The Hargrave Family Tree

Jessie Victoria Reid, my great-grandmother, was born in 1861 in Ormstown to James Reid, a Jamestown farmer, and his wife, Jane Elizabeth Weir, of Montreal.The Reids had the usual large family - Eliza Jemima (married Robert Cairns), Edward, James Weir (married Janet Bryson [1c3r]), Margaret Emma (married William Ross [1c3r]), Mary Jane (married Andrew Ross [1c3r]) Thomas, Peter (married Mary Ann McGarth), Anna Bella, and Jessie, who married Thomas Alexander "Big Alex" Cunningham and farmed in the Ormstown area. I think James Reid was the son of Peter Reid and Mary Flanaghan but lack the documentation - just cannot find a birth entry for James Reid.
So..if any of this sounds familiar to you please contact me and let's compare notes.

Another name for Jamestown 'Island' or the area between the Outarde and Chateauguay Rivers.

It is not really an island, just a long narrow point between the Chateauguay River and the Outarde River. It is located 0.7mi (1.1km) west of Ormstown (45.121N/74.006W) and runs west to the Boyd Settlement in Hinchinbrooke. Also known as Ormstown Island or Jamestown Forks.

"The following information was collected by Gina Smith during her own family history research. Gina Smith is a professional genealogist who has access to both the National Archives of Canada and the Quebec National Archives.

Except for the fact that the notaries listed below were located in Huntingdon, Chateauguay, and Beauharnois Counties, Gina did not follow any particular plan in her selection of notaries or time periods. When mentioned in the record, Gina noted any family relationships, as well as the places of residence outside the counties.

Copies of these records may be obtained from the Montreal branch of the Quebec Archives  . The Quebec National Archive will charge a small fee for this service based on the number of pages, plus tax & postage. There is usually a minimum charge of $2.00.

If you have any questions about the records, you are welcome to contact Gina Smith. Gina is able to make copies of these records, but will need to order the microfilms from Montreal. Obtaining the microfilms can take sometime and she notes that it may be faster to instead contact the Montreal branch of the Quebec National Archives directly."

"While doing some research on Cuthbert Grant recently, I had occasion to search through the Margaret MacLeod collection in the University of Manitoba Libraries Archives. The collected notes from The Letters of Letitia Hargrave make very interesting reading, especially if you are looking for individuals in the mid-nineteenth century at York Factory or Red River. While the notes have not been transcribed, they make such interesting readingthat the effort is worthwhile. "

The records consist of correspondence between Donald Ross
and other Hudson's Bay Company officials and employees,
private correspondence between Ross and members of his
family, and a variety of other documents, including
accounts, invoices, memoranda, marriage certificates, and
trade reports. Also, includes typewritten transcripts
prepared by the BC Archives (BCA).

The records are arranged alphabetically by correspondent.
Within each file, the material is arranged chronologically;
undated material is placed at the beginning of the file.
All items are letters inward to Donald Ross unless otherwise
indicated in the finding aid. Numbers appearing at the
upper right hand corner of documents are for purposes of
internal control and should not be used for citation.

In 1930, the BCA purchased a large portion of the records
from Mrs. George A. Graham (M. Ross), granddaughter, of Fort
William, Ontario. Additional portions were purchased over
the period 1942-1944 from Mrs. M.L. MacLeod of Vancouver,
B.C., acting for her mother, Mrs. Bullock.

"With some interest being shown in the Matriculation by the Lord Lyon to Edward Stewart Dugald MacTavish of Dunardry on the 23 July? 1997, it appears the story should be placed for all to see.? I hope it is found to be of some interest to supporting members and visitors alike. "

"Let us start at the beginning. In 1949, a Mrs. A.N. MacLeod, of Winnipeg Manitoba, considered one of Canada's finest historians, was commissioned by the prestigious Champlain Society to do a book on the life of Lettia Hargraves, spouse of a Hudson Bay Factor in the new world. They turned over to Mrs. MacLeod some letters written by Lettia Hargraves back to her parents in Scotland.? As Mrs. MacLeod started her research and reading the letters provided to her, it soon became apparent that she knew more about this family than she realized. "

