Edwin Thompson Denig facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edwin Thompson Denig
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Denig and second wife
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| Born | March 10, 1812 Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, US
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| Died | September 4, 1858 (aged 46) |
| Resting place | Anglican Church Cemetery Headingley, Manitoba |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Fur trader |
| Known for | Early ethnographer |
| Spouse(s) | Sina Wamniomi (Lakota) Hai-kees-kak-wee-yah (Assiniboine) |
Edwin Thompson Denig (born March 10, 1812 – died September 4, 1858) was an American fur trader and one of the first people to study different cultures (an early ethnographer). He worked at Fort Union, which is in what we now call North Dakota.
Contents
A Life in the Fur Trade
Edwin Denig grew up as the son of a successful doctor. But he chose a different path, dedicating his adult life to the exciting world of the fur trade.
Starting His Career
In 1833, Denig began working for the American Fur Company. He started as a clerk, which meant he helped manage the trading post. His first job was at Fort Pierre.
Rising Through the Ranks
By 1837, Denig moved to Fort Union. There, he quickly advanced. He went from being a bookkeeper (someone who keeps financial records) to the chief clerk. Eventually, he became the Bourgeois. This was a very important role, meaning he was the superintendent of the trading post and shared in its profits.
Helping Scholars and Scientists
While at Fort Union, Denig often helped important visitors. He assisted famous people like John James Audubon, who was a well-known artist and naturalist. Denig also collected many scientific items and specimens for the Smithsonian Institution.
Studying Native American Cultures
Edwin Denig wasn't just a fur trader. He was also a pioneer ethnographer. This means he was one of the first people to carefully study and describe different human cultures.
Working with Scholars
In 1851, a priest named Father De Smet encouraged Denig to write about the cultures of the Plains Indians. Denig's detailed descriptions were later included in Father De Smet's own writings. Denig also gathered information for another scholar, Henry Schoolcraft, which was used in his books.
His Own Publications
One of Denig's reports about the Assiniboine people was published in 1930. It was called Indian Tribes of the Missouri. Another important manuscript (a handwritten document) remained hidden in archives for many years. It was finally published in 1961 as Five Indian Tribes of the Upper Missouri. These works show how important Denig's observations were for understanding Native American life.
Family Life
Edwin Denig had a family with Native American women during his time in the fur trade.
His First Family
His first partner was Sina Wamniomi, a woman from the Lakota tribe. They had a son named Robert and a daughter named Sarah.
His Second Family
In 1837, Denig formed a family with Hai-kees-kak-wee-yah, an Assiniboine woman. They had a son named Alexander and two daughters, Ida and Adeline. His son Robert from his first family also lived with them at Fort Union.
Later Years
In 1855, Denig's family with Hai-kees-kak-wee-yah was formally recognized in a Catholic ceremony in St. Louis. In 1856, he moved with her and their three children to the Selkirk Settlement. There, his children attended Catholic schools. Denig continued to work as an independent fur trader. Sadly, he passed away in 1858 from appendicitis.
