Joseph McLeod

Joseph McLeod, born in 1840, was married to an Ojibwe woman named Annie, and together they had five children. Du Vernet called Joseph a “Christian Indian” and noted his participation in the Eucharistic service in Long Sault on, July 17. Joseph McLeod likely also went by the name of Wabanaquebe. Du Vernet found McLeod of particular interest and commented on a number of aspects of McLeod’s story and behavior.

Du Vernet was particularly impressed that Joseph had travelled “40 miles by steamer from Hungry Hall” to attend the church at Long Sault, and paid half of McLeod’s steamer fare of two dollars in recognition of his dedication. McLeod had actively sought to bring an Anglican teacher to Hungry Hall by petitioning Archdeacon Robert Phair, who worked in the Rainy River region beginning in 1863.  Du Vernet also noted McLeod’s friendliness when he passed by Hungry Hall on his way back to Rat Portage on the Keenora steamer. When he saw Joseph McLeod standing on the wharf: “he smiled and saluted me with his hand.”