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George Simpson was one of the key figures in the Hudson's Bay Company for the duration of James Anderson's career. Simpson, who was born in Scotland, first became involved in the Hudson's Bay Company as a shareholder in 1808, then a member of the governing committee in 1809. He was sent to Athabasca in 1820, as the acting Governor for Rupert's Land.

In 1821, after the merger of the Hudson's Bay Company and the North West Company, George Simpson became Governor of the entire Northern Department.

At the time of the merger, the company had 173 posts - 76 from the HBC, and 97 from the NWC. They needed to be reorganized to make them more profitable; Simpson successfully undertook this task.

In 1826, Simpson was appointed dual Governorship of the Northern and Southern Departments of Rupert's Land. He established headquarters at Lachine, near Montreal. He remained Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company in North America until he retired, in ill health, shortly before his death in 1860. He is buried in Mount Royal Cemetery in Montréal.

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George Simpson (1787-1860), Governor of the Hudson's Bay Company (1826-1860)
1857



Credits:
Archives of Ontario, 10027769
http://www.archives.gov.on.ca/english/exhibits/thompson/bigs/big_29a_george_simpson.htm