Page 168 - Fortier Family History

became the fifth province of Canada, the Canadian Government having acquired the territory previously governed by the HBC. The Rebellion was essentially over. There are no indications that Joseph had any direct involvement in the events related to the Red River Rebellion. Isaac COWIE (1848-1917) in his book ‘The Company of Adventurers’ does mention that around 1870 Joseph FINLAYSON intercepted a letter at Fort Pelly that contained an offer to put, in spring, 500 horsemen on the field to join RIEL. By that time the Rebellion was reaching its climax anyway. About Joseph FINLAYSON, Isaac COWIE remarked “He was a man who could do everything himself that a Company servant, interpreter or accountant, could be expected to do; he did everything excellently, and took pains and pleasure in training others to their duties. His geniality and kindness endeared him to everyone with whom he came in contact, and he was universally known, not as Mr. FINLAYSON, but by the popular name of “Joe.” Around 1873-74 Joseph is mentioned in a narrative about William McKAY (1852-1932) as trading at Touchwood Hills and coming to Red Sandy Hills (west of Dundurn, SK) seeking to trade provisions. FINLAYSON was unaware of McKAY being already on the ground with an outfit, or he would not have come. He was accompanied by a young easterner named BROWN. BROWN was taking the round-about route by the North Saskatchewan to Edmonton, owing probably to Sioux hostility. BROWN remained behind when FINLAYSON returned to Touchwood. The HBC Archives indicate that in 1872-73 Joe retired at Fort Pelly and was thereafter a ‘Freeman’. He later became an Indian Agent with the DIA. In 1882-83 I have seen mention of Joseph FINLAYSON being an agent at the Mistawasis Reserve (west of Shellbrook). HBCA indicates that after 1886 he was an Indian Agent at Snake Plains, Mistawasis (Prince Albert). Prince Albert District & The Northwest Rebellion, 1885 1885 was the year of the North-West Rebellion. In 1885 both Joseph and Flora claimed Half-breed Scrip at Prince Albert. In his Affidavit he states his mother as Ann DAVIES (DAVIS), a half-breed, and his father as Nicol FINLAYSON, Scotchman. Flora states her parents as Ann DEASE, a Half-breed; her father as John BELL, a Scotchman. She lists their children as follows: Children living, four: Harriet A L, Marguerite, Peter Warren and Florence Bell. Children deceased as Caroline C, John N, N.A. (Nancy Ann), Flora Bell, Catherine C, Catherine Helen and two more (twins born Nov 19, 1874 died without being christened). Archives Canada makes reference to a textual record dated 1887 titled “Joseph FINLAYSON, Claim for Rebellion Losses. Another document dated March 12, 1888 Joseph FINLAYSON of PA, Indian Agent at the Muskeg Indian Reserve (SW of Shellbrook), regarding a surrender of land. Although Joseph Finlayson was not on furlough between his marriage to Flora Bell in 1857, and a possible furlough in 1879, Flora Bell Finlayson seems to have lived at the Red River settlement at some point during the late 1860s, or she was a frequent visitor. Her daughter, Carrie, who eventually died had health issues and this may be the reason for her residence in Red River while her husband was working in the English River district. Census 1891 in Carlton District, SK: Joseph FINLAYSON, Indian Agent, age 61; wife Flora, age 58. Children: Harriet L (age 28), Margaret (20), Peter Warren (19). Sister-in-law: Susan BELL, age 35. Census 1901, Prince Albert: Joseph FINLAYSON, age 71; wife Flora, age 65. Children: Harriet (age 42) and Florence (age 24). They have a "lodger" Alexander McKENZIE, age 33 (born Sep 9, 1867). On Aug 4, 1901 Joseph FINLAYSON died at Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Census 1916, Prince Albert: Widow Flora FINLAYSON, age 80; daughter Harriet, age 58. On Aug 27, 1920 Flora (BELL) FINLAYSON died in Prince Albert