Angus Shaw facts for kids

Angus Shaw (died July 19, 1832) was an important fur trader and a politician in a part of Canada once called Lower Canada (which is now mostly Quebec). He was known for his work in the fur trade and for being involved in the government.

Early Life and Fur Trading Career

Angus Shaw was likely born in Scotland. He came to North America before 1786, settling in Montreal. He started his career in the fur trade, which was a big business at the time. Fur traders would exchange goods with Indigenous peoples for animal furs, which were then sold in Europe.

Joining the Fur Trade

• Around 1786, Shaw teamed up with an experienced fur trader named Donald Mackay.
• They traded furs in areas that are now western Canada, near the Saskatchewan and Assiniboine Rivers.
• Their business competed with larger companies like the North West Company.

Working with the North West Company

• In 1789, Shaw joined the North West Company, one of the biggest fur trading companies.
• He helped set up important trading posts. These were like small forts where traders lived and worked.
• Some of these posts were near Moose Lake, Alberta, and on the North Saskatchewan River.
• He also established posts on Lac la Biche and the Slave River.
• By 1791 or 1792, Shaw became a "wintering partner" in the company. This meant he owned a part of the company and shared in its profits.
• In 1796, he became a member of the Beaver Club in Montreal. This was a special club for important fur traders.

Political Life and Later Years

Angus Shaw also became involved in the government of Lower Canada.

Government Roles

• In 1802, he was put in charge of the King's Posts. These were trading posts owned by the government along the Saint Lawrence River.
• Later that year, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada. This was like being a member of parliament, helping to make laws for the region. He represented an area called Effingham.
• In 1803, Shaw led a trip to James Bay. During this trip, he helped set up new trading posts on the Moose River and the Eastmain River.
• He became a partner in McTavish, McGillivrays and Company in 1806. This company was connected to the North West Company.
• In 1810, he was named a justice of the peace for the Indigenous territories. This meant he could help keep order and settle disputes.

War of 1812 and Retirement

• During the War of 1812, Angus Shaw was a major in the Corps of Canadian Voyageurs. These were groups of skilled travelers who helped move supplies and people.
• After the war, there were conflicts between the North West Company and the Hudson's Bay Company.
• In 1815, Shaw was involved in events at the Red River Colony, which was a settlement of the Hudson's Bay Company.
• He was briefly held by the Hudson's Bay Company in 1816 and 1819, but was later released in London.
• After 1821, Angus Shaw retired and moved to the United States.
• He passed away from a lung infection in New Brunswick, New Jersey, on July 19, 1832.