"Another tragedy that caused a great deal of excitement in the dis-
trict, and in fact throughout the Territory, took place in 1887. Hector
McLeish, who homesteaded one mile east of the town, had a pony stolen.
He trailed the thieves nearly to Wolseley and when approaching them
was shot and died a few hours later. The murderers, Geddy and Rousette,
half-breeds, made their escape to North Dakota. In the Fall of the year
they were caught, brought back to Regina, tried and found guilty and
paid the death penalty.
"The Qu'Appelle Agricultural Society was organized, with the Chief
Officers-A. M. McLane and William Henley.
"There was also a Board of Trade formed, which like others of its
kind, did not survive many of our severe winters.
MEMORIES OF QU'APPELLE.
1888.
"G. S. Davidson was elected a member of the North West Assembly.
"A. C. Paterson was appointed Inspector of Weights and Measures
in the Inland Revenue Department.
"The following early settlers of Qu'Appelle later moved to other parts,
some to engage in other occupations: S. M. Jarvis, moved to Toronto;
T. W. Jackson, Barrister, moved to Seattle; E. W. Warner, C. P.R. Agent,
moved to Winnipeg; G. B. Murphy, appointed Sheriff of the Judicial
District of East Assiniboia, Moosomin; A. J. Baker, Immigration Agent,
to Brandon; Hartley Gisborne, Electrician, to Ladysmith, B. C.; G. H.
Bulyea, elected member of the North West Assembly, taken into Govern-
ment, Regina; A. C. Paterson, appointed Customs Collector, North Por-
tal; J. A. Cowan, moved to Winnipeg; Joe Robinson, moved to Peachland,
B. C.; J. R. Brown, moved to Peachiand, B. C.
"Only a few of the real old timers are left, and they are in the sear
and yellow leaf of old age: J. P. Beauchamp, William Henley, Dick
Johnston, James McEwan, Joe Doolittle, Thos. Bunn, J. Longpre, Barney
Ross, Thos. Carroll, Jack Love, John Craig.
"Such splendid men as the following, together with those mentioned
herein, had much to do with the business, moral, social and religious
activities of the early days, and while they have passed to their reward,
their influence will still live on. I recall the following: S. H. Caswell,
W.E. Jones, S. M. Jarvis, R. D. Strong, Leslie Gordon, A. J. Baker,
Robert Craig, Angus Raymond, James Scott, Hector McLeish.
"Of the early Qu'Appelle settlers who later occupied more or less promi-
nent positions in other parts of the west, the following may be men-
tioned: G. H. V. Bulyea, Lieut. Governor of Alberta for two terms, resi-
dence, Edmonton; George B. Murphy, Sheriff of the Judicial District of
Assiniboia, residence, Moosomin (since deceased) ; G. S. Davidson, Chief
Inspector of Fisheries for Manitoba and Saskatchewan, residence, Winni-
peg; E. W. Warner, General Freight Agent C. N. R., residence, Winnipeg;
A. C. Paterson, Inspector of Customs and Excise for Saskatchewan, resi-
dence, Regina; Hartley Gisborne, Electrical Engineer, Bonnington Falls
and later Ladysmith, B.C.; George Russell, Proprietor and Manager Abat-
toir, Prince Albert; Mathew Snow, member of the Dominion Government
Grain Board, Winnipeg; William Henderson, In spector of Works Dominion
Government, Vancouver, B. C.; George Leeson, rancher and land proprie-
tor, residence, Calgary, Alberta; George Willey, Dominion Land Office,
Maple Creek; W. E. Jones, Indian Agent, Pelly.
"The following brief sketches of a few of the early settlers may be
of interest, but I shall not attempt to refer to many.
"Asa McLane, a man of splendid character, was always active in pro-
moting the best interests of town and municipality. Was Reeve for many
years; took a keen interest in horse racing and field sports.
"W. E. Jones was another of the sterling characters of those days.
He was of Loyalist stock; served faithfully in the Indian Department..
He was of tremendous stature, weighed over three hundred pounds and
was always conspicuous at banquets and social events.
