BELANGER, Marie

Charles married CLOUTIER, Barbe Delphine on 21 Nov 1663 in Chateau Richer, La Côte-de-Beaupré, Quebec, Canada. Barbe (daughter of CLOUTIER, Zacharie and AYMARD, Madeleine Barbe) was born on 11 Jan 1650 in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, La Côte-de-Beaupré, Quebec, Canada; died on 24 Apr 1711 in Chateau Richer, La Côte-de-Beaupré, Quebec, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Differentiator: Among the first 47 families that settled Quebec City (New France); contemporaries and acquaintances of Samuel Champlain; common ancestor Jim & Michelle
• Web Address: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/B%C3%A9langer-24

Notes:

HIGHLIGHTS:

François was known for his industriousness and business acumen. In 1647, he secured a loan of 100 livres from Pierre Legardeur de Repentigny to purchase wheat, using all his property as collateral. By 1667, he owned 50 arpents of cultivated land and 13 animals, marking him as one of the wealthier colonists.

In 1653, he was elected mayor of the Quebec region near Longue Pointe (now Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré).

François was known for his strong, often confrontational personality. He was described as resourceful and honest, but also authoritative, demanding, and prone to legal disputes. His reputation for litigiousness was well-established, often causing tension with neighbors and family members.

CONNECTIONS:

François Belanger is Jim's 9th GGF on the Vermette/Gilbert branch and Michelle's 11th GGF on the Laviolette branch.

LIFE STORY:

François Bélanger, one of the early settlers of New France, was born around 1612, likely in Normandy, France. While his exact origins and parents remain uncertain, records from his confirmation in 1660 indicate he was from the diocese of Lisieux.

In 1634, François immigrated to New France (now Quebec, Canada) as part of a group of settlers recruited by Robert Giffard. He quickly established himself in the colony, working as a mason alongside fellow settlers like Jean Guyon and Zacharie Cloutier.

On July 12, 1637, François married Marie Guyon, daughter of Jean Guyon and Mathurine Robin. Marie, born around 1624 in Mortagne-au-Perche, France, was only about 13 years old at the time of their marriage. Despite her youth, Marie proved to be a capable partner and mother.

François was known for his industriousness and business acumen. In 1647, he secured a loan of 100 livres from Pierre Legardeur de Repentigny to purchase wheat, using all his property as collateral. By 1667, he owned 50 arpents of cultivated land and 13 animals, marking him as one of the wealthier colonists.

Throughout his life, François held several important positions:

In 1653, he was elected mayor of the Quebec region near Longue Pointe (later Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré).

From 1663 to 1677, he served as Captain of the Militia for the Beaupré coast.

In 1662, he was named trustee of the affairs and guardian of the children of Olivier Le Tardif.

François was known for his strong, often confrontational personality. He was described as resourceful and honest, but also authoritative, demanding, and prone to legal disputes. His reputation for litigiousness was well-established, often causing tension with neighbors and family members.

Despite his difficult nature, François earned the respect of colonial authorities. When the Sovereign Council was founded in 1663, he was referred to as "one of the principal inhabitants of the region" who had the confidence of both authorities and colonists.

On July 1, 1677, in recognition of his services, Governor Frontenac granted François the Seigneurie of Bonsecours (later L'Islet). This vast concession, "a league in frontage by two leagues in depth on the south bank of the river," was officially recorded by the Sovereign Council on October 24, 1680.

The 1681 census lists the Bélanger family in the seigneury of Bellechasse, with five arpents of cleared land and four servants. François had only recently moved to this new property and begun its development.

François Bélanger died on October 25, 1685. In his final act, he bequeathed all his remaining property to his son Jacques, "in return for good and loyal service." This included his lands at Bonsecours, a house, a barn, a mill, livestock, and various equipment. Marie approved this bequest on April 25, 1687, suggesting François had passed away sometime before this date.

Marie Guyon outlived François by nearly a decade, passing away on September 1, 1696, at Cap-Saint-Ignace. She was about 72 years old at the time of her death.

François and Marie had twelve children together, ten of whom survived to adulthood. Their numerous descendants have played significant roles in the history of Quebec and beyond, contributing to the rich tapestry of French-Canadian heritage.

