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Isobel Graham Finlayson

1811 – 1890

English-born diarist and artist

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About Isobel Graham Finlayson

Lived 1811 – 1890 (aged 79). Isobel Graham Finlayson was an artist and diarist.

Isobel Graham Finlayson (January 20, 1811 – August 22, 1890) was an English-born diarist and artist. Her diary is one of the few accounts written by a European woman about travel associated with the North American fur trade.

In 1838, she married Duncan Finlayson, the governor of Assiniboia which was also known as the Red River Colony. Her husband left for Rupert's Land in the spring of 1839 but, because of her health, she did not follow him until the summer of that year. She described her journey in a diary, which also included sketches of First Nations people. In 1844, her husband was transferred to Lachine. After her sister Frances died in Lachine in 1853, she helped look after her brother-in-law's family. When her husband retired in 1859, the couple settled in London.

Excerpts from her journal were published in The Beaver in 1951.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Also known as
Isobel Graham Simpson

People in Isobel Graham Finlayson's life

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Frequently asked questions

Who was Isobel Graham Finlayson?

English-born diarist and artist (1811-1890)

When was Isobel Graham Finlayson born?

Isobel Graham Finlayson was born on 20 January 1811.

When did Isobel Graham Finlayson die?

Isobel Graham Finlayson died on 22 August 1890.

What was Isobel Graham Finlayson's occupation?

Isobel Graham Finlayson was an artist and diarist.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Isobel Graham Finlayson

· Wikidata: Q52063360

· DBpedia: Isobel Graham Finlayson

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Isobel Graham Finlayson. https://biography.guide/isobel-graham-finlayson/

MLA: "Isobel Graham Finlayson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/isobel-graham-finlayson/.

Chicago: "Isobel Graham Finlayson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/isobel-graham-finlayson/.

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