Memorable Manitobans: Matthew Cocking (1743-1799)

Fur trader, explorer.

Born in York, England, Cocking first came to York Fort in 1765 as a writer. In 1772 he went inland as a volunteer, travelling with the Natives for nearly a year. Upon his return, he provided detailed descriptions of life on the western prairie. He undertook several subsequent inland journeys before settling at Fort Severn in 1777 and then at York Fort in 1781. He retired to England in 1782, his service in providing information on the inland territory well appreciated by the Hudson's Bay Company.

More information:

Matthew Cocking, Dictionary of Canadian Biography IV, 156-58.

Sources:

Dictionary of Manitoba Biography by John M. “Jack” Bumsted, Winnipeg: University of Manitoba Press, 1999.

Page revised: 31 July 2008

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

This is a collection of noteworthy Manitobans from the past, compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. We acknowledge that the collection contains both reputable and disreputable people. All are worth remembering as a lesson to future generations.

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