François married GUYON, Marie Madeline on 12 Jul 1637 in Quebec City, Quebec (Urban Agglomeration), Quebec, Canada. Marie (daughter of GUYON, Jean and ROBIN, Mathurine) was born on 18 Mar 1624 in Tourouvre, Orne, Basse-Normandie, France; was christened in 1618; died on 29 Aug 1696 in Cap-Saint-Ignace, Montmagny, Quebec, Canada; was buried on 1 Sep 1696 in Cap-Saint-Ignace, Montmagny, Quebec, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Differentiator: Among the first 47 families that settled Quebec City (New France); contemporaries and acquaintances of Samuel Champlain; common ancestor Jim & Michelle

Notes:

François Bélanger was born in 1612 in Normandy, France. He was baptized on October 7, 1612, in the parish of Saint-Pierre-de-Séez. His parents were François Bellanger and Françoise Horlays.

In 1634, François immigrated to New France (now Quebec, Canada) as part of a group of settlers that included Robert Giffard, Jean Guyon, and Zacharie Cloutier. They arrived after a two-month sea voyage to the small settlement of Quebec.

François was a mason by trade. He was better educated than many settlers, as evidenced by his confident signature on documents. On July 12, 1637, he married Marie Guyon, daughter of fellow immigrant Jean Guyon and Mathurine Robin.

Marie Guyon was born around 1624 in Mortagne-au-Perche, France. She came to New France with her family in either 1634 or 1636. At the time of her marriage to François, Marie was only about 13 years old. Despite her young age, Marie proved to be a capable partner to François and mother to their children.

François and Marie had twelve children together, ten of whom survived to adulthood and had families of their own. Their union represents one of the earliest families in New France, and their descendants are numerous throughout North America.

In the colony, François worked hard and became prosperous. The 1667 census shows he owned 50 arpents of cultivated land and 13 animals, making him one of the wealthier colonists. He held several important positions:

In 1653, he was elected mayor of the Quebec region near Longue Pointe (later Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré).

From 1663 to 1677, he served as Captain of the Militia for the Beaupré coast.

In 1677, Governor Frontenac granted him the Seigneurie of Bonsecours (later known as L'Islet).

François was known for his strong personality. He was described as resourceful and honest, but also authoritative and prone to legal disputes. He had conflicts with neighbors, family members, and even his son-in-law over various issues.

Marie, on the other hand, seems to have been a stabilizing force in the family. She managed the household and raised their large family while François pursued his various business and civic interests.

In October 1685, François bequeathed his property to his son Jacques. He died sometime before April 1687. Marie outlived François by nearly a decade, passing away on September 1, 1696, at Cap-Saint-Ignace. She was about 72 years old at the time of her death.

Baptism Date: 1624

Zacharie married AYMARD, Madeleine Barbe in 1640 in Quebec (Urban Agglomeration), Quebec, Canada. Madeleine was born on 1 Aug 1626 in Poitiers, Vienne, Poitou-Charentes, France; died on 28 May 1708 in Chateau Richer, La Côte-de-Beaupré, Quebec, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Differentiator: Among the first 17 families that settled Quebec City (New France); contemporaries and acquaintances of Samuel Champlain, common ancestor Jim & Michelle
• Web Address: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Guyon
• Occupation: Master Mason

Notes:

HIGHLIGHTS:

Jean was a master mason and before emigrating worked on notable projects such as the staircase in the Saint-Aubin de Tourouvre church steeple and the restoration of Mortagne's fortifications.

Once in Quebec, he contributed to the construction of a small mill, Giffard's seigneurial manor, the governor's residence (Fort Saint-Louis), and the parish church of Notre Dame de Québec.

Jean and Mathurine had 14 children, with 10 surviving to adulthood. By 1729, just a century after their arrival, the couple had 2,150 North American descendants. This number has since grown exponentially, with an estimated 123,800 descendants by the early 21st century.

CONNECTIONS:

Jean Guyon is Michelle's 11th and 12th GGF through two branches originating on the Laviolette line and Jim's 10th GGF on 3 lines through the Vermette/Gilbert branch.

LIFE STORY:

Jean Guyon du Buisson, baptized on September 18, 1592, in Tourouvre, Perche, France, was a key figure in the early settlement of New France. Born to Jacques Guyon and Marie Huet, Jean honed his skills as a master mason in France, contributing to notable projects such as the staircase in the Saint-Aubin de Tourouvre church steeple and the restoration of Mortagne's fortifications.

