Stories | Cruickshank.family

WILLIAM and HUGH

Revised March 10, 2025

William James Cruickshank and

Hugh Alexander Cruickshank

come to Canada

In 1925 a nephew of Frank John Cruickshank (our grandfather) came to Winnipeg. The nephew was William James Cruickshank, a son of Frank's brother Alexander Watt Cruickshank.

William James Cruickshank was born on March 21, 1895 at 107 Charlotte Street in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, according to his birth registration. His father, Alexander Watt Cruickshank was employed by the railway. His mother’s (maiden) name was Jane Duguid McRae. Jane was employed as a domestic servant when she married Alexander on August 28, 1890.

William James Cruickshank was married to Margaret McKay on February 26, 1921, in the Adelphi Hotel in Aberdeen. William was a master baker and Margaret was a laundry maid. Margaret's parents were her father, John McKay (telegraph line inspector), and her mother, Jessie McKay (nee Fraser). On the marriage record of William and Margaret, William's parents were listed as Alexander Watt Cruickshank (coal merchant), and Jeannie Cruickshank (nee McRae). William's younger brother Hugh Alexander Cruickshank signed as a witness.

William boarded the ship "Saturnia" which sailed from Glasgow on March 13, 1925, and arrived at Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada on March 22, 1925. He was 29 (almost 30) years old.

The immigration form (line 5) states the following about William:

place of birth: Fraserburgh.
never been to Canada before
paid for his own passage
occupation in Scotland: "Baker"
intended occupation in Canada: "Dairy Farmer Agriculturist"
destination: "YMCA, Montreal, Quebec" is crossed out and replaced with "Uncle Frank Cruickshank, 1072 Garland Street, Winnipeg."
names and ages of wife to follow you to Canada: "Wife, Mrs. Margt. Cruickshank, 3 Farquhar Place, Aberdeen."
passport: Nil
money in possession: $50
action taken: Landed Immigrant

William did not get listed in the 1925 Henderson’s Winnipeg Directory.

From the 1926 Henderson’s Winnipeg Directory, we find William living at the home of his uncle Frank John Cruickshank at 1020 Garfield Street in Winnipeg. (The address for this house was changed in 1932 to 1040 Garfield). He is occupied as a Baker at the Matt Thompson Co., bakers, which was located at 162 Lipton Street, the home of Matt Thompson the proprietor. This large building, still standing at 162 Lipton, is a 2 ½ storey building, with a commercial front on the main floor, and living accommodations above. William’s uncle Frank Cruickshank is occupied as a Carpenter in 1926 Henderson. {Going forward “Henderson” means the Henderson’s Winnipeg Directory}

Also in 1926, on July 10, William’s wife Margaret (nee McKay) Cruickshank (age 26), and daughter Evelyn Margaret Cruickshank (age 5 years, born Sept 7, 1922) boarded the ship "Montrose" in Greenock, and they arrived in Quebec City on July 17, 1926. The immigration form states they are going to meet their husband (and father) Wm. Cruickshank in Winnipeg. Their nearest relative in Scotland is their sister (and aunt) Mrs Petrie in Uddingston, Scotland.

In 1927 William is living at 611 Elgin. He is still a Baker at Matt Thompson Bakery which has expanded its premises to include 1156 Ingersol as well as 162 Lipton. The proprietor Is still Matt Thompson. The building at 1156 Ingersol from 1927 is no longer standing. Some time after the 1927 Henderson publication, William will move to 941 William Avenue.

In this year of 1927 William's younger brother, Hugh Alexander Cruickshank sailed to Canada. Hugh Alexander boarded the ship "Montrose" which sailed from Greenock, Scotland on September 3, 1927, and arrived at Quebec, Canada on September 10, 1927. Hugh was born June 5, 1897 at 19 Lamond Place in Aberdeen, Scotland. The other information on Hugh’s birth registration is the same as on his brother William’s birth registration (see above). Hugh was 30 years old when he immigrated.

