GAGNON, Boy

Joseph married CLOUTIER, Marie Catherine on 26 Jan 1669 in Chateau Richer, La Côte-de-Beaupré, Quebec, Canada. Marie (daughter of CLOUTIER, Charles and MORIN, Louise) was born on 13 Mar 1679 in Chateau Richer, La Côte-de-Beaupré, Quebec, Canada; died on 4 Apr 1744 in Sainte-Famille, L'Île-d'Orléans, Quebec, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Charles married MORIN, Louise on 20 Apr 1659. Louise (daughter of MORIN, Sieur de St-Luc Noel I Sieur de St-Luc and DESPORTES, Helene) was born on 27 Apr 1643 in Quebec (Urban Agglomeration), Quebec, Canada; died on 28 Apr 1713 in Chateau Richer, La Côte-de-Beaupré, Quebec, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
Québec

Other Events and Attributes:

• Differentiator: husband of Fille a Marier, Before the King's Daughters, Jim's Side
• Arrival: Bef 1640, Canada; Came with his widowed mother and 2 brothers

Notes:

Pierre Gagnon, born in February 1612 in La Gaignonnière, Tourouvre, Perche, France, was baptized on February 14, 1612, in the church of Sainte-Madeleine de La Ventrouze. He was the son of Pierre Gagnon and Renée Roger. Pierre's journey to New France marked the beginning of a significant family line in Quebec's history.

Around 1640, Pierre emigrated to New France with his brothers Mathurin and Jean, joining their sister who had previously settled with her husband, Eloi Tavernier. Their widowed mother, Renée Roger, also made the journey, cementing the Gagnon family's commitment to the new colony.

Upon arrival, the Gagnon brothers quickly established themselves as industrious settlers and entrepreneurs. They acquired farms along the coast between Château-Richer and Sainte-Anne, while also engaging in trade in Quebec City during the winter months. On August 14, 1651, they purchased land in the Lower Town of Quebec, and on October 6, 1658, they acquired a store, demonstrating their business acumen.

Pierre's personal land grant in Château-Richer measured 6.5 arpents of river frontage by 126 arpents deep, a substantial property that would become the foundation of his family's legacy in the area. He engaged in some land transactions, notably ceding half an arpent to Nicholas Lebel on May 13, 1657, only to reclaim it on December 29, 1668.

On September 14, 1642, Pierre married Vincente Desvarieux in Notre-Dame de Québec. Vincente, born around 1624 in St-Vincent d'Aubermail, Caux, Normandy, France, was the daughter of Jean Desvarieux and Marie Chevalier. She likely arrived in New France as a fille à marier, one of the young women sent to the colony to help establish families.

Pierre and Vincente had ten children together:

Jean (1643-1699)
Anne (1643-1666)
Pierre (1646-1687)
Jeanne (1648-1648)
Pierre-Paul (1649-1711) - became a priest
Joseph (1651-1680)
René (1653-1653)
Marie-Madeleine (1655-1677) - became a nun
Raphaël (1658-1681)
Noël (1660-1708)

Their family life reflected the challenges and triumphs of early colonial life. While they lost several children at a young age, others went on to play significant roles in the religious and social fabric of New France. Pierre-Paul became one of the first Canadian-born priests, while Marie-Madeleine entered the Augustinian convent, known for her piety and devotion.

Pierre was confirmed in the Catholic faith on August 10, 1659, by Bishop Laval in Notre-Dame de Québec, underscoring the importance of religion in the family's life.

The 1666 census listed Pierre as a 50-year-old merchant, living with Vincente and their children in Beaupré. By 1681, at the age of 70, Pierre was recorded as owning 2 guns, 22 horned animals, and 40 arpents of cultivated land, indicating the family's prosperity and established position in the community.

Vincente Desvarieux passed away on January 2, 1695, in Château-Richer, where she was buried the following day. Pierre lived for a few more years, dying on April 17, 1699, at the age of 87. He was buried the next day in the cemetery of La-Visitation-de-Notre-Dame parish in Château-Richer.

