During the summer of 1666, 16 years old Pierre Parenteau dit Lafontaine came to Quebec as a soldier in the Carignan Salieres Regiment. The soldiers were tasked with protecting the settlers who were in constant conflict with the natives, in particular the Iroquois. Over the next year the fights that did occur with the Iroquois were mostly fruitless, but the Iroquois were so impressed by the show of force that in 1667 they agreed to sign a peace treaty with the French. That peace lasted for close to 20 years, during which time the colony grew and prospered.
Pierre stayed in Quebec and over the next several years he earned a living by clearing land. His future wife, Madeleine Tisseran arrived in Quebec on September 3, 1673. She had come to Quebec as a Filles du Roi (King’s Daughter) which meant she was to marry, as soon as possible. On September 11, 1673 Madeleine signed a contract to marry Pierre and on September 12, 1673, the couple married in Quebec City.
Pierre and Madeleine established themselves in the seignory of Saint Francois which belonged to Jean Crevier. Their land was officially granted to them on October 3, 1673.
St. Joseph Island is located in the St. Francois River, not very far to the north of Yamaska.
From 1674 to 1690, Madeleine gave birth to 10 children, 5 of whom survived to adulthood: Marie Marguerite, Marie Renee, Marie Jeanne, Charles and Pierre.
Starting around 1688, the Iroquois attacked the French settlements along the St. Lawrence River. It was during one of these conflicts in 1690 or 1691 that Pierre Parenteau was killed.
Two of Pierre and Madeleine’s children are my direct ancestors:
- Daughter Marie Renee married Pierre Bibeau on November 28, 1706 at St. Francois du Lac. They are my 7th great-grandparents on the Peltier side of my family through my 2nd great-grandmother Mathilda Domitille (Garceau) Peltier.
- Son Pierre married Marguerite St. Laurent on July 28, 1711, at St. Francois du Lac. They are my 7th great-grandparents on the Vadnais side of my family through my 3rd great-grandmother Marguerite (Petrin Houle) Vadnais. All Parenteau family members in North America descend from this couple.
Thanks for visiting, come back soon,
Cynthia
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Fascinating! Thanks so much
oxoox