HEBERT, Marie Guillemette

Notes:

Guillaume Couillard, born around 1591 in either Saint-Malo or Paris, arrived in New France about 1613. A skilled carpenter, seaman, and caulker, Couillard quickly became an integral part of the fledgling colony. His marriage to Guillemette Hébert, daughter of Louis Hébert, the first farmer in New France, in 1621 cemented his place in the colony's history.

Guillemette Hébert, born around 1606 in Paris or Dieppe, came to New France in 1617 with her parents, Louis Hébert and Marie Rollet. As one of the first European families to settle permanently in Quebec, the Héberts played a crucial role in the colony's early development.

The union of Guillaume and Guillemette on August 26, 1621, officiated by Father Georges, a Recollet priest, and witnessed by Samuel de Champlain, marked the beginning of one of New France's most influential families. They had ten children, whose numerous descendants would form the backbone of French-Canadian society.

Following Louis Hébert's death in 1627, Couillard inherited half of his father-in-law's estate. He expanded these holdings and continued Hébert's agricultural innovations. In 1628, Couillard became the first person to use a plough in New France, significantly advancing the colony's farming practices. By 1632, he had nearly 20 acres under cultivation and owned a flour mill by 1639.

Couillard's contributions to the colony were numerous and varied. He was appointed as a "clerk responsible for inspecting the sown lands and the food of the settlers of Quebec" in 1639. He also engaged in shipbuilding, lime production, and participated in the defense against Iroquois raids.
During the British occupation of Quebec from 1629 to 1632, the Couillards were the only complete family to remain in the colony, demonstrating their commitment to New France. Champlain entrusted them with the care of two young Indigenous girls he had adopted.

Guillemette was equally active in colonial life, serving as godmother to numerous children, both French and Indigenous, and participating in various social and religious activities. Her role in maintaining community cohesion during the colony's challenging early years was significant.

In recognition of his services to New France, Couillard was ennobled by the king in December 1654. His coat of arms, featuring a dove with an olive branch, symbolized his role as a peacemaker and pioneer.

Guillaume Couillard died on March 4, 1663, and was buried in the chapel of the Hôtel-Dieu in Quebec, honoring his contributions to that institution. Guillemette survived him by more than 20 years, continuing to manage their affairs and contribute to the colony's development. In 1666, she sold a significant portion of their land to Bishop Laval for the establishment of the Seminary of Quebec.

The legacy of Guillaume Couillard and Guillemette Hébert is immeasurable. Their efforts in agriculture, community building, and defense helped transform New France from a precarious outpost into a thriving colony. Today, their descendants number in the hundreds of thousands, and they are remembered as key figures in the founding of French Canada.

A statue of Guillaume Couillard stands near Louis Hébert's monument in Quebec City, a testament to their enduring importance in Canadian history.

Family/Spouse: COUILLARD, Guillaume. Guillaume (son of Living and Living) was born on 11 Oct 1588 in Sainte Croix de Saint Servan, Saint Malo, Ille et Vilaine, Brittany, France; died on 4 Mar 1663 in Hôtel Dieu-de-Quebec, Quebec, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. COUILLARD DE BEAUMONT, Sieur de Islets, (1668: Lettre de nobl esse) ennobled by Louis XIV obtained the fief of Beaumont Charles-Thomas was born on 10 May 1647 in Ville De Quebec, Quebec, Pq, Canada,; died on 8 May 1715 in Saint-Étienne-de-Beaumont, Bellechasse, Québec, Canada.
2. COUILLARD, Louise was born on 30 Jan 1625 in Quebec (Urban Agglomeration), Quebec, Canada.

Other Events and Attributes:

• Differentiator: First settler of Quebec; first farmers there
• Web Address: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_H%C3%A9bert
• Web Address: https://www.qctonline.com/monumental-views-the-statue-of-louis-hebert/
• Occupation: Apothecary and farmer

Notes:

Louis Hébert, born around 1575 in Paris, France, is recognized as the first European apothecary and farmer in what later became Canada. He was the son of Nicolas Hébert and Jacqueline Pajot. In 1601, he married Marie Rollet, following his father's wishes, despite his love for another woman.

Hébert's journey to the New World began in 1606 when he joined an expedition to Acadia, led by his cousin-in-law Jean de Biencourt de Poutrincourt and Samuel de Champlain. He lived in Port Royal (now Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia) from 1606 to 1607 and again from 1611 to 1613. During his time there, he engaged in horticulture and was noted for his skill in cultivating the land. He returned to France in 1607 after the expedition's trade concession expired.

In 1617, Hébert, along with his wife and their three children, Guillaume, Guillaumette, and Anne, left Paris to settle in Quebec City. He was offered a contract by the Compagnie du Canada, which included practicing medicine, establishing farming, and a grant of land. However, upon arrival, he was forced to accept a revised contract with reduced benefits.

Despite these challenges, Hébert became a significant figure in early Canadian history. He was the first private individual to receive a land grant in the New World from the French government. In Quebec, he selected a ten-acre site for his farm, where he faced opposition from the fur trading company due to his deforestation for farming. Nonetheless, he successfully cultivated various crops (corn, winter wheat, beans, peas, an apple orchard, and a vineyard) and raised livestock, contributing significantly to the colony's food supply.

