Napoléon Aubin
Napoléon Aubin was a multifaceted individual born in Geneva, Switzerland, in the early 1800s, who established a diverse career as a conductor, composer, editor, journalist, printer, poet, and chemist. After immigrating to the United States in 1829 and later to Montreal in 1835, he became a prominent figure in Quebec's cultural and political landscape, notably advocating for French-Canadian independence. He contributed to various periodicals, including the founding of the satirical newspaper Le Fantasque in 1837, and published several musical compositions, gaining recognition within the Canadian music scene.
Aubin's expertise extended into the sciences, where he taught chemistry and authored science books during his time in Quebec City. In 1853, he returned to the United States for a decade but eventually settled in Montreal in 1866, where he worked as a gas inspector and consulted on city lighting. His contributions were further recognized when he was appointed honorary consul of Switzerland in Montreal in 1875, a role he held until his passing in 1890. Aubin's diverse achievements reflect a significant commitment to both cultural and scientific advancements in his communities.
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Napoléon Aubin
Nonfiction Writer
- Born: November 9, 1812
- Birthplace: Geneva, Switzerland
- Died: June 12, 1890
- Place of death: Canada
Biography
Napoléon Aubin, a man of many talents, was known as a conductor, composer, editor, journalist, printer, poet, and chemist. Nothing is known about Aubin’s youth, except that he was born in Geneva, Switzerland, in the early 1800’s. He immigrated first to the United States, arriving in New York City in 1829, before moving to Montreal in 1835. He settled in Quebec and began working for the publication La Minerve. Aubin soon became an advocate for French-Canadian independence. Aubin was involved in the founding of numerous periodicals, notably Le Fantasque, a humorous, satirical newspaper, in 1837. Le Canadien published a piece of Aubin’s music in 1836. He published several more music compositions by 1841, when he married the sister of Charles Sauvageau, his music publisher.
Aubin returned to the United States in 1853 and remained there for the next ten years. He moved back to Quebec City for three years, before settling in Montreal in 1866. There he found employment as a gas inspector and traveled the country advising cities on their lighting. During his years in Quebec City, Aubin taught chemistry and published two science books. In 1875, Aubin was named honorary consul of Switzerland in Montreal, a post he held until his death.