Photo Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1985.278.009 |
Object Name |
photograph |
Description |
Black and white, full-length portrait photograph of Private Willoughby John Astley in soldier's uniform. He has a mustache, is wearing a pith helmet, and is holding a cane with both hands behind his back. |
Year Range from |
1914 |
Year Range to |
1918 |
Medium |
cardstock |
Event |
First World War |
Provenance |
Private Willoughby John Astley 569-W-37 Born on December 22nd, 1859 in St. Perranuthnoe, Cornwall, England. Came to Canada in 1879. Worked his way across the country after spending some time in Ontario. Arrived in Banff and Lake Minnewanka in 1886. Built the first log hotel at Lake Minnewanka in association with W.H. Desborough, and operated it until 1889. When he went to Lake Louise to develop the resort there at the request of William White he ended up working the first C.P.R. Chalet there for many years. He was a guide in the Banff area as well. Returned to England and married Ida Penn in 1894, who came with him when he returned to Canada. Continued to be in Lake Louise until 1895. Lived at the Coast and Ashcroft for a bit, and arrived in Nelson in August, 1896. Had a curio shop there for some time, and then operated a boat livery on the waterfront for some years. Built a home for his family on a North Shore bluff, directly opposite across the lake from the City wharf. Lived there from 1902 to 1914. Religion was Church of England; and he was a member of St. Saviours Anglican Church. Astley was in England at the outbreak of war, and enlisted with the Royal Engineers. Served during the Dardanelles campaign. He was discharged, and then two months later he enlisted with the English Water Transport; serving in Mesopotamia on the Tigris River. He received the 1914-1915 star from the British war office for service with the Army Service Corps, in November 1920. After the war, he lived in Nelson and worked as an electrical meter reader for the City; lived on Silica and Carbonate Streets. Moved to Queens Bay in 1931 and read meters in the Proctor-Balfour area for about three years. He retired in 1941. Enjoyed fishing and gardening; his gardens won awards on two occasions. Had a hobby of building boats. Died on April 10th, 1948 in Nelson; 88 years old. Known family: Parents - Richard Astley and Adelaide Annette Astley (nee Crampton); Wife - (Lizzie) Ida Astley (nee Penn) (died July 3rd, 1934 in Nelson); Children - Mabel Louise Crampton Astley (married Kenneth Ross Attree, died August 23rd 1965) and Richard W. Astley (died June 9th, 1941 in California); Grandchildren - at least three. |
People |
Astley, Willoughby John |