Postcard Memories is a series of historic views, stories and photos of Bradford West Gwillimbury, a trip down memory lane on a Saturday morning.
Among the prominent figures in late 19th century Bradford was Reverend Egerton R. Young.
Reverend Young had led something of a colourful life. Born in Smith’s Falls in 1840 and the son of a Methodist minister, he taught school until at the age of 23, he followed his father into the clergy.
From 1868-1876 Reverend Young was a missionary among the Cree and Saulteaux of northern Manitoba, for whom he had great respect. It was a tense period Reverend Young was called upon to mediate grievances between First Nations and the Federal government and was said to have been instrumental in averting armed conflict on several occasions. His wife, Elizabeth, accompanied him and the first of their five children was born in this remote mission.
After returning to Ontario, Reverend Young lectured and penned several popular books, including By Canoe and Dog Train among the Cree and Saulteaux and Stories from Indian Wigwams and Campfires, that expanded knowledge of the west and its First Nations. His writing career was so successful that it launched a round-the-world lecture and book distribution tour in 1904-05.
Reverend Young had, in the meantime, put down roots in Bradford and purchased what was arguably the finest home in town, Fairview, which he renamed Algonquin Lodge as a reminder of his time among the First Nations (this home would later be the Lukes House and then The Convent).
Reverend Egerton Young died peacefully in bed on Oct. 5, 1909.
