Memoir of Jean Baptiste Faribault

Memoir of Jean Baptiste Faribault:

Bartholomew Faribault, the father of the subject of this memoir...was so prominent, that he received from the government the important appointment of Military Secretary to the French army in Canada, then under the command of Montcalm. He came to Canada, entered upon his duties, and continued to discharge them until the 12th September, 1759, the day which witnessed the defeat of the French under the walls of Quebec, by the British forces commanded by the gallant General Wolfe... .

Source - Eastern North America, 1763

Jean Baptiste Faribault was born in Berthier, Canada, in 1774, one of 10 children, 4 of whom reached adulthood.

It was only by the combined influence and persuasion of his kindred and friends, that he was prevented from encountering the hardships and dangers of a sailor's life, for which he had early manifested a decided inclination. While thus thwarted, and still uncertain as to his future mode of life, an incident occurred which but for the strong remonstrances of his friends, would have resulted in his entering upon a military career. 

Faribault went to work for the Northwest Fur Company, traveling to Montreal and then to Michilimackinac (Mackinac).

Mackinac Island In The Distance

The station or trading post to which young Faribault was assigned was...not very far from the present site of the city of Chicago. That region being under the jurisdiction of the United States, it was a necessary preliminary that a license to trade be obtained from the proper authorities (from Governor Harrison of the Northwest Territory). Faribault was promoted to a post on the Des Moines river.  He narrowly escaped assassination... .

During the third year of his residence at Little Rapids [yet another post], Mr. Faribault married a widow, the daughter [some sources say widow] of a Mr. Hanse, who had been previously Superintendent of Indian Affairs. This event precluded any idea of Mr. F.'s return to Canada.

The combined force of militia and Indians, upon their arrival at Prairie du Chien, made preparations to attack the American post. Mrs. F. supposed her husband to have proceeded to Mackinac, and had no idea that he was a prisoner in the hands of the attacking party.

The wife of Jean Baptiste Faribault died at Mendota June 19, 1847.

Faribault's son-in-law was Major [Stern H.] Fowler, the husband of daughter Emily.  Mr. Faribault died 20 August 1860 at his daughter's house.

United States Census, 1860

name:  Isan B Fauland [sic]

residence: , Rice, Minnesota

ward: Township Of Fanbault [sic]

age: 85 years

estimated birth year: 1775

birthplace: Canada E

gender:  Male

See de Salaberry post in War of 1812 for related information.