Guillaume Couillard

Guillaume Couillard (Known as "Sieur de l'Espinay")

Pioneer Farmer, Pilot of the St. Lawrence River, First Ennobled Habitant

Born c. 1591

Saint-Malo (Brittany), France

Passed Away Mar 04, 1663 Quebec City, Canada

Lifespan 72 years old

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Notice / Correction

"Pioneer pilot and tiller of the earth whose lineage became the bedrock of Quebec."

Archival Overview

Early pioneer who arrived in Quebec in 1613, married Louis Hébert's daughter Guillemette, mastered river navigation, and became the first Canadian colonist to be ennobled by King Louis XIV.

Biographical Record

Guillaume Couillard arrived in New France around 1613 as an employee of the trading company, mastering the dangerous navigation of the St. Lawrence River. In 1621, he married Guillemette Hébert, uniting two of the colony's founding families.

When the Kirke brothers seized Quebec in 1629, Couillard and his family remained, preserving French agricultural holdings until the colony was returned to France in 1632. In 1654, King Louis XIV ennobled Couillard for his exemplary loyalty and agricultural leadership.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Notre-Dame de Québec Crypt
Quebec City, Canada

                         GPS: 46.8139, -71.2064                    

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