Peter Warren Dease : Short Biography

Peter Warren Dease was a prominent Canadian fur trader and Arctic explorer. He was born on New Years Day 1788 near the Great Lakes. His father, Dr John B. Dease (c.1744-1801), was an Irish immigrant from Co. Cavan. 

Dease's first job was with the New North West company at the age of 13. This later became the North West Company, and then amalgamated with the Hudson's Bay Companies, of which Dease became a chief trader in the Athabasca district. This role ivovled several exploratory journeys, during which Dease proved himself to be a valuable employee. As a result of this, in 1828 he was appointed a Chief Factor and member of the council of the Hudson's Bay Company. After completing a number of high profile tasks for the company, Dease applied for leave in 1835 due to ill health. It was upon his return from this leave of absence that he was given command of a new Arctic expedition. 

During the years from 1836 to 1839, Dease was in charge of a team of 12 men who were seeking to explore the North American Arctic coast. They successfully mapped over 100 miles of coastline. Upon his return home, Dease was awarded a pension of £100 from the crown in recognition of his services. He was also offered a knighthood, which he declined. 

Dease married Elizabeth Chouinard with whom he had 8 children. He died in Cote Sainte-Catherine on the 17th of January 1863.