James Aird, fur trader from Prairie du Chien

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James Aird, fur trader from Prairie du Chien
Posted by: Mary Kay Schmidt (ID *****6662)	Date: July 02, 2006 at 15:06:59
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Seeking information regarding James Aird, a Scottish fur trader based out of Michilimackinac/Mackinac (Michigan) and later, Prairie du Chien (Wisconsin). He was from Ayrshire, Scotland, and entered the fur trade about 1779 through Michilimackinac. In the late 1700s, he traded primarily with Mdewakanton Dakota bands in Minnesota and various Indian tribes along the Mississippi River as far south as Missouri. Aird married Grey Cloud Woman, a daughter of the Mdewakanton chief Wabasha, and their daughter, Margaret (also called Grey Cloud), was born about 1793. By about 1800, Aird had made Prairie du Chien his semi-permanent home. In 1804-1805, he became a partner in the firm of Robert Dickson and Company, and took charge of trade along the Missouri River. During his travels, he encountered such explorers as Zebulon Pike (1805), and Lewis and Clark (1806). By 1815, he was back in Minnesota, trading on the St. Peters/Minnesota River. During the last few years of his life, Aird joined the American Fur Company. He died in Prairie du Chien on 27 February 1819. Any references to him would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

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Re: James Aird, fur trader from Prairie du Chien William Caldwell 7/03/06

http://genforum.genealogy.com/wi/messages/19349.html
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