James Evans: Inventor of the Syllabic System of the Cree Language

This book is a biography of James Evans written by John Maclean, who was a Wesleyan Methodist pastor amongst the Indians of the Canadian Northwest. James Evans was an English-Canadian amateur linguist and Methodist missionary. He is best remembered for inventing the "syllabic" writing system for the Cree and Ojibwe. Many people have been waiting for a short biography of the man who did so much for the Indian tribes of the great Northwest, but this did not happen. Much thoughtfulness about the negligence of not doing something to remind the Christian public of the heroism of the brave Canadian missionary made the author take responsibility, although other minds and hearts could have lived a better life of devotion and courage. Among other responsibilities, these pages were written, several at a time, with repeated interruptions. The author hoped that all the shortcomings would be overlooked in a sincere desire to do something that can be useful to young and old, and to fulfill the duty of all friends of Canadian missions, and especially those who belong to the Methodist church.