Source: Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec, 52327/1956765.
The Quebec minister of Culture and Communications, Luc Fortin, last week announced that Pierre Boucher, one of the province’s earliest settlers, has been designated an historic figure.
Pierre Boucher’s descendants are among the most numerous of the immigrants who settled in New France in the 17th century.
Considered one of the most important people in the history of New France because of the role he played in its development, Pierre Boucher was an interpreter, soldier, governor of Trois-Rivières, royal judge, and founder and seigneur of Boucherville.
Minister Fortin said (in French), “Pierre Boucher made a deep imprint on the history of New France because of his role in resolving conflicts, establishing relationships in the community, and building the colony. His qualities as a diplomat, mediator gave him considerable influence on the development of New France. This designation expresses the desire of our government to know and validate this important figure from the past.”
The city of Boucherville is devoting the month of April to mark the 300th anniversary of death of their founder, who died April 19, 1717.
Lucie Charlebois, minister responsible for the Montérégie region, said (in French), “The founding of Boucherville is forever linked to the life of Pierre Boucher, the first seigneur of the Îles-Percées, renamed Boucherville. I am pleased that designation is part of the festivities surrounding the 350th anniversary of the city.”
About Pierre Boucher:
- August 1, 1622: Born in Mortagne, Perche, France to Gaspard Boucher, a carpenter, and Nicole Lomer (Lemaire).
- About 1634: Arrived in New France with his family. Educated by the Jesuits at the Notre-Dame-des-Anges farm.
- 1641 to 1646: Interpreter and agent to the Amerindians for Governor Charles Huault de Montmagny.
- 1649: Married Marie Ouebadinskoue, known as Marie-Madeleine Chrestienne, a Huron girl. She died later that year in childbirth.
- 1652: Married Jeanne Crevier from Rouen, France. They had 15 children.
- 1653 to 1667: Governor of Trois-Rivières.
- 1667: First lord of the Îles-Percées, later named Boucherville.
- April 19, 1717: Died in Boucherville.
More information Pierre Boucher’s life and family is available in the Dictionary of Canadian Biography.
My 8th great grandfather on my mother’s side. Very proud – Thank you!
I am his 8th great grandniece, descended from his sister Marie. I wrote a blog post about this family connection at https://hoguegirardin.wordpress.com/2013/11/13/gaspard-boucher-and-nicole-lemaire/