Samuel Lawrence Bedson facts for kids

Samuel Lawrence Bedson (born February 3, 1842 – died July 17, 1891) was a British soldier who later became a prison warden in Canada. He lived an interesting life, helping to keep order in new parts of Canada.

Early Life and Military Service

Samuel Bedson was born in Britain in 1842. When he was 19 years old, in 1861, he joined the army. He came to Canada with his army group, the 16th Regiment of Foot. This part of Canada was known as Lower Canada at the time.

After his first army group was done, Bedson decided to stay in Canada. In 1870, he joined a new Canadian army group called the 2nd Quebec Rifles. He became a Quartermaster Sergeant. This job meant he was in charge of supplies for the soldiers.

Journey West with the Wolseley Expedition

In 1870, Samuel Bedson traveled west with a special group called the Wolseley Expedition. This group was sent to deal with a situation called the Red River Rebellion. This event happened in a place called the Red River Colony, which is now part of Manitoba.

The Wolseley Expedition was a long and difficult journey. They had to travel through forests and over lakes to reach the Red River Colony. Even though Bedson's job was about supplies, he was an important part of this journey.

Becoming a Prison Warden

After the military expedition, Bedson started a new career. In 1871, his army group was no longer needed. Bedson then became the warden of a jail located at Lower Fort Garry. This old fort was turned into a jail.

In 1874, the jail moved to a new location in Winnipeg. Bedson continued to be the warden there. He was in charge of the first federal prison in Manitoba. Later, in 1877, a brand new federal prison opened in Stony Mountain. Samuel Bedson became the warden of this new, larger prison.

Role in the North-West Rebellion

Samuel Bedson's work as a prison warden was put on hold in 1885. Another important event happened in Canada called the North-West Rebellion. Major-General Frederick Dobson Middleton asked Bedson to help.

Bedson was made the chief transport officer. This meant he was in charge of moving supplies and people for the army. Even though this was not a fighting role, Bedson also helped by scouting. Scouting means looking ahead to gather information about the area. He helped the army by finding safe paths and learning about the land.

Samuel Lawrence Bedson passed away in 1891. He is remembered for his service in the military and his important work in the Canadian prison system.