A family of British Immigrants in Montreal gives us a glimpse into the lives and times of an English-speaking community in Montreal from the early 1900s through World War 1, the Great Depression, World War 2 and beyond. Their homes, jobs, churches, schools, transportation, entertainment and community involvement all provide insight into the values and skills these English Montrealers brought with them from England and Scotland.

Enquiring into an Immigrant Family’s Past

What and whom did they leave behind in Britain?
What were they hoping for in Canada?
Why did they choose Montreal?
What experiences, skills and values did they bring with them?
Where did they work? Live?
How did World War 1, the Great Depression and World War 2 affect them?
Whom did they associate with?
What did they do for fun?

These are some of the questions that motivate me to dig into the history of the lives of my grandparents who arrived as British Immigrants in Montreal in 1908 and 1921.

The starting point for this website is the story of the Waddell-Shill family of Montreal. I expect to expand the focus as time goes on to other immigrant families of British origin and their experiences of life in the Montreal area.

The Shill Family Arrives in Montreal

In the middle of a period of immense population growth in Canada, John Shill, the father, arrived in Montreal in February of 1907. His name on the manifest is marked, “British Bonus Allowed” which suggests that he might have been recruited as a desirable immigrant by a booking agent in England. John (Jack) Shill, the son, followed a few months later.

The following year, 1908, saw the rest of the Shill family arrive, leaving the eldest daughter, Cara, in England. The family often associated with other English and Scottish emigrants. Many of their friends and marriage partners were found from within the community of British immigrants.

Ellen (Nell) Maud Agnes Shill's Oral History

Nell Shill, one of the daughters who immigrated to Montreal in 1908, left us an oral history with many clues about what it was like to live in Montreal through the important events of the early 1900s and talks about the family's homes, jobs, education, church and community involvement, Montreal transportation, entertainment and social life and marriage.

James (Jim) Verner Waddell

Jim Waddell, the future husband of Nell Shill, is said to have jumped ship on arrival in Canada as a 22 year old, in the spring of 1921. His upbringing in Glasgow, Scotland, and experiences in World War 1 formed a foundation for his future in Canada.

Sources

Using Nell's oral history, family and public documents, and various books and papers on the history of Montreal, join me in discovering more about these immigrants' experiences. It's a fascinating story which provides insight into the values and skills these Britons brought with them from their homelands, particularly England and Scotland.