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Brakke, Olaus Louis         

11-1-6   →   Column 11, Plot 1-6
b. 1880-May-28, Pomme de Terre, Grant Co., MN
d. 1943-Feb-21, Empress, AB

Grave markers: Small metal Legion maple leaf marker.  The Legion marker has his given name wrong and the digits are transposed for the death day.
Grave Cover: No
Grave Level? Yes

Empress Cemetery Tree on Ancestry.ca
     https://www.ancestry.ca/family-tree/person/tree/201433125/person/332661421679
Find a Grave
     https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/187185554
Alberta Death Register #401-220.
     https://provincialarchives.alberta.ca/sites/default/files/2018-11/deaths-b-1940-1944.pdf
1926 Census
     http://central.bac-lac.gc.ca/.redirect?app=census&id=73107499&lang=eng&ecopy=e011263137

Available here 

 Brakke, Olaus Louis, WW1 Attestation Paper.jpg
 Brakke, Olaus Louis, Proceedings on Discharge.jpg
 Cemetery Register 1941-1944.jpg

Grave Photos 

 11-1-6 Brakke, Olaus, Legion Marker (2025-04-07).jpg
 11-1-6 Brakke, Olaus, Whole grave (2025-04-07).jpg
 11-1&2 Veteran's section, Looking northwest (2025-04-06).jpg
 11-1&2 Veteran's section, Looking southwest (2025-04-06).jpg
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Father: Tosten Andreassen Brekke, Find a Grave:144297237
Mother: Anna Olsdatter Stavaas, Find a Grave:144297490

Summary
1880-May-28: Olaus was born to Tosten Andreassen Brekke & Anna Olsdatter Stavaas at Pomme de Terre, Grant County, Minnesota, USA.
1880-Jun-21: US Census with parents at Pomme de Terre, Grant County, Minnesota, USA.  Age: 2/30, ie. 2 days, on the official day of the census, 1 Jun 1880.
1885-Jun-06: Minnesota State Census with parents & siblings at Pomme de Terre, Grant County, Minnesota, USA.
1895-Jun-22: Minnesota State Census with parents & siblings at Pomme de Terre, Grant County, Minnesota, USA.
1900-Jun-11: US Census with parents & siblings at Pomme de Terre, Grant County, Minnesota, USA.
1905-Jun-01: Minnesota State Census with parents & siblings at Pomme de Terre, Grant County, Minnesota, USA.
1910-May-04: US Census at Salem, Marion County, Oregon, USA.  He was an attendent at the Oregon State Insane Asylum.
1912-Sep-03: Arrived in Canada at North Portal, Saskatchewan, Canada.
1912-Sep-10: Homestead Entry Application for SE-1-25-2-W4, 7.8 km southwest of Acadia Valley, Alberta, Canada.  He was last living at Alsask, SK and working as a labourer.
1913-Nov-08: Homestead Pre-emption Entry Application for SW-6-25-1-W4, 8.3 km southwest of Acadia Valley, Alberta, Canada.  This was the next quarter east of his homestead.

  Military: World War 1
     1916-Feb-14: Enlisted in military.  #696202, 175th Overseas Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force.
     1916-Oct-13: Arrived in England.  2nd Labour Battalion.
     1916-Dec-04: Proceedings of Medical Board, Seaford South Camp.  Sciatica began while crossing from Canada.  Does no marching on physical drill.  Transferring Garrison Duty.  Fit for Permanent Base Duty.
     1917-Feb-12: Arrived in France.  1st Canadian Infantry Works Battalion.
     1918-Jul-08: Sciatica returns.  Went sick to Base hospital for 2 or 3 weeks.
     1918-Aug-04: Back in England.  In hospital for sciatica for 4 months.
     1918-Oct-17: Transfer to Temporary Base Duty because of sciatica right side and small right inguinal hernia.  Recommended to be fitted with a truss.
     1919-Feb-27: Recommendation: Discharge for sciatica, Class "E".
     1919-Feb-28: Discharged from service, medically unfit.  He didn't go back to live on his homestead or pre-emption land.

