The family of
Nicolas Chauvin de La Freniere
of Canada & Louisiana
Page created by Sadie Greening Sparks
Copyright October 18, 2000
NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE
THE 'OTHER' DAUGHTER OF NICOLAS CHAUVIN DE LA FRENIERE
Nicolas Chauvin de La Freniere was born January 19, 1676, Parish of Villa Marie, Montreal, Canada, the son of Pierre Chauvin & wife Marthe Autreuil. He died in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1749. He married Marguerite LeSeuer, daughter of Pierre Charles LeSeuer & Marguerite Messier dit St. Michael. about August,1724, Mobile, Ala., by whom he had several children.
Prior to his marriage to Marguerite, Nicolas Chauvin de La Freniere had a child by one of his Indian slaves, named Catherine. This daughter, Hypolite, is our direct line. Under Louisiana law, being illegitimate, she could not inherit from her father's estate when he died in 1749.
Child: Chauvin de LaFrenier
1. Hypolite Chauvin de LaFrenier Born CA 1714-15,
probably at Ft. Conde, Mobile, Alabama. She died prior to May 15, 1758 probably at the Opelousas Post,
Louisiana.
She married Joseph Turpin, son of Pierre Alexander Turpin & Charlotte Beauvais, of
the parish of Kaskaskia, (Illinois Country) in New Orleans, Louisiana, on November 7, 1731.
New Orleans French (Winston DeVille)
7 November, 1731 Joseph Turpin, native of Montreal, son of deceased Alexander Turpin and deceased Charlotte
Beauvais, of the parish of Kaskaskias and Hyppolitte-daughter of an Indian
named Catherine, once a servant of Chauvin de la Freniere. (Nicolas Chauvin de la
Freniere)
This couple lived at Kaskaskia, had one daughter, Marie Madeleine, and were expecting their second child when Joseph Turpin died in early 1750. After the death of Joseph Turpin, Hypolite Chauvin de la Freniere married her second husband, Sieur Joseph de La Mirande, at Kaskaskia, Ill. on March 19, 1750. He was born CA 1728 at Three Rivers, son of Sieur Joseph de la Mirande and Marguerite Gatasse.
Joseph de la Mirande raised this second child, a son, as his own, and he was known as Francis Turpin LaMirande. He is in Vincennes Post, Ind, in 1790-Richard Francis Turpin.
Hypolite and Joseph de la Mirande had one daughter, Marie Rose Josephe "Josette", born CA 1752,, who later married at Pointe Coupee, La. on October 16, 1769 to Martin Barthelemy LeBleux dit Comersac of Arkansas Post. They obviously had a son Joseph, who witnessed his sister's marriage in 1769 @ Pointe Coupee.
Hypolite apparently died about 1758 as Joseph de La Mirande
remarried to Marie Catherine Frederick, widow of #2 Antoine Doza & #1-Louis
Riche, at Pointe Coupee on May 15, 1758. He later married a third wife,
Elizabeth Poitier, widow of Jacques Millet.
(Ref: Southwest Louisiana Records -Hebert)
Children of Hypolite Chauvin de la Frenier & # 1 husband Joseph Turpin (TURPIN)
1. Marie Madeleine Born Ca 1732 Kaskaskia, Ill. Post
Died: _____
(M) Pierre Texier dit LaVigne January 12, 1750, Kaskaskia, Ill. Post
son of Jean-Bte. Texier dit LaVigne & Marianne Migneret.
(M) #2 CA 1780 (Prob. in Ill) to Joseph Auger by whom she
had at least one child, a son, Joseph Auger II, native of Isle Negrs, Ill, who
married in Opelousas Post, La on Feb 8, 1803, to Celeste De la Fosse. The
parents of the groom in this marriage record are given as Joseph Auger &
Madeleine Turpin. Ref-Fr. Hebert's records, Vol I, P 16, courtesy Janis
(Auger26@aol.com)
This couple had 10 children, all born St Landry, La-Auger Family Association,
Rootsweb.com
Joseph Auger, s/o Joseph Auger & Magdalen Turpin, had a daughter named Brigitte. Brigitte's godparents were Joseph LaMirande & Rosalie Benoit. Reference: Opel Church v 1-B p 358 Brigitte was baptized 4 Aug 1805 at the age of 3 months.
