Marguerite Duplessis facts for kids

Marie-Marguerite Duplessis Radisson (born around 1718 – after 1740) was a Pawnee woman. She was forced into slavery in a place called New France. New France was what Canada was known as long ago.

Early Life and Enslavement

Marie-Marguerite Duplessis Radisson was likely first enslaved in what is now Iowa. This happened when she was very young. The Winnebago Nation may have been involved in her early enslavement.

In 1726, she was given to a French trader named René Bourassa. This happened near a place called Baie-des-Puants, which is now Green Bay. Bourassa then gave her to Madeline Coulon de Villiers. Madeline was a widow living in Montreal. Marie-Marguerite lived in the home of Étienne Volant de Radisson, a merchant.

Changes in Ownership

Marie-Marguerite was sold again in 1735 to a man named Louis Fornel. Then, in 1740, she was sold once more to Marc-Antoine Huart Dormicourt. It seems she was not easy to control. Dormicourt complained that she was difficult. He wanted to send her far away to Martinique, an island in the Caribbean.

Fighting for Freedom

Marie-Marguerite did not give up. She decided to challenge her enslavement. She got help from a lawyer named Jacques Nouette.

The Court Case

Around October 1, 1740, Marie-Marguerite presented a special request to the court. She claimed she was the baptized daughter of Duplessis Faber. She asked the court to say that she was a free woman.

On October 20, 1740, the court made its decision. They did not agree with her request. The court said that Huart Dormicourt was still her owner.

A Brave Step

Even though she did not win her case, Marie-Marguerite was very brave. She was one of the first enslaved people in New France to have her case heard in court. This was a very important step, even if it didn't lead to her freedom.

What Happened Next

We do not know what happened to Marie-Marguerite after 1740. It is thought that she was sent to work in Martinique. She may not have survived the long journey across the sea.