William Mactavish, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Date of Death
TweetWilliam Mactavish
Canadian businessman
Date of Birth: 29-Mar-1815
Place of Birth: Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
Date of Death: 23-Jul-1870
Profession: judge
Zodiac Sign: Aries 
About William Mactavish
- William Mactavish (29 March 1815 – 23 July 1870) was a Scottish-born Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) clerk, accountant, and chief trader.
- Mainly known for his dual-position as Governor of Assiniboia, and Governor of Rupert's Land, Mactavish played a major role in the development of Western Canada.
- Often referred to as, "The Last Governor of Assiniboia," Mactavish is frequently criticized for his role (or lack thereof) in the Red River Rebellion.Mactavish was one, among 9 children to Dugald and Letitia Lockhart Mactavish; notably one of his sisters was Letitia MacTavish Hargrave.
- In 1848, he married Mary Sarah McDermot.
- Upon his arrival to Canada, he worked at the Norway House trading post for a year, before being transferred to York Factory to work under James Hargrave.
- Under Hargrave, Mactavish made a good impression on Governor George Simpson (HBC administrator), which would advance his career in the HBC immensely.
- After having worked is way up in the HBC, he was, reluctantly, promoted to Governor of Assiniboia.
- In a time of political turmoil in Canada, Mactavish felt he was incompatible with the political role.
- However, Mactavish thrived in the role - at least reputation-wise and public speaking - having brought significant changes to the colony, and being highly spoken of by the settlement.
- Mactavish was appointed acting Governor of Rupert's Land after Governor Simpson's death, and was appointed official Governor two years later.
- Being both the Governor of Assiniboia and Rupert's land gave one man the role of two both in two different realms - political vs.
- economic.
- With this, Mactavish's reaction to the Red River Rebellion is his legacy.
- Many believe that with such a high power role to hold, he could have done more to stop the uprising.
- However, with his distaste for politics, his Métis sympathies, reluctance to be involved in conflict, and his poor health, Mactavish acted slowly and inadequately.Mactavish died of advanced Tuberculosis in 1870.
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