Whisky Trails & Outlaw Tales: Stories from the Lawless Frontier

John Ware

In the vast expanses of the Canadian West during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the legendary figure of John Ware emerged. Overcoming the harsh realities of frontier life, racism, and the shadows of his enslaved past, Ware carved out a prosperous ranching career that would etch his name into the annals of Canadian history.

Born into slavery in the American South, Ware's early life remains veiled in mystery, shared only with his closest confidants. It wasn't until the abolition of slavery in 1865 that he found himself in Texas, where the endless horizon beckoned.

In 1879, he embarked on a perilous journey northward, herding thousands of cattle across thousands of kilometers to Montana, where he earned renown as a skilled cowboy. Destiny called once more in 1882 when he was enlisted by the North West Cattle Company to drive thousands of cattle to Alberta, laying the foundations of the Bar U Ranch amidst the lands of the Indigenous peoples.

Yet Ware's ambitions transcended mere employment. By 1888, he had established his own ranch near Sheep Creek, rapidly expanding his herd and contributing his expertise to neighbouring outfits like the High River Horse Ranch. A decade later, he married Mildred Lewis, but changing landscapes forced them to relocate eastward, settling near the Red Deer River in 1902.

Tragedy struck in 1905 when Mildred succumbed to illness, and Ware met his own demise in a horse accident. Nevertheless, his legacy endures in tales of his prowess, generosity, and resilience, whispered across the plains and immortalized in trails, schools, and even a postage stamp, ensuring that the memory of John Ware remains an indelible part of the Canadian West.

It is without a doubt, that John Ware is a Lawless Legend. 

 

Vera McGinnis 

In the heart of the wild West, McGinnis, though not born in a barn nor raised with horses, proved herself equal to any born cowgirl with her bold attitude and athletic intelligence. Hailing from Missouri, she later moved to Utah, working for the Salt Lake City Sight Seeing Company, where she was introduced to horses and cowgirls. Despite a riding accident that cost her some teeth, she signed on as a relay race rider, discovering her true passion. Moving to Canada, she expanded her skills, mastering the art of trick riding, with her most famous feat being the under-the-belly crawl at full speed. Not only was she a skilled rider, but she was also known for her fashion sense, being one of the first cowgirls to don trousers when everyone else wore split skirts.

However, tragedy struck during the Livermore Rodeo, abruptly ending her career. A fall during competition resulted in her horse crashing on top of her, leaving her with injuries that prevented her from professionally riding again. McGinnis passed away in October 1990, leaving behind a legacy of surreal talents and unyielding determination.

 Vera McGinnis surely made her mark, making her a true Lawless Legend. 

 

Kenny McLean

 

Kenny McLean, hailed as Canada’s premier rodeo cowboy, likened the challenge of riding a 1500 lb. bronco to "sitting in a rocking chair." Raised in Okanagan Falls, BC, on a ranch by Skaha Lake, Kenny epitomized the essence of a true cowboy, finding solace in the saddle from a young age.

Born in 1939, the youngest of ten children to a Scottish father and Indigenous mother, Kenny's affinity for horsemanship emerged early. By 12, he was breaking colts, and by 17, he entered his first rodeo, marking the beginning of an illustrious career.

Transitioning to saddle bronc riding, Kenny honed his skills, clinching his first Canadian championship in 1959 and repeating his triumph four more times. In 1961, he ventured into the tough Rodeo Cowboys Association circuit, dazzling with his distinctive riding style and securing the Rookie of the Year title.

His prowess extended to the National Finals Rodeo, where he achieved unparalleled success, clinching three bronc riding titles and maintaining a staggering consistency. In 1962, he dominated the RCA world bronc riding championship, cementing his legacy.

Seeking new challenges, Kenny diversified into calf roping and steer wrestling, achieving remarkable success in multiple disciplines. His achievements spanned continents, earning him numerous accolades and prestigious trophies.

Even after retiring from bronc riding in the early 1970s, Kenny continued to compete in timed events, showcasing his enduring passion for rodeo. His legacy transcends records, immortalized in halls of fame and honored with the Order of Canada.

Tragically, Kenny passed away in 2002, doing what he loved, leaving behind a legacy of unparalleled achievements and indelible contributions to the sport. A bronze statue unveiled in 2010 immortalizes his spirit, forever capturing his essence as a legendary cowboy and a true Lawless Legend.

 

 

Arthur Dean Kean, aka “Cowboy Kean"

In the dusty heart of the Canadian West, where the sun painted the prairie gold and the wind carried whispers of legends, there rode a man named Arthur David Kean, better known as Cowboy Kean.

With the soul of a storyteller, Kean had a life as colourful as the sunsets that dipped below the horizon. He was more than a man on a horse; he was the embodiment of the untamed spirit of the West. Born in 1882, he carved his legacy across the rugged landscapes of British Columbia.

Kean was a man of many talents – filmmaker, journalist, broadcaster, photographer, and above all, a horseman. His life was the very essence of the pioneering spirit that defined the era. His adventures, both behind the camera and in the saddle, made him a living legend. 

Among his many feats, he became the first British Columbia resident to earn his living as a filmmaker. His passion for storytelling drove him to produce the first feature film in the region, the long-lost epic "Policing the Plains" in 1927. Though the film may have been lost to time, Kean's name and legacy continued to echo through the canyons and valleys.

One iconic image captures Kean's essence perfectly: a photograph from the PNE's "Range Days" event, where Kean managed the show. In the photo, he sits astride a magnificent horse, the embodiment of freedom. His name is spelled out on his leather chaps, a testament to his presence and influence in the wild heart of the West. 

Kean's life was a tapestry woven with threads of adventure and imagination. He roamed the untamed plains, chasing stories and capturing moments that would live on long after he was gone. Cowboy Kean, a man of the West, will forever be remembered as a pioneer who dared to dream and turned those dreams into reality on the silver screen making him a true Lawless Legend.