Pedro da Silva
Canadian postman
About Pedro da Silva
Lived 1647 – 1717 (aged 69–70). Pedro da Silva was a courier and mail carrier.
Pedro da Silva (Lisbon, circa 1647 - Canada, 1717) was the first post courier in New France, in what was to become part of Canada. He was Portuguese born and was known as Le Portugais (French for The Portuguese).
Pedro da Silva is known to have arrived in New France prior to 1673, having worked there as a common courier. Later on he is known to have relocated to Sault-au-Matelot (Québec City's lower town) and involved himself in the shipping of goods in the colony (by boat and cart). There is proof that in July 1693, Silva was paid 20 sols to take a package of letters from Montréal to Québec City. In 1705, he was commissioned by the (co)-Intendant of New France, Jacques Raudot, as the "first courier" in New France.
Stamp Canada Post issued a stamp (48¢) in June 2003 honouring Pedro da Silva.
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Important facts
People in Pedro da Silva's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Pedro da Silva's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Pedro da Silva?
Canadian postman
When was Pedro da Silva born?
Pedro da Silva was born in 1647 in Lisbon.
When did Pedro da Silva die?
Pedro da Silva died on 2 August 1717 in Hôtel-Dieu de Québec.
What was Pedro da Silva's occupation?
Pedro da Silva was a courier and mail carrier.
What nationality was Pedro da Silva?
Pedro da Silva's recorded nationality: French Canada, Kingdom of Portugal.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: Pedro da Silva (post courier)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Pedro da Silva. https://biography.guide/pedro-da-silva/
MLA: "Pedro da Silva." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/pedro-da-silva/.
Chicago: "Pedro da Silva." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/pedro-da-silva/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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