during the First World War.^[8] His family moved to Victoria, BC. where he began working for the Royal Bank.^[9][10][11] He moved to the north coast of BC and there he met and married Wilma Powell in 1931 in Anyox, BC.^[12] They had three daughters, Frances (1932), Marilyn (1934) and Irene (1936). They continued to live on the north coast of BC, in Anyox and Stewart where he began his career with the Provincial Government.^{[13] [14]} They then moved to Grand Forks and later Kelowna, BC.^[15][16] Ross passed away in 1976.^[17]

Ross' Story

E. Ross Oatman written by Marilyn Marshall

Elmer Ross Oatman was born June 4th, 1898 at Tillsonburg, Ontario. He grew up playing hockey with his brothers on the frozen ponds in the area. Two of his brothers made it to the NHL and Ross played hockey and baseball too.

When the First World War broke out he joined up with the 228 Battalion of the Northern Fusiliers. He was the paymaster and played in the military band and sounded the Last Post at many Remembrance Day ceremonies and for Legion Funerals for many years.

When he came home his brother Eddie was Captain of and playing hockey for Victoria, BC in the Coast League so Ross packed up his Mother and Grandmother in Ontario and moved them to Victoria too. Ross worked for the Bank and joined the Victoria Moose Band and played baseball and tennis.

Ross moved to Alice Arm, north of Prince Rupert, and was employed by the Royal Bank from 1921 to 1923. In 1929 his first posting with the BC Government Agency was in the Altin district.

From there, Ross moved to Anyox, BC, north of Alice Arm, the home of Granby Mining and Smelter Company. He loved to hunt ducks on the mud flats and fish the streams. He helped built a tennis court out of wood on top of the slag pile and golfed on the infamous slag pile course.

Ross married Wilma Powell and had 3 daughters, Frances (1932), Marilyn (1934) and Irene (1936). When Frances and Marilyn were born he signed their birth certificates as Government Agent and was always very proud of these certificates. They still have them today.

When the Granby Mine & Smelter closed around 1937, Ted Scott, a young minister who had just graduated from the Theological College in Vancouver, came to Anyox by boat to help the people close out the town. They said there was a young man at the Government Agents office reciting poems of the north and buying everyone a round of scotch. That man was "E. Ross Oatman". After many years of Ministry, Ted Scott became Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada and he told Marilyn this story himself.

The next move was up the coast to the mining town of Stewart, BC where Ross was Assistant Government Agent. They used to picnic on the glaciers near the Premier Mine and had their own back yard skating rink and snow banks 10 feet tall. Ross and Wilma started a dance orchestra. He joined the Order of the Elks and loved to write poems about the people and the mine.

In 1941, Ross's next posting was to Grand Forks, a lovely town in southern BC, as Public Works Clerk. The government agent's office was a classic brick Court House with a huge vault and beautiful grounds. They were fortunate to live in a lovely old home across from the schools. The sisters always took part in the Lilac Pageant held on May 24th.They swam in the river and spent memorable summers at Christina Lake.

While in Grand Forks the Second World Water ended and shortly thereafter, Ross took over as the Government Agent in Kelowna. Ross first worked from a small office on Bernard Ave. near the Paramont Theatre but then moved to the new Court House (now demolished) next to the Kelowna Yacht Club. Ross used to say he was Premier W.A.C. Bennett's "right-hand man" as he was responsible for arranging all the Premiers appointments in Kelowna.

He presided over many weddings, was the Official Administrator, Clerk of the Court and took great pride in doing an excellent job. Ross retired in 1962 and passed away in 1976.

Discover more at: E. Ross Oatman (wordpress blog)^[18]

Birth

Birth Record:

Ontario, Canada Births, 1869-1909

Name: Elmer Ross Oatman

Date of Birth: 4 Jun 1898

Gender: Male

Birth County: Oxford

Father's Name: Arhtur Monroe Oatman

Mother's Name: Frances Lazelle Smith

Source: "Ontario Births, 1869-1912," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FM6M-XT5 : 10 August 2017), Elmer Ross Oatman, 04 Jun 1898; citing Birth, South Norwich, Oxford, Ontario, Canada, citing Archives of Ontario, Toronto; FHL microfilm 1,928,125.