Pierre married DESVARIEUX, Vincente on 14 Sep 1642 in Chapelle de Quebec, Quebec (Urban Agglomeration), Quebec, Canada. Vincente (daughter of Living and Living) was born in 1622 in (then Ste. Vincent d'Aubermail), Saint-Vincent-Cramesnil, Normandy, France; died on 2 Jan 1695 in Chateau Richer, La Côte-de-Beaupré, Quebec, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Differentiator: Fille a Marier, Before the King's Daughters, Jim's Side
• Fille a Marier: Yes
• Arrival: 1642, Canada
• Immigration: 1642, Quebec, Canada

Notes:

Pierre Gagnon, born in February 1612 in La Gaignonnière, Tourouvre, Perche, France, was baptized on February 14, 1612, in the church of Sainte-Madeleine de La Ventrouze. He was the son of Pierre Gagnon and Renée Roger. Pierre's journey to New France marked the beginning of a significant family line in Quebec's history.

Around 1640, Pierre emigrated to New France with his brothers Mathurin and Jean, joining their sister who had previously settled with her husband, Eloi Tavernier. Their widowed mother, Renée Roger, also made the journey, cementing the Gagnon family's commitment to the new colony.

Upon arrival, the Gagnon brothers quickly established themselves as industrious settlers and entrepreneurs. They acquired farms along the coast between Château-Richer and Sainte-Anne, while also engaging in trade in Quebec City during the winter months. On August 14, 1651, they purchased land in the Lower Town of Quebec, and on October 6, 1658, they acquired a store, demonstrating their business acumen.

Pierre's personal land grant in Château-Richer measured 6.5 arpents of river frontage by 126 arpents deep, a substantial property that would become the foundation of his family's legacy in the area. He engaged in some land transactions, notably ceding half an arpent to Nicholas Lebel on May 13, 1657, only to reclaim it on December 29, 1668.

On September 14, 1642, Pierre married Vincente Desvarieux in Notre-Dame de Québec. Vincente, born around 1624 in St-Vincent d'Aubermail, Caux, Normandy, France, was the daughter of Jean Desvarieux and Marie Chevalier. She likely arrived in New France as a fille à marier, one of the young women sent to the colony to help establish families.

Pierre and Vincente had ten children together:

Jean (1643-1699)
Anne (1643-1666)
Pierre (1646-1687)
Jeanne (1648-1648)
Pierre-Paul (1649-1711) - became a priest
Joseph (1651-1680)
René (1653-1653)
Marie-Madeleine (1655-1677) - became a nun
Raphaël (1658-1681)
Noël (1660-1708)

Their family life reflected the challenges and triumphs of early colonial life. While they lost several children at a young age, others went on to play significant roles in the religious and social fabric of New France. Pierre-Paul became one of the first Canadian-born priests, while Marie-Madeleine entered the Augustinian convent, known for her piety and devotion.

Pierre was confirmed in the Catholic faith on August 10, 1659, by Bishop Laval in Notre-Dame de Québec, underscoring the importance of religion in the family's life.

The 1666 census listed Pierre as a 50-year-old merchant, living with Vincente and their children in Beaupré. By 1681, at the age of 70, Pierre was recorded as owning 2 guns, 22 horned animals, and 40 arpents of cultivated land, indicating the family's prosperity and established position in the community.

Vincente Desvarieux passed away on January 2, 1695, in Château-Richer, where she was buried the following day. Pierre lived for a few more years, dying on April 17, 1699, at the age of 87. He was buried the next day in the cemetery of La-Visitation-de-Notre-Dame parish in Château-Richer.

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.

Other Events and Attributes:

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

Notes:

HIGHLIGHTS:

Noel was a wheelwright who was recruited to come to New France when he was just 20 years old.

Noel's wife Helene was recognized as the first European child born in New France. Helene was previously married but widowed at 19 with three young children. She went on to have 14 more children with Noel, although two died in infancy.

His descendants, numbering in the thousands, include many notable figures in Canadian and American history, such as Pierre and Justin Trudeau, Jack Kerouac, Madonna, Jim Carrey, and Céline Dion.

CONNECTIONS:

Jim's 10th GGF on the Vermette/Gilbert branch

LIFE STORY:

Noël Morin, born around 1616 in Brie-Comte-Robert, Île-de-France, France, was a significant figure in the early days of New France. The son of Claude Morin and Jeanne Moreau, Noël grew up attending the church of Saint-Étienne. His surname, possibly derived from "Morini," an Italian family long established in the region, might mean "brown of skin like a Moor."