...As far as Simon not buying Dunardarie 'to keep it in the family' as is suggested in some writings, it is noticed that he had the same Arms of the Chief registered in his name a few weeks later. These Arms were differenced with a Bordure, implying first Cadet, which, of course, was not correct. These Arms to Simon were, of course, granted by the same John Hooke Campbell, Lyon. You make mention that Simon purchased in 1799 the lands of Dunardarie. You also mention that he paid for the training of Lachlan's eldest son, Dugald, as a lawyer. And - gained entry for John, the younger son, into the Hudson Bay Company. Mr. Campbell, in 1799 Dugald (eldest son and heir to Lachlan) was a mere 16 years old. His brother, John, was younger still. He did bring John into the NorWest Fur Trade Company a few years later, but did not assist Lachlan's widow, Mary, or assist the heir, Dugald, and was not named as one of the legal guardians (names upon request). Dugald, the heir, became a Writer of the Signet and Sheriff Substitute of Campbelton, where he built Kilchrist House. He and Letitia [Lockhart, mother of Letitia Hargrave] had nine children. William, Dugald's heir, at age 18 sailed for Canada in 1833 with the Hudson Bay Company, later becoming a Hudson Bay Company factor and Governor of Assiniboia and Ruperts Land.

This kist [in the Kilmartin church] contains the remains of Letitia Lockhart MacTavish, wife to Sheriff Dugald MacTavish [father in-law of James Hargrave]. Letitia died exactly one month to the day after Sheriff MacTavish in 1854. The brown cross was erected with the inscription by William MacTavish, Governor of Assinaboia and Ruperts Land, of the Hudson Bay Company Canada on his first trip back to Scotland after the death of his father and mother.

Dugald [MacTavish] was placed as the "Sheriff-substitute" of Kintyre, and built "Kilchrist House" (now referred to as Kilchrist Castle) in 1824. His wife, Letitia Lochhart, bore him 10 surviving children. The first born, Lachlan, died at birth. The second son, William (1816-1870) at age 18 immigrated; sailing in 1833 to Canada with the Hudson Bay Company as a company clerk and took up his duties at Fort Garry. He succeeded as Chief on the death of his father, Dugald, in 1855. William rose within the company to be appointed as Governor of Assinaboia and Ruperts Land and was instrumental in the formation of events leading up to the confederation of Canada in 1867, with John A. MacDonald, first Prime Minister of Canada.

On his voyage to York factory, Dr. Helmcken learned the card game Whist, to later become a much enjoyed pass time: "Chief Factor Hargrave and Mrs. Hargrave and nurse were passengers also - so the Captain and the above and I had a rubber of whist every night, when possible. I knew nothing about whist, but they broke me in and account was kept of the games with the debt and so forth! At the end of the journey, I had only four shillings to pay!"

540. Hargrave, Joseph James. RED RIVER. Montreal. John Lovell. 1871. 21cm.
xvi, [17]-506pp. Lists. Green cloth. A history drawn from an extensive
collection of books, letters, official documents and other papers collected
by the author's father, a longtime Hudson's Bay Company employee. His
uncle, HBC Governor William Mactavish, was his editor, resulting in one of
the best books ever written on the settlement. To capitalize on the
interest generated by the 1870 rebellion, the book was released early - so
early that on page 174 there are blanks where population statistics should
be.

In January 1849, James Hargrave had written from York Factory to his old friend on behalf of one of his men, Mr. W. McKay as follows:

Y. F. 17, Aug/49

C. Grant Esq. /R.R.

My Dear Grant-

I enclose a letter from Mr. W. McKay, one of my post servants the subject of which was made known to me this summer. His son and your Daughter Elisabeth it seems had formed a reciprocal attachment to each other some time ago - and altho like others they kept this to themselves- yet now the young fellow has come forward ina manly frank manner and requests permission of me "to take a wife." He is a lad so far as I have known of good character- is prudent and saving having wages as an asst. interpreter in the amount of 20 pounds. and. Should you approve of the proposal and that your daughter is still unengaged- I see myself no objection to his setting in life. And could your daughter come here next spring under the wing of a carefull and respectable freighter such as Mr. Mowat, I would take care of her in the Factory until her intended arrived from Grant Lake-when I would unite them as man and wife- agreeably to the rites of the Country & England.

With kinds regards to my old friend Mrs. Grant now & always.

My Dear Grant

most faithfully yours

J.H.

