Version 6.01

11 February 2025

David March © 2014

OSWALD PERCY HOUSE

Oswald Percy House was born in April 1872 in Edmonton, Middlesex, England to Richard House (1844-1914) and Elizabeth Kirkwood Jenkinson (1845-1926). Oswald had four siblings, Ernest Kirkwood (1869-1938), Henry Archibald (1874-1934), Rachel Louise (1876-1966) and Agnes Maud (1881-1881). Oswald grew up in Islington, London where his father, Richard, was a builder.

In 1891, Oswald was a junior clerk and his mother was a school mistress; she stated on the census return that she had been deserted by her husband. The family were living at 12 Coleridge Road, Islington, London. In 1901, they were at the same address; Oswald was a clerk to London County Council school board and his mother was still a school mistress.

In the first quarter 1905, Oswald married Elizabeth Bennet Young in Islington. Elizabeth was born in first quarter of 1886 in Barnet, North London, England to John Bennet (b 1812) and Elizabeth Young (b 1845). Elizabeth had six siblings (or half-siblings as their parentage is unclear), John (b 1868), Fanny (b 1871), Alfred (b 1873), Cicero (b 1876) ,Edith (b 1879) and James Albert (b 1889). Elizabeth’s father, John Bennet was a publican.

After their marriage, Oswald and Elizabeth lived with Elizabeth’s widowed mother at 276 Ferme Park Road, Hornsey, Middlesex.

Oswald and Elizabeth had three children, Ronald Kirkwood (1905-2002), Ernest Kirkwood (1907-1985) and Eileen May Kirkwood (1912-1980).

Oswald’s brother, Henry Archibald House had immigrated to Canada in 1904 and by 1911 was married and employed as a bookkeeper at Stamco, Bed & Bedding Manufacturers. He lived at 732 4th Ave N with his wife, Nina.

Eileen May was less than one month old when Oswald, Elizabeth and the children, boarded SS 'Empress of Ireland' at Liverpool bound for Quebec where they arrived on 8 June 1912. The family travelled on to Saskatoon and lodged with Oswald’s brother for a couple of years. Oswald found work alongside his brother and then became assistant manager of Stamco. Oswald returned to England, probably on his own but returned in April 1914.

Oswald took over the house at 411 Ave D South from his brother and they lived there until at least 1925. Oswald joined Canada Ingot Iron Co (later Western Steel) as a traveller.

When the children were grown up, Oswald and Elizabeth moved to St John, New Brunswick. John was president of Martin Water Proof Co when he died on 14 June 1954.

We have not found a date of death for Elizabeth.

Oswald's mother, Elizabeth Kirkwood House, came out for a visit in May 1913 and stayed for over a year. When she returned to England in August/September 1914 she took Ernest Kirkwood House’s daughter, Dorothy (aged 16) with her. Elizabeth came out to Canada on two further visits travelling on her own. She was 78 years old when she made last trip. She died on 30 January 1926, aged 80 years.

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