Version 6.01

11 February 2025

David March © 2014

ALEXANDER DRYSDALE and ELLEN MARION (NELLIE) DRYSDALE née HOUNSELL

Alexander (Alex) Drysdale was born on 28 June 1887 in Edinburgh, Scotland to James Drysdale (b 1855) & Elizabeth R (b 1864). Alex had four brothers, George Rintoul (1885-1969), James D (b 1890), Thomas (b 1895) & Robert (b 1897). Alex’s father was a boiler-maker. Alex’s first recorded employment was as a message boy aged 14 years. Alex left for Canada on SS ‘Numidian’ on 4 December 1909 sailing from Glasgow to join his father. He listed his occupation as boiler-maker’s labourer.

No record of his early years in Canada has been found but he seems to have joined the North West Mounted Police as early as 1909. By 1916, he had become a police sergeant, was married and lived in Battleford, Saskatchewan. Alex’s wife was Ellen Marion (Nellie) Hounsell who was born on 9 December 1897 in Epsom, Surrey, England to William George Hounsell (1872-1953) & Annie Elizabeth Davey (1871-1959). Nellie had one brother, Edward George (1900-1963). Alex enlisted in the CEF on 6 May 1918 whilst he was posted with the NWMP in Regina. Nellie had remained in Saskatoon and lived at 117 4th Avenue S.

Alex & Nellie had one son, Douglas (b 1920). Alex & Nellie lived in Saskatoon at various addresses until at least 1931. Alex served the NWMP and its successor, RCMP, for forty years until he retired in 1949. Alex & Nellie moved to Victoria, British Columbia. Nellie died on 7 April 1972 after at least 56 years of marriage. Alex died on Christmas Eve 1977.

This family tree can be found on Ancestry under the title 3rd Ave Drysdale Tree.