Lower Mainland
Fraser Canyon
Interior
Barkerville
Ashcroft Town
As a 36-year-old cowboy from Ohio, Evans had driven a herd of sheep into B.C. in the 1870s. In the Cariboo he worked for J.C.Barnes at the Butte ranch, and married the boss's daughter, Ellen. When Brink died Evans and Barnes took over the work of subdividing and selling lots. The Williams Directory of 1892 mentions "Ashcroft is 205 miles from Vancouver and 2698 miles from Montreal. It is one of the most important stations of the CPR railway in the Pacific Division, being a shipping point and trading post for the northern districts of Lillooet and Cariboo. Large quantities of freight are taken to these districts in wagons drawn by horses and mules. The BC Express Co. carrying the mails, have their headquarters in the town. A good public school affords ample educational facilities, where a number of out-of-town boarders are availing themselves of the opportunity. Various religious denominations hold services in the Town Hall. The Church of England has built a small church. Cattle and sheep ranching co exist in the outlying areas. The climate is mild and dry, and extremely healthy. The population is about 200."
Oliver Evans, married into the right family at the right time (credit: BC Archives #C-09985)
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All text and images
© Quesnel & District Museum and Archives unless otherwise
noted. Thanks to the B.C. Archives for permission to show various
images. Thanks to the BC Encyclopedia for permission to quote information
on the roadhouse communities. Thanks to the Living Landscapes Project,
the Royal British Columbia Museum, Ministry of Community, Aboriginal
and Women's Services for their support of site development.
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