Hugh McGillis
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| Hugh McGillis | |
|---|---|
| Laird Hugh | |
| Born | 1767 Munerighie, Inverness-shire, Scotland |
| Died | 1848-07-23 Williamstown, Upper Canada |
| Occupation | Fur trader |
| Father | |
| Mother | |
Hugh McGillis (1767 – 23 July 1848 (aged 81)), also known as Laird Hugh, was a fur trader and partner in the North West Company who was present at Fort William during Lord Selkirk's takeover of the post in 1816.[1][2]
Early life
- Born in 1767 at Munerighie, Inverness-shire, Scotland, a son of Donald McGillis and Mary McDonell.[1][2]
- Emigrated with his family aboard the Pearl in 1773, settling in Tryon County, New York.[1][2]
Fur-trade career
- Began with the North West Company as a clerk and had become a partner by 1801.[1]
- Served as chief agent of the Fond du Lac department, headquartered at Leech Lake, from 1806 to 1812.[1]
- Traded at Fort William, Michipicoten and Lesser Slave Lake between 1812 and 1815.[1]
Selkirk's takeover of Fort William
- Present at Fort William in 1816 when Lord Selkirk seized the post following the conflict in the Red River country.[1]
- Called on the voyageurs to take up arms, but they declined.[1]
- Arrested by Lord Selkirk and later tried at York, where he was acquitted of all charges.[1]
Later life
- Retired from the fur trade in 1816 and settled at Williamstown, Upper Canada.[1]
- In 1819 purchased a farming and milling operation there that included the Sir John Johnson House, a grist mill, a saw mill and a tannery.[1]
Death
- Died 23 July 1848 at Williamstown.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 "The McGillis Family: My Maternal Ancestors and Their Descendants."[website].Ontario Cemetery Connection Genealogy Society.Link.(Rights: unknown | Access: open)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Hugh McGillis (1767-1848)."[website].WikiTree.Link.(Rights: unknown | Access: open)