Alexander Christie (governor)

Alexander Christie (1792 – December 9, 1872) was a fur trader and Governor of the Red River Colony from 1833 to 1839, and from 1844 to 1846. He is considered one of the most influential chief factors in the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) during his career, and in recognition of his services, was granted a half share in the company's profits for two years beyond the normal retirement period.
Christie was reputedly born in Glasgow, Scotland and joined the Hudson's Bay Company in 1809, working in the lumber trade in Moose Factory. He left for Britain briefly in 1810 but returned in 1811 and established a sawmill. In 1817, now headquartered at Rupert's House, Christie was in charge of the Eastmain region. In 1821 Christie was a chief factor. He went on furlough in 1824. Christie was in charge of Moose Factory from 1826 to 1830, and then York Factory from 1830 to 1833. He was then appointed Governor of the Red River Colony and the Assiniboia District until 1839. During this term, he supervised the building of Lower Fort Garry, which had begun a few years before his appointment in 1831. He also began construction of Upper Fort Garry. Between 1839 and 1844, he was again on furlough, in England, and at Moose Factory. From 1844 to 1848, Christie was involved in attempting to enforce the HBC fur-trading monopoly. However, because he lacked a military force, his results were unsuccessful.
Christie's marriage to Anne Thomas, daughter of Thomas Thomas, Sr., was confirmed by the Church of England on February 10, 1835. Two of Christie's sons, Alexander and William Joseph, and a grandson, Alexander, entered the Hudson's Bay Company's service. His son-in-law, John Black, was a chief trader at Red River. He died in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1872.