Pierre Desportes

Lifespan: 1588 — 1629-05-18

Summary

Earliest known ancestor on the Bodoh side (tied with Claude Morin, 1591). Born in Lisieux, Normandy, France. Not a minor settler — he was one of the principals of the Company of 100 Associates (share cost: 3,000 livres, indicating substantial means). Served as the colony’s baker and managed a fur trade warehouse.

Arrived in Quebec c. 1614, possibly with Abraham Martin (of Plains of Abraham fame). His wife Francoise Langlois (~1602, Dieppe) was sister to Marguerite Langlois, Abraham Martin’s wife — the two founding families were connected by marriage.

Their daughter Helene Desportes was born in Québec City in 1620 — among the first Europeans born in New France. Her godmother was Helene Boulle, wife of Samuel de Champlain.

After the English Kirke brothers captured Quebec in 1629, Pierre and Francoise were transported to London, then back to France. Pierre died in Lisieux (1629), Francoise in Dieppe (1632). Their daughter stayed in Quebec and became a founding mother of the colony.

Relationships

• Spouse: Francoise Langlois (~1602, Dieppe — d. 1632, Dieppe)
• Children: Helene Desportes (1620–1675) — likely others

Sources

• Little Chute Genealogy (via Helene Desportes’ record, Person ID I54902).