Claude Bouchard (c. 1626–1699) & Louise Gasnier (Gagné) (1642–1721)

Early Settlers of New France

Claude Bouchard (1626–1699)

Claude Bouchard was a tailor from Saint-Côme-de-Vair in Maine, France. He was the son of Jacques Bouchard and Noëlle (or Nicole) Touschard (or Bouchard).

He was nicknamed “Le Petit Claude” (Little Claude) to distinguish him from a namesake and because of his stature.

• Origin: Born around 1626 in Saint-Côme-de-Vair, diocese of Mans, in the former province of Maine, France.
• Arrival in Canada: Believed to have arrived around 1650. His first mention in records is his marriage contract.
• Initial Settlement: He first settled on the coast of Beaupré, east of Quebec.

Life and Move to Petite-Rivière

Claude signed a marriage contract on November 30, 1653, before notary Claude Auber. He married Louise Gasnier on May 25, 1654, at Notre-Dame Church in Quebec.

The family lived on the coast of Beaupré and appeared in the censuses:

• 1666 Census: Claude (40, tailor), Louise (24), and children Marie (6), Jacques (4), Marguerite (4 months), plus Marie Michel (4 months).
• 1667 Census: Claude (45), Louise (25), Marie (8), Jacques (6), Marguerite (2); records show 7 cattle and 8 arpents in value.
• 1681 Census: Claude (55), Louise (40), and children Marie (20), Jacques (18), Marguerite (14), François (12), Louise (11), Angélique (9), Jean (8), Rosalie (7); records show 2 rifles, 10 horned beasts, and 6 arpents in value.

Influenced by his father-in-law, Louis Gasnier, Claude relocated the family to the lands of Petite-Rivière. He contracted to sell his farm at Château-Richer on July 26, 1682, and settled in Petite-Rivière in the summer of 1684.

• Death: He died at Petite-Rivière on November 25, 1699, at Saint-François-Xavier de la Petite-Rivière and was buried the same day at Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Baie-Saint-Paul. His death certificate listed him as 70 years of age.

Louise Gagné née Gasnier (1642–1721)

Louise Gasnier was the daughter of Louis Gagné (Gasnier) and Marie Michel. She was the goddaughter of Mathurin Bouillie and Renée Gueue.

• Birth/Baptism: Baptized on January 21, 1642, at the Saint-Martin Church in Igé, in the former province of Perche, France.
• Arrival in Canada: Estimated to have arrived with her parents around 1644. She is first mentioned in Canadian records in 1644.
• Confirmation: She was confirmed on February 2, 1660, at Château-Richer.

Marriage and Children

Louise signed her marriage contract on November 30, 1653, in Quebec. She married Claude Bouchard on May 25, 1654, in Notre-Dame-de-Québec.

They had twelve children (six boys and six girls); seven survived to adulthood and married.

The “+” symbol indicates those who survived to adulthood and married.

• Death: Louise was buried on April 27, 1721, at Baie-Saint-Paul. The officiating priest was André Jorian.

Sources and References

1. PRDH: Research Programme in Historical Demography (free): Pionnier: 3492
2. PREFEN Fiche 12880
3. Généalogie Québec 8906
4. Tanguay, vol. 1, p. 69
5. Carpin 1999, Annexe D, p. 575
6. Numbered #173 in Carpin’s list and in the list that can be seen on the Percheron Immigration Category page.
7. PREFEN Fiche 12880, Origines
8. Geography and date of birth according to PRDH: around 1626 in St-Cosme-de-Vair (now St-Cosme-en-Vairais), diocese of Le Mans, Maine (ar. Mamers, Sarthe).
9. PREFEN Fiche 12880, Départ
10. Lesperance 2002 citing Jetté 1983, p. 132: “BOUCHARD, Claude (Tailor) departed St-Cosme-de-Vair.”
11. PREFEN Fiche 12880, Vie en Nouvelle-France
12. PREFEN Fiche 14420, Vie en Nouvelle France
13. perche-quebec.com
14. PREFEN Data sheet 14420, Life in New France
15. Senécal, Recensement de 1666
16. Burial of Claude Bouchard 1699 Collection Drouin, IGD (Membership)
17. PRDH Famille 780
18. Burial of Louise Gagné 1721 Collection Drouin, IGD (Membership)

Credits and Licensing

Compiled by Mark Rabideau, Opa & Professional Genealogist.

All materials licensed: CC BY-ND 4.0 by eirenicon llc.