This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: OHaraHaworth68 Surnames: ARBOUR StAMAND CONNERS CONNORS Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.arbour/304/mb.ashx Message Board Post: 30 April 1901 - Born in Victoria Harbour, Ontario, Florence Leda ARBOUR was the 2nd of 5 children of mill worker Pierre ARBOUR and his wife Philomene StAMAND. Leda was just 9 when her mother passed away. She then assisted her older sister Hilda in caring for their younger siblings while their father worked. Leda was about 19 when she married Ernest Percy CONNERS in Toronto. Leda and Ernie then welcomed 9 children into their home, 4 daughters and 5 sons. Throughout the years from late 1923 to early 1943, this growing family struggled financially. Ernie worked as a Truck Driver (Nov 1928, Sep 1929, Sep 1931), a Fruit Peddler (Sep 1932), "On Relief" (Sep 1935), and Shipbuilder (Jan 1943). Commensurately, the family moved around quite a bit, living in at least 21 places during these 19 years. True tragedy struck this family on 15 July 1939. On that day, 9-year old Allan was playing around on the roof of his 2-story school before plunging 30 feet to his death. Although Ernie was ! already an alcoholic before this incident, he no doubt stepped up his drinking to drive away the pain, which of course only contributed to the family's continued misery. Leda died in 1975. It is unclear when or where Ernie passed away. Although 4 grandchildren and one great-grandchild are known for this couple, they likely have more. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.