Victoria Ann Elizabeth Pallister [p.1.6.3.9.4.5]

Our thanks go to Norm Willis of Canada for much helpful information on this page

Victoria Ann Elizabeth Pallister was the fifth child of John (Augustus) Pallister & Sarah Vachon born August 13th, 1866 in New Liverpool, Quebec, Canada & was christened August 20th, 1866 in Quebec.

Soon after the birth of Victoria’s younger sister Mary Jane, the family left Canada to live in Iowa, USA.

In the 1885 census of Iowa Victoria was living at West Maine St, Ottumwa, Wapello with her parents & brothers John A, Thomas A & William H. All 3 boys were described as ‘candy makers’ & are known to have set up a confectionery business in Ottumwa. In the early 80s the Pallister Bros had the largest confectionery & ice cream business in Ottumwa. Their store was the first in Ottumwas to install electric light. Four sisters were also living at home – Alice (21), & Mary (16) both born in Canada. The 2 youngest sisters, Matilda (13) & Anna (Joanna) (10) were born in Iowa.

On December 9th, 1890 Victoria married Delbert E Johnson in Ottumwa. Delbert was born in Pennsylvania.

One significant event which links the Pallister family back to Whickham, England was the following which was kindly communicated to us by a fellow researcher, Norm Willis. He was made aware of a photograph of Victoria Ann Elizabeth Pallister & on the reverse was the detail of her marriage to Delbert E Johnson on December 9th, 1890 in Ottumwa. The photograph was in an album presented to Thomas Willis (1838-1903) by fellow members of St Mary the Virgin Anglican Church Choir in 1890, when Thomas moved from Whickham to Gateshead. The relationship (if any) between the Pallister & Willis families is undetermined & so the inclusion of Victoria’s picture in the album is intriguing!

Victoria Ann Elizabeth Pallister

By 1895 Victoria was living back at home in Ottumwa with her 3 year old daughter Susie. Her mother was widowed by this time & also at home were her brothers Thomas, John & William. The 3 brothers were now all described as cigar manufacturers. Sisters Alice, Mary, Matilda & Annie were also still at home & were confectioners.

By 1900 Victoria & Delbert were divorced & Victoria & her daughter Susan V Johnson were still living with Victoria’s mother, Sarah Pallister in Ottumwa. Also still at home were brother William & sisters Sarah Alice & Joanna. Victoria was working as a clerk.

The 1910 census shows Victoria living with her brother William & sister Anna (Joanna) in Ottumwa, Ward 6. Daughter Susan, now 18, was still living with them.

Daughter Susan married James Joseph Swirles in Ottumwa on August 9th, 1911. By 1920 Susan & James were living in Minneapolis, Minnesota where James was assistant manager of a hotel.

Victoria was again living with brother William, a cigar manufacturer, & sister Anna, a dancing teacher, in Ottumwa, Ward 6 in 1920. Victoria was working as a saleslady in a dry goods store.

At the time of the 1930 census Victoria was living with her sister Anna in Ottumwa.
The 2 sisters were still living together in 1940 in the Central Township, Ottumwa.

Victoria died on August 13th, 1948 at St Joseph Hospital, Ottumwa on her 82nd birthday & was buried in Ottumwa cemetery. The Ottumwa Courier of August 13th, 1948 mentioned that Victoria had been a member of the Trinity Episcopal Church & Trinity Guild of the church.

The children of Victoria Ann Elizabeth Pallister & Delbert E Johnson were:

p.1.6.3.9.4.5.1 Susan Victoria Johnson born September 30th, 1891 at Anniston, Alabama; died May 1977 in Florida