Charbonneau Family History
The story of our family starts with Oliver Charbonneau. Oliver was born in 1611 in the village of Marans, France, about twelve miles North of the port of LaRochelle. Apparently he grew to manhood in this small village. Oliver married twice. The first time to Marguerite Roy, who came from the island of Re. No children are known as issues of this marriage.
After the death of Marguerite, he married Marie Marguerite Garnier, the daughter of Charles Garnier and Jeanne LaBraye. The services were performed at LaRochelle, France in 1654.
Marie Marguerite Garnier was born in 1626 at Marans, France.
Their children were: 1. Anne
2. Joseph
3. Jean
4. Elisabeth
5. Michel
Oliver did not leave for New France (Canada) until 1659. He was nearly 48 years old. We do not know for certain why Oliver decided to make the move, but times were diffucult for Catholic working people in the vicinity of LaRochelle. The city was one of the strongholds of Calvanism in France,and there was considerable antagonism between the Catholics and the Calvinists.
Fortunately for Oliver, there also lived at this time one Lady Jeanne Mance. Lady Jeanne, a devout Ctholic, was the first white woman to arrive in Montreal. She founded the first hospital there in 1644. More importantly for the Charbonneau family however, this fine woman offered to finance transportation for Catholics to the New World. Oliver accepted Lady jeanne's generous offer. One June 20th, 1659, the shipping agreement was signed before Notary Basset in LaRochelle. it was not until the 10th of November, 1669 that the last of this debt to Lady Jeanne was paid off.
Oliver, his wife Marie Marguerite, and their infant daughter, Anne, departed LaRochelle for New France on the 2nd day of July, 1659 aboard the ship "Ste. Andre". Also aboard were Marie Marguerite's two sisters, Louise (Mrs. Pierre Gouget), and Michelle ( Mrs. Simon Cardinal), and their children. The voyage lasted nearly three months. The weather was bad, and there was much suffering and death during the crossing.
The families arrived at the village of Montreal on the 29th of September, 1659. At the time of their arrival, the population was less than 500, and possibly as low as 180. It appears that Oliver's occupation was farming. During the remainder of his life, the French settlers experienced a period of intermittent war with the Iroquois Indians. Although none of Oliver's immediate family died at the hands of the Indians, they did kill Marie Marguerite's sister Mrs. Louise Gouget. Her death occured at Lachine, Quebec in November 1689. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I also have a map of New France to 1673 if u would like a copy email me with your address and I can send you a copy.
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