Henry Kelsey

        Henry Kelsey was born in 1670 in London England. His job was fur trading. In 1690 he was sent to the Prairie Provinces. He would persuade the Indians to bring beaver pelts and other furs to Fort York to trade with the Hudson’s Bay Company. The Indians called Henry Kelsey ‘The Little Giant’ because he killed two grizzlies that attacked him and the Indians. Henry became the governor of all the company’s forts in the western Canada in 1718. Later in 1722 he returned to London England and died there a few years later.

Henry Kelsey’s Diary

August.9 1704

In 1704 I began working for the Hudson’s Bay Company. I work there as a fur trader. I sailed on the ship to Fort York.

July.4 1710

I am 20 know and I learned the Cree language. Also I am the first white man to see the buffalo. I killed 2 grizzlies, which attacked the Indians and me.

December.15 1716

I became the Governor of all Western Canada. The Indians were my guides to survive. Then I went back to London, England.

Henry's Letter Home

May 1,1695                 

Dear family,

I am doing very well. I have had a great time out here. It is very cold. My friend Phillip Turner took me on a journey and I saw lots of herds of buffalo. Also my other friend Peter Pond took me for lunch and then we meet the Indians. For lunch we had salt pork. When we ran out of food I thought we would of starved. Then are Indian guides brought us some food and we stayed alive. I also went on canoes lots. I also went to the trading post lots of times. I will write again hope all of you are healthy.

                                    Miss you lots,

                                        Henry

By: Kristin, Kara and Kirstin