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Joseph Montferrand (Jos Montferrand), folk hero, logger (born 25 October 1802 in Montreal, Lower Canada; died 4 October 1864 in Montreal, Canada East). Jos Montferrand was a French Canadian of legendary strength who lived in the Ottawa-Montreal region in the early 19th century. His exploits are enshrined in the folklore of the region.
Biography
Jos Montferrand was a nearly 2 metre tall lumberjack. According to legends, Montferrand faced down 150 Irishmen on the Chaudière Crossing near Hull.
He also fought many famous boxers of his day. He even defeated the reigning Canadian boxing champion.
Montferrand is credited with exploits of extraordinary strength. He once pointed with a plow to give someone directions. Another time, he leaped so high in a dance that he left the print of his heel on the hotel tavern ceiling.
Wilfrid Laurier described him as possessing “undaunted bravery, muscular strength, thirst for danger, resistance to fatigue.” He called Montferrand “the most truly Canadien of all Canadiens ever known.”
In August 2024, Parks Canada designed Jos Montferrand a National Historic Person.
Joe Mufferaw
Tales of the legendary Joe Mufferaw, strongman of the Ottawa Valley, were based on Jos Montferrand. (See also Mattawa.) Tales of Mufferaw's power were tempered by his gentle kindness. Anonymous or inexplicable events are often attributed to “Who else but Joe Mufferaw?” Joe Mufferaw is immortalized in the song “Big Joe Mufferaw” by Stompin' Tom Connors.
