Joseph Marie LaBarge, Senior facts for kids

Joseph Marie LaBarge, Senior (July 4, 1787 – January 22, 1860) was a brave Canadian frontiersman, trapper, and fur trader. He was also the father of the well-known riverboat captain, Joseph LaBarge. In 1808, he traveled a very long distance from Quebec to Saint Louis, Missouri. He made this journey in a birch-bark canoe, crossing many Great Lakes and rivers. LaBarge later fought in the War of 1812 and was injured twice. He lived a varied and adventurous life in St. Louis, Missouri.

Joseph LaBarge's Family History

Joseph LaBarge Senior was born in l'Assomption, Quebec, on July 4, 1787. He was the only person with his name to move to the United States. His grandfather, Robert LaBarge, was born in France in 1633. Robert came to the New World when he was young. He made his home near Quebec City and got married in 1663. Many of his family members still live in the Beauharnois district of Quebec.

LaBarge married Eulalie Alvarez-Hortiz LaBarge on August 13, 1813. Her father, Joseph Alvarez Hortiz, worked for Spanish governors in Upper Louisiana. Two years later, Joseph and Eulalie bought a farm in Baden, just north of St. Louis. They had seven children together. Their son, Joseph LaBarge, later became a famous riverboat captain on the Missouri River.

Joseph LaBarge's Adventures

In 1808, LaBarge made an amazing trip from Quebec to St. Louis, Missouri in a birch-bark canoe. This was a very difficult journey. He paddled up the Ottawa River, through parts of Ontario, and across Georgian Bay. He then went into Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. From there, he traveled up the Fox River and then overland to the Wisconsin River. He followed the Wisconsin River down to the Mississippi River and finally reached St. Louis. He only had to carry his canoe and supplies for about 8 miles (this is called portaging).

During this time, the Sauk and Fox Native American tribes sometimes raided settlers along the upper Mississippi. LaBarge was brave and volunteered for a dangerous job. He delivered messages to trading posts and settlements on Rock Island when others were too afraid.

LaBarge also served in the War of 1812. He was seriously injured in the Battle of the River Raisin. As a result of his service in the U.S. Army, he became a citizen of the United States. He could have received a pension (money for his service), but he never asked for one.

While living in St. Louis, he made and sold charcoal. He soon met many people in the town, especially other travelers and traders from Canada. LaBarge opened a boarding-house, which he later turned into a hotel with a tavern. He also had a very successful stable next to it. However, he was most famous for his fur trapping adventures in the western parts of the country. LaBarge was also present during General Ashley's difficult battle with the Aricara Native Americans on the Missouri River in 1823. He was the one who cut the rope of a boat, allowing it to float away from the gunfire of the Native Americans.

On January 20, 1860, LaBarge was visiting a sick relative in St. Louis. He slipped on some ice on the sidewalk and was badly hurt. He passed away two days later, on January 22.

Joseph LaBarge's Legacy

LaBarge is best remembered for his adventures as a fur trapper in the far west. Several places were named in his honor. These include LaBarge Creek (also known as Battle Creek) in Wyoming and the town of LaBarge, also in Wyoming.