Title and statement of responsibility area
Title proper
Pocock Scrapbook (1901 - 1903)
General material designation
- Graphic material
- Textual record
Parallel title
- Roger Pocock - 1901-3 - South African War - London newspapers articles chiefly by P. - Photos and pictures - SSMO - Photos of Pocock family
Other title information
Title statements of responsibility
Title notes
- Parallel titles and other title information: Parallel title from label on front cover of scrapbook
Level of description
Item
Repository
Reference code
Edition area
Edition statement
Edition statement of responsibility
Statement of scale (cartographic)
Statement of projection (cartographic)
Statement of coordinates (cartographic)
Statement of scale (architectural)
Issuing jurisdiction and denomination (philatelic)
Dates of creation area
Date(s)
Physical description area
Physical description
1 scrapbook ; ~32 leaves ; 37.4 x 28.5 cm
Publisher's series area
Title proper of publisher's series
Parallel titles of publisher's series
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Statement of responsibility relating to publisher's series
Numbering within publisher's series
Note on publisher's series
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
Pocock's 1901-1903 scrapbook consisting of graphic and textual material related to his travels, publications, and involvement in the Boer War.
Scrapbook contains:
Photographs of Pocock's family, White Fraser's Troop in Strathcona's (some people in photo identified), and scenes and people of the Boer War.
Watercolour paintings of soldier from Boer War, seascapes, interior and exterior views of boats, landscape of camp during Boer War, and various portraits.
Maps of Egypt and South Africa.
Clippings of Lena Ashwell's plays and performances, Lena Ashwell's obituary, the Duke of Cornwall's visit to Canada, and various articles related to Pocock's interests. Also includes clippings of stories and articles written by Pocock including "The Cargador", "Sundered Hearts", and "The Trail of Red Macleod".
Brochure published by Pocock's father.
Imprint cuttings of New Orleans; cathedrals and buildings in Pouen, Teneriffe and other parts of Spain; Durban; South Africa; Zuzuland; Cape Town; and other regions of Africa.
Letters to and from Pocock, including one from A.J. Dawson, journalist and author.
Diary entries for the years 1901-1903 about his travels.
Certificate of discharge as Assistant Steward from the Ship, "Rossall" (1901).
Ephemera such as railway tickets, permission ships, travelling pass, list of men taking discharge in April 1902.
Notes area
Physical condition
Scrapbook is in very good condition ; Label on spine peeling off
Immediate source of acquisition
Arrangement
Language of material
Script of material
Location of originals
Availability of other formats
Restrictions on access
All researchers (including students, faculty, visiting scholars, and members of the general public) must submit a Retrieval Request Form at least 24 hours before their visit to Bruce Peel Special Collections in order to be sure that library materials have been retrieved from storage and are available for their use.
Terms governing use, reproduction, and publication
Finding aids
Associated materials
Accruals
General note
Formerly accessioned as 2008.6.1.1.10