MAJOR J. M. WALSH

Major Walsh, of the Northwest Mounted Police, was born at Prescott, County of Grenville, in 1842. In 1866, when the Fenian Raid aroused the patriotism of so many Canadians, Mr. Walsh joined the volunteers, he having previously graduated at the Military School at Kingston. His promotion was rapid, he being created ensign and subsequently acting- adjutant, next becoming Captain of the Lisgar Rifles. Entering the Cavalry School, he won well merited praise from the officer commanding, Colonel Jenyns, who declared him to be the best drilled Canadian who had graduated from the school. In 1872, he organized a troop of cavalry, which remained under his command until the following year, when he proceeded to the Northwest with the first detachment of Mounted Police, his position being that of Subordinate Inspector. During the following year he returned to Ontario on business connected with his military duties, and was promoted to the rank of Superintendent and Inspector. In May, 1874, he departed for the "Great Lone Land," with his second detachment. and marched from Dufferin to the Rocky Mountains, a distance of 1,400 miles, establishing the post now so well known as Fort Walsh. He has taken a leading part in negotiating treaties with the Indians, and has upon several occasions of great danger acted with a promptitude and decision, which marks him as an officer of the class especially fitted to deal with the treacherous savages. On the arrival of Sitting Bull on Canadian territory, the situation became one of great peril, requiring caution, boldness and tact. Major Walsh so conducted matters that he became known over the continent as " Sitting Bull's Boss." During his sojourn among the aborigines, the Major has acquired the Sioux and Blackfeet languages. By the Peigans he is known as'' White Chief of the Assiniboines," and by the Blackfeet as "The one who ties," having upon one occasion shackled four of their chiefs.

In 1870, the Major married a daughter of Mr. John Mowat, of Brockville, where his family at present resides.

Reference:

History of Leeds and Grenville by Leavitt

Plaque Finds Its Proper Place

The Prescott Journal Wednesday, December 31, 2003