"T. W. Jackson, a man of splendid ability, who should have had a
career of usefulness and distinction, was the first member elected to the
North West Council for Qu'Appelle. Probably the first prize fight ever
pulled off on the Western Prairies was arranged by Jackson, between
Jack Lamb and Adam Auld. Lamb was some boxer and Jackson trained
Auld for the bout, knowing that Lamb would trim his man. After much
preparation a big crowd assembled at the Station to see the fight. A little
sparring took place and poor old Auld was knocked out.
"Rev. Thos. Lawson was the first Minister in the Town. The young
men were not particularly noted for their piety, but attended church and
had great respect for Mr. Lawson. On New Year's day some thirty
young men, determined to revive that good old custom of calling and con-
gregated for the purpose. These were not prohibition days and no one
in the party felt particularly sad. On their round they met Mr. Lawson
on Main Street, made a circle around him and sang 'He is a Jolly Good
Fellow', shook hands with him and wished him a Happy New Year. The
good old man smiled and said, 'Boys be good', and passed on.
"Dick Johnston was one of the real early settlers. In '82 he home-
steaded north of the town; later was engaged in various businesses.
Dick was probably the most versatile of all the early settlers. In business
he was a success in every line he engaged in, from farming to purchasing
agent for the National Railway. All his time was not devoted to busi-
ness and he engaged in many sports. As an all round athlete he was above
the average, but probably as a curler he was most distinguished and few
were his equal. He played the piano fairly well and was a cornet player
of some note. As a singer he did not excel, only at parties in the wee
hours. He would take an occasional drink, play a friendly game of poker,
attend the annual horse races, but never let his pleasures interfere with
his business.
"G. B. Murphy, who came in from a survey party, acquired a part-
nership in the harness business carried on by John Milliken, formerly a
resident of his home town, Portage Du Font, Quebec, and soon took an
active interest in every movement towards the advancement of the town.
He took a very prominent part in municipal matters. In the early political
movements he was in his proper element. Raised under the shadows
of the Parliament Buildings, Ottawa, and from childhood breathing that
atmosphere, he naturally acquired an interest in politics that few of the
early settlers possessed. He was a great admirer of the grand old chief-
tain, Sir John, and fought his battles with that energy and sense of fair
play that characterized his life.
"Masonry owes very much to his zeal and activities, as he had held
all offices from Secretary to Grand Master. He was a member of the Meth-
odist Church, although his name would scarcely lead one to
suspect it.
"In the Rebellion of 1885, he was appointed Transport Officer of
the Battleford Column of the North West Field Force under Colonel Otter,
who paid him this high compliment in a letter now in his possession:
"'To your knowledge of the country, intelligence, resource and indomit-
able energy, the force under my command was indebted for the regularity
of its supply, and facility of movement during the whole campaign, and I
am only too glad to repeat my often expressed opinion of your attention
and devotion to the duties you assumed under most difficult and trying
circumstances'.
"In 1889 he was appointed Sheriff of Eastern Assiniboia, when he
buried his political affiliations, and devoted his abilities to the impartial
performance of his duties. The country still has the benefit of his services,
always performed with a keen sense of duty tempered with justice and
mercy. In his long official career he has enjoyed the confidence of the
general public and admiration of a large circle of friends.
"G. H. V. Bulyea, an early and prominent citizen, for many years
carried on a successful furniture and flour and feed business. He took
an active interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare of the town
and country. Just out of college in his native Province of New Bruns-
wick, he came west well equipped to grapple with the development of
this great province. Probably the greatest impression he made on the
dwellers of the berg was that he was a Grit, trained in all the arts of
winning elections, peculiar to his native Province. He had many hard
fights and was not always successful.
"Fortune smiled on him when he was invited to join the Haultain Gov-
ernment. In 1905 he was appointed Lieut. Governor of Alberta, and had
two terms in that position.
"An all round good man, most companionable and cheery and always
deeply interested in the welfare of his town and community and. fellow
citizens, and one whom one would be pleased to be able to call a
friend.
