Bearfoot himself is evidence of a sustained development of English literacy among the Haudenosaunee of Upper Canada through the 1800s, as his beautiful handwriting can attest to. Much like the description in Sacred Feathers of Methodist preacher, Peter Jones¹, Bearfoot utilized similar talents as a bilingual and bicultural clergyman, to assist the Diocese of Huron in their missionary efforts. The following letters written by Bearfoot illustrate some of the financial difficulties that came with such appointments. As the Anglican faith was quickly gaining momentum in Upper Canada, often the coffers of the Huron Diocese could not maintain consistent payment for its multiple missionary efforts.²

As the third letter illustrates, however, it would seem Bearfoot’s affiliation with English literacy and the Anglican Church, though strained at times, proved beneficial in a time of shared cultural space. Though important to note that this is not the end of a series of correspondences, it is indicative of the fact that Bearfoot was comfortably compensated for his missionary efforts in the Grand River area, having been given residence and a considerable allowance, and would live the rest of his life in this region.

[1] Donald B. Smith, “Chapter 5: The Missassauga’s Cultural Revolution,” in Sacred Feathers(2013), 66-68.

[2] Douglas Leighton, “A calling that straddled two cultures,” Anglican Dioceses of Huron Church News (Feb. 2015), 10.

---

 

Letter #1:         

(Stamp)   From:

The Rev. I. Bearfoot

WALLACEBURG, Ont.

Oct. 26. 1887

 

Dear Mr. Reed,

Cannot something be

done (at once) to relieve me of my present

financial embarrassment – I

am now reduced down to my last

five dollar note: am obliged to

let my housekeeper go, and submit

to others grievous inconveniences.

It does seem so hard that of over

$250 due me since the 1st visit I

cannot get a cent.        I have a

very strong aversion against resorting

to extreme measures; but matters are

desperate and what am I to do?

I wish you would speak to the Bp.

and see what can be done and

you would oblige me very much

Yours truly,

I. Bearfoot

---

 

Letter #2:

Tuscarora,

Feby 22. 1888

 

E.B. Reed. Esq.

Dear Sir,

I herewith send you as

for the information of the Executive Committee, a

statement of account, and balance due all from

the Dresden Congregation for services rendered

as Incumbent. Will you kindly present it at

their next meeting in March.

I also herewith respectfully apply to

the Committee for a special grant- to prevent

a total loss of the said Balance – Will you

present, also, this application at the same

meeting.

Yours truly,

I. Bearfoot

 

P.S. I received from you, in November, an ad-

vance grant of $50.00 for Pelee Island: I was

entitled to $37.50 on Dec. 31 according to the old

grant from the Mission Fund, thus leaving me over

paid $12.50 which is taken off in the “statement”

enclosed, leaving a balance due me of $101.82/100.

I.B.

---

 

Letter #3:

Tuscarora,

Augt 22d ‘88

 

To the Executive Committee

of the Diocese of Huron.

The “New England

Company” have employed me

as Assistant Missionary among

the “Six Nations”: and towards

my stipend they have given

a residence and a grant

of Six hundred dollars per

annum.  According to the

Canon, I am entitled to receive

Eight- hundred dollars and a

residence from the first day of

July last – having then completed

ten years of active service in

Priests’ orders – I hereby there-

fore respectfully apply to you

[New page]

for a grant of two hun-

dred dollars per annum

to date from the said first

day of July last past – to

complete the full amount

of my stipend.

The “New England Company”

have approved of this applica-

tion being made.

I have the honour to be,

Gentlemen,

Your obedient Servant,

I. Bearfoot