John Beargrease: Legend of Minnesota's North Shore

by Daniel Lancaster

"Thanks to St. Paul author Daniel Lancaster's new comprehensive biography, lovers of northern Minnesota now not only have a chance to meet the man who began delivering the mail on the North Shore 130 years ago, but they also get to understand how Beargrease helped bridge the cultural gap between the Ojibwe community and white settlers of the late 1800s."—Minneapolis StarTribune

“Daniel Lancaster has brought our heritage to life. His extensive research shows in every page as he weaves through the magical tales of the Ojibwe people. A must-have book for all of us with Anishinabe blood.”—Marlys Marie Zebott, great-granddaughter of John Beargrease “A book that fills in several missing pieces of North Shore history . . . a very enjoyable read.”—Howard Sivertson, author and illustrator of Tales of the Old North Shore John Beargrease (1862–1910), the son of an Anishinabe chief, hauled the mail by dogsled between pioneer communities along Minnesota’s tempestuous Lake Superior shore line. The annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is named in his honor. . . . it was sometimes best to just keep going . . . pushing through three feet of snow, plowing over drifts six and seven feet deep, making their way among the boughs of the trees. Daniel Lancaster follows the legendary Beargrease through the settlement and development of the North Shore on his difficult traverse from traditional Anishinabe life to the modern world. Rich in history, mythology, and local legend, this is an engrossing read for anyone who has ever fallen in love with Lake Superior’s wave-washed shores and snowy winters. Daniel Lancaster studied literature and creative writing at Southwest State University in Marshall, Minnesota, and completed a BA in literature at Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where he lives. He has been a contributor to various publications and periodicals in the fields of religious studies, early Christianity, and Judaism.

Genres: History

180 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2008

Reviews

[Cassy Keyport · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is about my great-great grandfather. Amazing story. Amazing History!

[Stefanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very well-researched attempt to document the life of John Beargrease, "a common man with an uncommonly difficult occupation"--carrying the mail on Minnesota's north shore. The man is a fascinating character, no doubt, whose status as a legend is well-deserved. I thought that the construction of the narrative was a bit awkward at times, the chronology of Lancaster's retelling jumping back and forth without clear signposts and the several headers often interfering with the story. It almost seemed as if there were too many topics to explore in Beargrease's story without enough meat to fill them out. The use of headers and nonlinear chronology was exceptional, however, in chapter seven ("Off the Trail"), which detailed Beargrease's trapping, hunting, fishing, and day laboring while not on the mail route.

[Alisyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not only did I enjoy learning about John Beargrease and his family but I also enjoyed learning about the time and the places in which he travelled. Living in Duluth allowed me to read this book with a high level of reverence for these people. The weather, the terrain and the romance of the era are captured beautifully.

[Jenreiter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read of the life and times of John Beargrease who (among other things) delivered mail on Minnesota's North Shore by dogsled. Helps to put the Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon into a historical context.

[Cmreinholz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I expected a history of John Beargrease, but actually got a good history of the North Shore, too. Well-written, well-researched and a fun read.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read. Very interesting to read and discover the cooperation between the white settlers and Anisinabe (Ojibwe) at that time. The harshness of the land along Lake Superior and the talents, the hard work, persistence, trials, and acceptance of John Beargrease is inspiring. Knowing more of the history of that area is really worthwhile and next trip there will be even more interesting and appreciated after reading this.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun and interesting MN Book Award winner! It’s subject is fascinating enough, but the author does a great job of sharing the history of MN’s North Shore as well as the local lore of the indigenous people. I really enjoyed this.

[Deb M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have followed the John Beargrease sled dog race you will find this one interesting.

[DaveNelda Eitreim · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting piece of history. I enjoyed every page.

[Rhonda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well researched history of John Beargrease and the North Shore

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Culturally sensitive