James Mcleod & Barclay

James Farquarson Mcleod (1836-1894) emigrated from Scotland to Canada with his family in 1845. They settled in Richmond Hill, north of Toronto. He attended school,  practiced law, and joined the militia. He took part in the Fenian raids in 1866 and was subsequently sent west to quell the uprising in the Red River settlement in Manitoba. Displaying natural leadership abilities, Mcleod was offered a commission as superintendent and inspector with the newly formed North-West Mounted Police. 

 

Mcleod resigned from his commission with the NWMP in 1880. In that short time, he was instrumental in helping to form the west. He respected the native population and they in turn respected him. Mcleod wore a large, full beard, that garnered him the name ‘Bull’s Head’ by the Blackfoot.  

Mcleod was eventually appointed to the Supreme Court of the Northwest Territories. Statues dedicated to Mcleod stand in Fort Calgary and Ottawa.

James Mcleod is featured in my latest book, Barclay of the Mounted.

Barclay Of The Mounted can be found on Amazon!