John Ware: African American Cowboy

Alberta’s historical record has many significant accounts of rancher and cowboy life in the late 1800’s. One of these cowboys was John Ware, who was known for his horsemen skills and his great strength. This man was well liked by his neighbours, ranchers, and other cowboys. The population of Alberta at this time was predominately Caucasian. John Ware however was an African American. Ware was not the only black cowboy from the United States who settled in Alberta. The late 1800’s was not a time of racial tolerance in the western States, nor in Alberta. What the historical records do indicate though is that John Ware was an individual worth recognition despite discrimination based on skin colour. Ware was not literate. What we know of him comes from oral histories. These accounts either came from his daughter Nettie Ware or from other ranchers who worked him. Oral history is contextualized by the person delivering the account. These records were not just valuable information about an Alberta rancher's life, but give us insight into black cowboys throughout western history. While looking into the oral accounts of John Ware in comparison to black cowboys and settlers in the western United States, and Alberta, a clear image can be derived of who these individuals were, and how they impacted the cattle and rancher industry.

In the United States after the abolition of slavery in 1833, many African Americans were looking for somewhere they could settle and start fresh. Many sought opportunities in agriculture and ranching. Even though they were now free Americans this did not change the perceptions within the minds of white Americans, many were still racists. In 1879 numerous African Americans were settling in the west, because they wan...

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...ll I see a coloured skin as anything but lovely.”

The black cowboy is a figure of western history who has not received the attention they deserve. They were incredibly competent and exceptionally hardworking. John Ware is just one example who received accommodations for what appears to be the work ethic and mentality of many of these fine men. Some of these accounts may be reminisces which have become more fond of Ware with time, but in comparison to the account of other American cowboys he certainly fits into the criteria. Ware was an illiterate man received so much of his accolades through oral records of his accomplishments. Without his hard work and expertise he would have possibly been forgotten. These black cowboys have suffered enough discrimination now they should be recognized for their contributions to western society.