Founding Families of Quebec City (New France)
There were 17 families
settled in Quebec City from the establishment of the city by Samuel de
Champlain in 1608 until his death in 1635. This era marks the formative years
of New France and the foundation of French-Canadian culture. By the end of 1636
there were 47 families living in the colony. As shown below, we can trace our
ancestry directly to 10 of the original 17 (58%) families and a total of 18 of
the 47 (38%).
|
|
|
Original
17? |
Laviolette |
Vermette |
Dumas |
|
1.
Louis Hebert (first settlers
of Quebec City/New France) |
Marie Rollet |
+ |
|
X |
X |
|
Marguerite Langlois |
+ |
|
X |
X |
|
|
Marie Le Barbier |
+ |
X |
|
|
|
|
Fran oise
Langlois |
+ |
|
X |
|
|
|
5.
Jean Nicolet |
Marguerite
Couillard |
+ |
|
X |
X |
|
6.
Noel Morin |
H l ne
Desportes |
|
|
X |
|
|
Fran oise
Garnier |
|
|
X |
X |
|
|
Fran oise
H bert |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
9.
Jean Guyon |
Mathurine
Robin |
+ |
X |
X |
|
|
Xainte
Dupont |
+ |
X |
X |
X |
|
|
11.
Robert Drouin |
Anne Cloutier |
|
X |
X |
X |
|
12.
Robert Caron |
Marie
Crevet |
|
|
|
X |
|
Marie Gagnon |
|
X |
X |
|
|
|
14.
Claude Poulin |
Jeanne
Mercier |
|
|
X |
|
|
15.
Etienne Racine |
Margeurite
Martin |
|
|
X |
X |
|
16. Marin
Boucher |
Perrine
Mallet |
+ |
|
X |
X |
|
17. Jean
Cote |
Anne Martin |
+ |
|
X |
|
|
Guillemette
Hebert |
+ |
|
|
X |
Our
ancestors were among the brave pioneers who ventured across the Atlantic to
settle in Quebec City in the early 17th century. Their journey and new life in
New France were filled with challenges and adventures.
The
sea voyage from France to Quebec was long and arduous, typically taking about
two months. Our ancestors would have been crammed into small, uncomfortable
ships measuring between 37 and 57 meters long. They likely experienced
seasickness, lack of privacy, and poor living conditions. Their diet consisted
mainly of biscuits, soup, and salted meat or fish. Fresh water was scarce and
often became stale during the crossing.
Upon
arrival in Quebec, our ancestors faced a dramatically different environment
from their homeland. The harsh Canadian winters required significant
adaptations. They built houses with steeper roofs to prevent snow accumulation
and improved insulation to combat the cold. Though the winters were
challenging, some settlers, like Father Vimont, found
the Canadian cold healthier and more bearable than France's humidity.
Our
ancestors had to be resourceful in their new home. They brought only essential
items with them, often just clothes in a trunk. They quickly learned to make
furniture from local wood, creating practical items like trunks, chests,
cupboards, and beds. They also adapted their clothing, incorporating elements
from Native American dress such as mittens and moccasins, and using local
materials like deer, moose, and bear leather.
The
settlers' diet changed significantly in New France. They discovered new foods
like caribou, deer, porcupine, and beaver, as well as local fruits and
vegetables. Almost every home had a vegetable garden, typically managed by the
woman of the house. Our ancestors also had to adhere strictly to Catholic
dietary restrictions, including meat abstinence during Lent and on certain days
of the week.
Community
was crucial in early Quebec. Neighbors were considered almost like family, with
frequent exchanges of help, tools, and resources. This spirit of cooperation
was essential for survival in the new colony.
Life
in New France was governed by the Catholic Church, and our ancestors would have
lived by its rules. The Church played a central role in their daily lives,
influencing everything from marriage to dietary habits.
Despite
the challenges, our ancestors persevered, adapting to their new environment and
helping to build the foundations of Quebec City. Their courage,
resourcefulness, and community spirit were crucial in establishing the French
presence in North America and shaping the unique culture of Quebec.
Where in France Did Our Ancestors
Immigrate From?
Key Aspects of the
Founding of Quebec City
1608:
Samuel de Champlain founded Quebec City on July 3, establishing a fortified
trading post to support the French fur trade network and serve as a base for
colonial expansion. The initial settlement was quite small. According to Denise
R. Larson's book Companions of Champlain: Founding Families of Quebec,
1608-1635, there were 17 families who stayed in Canada, had issue, and whose
origins are known. These families came from various provinces in France, with a
notable number from Perche.