2. Richard Francis Born 1750 Kaskaskia, Illinois Post lived at
Vincennes Post, Ind. 1790
further info on Pierre Tessier dit Lavigne page.
Kaskaskia Under The French Regime- Belting-
Marriages
March 19, 1750-Joseph LaMirande and Hypolite La Fresniere...Three bans
January 12, 1751-Pierre Texier dit La Vigne, son of Jean Baptiste Texier dit Lavigne and Marianne Migneret, married Marie Madeleine Turpin, daughter of the late Joseph Turpin and Hypolite Chauvin.
The Village of Chartres, Illinois (Brown & Dean)
Entry P2-Jan 5, 1762-Nicolas Chauvin, Soldier of the Troops, witnessed
the marriage of Monsieur Antoine Chassin dit Sans Chagrin, Sgt. of the Co.
of St. Pierre to Marie Joseph de Savmucioux
This Nicolas Chauvin was probably the 1/2 brother of Hypolite- He was executed as a traitor by the Spanish Goverenment at the Ursuline Convent in New Orleans, La. on Oct 25, 1769..
Children of Hypolite Chauvin de La Freniere & #2 husband Joseph de La Mirande
1. Marie Rose Josephe "Josette" Born CA 1752
Died July 15, 1794 Opelousas, La
Succession Records Dec 12, 1808
(M) Martin Barthelemy LeBleu dit Comersac Oct. 16, 1769 Pointe Coupee, La
Wts: Joseph La Mirande, the son (her brother)
Marie Chauvin
Cortableu
Bacon, the elder.
2. Joseph Born Ca 1753 Kaskaskia Illinois Post
(Witnessed the marriage of his sister, Josette, in 1769 at Pointe Coupee
-------------------------------
A Dictionary of Louisiana Biography-Vol I
NICOLAS CHAUVIN DE LA FRENIERE, first generation Canadian, pioneer settler on Chapitoulas Coast, member of the Superior Council of French Louisiana. Born Montreal, Quebec, baptized June 19, 1676, eighth child of Pierre Chauvin & Marthe Autreuil. In Louisiana by 1706, taking the name of La Freniere. Ventured into Texas with Juchereau de Saint Denis, 1716, as a merchant along with his brothers Joseph & Louis. The brothers, learning of the confiscation of St.- Denis' merchandise, placed theirs in the hands of the Recollet priests at the Presidio des Norte which they soon left to return to Mobile, October 25, 1717. Despite opposition, La Freniere was named to fill a vacancy on Superior Council, governing body of the Province.
By 1720, Nicolas was with brothers Joseph Chauvin de Lery, and
Louis Chauvin de Beaulieu, on the Chapitoulas Coast, successfully clearing
land, tilling the soil, exploiting the virgin forest, digging canals and
drainage ditches. The Chauvins were early slave owners, having nearly a hundred
according to 1721 census. In 1725, at Bienvilles' suggestion, the Company
of the Indies sold it's herd of sheep to La Freniere.
Nicolas, pere, largest lumber contributor (1,345 1/2 ft) to first church of St.
Louis, New Orleans, 1727.
Nicolas married Margurerite LeSueur of Mobile, second cousin to Bienville, Ca August, 1724. With Chevalier de Pradel, opened a tavern stocked with wine and liquor worth 1,000 livres, 1729; first cabaret of record in the capital.
La Freniere increased his land holdings as his family grew, buying nearly 30 arpents of former Bienville lands directly above New Orleans, and portions of Kolly -Saint-Reyoe Plantation. Owned a townhouse in the city but probably reared his children-Nicolas, fils, Jean-Baptiste, Francois, Catherine, and Jeanne Marguerite-at his Chapitoulas plantation.
