Letters in the Series

Who was William McRae?

William Gordon McRae was born in 1897 in Agassiz, British Columbia to his parents Ambie and John McRae. He was the oldest of ten children. He had a strong love for airplanes and built his own propeller, and he was eager to be a pilot in the Army.

The McRae Family of Agassiz, British Columbia

William’s Parents

Ambie and John McRae were married in 1895, in Agassiz, British Columbia. When they were first married they rented a house from the Agassiz family while John had a house built on their property. They had 10 children, six boys and 4 girls.

“Mother” Ambie Saunders McRae (1879-1961)

Ambie’s family originated from California and travelled to Agassiz to open the Aberdeen Hotel. As a child she worked in the hotel with her family. She married John McRae at the age of 16. Ambie was very involved in her community. She was a charter member of the Women’s Institute, Anglican church, and Royal Canadian Legion.

“Father” John McRae (1864-1939)

John was the first reeve of Agassiz, British Columbia. He was involved in building many of the structures in the town including the hopyard buildings, Experimental Farm barn, Kilby’s General Store and home, Harrison Hot Springs Hotel, and All Hallows School in Yale to name a few. Many of these building are still standing today. John was also a member of the school board, and unofficially the local mortician, casket builder, and grave digger.

Brothers & Sisters

Isabel Nora 1898-1975

At the age of 16, Isobel moved to Montréal with her paternal aunt for four years. She returned to Agassiz where she met and married Frank Hewgill. They had two children together, John and Iris. After living in Montreal for most of her life, Isabel returned home to Agassiz.

Helen Victoria (1901-1946)

Vernice Annie 1903-1989

Hugo (1904-1990)

Hugo fought in WW2 and then lived on Vancouver Island with his wife June.

Clarence (1906-1983)

Clarence married Daisy Davis and had five children.

Kenneth (1908)

Kenneth died in his first year of life.

Glady “Sally” Witherspoon (1910-2002)

Nicol Allen (1912-1929)

Killed in a hunting accident while in high school.

John Peter Ross (1920-2003)

Where are William’s McRae’s Letters and Photographs Now?

The letters this post are transcribed verbatim from original manuscripts held at the Agassiz-Harrison 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.

Collection of world war one letters sand envelope