North West Mounted Police

[MissyChrissy]

Has anybody any idea how I can get some info on my Great Grandfather who was in the North West Mounted Police in the 1880's? I have been on their website and the only way to apply for info seems to be through the Canadian Genealogy link. I e-mailed them in December but have heard nothing - or am I rushing them?! I have found an immigration record for 1883 which could be him and we also have his medal from 1885. However, we can't trace his death in the UK and wondered if he died in service or just chose not to come back to his wife and children! Any help appreciated on where to go next!

[bumblebee]

Hi Chrissy

When you say Genealogy link do you mean this one:

http://www.collectionscanada.ca/02/020105_e.html

I do know of a couple of people who have been in contact with them recently concerning Land Grants etc and they received replies within a couple of days and were full of praise for how helpful they were.

Possibly other people have had different experiences but I would be tempted to contact them again giving as much detail as possible.

Bumblebee.

[MissyChrissy]

Hi thanks for the info. No that wasn't who I mailed, it was the Canadian Genealogy Centre (Library and Archives Canada). I shall try your suggestion and let you know if I hear anything! Thanks again.

[bumblebee]

Hi Chrissy

The Collections Canada are part of the Library and Archives Canada site, so one and the same I think. I would still try contacting them again tho.

Bumblebee.

[MissyChrissy]

Oh dear that just led me back to the Canadian Genealogy Centre again! Maybe I will try and chase them up (or be patient a little while longer!)

[Keewatin]

Have you tried looking for him in the Canadian censuses? Automated genealogy.com has the 1901 and 1911 almost completely transcribed for a surname search and also the original images. It's free for both.
http://automatedgenealogy.com/census/index.html

[MissyChrissy]

I have previously looked on the 1901 Canadian census through Ancestry and only came up with one possible Henry Jackson, living in Vancouver - born in the UK but the birth date was out by three years. I shall try again using your link. According to the 1901 UK census his wife (Maria) is still being stated as Married (not widowed) but by the time his son (my grandfather) marries in 1911 Henry is said to be deceased. So he died sometime between 1901 and 1911. I have found one possible death in Canada in 1906 but not confirmed. I am beginning to feel like a dog with a bone on this!!

[JayD]

Where in Canada was the death located? The Henry Jackson who died in 1906 in BC died at less than 1 year old.

What year was he born? Do you know a middle name or where he went to in Canada? Also where in the UK was he born?

I will see if I can locate him somewhere.

[MissyChrissy]

How kind you are. Henry Jackson (no middle name) born 1.1.1847 in Darrington. Left wife and children here when he departed for the NWMP in 1883. Can't trace he ever came back to the UK but nor can I trace him living in Canada either! The nearest census match in Canada 1901 (vancouver) is 3 years out with age and also states "single". I am wondering if he died serving the NWMP. BUT his wife here in the UK 1891 and 1901 states "married". There is another mystery - if he didn't come back to the UK then how did his medal from the NWMP dated 1885 end up with the family?! He is proving very elusive!! In the meantime, I am going to have another go at chasing up Genealogy Inquiries at CollectionsCanada re his service with the NWMP.

[Keewatin]

He's not on the list of killed and wounded for the 1885 Resistance http://www.collectionscanada.ca/genealogy/022-909.005.03-e.html

[MissyChrissy]

I have just had a reply to my second e-mail to Library and Archives Canada. They have traced Henry's NWMP Service Files - approx 40 pages!! They have given me the microfilm reel number and I have made an enquiry regarding having the contents transferred to CD. So shortly I may have some answers to my questions. Meanwhile, thanks to those of you who offered suggestions.