Title and statement of responsibility area
Title proper
Roger Pocock archives
General material designation
- Textual record
- Graphic material
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- Source of title proper: Title derived from creator
Level of description
Collection
Repository
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Issuing jurisdiction and denomination (philatelic)
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Physical description area
Physical description
2.0 m of textual and other material.
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Archival description area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Henry Roger Ashewell Pocock was born November 9, 1865 at Cookham, Berkshire, England. He came to Canada with his father in 1882, and settled in Brockville, Ontario. In 1882 and 1883, he attended the Guelph Agricultural College, and subsequently took a job as a surveyor for the Canadian Pacific Railway.
Pocock enlisted with the North-West Mounted Police at Fort Osborne in 1884. When the North-West Resistance broke out, Pocock marched with Colonel Irvine's relief force from Regina to Prince Albert in the winter weather, freezing his feet during the trek. As a result of the advanced frostbite to his feet, Pocock had to have several toes amputated, rendering him an invalid constable. He kept a diary/scrapbook for each year he was with the N.W.M.P., and later used the collections to write and publish a series of fictional books based on his experiences, the first successful of which was a biographical work titled "Following the Frontier" (N.Y., 1903) also published as "A Frontiersman" (London, 1903). According to Watters (A Check List of Canadian Literature, 1628-1950), Pocock published at least 15 titles between 1888 and 1931. In 1905, Pocock went on to found "The Legion of Frontiersmen of the Commonwealth." He died November 12, 1941.
Custodial history
Scope and content
The Roger Pocock Archive comprises of records created by or about Roger Pocock. Records created and collected by Pocock were done so over the course of his life and reflect his travels, occupations, and correspondence. These records include his scrapbooks, diaries, letters, contracts, clippings, published materials, photographs, and postcards. Records about Pocock were mostly created posthumously and include biographies and documents about the Legion of Frontiersmen. The archive is arranged into three series: Personal Papers, Published/Printed Materials, and Photographs and Postcards.
Notes area
Physical condition
Records are in good condition. Some have minor damage, including discoloration, tears, and folds.
Immediate source of acquisition
The Roger Pocock Archive was acquired in 2008 as a part of the Sir Samuel Steele Collection.
Arrangement
The archive is arranged into three series: Personal Papers, Published/Printed Materials, and Photographs and Postcards.
Language of material
Script of material
Location of originals
Availability of other formats
Restrictions on access
The materials in this collection are held in Bruce Peel Special Collections. We strongly recommend that researchers refer to https://bpsc.library.ualberta.ca/ for our hours of operation, and be attentive to periods of limited services. To request an appointment, please email us at bpsc@ualberta.ca well in advance, listing the requested materials, and we will accommodate your request accordingly.
Terms governing use, reproduction, and publication
Materials may be under copyright. Contact staff for guidance on reproduction.
Finding aids
Associated materials
See Also: Accession 2009-1 (Material via Geoffrey Pocock related to the S.Y Frontiersman and Round the World flight); Accession 2012-3 (Pocock pocket books (1905-1917); Legion of Frontiersmen manuscript material; banner, and charter for the Canadian Division). Bruce Peel Special Collections holdings FC 8 L44 L47 - Legion of Frontiersmen Collection.
Accruals
No further accruals are expected.
Physical description
Includes photographs, postcards, original sketches and drawings, and and textual records.
Credits note
Local Contexts Notice: More info
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Finding aid created by Michaela Stang (2019).
Language of description
- English
Script of description
Sources
Descriptions based on contents of collection and documentation created by former Bruce Peel Special Collections staff.