Troilus de Mesqouez
Troilus de Mesqouez (1536-1606) was a French noble (Marquis de La Roche-Helgomarche) and served as Viceroy of New France. He initiated the first attempts to settle Sable Island, small island off the Canadian province of Nova Scotia.
Biography
de Mesqouez was born in Mesgouez en Ploumoguer to parents Guillaume de Mesgouez and Françoise Campir.[1] He was granted the title of Viceroy of New France in 1578 by Henry III of France and around 1598 or 1599 sent settlers (mainly criminals) and soldiers to Sable Island to establish a fishery and fur trading post. Poorly planned, the settlement failed and abandoned around 1602-1603.[2]
Death
After returning from Sable Island he tried without success to obtain his dues from Henry IV of France.[3] He was married twice and left no heirs upon his death.
Legacy
La Roche is a township in the parish municipality of La Trinité-des-Monts, Quebec in Rimouski-Neigette Regional County Municipality, Bas-Saint-Laurent is named for him some three centuries after his arrival to what is now Canada.
References
| Government offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Jean-François Roberval |
Lieutenant General of New France 1578–1598? |
Succeeded by hiatus until 1602, then Aymar Chaste |