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Samuel John Mugford was born in St. Austell, Cornwall, England in 1867. He was educated in England and worked as a teacher before emigrating to Canada in 1890. Mugford settled in the Saltcoats, North-West Territories (now known as Saskatchewan) district in 1891 and taught in the Graham and Rothbury school districts and in Langenburg. He homesteaded on SW 32-24-32-W1 in the Saltcoats district and continued to farm until his death.

Active in the local community, Mugford helped establish several school districts in the Ukrainian settlements around Wroxton and Calder. He served as a returning officer for several elections and was appointed an official auditor for the Province of Saskatchewan in 1912. He served as an auditor for the Rural Municipalities of Calder and Churchbridge and for various small companies and businesses. Mugford was active in the Saltcoats Grain Growers Association and with the Saltcoats and Rothbury agricultural societies.

Mugford died in Saltcoats in 1934.

Mugford married Mabel Goodday in 1898. The Mugfords had three children: Jim; Amy and Beth.

Edwin T. Schmidt was born on June 22, 1893 at Loretta, Ben Homme County, South Dakota to Tobias D. and Helena (nee Unruh) Schmidt. He moved to Canada with his family in 1901 and settled in the Waldheim, North-West Territories (now known as Saskatchewan) district. He received his primary education at Springfield School and attended the German-English Academy of Rosthern. He also attended Normal School to train as a teacher.

Schmidt's teaching career began in 1914, when he was employed as the teacher at Windom School. Schmidt taught at various schools in the Waldheim, Laird and Rosthern districts until his retirement in July, 1959. Schmidt also completed theological training and served as a full time pastor of the Salem Krimmer Mennonite Brethren Church from 1934 to 1960.

In 1960, Schmidt moved to Saskatoon, where he resided until his death on December 8, 1978.

Schmidt married Helena Goossen on December 30, 1914. The Schmidts had eight children: Verna; Salome; Mariam; Lois; Wilma; Loyal; Royal; and Laurina.

Florence Helen Talbot King was born in London, England, in 1900, daughter of Mark George King. She was trained as a teacher, and also took a commercial (secretarial) course. Florence was a stenographer for England in World War I. She came to Canada in May of 1922, staying briefly with a relative. She was offered a position as a teacher in Deerborne, Saskatchewan and moved to western Canada that autumn.

Florence King married George Barker on December 15, 1922, in the home Mr. and Mrs. Dick Cowan. The Barkers took up farming near Spy Hill, initially renting the Albert Guyatt farm. They attempted to purchase the farm directly across the road in 1923, however their tender was turned down in March of 1924. Therefore, they took out a 3 year lease with the property owner, Joseph Davis, instead. The two-story house had been twisted in the 1916 cyclone. The buildings were of logs, in poor condition, and rat infested. It was set up as a mixed farming operation.

The Barkers improved their property, building a frame house in 1927, and concentrated on the farm operation. They became embroiled in a prolonged administrative struggle to buy their land through years of low prices and poor crops. According to Mrs. Barker, they finally succeeded in paying for it three times over.

They continued farming until 1946, becoming involved in a number of farmers' organizations. In particular, Mrs. Barker was District Director for the United Farmers, while Mr. Barker served as secretary. They turned their farm over to their eldest son in 1946, moving into Spy Hill Village and beginning an insurance business together. Mrs. Barker worked as secretary for Spy Hill Rural Telephone Company at the same time (until 1955). She was also Spy Hill Credit Union's Manager-Secretary from its inception in 1950 through 1961. She was the community's volunteer Librarian from 1959-1968; the Assistant Treasurer and a Reporter for the Wolverine Hobby and Historical Society, from its inception in 1954; a Charter Member of the Spy Hill Ladies' Auxiliary; and served as secretary for various co-operative associations.

Florence Barker passed away in 1986, and is buried next to her husband in Spy Hill Cemetery. She is survived by her two sons, William Keith Barker (b. 1924) and John George Barker (b. 1925). She also had a daughter, Helen, who died in 1942.

