Tod, John

   Born in Water Leven, Dumbartonshire, Scotland. Joined the Hudson's Bay Company, 1813, and employed for a time at York Factory as superintendent of the fur shed. Sent by Governor Simpson to New Caledonia, 1823; took an active part in the development of the Company's operations west of the mountains. A man of strong personality, and a notable correspondent; many of his letters to Hargrave, Ermatinger, and other contemporaries among the fur traders have been preserved. Stationed at Fort McLeod in 1824, and still there when Sir George Simpson visited the post on his overland journey in 1828. Chief trader in charge of Fort Kamloops, 1846. Bancroft describes some dramatic incidents of his reign at Kamloops. Retired from Company's service, 1851; appointed same year a member of the council of government; subsequently a member of the Legislative Council of Vancouver Island. Died at Oak Bay, near Victoria.

   Index: MS Governor Simpson's prejudice against, 268. D At McLeod Lake, 99; character, 100; account of Fort George massacre, 105-106.

   Bib.: Bancroft, History of British Columbia; Bryce, Hudson's Bay Company; Begg, History of British Columbia.