E. A. (Ernest Alexander) Cruikshank

Born in Bertie Township, Ontario, in 1853, Ernest Alexander Cruikshank became known as both a militia officer and a historian. He worked as a journalist and later served in public roles including police magistrate in Niagara Falls, while building a strong reputation for his research into Canadian and especially Ontario military history.

Cruikshank wrote extensively on the War of 1812, the United Empire Loyalists, and the early history of the Niagara region. He was also appointed to oversee military documents in Canada's archives and went on to become the first chairman of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, serving from 1919 until his death in 1939.

Remembered as a prolific and influential writer, he played a major part in preserving and popularizing Canada's military past. Modern historians note that his work reflected the values of his time, but his impact on historical research and heritage commemoration in Canada remains significant.