Timeline for Robert Auckland and his wife Agnes (nee Simpson)

1882 April to June
Robert Auckland’s parents Thomas Auckland, age 24, iron moulder and Agnes Cowe, age 21, daughter of a lead worker are married in Gateshead, Durham, England.
Agnes Simpson’s parents George Simpson, age 31, farmer’s son and Mary Slack, age about 35 daughter of a blacksmith, are married in Westmorland, England.

1892 November 16
Robert Auckland is born in Hartlepool, Durham. He is the youngest of 5 children. His siblings are Jessie, George, Thomas and Sarah.

1893 October to December
Robert’s father Thomas dies age 38 leaving a widow with 5 children. Robert is about 1 year of age.

1896 July to September
Robert’s mother Agnes marries a widower William Coates, also an iron moulder. Robert now has 11 step brother’s and sisters, about half of whom are adults.

1897 April 13
Agnes Simpson is born in Workington, Cumberland. She is the youngest of 7 or possibly 8 children.

1897 July to September
Robert’s mother Agnes Coates, bears a daughter, called also Agnes Coates. He now has 4 siblings, a half sibling and 11 step-siblings.

1899 January to March
Robert’s mother Agnes dies age 38. Robert is 6 years old.

1901 March 31 Census of England
Hartlepool, Durham - Robert, age 9 [actually age 8] is living with his step father William Coates, 2 step sisters ages 14 and 18, a sister age 14, a brother, age 15 and a half sister, age 4. Presumably the oldest step sister who is listed as a domestic servant, cares for the younger children.
Workington, Cumberland - Agnes, age 3 is living with her father George, now a steel worker, her mother Mary, two brother’s age 6 and 18 and a sister age 14.

1906 May 21
Robert’s oldest brother George Auckland, age 20, dies of enteric fever in India. George was serving with the Durham Light Infantry.

1910, November 7
Agnes, age 13 arrives in Quebec, Canada on the Saturnia. She has travelled from England, on her own and is to join her father George Simpson who immigrated 2 years earlier. Her brother John Simpson was the first to immigrate in 1906.

1910 November 12
Agnes’s father George dies in a farm accident near Earl Grey, Saskatchewan which is more than 200 km away from his homestead near Netherhill. Meanwhile Agnes who has been delayed as she took a wrong train has yet to arrive in Saskatoon. When she finally does arrive, expecting to be met by family, she is met by the police who inform her about her father and feed her as she is now short of money. Her older brother John is dealing with their father’s funeral in Earl Grey. She does somehow eventually get to Netherhill. At age 13, she has lost her father and since her mother remains in England, will never see her mother again. Now what?

1911 April 2 England Census
West Hartlepool, Durham - Robert, age 18 is boarding with a family and is a fish curer’s assistant.

1911 June 1 Canada Census
I can’t find Agnes in this census.

1911
Agnes’ brother Joseph Simpson, a tailor immigrates to Toronto, Canada. Later he will join the Canadian Army in WWI, marry, then in 1924 move to Los Angeles.

1912 June 9
Agnes’ older siblings Thomas Simpson and Sarah Simpson immigrate to Netherhill, Saskatchewan. Thomas will return to England at least twice, marry there and settle in Netherhill. Sarah will marry Tom Fleming, a butcher, live in Eston and Biggar then eventually in Edmonton, Alberta. Sarah is said to closely resemble Agnes.

1914 August 4
Great Britain declares war on Germany.

1916 January to March
Robert, age 23 marries Elizabeth Coates, age 24. [Note: She is not the Elizabeth Coates daughter of Robert’s stepfather William Coates. It is possible she may be related, but I have yet to discover any connection.]

1916 June 1 Canada Prairie census
I can’t find Agnes in this census. Perhaps she is in British Columbia working as a domestic servant. British Columbia was not a part of this census.

1916 June 3
Robert’s wife Elizabeth Auckland (nee Coates) dies. They were married less than 6 months.

1916 November 16
Robert’s brother Thomas Auckland serving with the Durham Light infantry in France and Flanders is killed in battle, age 29. He has no known grave. Of Robert’s 4 full siblings, only two sisters Jessie and Sarah remain.