"J. P. Beauchamp in the year 1883 purchased the interests of Max
Goldstein in the General Store business of Kinken & Goldstein, and shortly
after became sole proprietor. He has continued the business to the present
day, till it ranks among the best of any in our western towns. Joe's
character for honest dealing is widely known, and he has the unique dis-
tinction of never having been known to render an incorrect account. A
lover of shooting, many a grouse. and duck fell to his gun. A keen curler
who ranked among the best. A staunch Roman Catholic of views so broad
that he not only had a large Protestant trade, but enjoyed the esteem of
all classes and creeds. For many years he was Trustee of the Public
and High Schools.
"Dr. J. Pearson Bell, although not one of the earliest settlers, was a
very prominent man in the town affairs. He homesteaded south of town,
but was a much greater success at his profession than in agricultural
matters. Later he was appointed District Medical Officer to the N. W.
M. Police at Regina, where he remained for many years, retiring to live
with his son, Judge Bell, at Wynyard.
"James Caswell was an outstanding figure although never taking an
active part in business. Daddy was one of the best known men in town.
He sat around the corner store year after year. In the earlier days his
chief diversion was hunting and putting on birthday parties at convenient
seasons for himself and his friend Angus Raymond. Counting his actual
birthdays, he lived to the good old age of ninety-three.
"James Weidman the proprietor of the Qu'Appelle Progress was the
champion prohibitionist in these days, but met with little success. He
also took an active part in the Masonic Order. Later on he sold out
and moved to Kenora.
"William Henley although not listed with the '82 class deserves some
mention. On his arrival he engaged in the dray business, which he suc-
cessfully carried on for a number of years, while in the meantime he
took up a homestead and later developed into an extensive farmer. The
success that has always attended the Qu'Appelle Agricultural Society was
largely due to his efforts.
"Joe Robinson, a Builder and Contractor, was a conspicuous figure
among the early arrivals. Joe erected many of the principal buildings,
and was noted for driving more nails than any carpenter in the country,
doing a lot of work that his men should have done, declaring how tired
he was on all occasions. He was a faithful Methodist. When building
operations practically ceased Joe moved to Peachland, B. C., and spent
his later days on his fruit farm.
"E. W. Warner was agent of the C. P. R. during the Rebellion of
'8~ and handled the business to the satisfaction of the Government and
railway authorities. His organization was splendid and everything moved
with precision. For many years he occupied this position, but later accept-
ed the Local Freight Agency of the C. N. R. at Winnipeg. Ed was fond
of sports and a lover of the horse. He raised and trained one of the
fast harness horses of those days. Warner was always loyal to Qu'Ap-
pelle. The following little story will illustrate his faith in its future:
Mr. Sheppard, a somewhat pompous Englishman and manager of the
Brassy Farm, was in town one day and had some trouble with the lumber
dealer, after which he went to the Depot and told Warner his troubles,
incidentally remarking that the town was no good. He said, 'I decided
to build up this place and make something of it, but you are a poor
outfit'. This remark annoyed the genial agent and he replied, 'Mr. Shep-
pard, we had a good town before you came here and it will be a good town
when you are in Hell'.
"R. McMannus proprietor of the Hotel, was 'an ex-member of the Irish
Constabulary, a man of splendid physique, agreeable manner, but like
most Irish, always agin the Government. I remember a political meet-
ing that furnished considerable amusement. Senator Perley was the
Speaker. It was currently reported that McMannus was to interrupt the
Speaker, and the Senator was put wise as to McMannus's weakness and
was ready. In his introductory remarks, Perley said he was pleased to
see his friend McMannus present, but sorry to learn that he was there
to heckle him. Now, he said, pointing to McMannus, if you interrupt me
I will give the audience some of your personal history. 'I know you from
Egg to Bird'. There were no interruptions.
"James Scott, one of the proprietors of the Prince Albert Stage Line,
was an energetic business man. He took considerable interest in horse
racing and was owner of several good horses: 'Mabel S', 'Thankful', and
'Dick French'. In his business he amassed a large fortune for those days.
He died in 1895.
"Leslie Gordon established a law business here in the early days and
was one of our most valued citizens. A man of splendid ability, mature
judgment and highly esteemed by all, but unfortunate in not being pos-
sessed of a robust constitution, which interfered with much he would have
liked to have done for the betterment of all.
