John Ware - Canadian Cowboy Gentleman
John Ware, Canada’s Legendary Cowboy (1845-1905) This Article is dedicated to Nettie Ware (1893-1989) “a man of unquestioned honesty and agreeable nature…[who] boasted the rare distinction of never having been thrown from a horse. At roughriding and roping he was an expert’’ (Turner, 1950, pg. 461). This is the story about how I first learned about John Ware, a man whom the Blackfoot Indians called “Matoxy Sex Apee Quin” because they thought he was related to the spirit world. He was undoubtedly one of the best cowboys ever to ride on the prairies of 19th century Alberta, Canada. What makes his story even more amazing than his skill is his backstory. He was a freed slave who made western Canada his home and through his legendary skills and character became a hero to many black Canadians. ...