Biographies

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Carolyn MacKenzie on February 25, 2012 at 2:14pm

I'm in the mist of reading "Red River Story" by Alfred Silver- a novel based on the life of Cathrine (MacPherson) Sutherland.

It also gives excellent background and experiences of Cuthbert Grant. Only into the first 100 pages or so but great reading especially when you know the characters.
regards Carolyn 

Permalink Reply by Edith Matheson on February 25, 2012 at 10:35pm

Hi,

I have not read the novel and do not know what it says about Catherine's husband, but you should know that recent research has shown that she did not marry the Alexander Sutherland who also arrived in the 1813 party, as was  believed by some for a long time. Her husband arrived in 1815. The Alexander who arrived in 1813/14 was one of the settlers who later moved to Iowa.

She had an interesting life and endured much.

I have not studied much about Cuthbert Grant. My ancestors left the settlement before he came to prominence.

Edith

Permalink Reply by Elizabeth Campbell on February 27, 2012 at 12:29pm

Grant was the NWCo's 'captain' responsible for undertaking the Massacre of Seven Oaks in 1816, Edith. So your ancestors would have been aware of him!

His more positive role at the Red River Settlement did bring him to prominence much later, though, with the establishment of the Metis Nation and the Metis settlement of the White Horse Plains just west of what is now known as Winnipeg on the Assiniboine River. I often wonder why Louis Riel is given so much credit over Grant....

Permalink Reply by Carolyn MacKenzie on February 27, 2012 at 3:43pm

Edith, do you know what the reference that was used to show that Catherine married the other Alexander Sutherland.  

regards Carolyn

Permalink Reply by Elizabeth Campbell on February 27, 2012 at 4:03pm

The research was presented in one of the TLSARL newsletters (goes to members only, although some genealogical societies have subscribed). It's a part of ongoing genealogical research done by the Association's genealogist and archivist, and is available to members for a small fee. the Association website is www.lordselkirk.ca and you can contact them there. They only accept direct descendants as members, so you will need to supply your line of descent or your descendant number, if you know it.

Permalink Reply by Elizabeth Campbell on February 27, 2012 at 12:20pm

Hi Carolyn~

Yes, this is a great novel. It is important to remember it is fiction, though. I can't tell you how many people I've met who swear by "The Men of Kildonan," another novel, as though it were well researched historical fact. The author states right at the beginning that it is not historical, but a composite of many characters and events that is just fiction with historical roots.

Edith's point is well made. Silver wrote his Red River series before the mistaken identity of Catherine MacPherson's husband (which Silver used) was corrected. In a way, her story was a far more romantic one. But it wouldn't have suited Silver as well, lol.

Novels do serve a purpose, though, They are a great way to introduce the reluctant to history. Silver certainly heightened my interest in my Red River ancestors (I hated the way he represented John Pritchard, my 3g-grandfather, and am hoping someday to shed more positive light on the man.). On the whole, I'd say Alfred Silver did a pretty thorough research job, although I suspect he relied on more secondary sources than on his own original research.

Permalink Reply by Carolyn MacKenzie on February 27, 2012 at 1:51pm

I was wondering what the reference was used to correct the fact that Catherine married the other Alexander Sutherland. I find this very interesting.

thanks Carolyn 

Permalink Reply by Elizabeth Campbell on February 27, 2012 at 1:56pm

He might have used the genealogical information published by TLSARL.... It was available in Winnipeg Libraries and at the Manitoba Genealogical Society office. I don't remember if Healy mentions her or not in his book.

Permalink Reply by Patti Flynn Heimsness on February 4, 2014 at 12:43am

A GREAT read - and quite an amazing author.  I underlined his descriptive phrases.  I totally related to this story - I am convinced these people were MY family!

Take time to read Lord of the Plains.