Nicolas Rivard dit Lavigne

     Nicolas was born in Tourouvre, Orne, Normandy, France. He was christened there on 16 June 1617 in St-Aubin Church.¹ Nicolas signed a contract to work for Noel Juchereau on 6 Mar 1648 and soon immigrated to New France. He contracted to work for 3 years for the sum of 66 livres per year and was advanced 15 livres.¹ Nicolas married Catherine St-Pere, daughter of Etienne St-Pere and Marie-Madeleine Cousteau, on 21 June 1653 in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, Canada, at the Cathedral de l'Assomption.^2,3 1666, Nicolas and Catherine were listed on the Canadian Census at Trois-Rivieres. Enumerated in this household were Nicolas Rivard Lavigne [42 years], Catherine Saintpere [30 years], Nicolas [12 years], Jeanne [9 years], Julien [7 years], Francois [5 years], Pierre [4 years], Marie-Madeleine [3 years], Michel [3 months] & servant: Jacques [25 years].⁴ 1667, Nicolas and Catherine were listed on the Canadian Census at Trois-Rivieres. Enumerated in this household were Nicolas Rivard [40 years], Catherine Stpeir [27 years], Nicolas [13 yearss], Jeanne [11 years], Julien [9 years], Francois [8 years], Pierre [6 years], Madeleine [4 years], Michel [2 years] & servant: Jacques [50 years].⁵ 1681, Nicolas and Catherine were listed on the Canadian Census in Batiscan, Les Chenaux County, Quebec, Canada. Enumerated in this household were Nicolas Rivard [60 years], Caherine Saintpere [45 years], Nicolas [28 years], Jeanne [25 years], Julien [24 years], Francois [22 years], Pierre [20 years], Madeleine [18 years], Michel [16 years], Jean [13 years], Catherine [7 years] & Antoine [5 years].⁶ In 1682, he was captain of the militia in Batiscan and continued in that position until 1698. Nicolas departed this life in Batiscan. He was buried there in the churchyard of St-Francois Xavier on Friday, 1 July 1701.⁷