Egerton Ryerson Young

Egerton Ryerson Young
Egerton Ryerson Young (1840–1909) was a Canadian Methodist missionary, teacher, and writer, known for his work among Indigenous peoples in Manitoba and the Canadian Northwest. His writings, such as "By Canoe and Dog Train" and "Stories from Indian Wigwams and Northern Camp-Fires," provided vivid accounts of his missionary experiences and the culture of the Indigenous communities he served. Young's works were widely read, contributing to public awareness of missionary work and Indigenous life in Canada during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His legacy is closely tied to his advocacy for better relations between settlers and Indigenous peoples.

Author's Books:


The summons to the Indian work—The decision—The valedictory services—Dr Punshon—The departure—Leaving Hamilton—St. Catherine’s—Milwaukee custom-house delays—Mississippi—St. Paul’s—On the prairies—Frontier settlers—Narrow escape from shooting one of our school teachers—Sioux Indians and their wars—Saved by our flag—Varied experiences. Several letters were handed into my... more...

Preface. This is not a continuous narrative of missionary work as are some of the author’s books. It is a collection of distinct chapters, some of which are written expressly for this volume, others of which, having in whole or in part seen the light in other form, are now, at the request of friends, and thanks to the courtesy of the publishers, here gathered. Romantic missionary work among the red... more...

CHAPTER I. The Children Carried Off by the Indians—The Feast in the Wigwam—Souwanas, the Story-teller—Nanahboozhoo, the Indian Myth—How the Wolves Stole His Dinner, and Why the Birch Tree Bark is Scarred—Why the Raccoon has Rings on His Tail. Without even knocking at the door there noiselessly entered our northern home two large, unhandsome Indians. They paid not the slightest attention to... more...

The Wolf Trap. That Oowikapun was unhappy, strangely so, was evident to all in the Indian village. New thoughts deeply affecting him had in some way or other entered into his mind, and he could not but show that they were producing a great change in him. The simple, quiet, monotonous life of the young Indian hunter was curiously broken in upon, and he could never be the same again. There had come a... more...