1919: Naturalization.
1920: Olaus abandoned his land, never working them again, although later he tells the Department of the Interior that he intends to work them.  He never pays any of the liens on them that was relief given to him by Government of Canada and the RM of Acadia.
1921-May-04: Homestead Patent Grant for SE-1-25-2-W4.  The Grant has been delayed for 2 years because of the need for him to provide his Certificate of Naturalization. They give him the Grant, not knowing that he had already effectively abandoned the land.
1921-Oct-01: Olaus statuary declaration for SW-6-25-1-W4.  He cannot work, is living off his army pension of $11.25 per month.
1925-Jul-24: Olaus loses SE-1-25-2-W4 to the MD of Acadia because of unpaid taxes.
1926-Jun-01: Canada Census in the Village of Empress, Alberta, Canada.  Single, a lodger with Seibert Setran.
1926-Aug-14: Olaus loses SW-6-25-1-W4, the federal government took it back.
1940: Canada Voters Lists for the area just east over the boarder from Empress, AB, north of the South Saskatchewan River, and postal address as Empress.  Occupation: Mechanic.  Name spelled wrong as Brokke.
1943-Feb-21: Olaus died at Empress, Alberta, Canada.  Alberta Death Register #401-220.

He is missing from the 1921 & 1931 Canada Census.

Empress Cemetery Directory has his age as 62 years, 9 months, 13 days, which would make his birthdate 1880-May-08.

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Detailed Homestead information: SE-1-25-2-W4 & SW-6-25-1-W4

1912-Sep-10: Homestead Entry Application for SE-1-25-2-W4 (51.099464, -110.150462), 7.8 km south-southeast of Acadia Valley, Alberta, Canada.  He was last living at Alask, SK and working as a labourer.

1913-Feb-10: Olaus wrote a letter from Dalton, MN, asking for an extension on the homestead filing until May 1 to move onto it.  The Department of the Interior replied 1913-Feb-19, that they will grant him the extension, but he better prove to the Agent that he is in actual residence May 1.

1913-Apr-21: Application from William J. Eneix of Acadia Valley for an inspection of the homestead.  Show cause mailed 1913-May-06.

1913-May-13: Letter to land agent in Calgary from Department of the Interior asking that Olaus be advised that cancellation proceedings against his entry for the homestead.

1913-May-21: Letter from Department of the Interior to Olaus advising of cancellation proceedings, and he has 60 days to file a defence.

1913-May-22: Statement by Olaus saying "I was on my homestead 1 May while breaking".  In answer to "When absent, where were you and what were you doing?" he replied, "I have been working in 24-2 since 1 April".  1913 broke 11 acres.  Hasn't "got any house built yet because I havn't got any horses of my own and everybody busy with the spring work so it is hard to get any tham to do any hauling.  Will have a house built as soon as I can get the lumber out." Gave address as Vandyne PO.

1913-Jun-04: Land agent in Calgary sent Olaus' statement to the Department of the Interior.

1913-Jun-13: Warning from Department of the Interior to Olaus that he has 30 days from the date of the letter to prove to the Land Agent that Olaus has built a house and is living in it, or the homestead entry will be summarily cancelled.

1913-Jun-21: Letter from land agent to William J. Eneix of Acadia Valley that cancellation proceedings against Olaus are being held over until July 12 to give Olaus an opportunity to establish himself in bona fide residence on his land.

1913-Jul-05: Olaus wrote to the land agent saying that he is actual residence on the homestead, house build and 11 acres broken.

1913-Jul-24: Land agent replied to Olaus acknowledging the letter, he is abandoning the outstanding cancellation proceedings, and advising the applicant for cancellation of the action.

1913-Oct-03: Olaus wrote to the land agent.

1913-Oct-14: Land agent replied to Olaus asking him to fill out the form 36 provided showing exactly what residence, breaking and oter improvements he has completed on his homestead.  His request for protection of his entry will be submitted to the Department for consideration.

1913-Nov-08: Homestead Pre-emption Entry Application for SW-6-25-1-W4, 8.3 km southwest of Acadia Valley, Alberta, Canada.  This was the next quarter east of his homestead.

1915 & 1916: Olaus received advances for provisions, fuel and seed grain on the security of liens on SE-1-25-2-W4 & SW-6-25-1-W4.

1916-Mar-20: Military & Captain Adjutant, 175175th Overseas Battalion, C.E.F wrote to lands agent advising that Olaus was Taken on Strength on 1916-Feb-14 and wants his entries for homestead SE-1-25-2-W4 and pre-emption SW-6-25-1-W4 protected.

1916-Mar-31: Land agent wrote to Olaus saying he was directed by the Head Office to abandon the cancellation proceedings outstanding against his entry for the two quarters mentioned.

