Olivier Le Jeune facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Olivier Le Jeune
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| Born | 1621 |
| Died | 1654 (aged 32–33) |
| Occupation | servant |
| Known for | first African slave sold in Quebec |
Olivier Le Jeune (died May 10, 1654) was a young boy from Madagascar. He is known as the first recorded enslaved person bought in New France. New France was a large area in North America controlled by France. Today, parts of it are in Canada.
Olivier's story is an important part of Canadian history. It helps us learn about the early days of slavery in the country. He lived in Quebec during a time of big changes.
Contents
Olivier Le Jeune's Early Life
Olivier was likely around seven years old when he arrived in Quebec. This was a French settlement in New France. He was brought there by a Scottish privateer named David Kirke. Kirke and his brothers had captured Quebec for the English Crown.
How Olivier Came to Quebec
After Quebec was captured, Olivier was sold. He was bought by Olivier Le Baillif. Le Baillif was a French clerk working for the English forces. This happened shortly after the settlement was taken over.
A New Home in Quebec
In 1632, Quebec was given back to the French. Olivier Le Baillif left the colony. He gave Olivier, the young boy, to a resident of Quebec. Her name was Guillemette Couillard.
Education and Baptism
Olivier began to learn in a school. This school was set up by a Jesuit priest. His name was Father Le Jeune. The priests taught many people in the new colony.
Becoming Olivier
In 1632, Olivier spoke to Father Le Jeune. He said, "You say that by baptism I shall be like you: I am black and you are white, I must have my skin taken off to be like you." Father Le Jeune explained that baptism was about faith, not skin color.
In 1633, Father Le Jeune baptized the boy. He was given the name Olivier. This name honored Olivier Letardif, a main clerk in the colony. Later, the boy adopted the surname Le Jeune. This was the name of the Jesuit priest who had helped him.
Later Life and Legacy
Olivier Le Jeune died on May 10, 1654. By the time of his death, his official status had changed. He was no longer considered an enslaved person. Instead, he was a free "domestic servant." This change showed a shift in his legal standing.
His Background
Olivier Le Jeune is often described as a Black African. He came from the island of Madagascar. However, he might have had some Malay ancestry. This was common in Madagascar. The island was originally settled by people from both Southeast Asia and Africa.
See also
