John Rowand halts the Blackfoot charge

Henry Simpkins
HBCA, PAM P-411 (N14663)
HBC’s 1947 calendar illustration
Hudson’s Bay Company Archives
Provincial Archives of Manitoba
Not to be reproduced without the permission of the Hudson’s Bay Company Archives
Researchers are responsible for copyright requirements

John Rowand was Chief Factor of Edmonton House in the mid-1800s - a very important position. He was short, but had the nickname “Big Mountain.” This was because he was very heavy (unlike in this picture) and loud.

This picture shows an episode when Rowand was surrounded by 200 Blackfoot warriors who wanted to fight. He jumped up and shouted, “Stop, you villains!” When the chief of the Blackfoot recognized who Rowand was, he apologized and all the Blackfoot left.