Jean-Bonaventure Rousseau facts for kids

Jean-Bonaventure Rousseau was an important fur trader in New France. This was the name for the French lands in North America. Later, after the British took control, he worked in the Province of Canada. His father, also named Jean, was also a fur trader. He worked in the Ohio River valley. Jean-Bonaventure's son, Jean Baptiste Rousseau, also started as a fur trader. He later became a very important merchant in Upper Canada.

A Life in the Fur Trade

Jean-Bonaventure Rousseau was a key figure in the fur trade. This trade involved exchanging goods for animal furs. Furs were very popular in Europe for clothing. Rousseau worked in areas that are now part of Canada.

Rebuilding Fort Toronto

In the 1750s, a big war called the Seven Years' War took place. During this war, French leaders destroyed some forts. These included Magasin Royal, Fort Toronto, and Fort Rouillé.

Rousseau helped to rebuild Fort Toronto. This fort was located near the Humber River. He made it a place where people could trade furs. He even let his son manage the fort's daily work.

Working with the British

After the British took over New France, Rousseau made a promise of loyalty to them. Around 1770, he started working for the British. He became an interpreter, helping people speak to each other.

Later, he received a special permit to trade furs. This allowed him to trade around the Toronto area. He could also travel to other places to sell his goods. This included trading along the Humber River and the Credit River.

Records show that his first trade trip carried many supplies. These goods were important for trading with local communities.