On the occasion of the passing of my dear cousin and friend, Gordon Malcolm Fradsham, I want to pay tribute to him as he was the first child of European descent to be born in Amesdale. Years ago, I attributed that title to June Clarkson. Gordon may have noticed my mistake but consistent with his kind nature he never took issue with my error.
Gordon was the eldest son of Albert and Margaret Ames Fradsham who met in Amesdale. Albert was probably working in one of the bush camps in the area, and Margaret had just returned from Manitoba where she was attending elementary school and living with her school teacher aunt. The couple was married in 1930 at the United Church manse in Dryden, Ontario, with her cousin Bertha McKay, and Jack Durocher as attendants. The marriage of Albert and Margaret and the birth of their first child marked Amesdale firsts: a marriage, and a birth. His birth on June 20, 1931 was the first amongst the settlers.
Gordon Malcolm Fradsham was born at home, on a homestead just north of the railway, approximately three-quarters of a mile east of the Amesdale station. He was born with the assistance of Margaret’s mother who was an experienced midwife. The next day, Albert walked the 17 miles to Dryden to get the doctor, just to make sure everything was alright.
Gordon departed this world on Thursday, September 28, 2023.
May you forever keep laughing and smiling dear cousin and friend.