Trained as a wheelwright (charron), Noël was recruited by Robert Giffard to come to New France. He arrived in Quebec City in 1636, at the age of about 20. His skills as a craftsman were valuable in the developing colony, where transportation and construction were constant challenges.

On December 27, 1639, Noël signed a marriage contract with Hélène Desportes, a young widow with three children. The contract, signed in the house of Olivier Le Tardif, included a dowry of 200 livres from a property Noël inherited from his mother in Brie-Comte-Robert. Their wedding took place on January 9, 1640, at Notre-Dame de Québec, attended by many prominent colonists.

Noël and Hélène had twelve children together, born between 1641 and 1656. Their family became deeply woven into the fabric of New France society. Their eldest son, Germain, became the first Canadian-born priest ordained in New France, while their daughter Marie was one of the first Montreal-born nuns.

In 1645, Noël acquired 50 arpents of land in Côte-de-Sainte-Geneviève, just outside Quebec City. Over the next two decades, he developed this property, building a house, shop, and barn. His success as a settler and craftsman led to further opportunities. In 1663, Governor Jean de Lauzon granted Noël a significant piece of land, elevating him to the status of seigneur. Noël named this fief Saint-Luc and adopted the title Sieur de Saint-Luc.

Throughout his life, Noël continued to practice his trade as a wheelwright. In 1673, he was commissioned to make wooden mountings for 24 cannons in Quebec City, a project for which he was paid 960 livres. His expertise in this area is evident in his comment: "I am familiar with these cannons in the Upper and Lower town."

Noël was also involved in various community affairs. He served as a witness to several marriage contracts and land transactions. In 1655, he and Hélène were granted a pew by the Fabrique of Quebec in exchange for two arpents of land, which later became part of the Citadel of Quebec.

After Hélène's death in 1675, Noël turned to his son Jean-Baptiste for care in his old age. Noël Morin died on January 10, 1680, at the home of his son Alphonse in Montmagny. He was buried five days later in the cemetery of Notre-Dame de Quebec. At the time of his death, he was about 64 years old, though some records mistakenly listed him as 74.

Noël Morin's legacy in New France was significant. He is recognized as one of the first 47 colonists of Quebec City, considered founders of New France. His descendants, numbering in the thousands, include many notable figures in Canadian and American history, such as Pierre and Justin Trudeau, Jack Kerouac, Madonna, Jim Carrey, and Céline Dion.

Through his life as a skilled craftsman, land developer, and patriarch of a large family, Noël Morin exemplified the spirit of the early French Canadian settlers. His story is one of adaptation, perseverance, and the laying of foundations for future generations in the New World.

Noel married DESPORTES, Helene on 9 Jan 1640 in Quebec City, Quebec (Urban Agglomeration), Quebec, Canada. Helene (daughter of DESPORTES, Pierre-Philippe and LANGLOIS, Françoise) was born on 7 Jul 1620 in Lisieux, Calvados, Basse-Normandie, France; was christened in 1620; died on 24 Jun 1675 in Quebec City, Quebec (Urban Agglomeration), Quebec, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Differentiator: Recognized as the first French child born in New France. Among the first 47 families that settled Quebec City (New France); contemporaries and acquaintances of Samuel Champlain

Notes:

Hélène Desportes, born around 1620 in Quebec, was the daughter of early French settlers Pierre Desportes and Françoise Langlois. She is often credited as the first European child born in New France.

Hélène's life epitomized the experiences of women in the early days of the colony. She first married Guillaume Hébert at a young age and was widowed by 19, left with three small children. On January 9, 1640, following a marriage contract signed on December 27, 1639, she wed Noël Morin, a 34-year-old wheelwright from France.

With Noël, Hélène had 12 more children between 1641 and 1656, including Germain, the first Canadian-born priest ordained in New France, and Marie, one of the first Montreal-born nuns.

Hélène's life in New France was marked by the challenges and triumphs of colonial life. She and Noël were granted a pew in the church in 1655, and in 1663, she became Madame de Saint-Luc when Noël was granted his seigneury.

Hélène died on June 24, 1675, at St. Thomas, Montmagny, Quebec, at about 55 years old, predeceasing her husband by five years. Her legacy as an important matriarch in early French Canadian society lives on through her numerous descendants, including many notable figures in North American history. Hélène Desportes' life story represents the resilience, adaptability, and crucial role of women in establishing and nurturing the foundations of New France.