William Sinclair (fur trader)
Encyclopedia
William Sinclair was a chief factor of the Hudson's Bay Company
. He was a brother of James Sinclair and his father, also William Sinclair, founded the first fort at Oxford House
.
William was four when his father was building the HBC post at Oxford House and he joined the company there in 1808 and worked in that district until 1816 when he was called to the company headquarters in Britain. Weather forced them to winter in James Bay and his resourcefulness in these trying circumstances furthered his career.
Sinclair was an important part of the Bow River expedition of 1822–23 led by Donald McKenzie who was Governor of the Red River Settlement and an explorer/fur trader. The trek was to the forks of the South Saskatchewan and Red Deer rivers. He added an 850 mile side trip on this occasion, along with John Edward Harriott
, to the Cypress Hills and Missouri country.
William Sinclair's career became increasingly filled with important tasks and he was regarded as an important officer of the Hudson's Bay Company.
Hudson's Bay Company
The Hudson's Bay Company , abbreviated HBC, or "The Bay" is the oldest commercial corporation in North America and one of the oldest in the world. A fur trading business for much of its existence, today Hudson's Bay Company owns and operates retail stores throughout Canada...
. He was a brother of James Sinclair and his father, also William Sinclair, founded the first fort at Oxford House
Oxford House, Manitoba
Oxford House is a First Nations Cree community in Northern Manitoba, located on the Oxford House 24 Indian Reserve. According to the web site of the Bunibonibee Cree Nation, "Oxford House was originally one of the trading posts set up by the Hudson's Bay Company, en route to Norway House...
.
William was four when his father was building the HBC post at Oxford House and he joined the company there in 1808 and worked in that district until 1816 when he was called to the company headquarters in Britain. Weather forced them to winter in James Bay and his resourcefulness in these trying circumstances furthered his career.
Sinclair was an important part of the Bow River expedition of 1822–23 led by Donald McKenzie who was Governor of the Red River Settlement and an explorer/fur trader. The trek was to the forks of the South Saskatchewan and Red Deer rivers. He added an 850 mile side trip on this occasion, along with John Edward Harriott
John Edward Harriott
John Edward Harriott was a fur trader who worked for the Hudson's Bay Company.A Londoner who entered the trade at age 17, Harriott was a dedicated and prosperous worker. He climbed through the ranks of the Hudson's Bay Company to become a chief factor for the Saskatchewan District...
, to the Cypress Hills and Missouri country.
William Sinclair's career became increasingly filled with important tasks and he was regarded as an important officer of the Hudson's Bay Company.