Daniel
Greysolon, sieur de Lhut (Duluth): (1636 - 1710)
He was born at Saint-Germaine-en-Lays, in
France and grew up the town of Lyon. Daniel arrived in New France in 1672
but in 1674 he was back in France. He returned to New France that same
year with his brother Claude Greysolon, Sieur de la Tourette. In the winter
of 1678/79 he wintered at Sault Ste.Marie (with his brother, LeMaistre,
Paul de Vigne, Bellegarde, de LaRue, Faffart & the two Pepin brothers)
and spent the next few years to the west of that place. The winter of 1679/80
he spent in the area of Lake Superior and in June of 1680 was at the head
of Lake Superior. He arrived at Mille Lacs in July after hearing of French
captives among the Sioux. He found the party of three Frenchmen (including
Father Hennepin) that LaSalle had sent to the Sioux and returned to Michilimackinac
with them, where he spent the winter of 1680/81. The next year LaSalle
made claims of Daniels illegal activities in the west, calling him the
"King of the Outlaws" and he was forced to return to France to clear his
name in the summer of 1782. In 1686 he established Fort St.Joseph at the
north end of River St.Clair and in 1696 appointed commander of Fort Frontenac.
In March of 1709 he found himself ill with the "Gout", living with Charles
de Launay and making his last will (naming Jean Soumande as executor).
He died there on 25 February 1710 and two days later Charles
Lemoine, baron de Longueul, Lt.Louis Lienard
de Beaujeu & Jean Soumande arrive at Charles de Launay's home to
take an inventory of Daniel Greysolon's belongings. The inventory included:
three old wigs, a 5 volume set of "The History of the Jews", a book of
maps, pistols, rifle & six account/ledger/memorandum books.
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