Grant replied to the above in June 1850

Grantown 3rd June, 1850

J. Hargrave Esquire

My Dear Sir,

Your kind favor of the 17th Aug. came safe to hand on the arrival of the fall boats as well as an enclosed letter from Mr. W. McKay regarding his Son William demanding my daughter Elisabeth for a wife. Now, after the character you give me of the young man's good behavior etc. there lies no difficulty in complying to his request, but the devil is to get the girl to consent to go down alone and unprotected for she's not acquainted with any of the freighters, and her mother is also against it. But if the young man could be permitted to come and pass 2 or 3 days with us , no doubt all these present difficulties would be done away with, so you see how the land lies.

I shall not attempt to intrude on your present time and give you nothing but dismal news , so trusting this will find you enjoying your usual good health and spirits.

I am

Your ever faithful affectionate

Cuthbert Grant

Mrs. Grant begs to be kindly remembered to you.

(IIa)-Mary Taylor (*) born 1827 daughter George (1) married John Stewart (Stuart) (d-1847) Chief Factor Bas de la Riviere, who abandoned her 1835, 2nd marriage James Hargrave he refused to be churched.? May represent two different Mary's.? After 1837 she went to England but returned by 1839.? Mary Taylor who married John Stewart is daughter (1a) George and Jane.

Hargrave (1841-1894) was born at York Factory, the son of James Hargrave, whose letters appear in the Champlain Society's publications. Joining the Hudson's Bay Company in 1841, Joseph became secretary to his uncle, William MacTavish, governor of Assiniboia in Red River. From 1869 to 1884, Hargrave was active in the fur trade, coming to Fort Edmonton in 1884. He retired in 1889 and died in Montreal. This work is an account of events leading to the Red River Rebellion, based on the letters of Hargrave, Senior. There is also an account of the difficulties encountered in travelling from England to the West.

Dear Ross
...
I have made the following proposals to Gov. Colville which he promises to lay before the Council vis three years leave of absence at the expiration of which time to retire on the usual terms of commissioned gentleman, he intends holding the Council at Y (York Factory) how he will form one there I am yet to learn unless he takes your votes
individually, ... ...Hargrave (Chief Factor James Hargrave York Factory) will be off, Rowand (Chief Factor John Rowand Edmonton House) is reported to be on his way here, you will of course remain at N.H., this is rather unfavorable for me three of my principal supporters absent, (Lewis?) talked last year of Van Diemans Land Barnston may be sent to Athabaska, friend Nicol & Harriot are the only two that I can depend on, I wish however it was settled one way or other as my winter health has greatly suffered the last two years, Colville has been candid and I think has taken a favorable view of my case.
...
ever sincerely yours

Wm Todd

At last our vessel ?Good Hope? rode gently on its anchor chains at Five Fathom Hole, the sandy-bottomed holding ground, 7 miles from the depot. I could see people standing on the hexagonal cupola of the depot-building vantage point.
Wife of a post?s leading officer vivacious Letitia Hargrave came with us from England. She brought with her a Viennese piano of six and a half octaves. I am sure it will create a sensation at York Factory. It is called Factory not because something is manufactured here, but because this is where the factor (company?s agent) lives.
The vessel brought cargo of guns, brandy, textiles, axes, knives and other supplies. All this will be exchanged for the bundles of furs at the trading posts.
Hudson?s Bay Company?s inspector Mr. James, who actually offered me to come with him on this trip, is going to spend a few days at the Factory.
Supper at chief factor?s house is an amply supplied table. Mr.Hargrave, a chief factor, assigned one of the inferior officers, interpreter Jean-Baptiste Wilkie, to accompany us around York Factory.

540. Hargrave, Joseph James. RED RIVER. Montreal. John Lovell. 1871. 21cm.
xvi, [17]-506pp. Lists. Green cloth. A history drawn from an extensive
collection of books, letters, official documents and other papers collected
by the author's father, a longtime Hudson's Bay Company employee. His
uncle, HBC Governor William Mactavish, was his editor, resulting in one of
the best books ever written on the settlement. To capitalize on the
interest generated by the 1870 rebellion, the book was released early - so
early that on page 174 there are blanks where population statistics should
be. Peel, 328. $175

Margaret Arentt MacLeod was born in 1877 in London, Ontario, and later moved to Manitoba with her family. Her father, Lewis Arnett, an Englishman, came to the Red River with the Ontario volunteers in the Wolseley Expedition of 1870. She was educated in Brandon and Winnipeg and taught in Stonewall, Manitoba, before marrying Dr. A.N. Macleod. In 1935 she wrote The Frozen Priest of Pembina, and in 1937 Bells of Red River. In 1947 she compiled her most famous work The Letters of Letitia Hargrave. She also wrote Red River Festive Season (1962) and Grantown, the story of Cuthbert Grant, which she compiled in collaboration with Dr. W.L. Morton in 1963.

