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- 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.
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Abt 1608 - 1684 (76 years)
Set As Default Person 
HEBERT, Louis Gaston, b. 14 Oct 1575, Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois, Paris, Île-de-France, France
