Saturday, April 15, 2023
Cornie Hildebrandt was a big part of three generations of my maternal family. My maternal grandfather, Charles McLachlan, settled in the Ste. Elizabeth area in 1906. He established his farm home on the west bank of the Marsh River, SE 23-4-2E. In 1925, Frank Hildebrandt settled on the adjacent quarter on the east bank, directly across the river from my grandfather. His son, Cornelius, worked for Grandpa off and on through the years, until Grandpa retired the spring of 1951. His farm was purchased by Abram Unrau from the Altona area. His daughter Katherine Unrau was the love of Cornies life and they were married.
During the 50’s and 60’s Cornie worked for Dewitt Nichols here in the Arnaud area. Dewitt was married to my mothers older sister, Christine. Uncle Dewitt farmed, had the local transfer and a gravel hauling business. I suspect Cornie put more time in hauling gravel, as he would always have a story related to that enterprise.
The fall of ’79, Cornie decided to actively quit farming and rented his land out. 1979 was a flood year. Spring seeding was pushed back, therefore a late harvest. I had seeded three quarters into sunflowers which were still out when a “Colorado Low” hit our area the end of October. My truck-driver had gone back to University, so I asked Cornie if he would fill in.
He did and helped again the next fall. The die was cast, he stayed on for a total of ten years. Cornie dug in, did everything asked, never complained and offered good advice. I am most thankful that I had the good fortune of having my close neighbor Cornie sharing a part of my life.
Rest in peace, old friend, we will meet again on the other side.
Angus