The Canadian Immigration Service Return, Volume 20, page 119, on line 15, states the following about Hugh:

marital status: Single
country of birth: Scotland, Bodden (meant to be Boddam)
never been to Canada before
paid for his own passage
occupation in Scotland: "Coal Merchant"
intended occupation in Canada: "Labourer"
destination: "Brother:- Mr. Wm. Cruickshank. 941 William Av. Winnipeg"
name, relationship and address of your nearest relative in Scotland: "Father:- Mr. A. Cruickshank. Beekley Bldgs. “Bodden”. The word 'Beekley' is fuzzy.
passport: Left blank
traveling inland on: CPR
action taken: Landed Immigrant

In addition, a manifest for British passengers informs that Hugh’s last address in the United Kingdom was Rocksley Buildings in Boddam, that he travelled third class, and that he stated his occupation as coal merchant.

Hugh missed being listed in the 1927 Winnipeg Henderson’s Directory.

In 1928 we find William living at 941 William Avenue in Winnipeg. He is still an employee at Matt Thompson. Matt Thompson is listed as “bakers and confectionery”, and still located at 162 Lipton and 1156 Ingersol, with Matt Thompson as proprietor. In this year of 1928, Harold John (commonly called John) Crabtree lists himself as vice president of Matt Thompson. (For more about John Crabtree see ‘The Murrays in Winnipeg’ which I wrote earlier.) [One Hugh J. Cruickshank is listed as a travelling salesman for United Grain Growers and living at 35 Stranmillis but our Hugh’s middle initial is A, for Alexander. It seems our Hugh was not listed in 1928 Henderson.]

William has moved to 27 St. Andrews Rd. in 1929. That house is no longer standing. He is still an employee at Matt Thompson, bakers and confectioners. The company is still at two locations: 162 Lipton and 1156 Ingersol. Matt Thompson is the president in 1929. John Crabtree again lists himself as vice president of Matt Thompson. In 1929 an H. Cruishank (sic) is listed at William's old address, 941 William Avenue. I am taking this as William J. Cruickshank’s brother, Hugh Alexander Cruickshank. This Hugh was employed at Vulcan Iron, located on Sutherland Avenue and Maple Street in 1929. [In 1929 we also see Hugh J. Cruickshank still at 35 Stranmillis which confirms he was not our Hugh Alexander Cruickshank in 1928].

The 1930 Henderson lists William J. Cruickshank as a foreman at Matt Thompson Co. Ltd, which has only the 1156 Ingersol address in this year. H.J. Crabtree has become the president of Matt Thompson in the company listing. The man, Matt Thompson, is not listed with the company in 1930. There is, however, a Matt Thompson listed with home address of 404 Waverley, with no occupation given. William Cruickshank’s listed address is 27 St. Annes Road [this must be an error and should read 27 St Andrew’s Road, based on past and future listings]. There is no likely candidate listed for William’s brother Hugh in 1930 Henderson.

William is still living at 27 St. Andrews Rd, in 1931, and is listed as a baker at Matt Thompson, cake specialists, located at 1156 Ingersol only. Listed as manager of Matt Thompson is J.J McMahon. Listed as president of Matt Thompson is Harold J. Crabtree. This is the last year the company of Matt Thompson will be listed. The man Matt Thompson is living at 404 Waverley and is now proprietor of Dilly Dally Indoor Golf Course. There is an H. Cruikshanks listed as a mechanic in 1931, with no employer listed, living at 417 William. This seems like William’s brother, Hugh. (See 1932 for continuity). The year 1931 was a census year but there is no Cruickshank of our family in the digitized census record for Manitoba (as of March, 2025, when I searched last).

In 1932 the company name of Matt Thompson, still at 1156 Ingersol only, changed to Honeysuckle Bakeries. This is the first year the name of Honeysuckle Bakeries. appeared.

The man Matt Thompson is no longer associated with the company he founded and not listed at all in 1932 (or 1933) Henderson. I found no trace of him in Ancestry.com either. Harold John Crabtree is the president, of Honeysuckle Bakeries, a position he will retain until retirement in 1955 or 1956.William J Cruickshank stayed on as a foreman at Honeysuckle Bakeries in 1932, and is still living at 27 St. Andrews Rd. William’s brother, Hugh Cruickshank is a janitor at Honeysuckle Bakeries, still living at 417 William in 1932.

