Before we journey to New Orleans, let’s explore how our ancestors arrived in Canada then with Iberville the Gulf Coast. In the three decades starting in 1632, a significant number of immigrants to New France came from Perche, in what’s known as the Percheron immigration movement. Many Percherons were recruited to work in seigneuries (The seigneurs were nobles or merchants that were granted a large piece of land) being established along the Saint Lawrence valley.
New France
The Dale’s oldest ancestors on record are among these immigrants, individuals like Jean Guyon Dubuisson, a master mason, Zacharie Cloutier, a master carpenter, and Robert Drouin, a tile maker. Their skills were instrumental in building communities in New France.
History recalls the Percheron immigration, but there were earlier journeys to New France. Notably, Royal Navy ships, Salamandre and Lionne, embarked in April of 1632. Carrying around 40 men, with 37 contracted to labor in Canada for three years, their mission was pivotal: to reclaim Québec from English hands and revive the settlement. Many hailed from Normandy, carpenters, sawyers, barrel makers, a mason, a baker, and others.
Though many returned to France after fulfilling their contracts, their efforts laid the groundwork for burgeoning settlements.
The saga of the early Percheron immigration, three remarkable figures from our ancestry stand out: Jean Guyon Dubuisson, Zacharie Cloutier, and Robert Drouin. Each brought their unique skills, carving a path in the New World that would shape its destiny.
Jean Guyon, a master mason, embarked on the journey to New France as part of Robert Giffard‘s pioneering expedition in 1634. With deft hands and a keen eye, Guyon played a pivotal role in shaping the architectural landscape of the burgeoning colony. His craftsmanship laid the foundation for sturdy homes and fortifications, enduring symbols of resilience against the harsh Canadian wilderness.
Zacharie Cloutier, a master carpenter, joined the ranks of Giffard’s settlers, bringing his expertise in woodworking to the fledgling settlement. From crafting essential structures to fashioning tools for survival, Cloutier’s ingenuity and skill were indispensable. His work not only provided shelter but also forged bonds within the community, as neighbors gathered to raise each other’s homes in a spirit of solidarity.
Robert Drouin, a tile maker, added a touch of artistry to the practicalities of colony life. With an eye for detail and a dedication to his craft, Drouin’s tiles adorned hearths and rooftops, adding warmth and character to the homes of New France. Beyond mere functionality, his creations spoke of a desire for beauty amidst the wilderness, a testament to the settlers’ enduring spirit.
Together, Guyon, Cloutier, and Drouin embodied the resilience and resourcefulness of the early pioneers. Through their labor and dedication, they not only built physical structures but also laid the groundwork for a thriving community, their legacy echoing through the centuries in the heart of New France.
Louisiana Territory
In the 16th century, the French began exploring North America. René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, was a key figure in this exploration. He claimed a large part of North America for France, including the area around the Mississippi River.
In February 1682, La Salle, led an adventurous group down the Illinois River to the mighty Mississippi. They built canoes and sailed to present-day Memphis, Tennessee, where La Salle built a fort. In April 1682, they reached the Gulf of Mexico. He claimed the entire region French territory.
Despite challenges, including conflicts and hardships, La Salle’s efforts paved the way for others like Iberville.
In February 1685, La Salle set out to establish a camp at the mouth of the Mississippi River.
Despite landing in Texas instead, he persisted in his search, leading his fleet of four ships and 280 men through unknown territory.
Tragically, his journey ended prematurely when he was killed by his own men, but his unwavering determination remains a testament to his adventurous spirit.
Born in Montreal, Iberville became a French-Canadian naval hero. He captured English ships in 1690 and later explored the Gulf of Mexico, establishing forts near present-day Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and New Orleans.
Iberville Arrives on the Gulf Coast
Iberville’s men in 1699 brought much of our ancestral DNA here but to understand why we need to take a brief look at colonial French explorer La Salle.
Yeah, I did a deep dive into French-Canadian history. Our people predate the Cajuns from Nova Scotia by nearly a 100 years on the Gulf Coast. Your grandfathers were the first to set foot and cut trees in what we know as Quebec.
They were skilled craftsmen who signed contracts to work the area for a couple of years. Some of them stayed while some went back to France then in 1699 many of them (and/or their children) arrive along the Gulf Coast in search of the Mississippi River with Iberville.
Vivi la France – LaSalle laid the foundation, then Iberville and his men the did heavy lifting in establishing New Orleans.
Our family connections to Iberville and his brother Bienville are amazing.
– We Are New Orleans –