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Are you a fan of history? Are you interested in learning more about the people who built this great country with their hard work and determination? If so, read on to find out some fascinating facts about one of Canada's most influential settlers.In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at some of the most interesting facts about Cuthbert Grant Jr.'s life and work. We hope you enjoy learning more about this remarkable man!
1. Cuthbert built a flour mill along the banks of Sturgeon Creek, now known as "Grant's Old Mill." He was also a private freighter.
2. In July 1828, the HBC passed a resolution appointing Cuthbert Grant "Warden of the Plains,' " to stop the illicit trade of furs in the Northwest This position also included organizing. buffalo hunts and protecting the settlement.
3. Grant was also responsible for negotiating treaties with the Dakota people.
4. In 1837, General James Dickson, a self-styled liberator of the Indian nations, proposed to raise an army of the Métis to march south to free the American Indian and establish a Indian kingdom in California. Grant provided him with guides to lead him into the U.S. and the General gave him his epaulets and sword.
5. Grantown's religious ceremonies were held in Grant's home until the first church was built in 1829. A larger church was built in 1833, right beside the humble one. Father Harper also used Grant's home as a school, when instructing the children.
6. Grant travelled far and wide to help families deal with epidemics of small pox and measles. He travelled with his medicine chest strapped behind him as he rescued people caught on the plains without food or medical help. His medicine chest along with his sword can now be seen at the Manitoba Museum.
7. In his latter years, Cuthbert Grant served as counselor and magistrate. At age 59, he served once more as Governor of the buffalo hunt.
8. In 1854, Grant was injured in a fall from his horse. On July 15, 1854, he died much to the sorrow of the Métis of Grantown. The people of Grantown 4 honoured him by burying him under the altar of the church.
9. Later the church burnt down and it is said that Highway #26 now covers Cuthbert Grant, the first leader of the Métis Nation
We hope you've enjoyed learning more about Cuthbert Grant Jr. and his remarkable life and work. He was an incredible man who accomplished a great deal during his time on Earth, and we're honored to have had the opportunity to share some of his story with you. Thank you for reading!