Germain Doucet
Encyclopedia
Germain Doucet, Sieur de La Verdure (born around 1595 near Couperans en Brye) (most likely Coubron northeast of Paris), in France, was a French commander in the French colony of Acadia
., and the progenitor of the surnames Doucet
and Doucette in North America.
Doucet's career began when he entered into an association with Charles de Menou d'Aulnay
, noted seaman, captain, and future governor of Acadia
. In 1632, he arrived in Acadia
with the governor Isaac de Razilly
. He served as master of arms of Fort Pentagouet (now Castine, Maine
) as a major. After the death of d'Aulnay
in 1650, Doucet became commandant serving at the French fort of Port Royal (now Annapolis Royal). Under Major General
Robert Sedgwick
, the English captured the fort on August 15, 1654. Under the terms of the surrender, Doucet was forced to leave Acadia
for good, and returned to France. Both his sons Pierre and Germain and his daughter Marguerite stayed behind, however.
Pierre married, in 1660, Henriette Pelletret, by whom he had issue. Germain married Marie Landry, and Marguerite married Abraham Dugas. The name of Germain's wife is uncertain, although some genealogists suggest she may have been Marie Bourgeois.
Acadia
Acadia was the name given to lands in a portion of the French colonial empire of New France, in northeastern North America that included parts of eastern Quebec, the Maritime provinces, and modern-day Maine. At the end of the 16th century, France claimed territory stretching as far south as...
., and the progenitor of the surnames Doucet
Doucet
Doucet is a French language surname, especially popular in Canada, the former area of Acadia in particular Doucet is a French language surname, especially popular in Canada, the former area of Acadia in particular Doucet is a French language surname, especially popular in Canada, the former area of...
and Doucette in North America.
Doucet's career began when he entered into an association with Charles de Menou d'Aulnay
Charles de Menou d'Aulnay
Charles de Menou d'Aulnay was a pioneer of European settlement in North America and Governor of Acadia .-Biography:D'Aulnay was a member of the French nobility who was at various times a sea captain, a lieutenant in the French navy to his cousin Isaac de Razilly, and Governor of Acadia...
, noted seaman, captain, and future governor of Acadia
Acadia
Acadia was the name given to lands in a portion of the French colonial empire of New France, in northeastern North America that included parts of eastern Quebec, the Maritime provinces, and modern-day Maine. At the end of the 16th century, France claimed territory stretching as far south as...
. In 1632, he arrived in Acadia
Acadia
Acadia was the name given to lands in a portion of the French colonial empire of New France, in northeastern North America that included parts of eastern Quebec, the Maritime provinces, and modern-day Maine. At the end of the 16th century, France claimed territory stretching as far south as...
with the governor Isaac de Razilly
Isaac de Razilly
Isaac de Razilly was a member of the French nobility appointed a knight of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem at the age of 18. He was born at the Château d'Oiseaumelle in the Province of Touraine, France. A member of the French navy, he served for many years during which he played an important...
. He served as master of arms of Fort Pentagouet (now Castine, Maine
Castine, Maine
Castine is a town in Hancock County, Maine, United States and was once the capital of Acadia . The population was 1,343 at the 2000 census. Castine is the home of Maine Maritime Academy, a four-year institution that graduates officers and engineers for the United States Merchant Marine and marine...
) as a major. After the death of d'Aulnay
Charles de Menou d'Aulnay
Charles de Menou d'Aulnay was a pioneer of European settlement in North America and Governor of Acadia .-Biography:D'Aulnay was a member of the French nobility who was at various times a sea captain, a lieutenant in the French navy to his cousin Isaac de Razilly, and Governor of Acadia...
in 1650, Doucet became commandant serving at the French fort of Port Royal (now Annapolis Royal). Under Major General
Major General
Major general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general...
Robert Sedgwick
Robert Sedgwick
Major General Robert Sedgwick was an English colonist, born 1611 in Woburn, Bedfordshire, England, and baptised on May 6, 1613.-Biography:...
, the English captured the fort on August 15, 1654. Under the terms of the surrender, Doucet was forced to leave Acadia
Acadia
Acadia was the name given to lands in a portion of the French colonial empire of New France, in northeastern North America that included parts of eastern Quebec, the Maritime provinces, and modern-day Maine. At the end of the 16th century, France claimed territory stretching as far south as...
for good, and returned to France. Both his sons Pierre and Germain and his daughter Marguerite stayed behind, however.
Pierre married, in 1660, Henriette Pelletret, by whom he had issue. Germain married Marie Landry, and Marguerite married Abraham Dugas. The name of Germain's wife is uncertain, although some genealogists suggest she may have been Marie Bourgeois.