Jean Amiot

     Jean was born circa 1625 in France. In the year following the family's immigration to New France, Jean, aged 11, was left in the service of the Jesuits. While studying and working with the missionaries, he spent most of his time travelling throughout the Huron Country. He served the Jesuits from 1636 to 1645. After his service he resided in Trois-Riviers, and acted as an interpreter with the natives and was well respected by them. Their respect was indicated in that they gave him the name "Antaick". In1647, he was heralded for running down and capturing an Iroquois who had taken part in the murder of a priest. Jean drowned in the Saint Lawrence River near Trois-Rivieres on Saturday, 23 May 1648. On 10 June, his body was found down River at Sillery. On the same day, he was buried there in the cemetery at the Mission of St-Joseph of the Jesuits.¹ He had plans to be married when he lost his life to drowning.