Angus Bethune (fur trader)

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Angus Bethune, (9 September 1783 – 13 November 1858) was the oldest of a family that included his brother, Donald Bethune. (Donald became an important political figure in Upper Canada). The family moved to Montreal from New York state when Angus was a child. He joined the North West Company and served at two posts in Manitoba early in his career.

By 1810, he was working with Alexander Henry (the younger) and they travelled to Rocky Mountain House (Alta). There he met David Thompson and assisted Thompson with preparations for his trek through the Rocky Mountains. Thompson was attempting to reach the mouth of the Columbia River and establish the North West Company there ahead of their rival, the Pacific Fur Company. Bethume was to be the NWC person in charge of learning the "China" trade.

In the fall of 1813, he witnessed the NWC's purchase of Fort Astoria from the PFC. By 1814 he was a partner in the company and was travelling to China.

Angus had six children by his marriage, one of whom, Norman, went on to have a medical career worthy of note.