Sometimes tidbits about Aldergrove's history are found in the most unexpected of places. "Mount Pleasant, Early Days - Memories of Reuben Hamilton Pioneer 1890" is a bound copy of a series of letters written by Mr. Hamilton to Major JS Matthews, founder of the Vancouver City Archives. The two men had carried on their correspondence and conversations over a number of years. Mr. Hamilton passed away in Vancouver in January 1968. He was born in June 1888 in Torbolton Ontario.
In the book are a few entries about Aldergrove, including some information about 3 settlers, one of whom was Mr. Hamilton's uncle. I have only found land information about one of the men, Mr. Dingle. If it's the correct Mr. Dingle, he took up land at what is now the southwest corner of LeFeuvre and 48th. The rail didn't come through that property, so perhaps Mr. Hamilton is speaking of a different piece of land. Mr. Dingle had a full quarter section, which was 160 acres, not 40 as is mentioned in one of the letters. I haven't (thus far) found any land documents for either Mr. Brown or Mr. Hunter in this area. UPDATE: I did find both a John Brown and William Dingle listed in the 1887 BC Directory. Photo is in comments below.
