Catherine Gouget1,2

F, b. 1617, d. 9 April 1679
     Catherine was born in 1617 in Bourg-de-Thury-Harcourt, Calvados, Normandy, France. She was the daughter of Leonard Gouget & Catherine Dufrencois. Catherine came from France as one of the "Fille a Marier" in the late summer of 1640 with a marriage contract in hand. A contract for the marriage of Catherine & Nicolas Bonhomme was signed on 2 September 1640 in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, Canada. The notary Martial Pirauabe wrote up the contract stating that Nicolas was the son of Nicolas Bonhomme and Marie ______. Also that Catherine was the daughter of Leonard Gouget and Catherine duFrancois..3 1666, Catherine and her husband, Nicolas, were listed on the Canadian Census in Comte de Quebec, Quebec, Canada. Enumerated in this household were Nicolas Bonhomme [63 years], his wife: Catherine Gouget [50 years], Ignace [19 years], Pierre [16 years], Nicolas [12 years], Catherine [11 years], Thomas Gondouin [18 years].4 1667, Catherine and her husband, Nicolas, were listed on the Canadian Census. Enumerated in this household were Nicolas Bonhomme [56 years], his wife: Catherine Gouger [50 years], Ignace [22 years], Piierre [18 years], Nicolas [15 years], Catherine [12 years], Thomas Gandouin [18 years].4 Catherine departed this life on Sunday, 9 April 1679 in ville de Quebec. She was buried there in the Notre Dame Cemetery on Monday, 10 April 1679.5 1681, Catherine and her husband, Nicolas, were listed on the Canadian Census in Sillery, ville de Quebec. Enumerated in this household were Nicolas Bonhomme [74 years] & Catheriine Couget [74 years]. Nicolas included Catherine although she was no longer wiith him.6

Family

Nicolas Bonhomme b. 1607, d. 7 Aug 1683
Children

Citations

  1. [S1584] Filles a Marier - A Marriageable Young Girl: Most of us are familiar with the story of the King's Daughters or Fille Du Roi; the state sponsored program that brought almost 800 single women to Quebec in the early days of the French settlement, but what is not so well known is the story of the Fille a Marier. Between 1634 and 1662; 262 young ladies braved the elements to begin an uncertain future in the backwoods of Canada.

    When the Company of 100 Associates began their settlement scheme, their plan of recruiting only families proved to be too costly, so instead they signed on single men; tradesman and labourers; who would be indentured for three years. However, this meant that more than 80% of the colonists were men, so even if they decided to stay at the end of their term, there was little hope of them starting a family, unless they chose a Canadian girl. But, since her family would never allow her, or her children, to leave their village; the company directors needed to avoid this from happening.

    So instead, they began recruiting "marriagable young girls", who would first sign a contract in France and then be given passage and a small dowry to become the wife of a Quebec settler. You might wonder why these young girls (many under 16), would risk the dangers and hardships, which by now most of France were well aware of; but believe it or not; for many it was the best option.

    At the time, marriages were arranged, so if the girl's family did not have the means to provide a sutable dowry, her only option was to become a nun, if she was Catholic; or marry beneath her station. In the case of the young Filles a Marier, though a marriage contract must be signed before departure, she had every right to refuse the union, once she met her husband-to-be. As a matter of fact, many of them did just that, and were provided safe passage home. - http://www.geocities.com/weallcamefromsomewhere/Kebec/…
  2. [S1585] Filles a Marier - [biography]: Catherine Gouget - Catherine Gouget was born about 1616 in Thury-Harcourt, Bayeaux, Normandie, France; the daughter of Leonard Gouget and Catherine Dufrencoyes. She arrived in the Quebec Colony as a Filles A Marier, contracted to be the bride of Nicolas Bonhomme. They were married September 02, 1640 at Trois-Rivieres.
    Nicolas was born about 1603 in the Parish of Ste. Croix de Fecamp, pays de Caux, Le Havre, Rouen, Normandy, France; the son of Nicolas Bonhomme Sr. and Marie-Madeleine Guyon. He and Marie would have seven children before her death on April 09, 1679 in Ville De Quebec. Nicolas followed on August 07, 1683. - http://www.geocities.com/weallcamefromsomewhere/Kebec/…
  3. [S1598] Research Program In Historical Demography: Marriage Contract Certificate Number 94108.
  4. [S1598] Research Program In Historical Demography.
  5. [S1596] Drouin Institute: Burial: 10 April 1679 - Catherine Gouget, died yesterday at aound the age of 72 years, wife of Nicolas Bonhomme; at Notre Dame de Quebec - www.genealogiequebec.com.
  6. [S1598] Research Program In Historical Demography: Census Certificate Number 98656. [Note - PRDH states that altough Catherine is listed on this census, records indicate she is deceased - KLM]