1
The Only Survivors of the Jessie James Gang, Gadsby and Clarke, in later years.1900
Near Mirror, Alberta
2
Jim Gadsby (on left) - born December 4, 1847, in St. Catherines, Ontario.Jim was the second settler in the Buffalo Lake area, after Mathew Cook. Jim arrived around 1885, settling on the west side of Spotted Lake, just a little NW of where Mirror eventually was built.
He was a very colorful character, who left home at an early age to become a soldier, gunman, outlaw, prospector, cowhand, freighter and finally a homesteader and family man as his life evolved.
He eventually settled on a homestead on the west side of Spotted Lake, marrying, ranching and raising his family of nine children.
Jim did not have much conventional education, however was an ardent reader. He subscribed to several well-known periodicals and could talk on any subject.
Jim was a friendly man, and was good friends with Edward Parlby, an early rancher in the area, taking care of his ranch while Edward went back to England to visit.
A descendant of the Parlby family, B. Parlby, who lived in our area (now deceased), writes the following about Jim Gadsby.
"Pioneers are endowed by nature with very distinct qualities, great natural strength and virility, and an adventurous and a restless spirit, always keen to probe the unknown. Conditions on our early Canadian and American frontiers seemed to nurture these qualities, and to beckon to the youth from many places to come, to explore, and to create a new way of living.
Consequently, our pioneers were almost invariably individuals who seemed to have grown too big for the conventional moulds into which they had been born; men who loved freedom and the untrammelled spaces of the western prairies. Of such an adventurous breed was Jim Gadsby."
Jim was also a very religious man, who lived his religion more than he attended church. Another quote, this time from Reverend George Moore Morgan was, "Yes, I do know something about Jim Gadsby. He was a friend of mine."
And from a woman, Ovtavia, wife of Guy Pym who knew Mr. Gadsby well, "He was a dear old man, so very nice and kind."
In our records, this photo pictured here is recorded as being James Gadsby and Mr. Clarke, the two remaining members of the James Gang, however, we have no other corroberation that Mr. Clarke was actually affiliated with the gang.
3
A Jim Gadsby Newspaper Article 'A Man as Big as his Legend'1912
Near Mirror, Alberta
4
A newspaper article about Jim Gadsby's life.This article outlines the many facets of the man known to the Buffalo Lake area as James Gadsby.
5
The Gadsby Original Home1900
Near Mirror, Alberta
6
Jim Gadsby's original log cabin, built in 1904.Jim and his wife, Mary had nine children, Sarah, James, Mary, Ann, Fanny, Jane, Margaret, Johnny and one who died as a small child.
They raised their family in this small home on the shores of Spotted Lake, west of Mirror.
7
The Gadsby Barn1900
Near Lamerton, Alberta
8
Jim's original barn on the same property.9
Anne Gadsby Holding a Lynx1900
Near Lamerton, Alberta
10
Ann Gadsby, Jim Gadsby's daughter, holding a Lynx she is about to skin.She died at the age of 97, and the following newspaper articles tell about her life.
11
Jim Gadsby and Charlie Buelow Newspaper Article naming them Outlaws1912
Lamerton?, Alberta
12
This is a newspaper article about Ann Gadsby and her infamous father.Jim claimed to have been a part of the Jesse James gang in the USA, before moving to the Buffalo Lake area. His nickname, while riding with the gang, was "Long Haired Jim" because of the way he wore his hair.
Whenever he got to drinking, he would tell the tales of this part of his life. His association with the James gang was corroberated by a stranger, who recognized him one time in a bar.
This stranger said that he used to keep a stopping place where the James Gang would often stop at, and that Jim Gadsby indeed was one of them.
From other accounts, it seems that James did take care of the gang's horses, but may not have actually taken part in their robberies.
13
Newspaper Article about Anne, Jim Gadsby's Daughter's Burial.1900
Near Mirror, Alberta
14
Another newspaper article about Annie Gadsby, Jim's daughter. This article was written after the death of Annie, and tells basically the same story.Both Jim and his wife, Mary, along with their daughter, Annie are buried here in the Mirror cemetery.
 |
 |
 |
 |