James McGill

Background

James McGill was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on Oct. ober 6, 1744.

Education

He attended Glasgow University, but did not graduate.

Career

He emigrated to the American colonies, where he engaged in the fur trade. About 1774 he made Montreal his headquarters and became one of the leading fur traders of Canada. He served two terms (1792-1796, 1800 - 1804) in the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada and in 1793 was appointed to the Executive Council of the province. In the War of 1812 he was a brigadier general. He died at Montreal on December 12, 1813, leaving much of his fortune to found McGill University.

Achievements

• He is best known for being the founder of McGill University, Montreal.

Connections

Father:

James McGill

Wife:

Charlotte Trottier