Memorable Manitobans: Hugh Polson (1806-1887)

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Hugh Polson
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Farmer.

Born in Scotland on 26 March 1806, a son of Alexander Polson, an original Selkirk Settler, he was nine years old when he arrived in Manitoba in 1815. Upon completion of his education, Hugh assumed co-ownership of his father’s farm. Their property, which extended from the Red River, was 669 feet wide and over 2 miles deep. For over 40 years, Polson’s home was on the site now occupied by Luxton School. He built a windmill on his property, patterned after one imported by the Hudson’s Bay Company, to grind his grain to make flour. He also constructed mills for other settlers. He met with considerable success in farming and business. Toward the end of his life he sold most of his property. He married Janet Henderson, a sister of John Henderson. They had two sons: Alexander Polson and Samuel Polson. He died on 27 February 1887, aged 81 years, and was buried in Kildonan Cemetery. He is commemorated by Polson Avenue and Polson School in Winnipeg.

See also:

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Polson School (Winterton Avenue, Winnipeg)

Historic Sites of Manitoba: Munroe School / Polson School (491 Munroe Avenue, Winnipeg)

Sources:

The Story of Manitoba by F. H. Schofield, Winnipeg: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1913.

This page is based on information compiled by historian Harry Shave.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 30 December 2018

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

This is a collection of noteworthy Manitobans from the past, compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. We acknowledge that the collection contains both reputable and disreputable people. All are worth remembering as a lesson to future generations.

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