Person Page - 14

     Anne died. Anne was born at Port Royal, Acadia, Canada, in 1710. She was the daughter of Francois dit Niganne Robichaud and Marie Madeleine Terriot. She married Charles Dugust at Port Royal, Acadia, Canada, in 1731. As of 1731,her married name was Dugust.

     He married Anne Robichaud at Port Royal, Acadia, Canada, in 1731.

     Guillaume was born at Quebec, Canada, on 11 October 1662. He was the son of Guillaume Couture and Anne Aymard. He married Marie Madeleine Cote at Saint-Pierre, Ile-de-Montreal Co., Quebec, Canada, on 7 February 1691. He married Nicole Bouffard at Saint-Laurent, Montmorency Co., Quebec, Canada, on 5 July 1703. He married Marie Anne Adam at Saint-Laurent, Montmorency Co., Quebec, Canada, on 23 October 1713. Guillaume died on 15 December 1738 at Saint-Laurent, Montmorency Co., Quebec, Canada, at age 76.

     Marie was born at Sainte-Famille, Ile-d'Orleans, Montmorency Co., Quebec, Canada, on 2 August 1675. She was the daughter of Martin Cote and Suzanne Pagest. She married Guillaume Couture at Saint-Pierre, Ile-de-Montreal Co., Quebec, Canada, on 7 February 1691. As of 7 February 1691,her married name was Couture. Marie died on 25 March 1703 at Saint-Laurent, Montmorency Co., Quebec, Canada, at age 27.

     Madeleine died. Madeleine was born at Port Royal, Acadia, Canada, in 1665. She was the daughter of Etienne Robichaux and Francoise Boudrot. She married Pierre Landry in 1682. As of 1682,her married name was Landry.

     He married Madeleine Robichaux in 1682.

     Charles died. Charles was born at Port Royal, Acadia, Canada, in 1667. He was the son of Etienne Robichaux and Francoise Boudrot. He married Marie Thibodeau in 1686. He married Marie Bourg on 18 June 1703.

     Marie was born in 1664. She married Charles (Cadet) Robicheau in 1686. As of 1686,her married name was Robicheau. Marie died in 1701.

     Marie was born in 1673. She married Charles (Cadet) Robicheau on 18 June 1703. As of 18 June 1703,her married name was Robicheau. Marie died circa 1730.

     Prudent was born at Port Royal, Acadia, Canada, in 1669. He was the son of Etienne Robichaux and Francoise Boudrot. He married Henrietta Petitpas on 7 February 1692. Prudent died in 1756.

     She married Prudent Robichaux on 7 February 1692. As of 7 February 1692,her married name was Robichaux.

     Marie was born at Port Royal, Acadia, Canada, in 1672. She was the daughter of Etienne Robichaux and Francoise Boudrot. She married Denis Petitot-St.Seine in 1687. As of 1687,her married name was Petitot-St.Seine. Marie died on 8 June 1710 at Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Port Royal, Acadia, Canada.

     He married Marie Marguerite Robichaud in 1687.

     Alexandre was born at Port Royal, Acadia, Canada, in 1675. He was the son of Etienne Robichaux and Francoise Boudrot. He married Anne Melanson in 1701. Alexandre died in March 1742 at Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Port Royal, Acadia, Canada.

     She married Alexandre Robichaud in 1701. As of 1701,her married name was Robichaud.

     Guillaume was born at St-Godard Rouen, France, on 14 January 1618. He was the son of Guillaume Couture-Lafresna and Marie (Madeleine) Malet. The Couture - text by Helene-Andree Bizier

The Couture Family

The Couture family descends from a single ancestor, Guillaume, who was born in Saint-Godard-de-Rouen, in Normandy. The son of a carpenter, Guillaume Couture and his wife Madeleine Mallet, he was born sometime between 1608 and 1618 and arrived in New France around 1640. At that time, the young man decided to consecrate himself to the work of the Jesuits. He chose the humblest path, that of a donne, a lay volunteer, the equivalent of a domestic servant. On June 26, 1641, in Quebec, he signed a document passing on his few possessions to his mother and his sister, Marie, before leaving for Huronia.

For Guillaume Couture, this is the beginning of a life of adventure which will include several brushes with death. He took part in another expedition to Huronia in 1642. His companions were Isaac Jogues, Rene Goupil, some Amerindians and a few voyaguers travelling in a dozen or so canoes. Couture didn't get very far: the day after starting on the trip, he was captured by the Iroquois along with Goupil and Jogues. After having one of his fingers but off, his fingernails pulled out, and various parts of his body burned, Couture was handed over to the family of a man he had killed during his capture. Rene Goupil was murdered on September 29. Isaac Jogues escaped the following year. During the next three years, Couture learned the tribal language of his captors. His wisdon, wit and clear thinking gained him admittance to the Iroquois council.

