Joseph Gilfillan facts for kids

Joseph Alexander Gilfillan (born 1838 – died 1913) was an Episcopal missionary. He worked with the Native Americans of the Ojibwa Tribe. He served on the White Earth Indian Reservation in northern Minnesota for 35 years, from 1873 until 1908.

A Life of Service

Joseph Alexander Gilfillan was born on October 23, 1838, in Gorticross, County Londonderry, Ireland. His parents were Alexander and Margaret Gilfillan. He later moved to the United States and became a minister. He married Harriet Woodbridge Cook on April 19, 1877.

Becoming a Missionary

Gilfillan finished his studies at the General Theological Seminary in New York in 1869. From 1869 to 1873, he served as a rector (a type of church leader) in two English churches in Minnesota. Then, from June 1873 until September 1908, he became a missionary to the Ojibwa people at White Earth.

Learning and Recording

Gilfillan worked very hard to learn the Ojibwe language. He wanted to understand and write down the origins of place names in the areas where he worked. He made sure to translate these Ojibwe place names into English accurately. He also encouraged people to keep using these names, even as new settlements grew.

His work was often mentioned by Warren Upham in his important book, "Minnesota Place Names, A Geographical Encyclopedia." Upham said that Gilfillan's paper, "Minnesota Geographical Names Derived from the Chippewa Language," was one of the most important sources for understanding Minnesota's Native American place names.

Later Life and Work

Gilfillan retired in 1908 and moved to Washington, D.C. He was the main editor for the 1911 Ojibwa version of the Book of Common Prayer. This book was titled "Iu Wejibuewisi Mamawi Anamiawini Mazinaigun" (which means "Iw Wejibwewizi Maamawi-anami'aawini Mazina'igan").

Joseph Alexander Gilfillan passed away in New York City on November 18, 1913, after being ill for about a year.

His Legacy

The Minnesota Historical Society has many articles and memories written by Gilfillan and his wife, Harriet. These writings tell about their missionary work. They also include Gilfillan's translations of Ojibwe names and legends. The society also keeps letters written in Ojibwe from Ojibwe ministers and missionaries, with Gilfillan's translations. There is also information about a monument built for Gilfillan in Itasca State Park in 1940.