Joseph Paul "Kid" Grant

Joseph Paul Grant was born in Alexandria, March 23, 1884. He was a twin brother of John Alexander Grant, and their parents were John Alexander Grant and his wife the former Janet Morgan.

Joseph Paul Grant received his elementary education in Alexandria. At this time his given names were shortened by his school boy associates to “Joe” Grant. In 1900, at age 16, Joe Grant enlisted with the Canadian British Volunteer army and fought in the South African Boer War.

Joe, following honorable discharge, returned home and proceeded to Northern Ontario and later western Canada to work on construction sites. It was during this period that he became involved in boxing, so much so that in 1908 he was middle-weight champion of Canada. He was now known throughout the country as Joe “Kid” Grant.

After retiring from the ring, Joe “Kid” Grant enlisted with the First Canadian Contingent that fought so bravely at Calais, Ypres and Eloi, France. Private Grant was reported to be killed in action in May, 1916. A few weeks later Grant, 6763, J.P., was discovered very much alive in a field dressing station. He was hospitalized in 1917 and returned home, June 12, suffering from shock and rheumatism.

Following complete recovery, Joe “Kid” Grant returned to his beloved Northern Ontario. He joined the North Bay police and later became a Game Warden serving in the Hearst, Franz, Geraldton and Oba areas.

Joseph Paul Grant died in a hospital in Hornpayne, Ontario, November 14, 1968. He was buried with full Legionary honors in his home town of Oba.