Guillaume Sayer facts for kids

Pierre Guillaume Sayer (born October 18, 1799 – died August 7, 1868) was a Métis fur trader. His important trial helped end the Hudson's Bay Company's (HBC) control over the fur trade in North America. This event was a big step towards free trade for everyone.

Early Life and Fur Trade Work

Pierre Guillaume Sayer was born on October 18, 1799. His mother was an Ojibwe woman, and his father was John Sayer. He was baptized in Pointe-Claire, Quebec in 1815.

In 1818, Sayer began working as a coureur des bois. This means he was a skilled woodsman and fur trader. He worked for McTavish, McGillivray & Company. This company was part of the North West Company. He worked in areas controlled by them.

From 1818 to 1821, Sayer worked for the North West Company. In 1821, the North West Company joined with the Hudson's Bay Company. Sayer then worked for the Hudson's Bay Company. He worked at Fort Pelly from 1828 to 1832.

In 1832, Sayer left the Hudson's Bay Company. He moved to Grantown. This town was near the Red River Settlement.

In 1835, Sayer married Josephte Frobisher. She was the daughter of a fur trader and a Cree woman. They were married at St. Francois Xavier. Pierre and Josephte had twelve children together. They had eight sons and four daughters.

The Famous Trial

The Hudson's Bay Company had a special right. They were the only ones allowed to trade furs in a huge area. This was called a monopoly. Pierre Sayer was trading furs without their permission. He was trading with Norman Kittson in Pembina, North Dakota. This was against the company's rules.

In 1849, the Hudson's Bay Company arrested Sayer. They also arrested André Goulet, Hector McGinnis, and Norbert Larond. They were about to leave for a trading trip. They were brought to court on May 17, 1849.

The Métis people strongly supported Sayer. Their leader, Louis Riel Sr., backed him. On the day of the trial, many armed Métis gathered outside the courtroom. They were ready to support Sayer. They demanded that Sayer choose his own jury. They also wanted fellow Métis to be allowed inside the court.

Sayer was allowed to choose his jury. Even so, he was found guilty. However, the judge, Adam Thom, was under great pressure. There were many armed Métis outside. So, the judge did not give Sayer any fine or punishment.

After the trial, the Métis shouted, "Le commerce est libre! Le commerce est libre!" This means "Free Trade! Free Trade!" This moment was a turning point. The Hudson's Bay Company could no longer use the courts to stop trade. They could not enforce their monopoly on the settlers of Red River.

In 1870, the fur trade monopoly officially ended. Trade in the region was then open to anyone. The company gave up its ownership of Rupert's Land. This was done under the Rupert's Land Act 1868. The Canadian Parliament passed this act.

Later Life

Pierre Guillaume Sayer died on August 7, 1868. He was buried the next day at St. Laurent, Manitoba. He was about 68 years old when he passed away.