Henderson in 1933 lists William as a baker at Honeysuckle Bakeries, living at 27 St. Andrews Rd. Hugh A. Cruickshank is a janitor at Honeysuckle Bakeries, now living at 115 Harriet. [Our Hugh Cruickshank had the middle name of Alexander so this confirms we are following the correct person].

There is no change for William in 1934. He is still a baker for Honeysuckle Bakeries and still living at 27 St. Andrews Rd. Hugh Cruickshank is now a driver for Honeysuckle Bakeries, still living at 115 Harriet.

Both William and Hugh are listed in 1935 Henderson and both with no employer. This means they could have been unemployed in that year, which was in the middle of the Great Depression, (1929-1939). William was listed as a baker, still living at 27 St. Andrews Rd. Hugh was listed as a truck driver, still living at 115 Harriet.

In 1936 William is listed as a baker, living at 27 St. Andrews Rd. With no employer listed he is likely unemployed. Hugh is still living at 115 Harriet but with no occupation or employer listed he is also likely unemployed.

William Cruickshank left Honeysuckle Bakeries to become a superintendent at St. Andrew’s Bakery in 1937. This bakery was located at 786 Toronto Street and Arthur G. Siddle was the proprietor. The building at 786 Toronto was built in 1910. It has a store front facing the street with living quarters behind. William remained living at 27 St Andrews Rd. There is no listing for any Hugh Cruickshank (any spelling) in 1937 Henderson.

In 1938 William Cruickshank became proprietor of St Mary’s Rd Bakery, located at 329 St Mary’s Road. That building is no longer standing. This looks like a new company as it was not listed in the previous year’s (1937) Henderson. William remained living at 27 St Andrews Rd. Hugh, listed with last name Cruickshanks, is still living at 115 Harriet, but with no occupation or employer given.

There was no change at all for William from 1938 to 1939. Hugh is not listed in 1939 Henderson. On September 23, 1939, Hugh Alexander Cruickshank married Williamina Burnett, in Winnipeg, as found on their Manitoba Government marriage registration.

In 1940 the name of St Mary’s Rd Bakery, at 329 St Mary’s Road, was changed to Cruickshanks Bakery, with William J. Cruickshank as the proprietor. William’s home address remained as 27 St Andrews Rd, where he has lived since 1929. Hugh Cruickshank is employed at Cruickshanks Bakery as a driver, and still living at 115 Harriet.

Cruickshank Bakery is listed at 429 St Mary’s Road in 1941 with William J. Cruickshank continuing as proprietor. This address number is a change from previous years. It could be due to a relocation, or due to an address shift by the City of Winnipeg which did happen occasionally. William remained living at 27 St Andrews Rd. Hugh A. Cruickshank is listed as an employee at Cruickshank Bakery, still living at 115 Harriet.

In 1942, William J. Cruickshank continued as proprietor of Cruickshank Bakery at 429 St Mary’s Road. William still lived at 27 St Andrews Rd. Also, at 27 St Andrews Road is listed for the first time a W. Cruickshank who was employed as a driver for Modern Dairies in 1942. This could be a son of William, but Manitoba Government birth records newer than 100 years are not available on line. There is no mention of a son of William J Cruickshank on Ancestry.com nor on any other records I have found. In 1942 there are only 2 people named Hugh Cruickshank (any spelling). One Hugh is my uncle. The other one could be William’s brother Hugh A. Cruickshank who is listed as a salesman in 1942 but with no employer given, and living at 42 Regal East, which would be an address change from 115 Harriet.

In 1943, neither William J. Cruickshank nor Cruickshank Bakery are listed in Henderson. Now listed as owner of the home at 27 St Andrews Rd is Gordon E. McLeod, who remains the owner going forward. The W. Cruickshank, driver for Modern Dairies, (who I consider as a possible son of William J Cruickshank) has moved from 27 St Andrews Rd to 101 Guay in Winnipeg. This suggests that William J Cruickshank moved out of 27 St Andrews Rd. and closed the bakery. The bakery closure and move from 27 St Andrews Rd is confirmed in the next year (1944). In 1943, Hugh is still living at 42 Regal, with no occupation nor employer given.

