Slaves were not allowed to learn to read and write, but that didn't stop Jeffrey Deroine. While traveling with his master, a fur trader, Jeffrey met and worked with Native American groups, making many friends and learning five languages. People were so impressed by Jeffrey's talent with languages that a friend bought Jeffrey's freedom so he could work as a translator. Jeffrey translated for the Ioway as they negotiated treaties with the government. He also traveled to Europe with the Ioway and met many famous people, including kings and queens. Jeffrey started life as a slave, but eventually he was able to buy land and became a successful farmer and trader.