Jacques Hertel

     Jacques was born in 1603 in Fecamp, Seine-Maritime, Normandy, France. It is believed that Jacques came to Quebec in 1615, possibly with his parents or the missionaries, in Champlain’s first trip to New France. He is known to have traveled with the Jesuits, learning the native languages and working with the Algonquins. His name first appears in Canadian records in 1626 when he accompanies Champlain to Quebec and is identified as an interpreter. In the late 1620’s, when the French were fighting the Kirk Brothers and England, he had already established himself at what would become the settlement of Trois-Rivieres and was a member of the garrison there. When the French relinquished Quebec to the brothers and England, Jacques and seven other fur traders and interpreters decided to live with the Algonquins instead of surrendering to the British. While England was in control of Quebec these men successfully encouraged the Native peoples not to trade with the English. In 1632, Quebec was returned to France by treaty. Shortly after the return of Champlain to Quebec, Jacques was rewarded for his bravery and loyalty with a deed to an estate at Trois-Rivieres. He would later receive two more estates from the government. In 1637, another famous interpreter, Francois Marguerie, moved to Trois-Rivieres and settled there. Shortly after, he made arrangements for his sister, Marie, to come to Quebec with the idea that she would marry Jacues.¹ A contract for the marriage of Jacques and Marie Marguerie was signed on 23 August 1641. It was drawn up by notary Piraude. It notes that he was originally from Bourg-Fecamp, diocese of Caux; his parents: the late Nicolas Hertel & the late Jeanne Miriot. It notes that she was originally from Rouen; parents: Marguerie & Marthe Romaine. She brought as her dowry, 650 Livres.² Jacques departed this life on Thursday, 10 August 1651 in Trois-Rivieres at age 48 years. His death was probably accidental. On the same day, he was buried there in the churchyard of L'Assomption.³