Memorable Manitobans: William Laidlaw (?-?)

Farm manager.

The son of a Scottish farmer, he was recruited by Lord Selkirk in 1815 to manage the home farm at Red River for a share of profits. He accompanied Selkirk to Fort William in 1816, became involved in the arrests of Nor’Westers there, and came with the invading party to Fort Douglas in January 1817. He was unable to make a profit farming in Red River. He faced the ravages of grasshoppers and drought, and complained constantly of the lack of tools and experienced manpower. After a considerable battle with the Selkirk estate over his contract, he left the settlement in 1822. Laidlaw later in 1827 became a partner in the American Fur Company.

Sources:

Dictionary of Manitoba Biography by John M. “Jack” Bumsted, Winnipeg: University of Manitoba Press, 1999.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 30 September 2016

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

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