The collection consists of voluminous research notes produced by the author for her publication Letters of Letitia Hargrave. They provide biographical data on Letitia Hargrave, her husband James Hargrave, several other senior and junior employees of the Hudson's Bay Company between 1837 and 1865, and the Hargrave family up to 1947. Research material about the Red River Settlement and some original letters of the era are also included. Nineteen photographs are held separately.

MS-0635

Donald Ross

Originals    1816-1876    87.5 cm

Microfilm (neg.)    1816-1876    16mm    3 reels    [A00831-

A00833]



Donald Ross was a fur trader at Norway House.



The records consist of correspondence between Donald Ross

and other Hudson's Bay Company officials and employees,

private correspondence between Ross and members of his

family, and a variety of other documents, including

accounts, invoices, memoranda, marriage certificates, and

trade reports.  Also, includes typewritten transcripts

prepared by the BC Archives (BCA).

British Columbia Archives

Non-Government Records Catalogue

Email: access@www.bcarchives.gov.bc.ca



MS-2716

ERMATINGER, Edward, 1797-1876.  St. Thomas, Ontario; fur

trader/businessman.

Microfilm (pos.), 1818-1874, 35 mm [A01656(2)]



This microfilm is a copy of original material held by the

National Archives of Canada (MG 19 A 2 series 2).  Edward

Ermatinger served with the Hudson's Bay Company between 1818-

1830.  This microfilm contains letters received from friends

and associates of his fur trading days, 1820-1874.  The letters

are arranged alphabetically.  The 58 letters from John Tod

(1826-1874) make up volume two.  An index to correspondence is

on the film.



Originals at the National Archives of Canada.



Subject Headings

Hudson's Bay Company



Secondary Entries

Barnston, George, 1800?-1882

Clowes, John

Dears, Thomas, 1797-?

Gladman, George, 1800-1863

Hargrave, James, 1798-1865

McLaghlin, David

McTavish, John George, d. 1847

Miles, Robert, 1795-1870

National Archives of Canada

Pambrun, Pierre Chrysologue, 1792-1841

Roberts, Edward

Simpson, Sir George, 1792?-1860

Sinclair, William, ca. 1794-1868

Tod, John, 1794-1882

British Columbia Archives

Non-Government Records Catalogue

Email: access@www.bcarchives.gov.bc.ca



MS-1144

SCHOFIELD FAMILY.

Originals, 1829-1950, 38 cm



Private correspondence and personal financial accounts of James

Hargrave and his family and descendants, which include the family

of John Lockhart Schofield.  Records include correspondence

referring to life at York Factory and in mid-nineteenth century

Britain; accounts; wills and marriage contracts; correspondence

regarding publishing of family papers; school reports; papers

relating to the Trail Creek News; and copies of newspapers.  Maps

transferred to Map Division; photographs transferred to Visual

Records.



Finding aid:  file list.



Deposited by John L. Schofield, Chapman Camp, 1959.



Subject Headings

Domestic relations - York Factory

Hudson's Bay Company

Kootenay district (B.C.)

Marriage contracts

Oregon question

Trail Creek News

Wills

York Factory



Secondary Entries

Esling, W.K.

Finlayson, Duncan, 1796?-1862

Grierson, Sir Herbert

Hargrave, James, 1798-1865

Hargrave, Joseph James, 1841-1894

Hargrave, Letitia (Mactavish), 1813-1854

Hargrave, Margaret (Alcock), d. 1899

Hargrave, Andrew

Hargrave, Jane

Hargrave, John

Hargrave, Mary Jane, 1848-1873

Hargrave family

MacLeod, Margaret (Arnett), 1877-1966

Mactavish, Lockhart

Schofield, Letitia Lockhart (Hargrave), 1845-1880

Schofield, Elizabeth Maud (Peverley)

Schofield, James Hargrave Alcock, 1866-

Schofield, Letitia Dorothy

Simpson, Sir George, 1792?-1860

Smith, William

Smith, William Gregory