James Birnie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Birnie
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | 1799 Aberdeen, Scotland
|
| Died | 1849 (aged ~50) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Fur trader, clerk |
| Spouse(s) | Charlot Beaulieu |
James Birnie (1799–1864) was an important fur trader in the early days of the Pacific Northwest. He worked for two big companies, the North West Company (NWC) and the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC). After a big land disagreement called the Oregon Question was settled in 1846, James Birnie became the very first settler of Cathlamet.
Contents
Who Was James Birnie?
James Birnie was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1799. When he was 16, he moved to a part of Canada then known as Lower Canada. In the city of Montreal, he joined the North West Company, a group involved in the fur trade. He started his career there as a junior clerk, learning the ropes of the business.
Life in the Pacific Northwest
During his time with the North West Company, Birnie spent most of his time at Fort George. This fort was a main trading hub and office for the Columbia District, located right on the Columbia River.
In 1821, the North West Company joined with the Hudson's Bay Company. Birnie thought about leaving the Pacific Coast. But George Simpson, a leader of the Hudson's Bay Company, convinced him to stay. Simpson knew that Birnie had valuable knowledge of the dangerous Columbia Bar. This was a tricky sandbar at the mouth of the Columbia River.
Throughout the 1820s and 1830s, Birnie helped the Hudson's Bay Company improve its supply routes. He helped open Fort Colvile, which was a key stop on the important York Factory Express route.
Managing Trading Posts
Birnie managed several trading posts over the years. These included the Spokane House, the Dalles Post, and Fort Okanogan. He also helped move Fort Simpson to a new location.
In 1836, he returned to Fort George. The next year, he worked at Fort Umpqua. But by 1838, he was back at Fort George. For the rest of his time with the Hudson's Bay Company, he stayed there. He worked as a pilot, guiding ships safely over the Columbia River entrance.
Helping Newcomers
In May 1840, Birnie guided a ship called the Lausanne over the dangerous Columbia Bar. On board were Methodists, including Jason Lee. They had come to expand their missionary work among the Native American groups in the area. Joseph H. Frost, one of the missionaries, later wrote that Birnie welcomed them with fresh milk and other refreshments.
Birnie was also at Fort George when United States Navy Lieutenant Charles Wilkes arrived. Wilkes was leading the United States Exploring Expedition. His group had sailed from the Kingdom of Hawaii and explored the Puget Sound. Wilkes then traveled overland with Cowlitz guides along the Cowlitz River to the Columbia River.
Birnie met Wilkes and his group outside Fort George, even though it was past midnight. Birnie fed the men and gave each of them a blanket to sleep with in his home.
Later Life in Cathlamet
In 1846, James Birnie and his family moved. They became the very first settlers of Cathlamet. He lived there with his family until he passed away in 1864.