1916, 1917 or 1918
Robert enlisted with the Royal Engineers, British Army serving with the 227th Field Company. His service records appear to be among those no longer in existence, so most of the details can no longer be discovered. It is thought he enlisted after his wife died. He must have served in the France/Belgium Theatre as his obituary indicates he had been gassed.

1918 November 11
World War I ends, but it takes several months before soldiers can return to their civilian life.

1920 April 9
Robert, age 27 arrives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada aboard the ship Canada destined to the farm of John and Susannah (Susie) Simpson near Netherhill ,Saskatchewan. Susie is Robert’s deceased wife’s sister and John is his future wife Agnes’ older brother.

1921 June 1 Canadian Census
Robert is living with and working for John and Susie Simpson on their farm near Netherhill. Robert is listed as being single.
Yet again, I can’t find Agnes in this census.

1922 March 4
Robert Auckland, age 29 and Agnes Simpson, age 24 marry in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Another source suggests March 4, 1921, however Robert describes himself as being single in June of 1921.

1922 August 19
Daughter Marjorie Agnes Auckland is born in Brock, Saskatchewan which is a few miles from Netherhill.

1924 March 26
Daughter Audree [or Audrey] Jessie Auckland is born at Netherhill.

1926 June 1 Canada Prairie census
Village of Netherhill - Robert and Agnes Auckland with their daughters Marjorie and Audrey

1926 November 17
Son Thomas Raymond Auckland is born.
1931 June 1 Canada Census
Glidden Village, Saskatchewan - Robert and Agnes with children Marjorie, Audrey and Raymond. Also living in the village are Agnes’ brother Thomas Simpson and his family.

1931 June 1
Glidden Village - Robert and Agnes with children Marjorie, Audrey and Raymond. Robert is a telephone lineman.

1931 June 23
Son Kenneth George Auckland is born in Eston, Saskatchewan.

Sometime between 1935 and 1945
Robert, Agnes and at least some of their children move to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Robert is now a contractor, installing telephone poles and lines. Sons Ray and Ken become a part of the crew.

1955
Robert retires from his contracting business.

1958 July 21
Agnes’ sister Sarah Fleming (nee Simpson) dies in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

1960 November 9
Robert’s sister Jessie Lunness (nee Auckland), age 77 dies in Durham, England.

1964 January 1
Robert Auckland, age 71 dies in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.He is survived by his wife Agnes, his 4 children, 12 grandchildren and in England sister Sarah Cammish (nee Auckland). He lost his father when an infant, his mother as young child, his first wife after less than 6 months marriage. He served in WWI where he was gassed. With poor prospects he immigrated to Canada, became a farm labourer, married Agnes, became a telephone lineman, then with that knowledge created his own business installing telephone poles and lines. He still found time for family recreation having a cabin at Emma Lake, which was enjoyed by his immediate family, including his young grandchildren. Despite the bad hand he was dealt, his hard work led to an accomplished life.

About 1965
Agnes moved to Victoria, British Columbia.

1967
Robert’s sister Sarah Cammish (nee Auckland) dies in Hull, Yorkshire.

1975 December 10
Agnes’s brother Joseph Simpson dies in Orange County, California.

About 1991
Agnes moved back to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

1993 June 2
Daughter Audree Andrews (nee Auckland) dies age 69 in Alberta.

1995 August 19
Agnes Auckland dies in Saskatoon, age 98. She is survived by 3 children, 13 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Her granddaughter, Debbie has many fond memories of her for the time she spent with Agnes as a child.

2012 April 23
Son Raymond Auckland dies in Saskatoon, age 85.

2014 June 7
Daughter Marjorie Comrie (nee Auckland) dies in Saskatoon, age 91.

2025 February 22
Son Ken Auckland dies in Biggar, Saskatchewan, age 93. He is the last of Robert and Agnes’ children. Robert, Agnes and their children spanned a time of 132 years.