Census, Canada

1901 Census

Image available here:

http://data2.collectionscanada.ca/1901/z/z002/pdf/z000086057.pdf

Province: Ontario

District Name: Norfolk North

Sub-District Name: Tillsonburg (Town)

Household: Name, Relationship, Age

Archie Oatman: Head, 38

Frankie Oatman: Wife, 35

Byson Oatman: Son, 14

Roe Oatman: Son, 13

Eddia Oatman: Son, 11

Mildred Oatman: Daughter, 8

Rossie Oatman: Son, 2

Source: Archives Canada. "1901 Census." Library and Archives Canada. March 15, 2016. Accessed August 24, 2018.

Migration to United States

Vermont Border Crossing (1909):

Vermont, St. Albans Canadian Border Crossings, 1895-1954

Event Type: Immigration

Event Date: 1909

Event Place: Vermont, United States

From the form:

Family name / Age

Arthur M Oatman / 47

Frances Oatman / 43

Mildred Oatman / 15

Ross Oatman / 11

Russell Oatman / 4

Wilfred Oatman / 0

Last permanent residence: Langton, Ont., Can.

Final destination: Milwaukee, Wis

Destination and name and address of relative or friend to join there:

Milwaukee, Wis., son, Bryon Oatman, 196 - 13th St.

Source: "Vermont, St. Albans Canadian Border Crossings, 1895-1954," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QKQM-P876 : 16 March 2018), Arthur M Oatman, 1895-1924; citing M1461, Soundex Index to Canadian Border Entries through the St. Albans, Vermont, District, 1895-1924, 292, NARA microfilm publications M1461, M1463, M1464, and M1465 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, publication year); FHL microfilm 1,473,092.

Census, United States

1910 United States Federal Census

Home in 1910: Milwaukee Ward 2, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Household Members: Name Age

Arthur M Oatman 47

Byron E Oatman 23

Mildred M Oatman 17

Elmer R Oatman 11

Warren R Oatman 5

Wilfred E Oatman 1

Source: "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MP2S-3QK : accessed 10 November 2018), Arthur M Oatman, Milwaukee Ward 2, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 24, sheet 14B, family 292, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1722; FHL microfilm 1,375,735.

Census, Canada

1911 Census

Image available here:

http://data2.collectionscanada.gc.ca/1911/pdf/e002010845.pdf

Province: Ontario

District Name: Oxford South

Sub-District Name: Norwich South

Sub-District Description: Otterville Village

Household: Name, Role, Age

Almira Smith: Head, 75 Marital Status: Widowed

From the form with Almira Smith

Rossie Oatman

Relationship: Grandson

Age: 13

Source: Archives Canada. "1911 Census. Item: Almira Smith." Library and Archives Canada. April 15, 2016. Accessed September 02, 2018.

Military Service

Serving in WWI between November 14, 1916 and March 21, 1919

Soldiers of the First World War - CEF

Name: OATMAN, ELMER ROSS

Regimental number(s): 1007044

Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 7396 - 40

Date of Birth: 04/06/1898

Image of service records available online here:

http://central.bac-lac.gc.ca/.item/?op=pdf&app=CEF&id=B7396-S040

Source: Archives Canada. "Personnel Records of the First World War." Library and Archives Canada. October 24, 2016. Accessed August 15, 2018. http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/first-world-war/personnel-records/Pages/item.aspx?IdNumber=553402

City Directory info

Living in Victoria BC between 1920 and 1926

1920: Oatman, Archd farmer h 1403 Fernwood

Oatman, Edw h 1403 Fernwood

Oatman, E Ross clk Royal bk h 1403 Fernwood

1921: Oatman, E Ross teller Royal Bank h 246 Howe

1924: Oatman, Archd M jntr Woolworth Bldg h 2630 Douglas

-- Byron dept mgr Weller Bros h 165 Joseph

-- E Ross teller Royal Bk r 2630 Douglas

-- Russell r 2630 Douglas

-- Wilfred stckpr Woolworths r 2630 Douglas

1925: Oatman, Archd M jntr h 2630 Douglas

-- Byron dept sales Spencers h 6, 1021 Cook

-- E Ross asst acct Royal Bk r 2630 Douglas

-- Wilfred sales r 2630 Douglas

1926: Oatman, Arthur M retired r 930 Queens

-- E Ross asst acct Royal Bk r 930 Queens

-- Wilfd pkr E G Prior r 930 Queens

Source: British Columbia city directories: 1860 to 1955

Census, Canada

1921 Census

Image available here:

http://central.bac-lac.gc.ca/.item/?app=Census1921&op=pdf&id=e002878204

Province: British Columbia

District Name: Victoria (City)

