Acheson Irvine

Commissioner Acheson Irvine

Acheson Gosford Irvine held five positions during his lifetime: businessman, soldier, mounted policeman, Indian agent and prison warden. Born in Quebec in 1837, he joined the militia and served with the Quebec Rifles during the Riel Rebellion at Red River. He stayed there to command the Provisional Battalion of Rifles. Irvine joined the NWMP in 1875, missing the March West. He was named assistant commissioner in 1876, replacing Macleod, and commissioner in 1880.

Irvine reported the unrest on the reserves and the building hostility to the Minister of Justice, but his warnings were ignored.

Old Sorrel Top as he was nicknamed by his men, was later criticized for his actions during the North–West Rebellion - some thought him too cautious in staying at Prince Albert instead of actively engaging the rebels. Unable to shake the criticism, Irvine resigned. After working as an Indian Agent for some time, Irvine became the warden of Stony Mountain Penitentiary then the Kingston Penitentiary. He retired in 1914 and died in Quebec two years later.