| Notes |
- The Tragic Tale of the Bertault Family:
In 1672, in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, a family was ensnared in a desperate situation that led to a harrowing series of events. At the heart of this story were Gillette Bonne, her husband Jacques Bertault, and their young daughter Elizabeth.
Elizabeth, at the tender age of 12, was married to Julien LaTouche, a man 18 years her senior. This union, marked by a significant age gap, soon turned into a nightmare for Elizabeth. LaTouche, known for his heavy drinking, subjected Elizabeth to physical abuse and failed to provide for her basic needs. Elizabeth often found solace and sustenance at her parents' home, escaping the torment of her marital life.
Witnessing their daughter's suffering, Gillette Bonne and Jacques Bertault were driven to a state of desperation. In an attempt to rescue Elizabeth from her abusive husband, they resorted to a drastic and fatal measure. With what appeared to be Elizabeth's tacit approval, they poisoned Julien LaTouche. However, when the poison did not yield the intended result, they resorted to killing him by beating him with a garden hoe
The murder of Julien LaTouche led to the arrest and trial of Gillette Bonne, Jacques Bertault, and Elizabeth. The trial revealed the extent of the family's turmoil and the desperate measures they took.
Gillette Bonne and Jacques Bertault were sentenced to death by hanging, but their punishment was to be preceded by a public act of penance. They were required to beg for forgiveness on the church steps, a symbolic gesture of atonement for their crime. As further punishment, Jacques Bertault was subjected to having his arms and legs broken. This brutal punishment was not only inflicted upon Jacques but was also a psychological torment for his wife and daughter, who were forced to witness it.
After this spectacle, Jacques was hanged, followed by the hanging of Gillette Bonne. Elizabeth, spared from execution due to her young age, was subjected to the traumatic experience of witnessing the execution of both her parents.
This story is a poignant reminder of the harsh realities of life in New France and the extreme measures to which individuals were sometimes driven in the face of desperation and despair. It paints a vivid picture of life and justice in 17th-century Canada, and the murder and subsequent trial marked a significant moment in the region's history.
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1659 - 1736 (77 years)
Set As Default Person 
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