On June 2, 1615, Jean married Mathurine Robin dite Boulé. The couple had 14 children, with 10 surviving to adulthood: Barbe, Jean Jr., Simon, two daughters named Marie, Claude, Denis, Michel, Noël, and François.

In 1634, Jean Guyon's life took a significant turn when he signed a three-year contract with Robert Giffard de Moncel, agreeing to settle in New France. As part of this agreement, Guyon was granted a one-thousand-arpent arrière-fief in Beauport, near the Rivière du Buisson. This land grant would later give rise to his title "du Buisson."

Guyon arrived in New France in 1634, though accounts differ on whether he came alone or with his family. He was part of a group of French pioneers that included his friend Zacharie Cloutier, Marin Boucher, and others who would form the core of the early French-Canadian community.

In New France, Guyon's skills as a master mason were put to good use. He contributed to the construction of a small mill, Giffard's seigneurial manor, the governor's residence (Fort Saint-Louis), and the parish church of Notre Dame de Québec. These projects were often undertaken alongside his friend and fellow settler, Zacharie Cloutier.

Guyon's relationship with the seigneurial system was not without conflict. He and Cloutier engaged in a nine-year dispute with Giffard over seigneurial rights, refusing to pay annual taxes or perform the traditional "foi et hommage" (faith and homage) ceremony. This resistance to feudal obligations was a common theme in early New France, eventually requiring intervention from the colonial governor.

Jean Guyon's legacy in New France was significantly enhanced through his children's marriages and descendants. His eldest son, Jean Jr., became a royal surveyor and married Élisabeth Couillard, connecting the Guyon family to some of the most prominent early settlers of New France.

The Guyon family tree has since grown extensively. By the end of the 19th century, Jean Guyon had 9,674 married descendants, making him one of the most prolific ancestors in French-Canadian genealogy. Today, it's estimated that about three out of four Québécois can trace their lineage back to Jean Guyon. His descendants are known by various surnames, including Dion, Despres, Dumontier, and Lemoine.

Interestingly, genetic studies have traced cases of Friedreich's ataxia, a rare inherited disease, through 12 generations of French-Canadians back to Jean Guyon and Mathurine Robin, highlighting the far-reaching impact of early settlers on the genetic makeup of the French-Canadian population.

Jean Guyon died on May 30, 1663, in Château-Richer, New France. His life and legacy exemplify the challenges and triumphs of the early French settlers in Canada, and his descendants continue to play significant roles in French-Canadian and North American society.

Jean + ROBIN, Mathurine. Mathurine (daughter of Living and Living) was born on 18 Oct 1599 in Mortagne, Orne, Basse-Normandie, France; died on 16 Apr 1662 in Beauport, Quebec (Urban Agglomeration), Quebec, Canada; was buried in Quebec (Urban Agglomeration), Quebec, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Differentiator: Among the first 17 families that settled Quebec City (New France); contemporaries and acquaintances of Samuel Champlain; common ancestor Jim & Michelle

Notes:

Mathurine Robin, born around 1593 in Saint-Jean de Mortagne, Perche, France, was a pivotal figure in the early settlement of New France. The daughter of Eustache Robin dit Boulé and Mathurine Avrard, she grew up in rural France, developing skills that would prove invaluable in the New World.

On June 2, 1615, Mathurine married Jean Guyon in Mortagne, beginning a partnership that would leave an indelible mark on French-Canadian history. In 1635, the couple embarked on a life-changing journey to New France, accompanied by five of their children: Simon, Marie, Claude, Denis, and Michel. This migration was part of the broader colonization efforts led by Robert Giffard de Moncel.

Mathurine's role in the fledgling colony was crucial. As the wife of a master mason, she managed their household in Beauport, Quebec, while supporting her husband's work in constructing vital buildings and fortifications. Her responsibilities extended beyond domestic duties; she was instrumental in raising their large family and ensuring their survival in the challenging New World environment.

The Robin-Guyon family grew to include ten children, all of whom survived to adulthood. Mathurine's maternal influence and household management skills were key to their family's success and, by extension, the colony's growth. By 1729, just a century after their arrival, Mathurine had 2,150 North American descendants. This number has since grown exponentially, with an estimated 123,800 descendants by the early 21st century.

Mathurine's legacy is not just in numbers but in the resilience and adaptability she instilled in her family. Her descendants have played significant roles in shaping French-Canadian society and culture.

