John McLoughlin

    John McLoughlin, Chief Factor of Fort Vancouver, was one of the most colorful and influential characters in Northwest history. He was born in 1784 in Quebec, Canada. He was part Irish, Scotch and French. Raised on a farm in Quebec, he was apprenticed to a Quebec physician at the age of fourteen. Five years later he started his own medical practice.
    A few years after starting his practice he met the dynamic Simon McTavish of the North West Company who persuaded him to enter into service with that company. It is not known how long he continued to practice medicine but eventually he became a partner in the North West Company and served as one of its representatives in London when it merged with the Hudson's Bay Company.
   McLoughlin was an imposing figure at 6' tall. He was bony but well proportioned and strong. He had piercing eyes and long, prematurely white hair. Because of these features he was referred to as the "White-headed Eagle" by the Indians.
   Although he had an impetuous nature, McLoughlin conducted company affairs with dignity and treated kindly those who came to the fort. In later years, when emigrants began their trek to the territory, McLoughlin extended credit, gave them supplies and other assistance as needed.

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