John Penner was born to Cornelius and Helena Penner on December 12, 1931 near Swift Current, Saskatchewan. He was raised on the family farm and attended Iris School. He later earned Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees from the University of Saskatchewan.

Penner was an educator for 31 years, serving as a teacher, vice-principal and principal of Swift Current Comprehensive High School. After retiring from teaching, he became an owner of Parkside Memorial Funeral Home in Swift Current. Penner was actively involved in the Swift Current community, serving as a city councillor, Union Hospital board member, member and president of the Rotary Club and Western Credit Union and founding board member of the Dr. Noble Irwin Healthcare Foundation.

Penner was first elected to the Saskatchewan Legislature in 1991 and served as the New Democratic Party MLA for the Swift Current Constituency until 1995. He served in the Roy Romanow cabinet as Minister of Energy and Mines (1991-1993); Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Mining Development Corporation (1991-1993); Minister Responsible for Wakamow Valley Authority (1991-1992); Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Research Council (1991-1993); Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Energy Conservation and Development Authority (1992-1993); Associate Minister of Finance (1993-1995); Minister of Crown Investments Corporation (1993-1995); Minister Responsible for CIC Mineral Interests Corporation (1993-1995); Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Computer Utility Corporation (1993-1995). Penner resigned from cabinet on February 3, 1995 for health reasons and did not seek re-election in the 1995 general election.

Penner died on March 5, 2003 in Swift Current and was buried in Hillcrest Cemetery.

Penner and his wife, Josephine, were married on July 11, 1953. They had two daughters, Maxine and Sheila.

Born in the Vonda-Alvena area of Saskatchewan on April 22, 1943, Edwin Laurence Tchorzewski attended rural schools at Fosston, Kelvington and Hudson Bay. He graduated from Hudson Bay Comprehensive High School and the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science/History and a Teachers Certificate (1969).

Tchorzewski taught at St. Augustine's Separate School in Humboldt from 1965 until entering political life in 1971. Growing up in a Cooperative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) household, Tchorzewski became involved in party politics while at university. First elected to the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly at the age of twenty-eight in the General Election of June 1971 as the New Democratic Party (NDP) member for Humboldt constituency, Tchorzewski served as a MLA until defeated in the 1982 General Election. Re-elected in 1985 in a by-election for the constituency of Regina North East, he continued to represent this area and Regina Dewdney constituency following the General Elections of 1986, 1991, and 1995.

Between 1972 and 1982, Tchorzewski served in the cabinet of Allan E. Blakeney in the following portfolios: Minister of Culture and Youth (1972-1977); Minister of Consumer Affairs (1972-1975); Provincial Secretary (1972-1975); Minister of Continuing Education (1975-1976); Minister of Education (1975-1977); Minister of Health (1977-1979); and Minister of Finance (1979-1982).

During the period 1985-1991, Tchorzewski served as Opposition Environment Critic and was named Deputy Leader of the NDP in 1989. Tchorzewski also served as a cabinet minister with the Roy Romanow government between 1991-1995, holding the following portfolios: Minister of Crown Investments (1995); Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier (1991-1993); Provincial Secretary (1993-1995); Minister of Education, Training & Employment (1993); Associate Minister of Finance (1995); and Minister of Municipal Government (1995). Tchorzewski resigned his seat in the Legislature on January 18, 1999 and retired from public life.

Following his resignation Tchorzewski worked as a consultant for Rawlco Communications, and as an advisor to the Lorne Calvert government. In January, 2005 he became provincial secretary and chief executive officer for the Saskatchewan New Democratic Party.

In private pursuits Tchorzewski played and coached various sports, held an active role in church activities with the Knights of Columbus, and maintained his interest in education as a member of the Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation.

Ed Tchorzewski married Shirley Stasiuk in 1966 in Preeceville, Saskatchewan. They had four children, son Dion; daughters Raquel, Shalra and Shaundra.

Tchorzewski died in Regina on June 6, 2008.