While often overlooked in historical narratives that focus on her husband's achievements, Mathurine Robin's contributions to the establishment and growth of New France were equally vital. Her life exemplifies the crucial role women played in colonization efforts, managing households, raising families, and building communities in challenging frontier conditions. Today, Mathurine is remembered not only as the matriarch of a vast French-Canadian lineage but as a founding mother of Quebec, whose strength and perseverance helped lay the foundations for the vibrant French-Canadian culture that exists today.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Differentiator: Common ancestor of Jim and Michelle; Among the first 17 families that settled Quebec City (New France); contemporaries and acquaintances of Samuel Champlain
• Web Address: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zacharie_Cloutier
• Occupation: Master Carpenter

Notes:

HIGHLIGHTS:

In March 1634, Zacharie signed a contract with Robert Giffard, seigneur of Beauport, to work as a master carpenter and land clearer in New France for three years. This decision, likely influenced by the promise of land and opportunity,

Zacharie's skills as a carpenter were immediately put to use. He helped build Giffard's manor, the Château St-Louis (the official residence of the Governor of New France), a Jesuit presbytery, and numerous other structures essential to the growing colony.

By 1800, Zacharie had 10,850 married descendants, the most of any Quebec colonist according to the Historical Demography Research Program of the Université de Montréal.

The Cloutier name is commemorated throughout Quebec, with parks, streets, and even a type of cheese bearing Zacharie's name.

CONNECTIONS:

Zacharie Cloutier is Michelle's 10th GGF on the Laviolette side and Jim's 10th and 11th GGF on both the Dumas and Vermette/Gilbert lines.

LIFE STORY:

Zacharie Cloutier, born around 1590 in Mortagne-au-Perche, Normandy, France, was one of the most influential early settlers of New France. The son of Denis Cloutier and Renée Brière, Zacharie grew up in a family of nine children. His father was likely a joiner and ropemaker, skills that may have influenced Zacharie's future as a master carpenter.

On July 18, 1616, at the age of 26, Zacharie married Xainte (also known as Sainte) Dupont in the parish of Saint-Jean in Mortagne-au-Perche. Xainte, born around 1596, was the daughter of Paul-Michel Dupont and Perrine, and the widow of Michel Lermusier. This union would become one of the most significant in the history of French-Canadian genealogy.

The couple had six children in France: Zacharie (1617), Jean (1620), Xainte (1622, died in childhood), Anne (1626), Charles (1629), and Marie-Louise (1632). Their growing family would soon embark on a life-changing journey to the New World.

In March 1634, Zacharie signed a contract with Robert Giffard, seigneur of Beauport, to work as a master carpenter and land clearer in New France for three years. This decision, likely influenced by the promise of land and opportunity, would shape the future of countless French-Canadians.

The Cloutier family, along with fellow settler Jean Guyon du Buisson and his family, sailed from Dieppe and arrived in Quebec on June 4, 1634. They were welcomed by Samuel de Champlain himself, marking the beginning of their new life in the fledgling colony.

Zacharie's skills as a carpenter were immediately put to use. He helped build Giffard's manor, the Château St-Louis (the official residence of the Governor of New France), a Jesuit presbytery, and numerous other structures essential to the growing colony. His work was crucial in establishing the infrastructure of early Quebec.

On February 3, 1637, Zacharie and Jean Guyon officially took possession of their promised lands in Beauport. Zacharie's property, known as "La Clouterie" or "La Cloutièrerie," comprised 1,000 arpents (about 342 hectares). Despite being illiterate, Zacharie was meticulous about formalizing agreements, using a mark resembling an axe as his signature.

The Cloutier family's life in New France was not without challenges. In 1646, a dispute arose between Giffard and his recruits over feudal obligations. Zacharie and Jean initially refused to pay homage to Giffard, considering themselves equals. This conflict, which lasted for years, exemplified the tension between Old World hierarchies and New World realities.

By 1666, the first census of New France shows Zacharie and Xainte, now 76 and 70 years old respectively, living in Château-Richer. They had moved there sometime after 1652 when Zacharie was granted land by Governor Jean de Lauzon. In 1669, they signed over their possessions to their eldest son, Zacharie Jr., in exchange for care in their old age.

Zacharie Cloutier died on September 17, 1677, at the age of 87, and was buried in the church cemetery of Château-Richer. Xainte followed on July 13, 1680, at the age of 84. Their legacy, however, was just beginning.

