Biography

Jacques LUSSIER — (ca 1646 - 1712)

Pioneer Jacques Lussier (L'Huissier) was laid to rest this day, June 12th, 1713, at Sorel, Québec. He had apparently drowned some months earlier: "Jacques Lussier drowned in the St-Lawrence River, probably at the end of autumn 1712. His body was retrieved the following spring."

Jacques married twice. Each of his spouses was a fille-du-roi. His first wife, Charlotte Lamarche, died not long after the birth of their daughter Marie. Charlotte was "buried in the chapel at Boucherville, the first burial in that place." Their wedding on September 30th, 1669 at Québec had been one of six marriages celebrated that day.

Jacques's second marriage, to Catherine Clérice, was one of ten marriages celebrated at Québec on October 12th, 1671. This couple had at least eleven children.

Jacques's numerous notable descendants include actors Ryan Gosling and Shemar Moore. Frère André Bessette ("Saint André of Montréal") has the distinction of being descended from both families.

[Sources: PRDH; Our French-Canadian Ancestors, Thomas J. Laforest (tr.), LISI Press, Palm Harbor, Florida, 1992, vol.11 pp.142-154, James Weathers illustrator]