Peter Navarre facts for kids
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Peter Navarre (1785–1874) was an important early settler in the Maumee valley area. He was born in Detroit in 1785, just like his father. People said his grandfather was a French army officer who visited the area in 1745.
In 1807, Peter and his brother Robert built a cabin. It was located near the mouth of the Maumee River, on the east side. This cabin became his home for the rest of his life. Peter Navarre spoke Canadian French and the Pottawatomie language. He also knew parts of other Native American languages. He was very skilled in woodcraft and Native American ways. He was also known for being a "born gentleman." For several years, he worked for a company in Detroit. He bought furs from the Miamis near Fort Wayne, Indiana. There, he became friends with Chief Little Turtle.
The War of 1812 (1812–1815) stopped the fur trade. Peter Navarre and his three brothers—Robert, Alexis, and Jaquot (James)—offered to help General William Hull. Peter also asked General Hull to accept help from the Miamis. However, Hull said no, and the Miamis later joined the British side.
Before they saw much fighting, the Navarre brothers were part of General Hull's surrender. They were set free on parole. But they argued that they shouldn't be treated as prisoners. So, they immediately started fighting for the United States. Because of this, General Proctor, the British commander, offered a $1000 reward for Peter Navarre's head or scalp.
Peter Navarre helped deliver sharpshooters to the Battle of Lake Erie. He also carried a famous message from Oliver Hazard Perry to William Henry Harrison. The message said, "We have met the enemy, and they are ours." Peter Navarre also survived the Battle of Frenchtown.
He worked as a scout for General William Henry Harrison until the war ended. Peter often said his worst night was carrying a message for Harrison. Harrison was at Fort Meigs, and the message needed to go to Fort Stephenson. During a huge thunderstorm, he traveled over thirty miles. He went through wild, untouched land. The next morning, he delivered Harrison's reply.
Life After the War
Peter Navarre's name was not on an official enlistment list. This meant the law did not allow him to receive a pension for his service. But a special act of Congress helped him. This act gave him money to make his last years more comfortable.
After the war, he went back to his home. It was near the mouth of the Maumee River. He lived there for the rest of his life. He passed away in East Toledo on March 20, 1874, at 89 years old. For several years before he died, he was the President of the Maumee Valley Pioneer Association.
