John Sayer – Fur Trading on Lake Superior
The vast, shimmering expanse of Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes, holds within its depths not only untold volumes of water but also echoes of a rich and often tumultuous past. Among the figures who navigated these waters and the surrounding wilderness in pursuit of fortune and adventure was John Sayer, a prominent fur trader whose life and career were deeply intertwined with the John Sayer – Fur Trading on Lake Superior history of the North West Company. His story offers a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of the fur trade era, the interactions between European traders and Indigenous peoples, and the challenges and rewards of life on the frontier.
John Sayer’s origins are somewhat shrouded in mystery. It is believed he was born in England around 1750, but he later immigrated to the Canadian colonies. His early life likely involved an apprenticeship with a Montreal merchant, an experience that undoubtedly provided him with the foundational skills in commerce and negotiation that would serve him well in the demanding world of the fur trade. By the late 1770s, Sayer had established himself in the Fond du Lac area, a strategically important region located south and west of Lake Superior. This area, rich in beaver and other valuable fur-bearing animals, quickly became the focus of his trading activities.
The landscape of Lake Superior and its surrounding territories played a crucial role in shaping the fur trade. Towering forests of pine, birch, and maple blanketed the land, providing habitat for a diverse array of wildlife. Rivers and streams, like veins, crisscrossed the region, offering vital transportation routes for canoes laden with trade goods and furs. The harsh winters, with their deep snows and freezing temperatures, presented formidable challenges to both traders and Indigenous communities, demanding resilience and adaptability. The very air itself, crisp and clean, carried the scent of pine and woodsmoke, a constant reminder of the untamed wilderness that surrounded them.
In the 1790s, John Sayer – Fur Trading on Lake Superior advanced his career by becoming a wintering partner in the powerful North West Company. This company, a major player in the North American fur trade, was known for its aggressive expansion and its rivalry with the Hudson’s Bay Company. As a wintering partner, Sayer was entrusted with the management of the Fond du Lac and Folle Avoine Departments. These departments encompassed a vast area south of Lake Superior and extending into the northern reaches of the St. Croix River Valley. Within this domain, Sayer wielded considerable authority, overseeing the operation of a network of 12 smaller wintering posts.
His responsibilities included not only the acquisition of furs but also the establishment and maintenance of supply depots. He established a vital supply depot and warehouse at Fort St. Louis on the shores of Lake Superior. This post served as a central hub for the distribution of trade goods and the collection of furs, playing a critical role in the logistical operations of the North West Company. The construction and operation of Fort St. Louis required considerable resources and manpower, reflecting the scale of Sayer’s operations and the importance of the Lake Superior region to the company’s overall strategy.
A significant aspect of Sayer’s success was his relationship with the local Ojibwe people. Around 1781, he married an Ojibwe woman, the daughter of Chief Big Foot Momangazida. This union was not merely a personal matter but also a strategic alliance that strengthened Sayer’s position within the tribe. His wife’s family connections, including her grandfather and brother who were also chiefs, provided him with valuable insights into Ojibwe culture and customs. It increased his influence among the tribe, facilitating trade and fostering goodwill. The couple had at least three sons, one of whom would later work for the Hudson’s Bay Company, demonstrating the complex and interconnected nature of the fur trade world.
As the individual responsible for trading in his department, John Sayer – Fur Trading on Lake Superior played a vital role. While adhering to general company policies, he engaged directly with the Indigenous peoples, skillfully negotiating the exchange of goods for furs. He understood the importance of diplomacy and the value of building trust. He regularly presented gifts to encourage trade, recognizing that these gestures were essential for maintaining positive relationships and securing a steady supply of furs. He also maintained tight control of the operations within his department. He personally led a crew to establish a North West Company trading post near Pine City, Minnesota, during the winter of 1804. That same year, he actively supervised the activities of Joseph "La Prairie" Duchene, who wintered along the Yellow River, and Joseph Reaume, who wintered at Namai-Kowagon. Both traders frequently visited Sayer’s North West Company post on the Snake River.
The dynamics of the fur trade were constantly evolving. In the early 19th century, the North West Company merged with the XY Company, a smaller but ambitious competitor. This merger aimed to consolidate resources and reduce competition, but it also brought about significant changes in the industry. The cost of trade goods increased, while the value of furs decreased, leading to a decline in profits. As a result, the number of trading posts was reduced, and the number of workers and their salaries were cut.
Amidst these changes, John Sayer – Fur Trading on Lake Superior took his rotation to Montreal, where he traded for the company at Lac de Chats on the Ottawa River. After more than 30 years in the fur trade, he retired from active partnership in 1808. As per company policy, Sayer received title to a large farm within the district of Montreal in exchange for one of his shares in the company. He was also allowed to retain his second share as a source of income during his retirement. This arrangement provided him with a degree of financial security and allowed him to transition into a new phase of his life.
After a few years as a gentleman farmer, Sayer decided to sell his second share and the farm. He relocated to the village of St. Anne’s on the island of Montreal. While living there, he married Elizabeth McPherson and was elected to the Beaver Club, an exclusive social club for North West Company employees living in Montreal. This marked a significant departure from his earlier life and relationships. Somewhere along the way, he had abandoned his Ojibwe wife. John Sayer – Fur Trading on Lake Superior would not enjoy a long and prosperous retirement, as he died in 1818 at the age of 68.
John Sayer – Fur Trading on Lake Superior‘s life was a testament to the ambition and resourcefulness of the men who shaped the fur trade era. From his early days as an apprentice to his role as a prominent partner in the North West Company, he demonstrated a keen understanding of commerce, a willingness to embrace risk, and an ability to adapt to the challenges of the frontier. His interactions with Indigenous peoples, both through trade and marriage, reveal the complex relationships that existed between European traders and the Native communities whose lives were irrevocably altered by the arrival of Europeans. While his later life saw a shift away from his earlier connections, his legacy remains as a figure who played a significant role in the history of the fur trade on Lake Superior.