Humboldt's first citizens were Mr. and Mrs. George Weldon, the first people in charge of the Humboldt Telegraph Station.

Their appointment was made in the spring of 1878, she as operator and he as lineman. It was Aug. l9 of that year before they arrived at the station from Ontario to become Humboldt's first residents.

Mrs. Weldon was known as the "first lady operator who ever set foot in the great lone land."

George and Kate Weldon became widely known and highly respected for the warmth of their hospitality extended to all travellers who passed that way.

Mr. Weldon kept a diary and made excellent notes which help give a better idea of thier life and times in Humboldt.

George Weldon left his native home in Ireland on May 16, 1871. He landed in New York on June 3, 1871, and Canada on June 10th.

After working as a farm laborer for $13 a month, he moved to Montreal where he was employed in a wholesale house for $6 a week. Later he clerked in stores and finally became owner of his own business.

Then, on Oct. 13, 1876, he married his Irish sweetheart, Catherine Liggett, who has also emigrated to the United States with her brother in 1871.

Mrs. Weldon, who was an expert telegraphist, trained her husband.

The Weldons were on their way west to start up the first telegraph station in Humboldt. By Aug. 19, 1878, the Weldons, along with 10-month-old daughter Birdie, had reached their station and on that date started work on a new home.

Six days later, on Aug. 25, the first commercil message was sent from Humboldt to Winnipeg.

The Weldons daughter, Birdie, became ill and died on Jan. 28, 1882. The parents wanted to give their little girl a Christian burial but didn't know how to go about it.

Prince Albert was the colsest community where there was a resident minister, but the trail was blocked with snow. There was no solution, they thought, except to keep the little body frozen for the winter.

There were two linemen at the station who found a solution and constructed a hand sleigh. They fastened the body to it, and on snow shoes, tramped the 150 miles to Prince Albert. The journey lasted several days through an unhabited country in the coldest season of the year.

The following year, the family moved to Grenfell and on June 13, 1883, a son was born.

Mr. Weldon held the position of CPR agent at Grenfell until his retirement. Mrs. Weldon died in Grenfell in 1903 following a long illness.