End of timeline

Second wife of Robert Auckland

The April to June 1897 birth index lists Agnes Simpson registered at Cockermouth, Cumbria, volume 10b page 625.

Birth certificate states Agnes Simpson, girl, born thirteenth April 1897 in 14 Byron Street Workington, Cumberland. Father George Simpson, Ironworker. Mother Mary Simpson formerly Slack at 14 Bryron Street Workington, registered 24 May 1897.

In 1901 census living at 22 Church Lane, Workington, Cumberland.
George Simpson age 40 labourman (steelworker), born at Park Head, Cumberland.
Wife, Mary Simpson age 42, born at Penrith, Cumberland.
Children Thomas Simpson age 18 born at Burton, Westmorland, labourman (steelworker),
Sarah Simpson age 14 born at Burton, Westmorland,
Richard Simpson age 6 born at Workington, Cumberland and
Agnes Simpson age 3 Workington, Cumberland.

Emigrated to Canada from England in 1910 at the age of only 13 and on her own. On the way she became lost and was stranded at Portage for a few days. When she arrived in Saskatoon there was no family to meet her as her father had died and they were at his funeral. The mounties met her in Saskatoon and gave her first meal.

Listed in the Canadian Passenger lists departed Glasgow, Scotland arrived Quebec November 7, 1910 aboard the Saturnia, Agnes Simpson, age 13, born in England, $10.00 cash, destination Saskatoon, to her father, a farmer.
[Thus she arrived in Canada 5 days before her father died, but it took her more than, 5 days to reach Saskatoon.]

I can’t find her in the 1911 census of Canada as Agnes Simpson, In the 1916 Canada Prairie census nor in the 1921 census of Canada as Agnes Auckland or Agnes Simpson.

Thomas William Simpson mentioned in his father’s probate records along with his sisters Sarah Ann Simpson and Agnes Simpson as living at Netherhill on June 4, 1913

A likely match
Canada Voters Lists 1968
Apartment 301 - 685 Niagra Street, Victoria, British Columbia
Mrs. Agnes Auckland, widow

Obituary
Auckland - Agnes passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 19th 1995 at the age of 98. Interment took place at Woodlawn with the memorial Service at Stensrud Lodge. Those left to enjoy Agnes’ memories are her daughter Marjorie Comrie; son Ray and (Joyce); son, Ken and (Pat) Auckland; son-in-law Angus Andrews, Calgary. Thirteen grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. Predeceased by husband, Robert; daughter Audree; son-in-law, Robert Comrie; and grandson Ryan.

Findagrave.com
Agnes Auckland
Birth 1897
Death 19 Aug 1995 (aged 97–98)
Burial Woodlawn Cemetery, Saskatoon, Saskatoon Census Division, Saskatchewan, Canada
Plot 34A-L111-SH
Memorial ID 65555238

In the October to December 1892 birth index is listed Robert Auckland, Hartlepool, Durham, volume 10a, page 162.

Birth certificate states, Robert Auckland, boy, born ninth of November 1892, Lilly St., Throston, Hartlepool, Durham. Father Thomas Auckland, Iron Moulder. Mother Agnes Auckland formerly Cowe, Lilly St. Throston, registered 28th December 1892.

In the 1901 census was living at 41 Lilly Street, Hartlepool, Durham,
age 9 with
his sister Sarah, age 14,
brother Thomas, age 15 (employed as a general labourer)
his half sister Agnes Coates age 4,
step sister Annie Coates age 14,
step sister Mary J. Coates, age 18 (domestic servant), and
step father William Coates age 49, widower (Iron Moulder).
The birthplace for all of them was Hartlepool except William Coates Gateshead, Durham and Mary J. Coates Sunderland, Durham.

In the 1911 census 33 Gray Street, West Hartlepool, Durham.
Boarder Robert Auckland, age 18, single, fish curer assistant, worker, born Hartlepool, Durham.
He is living with Charley Hill, Charley’s wife and 3 children.
The house has 3 rooms. [Robert Auckland’s brother Thomas works as a carter for a fish curer.]

