Eden Colvile facts for kids

Eden Colvile (born February 12, 1819 – died April 2, 1893) was an important businessman. He is best known for being the governor of the Hudson's Bay Company. This was a very large organization. It was first set up for the North American fur trade. But it also played a big part in the early history of Canada.

Eden Colvile's Family Background

Eden Colvile was born in England. His family lived at Langley Farm in Beckenham, Kent. His father, Andrew Colvile, was a merchant. He was also a member of the Hudson's Bay Company's board. His mother, Mary Louisa Eden, came from an important family. Her father was William Eden, 1st Baron Auckland. This family had many politicians and diplomats.

Eden Colvile was one of 16 children. He had four brothers and 12 sisters.

• His brother, James William Colvile, became a judge. He worked in India and for the British colonies.
• His sister, Isabella Colvile, was the mother of Francis Marindin. Francis was important in early football.
• His sister, Georgiana Mary Colvile, married Frederic Rogers, 1st Baron Blachford. He was a high-ranking government official.
• His sister, Margaret Agnes Colvile, married a writer. Her son, Eden Paul, was named after Eden Colvile. Eden Paul became a doctor and translator.

Education and Early Career

Colvile went to school at Eton College. Then he studied at Trinity College, Cambridge. He finished college in 1841. After that, he traveled to Lower Canada (now Quebec). There, he managed a large area of land called Beauharnois. This land belonged to a company his father helped lead. In 1844, he also served for one year in the Legislative Assembly of Quebec. This was like a local government.

His Time in Canada

Eden Colvile's connection with the Hudson's Bay Company began in 1848. This company is North America's oldest. It was started by the English in 1670. Colvile traveled with George Simpson to Rupert's Land. This was a vast territory in what is now Canada. He went as far as the Red River Colony.

After returning to England, he was chosen for a big job. He became the Governor of Rupert's Land. This meant he took over from George Simpson in that area. The Red River Colony had faced many problems. There were disagreements between different groups of people. The company needed someone strong to take charge.

Taking Charge in Red River Colony

In August 1850, Colvile arrived at the Red River Colony. His wife, Anne Maxwell, came with him. They lived in a large house at Lower Fort Garry. He quickly started to fix the colony's issues. He became the president of the Council of Assiniboia. This was the local governing body. He also removed a powerful person named Adam Thom from his position.

Colvile helped solve arguments between the different religious groups. He also dealt with other difficult problems. He managed to remove the main people causing trouble from the colony. After he finished these important tasks, he and his wife went back to England in 1852.

Later Life and Retirement

After returning to England, Eden Colvile took on many roles. He became a director for several companies, just like his father had been. He even became the chairman of the Royal Mail Steam Packet Company. In 1854, he joined the London committee of the Hudson's Bay Company.

The Hudson's Bay Company was reorganized in the 1860s. Colvile was one of only two people who stayed on the board. He became the deputy governor in 1871. Then, in 1880, he became the governor of the entire company. He retired in 1889. Eden Colvile passed away in Lustleigh, Devon, in 1893.