Arthur Monroe Oatman: Head, 58

Frances Lazel Oatman: Wife, 54

Almira Smith: Mother-in-law, 86 Marital Status: Widowed

Ross Elmer Oatman: Son, 23

Waren Russell Oatman: Son, 16

Wilfred Earl Oatman: Son, 12

Source: Archives Canada. "1921 Census." Library and Archives Canada. August 30, 2017. Accessed August 24, 2018.

Marriage

Vital Event Marriage Registration:

Groom Name: Elmer Ross Oatman

Bride Name: Eva Margaret Powell

Event Date: 1931 12 5 (Yr/Mo/Day)

Event Place: Anyox

Reg. Number: 1931-09-398488

B.C. Archives Microfilm Number: B13762

GSU Microfilm Number: 2074783

Bridegroom

Full name: Oatman, Elmer Ross

Occupation: Clerk, Department Public Works

Bachelor, Widower or Divorced: Bachelor

Age: 33 yrs.

Religious denomination: Church of England

Residence: Anyox

Place of Birth: Springford, Ontario, (Oxford County).

Name of father: Archie Monroe Oatman.

Place of birth of father: Springford, Ontario.

Maiden name of mother: Frances Smith.

Place of birth of mother: Springford, Ontario.

Image available online here:

http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/08bc70cb-2e6d-4b02-93e6-76448fea52fe

Source: Province of British Columbia, BC Archives. "BC Archives." Search Our Collection - Royal BC Museum. Reg. Number: 1931-09-398488 . Accessed August 08, 2018. http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Genealogy.

City Directory info

Living in Anyox, BC between 1930 and 1937

Powell P: Occupation: Clerk. Listing in 1930, 1931, 1932, 1934 and 1935.

Oatman R/ER:

Occupation: Clerk. Listing in 1930.

Occupation: B C govt Listing in 1931, 1932, 1934, 1935, 1936 and 1937.

Living in Stewart, BC between 1938 and 1940

Oatman E R: Occupation: Clk. Listing in 1938.

Oatman E Ros: Occupation: acct. Listing in 1940.

Powell, Mrs. Piercy: Listing in 1940.

Living in Grand Forks, BC between 1941 and 1946

Oatman E Ross: Occupation: clk BC govt. Listing in 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1946.

Powell Mrs Percy: Listing in 1942, 1943.

Powell Mrs M Z: Occupation: clk D A McKinnon. Listing in 1944, 1945, 1946.

Living in Kelowna BC between 1947 and 1954

Oatman E Ross:

Occupation: agt BC govt. Listing in 1947, 1948.

(Eva M) Occupation: agt BC govt. Address: h 547 Leon. Listing in 1949/50, 1951/52, 1954.

Powell Mabel Z: wid P Address: r 547 Leon. Listing in 1948, 1949/50, 1951/52, 1954.

Oatman Frances M:

slswm Loane's Hdw r 547 Leon. Listing in 1951/52.

dental asst HR Henderson r 547 Leon. Listing in 1954.

Oatman Marilyn W studt r 547 Leon. Listing in 1954.