In WW I was a driver in the Royal Engineers Reg No. 101200

I can’t find his service records. This is not unusual as many were burned in the bombings in WII.

UK WWI Service Medal Rolls
Driver Robert Auckland, Royal Engineers, regimental number 101200
British War Medal
Victory Medal

In the 1918 absent voters list
Auckland, Robert 19 Blake Street. 101200 Dvr, 227th Field Co., R.E.
[The 227th Field Company (Stockton-on-Tees) was raised at Marton Hall, Yorkshire and became a part of the 39th Division from November 1915. ]

His medal card Robert Auckland, Royal Engineers, Driver, Regimental Number 101200. Victory medal and British Medal.
[He did not receive the 1914-15 Star so he did not serve in any theatre of war before 1916. ]
[The Theatre of War first served line is blank, which may imply he never served out of England, or other may have been missed as 39th Division took part in many actions in 1916, 1917 and 1918. Since other sources indicate he was gassed in WWI, it appears he almost certainly served in France/ Belgium Theatre.]

Robert Auckland was married previously. His first wife died during WWI.

UK Outward Passenger Lists
Departed April 1 1920 from Liverpool on the Canada bound to Halifax
Robert Auckland, 3rd class, machinist, age 27, country of last permanent residence England

Listed in the Canadian Passenger lists departed Liverpool arrived Halifax, Nova Scotia April 9, 1920 aboard the Canada, Robert Auckland age 27, born in England, widowed, destination Netherhill, Sask., he was a machinist in England, planning to be a farmer in Canada. His nearest relative from where he came is sister, Mrs Lunness [Jessie], 119 Elleson Street, Jarrow. His destination is to sister-in-law [cut off, probably Susannah aka Susie, his deceased wife’s sister] Simpson, Box 6, Netherhill, Saskatchewan.

In the 1921 Canadian Census Section 36 Township 28, Range 21 West of the 3rd meridian, Hillsborough municipality, Netherhill Village, Kindersley district, Saskatchewan.
Head John Simpson, age 34, born in England, parents born in England, immigrated in 1906, Canadian nationality, farmer, Anglican.
Wife Susie Simpson, age 31, born England, parents born England, immigrated 1913.
Son John Simpson, age 5, born Saskatchewan.
Daughter M. Elizabeth Simpson, age 3, born Saskatchewan.
Son Richard Simpson, age 1, born Saskatchewan.
House help Robert Auckland, single, age 28, immigrated 1920, born England, parents born England, farm labourer.
[His marriage date of March 4, 1921 to Agnes Simpson seems to be incorrect as he is listed as single in June of 1921.]
[Also listed as being on the same section was Thomas Flemming and his family.]

In the 1926 census of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta
Lot 15, Block 2, Village of Netherhill, Kindersley district, Saskatchewan
Head Robert Auckland, married, age 32, born England, parents born England, immigrated 1920
Wife Agnes Auckland, married, age 28, born England, parents born England, immigrated 1910
Daughter Marjorie Auckland, age 4, born Saskatchewan
Daughter Audrey Auckland, age 2, born Saskatchewan
[on the same page Agnes’ oldest brother]
Lot 13, Block 2, Village of Netherhill
Head Thomas Simpson, married, age 43, born England, parents born England, immigrated 1922
Wife Maria Simpson, married, age 42, born England, parents born England, immigrated 1923
Son Thomas Simpson, age 9, born England, immigrated 1923
Daughter Mary Simpson, age 6, born England, immigrated 1923

1931 Canada Census
Saskatchewan, Kindersley district, Glidden Village (district 44)
1st Avenue, Glidden
Rented home, rent $15 per month, single floor, wood, 4 rooms, had a radio
Head Robert Auckland, age 38, born England, parents born England, immigrated 1920. nationality Canada, racial origin England, Church of England, worker, lineman, telephone, earned $1320 in the last year
Wife Agnes Auckland, age 32, born England, parents born England, immigrated 1911, United Church, home maker
Daughter Marjorie A. Auckland, age 8, born Saskatchewan, student
Daughter Audrey Auckland, age 7, born Saskatchewan, student
Son Raymond Auckland, age 4, born Saskatchewan