Initial
Challenges: The first winter was harsh, with disease and scurvy claiming the
lives of many settlers. Champlain and the surviving
settlers relied heavily on alliances with Indigenous peoples for survival
The 17 Founding Families
Origins: The majority of the 17 founding families came from the province of
Perche (7 families), followed by Normandy (5 families). Other families
originated from Brittany, Ile de France, Maine, and Picardy.
Notable Families: Some of the key families included the Hebert,
Cloutier, Guyon, Boucher, and Juchereau families. The
Hebert family, in particular, is recognized as the
first colonial family of New France.
Daily Life and Society
Agriculture and Trade: The settlers focused on establishing farms and
engaging in the fur trade. The Hebert family is credited with being the first
farmers in Canada.
Intermarriage and Family Life: The families intermarried, creating a tight-knit
community. They tended to have large families, averaging nine children,
although about one-third of the children died in infancy or youth.
Cultural and Religious Influence
Missionaries: The arrival of the Recollets in 1615 and the
Jesuits in 1625 marked the beginning of missionary work, aiming to convert
Indigenous peoples to Catholicism.
Education and Religion: Institutions such as the Jesuit College (founded in
1635) played a significant role in the community's religious and educational
life.
Political and Military Events
Alliances and Conflicts: Champlain formed alliances with various Indigenous
groups, which were crucial for the colony's survival and fur trade. These
alliances also involved military support against the Iroquois.
English Invasion: In 1629, Quebec was temporarily taken by the English, but it was
returned to France in 1632 under the Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye.
Main Occupations
Agriculture
and Farming
Louis H bert: Often credited as the first farmer in New France, Louis H bert was an
apothecary by trade but became a prominent farmer upon settling in Quebec with
his family in 1617.
Jean Guyon: A master mason who also engaged in farming.
Gaspard Boucher: A carpenter and farmer.
Craftsmanship
and Trades
Zacharie Cloutier: A master carpenter, essential for building homes and other structures
in the new settlement.
Jean Guyon: Besides farming, he was a master mason, contributing to the
construction of buildings.
Henri Pinguet: A merchant, indicating
involvement in trade and commerce.
Medical
and Apothecary
Louis H bert: In addition to farming, he was an apothecary, providing medical care
to the settlers.
Merchants
and Trade
Henri Pinguet: As a merchant, he played a
crucial role in the trade of goods, which was vital for the colony's economy.
Economic
Context
Many
if not most of our ancestors came as part of the Company of 100 Associates,
also known as The Company of New France, created by Cardinal Richelieu in 1627
with the sole purpose of establishing France s external trade development with
what is being referred to as New France.
The
Company was officially established in an edict of Louis XIII in May of 1628,
after it had agreed to transport 4,000 colonists to the new world before 1653. In
return, the Company was granted in perpetuity the whole country of New France
from Florida to the Arctic circle and from Newfoundland to lake
Huron and beyond. The Company was also granted a monopoly on the fur
trade, and also given responsibility for the
distribution of land, but understood that nobility could only be granted by the
king.
Although
the company itself was essentially ruined and in debt to its shareholders by 1631,
it nevertheless continued to appoint governors, and administrative officials as
well as establish the judicial system and courts right up until it went out of
existence in 1663.
The
economy of New France during this period was heavily reliant on the fur trade,
which was the primary economic driver. The settlers engaged in various
activities to support this trade, including:
Fur Trading: Establishing trading posts and forming alliances with Indigenous
peoples to trade furs for European goods. The fur trade was a crucial economic
activity, with many settlers engaging as coureurs de bois (runners of the woods), skilled woodsmen, trappers,
and canoeists who traded with Indigenous peoples.
Agriculture: Developing farms to ensure a stable food supply for the growing
colony. Settlers spent a significant amount of time clearing land for farming,
which was labor-intensive and time-consuming. This work was often done
collectively, with families helping each other. The primary crops included
wheat, peas, oats, rye, barley, and maize. Farming was essential for the
colony's survival and provided a stable food supply.
Craftsmanship: Building necessary infrastructure, such as homes, fortifications, and
other buildings. Many settlers were artisans,
carpenters, and masons, contributing to the construction of homes and other
infrastructure
These
occupations and activities were crucial for the survival and growth of the
early Quebec settlement, laying the foundation for what would become a thriving
colony.
