Wemyss Mackenzie Simpson facts for kids

Wemyss Mackenzie Simpson (born March 30, 1824 – died March 31, 1894) was an important Canadian figure. He worked as a fur trader, which meant he bought and sold animal furs. He was also a politician, serving in the House of Commons of Canada from 1867 to 1871. He represented the area called Algoma as a member of the Conservative group.

Early Life and Fur Trading

Wemyss Mackenzie Simpson was born in London, England in 1824. His father was Geddes Mackenzie Simpson. Wemyss went to a famous school called Eton College. In 1841, when he was 17, he moved to Lower Canada (which is now part of Quebec).

He started working for the Hudson's Bay Company, a very old and powerful company that traded furs. Simpson worked there until 1864. He was the last "factor" for the company's trading post in Sault Ste. Marie. A factor was like a manager of a trading post. After he stopped working for the company, he stayed and lived in Sault Ste. Marie. His cousin, George Simpson, was a very important leader (governor) of the Hudson's Bay Company.

Public Service and Treaties

Wemyss Simpson played a key role in Canadian history. In 1870, he helped the Red River Expeditionary Force. He worked as a guide and interpreter for this group.

In 1871, he was given a new important job. He became the "Indian Commissioner" for Rupert's Land. This meant he was a government official who worked with Indigenous peoples. Because of this new role, he left his position in the House of Commons.

Later that same year, Simpson helped create two important agreements. These were Treaties 1 and 2. He worked with the Ojibwa and Swampy Cree Nations in southern Manitoba. These treaties were agreements between the First Nations and the Canadian government.

Later Life

Wemyss Simpson was married two times. He first married Annie Ironside in 1853. Later, he married her sister, Eliza Ironside. He passed away in 1894 at Fort Monroe, Virginia.