Lapping gently against the banks the water tells tales of Montreal’s industrious past at Bassin McDougall. This pond offers more than just a scenic view. It is a link to the city’s historical figures.
Bassin McDougall’s waters are fed by the Ruisseau d’Outremont. This detail highlights its natural connection to the surrounding landscape. The pond quietly exists sometimes.
Alexander McDougall a fur trader left his mark on Canadian history. Born in Scotland in 1759 or 1760 he died in Lachine in 1821. McDougall’s journey into the fur trade was aided by his brother Duncan. Duncan married Angus Shaw’s sister. Shaw was a Nor’Wester. Alexander’s Beaver Club medal is dated 1780. This likely marks his first winter in the Indian country. By 1788 McDougall was a clerk at Fort Abitibi.
McDougall worked for Richard Dobie and James Grant. He stayed when the Timiskaming posts were sold to Grant Campion and Company in 1791. The next year he took over from Æneas Cameron as master at Fort Abitibi.
McDougall sought better prospects in the northwest. He went to Montreal in the summer of 1795. Competition for his services led the North West Company to offer him a share in their new agreement. Before it took effect in 1799 McDougall returned to Fort Abitibi for a year. He would then go west for three years. McTavish Frobisher and Company bought the Timiskaming posts in December 1795. McDougall spent his career there. He signed the new NWC agreement in Montreal on August 26 1799.
McDougall supported opposing the Hudson’s Bay Company in James Bay. In 1800 he led an overland trip to Moose Factory for the NWC. He set up his base on Hayes Island. Cameron left Fort Timiskaming in 1804. McDougall replaced him using Fort Abitibi as his headquarters. He stayed there until he retired in 1816 except for the winter of 1806–7.
Fort Abitibi was strategically important. It competed with the HBC post on Lake Abitibi until 1812. It was the Nor’Westers’ defense against the HBC to the north. It also guarded the route south by the Ottawa River.
McDougall was a typical Scottish-Canadian trader. He was bold impulsive arrogant and determined. He was also friendly hospitable and helpful. After retiring he settled on his farm in Lachine. He died at 61. He was buried on his estate. Reverend James Somerville of St Gabriel Street Church conducted the funeral.
McDougall wrote two wills. The first was on November 23 1812. The second was on July 29 1820. The second will was needed because his main heir Duncan McDougall died in 1818. Duncan was a partner in John Jacob Astor’s Pacific Fur Company and the NWC.
McDougall divided his estate among his daughter’s children his brother Duncan’s children his nephew Duncan’s son George and his brother Donald’s and sister Sarah’s children. His Beaver Club medal went to George. George had it set in a gold toddy ladle. McDougall’s will did not mention his sons who were trappers and traders in Timiskaming. Louis McDougall signed the treaty of 1906. He was likely McDougall’s grandson.
Another McDougall also left his mark on Montreal. John McDougall was a manufacturer and financier. He was born around 1825 in Berwickshire Scotland. He died in Montreal on August 29 1892. John McDougall came to Lower Canada with his parents in 1832. He learned the trades of mechanic and iron caster at William Burry’s factory. The factory was on the Lachine Canal in Montreal. In 1854 he became Burry’s partner.
In March 1858 Burry died. McDougall bought his share. He renamed the company Caledonia Iron Works. The firm made millstones iron items sawmill equipment heavy machinery steam-boilers stationary machines and pipes. By 1881 McDougall had 300 workers. The firm supplied pipes and fire-engine equipment to Montreal.
McDougall partnered with Alfred Brown in 1864. They formed John McDougall and Company. Their foundry was behind the Caledonia Iron Works. McDougall later partnered with Robert Cowans. McDougall had financial interests in many companies. He was a director of the Richelieu and Ontario Navigation Company from 1882 to 1887. McDougall died in 1892. His son Edgar Mill took over the business.
Bassin McDougall connects us to these men. It is a reminder of their impact on Montreal. Take a moment to reflect on their legacies.