Adolphe Jacquies

Adolphe Jacquies ( – 30 January 1860) was a Canadian shopkeeper, printer, trade unionist, and newspaper publisher in Quebec City.

Born in Bordeaux, he immigrated to Quebec City sometime before 1826. In 1836, he reorganised the Quebec City printers into the Canadian Typographical Union. He became a typographer in 1837 and published a newspaper called Le Fantasque. In 1839, he was arrested for printing a poem in the paper and released afterwards with health complications. He continued printing newspapers and wrote editorials for the Canadian Colonist and Commercial Advertiser. His views were sympathetic to the Parti Patriote and liberal causes. He died in Quebec City.

Early life

Jacquies was born in Bordeaux, France, 1798. His father was Hilaire-Jacob Jacquies and his mother was Adélaïde Prahm. Jacquies immigrated to Quebec City sometime before 1826 and opened a confectionery business.

In 1836, Jacquies helped to reorganise the printers in Quebec City into a union, which was eventually called the Canadian Typographical Union.

Printing career

Jacquies became a typographer and beginning in 1837, he printed the weekly Le Fantasque paper for Napoléon Aubin. Jacquies was released later that year after several doctors requested his release. His health was negatively affected by his time in prison, and he struggled with mobility issues for the rest of his life. His printing equipment was returned to him later that year in a damaged condition. In 1852, he was awarded £100 from the rebellion losses commissioners for his treatment during his imprisonment. He promoted workers' rights and liberal ideological ideas including responsible government and unions for workers.

He died in Quebec City on 30 January 1860.