1916-Apr-29: Department of the Interior asks the land agent what the hell he is talking about, because they don't know of any such proceedings, and in any case, Olaus' land is protected for the duration of his military service.

1916-May-11: Land agent to Department of the Interior: Oops.  My mistake.

1916-May-25: Department of the Interior top Land agent: Inform Olaus his land is protected while he is active service.

1916-Oct-07: Department of the Interior asking the Militia Council for proof of Olaus' enlistment.

1916-Oct-24: Military tells Department of the Interior that Olaus was Taken on Strength on 1916-Feb-14, and is still on the active service list.

1919-Jul-17: Olaus applies for land patent for SE-1-25-2-W4.  He is single, 38 years old.  He says he was living on the land from 1913-May-01 to 1916-Feb-16, and was in the army from 1916-Feb-16 to 1919-Feb-28.

1919-Sep-12: Department of the Interior asked Olaus to send his Certificate of Naturalization.
1920-Dec-02: Department of the Interior asked Olaus to send his Certificate of Naturalization.

1921-Apr-14: Department of the Secretary of State sends to Department of the Interior Olaus' Certificate of Naturalization.

1921-Apr-26: Application approved.

1921-May-04: Homestead Patent Grant for SE-1-25-2-W4.

1921-Jun-20: Department of the Interior to Land agent: The land patent is subject to the following liens ...

1921-Jul-02: Statement of liens outstanding.

1921-Aug-22: Memo: Department of the Interior Questions, Militia Council Answers 1921-Aug-24.  Date of enlistment: Empress, Alta., 14-2-16.  Regimental # and Battlion: 696020-Pte., 175th O/S Bn., C.E.F.  When discharged and why: 28-2-19, being medically unfit.  What is last known Post Office address: Empress, Alta.

1921-Aug-30: Memo: Department of the Interior Questions, Medical Services Department of Soldier's Civil Re-Establishment Answers 1921-Sep-20.  Nature of disability: Hernia and Sciatica.  Did it occur on service: No.  What is aggravated by service: Hernia, no.  Sciatica, probably.  Is the disability permanent: Not necessarily.  What is the full percentage of disability as regards resumption of former occupation: No information to former occupation.  Is disability such as would render this man unfit for farming: Not necessarily.

1921-Sep-30: Department of the Interior to Olaus: Your pre-emption entry for SW-6-25-1-W4 is now more than 8 years outstanding, it is subject to forfeiture on your failure to complete the requisite duties and make application for patent.  Fill out the form and send it to us.

1921-Oct-01: Olaus statuary declaration SW-6-25-1-W4.  1913 broke 15 acres.  1914 broke 10 acres, cropped 15 acres.  1915 broke no land, cropped 25 acres.  1916, 1917, 1918 nothing.  1919 broke 25 acres, cropped 10 acres.  Nothing since.  "I was discharged from the armey with a pension of $11.25 pr month and not being able to do any work to speak of.  I cannot get enough brake at present to prove premtion.  Also crop failitures since 1915."

1921-Nov-26: Department of the Interior to Olaus: We received your statuary declaration.  You have not completed any cultivation duties in the years of 1920 and 1921 and have not been in residence on your pre-emption or on your homestead since returning from military service.  Your entry is liable to forfeiture.  Write to the land agent about your intent and you might get an extension.

1922-Jan-17: Department of the Interior to Olaus: We received your letter.  We note that you intend to increase the area of cultivation as required and you will make application for patent this year.

1922-Apr-24: Olaus obtained relief advance from the MD of Acadia on the security of a lien on SE-1-25-2-W4.

1923-Aug-01: Department of the Interior to Olaus regarding SW-6-25-1-W4: You owe $634.98.

1923-Nov-30: Homestead Inspector's Report for SE-1-25-2-W4: This man has 50 acres broken on this quarter and has a small shack 8 x 12, worth $25; no other improvements; blance of quarter all rocks.  This man cannot pay anything this year and I would recommend another year.

1923-Nov-30: Homestead Inspector's Report for SW-6-25-1-W4: This man lives on SE-1-25-2-W4 and has 50 acres broken on it and a small shack worth $25.  There are no improvements on the pre-emption.  The land is rocky and cannot be farmed in its present condition, and I would recommend that this entry be cancelled and the lade made available for leasing only.  This man cannot pay.