Jean Ruth Matheson was born on November 24, 1905 at the St. Barnabas Anglican Mission on the Onion Lake First Nation, Saskatchewan to Rev. John Richardson Matheson and Dr. Elizabeth Matheson (née Scott). Known as Ruth, she was the seventh of nine children. Matheson received her secondary and post-secondary education in Winnipeg, Manitoba, graduating from the University of Manitoba in 1928.

Matheson began her career as a teacher first in Manitoba and later in Saskatchewan. After marrying Geoffrey J. Buck in 1933, she moved to Regina with her family in 1946. In 1953, Ruth Buck was elected to the Regina Collegiate Board, serving as chair when the Board amalgamated with the Public School Board in 1966. She was elected to Regina's first Board of Education, and served on that board until her retirement in 1967.

After her retirement, Ruth Buck began writing articles and books, centred primarily around the history of Saskatchewan and the Prairies. The 1970s were her most prolific years, during which she published the book "Voices of the Plains Cree" (1973), the stories of Chief Thunderchild which had been collected by the Reverend Edward Ahenakew and edited by Buck; and "The Doctor Rode Sidesaddle" (1974), the biography of her mother Dr. Elizabeth Matheson, one of the first female doctors in Canada.

In 1974, an elementary school in Regina was dedicated to Ruth M. Buck in honour of her years of service on the Board of Education, and for her lifelong commitment to education.

Ruth Matheson and Geoffrey Buck had one daughter, Judith.

Ruth M. Buck died on July 6, 2009 in Pilot Butte, Saskatchewan.

William James Gilbert (Bill) Allen was born in Regina, Saskatchewan on August 12, 1946 to Alfred B. Allen and Delores M. Holmes. Allen received his early education at Holy Rosary and St. James Schools in Regina, and attended St. Peter's College in Muenster. He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan (Regina) with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

First elected to the Saskatchewan Legislature as a New Democratic Party (NDP) Member representing Regina-Rosemont constituency in the June 1975 General Election, Allen was re-elected in that constituency in October 1978. He was defeated by Gordon Dirks in the April 1982 General Election, but remained active in politics. Allen served as President of the NDP from 1995-2000. He co-chaired the Platform Committee for the September 1999 General Election and chaired the Leadership Committee in 2001.

After leaving public life, Allen worked as a teacher at Riffel and Archbishop M.C. O'Neill High Schools.

Bill Allen married Carolyn Ruth on November 11, 1967. They had two children: Michael Padraic Joseph and Kelsey Maureen.

Allen currently (2005) resides in Regina.

Julie Pitzel was born on June 17, 1943 in Northern Saskatchewan.She was educated as a teacher and guidance counselor through the Saskatchewan Urban Native Teacher Education Program (SUNTEP). She speaks Cree, Dene, Michif, and English.

Pitzel is active in the Prince Albert, Saskatchewan community. She has worked as a family and teen counselor and has served as president of the Indian Guidance Counselors Association. She was the coordinator for SUNTEP in Prince Albert (1992-1993), served as president of the Prince Albert Native Women's organization, and was active in local and provincial aboriginal politics. She was a board member of the Prince Albert Indian Métis Friendship Centre and a founder of Prince Albert's Interval House. She worked as an aboriginal liaison officer for the Victim Services Unit of the Prince Albert Police Service.

Pitzel was honoured by the Women of the Dawn in 1995 and was the recipient of the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal in 2005. In February, 2013, she received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for her volunteer work in the community.

Currently (2014), Pitzel continues to volunteer her time and sits on many boards and committees including: the Prince Albert Indian Métis Friendship Center; Community Against Family Violence; Waskahigun Board; West Central Native Women; Native Coordinating Council; Eagle Nest (a group home program that works with at-risk youth); University of Saskatchewan Senate; Human Rights Tribunal; and the Aboriginal Elders Advisory Committee to the Ministry of Justice. She is an active member of Métis Local 269. Pitzel is also an instructor with the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) and a speaker at various events.

