Jean Baillairgé

Who was Jean Baillairgé?

Jean Baillairgé was a carpenter by trade and there is some reference to his being an architect. He was born in Blanzay, France and his death occurred at Quebec, Lower Canada.

Jean arrived at Quebec on August 30, 1741 on the same ship as Bishop Henri-Marie Dubreil de Pontbriand and may have received assistance from the bishop to train in his field of carpentry. It is certain that he received his training in New France and was considered to be skilled in the production of accurate plans. He likely received most of his training on the worksite, which would have been normal for those times.

Baillairgé married in 1750 and was involved in construction on the church at Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatière where he and his wife had moved. They returned to Quebec City after this and he formed a partnership which developed a good reputation. He was a member of the militia during the Seven Years’ War and fought on the Plains of Abraham.