Pierre-Esprit Radisson

 Explorer, adventurer, soldier of fortune and one of the originators of the Hudson's Bay Company. Pierre-Esprit Radisson is one of the most romantic and awe inspiring explorers of the Canadian North and West.
Born in France in 1636 virtually no information survives concerning his early life. His story begins when, as a young man in 1651 he somehow made his way to New France, to Trois- Rivieres to join his half sister Marguerite. Her husband had died at the hands of the Iroquois but she had re-married to a man named Medard Chouart Des Groseilliers who was to share many of the adventures of Radisson.
Around 1652 Radisson was captured by the Iroquois, was adopted by an Indian family, and spent some 2 years traveling and hunting with his captors. He escaped in 1654 and arrived back in Three Rivers later that year. He remained in New France for the next 4 years, except for one more trip made to the Iroquois territory near Albany.
Radisson's first trip west was undertaken with his brother-in-law in 1659, an unlicensed fur trading expedition. They wintered southwest of Lake Superior in Sioux country. During this trip the two men first heard of 'The Bay Of The North Sea (Hudson Bay) and the treasure of beaver to be found in that area. In the spring Radisson and Des Groseilliers returned to Montreal laden with furs, most of which were promptly confiscated by the corrupt Governor's officials. From this point on Radisson became a soldier of fortune, patriotism played no more part in his adventures.
From 1662 to 1664 the two men operated from New England and tried, unsuccessfully, to reach Hudson Bay by sea. In 1665 they set sail for London to find backing for their plan of reaching the interior and the fur producing regions by by-passing the St Lawrence River. Unfortunately their ship was captured by the Dutch, with whom England was then at war. Put ashore in Spain, the two eventually made it to London in time to witness the great fire and the ravages of the Black Death.
They were able to interest some English merchants in their plan and a voyage aboard the ship Nonsuch proved that it was not only possible but profitable. On May 2nd 1670 the Hudson's Bay Company began its long and highly prosperous career. During the next few years, Radisson established the Nelson River post and served as guide, translator and advisor with them.
However, mistrusted by the company, in 1675 the brothers-in-law deserted and resumed their French allegiance. It was not a rewarding transfer, Radisson served as a French navy mid-shipman and went campaigning in the Caribbean. He was back at Hudson Bay again in 1681 and was rejoined there by Des Groseilliers. The following year the Compagne Du Nord contracted him to challenge the English traders in Hudson Bay. Radisson destroyed the rival posts and established Fort Bourbon on the Nelson River.
Once again, they felt that they were being unsatisfactorily rewarded by the French so, when his brother-in-law returned to Canada, Radisson turned up in the service of the Hudson's Bay Company once more in 1684.
He was sent back to the bay, where he persuaded the French at Fort Nelson, which he had previously founded, to abandon their allegiance and all their furs! Radisson made his last trip to Hudson Bay in late 1685 remaining there for 2 years, but again became disillusioned with the company. He returned to England finally settling near London. Radisson was married three times during his incredible life, dying aged 74 in 1710 survived by several children.