Largely self-educated, he provided the best school opportunities for Nicolas, fils, sending him to France for law studies. His eldest son succeeded him on the Council, being appointed attorney general for Louisiana in1763.
Nicolas, pere, died in 1749.
H.C.B.
Nicolas, fils (son) was executed by the new Spanish controlled government, as a traitor in New Orleans, on Oct. 25, 1769, along with his son-in-law, due to their loyalty to France.
----------------------------------
1706 Census of Mobile
Nicolas La Freniere, a Bachelor 1 person Total
1711 Census-Mobile
LaFreniere
Dec. 1721 Census-Chapitoulas
LaFreniere 1 master, 5 French Servants, 33 Negro Slaves, 8 Indian Slaves
1721 Census, New Orleans
Turpin, Canadian, wool comber
1 Master, 2 Negro Slaves, 2 Indian Slaves
Dec 20, 1724 Census-Chapitoulas
M. Chauvin de la Freniere, age 48, Native of Montreal
Wife
3 Orphans
M. Bellaire, Nephew
Langevin, Indigo Worker
Moussignac
Girard, carpenter-joiner
77 Negroes
5 Indians
1726 Census- Chapitoulas
LeSieur Chauvin La Freneire , Wife, 3 children
4 Masters, 2 French servants, 115 Negroes, 3 Indian slaves
July 1, 1727 Census-Chapitoulas
Sieur Chauvin de la Freniere, Wife, 3 children, LeSieur Hugart
6 Masters, 1 French Servant, 87 Negro slaves, 6 Indian slaves
1731 Census-Chapitoulas
LaFreniere, wife, 4 children
6 Engages, 76 Negroes
The New Orleans French-DeVille
7 November, 1731
JOSEPH TURPIN, native of Montreal, son of deceased Alexander Turpin and
deceased Charlotte Beauvais, of the parish of Kaskaskias, and HYPPOLITTE-
daughter of an Indian named Catherine, once a servant of Chauvin de la
Freniere.
This couple lived in Kaskaskia, Illinois Post.
1732 List of Persons who own land in the city of New Orleans
la Fresneire
Jan, 1732 Census of New Orleans, Royal Street-Homeowner -La Freniere Occupant: Widow LaViolette
Children of Nicolas Chauvin de la Frenier & wife
Marguerite LeSeuer (M) CA Aug, 1725
Marguerite Born CA 1725 (M) Feb. 7, 1738 Francois Cesar LeBretton
Marie-Anne Born Ca 1727 Died Oct. 29, 1731 N.O., LA
Francois Nicolas Born April 9, 1730 N.O. (M) Marguerite Hubert de
Bellaire Ca 1749 (M) #2 Marie de la Chase
Catherine Born Mar 25, 1731 N.O. (M) Jan 28, 1747 Louis Charles Duhommerl
Jean Bte. Born June 18, 1733 N.O. (M) Feb 6, 1770 in France Me.. Gabriel
Charlotte, Countess of Saintignon
Some info. on this family was taken from Old Families of Louisiana-Stanley C.
Arthur
& Vars. other sources
---------------------------------
Grassroots of America-American State Papers, Public Lands
Claim #1939-, Dec 31, 1809-Vol 2, P 157, 158
Original Claimant-Joseph Turpin
Present Claimant-Pierre Menard
French Grant
A tract, affirmed by Board, joining Jesuits on south, Louis Turpin on north, Kaskaskia (Riv) on West, and a tract 12 arpents square; granted by French Government to Joseph Turpin in 1743, opposite Kaskaskia Village.
Claim #2105 Dec 31, 1809
Original claimant: Joseph Turpin
Present claimant: John Edgar
French Grant, 121 Acres, & 44 perches, East of Kaskaskia, opposite the
village on the hill.
