Marie Thibault (c. 1660 – August 18, 1711)

Born: Around 1660, France
Died: August 18, 1711, Quebec, Canada
Background: Marie Thibault was among the Filles du Roi (Daughters of the King), a group of approximately 770 women who immigrated to New France between 1663 and 1673 under the sponsorship of King Louis XIV.[1] She arrived in Quebec in 1670, accompanied by a dowry of 50 livres provided by the Crown, as recorded in the Registre des Filles du Roi.[2]

Jean Rolandeau (January 21, 1650 – February 2, 1715)

Born: January 21, 1650, Marsilly, Aunis, France
Died: February 2, 1715, Montmagny, Quebec, Canada
Parents: Louis Rolandeau and Laurence Chauveau
Background: Jean Rolandeau, a carpenter by trade, immigrated to New France in 1672.[3] He initially settled near Quebec City, where he acquired a land grant of 40 arpents (approximately 34 acres) in 1675, as documented in the Notarial Records of New France.[4]

Marriage and Family

Marie Thibault and Jean Rolandeau were married on April 24, 1680, in Quebec.[5] Their marriage contract, drafted by notary Romain Becquet on April 20, 1680, stipulated that Marie retained control of her dowry and any inherited property—a rare clause reflecting her status as a Fille du Roi.[6] The couple had seven children:

• Marie-Anne Laurendeau (1681–1745): Married François Parent in 1702. Their marriage record from the Parish of Sainte-Famille notes they owned a farm in Montmagny.[7]
• Catherine Laurendeau (1685–1759): Married François Boutin in 1710. Boutin later served as a militia captain during the French and Indian War.[8]
• Geneviève Laurendeau (1687–unknown): Mentioned in Jean Rolandeau’s 1715 will as receiving a dowry of 200 livres.[9]
• Louise Laurendeau (1689–1762): Married Jean Gendron in 1713; their descendants settled in Acadia.[10]
• Charles Laurendeau (1692–1734): Inherited his father’s carpentry tools and land in Montmagny.[11]
• Anne Laurendeau (1695–1770): Married Pierre Anger-Marot, a fur trader, in 1715.[12]
• Marguerite Laurendeau (1698–unknown): No surviving records beyond her baptism.[13]

Land Ownership and Community Role

Jean Rolandeau expanded his landholdings to 120 arpents by 1700, as recorded in the Montmagny Land Registry.[14] He also served as a churchwarden in Montmagny, overseeing the construction of the local chapel in 1705.[15]

Historical Context

Montmagny, founded in 1672, was a hub for agriculture and trade. The Laurendeau family’s success mirrored the colony’s growth—New France’s population surged from 3,000 to 20,000 between 1663 and 1715.[16] Marie Thibault’s story exemplifies the critical role of Filles du Roi in stabilizing the colony: over 80% of French Canadians today descend from these women.[17]