Pierre Cailleau

     Pierre was born circa 1631 in Bourg-sous-la-Roche, Vendee, Pays de la Loire, France. He was the son of Thomas Cailleau & Florence Bernier.¹ Pierre signed a contract on 22 April 1655, to work as a miller for a period of 4 years for Martin Lyonne of the Jesuits. He was to receive 670 livres for the 4 years of service. Pierre left France on board the ship "Sacrifice d'Abraham" commanded by Guillaume Poullet. There is also an unconfirmed record that Pierre signed a contract in Quebec dated 27 December 1649 where Pierre was to work for Jacques Bisset during the summer months of the next year [May 1650 to 24 October 1650]. If this information is true, then Pierre may have been making trips back and forth between Quebec and France.² A contract for the marriage of Pierre Cailleau & Marie-Olive Landry was signed on 31 January 1664. It was drawn up by notary, Severin Ameau. Olive brought a dowery of 450 livres which was given to her by the King, giving Pierre a total dowery of over 1000 livre. A dowery much larger than normal.³ Pierre married Marie-Olive Landry on 19 February 1664 in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, Canada, at the Cathedral de l'Assomption.^4,3 1666, Pierre and Marie-Olive were listed on the Canadian Census in Comte-de-Champlain, Quebec, Canada. Enumerated in this household were Pierre Cailla [35 years], Olive Landry [35 years], Pierre Caillou [3 months] & Jean Poupau [6 years].⁵ 1667, Pierre and Marie-Olive were listed on the Canadian Census in Comte-de-Champlain. Enumerated in this household were Pierre Caillau [36 years], Olive Cambin [35 years], Pierre Caillou [2 years] & Jean Poupau [7 years].⁶ 1681, Pierre and Marie-Olive were listed on the Canadian Census in Comte-de-Champlain, Quebec, Canada. Enumerated in this household were Pierre Caillas [50 years], Marie Landry [50 years] & Pierre [17 years].⁷ On 6 August 1688, Pierre asked the notary, Sylvain Guerin, to make note, that if he, Pierre, did not return from his trip into Indian territory, that his miller tools were to go to Denis Brousseau. This same man, Denis Brousseau, then signs a contract on the same day to become a miller at St-Sulpice Seminary.⁸ Pierre departed this life before 8 December 1688. On this day, his wife, Olive, sold property of Pierre without him present, which makes it appear that he had died. It is definite that he was dead as he is noted as deceased on his son Pierre's marriage record of 31 January 1690.¹