These people became forced-laborers for up to two years after the war ended. 1915 William Garneau of Munson, Alberta registered an Alberta horse and cattle brand for the right shoulder consisting of a 'WG' with a bar over top. The friend decided he didn't want the homestead however Mathias decided to take it and spent a number of summers proving it up by clearing land and building a log home. It is during this period that Mathias shot a large bird and it is years later that he discovered that it had been a Whooping Crane. The family believes he filed on the homestead in the Sand Hills District in 1915.
Some homesteaders however appear to have squatted for a number of years before applying for title.
This item needs more research to tie down the actual date. In later years I would follow her about as she collected her cattail roots, wild mint, Canadian thistle or dandelion leaves as well as many other delicacies that I have long forgotten. She would use these wild plants to garnish the wild rabbit, partridge, prairie chicken, duck or pheasant that we would bring to her. The flood this year swept away fifty homes, including the Edmonton Lumber Company, John Walter's Mill and the City Boilers. Flooding also cut off the electrical supply to the City.