How to Pronounce William Mactavish
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Mar 29, 1815 Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom Died on 23 Jul 1870 (aged 55)
Canadian businessman
AriesWilliam Mactavish - Place of Birth, Date of Birth, Age, Wiki, Facts, Net Worth, Birthday, Biography and Family
William Mactavish, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Family, Facts, Age, Net Worth, Biography and More in FamedBorn.com
About William Mactavish
- William Mactavish (29 March 1815 – 23 July 1870) was a Scottish-born Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) clerk, accountant, and chief trader.
- Mainly known for his dual-position as Governor of Assiniboia, and Governor of Rupert's Land, Mactavish played a major role in the development of Western Canada.
- Often referred to as, "The Last Governor of Assiniboia," Mactavish is frequently criticized for his role (or lack thereof) in the Red River Rebellion.Mactavish was one, among 9 children to Dugald and Letitia Lockhart Mactavish; notably one of his sisters was Letitia MacTavish Hargrave.
- In 1848, he married Mary Sarah McDermot.
- Upon his arrival to Canada, he worked at the Norway House trading post for a year, before being transferred to York Factory to work under James Hargrave.
- Under Hargrave, Mactavish made a good impression on Governor George Simpson (HBC administrator), which would advance his career in the HBC immensely.
- After having worked is way up in the HBC, he was, reluctantly, promoted to Governor of Assiniboia.
- In a time of political turmoil in Canada, Mactavish felt he was incompatible with the political role.
- However, Mactavish thrived in the role - at least reputation-wise and public speaking - having brought significant changes to the colony, and being highly spoken of by the settlement.
- Mactavish was appointed acting Governor of Rupert's Land after Governor Simpson's death, and was appointed official Governor two years later.
- Being both the Governor of Assiniboia and Rupert's land gave one man the role of two both in two different realms - political vs.
- economic.
- With this, Mactavish's reaction to the Red River Rebellion is his legacy.
- Many believe that with such a high power role to hold, he could have done more to stop the uprising.
- However, with his distaste for politics, his Métis sympathies, reluctance to be involved in conflict, and his poor health, Mactavish acted slowly and inadequately.Mactavish died of advanced Tuberculosis in 1870.
