From Quesnel, British Columbia to the First World War

For two years, Douglas Marr Brown documented his life in Quesnel through letters home to his family in New Brunswick. He wrote about his work as the town’s senior teacher, the community relationships he formed, and the challenges of living in the Cariboo. This final post follows Douglas’ departure from Quesnel in 1916 as he leaves his teaching career behind serving in the First World War. It also traces his life from military service in Siberia and humanitarian work with the Canadian Red Cross to his eventual retirement in New Brunswick, where he became the town’s oldest resident. 

You can read the rest of the Douglas Marr Brown series here.

The History of Quesnel

The area now known as Quesnel has been home to the Dakelh (Carrier) people, who had lived in the region since time immemorial. The name Dakehl means “people who travel by water,” which signifies the importance of the Fraser River and how it was an essential transportation route and a vital source of food. When European fur traders arrived in the early nineteenth century, they established trading posts that became the place where Indigenous peoples and Europeans exchanged furs and goods. 

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Douglas Marr Brown Leaves Quesnel

Douglas Brown’s stay in Quesnel lasted only two years. During this time, he endured the loss of his father, suffered a serious injury after being thrown from his horse, and became deeply involved in the community. His letters reveal a man who quickly formed lasting friendships and embraced life in the Cariboo town. In 1916, he packed up his life in Quesnel and left to service in the First World War.

Douglas Marr Brown in World War One and Canadian Red Cross Service

Douglas Marr Brown quickly rose to the rank of Staff Sergent in the military. Douglas went to Siberia with the Canadian Engineers in 1918 and joined the Canadian Red Cross for about fifteen months. As the secretary, he reported that the Red Cross had done an enormous amount of relief work in Russia and along the Trans-Siberian railway. He remained overseas until 1921.

To see more photos and read about his time with the Red Cross, check out the Canadian War Museum’s collection on Sargent-Major Douglas Marr Brown here

Douglas Marr Brown Returns from the First World War

Settling Down After the First World War

After spending 5 years overseas, he married Bertha A. Rust from New York. After they were married, they moved to Conneticut where they managed hotels for twenty years. They had no children.

In 1954, Douglas and Bertha retired and returned to his hometown of St. Martin’s New Brunswick. They lived in his family home which was built the year before he was born. He lived a long life, eventually being the St. Martin, New Brunswick’s oldest resident.

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Goodbye to Douglas Marr Brown

After a long life focused on community and protecting others, Douglas died at the age of 88 with his wife by his side. Bertha also lived a very long life. She lived until the age of 103!

Editorial Note

This manuscript has been transcribed with minimal editorial changes. The language reflects the attitudes and conventions of the period and may include terms or viewpoints that are offensive today. These have been retained to preserve the historical record.

Letter

Douglas Marr Brown’s Letter to Clara Brown (Mamma) – June 29, 1915

Dear Mamma, 

Can’t get away yet and am not just sure when I can. Howison’s estate has been left in the hands of the official ministate and administrator and of course there is a lot of red tape. Was working like a nigger yesterday and expect to be pretty busy to-day. Hope to get started sometime this week. Am leaving my garden in good shape. Hope it will not spoil while I am away. The potatoes won’t anyway. Had a great rain last week. Rained steadily all Saturday. Did a lot of good. Given there is nothing particular to write about this morning. 

From your loving son. 

D.M. Brown

Credit: Quesnel Museum & Archives.
Purchased with the assistance of the Friends of the Quesnel Museum

The Douglas Marr Brown Collection

This collection was purchased by the Friends of the Quesnel Museum and donated to the Quesnel Museum & Archives. The letters are transcribed verbatim from original manuscripts held at the Quesnel Museum & Archives. Spelling, grammar, and punctuation have been preserved to maintain the integrity of the original documents. Editorial introductions and historical context have been added to assist modern readers and to situate the letters within the broader social and historical landscape of twentieth-century British Columbia. 

Why Letters Like These Matter to British Columbia History

The Douglas Marr Brown letters offer a detailed record of a young teacher arriving in a new town and eager to join his new community. With each letter home to his family, we get a personal look at what life was like in Quesnel for the teacher in the 1910s. Preserved today at the Quesnel Museum & Archives, the Douglas Marr Brown letters are kept so that future generations can know the history of British Columbia and its people. 

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to the Quesnel Museum & Archives, Elizabeth Hunter, and the Friends of the Quesnel Museum for making this project possible. 

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