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François-Maurice LePailleur

Picture of François-Maurice LePailleur with white hair printed on yellowed newspaper.

Source: Collection Maison LePailleur

François-Maurice LePailleur was born in Varennes on December 18, 1806. His birth certificate says his parents are unknown. However, he is known as the son of notary François-Georges LePailleur.

When his father left Boucherville to settle in Châteauguay with his wife Josephte, François-Maurice followed. He was then about ten years old.

In 1829, he married Adélaïde-Domitilde Cardinal, the sister of his friend Joseph-Narcisse Cardinal.

In 1829, he married Adélaïde-Domitilde Cardinal, the sister of his friend Joseph-Narcisse Cardinal.

During the Patriot rebellions of 1837-38, LePailleur took part in the movement that raged in several areas of Lower Canada. In November 1838, he was one of the men arrested in Kahnawake. He was then tried and sentenced to death.

Unlike his friend Cardinal and their comrade Joseph Duquet, LePailleur escaped hanging, since his sentence was commuted to exile in Australia. He remained there until 1845, when he was finally able to return to his homeland and family.