Vol 2, P 139-Dec. 31, 1809
Commissioners Office, Kaskaskia
No of Claim: 268
French grant,
Original Claimant: Joseph Turpin, sold by the heirs of St. Pierre Teabeau (Thibault)
Present claimant: Pierre Menard
80 arpents (2X20) This tract is also claimed by William Morrison in right of
Joseph Teabeau (claim #449)
Vol 2 P 127, 128
LAND CLAIMS IN THE DISTRICT OF KASKASKIA
Commissioners Office, Kaskaskia, February 24, 1810
DOCUMENTS
The following reports of cases rejected will serve to show the government the
grounds on which claims were rejected, as well as how laborious and impossible
it is for the Board to transmit, at the present time, a full copy of the
testimony in this class of claims
No 2044-John Edgar-Claims twelve arpents square, on the east side of the Kaskaskia Riv., opposite the town, bounded northwardly by lands of this claimant, southwardly by lands formerly held by the Jesuits; this being held as assignee of Francis, Michel, Joseph, Jean Bte. Jerome, Philip, and Ursal, Derouse, St. Pierre, and Joseph Thibault, who were heirs of Joseph Turpin, deceased; which said lands were granted by a French commandant in the year 1742.
Remarks-The records in this case seem to be lost. The Board, however, find a record of concession to Joseph Turpin by Messrs. De Bienville, Governor of Louisiana, and Salmon, Intendant of said Provence, on the 2nd day of August, 1743 (See United States Register, Book B, P 178, of a piece of land adjoining this, on the hills eastwardly, in which the grant of an implacement at this place is mentioned as having been previously made to said Turpin) This, under these circumstances, the Board take to be sufficient proofs of ancient allotments. But as this tract is also claimed by Pierre Menard, as assignee of Francis Turpin, said to be the son of said Joseph (See No 1939) the Board being in doubt which of these two claimants has the legal right, do therefore affirm the same to the legal representatives or heirs of the said Joseph Turpin. (Revised on recent testimony)
It is stated by this claimant, as well as by Pierre Menard (See the Claim 1939), in their respective notices, that the tract here claimed was originally conceded by the French Government to Joseph Turpin, under whom they both claim; said Menard by deed, dated July 29, 1801, in which this tract is conveyed to said Menard by Francis Turpin, styling himself the son of said Joseph, and John Edgar, by deed dated 10th April, 1803, in which the same tract is conveyed by Michel, Francis, Joseph, J.Baptiste, Jerome, Philip, Ursal DeRouse, St. Pierre, and Joseph Francis, and Marie Thebault, styling themselves to be the children and little children and heirs of the late Marie Joseph Turpin, widow of St. Pierre Derouse, deceased, which Marie Joseph Turpin was (as is stated in said deed) niece and only heir of said Joseph Turpin, late of Kaskaskia, deceased.
The question now rises, who was the legal heir of Joseph Turpin? the said Francis, or the said Marie Joseph Turpin?
To this point, Edgar adduces the following testimony, to wit: that of Equin Deinville (taken, by direction of this Board, before Moses Austin, Esq. of Louisiana) stating that four or five months after the death of Joseph Turpin, Madame Turpin went to the Ohio with a certain Lamarande (LaMirande); and, on their return to Kaskaskia, she proved with child, and after some difficulties, they were married; that, after the marriage, Madame LaMarande had a son whose birth must have been about sixteen months after the death of said Joseph Turpin. He adduces, also, the testimony of Marie Turgeon, taken before John Hay and Nicholas Jarrot, Esqs. at Cahokia, stating that she never knew that Turpin Maran (supposed to mean Joseph Turpin) ever had but one daughter, called Magdaline, that married afterwards one Pierre LeVigne; and after the death of said Turpin, the widow married one Lamarande, but does not know that they had any children. On the other hand, Pierre Menard adduces the testimony of Pierre Richard, an ancient inhabitant of the country, taken before this Board, stating that this deponent (being 64 years of age) was well acquainted with a certain Joseph Turpin, who died at Kaskaskia, when he, this deponent, was about ten years of age; that the said Joseph was married to a woman whose name he does not now recollect, but