10/05/2026
Peter Mikula
Peter was born in Pribis, Orawa, Czechoslovakia on May 19, 1900. Peter was one of 9 siblings.
He lived with his parents until 1918.
Peter’s Mom passed away in 1926, his Dad in 1928.
Peter married Anna Janco of the same village in 1922. Anna was a family of six sisters and one brother.
Peter came to Canada in 1925. He started off working in Quebec in an aluminum factory. Then Ft. William, for a logging company. In 1928, Peter received word from his wife that their house back home had burnt to the ground, along with half of the village.
Peter thought he could make a better life for his family in Alberta. He thought he could be a farmer, that it might be his chance to acquire land.
He paid train fare as far as Edmonton. At the land office he heard there were homesteaded available in the Peace River area. Peter bought a homestead on payment for $60.
When Peter arrived the land was solid bush as far as the eye could see. He first cleared an area for a house by hand axe and saw. His first house was 16’x20’ one room log house. Peter spent 15 days grubbing for Andrew Gall Sr., for which he received one blind horse for a payment.
1934, February. Anna arrived at the homestead. At first life was a struggle for all. Their first Christmas in Canada consisted of homemade vegetable soup for Christmas supper. As the years went by life was looking up to them.
In December 1934, their son Milan was born. November 1936, their daughter Jean was born. Marie Klus, was the midwife for both of the babies born at home.
1947, the Mikula’s built a new house with lumber.
Anna had a heart condition, she had spent most of her time in the hospital. She went to live with her sister in Highland, Indiana, where she could have better medical care.
In November of 1947, Anna passed away.
In 1956, Jean married Stan Steblyk, they had two girls and two boys.
1959, Milan Married Mary Skwarik. They had three sons and a daughter.
Peter retired in 1960. On January 25th, 1979, Peter was very ill. He was flown to Edmonton for an operation. He spent the remainder of his days in the hospital. Peter passed away on March 17, 1979. At the age of 79.
Please note, pictures are from Turning the Pages of Time. A History of Nampa and Surrounding Districts.
