François Marguerie was probably one of the most interesting people in New France. Although I am not directly related to him, he did marry one of my ancestors, Marie Louise Cloutier, and it was through reading about her that I became quite interested in Marguerie. Not only was he an early inhabitant, but he also lived an intriguing life. Join me as I explore François Marguerie’s fascinating but relatively short life:
François Marguerie’s Family
François Marguerie was born in St-Vincent, Rouen, Normandie (Seine-Maritime), France, on October 12, 1612. His parents were François Marguerie and Marthe Romain. They reportedly had five children: the first two children were both named François and then the three younger children were named Jean, Catherine and Marie.
François Marguerie’s Arrival in New France
It’s unclear exactly what year Marguerie arrived in New France. He is first noted as living in the colony in 1636. It’s also been said that he arrived as early as 1615 or by 1626 before the Kirke brothers took over the colony. Some historians believe that he sought refuge with the Algonquins during the British occupation, becoming more familiar with their ways of life and their languages.
The Double Man
François Marguerie worked as a guide and interpreter with the Jesuits during their missionary endeavours. He was called “the double man” by indigenous peoples because he was the only white European person who had so thoroughly adapted himself to their customs and languages. From 1635 to 1636, Marguerie spent the winter on Allumette Island and brought Jesuits with him. The Jesuits found the Indigenous people had a rapport with Marguerie and saw it as being quite useful. He often acted as a guide and interpreter during their religious excursions and their evangelist activities.
François Marguerie’s Sister
Marguerie’s sister Marie Marguerie arrived in New France as early as 1634 as a Filles à marier, a group of marriageable women who came to New France in search of a better life. She married Jacques Hertel in 1641. Together they had three children. Hertel served as an interpreter for the Jesuits and a representative for the French settlers in 1647; however, he died suddenly in at the age of 48. Marie Marguerie went on to marry Quentin Moral sieur de St-Quentin. Together, they had four children. She died in Trois-Rivières in 1700 and was buried next to her first husband, Jacques Hertel, per her wishes.
Kidnapped by the Iroquois
In 1641, François Marguerie went hunting with Thomas Godefroy and was kidnapped by the Iroquois and taken back to their village. The two remained there for several weeks and spent their time learning their language. During their captivity, Marguerie and Godefroy learned that the Iroquois were planning an attack on Trois-Rivières. The Iroquois were going to use the two French men as a lure. Marguerie was able to thwart this attack by volunteering to negotiate with the town’s leaders. Jean Nicollet and Father Ragueneau led negotiations, which resulted in Marguerie and Godefroy being released.
François Marguerie’s Marriage
François Marguerie married Marie Louise Cloutier, daughter of Beauport pioneers Zacharie Cloutier and Xainte Dupont, on October 26, 1645. Marie Louise would have been 13 years old while he was 33. Although they were married for three years, they did not have any children.
His Untimely Death
Marguerie died on May 23, 1648. He was travelling along the St. Lawrence River with Jean Amiot, son of Philippe Amiot and of Anne Couvent, when their canoe capsized outside of Trois-Rivières.
The Jesuits recorded François Marguerie’s death: “While crossing the great River opposite three Rivers, in a Savage Canoe, they were drowned in sight of the French, without its being possible to render them any assistance. Both were brave and Skillful; and, what is to be prized above all, they led, in the opinion of the whole country, a most innocent life. A storm suddenly arose; their bark canoe, which was worthless, split open and caused them to lose their lives.”
Are you related to François Marguerie’s family? Let me know!
Do you want to know more about the earliest settlers in New France? Check out New France’s Founding Families and Their Fascinating Stories.
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