Antoine Brassart

     Antoine was born circa 1609 in Normandy, France. He departed his home in Normandy to immigrate to Quebec arriving at Trois-Riveres 11 June 1636. He made the journey in a Flotilla of 3 or 4 ships under the command of DePlessis-Buchart. The ship that Antoine boarded was the "Saint Joseph", Leiut. Nicolas Trevet in command. Antoine was listed as a mason, age of 27 years. He signed with a drawing, indicating he was likely illiterate.¹ Antoine married Francoise Merry on 14 January 1637 in ville de Quebec, Quebec, Canada, at the chapel of Notre-Dame-de-la-Recouvrance.² They returned in 1639 to France. In 1641, the couple and their children returned to Quebec. On 4 July 1642, Antoine signed a contract with Guilluame Coillart, a carpenter and farmer who was in the possession of large parcels of land. In 1647, Antoine became qualified to be titled a master mason.¹ 1666, Antoine and Francoise were listed on the Canadian Census in ville de Quebec, Quebec, Canada. Enumerated in this household were Antoine Broussard [57 years], Francoise Mery [45 years], Guillaume [18 years], Antoine [16 years], Jean-Baptiste [14 years], Louis [12 years] & Dorothee [9 years].³ 1667, Antoine and Francoise were listed on the Canadian Census in Sillery, ville de Quebec, Quebec, Canada. Enumerated in this household were Antoine Bassard [58 years], Francoise Mery [54 years], Guillaume [20 years], Antoine [18 years], Jean [16 years], Louis [14 years] & Dorothee [12 years].⁴ Antoine departed this life in ville de Quebec. He was buried there in the cemetery at the Mission of St-Joseph of the Jesuits. The inventory of Antoine's estate was taken on Tuesday, 9 July 1669. An inventory was taken on 9 July 1669 and auctions were held on 21 & 25 July, selling off personal property and farm equipment and goods. The grain from the year's harvest were also sold at this time. The total of these sales amounted to almost 900 pounds. His total assets totaled 1773 pounds.¹