William Pearce Manuscript, Volume 1 - 1925.

Selected excerpts from bound published volume of narrative which covers such topics as the early settlement and development of the western regions of what is now Canada. Among other subjects, Metis land grants and scrip, fur traders, buffalo hunting and methods of transportation used by Natives, and the Northwest Resistance are covered.

Historical note:

William Pearce, son of United Empire Loyalists, was born 1 February 1848 near Port Talbot, Dunwich Township, Elgin County, Ontario. A prominent official in the Department of the Interior. Pearce shaped and executed basic policy for the department created to supervise western development. It was a key component of Sir John A. Macdonald's National Policy. As Director of Lands Agencies and subsequently Superintendent of Mines within the Department of the Interior, Pearce participated in most of the formative events of nineteenth century prairie settlement and decided the fate of most disputed land titles on the nineteenth-century prairies. Pearce was concerned for the destiny of the West and the legacy of his role in its development. During his tenure with the C.P.R. he spent time delivering lectures, researching and writing papers concerning the Prairies' early evolution into a region of Canada. This includes a two-hundred page study, with historical photographs, describing the early history of western settlement. Although he worked on this project for almost twenty years it remained unpublished. Pearce passed away in Calgary in 1930 under the employ of the C.P.R until his final day.