1923-Dec-01: Declaration of Abandonment for SW-6-25-1-W4.  Too stony and rough.  Abandon unconditionally.

1923-Dec-08: Land agent to Olaus: It is recommended that you be granted an extension to make payment of your indebtedness regarding SE-1-25-2-W4.  It is expected that you pay in full after harvest of next season's crop.

1923-Dec-22: Department of the Interior to Olaus: Received your Declaration of Abandonment for SW-6-25-1-W4, and in reply to inform you that the regulations now in force will not allow you to secure a fresh preemtion entry or an entry for a purchased homestead.  It is thought that you may wish to retain this land, and you are granted a period of 30 days from this date within which to communicate with the Department and state whether it is your intention to withdraw the declaration of abandonment.

1924-Jan-15: Olaus to Department of the Interior: He withdraws the Declaration of Abandonment for SW-6-25-1-W4 because he believed that he could get a pre-emption in another section of Alberta.  This is interesting, especially since he stated in Oct. 1921 that he could not work, and had actually done nothing on his land since 1919.  How did he expect to work another piece of land?

1924-Feb-05: Department of the Interior to Olaus: We received your letter informing the Department that you desire to retain your pre-emption entry for SW-6-25-1-W4.  50 acres is not enough.  Will you substitute stock raising for the cultivation duties.  You will need to maintain stock on the land to the number of 16 head, enclose the land with a substatial fence, as well as maintain buildings for shelter for them.

1924-Feb-20: Olaus to Department of the Interior: He has 50 acres more that could be put under cultivation, which he intends to do in the Spring.

1924-Mar-06: Department of the Interior to Olaus: We received your letter informing the Department of your intention to increase the area of cultivation.  When done, without unnecessary delay, have two competent witnesses accompany you to the land agent in Calgary and make application for patent.

1924-Jun-15: Statement of liens outstanding on SE-1-25-2-W4.

1924-Sep-02: Department of the Interior to Olaus: Statement of liens outstanding on SW-6-25-1-W4.  He owes $668.58.

1925-Jul-24: MD of Acadia aquired title on SE-1-25-2-W as a result of tax recovery proceedings.

1925-Nov-01: Department of the Interior to Olaus: Statement of liens outstanding on SW-6-25-1-W4.  He owes $702.18.

1926-Feb-24: Department of the Interior to Olaus: Received his letter of the 19th.  If he no longer wishes to retain his pre-emption entry for SW-6-25-1-W4, he should have the enclosed abandonment executed and returned.  He will not be able to secure another entry of this class in the future.

1926-Apr-23: Homestead Inspector's Report for SE-1-25-2-W4.  Left land in 1920.  Recommend entrant be asked to pay the seed grain indebtedness to the Dept.  Land not under cultivation.

1926-Apr-23: Homestead Inspector's Report for SW-6-25-1-W4.  Sandy, not fit for cultivation.  Left land in 1920.  Land rolling and rough, very gravelly.  Recommend for grazing only.  Recommend cancellation proceedings.

1926-May-11: Land Agent to Olaus: Your liens on SE-1-25-2-W4 are long outstanding.  Advise us immediately as to your ability to make full or at least part payment.

1926-May-22: Department of the Interior to land agent: We received your letter enclosing an Inspector's report for SW-6-25-1-W4.  You may institute cancellation proceedings.

1926-May-31: Cancellation proceedings for SW-6-25-1-W4 instituted.

1926-Aug-02: Land Agent to Department of the Interior: No defence received from Olaus.  Request instructions.

1926-Jul-27: Land Agent to Olaus: You need to reply to my letter of 1926-May-11 regarding your liens on SE-1-25-2-W4.

1926-Aug-12: Department of the Interior: SW-6-25-1-W4 Olaus left the land in 1920, nothing paid on the over $700 owing.  Entry should be cancelled and the land posted for grazing.

1926-Aug-14: Department of the Interior to Land Agent: Entry is cancelled for SW-6-25-1-W4.  Post the land for grazing.

1926: Statement of liens outstanding on SE-1-25-2-W4.
1927: Statement of liens outstanding on SE-1-25-2-W4.

1928-Apr-13: Minneapolis Threshing Machine Co. to Minister of the Interior: We got an abstract of title for SE-1-25-2-W4 and see these liens.  Are they satisfied?

1928-Apr-25: Department of the Interior to Minneapolis Threshing Machine Co.: Here is what Olaus owes us.