Samuel de Champlain noted that in addition to serving as a physician for the colony, Hébert was the first head of a family in New France to subsist off what he grew.Hébert's contributions were recognized when he was appointed Procurator to the King in 1620, allowing him to intervene in matters on the King's behalf. In 1623, he became the first "Seigneur" of New France with the grant of "Sault-au-Matelot", and in 1626, he received another grant for "le fief de la rivière St-Charles".

Tragically, Hébert's life ended on January 25, 1627, due to injuries from a fall on ice. He was respected by both Native Americans and French settlers and was the first to be laid to rest in the new vault of the Recollets. His legacy continued through his descendants, who became prominent in various fields in Canada.

Marie Rollet, born around 1580, played an equally vital role in the colony. She provided medical treatment to Indigenous people and educated them in reading, writing, and the Christian faith. Records show she was godmother to many Indigenous converts.

Following Hébert's death, Marie married Guillaume Hubou on May 16, 1629. That same year, when British privateers invaded New France, the Rollet-Hubou family was the only one to remain in the colony while others evacuated.

Marie Rollet died on May 27, 1649, at the age of 69 in Quebec, leaving behind a legacy of cultural exchange and education.

Louis Hébert and Marie Rollet's family played a crucial role in the early history of Quebec and Canada. Their descendants, numbering in the thousands, are spread across North America, contributing to the rich tapestry of the continent's history. They are considered among the first people to settle permanently in New France, laying the foundation for the future of French Canada.

Hébert, Louis - Statue in Montmorency Park in Quebec City

In Quebec City’s Montmorency Park, a large monument commemorates Louis Hébert, Marie Rollet and their son-in-law, Guillaume Couillard. The central figure is Louis holding a sheaf of corn in one hand and a sickle in the other. On the right is Marie holding her three children and on the left is Guillaume with a plough. A plaque lists the first colonists of Quebec.

ADDRESS: 21 Rue Port Dauphin, Québec, QC, Canada

Louis married ROLLET, Marie about Jun 1602 in Paris, Île-de-France, France. Marie was born in 1580 in Paris, Île-de-France, France; died on 16 May 1649 in Quebec (Urban Agglomeration), Quebec, Canada. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Differentiator: First settler of Quebec; first farmers there

Notes:

Louis Hébert, born around 1575 in Paris, France, is recognized as the first European apothecary and farmer in what later became Canada. He was the son of Nicolas Hébert and Jacqueline Pajot. In 1601, he married Marie Rollet, following his father's wishes, despite his love for another woman.

Hébert's journey to the New World began in 1606 when he joined an expedition to Acadia, led by his cousin-in-law Jean de Biencourt de Poutrincourt and Samuel de Champlain. He lived in Port Royal (now Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia) from 1606 to 1607 and again from 1611 to 1613. During his time there, he engaged in horticulture and was noted for his skill in cultivating the land. He returned to France in 1607 after the expedition's trade concession expired.

In 1617, Hébert, along with his wife and their three children, Guillaume, Guillaumette, and Anne, left Paris to settle in Quebec City. He was offered a contract by the Compagnie du Canada, which included practicing medicine, establishing farming, and a grant of land. However, upon arrival, he was forced to accept a revised contract with reduced benefits.

Despite these challenges, Hébert became a significant figure in early Canadian history. He was the first private individual to receive a land grant in the New World from the French government. In Quebec, he selected a ten-acre site for his farm, where he faced opposition from the fur trading company due to his deforestation for farming. Nonetheless, he successfully cultivated various crops (corn, winter wheat, beans, peas, an apple orchard, and a vineyard) and raised livestock, contributing significantly to the colony's food supply.

Samuel de Champlain noted that in addition to serving as a physician for the colony, Hébert was the first head of a family in New France to subsist off what he grew.Hébert's contributions were recognized when he was appointed Procurator to the King in 1620, allowing him to intervene in matters on the King's behalf. In 1623, he became the first "Seigneur" of New France with the grant of "Sault-au-Matelot", and in 1626, he received another grant for "le fief de la rivière St-Charles".

Tragically, Hébert's life ended on January 25, 1627, due to injuries from a fall on ice. He was respected by both Native Americans and French settlers and was the first to be laid to rest in the new vault of the Recollets. His legacy continued through his descendants, who became prominent in various fields in Canada.

Marie Rollet, born around 1580, played an equally vital role in the colony. She provided medical treatment to Indigenous people and educated them in reading, writing, and the Christian faith. Records show she was godmother to many Indigenous converts.

Following Hébert's death, Marie married Guillaume Hubou on May 16, 1629. That same year, when British privateers invaded New France, the Rollet-Hubou family was the only one to remain in the colony while others evacuated.

Marie Rollet died on May 27, 1649, at the age of 69 in Quebec, leaving behind a legacy of cultural exchange and education.

Louis Hébert and Marie Rollet's family played a crucial role in the early history of Quebec and Canada. Their descendants, numbering in the thousands, are spread across North America, contributing to the rich tapestry of the continent's history. They are considered among the first people to settle permanently in New France, laying the foundation for the future of French Canada.