Virtual Tour of Ross Bay Cemetery
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4. Martha McNeill

Martha McNeill’s will specifically stated she wanted to be buried with her husband, and set aside $200 for the stone on the grave.

1826-1883
Block: B
Plot: 84 W 33

Nishga’s Trader

Martha McNeill was the daughter of a Nishga chief named Neshaki. As the wife of the factor at Port Simpson, her English name was Martha McNeill, but she doubled as a high ranking and successful Nisga’a fur trader and would set off with her own crew in a large canoe to acquire furs from her people.

She married William H. McNeill, who was in charge of Fort Simpson, and was stepmother to his 12 children from his first marriage. In Victoria she lived with her family at their farm overlooking the ocean at McNeill Bay.