William Laidlaw – Most Able Trapper
The annals of the American fur trade are replete with tales of daring adventurers, shrewd businessmen, and hardy frontiersmen. Among these figures, William Laidlaw stands out as a particularly skilled and influential individual, often regarded as second only to the legendary Kenneth McKenzie in his abilities and impact. His life, spanning the late 18th and mid-19th centuries, offers a fascinating glimpse into the demanding world of fur trading, the complex interactions between Europeans and Native Americans, and the relentless expansion of the American frontier.
Born in Scotland around 1798, William Laidlaw received early training within the established framework of British fur companies. This foundational experience provided him with a solid understanding of the industry’s intricacies, from the acquisition and processing of pelts to the logistical challenges of transporting goods across vast distances. This background undoubtedly prepared him for the demanding career that awaited him in the New World.
Driven by ambition and the lure of opportunity, Laidlaw immigrated to North America, initially arriving in Canada. However, his ambitions soon led him southward, to St. Louis, Missouri, in 1822. At the time, St. Louis served as a bustling hub for the fur trade, a gateway to the untamed territories of the American West. It was here that William Laidlaw joined the Columbia Fur Company, a significant player in the burgeoning industry.
The Columbia Fur Company recognized Laidlaw’s potential, quickly assigning him to a crucial post: Fort Tecumseh. This strategic location, later renamed Fort Pierre Chouteau, was situated in what is now South Dakota. Fort Pierre rapidly evolved into one of the largest and most vital trading posts in the region, second in importance only to Fort Union in North Dakota. The fort served as a critical nexus for trade with various Native American tribes, including the powerful Sioux Nation, facilitating the exchange of goods such as firearms, tools, and textiles for valuable furs like beaver, buffalo, and otter.
Laidlaw’s tenure at Fort Pierre placed him at the heart of the fur trade’s intricate network. He was responsible for overseeing operations, managing personnel, negotiating with Native American tribes, and ensuring a steady flow of valuable pelts. The position demanded a unique blend of business acumen, leadership skills, and cultural sensitivity. Living and working in close proximity to Native American communities required an understanding of their customs, languages, and traditions, as well as the ability to build trust and maintain peaceful relations.
The year 1827 marked a significant turning point in the fur trade landscape. The Columbia Fur Company merged with the larger and more established American Fur Company, a move that consolidated power and resources within the industry. William Laidlaw, recognized for his expertise and dedication, remained with the newly formed entity. Around 1834, he was elevated to the position of partner in the Upper Missouri Outfit, further solidifying his influence within the American Fur Company.
In his role as partner, Laidlaw’s responsibilities expanded to encompass a wider geographical area and a more strategic level of decision-making. He was sometimes placed in charge of the important Fort Union, a testament to the high regard in which he was held by his superiors. However, his leadership style was not without its critics. Contemporary accounts suggest that Laidlaw was a demanding and sometimes harsh taskmaster. His strict discipline and quick temper earned him a reputation for being tyrannical, leading to unpopularity among some of those under his command.
Despite his sometimes-abrasive personality, Laidlaw possessed a deep appreciation for the natural world and a passion for hunting. He was known to spend a considerable amount of time engaging in the buffalo chase, a thrilling and often dangerous activity that provided both sustenance and sport. These hunting expeditions offered him a respite from the pressures of managing the fur trade and allowed him to immerse himself in the vast and untamed landscapes of the American West.
Like his esteemed colleague Kenneth McKenzie, William Laidlaw was recognized for his exceptional writing skills. In an era before widespread communication technologies, letter writing was an essential tool for conducting business, maintaining relationships, and documenting experiences. Laidlaw’s correspondence provides valuable insights into the daily realities of the fur trade, the challenges of frontier life, and the complex dynamics between traders and Native Americans. His letters offer a glimpse into the mind of a man who played a significant role in shaping the American West.
Somewhere amidst the demands of his career, Laidlaw forged a deep and lasting connection with a Sioux woman named MaryAnn. Their union produced five daughters, creating a family that straddled two distinct cultures. Unlike many of his contemporaries who engaged in temporary relationships with Native American women, Laidlaw remained steadfastly faithful to MaryAnn throughout his life. This commitment reflects a level of respect and affection that was not always common in the often-exploitative world of the fur trade.
After years of dedicated service to the fur trade, Laidlaw eventually retired, choosing to settle in Liberty, Missouri, with his wife and family. He built a house in this burgeoning town, intending to enjoy a well-deserved period of rest and relaxation. Known for his generosity and hospitality, Laidlaw kept an open house for his friends, providing them with food, drink, and companionship. However, his generosity ultimately proved to be his undoing. As his financial resources dwindled, Laidlaw found himself in increasingly difficult circumstances.
William Laidlaw died on October 9, 1852, a poor man despite his years of success in the fur trade. His story serves as a reminder that the pursuit of wealth and opportunity on the American frontier was often fraught with risk and uncertainty. While some individuals amassed fortunes, others, like Laidlaw, found their hard-earned gains eroded by misfortune and generosity.
Despite his financial struggles at the end of his life, William Laidlaw left behind a significant legacy. He was a skilled fur trader, a capable leader, and a respected figure in the American West. His contributions to the development of the fur trade, his interactions with Native American tribes, and his personal story offer valuable insights into a pivotal period in American history. Though he may not be as widely known as some of his contemporaries, William Laidlaw deserves recognition as one of the most able trappers and traders of his time. His story is a testament to the ambition, resilience, and complex realities of life on the American frontier.