JAMES CORRIGAL (1795-1874) (Last Updated: December 13, 2016)
James CORRIGAL was born Feb 14, 1795 in Evie, Orkney, Scotland.
Employed by the Hudson’s Bay Company
In 1813 James began to work for the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) as a Laborer at Fort Churchill on Hudson Bay. In 1814-15 he was described as “5’ 6 ¼“, slender, not very able. Good, honest & ready for work but not intelligent.” In 1815-16 he was described as “5’5” (he shrunk a quarter-inch), “dark” and “An Indifferent Labourer.” He wintered at York House. From 1817 to 1819 his winter residence was at Nelson House (west of Split Lake and present day Thompson, MB).
Norway House
From 1824 to 1832 James was working in the Norway House District as a Fisherman and voyageur.
Red River
On Oct 1, 1833 James was discharged from service at Norway House. He then retired to Red River. He was soon united with half-breed Catherine FLETT, probably the daughter of Betsey and William FLETT ‘B’ (1786-1852).
By 1859 Catherine had given birth to 15 children (only 11 survived to adulthood). At some point the family moved to Portage la Prairie.
Perhaps around 1860, Eldest daughter Mary married John KNOTT, daughter of Mary HAYES and John KNOTT SR (b-1815), an Indian from Moose Factory. ** MORE ABOUT JOHN KNOTT SR
In 1861 son James Jr. married Isabella SAUNDERS in St Andrews, daughter of Mary ALDER and William SANDERSON aka SAUNDERS (1806-1843). ** MORE ABOUT WILLIAM SANDERSON aka SAUNDERS
Canadian Confederation
On July 1, 1867 the British colonies in North America were united under the British North American Act to become the Dominion of Canada. Sir John A MACDONALD (1815-1891) was appointed as Canada’s first Prime Minister.
In 1868 William McDOUGALL (1822-1905) became the first Minister of Public Works for the new Dominion of Canada, and he began negotiations to acquire Rupert’s Land from the HBC. He sent surveyors out to prepare the way for an expected influx of settlers.
Around 1868 eldest son John married Alice MATHESON, daughter of Barbara FRASER and Hugh MATHESON (1811-1867) from Scotland.
On Oct 11, 1869, Louis RIEL (1844-1885) placed his foot on the surveyors’ chain to tell them their work was finished! This marked the beginning of another Red River Métis Rebellion.
On July 15,1870 Manitoba became the fifth province of Canada, the Canadian Government having acquired the territory previously governed by the HBC.The Rebellion was essentially over.
Portage la Prairie
In 1870: James’ family was recorded on Lot 116 in Portage la Prairie: Children as: Fanny (age 22), Joseph (19), Henry (17), Roderick (15), Flora (13) and Annabella (age 11). Son Roderick died the following year.
In 1871 daughter Fanny married James CUMMING in Portage, said to have been born around 1845 in Scotland.
James CORRIGAL Dies leaving a Will
On Oct 29, 1874 James CORRIGAL died (said to be 80 years old). He was buried two days later at St Mary’s Church in Portage la Prairie by Reverend T N WILSON. James left a Will leaving his entire estate to his wife Catherine and his 11 surviving children as follows: 1) Mary, wife of John KNOTT, farmer; 2) James CORRIGAL; 3) John CORRIGAL; 4) Nancy, wife of Hiram JASQUICH, farmer; 5) Caroline, wife of James ASHA); 6) Fanny, wife of James CUMMING; 7) Thomas CORRIGAL; 8) Joseph CORRIGAL; 9) Henry CORRIGAL; 10) Flora CORRIGAL and 11) Annabella CORRIGAL.
Around 1874 son John (his first wife Alice having died) re-married to Christie HENDERSON, daughter of Janet McKAY and Neil HENDERSON (b-1831).
In 1875 son Joseph married Susan MOFFAT in Portage, daughter of Ellen BASKERVILLE and James Spiers MOFFAT (1791-1888).
Census 1881: Catherine, age 75, with son John in Portage la Prairkie.
In 1884 youngest daughter Annabella married in Portage to Frank Pearce MAXFIELD of uncertain origins, said to be from the USA.
In 1887 daughter Flora married Samuel ROBINSON (b-1857) of unknown origins.
Census 1891: Widow Catherine CORRIGAL (age 81) with daughter Bella MAXFIELD in Portage.
Census 1901: Widow Catherine CORRIGAL (age 86) with daughter Flora ROBINSON) in Portage la Prairie.
Comments and queries at this link: FORUM DISCUSSING the JAMES CORRIGAL FAMILY
Children Living in 1875 (from Will): ** MORE ABOUT JAMES CORRIGAL JR 4. bapt 1842 CAROLINE CORRIGAL (m. James ASHAM) ** MORE ABOUT HENRY WILLIAM CORRIGAL 10. Apr 23, 1858 FLORA CORRRIGAL (m. Samuel ROBINSON)
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