Legacy of the Founding Families
The
descendants of these founding families became the nucleus of French-Canadian
society, contributing to the cultural and demographic foundation of Quebec.
Their legacy is documented through genealogical studies, tracing their lineage
through multiple generations.
In
summary, the period from 1608 to 1635 was pivotal in establishing Quebec City
and laying the groundwork for French-Canadian culture, with the 17 founding
families playing a central role in this historical narrative.
Population Growth and Expansion
Initial
Settlement and Gender Imbalance
Early Settlers: The initial settlers included soldiers, hired laborers (engag s), and artisans, primarily young men from coastal
and urban regions of France.
Gender Imbalance: Early on, there was a significant gender imbalance, with men
outnumbering women by a large margin. This imbalance was addressed by the
arrival of the Filles du Roi (King's Daughters) between 1663 and 1673, which
helped to balance the gender ratio and promote family formation
1666-1681:
The
population of New France tripled from 3,215 to 9,677, with Quebec City's
population increasing from 547 to 1,345. Jean Talon, the first Intendant of New
France, conducted detailed censuses and implemented policies to encourage
population growth, including promoting immigration and supporting large
families.
1663-1673:
To address
the gender imbalance and boost population growth, King Louis XIV sponsored the
immigration of approximately 800 young women, known as the Filles du Roi
(King's Daughters), to New France. These women were provided with dowries and
encouraged to marry settlers, significantly increasing the number of families
in the colony.
Economic and Social Development
Agriculture
and Trade
The
settlers, including the original 17 families and the subsequent arrivals,
focused on agriculture, fur trading, and craftsmanship. The expansion of
seigneuries (large agricultural estates) and the establishment of new parishes
facilitated the growth of farming communities.
Infrastructure
and Urban Planning
The
city of Quebec saw the construction of important infrastructure, including
fortifications, homes, and public buildings. Jean Bourdon, the first engineer
and surveyor of New France, played a crucial role in planning the city from
1634 onwards.
Military, Defense & Government
Defense and Security: The threat of attacks from the Haudenosaunee tribe was
a constant concern, although alliances with the Huron-Wendat and Anishinaabe tribes
provided some security
1665: The
arrival of the Carignan-Sali res Regiment brought
1,200 soldiers to New France, many of whom settled in
the colony after their service. This bolstered the population and provided a
measure of security against Iroquois attacks.
Centralization: In 1663, King Louis XIV took direct control of New France, establishing
a centralized administrative structure with a governor and an intendant. This
system brought more order and efficiency to the colony's governance
Treaty of Paris (1763): The Treaty of Paris ceded New France to Britain,
leading to significant changes in governance and social structure. British laws
and policies were introduced, but the Quebec Act of 1774 re-established French
civil law and religious freedoms, allowing for continuity in many
aspects of daily life.
Social Structure and Community Life
Seigneurial System: The land was organized into seigneuries, long narrow
plots along the St. Lawrence River. The seigneur (landowner) administered
justice and collected rents from the habitants (tenants), but social
distinctions were less rigid than in France.
Community and Social Life: Social life revolved around the church and
community gatherings. Settlers often participated in soir es, storytelling, and
celebrations. Inns and taverns in towns provided venues for drinking, playing
cards, billiards, and other games.
The
early settlers of Quebec City, including the original 47 families, formed a
close-knit community where socialization was an essential aspect of daily life.
Despite the challenges they faced, these settlers found ways to come together
and support one another.
Theatrical
and Musical Performances
Theatre: Theatrical performances were a popular form of entertainment, despite
occasional opposition from religious authorities. The first play in New France
was staged in Acadia in 1606, and such performances continued to attract
audiences in Quebec City.
Music: Musical performances, including dance and song recitals, were
well-received. Religious musical activities were common, and social
entertainments often included full-dress social dancing, particularly among the
well-to-do.
Reading
Books: Reading was a favored pastime for those who were literate. However,
books were not easy to come by as they had to be imported from France. Estate
inventories show that some settlers had personal
libraries, indicating a demand for literature.
Social
Gatherings
Soir es: Settlers often held soir es, where they would gather to tell stories,
celebrate, and enjoy each other's company. These gatherings were an important
part of social life in the colony.
Inns and Taverns: Inns and taverns were central to social life. People gathered there to
drink spirits, play games like billiards, skittles, cards, and dice, and
sometimes engage in gambling. These establishments were also places for
socializing and ending an evening.
Games
of Skill and Chance
Billiards and Skittles: These games were popular in inns and taverns.
Billiards, in particular, was a common pastime.
