Joseph Laurent facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joseph Laurent
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Sozap Lolô
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Laurent, from The Boston Globe in 1901
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| Chief of the Abenaki reserve (1880–1892) | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1839 Odanak, Lower Canada |
| Died | 1917 (aged 77–78) |
| Occupation | Odanak Nation leader, teacher, trader, linguist |
| Known for | New Familiar Abenakis and English Dialogues (1884) |
Joseph Laurent (whose Abenaki name was Sozap Lolô) lived from 1839 to 1917. He was a very important leader, or chief, of the Abenaki people. Joseph Laurent is most famous for writing a dictionary of the Abenaki language. He also started a special shop called a trading post in New Hampshire. This trading post is now recognized as a historic place.
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Joseph Laurent: Abenaki Leader
Joseph Laurent was the chief of the Abenaki reserve called Odanak. This reserve is located in Quebec, Canada. He served as chief from 1880 to 1892. Throughout his life, he was a teacher and a strong leader for his Algonquian community. He dedicated himself to the Odanak Nation.
Preserving the Abenaki Language
Laurent is best known for his book, New Familiar Abenakis and English Dialogues. This book is a dictionary that translates the Abenaki language into English. It was the very first dictionary of its kind. What makes his dictionary special is how it's organized. Instead of a simple list, it takes the reader on a journey. It guides you through the Abenaki land using language.
Laurent grew up speaking both Abenaki and French fluently. He created this dictionary not just to teach English to Abenaki people. More importantly, he wanted to save the Abenaki language and culture. The Abenaki language was mostly spoken, with very few written records. His book was crucial for sharing the language with more people. It helped the Abenaki population keep their language alive. This was especially important as they lived in an English-speaking world. The dictionary is still widely used today.
Laurent's Trading Post
Joseph Laurent was also a smart businessman. He bought handmade goods from people in Odanak. Then, he took these items to his trading post in Intervale, New Hampshire. There, he sold them to tourists. His camp was in a beautiful area called Cathedral Woods. It was known for its tall white pine trees.
The trading post sold many things. These included baskets, Victorian-style items, and small miniature crafts. This was not just a business for Laurent. It was also a way for his family to practice speaking English. The trading post stayed open for 33 years. It closed after Laurent passed away in 1917. In 1991, the trading post became a recognized historic site. It is known as the "Abenaki Indian Shop and Camp".
Joseph Laurent's Family Legacy
Joseph Laurent had 18 children. His youngest son, Stephen Laurent (1909–2001), also became a talented writer and linguist. Stephen lived in Intervale from 1940 until his death. He continued his family's legacy of language and culture.
