Krasman Family

Michael and Helena Krasman, Estonian by birth, came to Canada in 1909 from the Crimea. Accompanying them were their three children: Robert (1902), Lena (1903) and Leona (1905). They arrived in Lethbridge, Alberta and were greeted by an Estonian family living in the area.

In October of 1909, Michael purchased a homestead 40 miles (64 kilometres) north of Warner, Alberta. At the time southern Alberta was an isolated enclave with the Krasmans' closest neighbour living 30 miles (48 kilometres) away. In the coming years the Krasman family would increase by four more children: Linda (1910), Rudolph (1914), Albert (1917) and John (1920).

In an era before irrigation soil in southern Alberta was extremely dry and not particularly ideal for crop farming. Michael and Helena would spend weeks removing rocks from the soil. In 1914, for example, the Krasmans produced a meager crop due in large part to a drought that had plagued southern Alberta. With minimal rain and poor crops, the Krasmans had no choice but to leave their homestead.

In the fall of 1924 Michael had found a farm that the family could rent near Barons. Near Barons the quality of the soil was slightly improved in comparison to the area near Warner. Moreover, there were numerous Estonian families living in and near Barons, and many were eager to lend a helping hand or supply farm equipment to the Krasmans. In 1935, the family moved again; this time near Champion, Alberta. In 1938, Rudolph passed away and was buried at the Champion cemetery.

In 1939, Michael and Helena, along with their sons Albert and John, moved to Innisfail, Alberta. Helena passed away in 1944 while Michael passed away in 1952. Both are buried at the cemetery in Innisfail.