In 1645, he headed a delegation that came to Trois-Rivieres to negotiate a peace treaty. Becuase of his Iroquois garb and the fact that he was believed dead, Couture was not recognized at first. But "as soon as he is recognized, he is embraced by all, like a dead man reborn who brings joy to all those who thought him dead or, at best, in danger of spending the rest of his days in bitter and barbaric activity". However, Couture, no longer a captive, returned to the Iroquois tribe in the hope of contributing, by his very presence, to the establishment of permanent peace.

In 1646, he asked to be released from his vow as a donne so he could get married. Though there are no documents to the effect, it seems likely he planned to marry an Iroquois woman. In the fall of that same year, Jean de la Lande and Isaac Jogues were executed by the Mohawks. For a while, Couture redoubled his efforts to re-establish peace between enemy tribes, but after a while, he ended his involvement. While carrying out the roles of interpreter and ambassador, he was given the name Jhandich. In 1646, he was also given the name Achilla, a name once given to Jean Nicollet.

On May 16, 1647, Governor de Montmagny authorized Guillaume Couture to settle in Pointe-de-Levis. From his father, Couture had learned the art of carpentry. He built a crude house on a piece of land which needed a lot of work before it could be used for much. He cleared the land, then gave it up and sold the house to his neighbour, Francois Bissot, and started over again, working on another place to live.

In Paris, on October 15, 1648, the seigneur of Lauzon granted concession titles to Guillaume Couture and set the tenant's seigneurial rates at "a poll tax of twelve deneirs each arpent cleared and converted to tillable land or pasture and to remit to the fiscal agent on Michaelmas, a quarter-weight of salted and cured eels...".

On November 16, 1649, the pioneer married Anne Emard or Aymard, from Niort in Poitou, in the house he built with his own hands in Pointe-de-Levis. The young woman had two sisters, Madeleine, married to Zacharie Cloutier, fils, and Barbe, married to Olivier le Tardif. It was the latter who supplied the Coutures with their nuptial bed; a contract signed on the wedding day reports that he gave the bride a feather bed and a milk cow. A year later, in 1650, the first of the Coutures ten children is born; Jean-Baptiste.

Because his experience among the Amerindians could be useful, Couture was often sought out to take part iin major expeditions. In 1657, he was found among the Onandagas. In 1661 and 1663, he was among the explorers sent to explore the Northern Bay. During this time, his wife continued to have his children. Anne was born in 1652. She later married Jean Cote. Marie, born in 1658, would be the ancestor of the Bourget family. Charles born in 1659, would wed Marie Huard and become the patriarch of the Coutures dits Lafrenayes. Guillaume, born in 1662, would marry Marie-Madeleine Cote. Louise, born in 1665, would marry Charles-Thomas Couillard. Eustache, born in 1667, married Marguerite and later, Marie-Francoise Huard and became the ancestor of the Coutures dit de la Cressionnieres. Thus, three of the daughters of pioneer Jean Huard had just joined the Couture dynasty. Jean-Baptiste, the eldest of the children, married to Anne Marette, became the ancestor of the Coutures dit Lamondes.

Anne Esmard was interred at Pointe-de-Levis on January 18, 1700. "Le Bon Guillaume" died a few months later, sometime before November 14, 1701, the date on which an inventory of his possessions was being carried out. He had seen the country like few before him and had practised the trades of domestic servant, interpreter, carpenter, ambassador, settler, militia captain and notary. His descendants live mostly around Quebec City.¹


He married Anne Aymard at Levis, Levis Co., Quebec, Canada, on 18 November 1649. Guillaume died on 4 April 1701 at Hotel Dieu (General Hospital), Quebec City, Quebec Co., Quebec, Canada, at age 83.

     Marie was born at Normandy, France, circa 1592. She married Guillaume Couture-Lafresna at Normandy, France, circa 1612. As of circa 1612,her married name was Couture-Lafresna. Marie died before 1692 at Normandy, France.

     Louis was born in 1609. Louis died on 3 January 1649 at Hotel Dieu (General Hospital), Quebec City, Quebec Co., Quebec, Canada. His body was interred on 4 January 1649 at Quebec, Canada.

     Charles died. Charles was born in 1637. He was the son of Louis Robichaux.

     Michel was born at Cougnes, La Rochelle, Aunis, France, circa 1601. He married Michelle Aucoin at France circa 1642. Michel died circa 1690 at Acadia, Canada.

     Michelle was born at Cougnes, La Rochelle, Aunis, France, circa 1618. She married Michel Boudreau at France circa 1642. As of circa 1642,her married name was Boudreau. Michelle died on 18 December 1706 at Port Royal, Acadia, Canada.

     Albert was born at Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England, on 21 January 1823. He was the son of Francis William Byrt and Eleanora Taylor. He married Eliza Anne Brown at Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England, on 7 May 1853.¹ He was a witness at Albert Byrt and Kate Cox's wedding at Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England, on 27 December 1879.² Albert Byrt was a bookseller, stationer and printer in England. He owned the Shepton Mallet Journal.

