Jacob Yost Shantz

Jacob Yost Shantz (2 May 1822 – 28 October 1909) was a businessman from Ontario who helped Russian Mennonites immigrate from The Russian Empire to Southern Manitoba.[1]

Shantz was born and raised in Ebytown, Upper Canada. In 1872, Shantz accompanied Bernhard Warkentin, a Russian Mennonite, on an exploratory trip to the newly formed province of Manitoba. He had been asked by the Canadian government to oversee this exploration. After his visit to Manitoba, Shantz sent a report of his findings to the government. Immigration officials liked the report and requested a more detailed account. The results of this request was a report called Narrative of a journey to Manitoba. When published and translated into various languages, this narrative became promotional literature for European immigration to Canada.[1] After a delegation of Mennonites visited Manitoba in 1873 they signed a Privilegium with the Canadian government, and 21,000 Mennonites immigrated to Manitoba beginning in 1874 with the formation of the East Reserve and later the West Reserve.[2] Schantz helped erect immigration sheds near what is now Niverville, Manitoba, temporary homes for the new immigrants. A cairn and plaque at this location was placed in 2020.[3] A community in Manitoba, Schanzenfeld, was also named in his honour.[4]