GAGNON, Robert
1628 - 1703 (75 years)
Set As Default Person 
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Name GAGNON, Robert Birth 1 Mar 1628 La Ventrouze, Orne, Basse-Normandie, France 
Gender Male Differentiator Names on monument of first French Ile d' Orleans settlers; on 1709 map Death 1 Sep 1703 Sainte-Famille, L'Île-d'Orléans, Quebec, Canada Person ID I12446 My Genealogy Last Modified 15 Jul 2024
Family PARENTEAU, Marie, b. 1641, La Rochelle, Manche, Basse-Normandie, France d. 16 Nov 1705, Sainte-Famille, L'Île-d'Orléans, Quebec, Canada (Age 64 years)
Children 1. GAGNON, Jean II, b. 16 Feb 1659, Sainte-Famille, L'Île-d'Orléans, Quebec, Canada d. 16 Feb 1742, Rivière-Ouelle, Kamouraska, Quebec, Canada (Age 83 years) [Father: natural] [Mother: natural]▻ LOIGNON, Jeanne m. 28 Oct 1686Family ID F9325 Group Sheet | Family Chart Last Modified 15 Jul 2024
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Event Map 
Birth - 1 Mar 1628 - La Ventrouze, Orne, Basse-Normandie, France 
Death - 1 Sep 1703 - Sainte-Famille, L'Île-d'Orléans, Quebec, Canada = Link to Google Earth
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Photos 
Albums Founding Families of Ile d Orleans (6)
Île d'Orléans, nestled in the Saint Lawrence River near Quebec City, is an island steeped in history and cultural importance. Before European arrival, the indigenous Huron named it Minigo, or "enchanted island." French explorer Jacques Cartier was the first European to visit in 1535, originally naming it Île de Bascuz for its abundance of wild grapes. It was later renamed Île d'Orléans, honoring the Duke of Orléans, the second son of King Francis I of France.
As one of the earliest areas in New France to undergo colonization, the Île d'Orléans Seigneury was established in 1636. This seigneury system allowed a seigneur (lord) to distribute land to settlers, known as habitants, who farmed and paid dues. The island's fertile soil and strategic position made it a crucial site for the French. By the 17th century, it had a growing French population and significant livestock.
Several parishes, including Sainte-Famille, Saint-Pierre, Saint-François, and Saint-Jean, were established, with records dating back to 1678. The 18th century saw Île d'Orléans become a strategic point for British operations against Quebec City during the Seven Years' War.
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Notes - Robert Gagnon and Marie Parenteau were early settlers of New France who played a role in populating and developing the young colony. Robert arrived in Quebec around 1655 as a young man in his late 20s, likely seeking new opportunities in the New World. Just two years later, he married Marie Parenteau, who had also recently immigrated from France as one of the filles à marier (marriageable girls) sent to help grow the colony's population.
The couple settled on Île d'Orléans near Quebec City, where they raised a large family of at least 9 children between 1659 and 1680. Census records show them steadily expanding their farm over the years, from 15 arpents of cleared land and 7 animals in 1667 to 20 arpents and 6 cattle by 1681. As pioneer farmers, they helped establish a permanent French presence in the St. Lawrence Valley. Their numerous descendants contributed to the growth of the colony, with Robert reportedly having 131 descendants by 1729, just 26 years after his death. Through their family and farm, Robert and Marie played their part in laying the foundations for the future province of Quebec.
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, 2nd Cousin Of Brothers Mathurin, Jehan And Pierre; Early New France Pioneer
- Robert Gagnon and Marie Parenteau were early settlers of New France who played a role in populating and developing the young colony. Robert arrived in Quebec around 1655 as a young man in his late 20s, likely seeking new opportunities in the New World. Just two years later, he married Marie Parenteau, who had also recently immigrated from France as one of the filles à marier (marriageable girls) sent to help grow the colony's population.
