Henriette Dessaulles

Henriette Dessaulles, born on February 6, 1860, in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, emerged as a significant figure in Canadian literature and journalism. Known by her pen name, Fadette, she became a pioneering voice for women’s writing in Quebec, contributing extensively to the literary landscape of her time.

Her literary journey began at the tender age of fourteen when she started maintaining a diary while attending convent school. This practice continued until 1881, marking the early development of her writing skills. In that same year, she married Maurice St-Jacques, with whom she had seven children. Following her husband's untimely death in 1897, she faced the challenges of single motherhood while continuing her writing career.

Dessaulles is perhaps best remembered for her long-running column in the influential newspaper Le Devoir, where her insights and narratives resonated with readers. Additionally, her childhood diaries, which were published posthumously in nineteen seventy-one, provide a glimpse into her formative years and the societal context of her upbringing.

Born to Georges-Casimir Dessaulles, a prominent local politician, and Émilie Mondelet, Henriette was surrounded by a family deeply engaged in public service. Her grandfather, Jean Dessaulles, and her godfather, Louis-Joseph Papineau, further enriched her legacy, intertwining her life with the political fabric of Quebec.