I never met my grandmother, for she died almost thirty years before I was born. She is, undoubtedly, the reason behind my passionate genealogical drive. I was just beginning to dabble in family history when I discovered her story and from then, she stole my heart. I found a young woman, just thirty-two in years, had died leaving ten children motherless. Her life became my quest for answers…

Iris Mae Butts was born the 29th of August 1905 in Golden, British Columbia, Canada and died the 21st of February 1938 in McLennan, Alberta, Canada. I was astonished at how many times this family moved. Every census of a 10-year span, they were living clear across 2 countries. One census they resided in Washington State and the next in Florida. This cycle continued for over 40 years during a time when rail travel was the only option. Her father, William Jay Butts was born in Michigan and died in Turkey Point, Jarvis, Ontario. Her mother, Margaret Mae Pike was also born in Michigan and died in Piapot, Saskatchewan. If you would like to know more about this family, contact me through email.

The Family Tree of Iris Butts