1928-May-19: Land Titles, Alberta Government to Department of the Interior: Here are forms for the list of properties you ask adjustment for.  Fill them out and return them.

1928-Jul-23: Department of the Interior: Statement of liens outstanding for SE-1-25-2-W4 & SW-6-25-1-W4.  Security is SE-1-25-2-W4.

1935-Jun-07: Government of Alberta Debt Adjustment Board to Seed Grain and Relief Adjustment Board, regarding Olaus Brakke Dominion and Municipal Liens, SE-1-25-2-W4 & SW-6-25-1-W4: Olaus obtained seed grain and relief advances in 1915 and 1916 from the Government of Canada on the security of liens on SE-1-25-2-W4 & SW-6-25-1-W4, and has made no repayment.  On 1922-Apr-24 Olaus obtained relief advance from the MD of Acadia on the security of a lien on SE-1-25-2-W4, and has made no repayment.  On 1925-Jul-24 MD of Acadia aquired title on SE-1-25-2-W as a result of tax recovery proceedings.  MD of Acadia sold the property 1928-Jul-07 to George W. Elliott for cash, he to assume the liens for the seed grain and relief advances by the Government of Canada.  Proceeds of the sale were distributed pro rata amongst the various taxes owed.  Efforts to obtain settlement of the seed grain and relief indebtedness to the Government of Canada from the purchaser had no success.  The district is very dry and has suffered from frequent crop failures.  The relief indebtedness to the MD of Acadia is not paid.  Recommend the sale of the land and proceeds distributed to to pay the various liens.
Recommended that the liens on SW-6-25-1-W4 to the Government of Canada and the MD of Acadia to be unconditionally released.
Recommend that the liens on SE-1-25-2-W4 by the Government of Canada be retained.
There is no likeliehood of collection.  Recommend that the indebtedness to the MD of Acadia be written off as uncollectable both in so far as it affects Olaus Brakke's indebtedness to the MD of Acadia and the indebtedness of the MD of Acadia to the Province of Alberta.

1936-Feb-18: The Seed Grain and Relief Adjustment Board to the Minister of the Interior, regarding Olaus Brakke Dominion and Municipal Liens on SE-1-25-2-W4 & SW-6-25-1-W4: Approves the settlement: Dominion and Joint Relief liens on SW-6-25-1-W4 be released, and indebtedness of Olaus Brakke be written off.  Dominion liens on SE-1-25-2-W4 be retained, pending payment or adjustment.

1936-Jul-22: Minister of the Interior to Governor General in Council: Recommend that approval be given to the report of 1936-Feb-18.

1936-Aug-21: Governor General in Council to Interior: Report of 1936-Feb-18 approved.

1936-Sep-11: Department of the Interior to Land Titles Office, Calgary and Seed Grain & Relief Adjustment Board: Consent to the withdrawal by the Province of Alberta the registration of lien: Olaus Brakke, SE-1-25-2-W4, $21.50.  Remove registration of liens: Olaus Brakke, SW-6-25-1-W4, $45.00, $22.50, $9.65.  These liens were never withdrawn, as can be seen by the attempt at collection in 1956.  Also withdrawal of Lien $21.50, not clear which land as both are mentioned.

1952-Jan-19: Lands Division to RM of Acadia: We have an old account against SE-1-25-2-W4.  Please complete the attached form.

1952-Jan-28: RM of Acadia filled out the form.  SE-1-25-2-W4 accessed owner: George W. Elliott, Acadia Valley.  He is operating it.  Assessed value $650.  Suggested present day value $1000.  No arrears of taxes.

1956-Jan-19: Lands Division to George W. Elliott, Acadia Valley: Liens on SE-1-25-2-W4 still outstanding, total $234.42.  The liens' original amount was $77.15.  These liens were directed to be withdrawn on 1936-Sep-11, which apparently never happened.

1956-Jan-26: George W. Elliott: Willing to pay the debt.

1956-Feb-18: George W. Elliott: Enclosed $234.42 to pay the debt.

1956-Mar-02: Receipt for $234.42 paid by George W. Elliott.

1956-Mar-09: Letters of Release by Department of Northern Affairs and National Resources for the liens on SE-1-25-2-W4.

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Bruce A. Johnson - Empress, Alberta, Canada.
Last Updated: 2025-Nov-19       Go to Empress Cemetery page