"R. D. Strong, an English Barrister, also established a law office
and had an extensive business. Was prominent in all the activities of
the town. His sudden demise was a great loss to the place and the country.
"G. S. Davidson arrived in 1894 from Palmerton. Ont., where many
of the Qu'Appelle settlers came from. In the east he carried on a mer-
cantile business. He quickly adapted himself to western conditions, and
soon was considered a leading business man. He engaged in many differ-
ent occupations, which I will only briefly enumerate: Proprietor Queen's
Hotel, Agricultural Implement Agent, Horse Dealer, appointed Fisheries
Inspector; elected to North West Assembly; later carried on a General
Store at Balgonie, was burnt out and moved to Indian Head, where he
again engaged in the store business. Now in Winnipeg, Chief Fisheries
Inspeetor for the three Prairie Provinces.
"Tony Hollinshead a respectable citizen, who painted the town red or
whatever color desired by those who employed him, cut some figure in
the town, besides giving close attention to his business. He was a staunch
defender of Protestantism and familiar with the history of the strenuous
days of 1690.
"Dr. Chas. Carthey, the first Doctor in the town, was a clever physician,
but so attracted to agriculture that he was not always attentive to the
practice of his profession. He built and conducted a drug store for some
years in connection with his practice. He was a curler of considerable
distinction. In the early nineties he sold out and moved to Edmonton.
"Bill Hallett a half-breed, was one of the characters of his race, whose
biography will never be written by his friends, hence these short notes.
Bill was not much inclined to hard work, but managed to get a living
chiefly by his wits, and the labour of his wife. He came from Poplar
Point, Man., and gloried in relating incidents in his earlier life. In his
own peculiar manner he furnished considerable amusement for the boys,
and was a favorite with all, so that he always managed to share the con-
tents of what was in those days known as a 'Permit'.
"Jim McEwen who came from the Gore of Downey was the Village
Blacksmith. After carrying on business for a number of years, he imag-
ined he was in the millionaire class and retired to spend his latter days
planning how to spend his accumulations, at which he succeeded admir-
ably, and again went to work, this time in the butcher business. Jim was
an ardent Grit, did a lot of talking but never offensive and was highly
respected by both political parties.
"Some mention of the North West Mounted Police should be made here
particularly as to their activities at Qu'Appelle. As before stated, Major
Walsh erected a small log barracks on the hill west of the town, and for
many years a small detachment was stationed in it. For the first few
years the officer in charge was frequently changed until about 1885, when
Sergt. Jerry Fyffe took command and remained at the head of the de-
tachment until his retirement not many years ago. Anyone familiar with
these splendid men know that they were carefully hand picked for intelli-
gence, physique, courage and power of endurance, and all at least pos-
sessed a fair education. In this new country with Indians roaming at
will, and realizing that the white man was possessing their hunting
grounds, it was but natural that the Settler on arrival felt more or less
timid in his lonely shack on the broad prairie. However, he soon realized
the protection of the N. W. M. P., and felt as secure from danger as he
did sitting in the Presbyterian Church in his home town. Owing to this
protection and the splendid service rendered the country by these men, no
wonder that the old timer vigorously resents their removal from the plains.
Sir John A. McDonald will probably never get full credit for his vision in
organizing this now world famed Mounted Police Force.
"In this record of people and events of early days, I can only give the
names of the splendid women whose influence for good followed them and
had much to do with the moral status of Qu'Appelle to the present day.
"The first to settle in the village was Mrs. Angus Raymond followed
by Mrs. Asa McLane, Mrs. G. H. Bulyea, Mrs. J. Fyffe, Mrs. Bell, Mrs.
J.Scott, Mrs. R. Johnston, Mrs. J. Milliken, Mrs. G. W. Warner, Mrs.
Alex McKenzie, Mrs. G. S. Davidson, Mrs. Jas. McEwan, Mrs. J. B. Robin-
son, Mrs. W. Gibson.
"I am quite conscious that the foregoing contains no literary value but
as a record of facts and short biographical sketches, free from even the
suspicion of flattery, they may be worthy of preservation, and I will be
repaid for my humble effort. A. C. Paterson.
Bibliography follows:
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