Samuel and Johanna (Purcell) Christian - Family Reunion

On Sunday, 14 July 1929, Samuel Christian and his wife Johanna were surprised when after 32 years their entire family was reunited at Prospect. The biggest surprise was that their two daughters, living in New York, visited without announcing their visit, in what I am sure was an absolute surprise of happiness. A short article in a Halifax newspaper suggests that “Their surprise and delight at their presence (of their daughters), along with the other members of the family, can well be imagined.” (The Halifax Evening Mail, 16 July 1929, p. 16).

Samuel Christian was born at Prospect in 1845 the son of Edward and Frances (White) Christian and Johanna Purcell was born at Prospect in 1849 the daughter of Thomas and Johanna (Power) Purcell. They were married on 14 May 1871 and would have children: Marguerite Francisca (b. 1872, m. Norman Purcell), Thomas (b. 1874), Alice Edna (b. 1876, m. William J. Christian), Louis Vincent (b. 1878), Mary Delphine (b. 1880), Patrick (b. 1882), Johanna (b. 1882), Annie (b. 1889), Cecilia Dorothy (b. 1889).

Gave Aged Couple a Real Surprice

Halifax Evening Mail, 16 July 1929, p. 16

This reunion at Prospect in 1929 would be the last time they all probably saw each other as Samuel died in 1932 and Johanna in 1933.