The Cloutier family's impact on French-Canadian society is immeasurable. By 1800, Zacharie had 10,850 married descendants, the most of any Quebec colonist according to the Historical Demography Research Program of the Université de Montréal. Today, it's estimated that a significant portion of French-Canadians can trace their lineage back to Zacharie and Xainte.

Their descendants include numerous notable figures, from political leaders like Pierre and Justin Trudeau to entertainers such as Céline Dion, Madonna, and Jim Carrey. The Cloutier name is commemorated throughout Quebec, with parks, streets, and even a type of cheese bearing Zacharie's name.

Zacharie and Xainte Cloutier's story embodies the courage, resilience, and pioneering spirit of New France's earliest settlers. Their legacy lives on not just in the countless descendants who bear their genetic imprint, but in the very foundations of French-Canadian culture and society.

Zacharie married DUPONT, Xainte on 18 Jul 1616 in St Jean, Mortagne-au-Perche, Orne, Basse-Normandie, France. Xainte (daughter of Living and Living) was born in 1595 in Saint-Jean-Baptiste Parish Cemetery, Mortagne-au-Perche, Orne, Basse-Normandie, France; was christened in 1596; died on 13 Jul 1680 in Chateau Richer, La Côte-de-Beaupré, Quebec, Canada; was buried on 14 Juil 1680 in Chateau Richer, La Côte-de-Beaupré, Quebec, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Differentiator: Common ancestor Jim & Michelle; Among the first 17 families that settled Quebec City (New France); contemporaries and acquaintances of Samuel Champlain
• Name: Xainte Cloutier

Notes:

Xainte Dupont, also known as Sainte or Xaintes, was born around 1596 in Saint-Jean-de-Mortagne, Perche, France. The daughter of Paul-Michel Dupont and Perrine Rousseau, Xainte grew up in a family with three siblings: Renée, Guillaume, and a younger sister who died in infancy. Her early life in France laid the foundation for a remarkable journey that would take her across the Atlantic to become one of the founding mothers of New France.

At the young age of 15, Xainte married Michel Lermusier in 1612. Tragically, this union was short-lived as Lermusier passed away shortly after their wedding, leaving no children. This early loss would have been a significant challenge for the young Xainte, but it also paved the way for her future role in the settlement of New France.

On July 18, 1616, Xainte married Zacharie Cloutier, a master carpenter, in the parish of Saint-Jean in Mortagne-au-Perche. This union would prove to be one of the most influential in the history of French Canada. Together, they had six children: Zacharie Jr., Jean, Sainte (who died in childhood), Anne, Charles, and Marie-Louise.

In 1634, Xainte's life took a dramatic turn when her husband signed a contract with Robert Giffard de Moncel to relocate to New France. Despite initial reservations about the move, Xainte joined her husband and children in this bold venture. Their journey was part of the first wave of Percheron immigration, aimed at expanding the French presence in North America.

Upon arrival in New France, the Cloutier family settled in Beauport, near Quebec City. Here, Xainte played a crucial role in establishing their new home while Zacharie worked as a master carpenter, contributing to the construction of essential buildings in the colony. Life in the New World was challenging, but Xainte's resilience and adaptability helped her family thrive in their new environment.

Over the years, Xainte witnessed and participated in the growth of the French colony. She raised her children, managed their household, and likely assisted other settlers as they arrived. In 1670, the family sold their property in Beauport and moved to Château-Richer, where they would spend the remainder of their lives.

Xainte outlived her husband by three years. Zacharie passed away in 1677, and Xainte followed on July 13, 1680, at the age of 84. She was buried alongside her husband in Château-Richer, leaving behind a legacy that would shape the future of French Canada.

Xainte Dupont's importance in Canadian history extends far beyond her role as Zacharie Cloutier's wife. As one of the earliest French women to settle in New France, she played a vital part in establishing the colony and ensuring its continuity through her children and their descendants. Her lineage, reportedly tracing back to Charlemagne, includes many notable figures throughout history.

Today, Xainte Dupont is remembered as a matriarch of New France. Her descendants number in the hundreds of thousands, if not millions, and include many famous individuals such as Céline Dion, Jack Kerouac, and Madonna. Her life story exemplifies the courage, resilience, and adaptability of the women who helped build the foundations of French-Canadian society.