Family

Papineau Family

1752-1950

The Papineau Family preserved within this fonds were extremely connected and influential in the political, legal, social and civil environment of Quebec and Ontario starting from the early nineteenth century. Papineau family members are responsible for civil constructions such as the Montreal Polytechnique School and the Lachine Canal. The Papineau Family was connected by marriage to many other influential families in French Canada, most notably the Trudeaus, Mackays, Cherriers and Bourassas.
The Papineau Family settled in Lower Canada in the 17th century. Joseph Papineau (1752-1841) was born in Montreal and was granted a seigneury in nearby Montebello. Two of Joseph’s sons, Louis-Joseph (1786-1871) and Denis-Benjamin (1789-1854), would become important political figures: Louis-Joseph led the Patriote movement, while Denis-Benjamin served as the joint premier of the Province of Canada after the unification of Upper and Lower Canada. This fonds comprises personal and professional papers of Louis-Joseph and Denis-Benjamin Papineau, their children, and their grandchildren, as well as related family members. Conspicuous persons include Louis-Joseph-Amédée (1819-1903), Auguste-Cyrille (1828-1915), Casimir-Fidèle (1826-1892), and Louis-Gustave (1855-1931, son of Auguste-Cyrille).

In 1801, Joseph Papineau purchased the Petite-Nation seigneury at Montebello, midway between Ottawa and Montreal. This would become the familial estate of the Papineau Family. Joseph later sold Petite-Nation to eldest son, Louis-Joseph, who, in turn, passed it on to his eldest son, Louis-Joseph Amédée. The Papineau Family concentrated their industrial and political efforts in Montreal and vicinity; many family members resided in Montreal.

The Papineau family was involved in establishing the Montreal Polytechnique School in 1873, from which Louis Gustave Papineau was issued a degree in civil engineering in 1877. August Cyrille Papineau was educated at the College of St. Hyacinthe. Many Papineau family members educated at the Montreal and Quebec Seminaries.

One of the family members, Louis-Joseph Papineau, was a member of the Parti patriote and the leader of the Lower Canada Rebellion (Rébellion des Patriotes) of 1837, which makes him one of the most important historical figures of the history of Lower Canada. In addition to their political activities, the Papineau Family were involved in several industries throughout Quebec, including manufacturing, real estate, and shipping. Members of the Papineau Family served as land-surveyors, judges, lawyers and notaries, engineers, and administrators for religious charitable organizations.

http://www.banq.qc.ca/histoire_quebec/parcours_thematiques/Papineau/index.jsp