John Strettell

John Strettell was an English merchant known as one of the most important traders providing commodities to the Canadian fur trade.

Born as the second son of Robert Strettell, a London merchant and Quaker who made a successful business career in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, John was apprenticed to his uncle, John Owens, an English merchant. His uncle worked as a commission agent and supplied English manufactured goods to American merchants on credit, and sold the goods that the customers sent to repay their debts. John started his career first as a partner, and later as a sole owner of his uncle’s firm. His business dealings with Pennsylvania can be traced until the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, and he also had business dealings with the West Indies.

However, Strettell’s greatest business success came with the passing of Canada in the English possession when he take a full advantage of the new market and established trade in the furs. Among his customers were some of the most important and wealthiest traders in Canada.

Strettell continued his Canada business through the Revolutionary War and was involved in the reorganization of the North West Company in 1784.

Besides being a successful businessman, Strettell was as other Quakers interested in good deeds and was known for his charitable work.