In the 1851 census he was listed as 22 years old, a Bookseller, Printer and Stationer. It appears that Eliza Brown was a lodger next door at the home of Robert Collett. She was 20, a Milliner & Dressmaker of Somerset Wick. It would seem likely that this is how they met since they didn't marry until 1853.

In the 1881 census his dwelling was West Side 15 High St., Shepton Mallet. Aside from his youngest children, there was also Emily J. Welch, 24 of Croscombe, Somerset, an assistant in the stationer shop, Ellen Taylor, 29 of Baltonsborough, Somerset, a general servant, and Emily Waters, 20 of Maiden Bradley, Somerset, a general servant.³ Albert died on 5 March 1915 at age 92.

     Eliza was born at Wyke Nr Bruton, Somerset, England, from 1831 to 1833.¹ She was the daughter of George Brown. She married Albert Francis Byrt at Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England, on 7 May 1853.² As of 7 May 1853,her married name was Byrt. Eliza died on 15 April 1896 at Great Ostry, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England.³

     Francis was born at Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England, on 16 February 1795.¹ He was the son of William Byrt and Mary Spencer. He married Eleanora Taylor at St. MIchaels, Bristol, Gloucestershire, England, on 1 June 1820.^2,3 Francis William Byrt appeared on the census of 1851 at National School, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England; He was a widower at the time of the census.

Also on the 1851 census were Thomas Harlan 70 and wife Mary 62. Thomas was a Marine Pensioner from Kilmersdon, Somerset and Mary was from Shepton Mallet. Staying with them was a niece, Mary Ann Byrt age 12, a Shoe Binder of Shepton Mallet. It is possible that the elder Mary was a sister to Francis William.¹ He was a schoolmaster in 1851 at National School, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England.¹ He was a Parish Clerk in 1853 at Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England.⁴ He was parish clerk.

A possible connection from the IGI records;

William Spencer Byrt may have been a brother to Francis William as his mother's name was Spencer and the mother's maiden name was often used for a middle name. The dates and location would support that.

William Spencer Byrt & Mary had the following children:

John Cook Byrt b. Feb 4, 1819 Shepton Mallet chr. Jul 29, 1827 Hephzibal Chapel, Shepton Mallet
William Byrt b. May 26, 1817, Shepton Mallet

There was also a marriage record for Mary Cook Byrt b. abt 1799 Shepton Mallet, m. James Welch Dec 24, 1838.

Also listed were children of William Byrt & Mary, which could be the same couple:

Henry Byrt b. Aug 7, 1825 Shepton Mallet
Francis Byrt b. Feb 25, 1820 Shepton Mallet

Another record found was the christening of Eleonor Jane Byrt January 16, 1825 at Common Close Independant, Warminster, Wiltshire. Her parents were Francis Byrt and Eleanora. It seems quite likely that Eleonor was a child of this Francis and Eleonora, perhaps she died at a young age and wasn't found in subsequent records.
Francis died on 29 March 1884 at Great Ostry, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England, at age 89.

     Eleanora was born circa 1796. Her common name was Eleona. She married Francis William Byrt at St. MIchaels, Bristol, Gloucestershire, England, on 1 June 1820.^1,2 Her married name was Byrt. On Francis's headstone she is listed as Eleanora. Eleanora died on 16 March 1848 at Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England.

     William was clerk of the parish for 29 years. William was born on 12 October 1763. He was the son of Thomas Byrt and Susanna Watson. He married Mary Spencer on 20 February 1786. William died on 7 November 1816 at Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England, at age 53.

     Mary was born in January 1764. She was the daughter of John Spencer. As of 20 February 1786,her married name was Byrt. She married William Byrt on 20 February 1786. Mary died on 11 January 1832 at Market Place, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England.¹ She was buried on 15 January 1832 at Saint Peter & Paul, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England.¹

     He married Susanna Watson at Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England, on 24 December 1747.¹ He was a witness at William Byrt and Mary Spencer's wedding on 20 February 1786. A verbal family history handed down to Glenys (Byrt) Purkis of Austalia: Byrts were in Shepton Mallet for 400 years, before that in Dorset and before that they were from Wales. One is said to have been a knight to King Arthur, another a French duke and their coat of arms was a hunting horn.

All this is unverified of course.

An IGI record shows a Thomas Byrt christened June 20, 1707 in Shepton Mallet. His father was Thomas Byrt, mother Mary. This could possibly be the same one. Thomas died on 21 May 1803? At Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England.²

     Susanna died. She married Thomas Byrt at Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England, on 24 December 1747.¹ As of 24 December 1747,her married name was Byrt.

     Thomas was born in September 1748. He was the son of Thomas Byrt and Susanna Watson.