John McLoughlin Jr. facts for kids

John McLoughlin Jr. (1812–1842) was a Métis person who worked as a Chief Trader for the Hudson's Bay Company. The Hudson's Bay Company was a very important fur trading business in North America. A Chief Trader was a high-ranking manager in the company, overseeing trading posts and operations.

Early Life and Family

John McLoughlin Jr. was born on August 18, 1812. His birthplace was Rivière-du-Loup in Quebec, which was then part of British North America.

His father was John McLoughlin, a very famous and powerful Chief Factor for the Hudson's Bay Company. A Chief Factor was an even higher position than a Chief Trader. He was in charge of a large area called the Columbia District. John McLoughlin Jr.'s mother was Marguerite Waddens MacKay.

Working at Fort Stikine

John McLoughlin Jr. followed in his father's footsteps and joined the Hudson's Bay Company. He was given an important job at Fort Stikine. This fort was a fur trading post located in what is now Alaska.

While working at Fort Stikine, John McLoughlin Jr. faced some challenges. He was not very popular with some of the staff members, especially those who were also Métis like him.

Remembering John McLoughlin Jr.

John McLoughlin Jr. passed away on April 21, 1842, at Fort Stikine. His body was later buried at Fort Vancouver on October 12, 1843. Fort Vancouver was a major center for the Hudson's Bay Company, located in what is now Washington State.

Years later, an author named Debra Komar wrote a book about his life and the history of Fort Stikine. The book, published in 2015, used historical research to explore the story of the fort and the Canadian North.