William Tams

From L. Dial's account:

"William Tams, born in England, was a merchant in London when he married Sarah Ann Courtenay from Devonshire, England. In 1889, Sarah's brother, Bill, left England for Innisfail. Bill Tams had always wanted to farm, so in 1891, he, his wife Sarah, five children, and father-in-law John Courntenay left England by boat; then by train to Calgary (the end of the line then) and to Innisfail by team and wagon which was purchased in Calgary. This wagon is still owned by William's son, Frank. The closest neighbors in the early years were William and Charlie Gunston from Ontario. The second winter was one of the stormiest and coldest (1893). There was so much snow it was impossible to get to town. The coyotes followed behind the sleighs like dogs. Prairie fires were always a dread in the early days. Butter and eggs were traded at G.W. West's for groceries and clothing. A good supply had to bought at one time as it was hard to get into Innisfail because of snow in the winter and it was so wet in the summer the wagons got mired. There was always fear of an Indian outbreak and wild animals were also a danger.

Most of the early families ate rabbits and as a steady diet they became a little monotonous. Here is a little rhyme the children use to cite per Alberta and Frank, children of William (Bill):

Rabbits young, rabbits old

Rabbits hot, rabbits cold,

Rabbits tender, rabbits tough,

Thank you Lord I've had enough."