Born on May 16, 1830, Thomas Bunn was the son of a local doctor and a Métis mother. Throughout his life, he contributed greatly to the surrounding community as a farmer, lawyer, and politician.
In 1860 he established his farm on Lot 97 along current day Old Henderson Highway. In the 1850s Bunn lived with his wife in the Kildonan area and experienced many devastating floods. After surviving the great flood, he promised his wife that he would construct her a house located high on the riverbank, safe from possible flood waters. A site north of Lower Fort Garry was selected. Bunn’s house, constructed by Samuel Taylor, remains today the most well-preserved example of a single storey stone house in the province.
Thomas Bunn first entered politics as a member of the Council of Assiniboia in 1868. In 1869, Louis Riel chose Bunn to represent his Provisional Government as they negotiated with the Canadian Government for the terms that resulted in Manitoba becoming a province. Bunn was elected to the first Legislative Assembly of Manitoba in 1870, serving until his death in 1875. He was the clerk of the General Quarterly Court from 1868-72 and was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1871.
Thomas Bunn Jr. carried on his father’s tradition and served on St. Clements Council from 1899-1906 and then as Secretary-Treasurer from 1906-1940.
Bunn’s Road is currently located off Old Henderson Highway (PTH #204). A ferry used to run at the end of this road, transporting goods and people across the river to Selkirk and to the St Clements Church. The ferry was removed with the creation of the Selkirk Bridge in 1937.
