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- Marin Boucher, born on April 15, 1589, in the Parish of Saint Langis, Mortagne-au-Perche, France, was one of the most influential early settlers of New France. A skilled stonemason by trade, Marin's decision to emigrate to the New World at the age of 45 would have a profound impact on the development of the colony and leave a lasting legacy through his numerous descendants.
Marin's life took a significant turn when he married Perrine Mallet, his second wife, sometime before 1630. This union came after the death of his first wife, Julienne Baril, in 1627, with whom he had seven children. Marin and Perrine would go on to have seven more children together, forming a large blended family that would become one of the founding families of New France.
In 1634, despite his age and established family, Marin made the bold decision to join the Percheron immigration movement to New France. Along with Perrine and three of his children, Marin embarked on the ship Le Petit Saint-Christophe, captained by Pierre de Nesle, departing from Dieppe in April. They arrived in Quebec City on June 4, 1634, ready to face the challenges of life in the new colony.
Upon arrival, Marin's skills as a stonemason were immediately put to use. He was involved in constructing Robert Giffard's home and eleven houses for other settlers. His expertise was so valued that Samuel de Champlain himself housed the Boucher family in Fort St. Louis until they could settle on their land. Champlain's appreciation for Marin's work was evident in his 1635 will, where he bequeathed Marin his last suit of clothes.
The Boucher family initially settled on land along the St. Charles River, where Marin combined his masonry work with farming. Over time, they moved to Beauport, where by 1650, Marin had acquired a substantial property measuring 1,150 feet wide along the St. Lawrence River and extending four miles inland. This land would become the foundation for the family's prosperity in New France.
In 1663, records show the Boucher family residing in Château-Richer, where they were part of a growing parish. That year, Marin and Perrine, along with their family members, were among the 170 parishioners confirmed by Bishop François de Laval in the newly built stone church.
The 1667 census provides insight into the Bouchers' success, listing Marin as the owner of 8 head of cattle and 20 arpents of cultivated land. By this time, he had acquired enough property to provide for each of his children and their families, ensuring their future in the new land.
Marin Boucher's life came to an end on March 28, 1671, at the age of 82. His burial record, signed by F. Pillion, a missionary priest, speaks to Marin's character, describing him as having "lived as a good Christian" and receiving the sacraments before his death. He was laid to rest in the cemetery of Château-Richer.
Perrine Mallet survived her husband, continuing to manage the family's affairs. Her date of death is not provided in the given information, but her role in establishing the Boucher family in New France was crucial.
The legacy of Marin Boucher and Perrine Mallet is immense. By the end of the 18th century, their descendants numbered more than 8,500, making Marin one of the most prolific ancestors in French-Canadian genealogy. Today, hundreds of thousands of people across North America can trace their lineage back to this pioneering couple.
Marin and Perrine's story exemplifies the courage, resilience, and industriousness of the early settlers of New France. From their decision to leave their established life in France to their success in carving out a prosperous existence in the challenging environment of colonial Canada, they played a vital role in laying the foundations of French-Canadian society.
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Abt 1604 - 1687 (83 years)
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