who was, after his death, married to a man by the name Lamarande; that the said widow had a son by the first husband a few months after his death, who was called Francis Turpin, also Lamarande, in consequence of his mother having married Lamarande; that this deponent was well acquainted with the family of the said Francis who was always considered as the son of Joseph Turpin, deceased. The deponent cannot say how many months after the death of the said Turpin the birth of the said Francis took place, but that it was said that the mother of the said Francis was pregnant with him at the death of the said Joseph Turpin. He further adduces the testimony of St. Jeme Beauvais and Vital St. Jeme Beauvais (whose characters for information, respectability and integrity, are, as this Board suppose, well known to the Government) stating that the said Joseph Turpin was Uncle of their father, that it is perfectly within their knowledge that he had two children by Hypolite, his wife, one of them called Magdaline Turpin, and the other Francis Turpin, surnamed Lamarande; both of whom were to their knowledge, born within the marriage of the said Joseph Turpin with the said Hypolite; and that they have always been regarded by the deponents as the legitimate children of the said Joseph and Hypolite; and lastly, that the estate of the said Joseph had been equally divided between them. It appears further, by the testimony of Joseph & Jerome Derouse St. Pierre, two of the apparent grantors in the deed to Edgar, that the said Marie Joseph Turpin was the daughter of Louis Turpin, the brother of the said Joseph, who had another brother by the name of Francis, who died without issue, as did also the issue of the said Louis, excepting the mother of these deponents.
Remarks-It has been stated in the testimony of the above Marie Turgeon, that said Joseph Turpin had a daughter named Magdeleine, who married a certain Lavigne; but this Board are not informed by either claim whether she is dead or has issue.
It is remarkable in this case, that said Edgar relies for his title to a tract bounding on the one here claimed on a conveyance from this very Francis Turpin, styling himself son of the said Joseph, through whom the said property came, to John R. Jones, from whom the said Edgar purchased, and that on this conveyance said title has been actually confirmed (see his claim 2105) It is further most remarkable that the said Joseph and Jerome St. Pierre, two of the apparent grantors in the said Edgar deed, have, on their oaths, utterly denied ever having executed such an instrument, or knowing any thing of such a transaction, and also, that John Hague, an apparent witness, has, on his oath, denied ever having signed his name to the said deed, or known anything of such a transaction. It is also to be remarked, that the said deed has been acknowledged before Robert Reynolds, whose character as forger and perjurer will be known to the administration from our report. Under these singular circumstances, this board do not hesitate to declare their opinion that the said John Edgar has no title to the tract here claimed, and do reject his claim accordingly.
MY Note-Marie Josephe Turpin, Dtr of Louis Turpin & Dorothy
Mechiperouta (Indian wife) married Francois Derouse St. Pierre LaVerdue on May
25, 1750 at Kaskaskia, Ill Post
Children from Register (Kaskaskia, -Belting)
Joseph -Bapt on Mar 24, 1761
Jn. Bte. -Bapt. on March 15, 1762
Note-Louis Turpin was a brother to Joseph Turpin who married Hypolite Chauvin de laFrenier.
Vol 1, P 11 Francis Turpin, HH head, July 13, 1790, Town
of Post Vincennes
P 14 Francis Boyer joins Lafreniere & Richard Francis Turpin
Also, Jn. Bte.Vaudry joins LaFreniere
P 15-Peter Cartier joins Jn. Bte. Lafreniere in prairie below village.
Vol 7, P 678-681-List of donations of 400 AC given to HH heads in yr, of 1783, confirmed by Gov. P 681-list includes Francis Turpin
Marriage Contract, Pointe Coupee
May 15, 1758
Joseph, Esquire, Sieur de la Mirande, widower of Hypolite Chauvin,
son of Jacques, Esquire, Sieur de la Mirande, and of Dame Margurtitte Gertesse,
his father and mother, a native of the Parish of St. Antoine of Three Rivers,
Bishopric of Quebec.
with
Dame Marie Catherine Frederic, widow of the deceased Antoine Doza, who, when living, was a resident of this Parish.
