Fort Langley

SIR JAMES DOUGLAS.       (1803 -  1877)

James Douglas was born in Demerara   (now part of Guyanna ) to John Douglas, a Scottish planter, and Martha Ann Tefler.

In 1812 James was sent to Lanark, Scotland to be schooled. It is also believed that he went to school in Chester, England, where he learned to speak and write in fluent French 

When little more than twelve years of age, James  accompanied an elder brother crossed  the Atlantic, to push their fortunes in Canada. On arriving in Montreal he was employed doing office work.

At the age of 16  James Douglas  was apprenticed to the North West Company.The rivalry between the Hudson Bay and the North-West Companies was at that time extremely keen.

After sailing on 7 May 1819 on the brig Matthews from Liverpool, bound for Quebec, he arrived at  Fort William on Lake Superior on 6 August and was placed under Chief Factor John McLoughlin.

 He displayed great aptitude in learning, and with the short practice he formerly had in Montreal, became well acquainted with the French language.

He  soon began to display those rare intellectual qualities of prudence, determination and executive capacity, which were appreciated by his employer, and early marked him a born leader of men.

 His business faculties and the tact he exhibited in his intercourse with the Indians, secured his rapid advancement to posts of increased responsibility.

 On the union of the two companies in 1821, Douglas entered the employ of the HBC as a second class clerk.

 Before crossing the Rocky Mountains, Douglas  remained in the Athabasca district until 1824, when he went to Fort St. James, on Stuart Lake, in company with James Connolly. McLoughlin proceeded to Fort Vancouver.

 His object in leaving Douglas in the north was to give him an opportunity of becoming familiar, in the most minute detail, with the working of the machinery of the united companies. To this end it was necessary that he should have experience, and first of all in New Caledonia. From the warm friendship which existed between Mr. McLoughlin and Douglas, the latter had all the assistance and advice which it was possible to give him. He was already familiar with the ordinary branches of the business, and as an accountant had no superior in the service.

 ”Without delay, on his arrival at Fort St. James, he set himself to study the condition of the country, its geography, hydrography and topography, and the languages and characteristics of the various tribes of natives with whom he would have business dealings. During the four years which he remained in the interior of New Caledonia, he founded several forts.

 One of these was built in 1826, on Bear Lake, at the head, of one of the branches of Skeena River, and named Fort Connolly, in honor of Chief Factor,  William Connolly, whose daughter, Nellie Connolly, a beautiful maiden of "sweet sixteen," young Douglas, along with his other duties, found time to " woo and win," and who in due time became his wife.

On April 27, 1828, Douglas married Nellie, daughter of  William and  Amelia Connolly.   Douglas was very close to William Connolly, his superior. Connolly was impressed by Douglas' skills and they got along well, resulting in Connolly agreeing to the marriage between the two.

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Under Construction

 Some of the information was taken from: The History of British Columbia by: ALEXANDER BEGG, 1894