Charlotte Sarah Canham, nee French (1846 – 1921)
Sarah French travelled from Ireland in 1885 to marry missionary Thomas Canham at Fort McPherson. She could not travel past Winnipeg during the Riel Rebellion. She was with Mrs. Bompas and they had to wait a year before they could continue. Mrs. Bompas returned home to England, but French made it to Arctic Red River in 1886 and completed the last part of her journey by dog team. Canham and French were married by Archdeacon McDonald.1)
Sarah Canham spent many years in the north supporting her husband’s ministry. She suffered increasingly poor health that included rheumatism, dental problems, possibly kidney problems, and severe sciatica. In 1914, she was having problems with her memory and the Canhams left the Yukon in 1916. Mrs. Canham died in Toronto after suffering a stroke.2)