Palma Annette Anderson was born on October 15, 1931 near Bulyea, Saskatchewan to Olaf and Caroline Anderson. She attended the Provincial Normal School at Moose Jaw in 1949 and 1950, and later earned a Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Saskatchewan. Anderson taught at Saskatoon, Moose Jaw and Regina during her career that spanned twenty-three years.

Palma Anderson was actively involved in issues related to women's rights. In the 1970s, she joined the Regina Status of Women and soon became its president. Throughout the 1980s, she was president of the Saskatchewan Action Committee, Status of Women (SAC) which lobbied for improvements to minimum wage, pension reform, child care, and women's health rights. From 1986 to 1988, she was the Saskatchewan representative on the executive of the National Action Committee on the Status of Women, serving on a variety of sub-committees. Anderson was a founding member of the Saskatchewan Battered Women's Advocacy Network.

As a member of the Regina Public School Teachers Association, she lobbied on such issues as professional development, affirmative action, sexual harassment, maternity leave, and pensions.

Upon her retirement from teaching, Palma Anderson addressed issues of seniors' education and welfare through her activities in the Regina Council on Aging, the Saskatchewan Senior Citizens Provincial Council, the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism, and the Regina Chapter of the Superannuated Teachers of Saskatchewan.

Anderson volunteered for the New Democratic Party on various committees and election campaign teams at the provincial and federal levels. She also briefly volunteered with the Canadian Red Cross Society.

Anderson received the John Stratychuk Memorial Award from the Saskatchewan Human Rights Association and the Soroptimist International of Regina 1988 Woman of Distinction Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions in the field of human rights. She was also honoured with the Regina Y.W.C.A. Award of Merit for her community involvement, and a Vital Link award from the City of Regina in 1993 for her work with the Regina Council on Aging.

Palma Anderson married Dave Treherne in the 1950s; they divorced in the late 1970s. They had three children: Kathy, Karen and Chris. Palma Anderson died in Regina on September 26, 1994.

Paul John Schoenhals was born on November 5, 1941 in Clinton, Ontario to Stewart John Schoenhals and Phyllis Lillian Elliott. He received his primary education in Ontario and attended Nutana Collegiate in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Schoenhals earned a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 1964 and a postgraduate diploma in 1970.

Prior to his entry into provincial politics, Schoenhals worked as a high school teacher in Saskatoon and was involved with the Saskatoon Hilltops Football Club as director and head coach.
Schoenhals was first elected to the Saskatchewan Legislature in 1982 and served as a Progressive Conservative MLA for the Saskatoon Sutherland constituency until 1986. He served in the Grant Devine Government as Minister of Urban Affairs (1982-1983); Minister of Culture and Youth (1982-1983); Minister of Culture and Recreation (1983); Minister of Energy and Mines (1983-1985); Minister of Telephones (1985-1986); Minister of Science and Technology (1985-1986); Minister of Supply and Services (1985-1986) and Minister of Tourism and Small Business (1985-1986).

Schoenhals was Minister Responsible for Local Government Board (1982-1983); Municipal Water Assistance Board (1982-1983); Provincial Planning Appeals Board (1982-1983); Meewasin Valley Authority (1982-1983); Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts (1982-1983); Saskatchewan Arts Board (1982-1983); Western Development Museum (1982-1983); Saskatchewan Oil and Gas Corporation (1983-1985); Saskatchewan Water Supply Board (1983-1984); Legislative Review Committee (1983-1985); Saskatchewan Water Corporation (1984-1985); Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan (1985-1986); Employment Development Agency (1985-1986); Saskatchewan Government Printing (1985-1986) and Saskatchewan Property Management Corporation (1986).

After losing his seat in the 1986 general election to E. Mark Koenker (NDP), Schoenhals became president of Petroleum Industry Training Service (PITS).

Schoenhals currently (2006) resides in Calgary, Alberta and is President and Chief Executive Officer of Enform, a company that provides training programs and safety initiatives for workers in the petroleum industry.

Schoenhals married Dorenda Stirton, a Canadian ladies' curling champion, on June 21, 1969. They have three children: Susan, Ryan and Karyn.