Source: British Columbia city directories: 1860 to 1955

Death

Death of Ross

Vital Event Death Registration:

Name: Elmer Ross Oatman

Event Date: 1976 11 8 (Yr/Mo/Day)

Age: 77

Gender: male

Event Place: Kelowna

Reg. Number: 1976-09-016895

B.C. Archives Microfilm Number: B13356

GSU Microfilm Number: 2050569

Image available online here:

http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/d43792e2-2ffd-44e8-adf1-1028b51cd9b4

Source: Province of British Columbia, BC Archives. "BC Archives." Search Our Collection - Royal BC Museum. Reg. Number: 1976-09-016895. Accessed August 08, 2018. http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Genealogy

Burial of Ross

Elmer Ross Oatman

Birth: 4 Jun 1898

Tillsonburg, Oxford County Municipality, Ontario, Canada

Death: 8 Nov 1976 (aged 78)

Kelowna, Central Okanagan Regional District, British Columbia, Canada

Burial: Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery

Kelowna, Central Okanagan Regional District, British Columbia, Canada

Plot C 1 102 20

Memorial ID 110819693

Source: findagrave.com

Sources

1. ↑ "Canada Births and Baptisms, 1661-1959," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLNF-Y7S : 10 February 2018), Elmer Ross Oatman, 04 Jun 1898; citing South Norwich, Oxford, Ontario, 04 Jun 1898, reference 91; FHL microfilm 1,928,125.
2. ↑ "Ontario Births, 1869-1912," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FM6M-XT5 : 10 August 2017), Elmer Ross Oatman, 04 Jun 1898; citing Birth, South Norwich, Oxford, Ontario, Canada, citing Archives of Ontario, Toronto; FHL microfilm 1,928,125.
3. ↑ Archives Canada. "1901 Census. Item: Rossie Oatman." Library and Archives Canada. March 15, 2016. Accessed August 22, 2018. https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/census/1901/Pages/item.aspx?itemid=3024594
4. ↑ "Vermont, St. Albans Canadian Border Crossings, 1895-1954," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK3Y-JZ5K : 16 March 2018), Frances Oatman, 1909; citing M1464, Soundex Index to Canadian Border Entries through the St. Albans, Vermont, District, 1895-1924, 112, NARA microfilm publications M1461, M1463, M1464, and M1465 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, publication year); FHL microfilm 1,561,198.
5. ↑ Detroit Border Crossings and Passenger and Crew Lists, 1905-1957 [database on-line]. Ancestry.com. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2006.
6. ↑ "United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MP2S-3QG : accessed 10 November 2018), Elmer R Oatman in household of Arthur M Oatman, Milwaukee Ward 2, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 24, sheet 14B, family 292, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1722; FHL microfilm 1,375,735.
7. ↑ Archives Canada. "1911 Census. Item: Almira Smith." Library and Archives Canada. April 15, 2016. Accessed August 23, 2018. https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/census/1911/Pages/item.aspx?itemid=6758096.
8. ↑ Archives Canada. "Personnel Records of the First World War." Library and Archives Canada. October 24, 2016. Accessed August 15, 2018. https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/first-world-war/personnel-records/Pages/item.aspx?IdNumber=553402
9. ↑ Archives Canada. "1921 Census. Item: Ross Elmer Oatman." Library and Archives Canada. August 30, 2017. Accessed August 23, 2018. https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/census/1921/Pages/item.aspx?itemid=4789824
10. ↑ British Columbia city directories: 1860 to 1955: Henderson's City of Victoria Directory, 1920, 1921.
11. ↑ British Columbia city directories: 1860 to 1955: Wrigley's BC Directory, 1924, 1925, 1926.
12. ↑ Province of British Columbia, BC Archives. "BC Archives." Search Our Collection - Royal BC Museum. Reg. Number: 1931-09-398488 . Accessed August 08, 2018. http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Genealogy.
13. ↑ British Columbia city directories: 1860 to 1955: Wrigley's BC Directory, 1930, 1931, 1932.
14. ↑ British Columbia city directories: 1860 to 1955: Sun BC and Yukon Directory, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937, 1938, 1940.
15. ↑ British Columbia city directories: 1860 to 1955: Sun BC and Yukon Directory, 1941, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1945, 1946, 1947.
16. ↑ British Columbia city directories: 1860 to 1955: Kelowna City Directory, 1948, 1949/50, 1951/52, 1954.
17. ↑ Province of British Columbia, BC Archives. "BC Archives." Search Our Collection - Royal BC Museum. Reg. Number: 1976-09-016895. Accessed August 08, 2018. http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Genealogy.
18. ↑ "E. Ross Oatman." E. Ross Oatman. Accessed October 16, 2018. https://rossoatman.wordpress.com/

See also:

• Find A Grave: Memorial #110819693

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