Canada Voters Lists 1935
Robert Auckland, telephone operator, Glidden, Saskatchewan
Mrs. Robert Auckland, married woman, Glidden

Canada Voters Lists 1945
Robert Auckland, telephone operator, Eston, Saskatchewan
Mrs. Robert Auckland, Eston

Canada Voters Lists 1949
1137 Avenue K South, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Robert Auckland, Contractor
Mrs. Agnes Auckland, housewife
Ray Auckland, contractor

Canada Voters Lists 1957
1008 Duke Street, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Robert Auckland, line contractor
Mrs. Agnes Auckland

Canada Voters Lists 1960, 1962, 1963
1008 Duke Street
Robert Auckland, retired
Mrs. Agnes Auckland

International Find a Grave Index
Robert Auckland, died January 1, 1964, buried Woodlawn Cemetery, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Plot 34A-L111-SH

From a family Member

ROBERT AUCKLAND

Robert Auckland came to Canada in the spring of 1920. He had lost his first wife, Lizzie, after a few months of marriage, and had served his country in the WW1. England didn’t hold much hope for the future.

Canada offered opportunity to anyone willing and able to work. Bob Auckland was both. He decided to emigrate to the farming community of Netherhill, Saskatchewan, where his late wife’s sister and husband were homesteading. John (Jack) Simpson, and his wife Susannah (Maise) welcomed family from both sides and helped them get a start in the new country.

Bob Auckland worked for farmers, worked with Jack boring water wells and eventually trained in Regina to be a telephone lineman, shortly after he married Agnes Simpson, Jack’s sister. The job of lineman included maintaining the rural telephone lines, maintaining the customer’s telephones, and the switch board and operating the switch board. While working as a line man he needed to repair lines in the winter, so purchased a snow plane, which was used to take the Doctor to visit patients. He also operated a dray service. Agnes ran the switch board and raised the family

Bob Auckland was an entrepreneur who took advantage of the opportunities as they presented themselves. He took his responsibilities seriously whether family, business or community.

He and Jack Simpson designed and had built the first power telephone pole hole digger in Saskatchewan. They used the same concept as a well boring machine. It was built in Pappawell’s Machine Shop in Eston, Saskatchewan, mounted on a truck and powered by a Model T worm gear rear end. This was a great advancement in telephone line construction. The Auckland crew dug holes for the Sasktel crew. and went on to contract the construction of telephone lines all over Saskatchewan.

Bob Auckland was a successful businessman. When he moved on to contracting the construction of lines, Agnes ran the cook car for the crew and traveled with the outfit all summer.

Most of the contracting was done for Sasktel with a small amount done for rural telephone companies. They did a lot of work and a lot of big jobs on the TransCanada telephone line, rerouted the lines at the Regina Airport and did a lot of phantom work. One of the big jobs was rebuilding the lines after an ice storm, near InterCon in Saskatoon. They spent two summers stringing wire on the TransCanada

Bob Auckland retired in 1955. Ray worked with his dad until he retired, working at other jobs in the winter. Ken worked for his dad when he as a kid, but after he was married he worked for Tri City & Hub City on Richard Simpson’s crew. In 1956 Ken & his wife Edith took the lineman’s job at Plato Saskatchewan. Plato Rural Telephone Co. had purchased Bob Auckland’s Sterling digger, a hydraulic machine.

Bob Auckland had trouble breathing, partly due to being gassed in the war. On January 1st 1964 Bob Auckland passed away due to pulmonary distress, after saying goodbye to his family and thanking Agnes for a wonderful life.

End of article from family member.

Findagrave.com
Robert Auckland
Birth 1892
Death 1 Jan 1964 (aged 71–72)
Burial Woodlawn Cemetery, Saskatoon, Saskatoon Census Division, Saskatchewan, Canada
Plot 34A-L111-SH
Memorial ID 65555134