Marie Rollet

Identity and Family

Marie Rolet aka Rollet, Roillet, HĂ©bert, Hubou

Marriages

  1. François Dufeu — married before 1601 (to about 1601) [location unknown]
  2. Louis Hebert — married February 19, 1601 in Eglise Saint Sulpice, Paris, France
  3. Guillaume Huboult — married May 16, 1629 in Notre-Dame de la Recouvrance, QuĂ©bec, Canada, Nouvelle-France

Children (Descendants)

Biography

Marie Rolet was born around 1580 in Paris, France, to Jean Rollet, a royal cannoner, and Anne Cogu. She grew up in a well-off family and was educated, which was rare for women at the time. She married François Dufeu, but he passed away before she remarried. On February 19, 1601, at about 21 years old, she married Louis Hébert, a 36-year-old Parisian apothecary. They had three children: Anne, Guillemette, and Guillaume.

In August 1606, Marie sold their house in Paris for 2,160 livres to Queen Margaret of Valois. This gave the family financial stability. Louis HĂ©bert had traveled to Acadia in 1606 and 1610, leaving Marie to manage the home and land.

Migration to New France

In 1617, Marie, Louis, and their three children sailed from France to New France (modern-day Quebec). They traveled aboard the Saint-Étienne with Samuel de Champlain, Father Le Caron, and others. After a long and difficult journey, they arrived in Tadoussac in June 1617 and traveled by boat up to Quebec City, where they built a home with the help of Marie’s brother, Claude. By 1620, they constructed a stone house with help from workers at the Quebec settlement.

Map of Quebec City, 1608 (Library and Archives Canada, C-129201)

Marie and Louis worked together to clear the land, grow crops, and care for both French settlers and Indigenous people. Marie was also deeply involved in educating Indigenous children, particularly girls. She often acted as a godmother for the baptisms of Indigenous people who converted to Christianity.

Louis HĂ©bert’s Death and Marie’s Third Marriage

In 1627, Louis HĂ©bert tragically died after falling on ice. After his death, Marie continued managing the family land and caring for her daughter and son-in-law, Guillemette and Guillaume Couillard.

On May 16, 1629, Marie remarried to Guillaume Hubou, a man around 24 years old. Despite the challenges they faced, Marie and her family stayed in Quebec during the English occupation by the Kirke brothers (1629–1632). They remained in the colony after the French returned, preserving relationships with the Indigenous peoples and continuing to care for Indigenous girls.

Marie’s house became a home for these girls, who were entrusted to the Jesuits for education. Marie also helped care for a young boy from Madagascar, named Olivier, who is thought to be the first black slave in New France.

Québec City, ca. 1700 (Anonymous engraving dating from 1700, Library and Archives Canada, 1986-020-PIC)

Later Years and Death

In 1637, Marie was a witness at the marriage of her daughter’s cousin, Marguerite Couillard, to Jean Nicolet. Over the years, she continued teaching, caring for the children in her care, and managing her land. She passed away on May 27, 1649, at the age of about 69 and was buried in Quebec City.

Legacy

Marie Rolet is remembered as one of the first women to settle in New France and the first French female farmer. Her descendants are numerous in North America, particularly through her children Guillemette and Guillaume HĂ©bert. Marie was a pioneer in “interculturalism,” as she taught Indigenous girls European education long before the term was widely known. A monument to her, Louis HĂ©bert, and Guillaume Couillard was erected in 1917 in Parc Montmorency, Quebec.

Marie’s story was celebrated in 2017 for the 400th anniversary of her arrival in New France. Her legacy continues to be honored by her many descendants, who are recognized as key figures in the founding of Canada.

Further Research Resources

Yes, the material provided includes an excellent, categorized list of research resources for Marie Rollet and the early New France period. Here is that list:

I. Primary Sources (Where possible, these are ideal):

  1. Notarial Records (Quebec): These are crucial. Marie Rollet’s life in Quebec would have been documented in notarial records: land transactions, marriage contracts, wills, etc. The BibliothĂšque et Archives nationales du QuĂ©bec (BAnQ) is the primary repository. You’ll likely need to search their online catalog and potentially consult with archivists. Be prepared for these documents to be in French and potentially difficult to read due to age and handwriting.
  2. Jesuit Relations: These are annual reports sent back to France by Jesuit missionaries in New France. They often mention important colonists and events. They are a valuable source for the early colonial period. Many have been translated into English. Look for mentions of Marie Rollet, her husband Louis HĂ©bert, and their family.
  3. Early Quebec Census Records: If any exist for the period, these could provide demographic information about the family and their social standing.
  4. Legal Documents: Any court records, petitions, or other legal documents involving Marie Rollet or her family would be valuable. Again, the BAnQ is the place to start.
  5. Letters (if any): While less likely for someone of her social standing at that time, any surviving letters written by or to Marie Rollet would be invaluable.

II. Secondary Sources (These provide context and analysis):

III. Online Resources (Use with caution; always verify information):

IV. Research Strategies:

V. Key Search Terms:

Remember to critically evaluate all your sources and cite them properly.

Credits and Licensing

Compiled by Mark Rabideau, Opa & Professional Genealogist.

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