What happened to William J. Cruickshank, son of Alexander Watt Cruickshank and nephew of Frank John Cruickshank (who lived at 1040 Garfield) in 1943 and afterward? From his brother Hugh’s obituary we know that William lived in Toronto in 1962. What year William J Cruickshank move out of Winnipeg? There are 4 possibilities. They are:

> William J. Cruickshank moved out of Winnipeg in 1943 and ended up in Toronto

> William J Cruickshank moved to 101 Guay in Winnipeg in 1943-1944

> William J Cruickshank moved to 3-193 Kitson in Winnipeg in 1943-1944

> William J. Cruickshank got listed twice, at 101 Guay at and

3-193 Kitson in 1944

For discussion on the 101 Guay and 3-193 Kitson possibilities, see NOTE 2, below.

In 1944 there are 2 possible addresses for William J,. Cruickshank. They are 101 GUAY and 3-193 KITSON. As indicated in NOTE 2, below, it seems most likely that William J. Cruickshank and his wife moved to 101 Guay around 1944. I will proceed with this assumption.

In 1944 Henderson, Wm J. Cruickshank, is living at 101 GUAY and employed as a helper at CNR. Also, and only in 1944, a Wm Cruickshanks is living at 3-193 KITSON. Living with Wm J Cruickshank at 101 Guay is W. Cruickshanks (with an ‘s’), an employee with CNR. Cruickshank Bakery is not listed in 1944 Henderson. Its address from previous years, which was 429 St Mary’s Road, is completely absent in 1944 Henderson. This would indicate that William J. Cruickshank has closed Cruickshank Bakery and found employment as a helper at CNR. The W. Cruickshanks also at 101 Guay could be William J’s son. There is no listing for any Hugh Cruickshank (any spelling) in 1944 Henderson.

In 1945 William J Cruickshank is still employed as a helper at CNR. He is still living at 101 Guay. There were no other Cruickshank (of any spelling) listed at this address. There is no listing for any Hugh Cruickshank (any spelling) in 1945 Henderson.

At 101 Guay, in 1946, only one Cruickshank appears and that is William J Cruickshank, helper at CNR. I am taking this person as the William J. Cruickshank that was a baker in past years and is the nephew of Frank John Cruickshank at (1020) 1040 Garfield.

From 1946, until his passing in 1962, we have an unbroken line for Hugh Alexander Cruickshank, who is a son of Alexander Watt Cruickshank, a brother of William J Cruickshank (the baker) and a nephew of Frank John Cruickshank who lived on Garfield Street. In 1946 Hugh was an employee at Canada packers, living at the new address of 3-193 Kitson. This address had been the home in 1944 of a Wm. Cruickshanks, with no occupation or employer listed.

In 1947, living at 101 Guay is Wm Cruickshank, employee, CNR. Hugh Cruickshank again appears as an employee at Canada Packers, living at 3-193 Kitson.

In 1948, Wm J Cruickshank is still employed at CNR, and living at 101 Guay. Hugh A. Cruickshank is still living at 3-193 Kitson with no employer indicated.

The 1949 Henderson is the first year where WIVES ARE LISTED. In 1949, Wm Cruickshanks and his wife Margaret living at 101 Guay. William is an employee with CNR. Hugh A. Cruickshank and his wife Williamina are living at 3-193 Kitson. Hugh is employed as a caretaker with the Norwood School Board. The addition of wives’ names in Henderson strongly reinforces previous assumptions.

NOTE: Hugh Alexander Cruickshank worked for the Norwood School Division from 1949 until his death in 1962. Geordie Murray (discussed on www.clanmurray.family; brother of Mom Campbell) worked for the Norwood School Division from 1946 to approximately 1964. It seems extremely likely that they knew each other.

In 1950, William and Margaret Cruickshank are still living at 101 Guay. William is employed as a blacksmith for CNR Transcona. Hugh A Cruickshank and “Minnie” are living at 3-196 Kitson. Minnie would be the shortened form of Williamina. Hugh is employed as a caretaker for the Norwood School Board.

AFTER 1950 – WILLIAM J CRUICKSHANK and MARGARET

There is a continuous line for William J Cruickshank and Margaret at 101 Guay from 1950 until 1960. All of those years William was employed at CNR and most of those years he is listed as a blacksmith there. The year 1960 is the last year for William and Margaret in Henderson.

