John McDonell (Le Prêtre)

John McDonell (Le Prêtre) (c. 1768 – 1850) was a fur trader and businessman in Lower Canada (present-day Quebec). He was a partner in the North West Company, a major player in the North American fur trade. The moniker "Le Prêtre," meaning "The Priest" in French, was likely given to him due to his serious demeanor or perhaps a connection to a religious figure or institution.

McDonell’s career with the North West Company spanned several decades, during which he held various important posts. He was stationed at key trading posts throughout the Northwest, including those in the Athabasca region, and played a significant role in the company’s operations and expansion. He was known for his administrative abilities and dedication to the fur trade.

Beyond his work with the North West Company, McDonell was also involved in land speculation and other business ventures in Lower Canada. He held land grants and was active in the political and economic life of the region. Following the merger of the North West Company and the Hudson's Bay Company in 1821, McDonell continued to be involved in business, though his role in the fur trade diminished.

John McDonell (Le Prêtre) is remembered as a significant figure in the history of the North West Company and the fur trade in Canada. His career reflects the entrepreneurial spirit and ambition of those who sought to profit from the resources of the vast Northwest Territories during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He died in Pointe Fortune, Lower Canada.