Signing on the part of the future groom, Sieur Jacques LaPointe, Jacques Bedo, and Louis Bouchard called La Valle, his friends and friends of his deceased parents.
And for the Widow Doza, Francois Riche paternal uncle and sub-tutor of the minor children of the deceased Louis Riche, his brother, Jean Stephant, called Roquancour and Antoine Sarrazin, her friends.
Provisions made for minor children of Louis Riche and Antoine Doza, namely Jean, Louis, and Michel Riche and their sisters Marie Francoise and Marguerite Riche. Marie Doza, age eleven years, daughter of Antoine Doza, with his first wife. And Antoine, Francoise Marie Louise and Julie Doza, children of Antoine Doza and Marie Catherine Frederic.
Also provisions made for the children, minors, of Joseph de la Mirande and his deceased wife Hypolite Chauvin.
Signing-Widow Doza, Roquancourt, Sarazin, Bedos, Lavalle,
Benoit, Notary.
Francois Riche, Jacques La Pointe declare they cannot write nor sign their
names.
October 16, 1769
Marie Josephe LaMirande married Bartholomy LeBleux of Arkansas Post
Wts: Joseph LaMirande, the son*
Marie Chauvin
Cortablru
Baron, the son
*Obviously the son of Joseph LaMirande & Hypolite Chauvin
de laFrenier, as a son of Joseph by #2 wife, (M) 1758, would not be old enough
to sign this marriage contract in 1769.
Bride's full name from other records: Marie Rose Josephe (Josette) LaMirande
& His full name from other records is Martin Bartholemy LeBleu dit Comersac
Dec. 24, 1770
Joseph LaMirande, widower of #1 Furpain (Turpin*)
(*Hypolite Chauvin de la Frenier who married Joseph Turpin 1732 in New Orleans, and married Joseph La Mirande at Kaskaskia Ill Post Mar 19, 1750)
and Widower of Marie Catherine Frederic
married #3 at Pointe Coupee Post to
Elizabeth Poitier, Widow of Jacques Millet who had married At Kaskaskia, Illinois Post in October, 1740.
----------------------------------------
1771 Census of Opelousa Post, La.
Joseph LaMirande 43
Joseph 20
Wife 45 (#3 wife Elizabeth Portier, wid of Jacques Millet-(M) Dec 24, 1770
Pointe Coupee)
Son 10 (Pierre Constant, born CA 1761)
Dtr 8 (Louise Constance, born Ca 1763)
Negroes, 1, 24 yrs, 1, 26 yrs, 1, 18 yrs, 100 Cattle, 50 horse, 45 sheep, 40 arpents land without title.
Records Below-Ref-Southwest Louisiana Records-Hebert
Joseph LaMirande died Opelousas, La August 17, 1794
(Opel. Ch. v1, P 29)
Marie Rose Josette LaMirande (M) Martin Barthelemy LeBleu dit Comersac
Joseph Constant (M) Helene la Fosse
Pierre Constant Chevale LaMirande (M) Marie Louise
Fontenot
Louise Constance (M) Pierre Letant Opel. Ch. Date___
Louise Constance (M) Jacques Jacob Bertrand May 12, 1778 Opel.
Mrs LaMirande (M) Jacob Bealieu (she died Nov 20, 1811)
Children of Marie Rose Josette LaMirande & Martin Barthelemy LeBleu dit Comersac (Ref: SW La Records, Hebert -Incl Will of Martin Comersac)
a. Hypolite Bapt Oct 11, 1780 (age 2 mos) Opel. Ch.
(M) Sebastian Benoit Aug 20, 1800
b. Catherine Bt Jan 12, 1786 (M) Charles Sallier Aug 9, 1802
c. Arsene Bt October 30, 1789 Oplel. Ch.
d. Jean Bte. Born July 18, 1790 Opel. (M) Marguerite Lejeune May 18, 1813
e. Ozita Born Mar 24, 1792 Opel. Ch.
f. Martin Born Oct 5, 1793 (M) Eloise (Louise) Rion Oct 9, 1820 Opel Ch