John Ware
Memorial
Photos
Birth: unknown South Carolina, USA
Death: Sep. 11, 1905
Brooks, Lethbridge, Census Division, Alberta, Canada
John Ware, ex-slave from the south and for 25 years a rancher and cowhand in the West, owner of a thousand head of the finest range cattle on the Red Deer River, was killed today by a horse stumbling and falling on him, killing him instantly. Deceased was 60 years old and leaves a family. Ware was one of the most widely known ranchers in this district. He was famous as a roper and rider, and always won first money in any of the competitions he entered. He was a man of prodigious strength, and with apparent ease he could pick up an 18 months old steer and throw him ready for branding. Any person who has tried to throw a six months old steer will realize that this feat is no small one. Ware first came to Canada with Fred Stimson and the Bar U cattle. He was foreman of the large Macpherson horse ranche and later on of the Quorn Ranche on Sheep Creek. He started for himself on Sheep Creek and ran a ranche there for nine years removing to the Red Deer, where he has since lived. His wife died this spring. Calgary Herald Sept 12, 1905. News from Brooks, North West Territories
John Ware was born into slavery on a South Carolina cotton plantation about 1845. After the Civil War ended, John left his father, mother and ten brothers and sisters to make his way out West. In Fort Worth, Texas, John found a job with Murphy Blandon and his son on their horse ranch, where he learned the art of being a rancher and cowboy. In 1879, John left to pursue his dream of riding on a cattle drive, which was going to Montana, the 'far North' at that time, eventually making his way to the great grass plains of the 'Territories', now Alberta.
John Ware was known for his superb horsemanship, astounding strength, generosity, sense of honour, and good nature. He was respected and well-liked by all who knew him. His funeral in 1905 was the biggest that Calgary had seen.
John Ware has several namesakes in his honour, including John Ware Ridge, Mount Ware, Ware Creek, John Ware High School, and the John Ware building at S.A.I.T.
Source: Grant MacEwan's "John Ware's Cow Country"
Family links:
Spouse:
Mildred Jane Lewis Ware (1871 - 1905)
Burial:
Union Cemetery
Calgary, Calgary Census Division, Alberta, Canada
Created by: Deb
Record added: Jan 04, 2014
Find A Grave Memorial# 122746083