AFTER 1950 – HUGH ALEXANDER CRUICKSHANK and WILLIAMINA

There is a continuous line for Hugh Alexander Cruickshank and Williamina from 1950 until Hugh’s death in 1962. Hugh continued working for the Norwood School Division until 1962. From 1950 until 1954, Hugh and his wife Williamina continued living at 3-193 Kitson. In 1955 Hugh and Williamina moved to 572 ½ Tremblay, where they remained until Hugh died in 1962.

Hugh Alexander Cruickshank passed away July 14, 1962. His obituary, carried in the Winnipeg Free Press on July 16, 1962, page 20, says he was living at 572 1/2 Tremblay Street in Winnipeg, and had been employed by the Norwood School Board for 14 years. (A different news clipping says, “He was caretaker of the Archwood School for the past 14 years” which is consistent.) He had served oversees with the Scottish Horse. His survivors are listed as his wife Williamina, brother W. J. Cruickshank of Toronto but formerly of Winnipeg, another brother A. G. Cruickshank in New Zealand, and Mrs. E. Allan, Peterhead Scotland. Of these last 3 people, his brother W. J. is William James Cruickshank; A. G. is Allan George Cruickshank (b Sept 26, 1891- d 1970 in New Zealand); and Mrs. E. Allan is his sister Lizzie (Elizabeth) (b Dec 13, 1903 - d 1970). From Hugh’s obituary, it would seem that Hugh and Williamina had no children. Hugh is buried at the St Vital Cemetery.

AFTER 1962 – WILLIMINA

Williamina, the wife of Hugh Alexander Cruickshank is not found in Henderson in the years 1963, nor 1964

In 1965 Willliamina was living in Apartment 26, 819 Grant Avenue, Winnipeg. This was the Legion Crest Apartments. She passed away in 1977 and is buried next to Hugh in the St. Vital Cemetery, Winnipeg.

The obituary of Williamina indicates that she:

passed away January 29, 1977 at Victoria General Hospital
was also known as “Minnie”
was 76 years old
lived at Suite 24, 819 Grant Avenue
born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland
born February 13, 1900
leaves to mourn a brother William Burnett and a sister Elsie Burnett, both of Aberdeenshire, Scotland
also leaves to mourn a niece Evelyn Menzies of Toronto. This is William and Margaret’s daughter who was born in Scotland. Evelyn’s husband’s name is given as Tom
she is buried in St Vital Cemetery

Williamina’s obituary confirms the assumption that she and Hugh had no (surviving) children

An already known fact in Williamina’s obituary is that she married Hugh Alexander Cruickshank who predeceased her in 1962.

On December 12, 1964, William James Cruickshank passed away at his home 49 Barrhead Crescent, Rexdale, Ontario. He left to mourn his wife Margaret and his daughter Evelyn (Mrs. T. Menzies). He is buried at Veterans’ plot Sanctuary Park Cemetery.

On May 29, 1968, Margeret Cruickshank passed away at the Humber Memorial Hospital. This hospital is in Toronto. The obituary states she was predeceased by her husband William James Cruickshank and she was mother of Evelyn (Mrs. T. Menzies). She is buried at Sanctuary Park Cemetery.

I have been unable to find a marriage record for Evelyn Margaret Cruickshank (who married Tom Menzies). Manitoba Government marriage records on line are only those 80 years or older.

This concludes the stories of William James Cruickshank, his wife Margaret, and their daughter Evelyn; and Hugh Alexander Cruickshank and his wife Williamina; all of whom moved from Aberdeenshire, Scotland to Winnipeg. William and Hugh were the sons of Alexander Watt Cruickshank, who in turn was a brother of Francis (Frank) John Cruickshank of 1040 Garfield Street

NOTE 1:

APPROACH TAKEN from 1946 to 1962

FOR HUGH ALEXANDER CRUICKSHANK

I have an obituary for a Hugh Alexander Cruickshank who died on July 14, 1962. Here are the reasons for this Hugh being the son of Alexander Watt Cruickshank, and similarly this Hugh being the brother of William J. Cruickshank.

The Hugh in this obituary

has the middle name of Alexander
he was aged 65 years. Our Hugh was born June 5, 1897
he was born in Aberdeen, Scotland
he came to Canada 35 years ago. Our Hugh came to Canada in 1926
surviving siblings listed match perfectly with our Hugh’s surviving siblings

That obituary is definitely about the Hugh we are interested in, son of Alexander Watt Cruickshank.