Cards and Dice: Card games and dice were widely played, often involving gambling.
Unique Games: Some settlers enjoyed more unusual games,
such as the "jeu de Bagues" (ring game),
which involved a rotating structure with seats and wooden horses.
Outdoor
Activities
Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides and Sleigh Rides: In the summer, outings in
horse-drawn carriages were popular, while in the winter, sleigh rides and
sleigh races on the ice provided entertainment.
Skating: Ice skating was another favored winter activity, adding to the
settlers' enjoyment of the cold season.
Religious
and Cultural Events
Religious Celebrations: Religious events and celebrations, including masses
and feast days, were significant social occasions that brought the community
together.
Cultural Traditions: Settlers brought with them the crafts, oral
traditions, and folk customs from France, which they continued to practice and
pass down to their children
Health
and Disease:
Besides scurvy, settlers faced other diseases and shortages of supplies, which
were often delayed in arriving from France
Food and Diet
Staples:
Bread was a
central part of the diet, accounting for 60-85% of daily intake. Soups, beef,
pork, and mutton were common, with pigs being raised primarily for their fat,
which was essential for cooking.
Beverages: Water, milk, and beer made
from spruce needles were common beverages. Coffee and chocolate were luxury
items enjoyed by the elite
Cultural and Religious Influence
Missionaries
and Education
The
arrival of missionaries, including the Jesuits and Recollets,
contributed to the religious and educational development of the colony. They
established schools and churches, which became central to community life.
Cultural
Adaptation
Settlers
adapted their construction methods to achieve comfort and protection from the
cold. They also incorporated Indigenous words and practices into their daily
lives, such as using canoes and toboggans
Demographic Changes
Family
Size and Birth Rates
The
high birth rates among the settlers contributed to rapid population growth. On
average, families had seven or eight children in the 17th century, which helped
increase the population significantly.
List of the 47 Families Credited as the First Settlers of New France
1.
Louis H bert and
Marie Rollet
2.
Guillaume
Couillard and Marie-Guillemette H bert
3.
Abraham Martin
and Marguerite Langlois
4.
Nicolas Marsolet and Marie Le Barbier
5. Nicolas Pivert and Marguerite Lesage (this pair was missing from
your list)
6.
Pierre Desportes
and Fran oise Langlois
7. tienne Jonquest and Anne H bert
8. Olivier Le Tardif
and Louise Couillard
9. Jean Nicolet and Marguerite Couillard (descended
from Jean and an Algonquin woman)
10. No l Morin and H l ne Desportes
11. No l Langlois and Fran oise Garnier
12. Guillaume Hubou and Marie Rollet
13. Robert Giffard and
Marie Renouard
14. Guillaume Fournier and Marie-Fran oise H bert
15. Jean Guyon and Mathurine Robin
16. Jean Guyon and
Madeleine Boul
17. Jean Bourdon and
Jacqueline Potel
18. Fran ois Marguerie and Louise Cloutier
19. Zacharie Cloutier and Xainte Dupont
20. Jean C t and Anne Martin
21. Gaspard Boucher and
Nicole Le Maire
22. Philippe Amyot and
Anne Convent
23. Jean-Baptiste
Godefroy and Marie Le Neuf
24. Jean Godefroy (no
spouse listed)
25. Marin Boucher and Perrine Mallet
26. S bastien Dodier and
Marie Bonhomme
27. Pierre de la Porte
and (spouse not listed)
28. Jean Juchereau and Marie Langlois
29. Jean Sauvaget and
Anne Dupuis
30. Guillaume Isabel and
Catherine Dodier
31. Robert Drouin and Anne Cloutier
32. Louis-Henri Pinguet and Louise Boucher
33. Pierre Delaunay and
Fran oise Pinguet
34. Fran ois Aubert and
Anne Fauconnier
35. Pierre Le Gardeur and Marie Favery
36. Charles Le Gardeur and Genevi ve Juchereau
37. Jacques Le Neuf and
Marguerite Le Gardeur
38. Robert Caron and Marie Crevet
39. Francois B langer and Marie Guyon
40. Claude Poulin and Jeanne Mercier
41. Jacques Hertel and
Marie Marguerie
42. Antoine Damien and
Marie Joly
43. tienne Racine and Marguerite Martin
44. Ren Maheu and
Marguerite Corriveau
45. Jacques Maheu and
Anne Convent
46. Louis S dillot and Marie Grimoult
47. Fran ois de Chavigny and l onore de Grandmaison