An old (1927) handwritten family history lists my ggg-gf, JAMES TAITT, as "being born in Perth, Scotland and was one of a fairly numerous family. The male members of which were scattered over the world in search of fortune and adventure. His sister Ann Taitt wrote a letter to him in 1804 (lost)."

Not having found him linked to Perth records, I am wondering if he actually came from Orkney since he had a 20-year career in the fur trading business. Although there is no known dcoumentation linking James to the HBCo, I have an 1801 XY Company--maybe starting in the Red River area--contract for him, so he left Scotland some time before then. He was the Wintering Clerk, Superintendent of Trades, Gaoler, etc at Fort William (NWCo) until 1821 when the Company merged with the HBCo (the Fort has no more information on James' roots either). Canadian history books say to "not confuse him with James Tate, HBCo servent whose journal describes John Mowat's arrest for the murder of NWCo clerk Aeneas Mcdonnell at Eagle Lake in 1809." Since he never became a partner in the Companies like my Scottish Highland ancestors, I've guessed that he did not come from there. I also could not find the name in Wigtonshire where another fur company ancestor (ship captain) came from.

James Taitt died in Chatham, Argenteuil County, Quebec in September 1826 "at about the age of 50". I read a note somewhere else that indicated maybe he was closer to 60 when he died. Therefore, he would have been born ~1766-1776.

Any guidance that would help me to identify the area of Scotland this Scottish forbearer of mine came from would be GREATLY appreciated. I'd love to learn more about him, his families and the area of Scotland of my TAITT roots! Would like to join a FHS, but don't know which one..........

Kind regards, Carol