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The Rooms Provincial Archives, VA 17-15.1, Residence of Lord Strathcona, Rigoulette [sic], 1909.
Additional Information Donald Smith (later Lord Strathcona), emigrated to Canada from Scotland in 1838 and joined the HBC. In 1852, he was appointed chief trader at Rigolet and married Isabella Hardistry, whose mother was of Scottish/Aboriginal origin. Isabella had been previously married and borne a son, but the relationship had been terminated by mutual consent. Although these relationships were not uncommon in HBC territory, the new marriage caused much gossip within Canadian society. Smith remained devoted to his wife, writing or telegraphing her every day when they were apart.