Nicolas Pelletier

     Nicolas was born in Gallardon, Chartres, Beauce, France. He was christened there on 4 January 1596 in St-Pierre-St-Paul Church.¹ Nicolas married Jeanne DeVoisy in 1632 in Gallardon at St-Pierre-St-Paul Church.² In 1636, Nicolas Pelletier, age 22 years, his wife: Jeanie DeVoussy, age 22 years, children Francois, _ years, & Jean, 3 years, arrived at Quebec.³ Nicolas was a skilled craftsman and was recognized as such for much of his career. He earned the title of Master Carpenter. Between the years of 1637 and 1640, he held the title of “Carpenter of the Habitation of Quebec”. The Habitation of Quebec was the original building [better described as a set of three buildings] designed and built by Champlain in 1608 when he founded the settlement that would become Quebec City. This structure was Champlain’s fur trading center which soon led to trading throughout much of North America east of the Mississippi River. Thus, Nicolas was in charge of maintaining the fortress and any new additions or improvements. When Notre Dame church was built in 1647, Nicholas was chosen to build the roof structures and again in the following year, when the Chateau De St-Louis was built, he was chosen to build the roof structures of that very impressive structure. Chateau de St. Louis was built as the residence of the Governor of New France. Having been chosen for these very special and highly visible projects, indicates not only the reputation Nicolas had in his profession, but also that he was recognized by the men of Quebec of the highest rank.^4,5,6,7 Nicolas, Jeanne & their son were confrimed on 6 June 1661 at Sillery.⁸ 1667, Nicolas and Jeanne were listed on the Canadian Census in Ste-Foy, ville de Quebec, Quebec, Canada. Enumerated in this household were Nicolas [77 years], Jeanne Devourtais [53 years], son Nicolas [18 years] & a domestic, Pierre Quartier [18 years].⁸ Nicolas departed this life on Friday, 9 November 1674 in Sillery, ville de Quebec, Quebec, Canada.⁹