The Knowles Story

William and Isabella Knowles Chapters

William's Early Years in Canada

by Dave Jordan

William Knowles arrived in Montreal from Ireland between May 1872 and May 1873. Most likely it was during the summer of 1872. It is not known if he came with friends or knew others who had gone before him, but in general there is usually a link to someone there already that says it's great, why don't you come. Shortly after his arrival he became a member in the City Police of Montreal.

About the time of his arrival the government began exploring the creation of a new police force to patrol and keep peace in the Northwest Territories. There were more settlers in Manitoba and Saskatchewan and there were incidents of unlawful whiskey trading with the Indians. They called this new police force the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) and they were the forerunners of the later Royal Canadian Mounted Police. In 1873, the government began to look for recruits. William probably heard about the opportunity through the City Police of Montreal and through the newspapers. In May 1873 he wrote two letters to inquire and offer his services. His application was successful and he signed up for three years with the newly formed North West Mounted Police beginning in October 1873.

Notes

1. Initial Web Publication Date: 4/1/2003
2. Modified:
3. Desktop Master file: Stories_Knowles