Isaac Batt facts for kids

Isaac Batt was a Canadian fur trader who lived from around 1730 to 1791. He was born in England to Dantzick Batt and Sarah Lindsel. Isaac was baptized on January 7, 1731, in Widford, Hertfordshire. He worked mostly with the Hudson's Bay Company, a very important fur trading company. His first job with them was in 1754 as a worker at York Factory in Manitoba.

Working in the Fur Trade

Isaac Batt quickly became very good at the "inland trade." This meant trading furs deep inside the country, away from the main trading posts. He built strong relationships with the Indigenous people, especially the Cree, near what is now The Pas, Manitoba.

Family Life

In 1756, Isaac Batt married the daughter of a Cree chief. They had a daughter named Margaret Nistichio Batt, who was born in 1757. Her name, Nistichio, means "three-persons-in-one" in the Cree language. Margaret grew up learning about both Indigenous and Scottish cultures.

Journeys and Trade

Isaac Batt traveled a lot for his work. In 1758, he was west of Cumberland Lake. By 1763, he was near The Pas, and later he explored the upper Assiniboine River. In 1771 and 1772, he worked with another trader named Louis Primeau.

In August 1773, Isaac and James Batt tried to leave York Factory, Manitoba, but they had to turn back because the water levels were too low for their boats.

Working with Competitors

In 1776, Isaac Batt worked for a short time with Joseph Frobisher. Frobisher was one of the "Pedlars," who were independent traders. These Pedlars competed with the Hudson's Bay Company. However, Isaac Batt returned to work for the Hudson's Bay Company the very next year. He continued to work in the inland fur trade for the rest of his life.

His Legacy

Isaac Batt was a great example of the early workers in the fur trade. Even though he couldn't read or write, he earned the trust of the Indigenous people. He married into their society and left descendants in the country where he worked. A temporary trading post, "Isaac's House," was even named after him. It was located somewhere downstream from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.