From an Infant Force: Reg.#2653, Cst. John Salmon, NWMP

It can be said that Reg.#2653, John Leonard Salmon was representative of many of the earliest members of the North West Mounted Police --most of these members had unique and diverse abilities, skills and strengths. They had the knack of overcoming life's difficulities. Most made their mark in one way or another on the early development of Canada.

We are not sure when or where Cst. Salmon was born. But, he joined the NWMP about 1891. He served in 'D' Div. (Emerson, Manibota) and in 'F' Division (Saskatchewan). He purchased his discharge from the NWMP on October 18, 1893 (the notion of 'purchasing a discharge' was custom in the Force until circa 1970's).

After his short NWMP career, Cst. Salmon displayed his varied skills in that he became the first driver of the first electric car in Winnipeg, MB. Afterwards, life for Cst. Salmon must have become boring as he quit his driving job and was appointed a guard at Stoney Plain Penitentiary!

John Salmon also volunteered for WWI. He died in April, 1938 and he is buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Edmonton, AB

Research & thanks to:

Vet. AJH 'Joe Collinson for the photo of Cst. Salmon's grave stone and to Vet. Jack White for his historical research of Cst. Salmon's life.