Charles Chaboillez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles-Jean-Baptiste Chaboillez
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| Born | 9 July 1736 |
| Died | 25 September 1808 (aged 72) |
| Known for | French Canadian fur trader, founding member of the Beaver Club at Montreal |
Charles-Jean-Baptiste Chaboillez (born July 9, 1736 – died September 25, 1808) was a very important French Canadian fur trader from Montreal. He became famous after the British took control of New France (around 1760). He was also one of the people who helped start the Beaver Club. This club was for successful fur traders. Today, Chaboillez Square in Montreal is named after his nephew, Louis Chaboillez.
Contents
Early Life of a Fur Trader
Charles-Jean-Baptiste was the oldest son of Charles Chaboillez, who was also a fur trader. His mother, Marie-Anne, was the daughter of another well-known fur trader, Jean-Baptiste Chevalier.
After his father passed away, his mother moved back to Montreal. She bought a large house on Rue Saint-Paul. From 1751, Charles-Jean-Baptiste and his brothers started working in the fur trade. They traded furs between Michilimackinac, Grand Portage, and Montreal.
By 1769, he had already saved a lot of money, about 30,000 livres (an old type of French money). The next year, he invested even more money into the fur trade. This made him one of the top investors in Canada.
Adventures in the Fur Trade
Charles-Jean-Baptiste Chaboillez worked with many important people in the fur trade. He was a client of Jean Orillat, a merchant in Montreal. He also received supplies from John Askin in Michilimackinac.
He had strong business ties with Benjamin Frobisher. In 1785, Chaboillez joined with other merchants from Montreal and Michilimackinac. They formed a group called the General Company of Lake Superior and the South. Their goal was to trade furs in the upper Mississippi River area for three years.
In 1786, Chaboillez teamed up with other big names like the Frobisher brothers and James McGill. They asked Sir John Johnson to help make peace among the Native American tribes. This was important for safe trading. Later, in 1792–93, Chaboillez worked with George Edme Young. They hired 42 men to travel to Michilimackinac and the Mississippi region for trade.
Farming and Serving the Community
Besides trading furs, Chaboillez also bought several farms near Montreal. He owned land on the Côte de Liesse on Montreal Island. He also had a farm in the Seigneury of Châteauguay.
In 1788, he owned three islands in the Hochelaga Archipelago. One of these, Île à l'Aigle, he turned into a farm for raising animals. He was also a churchwarden (a person who helps manage church affairs) for the Sainte-Anne-de-Michillimakinac parish. He became a Captain in Montreal's 2nd Militia Battalion. In 1799, he was promoted to major, and he retired in 1802.
Later Life and Family Connections
Charles-Jean-Baptiste Chaboillez was very important in the Canadian fur trade for a long time. In 1778, John Askin wrote that he didn't know anyone doing as well in the North Trade as Chaboillez.
In 1802, he was appointed as a storekeeper for the Indian Department at St. Joseph Island. He returned to Montreal in 1807 and passed away the next year. Sadly, his large fortune had disappeared. His business faced big problems in the 1790s, and he never fully recovered. When he died, he owed a lot of money.
Much of his debt was owed to his son-in-law, Simon McTavish. McTavish had passed away before him. In his will, McTavish said that all debts Chaboillez owed him should be cancelled. McTavish was also very generous, giving his father-in-law £150 every year.
Chaboillez's Family
In 1769, Charles-Jean-Baptiste Chaboillez married Marguerite Larchevêque in Montreal. Her family was also involved in trade. As her dowry (money or property brought by a bride to her husband), she brought a lot of wealth, including a house, furniture, and cash.
Charles and Marguerite had nine children, but only five lived past infancy:
- Charles Chaboillez (1772–1812): He became a partner in the North West Company, a major fur trading company.
- Marie-Marguerite Chaboillez (born 1775): She married Simon McTavish, who was a senior partner in the North West Company.
- Adélaïde Chaboillez (1781–1847): She married Joseph Bouchette, who was the Surveyor-General of the Canadas.
- Marie-Charlotte Chaboillez (1784–1805): She became a nun at the Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal.
- Marie-Louise-Rachel Chaboillez (1786–1853): She married The Hon. Roderick Mackenzie of Terrebonne.
