True and Fascinating Canadian History
The Mystery of
The Nearby Buried Mr. Binder
by J. J. Healy
Some mysteries may never be solved. They are far too complex for the human brain. Take the discovery of new galaxies as one example. A momentary thought about another galaxy and its distance from the Milky Way can lead to a mild migrane. In turn, galaxies leads to the topic of physics.
On the science side, physics by far is the most difficult to grasp. My wife, a teacher said so and I did not disagree. Yet, I reminded her that in high school, I well understood the physics of a pulley as well as magnetism. 'But woe, she added, to the person who attempts to master physics...one does so at certain risks.'
One reason for its complexity is that physics is grounded in other particular areas of knowledge which include mathematics, gravity, conceptual ideas, motion, energy and the nature of properties. Upon gradution from high school, the average student is simply not sufficiently prepared in the laws of these matters.
So truly, physics can be difficult to comprehend. And some mysteries too. OK, maybe a few mysteries can be solved over night. But, that doesn't mean that I can solve them. I need help.
As it happens, this mystery might best be called a mix-up. A simple mix-up. Some mix-ups are down to earth and require only grit and perservence. Such is the case of the 'Mystery of the Nearby Buried Binder.' So, I think I ought to return to earth. For, earth is where this 'mix-up' has been under exploration.
In truth, this mystery really was a grave mix-up. And, maybe I'm to blame. The mix-up began with an e-mail about RCMP graves. It's not necessary to reveal the author's name because I think he will also see some humour in the outcome of the mixup. His message said: 'Joe, the grave that we are talking about is near Coppermine NWT on the Tree River and the name of the RCMPoliceman was Otto Binder who died in 1922. Do you have anything on him at all?
At first, my mind did not connect to the name 'Otto Binder'. I checked the usual historical sources and quickly convinced myself that 'Otto Binder' had never been a member of the Force. Next, I put out an appeal on my Buffalo Blog for help with the identity of 'Otto Binder'. I had forgotten, however, that months ago I had received another message from RCMP Vet Dave Friesen which also related to 'Otto Binder'.
Just hours after I posted 'Otto Binder's' name on the Buffalo Blog, I got a call from an 'ole friend in Nova Scotia. I caught the envy of investigational techniques in Superintendent Brian Brennan's voice. He exclaimed that he had solved the Mystery of 'Otto Binder'. And to my jump and joy, that's precisely what he had done!
First, allow me to lay the ground work. In 1922, an Inuit was arrested and held by the RCMP at Tree River, which lies about 700 miles east of Hershel Island, Northwest Territories. During the night, the prisoner Inuit freed himself, found a rifle and killed Reg.#4396, Corporal William A. Doak while he was asleep. Cpl. Doak is number 45 on the RCMP's Honour Roll.
Shortly afterwards, Mr. Otto Binder Sr., an employee of Hudson's Bay approached the RCMP Detachment for a visit and he too was shot and killed by the same Inuit.Eventually, both Corporal Doak and Mr. Binder Sr. were buried near Tree River - side by side. The setting of two graves nearby each other could easily lead one to think that both persons were RCMP members. In fact, only Corporal Doak was in the Force and Mr. Otto Binder Sr. was employed with the Hudson Bay Company. Cpl. Doak was born in Calgary, AB. He was a single member and was survived by a large number of siblings. Cpl. Doak joined the Force in 1905, so he was in his sixteenth year of service at the time of his death.
Supt. Brennan was able to uncover that Mr. Otto Binder Sr. had once been an engineer on various ships in the northland, but at the time of his death, he was an Hudson's Bay Company employee at Tree River. Mr. Binder's son, Otto Binder Jr. attended Mission School at Shingle Point, NWT and first became a raindeer herder in the Mackenzie Delta area.
After working for years as a herder, Otto Binder Jr. took an interest in the Force. Vet Friesen said: 'It may be of interest that buried beside 'Cpl. Doak' was HBC factor Otto Binder murdered same date by same Inuit. In 1963, I transported Special Constable Otto Binder Jr. to Tree River by boat to visit his father's gravesite.'
It's evident that Mr. Otto Binder Sr. must have had a close relationship with the RCMP at Tree River in the early 1920's. He might have avoided death if he had not gone to visit the Detachment on that morning. At home, Mr. Binder Sr. must have spoken well of the Force since his son also joined the RCMP.
This mix up arose over the fact that Mr. Binder Sr. was thought to be a member of the RCMP. Afterall, he lies beside Corporal Doak and both grave markers are very evident. It's easy to believe Mr. Binder Sr. was with the RCMP as the RCMP did employ many sorts of employees in the early days. The fact that Mr. Binder was instead an employee of the Hudson Bay Company instead of an RCMP is an easy oversight. Grateful we are that the first e-mail was sent to me as it triggered a mystery which had elements of a deep mix-up. With the help of Vet. Dave Fresen and Superintendent Brian Brennan the reasons for the mix-up can now best be understood.
As RCMP, we take time to pause and consider the sacrifices made to the northland of Canada and to the community of Tree River by Corporal William Doak and Mr. Otto Binder. April 1, 1922 was another tragic day in the history of the RCMP.
Two years after the murder of Corporal Doak and Mr. Binder, the accused was hanged.
I'd like to thank retired Dave Friesen for sending me his material which related to this case. As well, I'd like to thank Superintendent Brian Brennan for his interest in RCMP history as well as these sorts of mysteries. His research on Mr. Otto Binder and the photos are also very much appreciated. Thank you.
A short story may contain a simple idea, but the depth of our sentiments go deep. These are members and friends of the Force who died while performing their duties.
And by the way, in the next world I'm returning not as a physicist but as a police officer. Again.
'Maintain Our Memories'
From the Fort,
I have the honour to be, Sir
Your Obedient Servant,
J. J. Healy
October 24, 2008