From the obituary we find Hugh’s

wife’s name is Williamina. I found the Manitoba Government record of their marriage in 1939
current address is 572 ½ Tremblay Street
occupation for the last 14 years is caretaker at Archwood School (in the Norwood School Division)

This information allows us to work backward from 1962, looking for Hugh Cruickshank with his wife’s name, that address, and that occupation.

This approach gets us back to 1954 -1955 when Hugh and Williamina had an address change from 3-193 Kitson to 572 ½ Tremblay Street. Hugh’s wife’s name and Hugh’s occupation remained unchanged so I am confident we are not losing the continuous line and can say they lived at 3-193 Kitson in 1954 and earlier. I have looked at every year going back from 1954. The earliest Henderson record for Hugh A. Cruickshank at 3-193 Kitson is in 1946.

Continuing backward, in 1945 and in 1944, Hugh is not listed, as there is no listing for any Hugh Cruickshank (any spelling) in 1945 nor 1944 Henderson

CONCLUSION FOR HUGH ALEXANDER CRUICKSHANK: Because of the strong evidence in his obituary (see above) I am certain we have an unbroken line from 1946 to 1962 for Hugh Alexander Cruickshank.

NOTE 2:

APPROACH TAKEN from 1943 onward

FOR WILLIAM JAMES CRUICKSHANK

William J Cruickshank was a master baker in Scotland, as indicated on his marriage register, so he was easy to find in Winnipeg after he moved from Frank and Georgina’s house on Garfield. After William closed Cruickshanks Bakery and moved from 27 St Andrews Rd in 1943, we needed to find where he moved to. In Winnipeg there were more than one William Cruickshank in Winnipeg at that time.

The obituary of Hugh Alexander Cruickshank we see that his brother, William J Cruickshank, was living in Toronto in 1962.

Here are the choices for William J Cruickshank. He did one of the following:

Moved out of Winnipeg shortly after selling the bakery and his home, with no other Winnipeg address.
Stayed in Winnipeg for some time until before his brother (Hugh’s) obituary

POSSIBLE HOMES FOR WILLIAM J. CRUICKSHANK IN WINNIPEG AFTER 27 ST ANDREWS ROAD

101 GUAY

Starting from 1962 and working backward there is no William J Cruickshank and Margaret until we get back to 1960 where we find William J. Cruickshank and his wife Margaret living at 101 Guay. This William is a blacksmith at CNR. There is a continuous line for William J. Cruickshank living at 101 Guay, being employed by CNR going all the way back to 1944. The 101 Guay possible address is further supported by the fact that William’s wife’s name is reported as Margaret, which is the name of William J. Cruickshank’s wife. The names of wives began to be reported in 1947.

In 1943 a W Cruickshank, driver, employed by Modern Dairies is living at 101 Guay. Recall that a W Cruickshank, driver for Modern Dairies was living at 27 St Andrews with William J. Cruickshank in 1942. There is no Cruickshank at all on Guay in 1942.These facts strengthen the connection with 101 Guay for William J. Cruickshank.

It does seem odd that William would give up his master baker trade to become an employee at CNR, so this is a weakness to the 101 Guay possibility, but all else fits.

Therefore, ONE POSSIBLE CONCLUSION ABOUT WILLIAM J. CRUICKSHANK:

It is possible the move out of Winnipeg happened in 1960 - 1961.

3-193 KITSON

Alternately, again starting at 1962 and working backwards, in 1944 there is a William Cruickshanks and a William Cruikshanks both living at 3-193 Kitson in 1944. They are both employed by CNR. They only appear THAT ONE YEAR and not previously nor after 1944. This address is interesting because William’s brother Hugh Alexander Cruickshank lived at 3-193 Kitson from 1946 until 1954-1955.

Therefore, a second possible CONCLUSION ABOUT WILLIAM J. CRUICKSHANK:

It is possible the move out of Winnipeg happened in 1945.

Of these possibilities for William J Cruickshank, I feel it is likely he was listed at both 101 Guay and 3-193 Kitson in 1944 and continued living at 101 Guay until 1960-1961.

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