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 FRANCIS HERON, FUR TRADER: OTHER HERONS

Francis Heron (the name also appears as Herron), one of the least known of the Hudson's Bay Company's chief traders in the Columbia district, was an Irishman, who entered the employ of the Hudson's Bay Company about 1810 as a clerk. His name appears as Nos. 180, 115 and 118 respectively in the list of employees of the Hudson's Bay Company, in America for the years 1821-1824.

He was promoted to Chief trader in 1828, and was assigned to and stationed at Fort Colville, in 1830. The Minutes of Council for 1830 show that he applied for transfer of furlough for 1831, and that the application was referred to Dr. McLaughlin, Chief Factor of the Columbia District. It was evidently denied. He continued at Colville during 1831 and 1832, and in the latter year attended the Meeting of Council at York Factory and was given charge, from Fort Edmonton to Fort Colville, of the recruits sent out for the Columbia River District, with Annance and Francis Ermatinger as his aids. He left Fort Colville in 1833 for Fort Vancouver and later for Nisqually, where he succeeded Archibald McDonald, on June 27, 1833.

At Fort Nisqually, it appears that he took an interest in the welfare of the Indians and endeavored to instruct them in the Christian religion. It further appears that during this time Mr. Heron became a victim to strong drink, frequently keeping to his own room in solitary drinking.

He was present at Meeting of Council in the Red River settlement, in June, 1833, and by minutes of that council, granted a furlough for 1835-1836. By subsequent Minutes of Council, for 1835, the furlough was confirmed, and he went to England. By Minutes of Council in 1835, and 1837, he was granted extentions of furlough until April 25, 1838. (29)