Jules-Maurice Quesnel

Jules-Maurice Quesnel, born Julien-Maurice Quesnel on October twenty-fifth, seventeen eighty-six in Montreal, was a prominent figure in the early political landscape of Canada East. The son of Joseph Quesnel, he received his education at the Collège Saint-Raphaël, which laid the foundation for his future endeavors in both business and politics.

His career began with the North West Company, where he served as a clerk and played a significant role in the explorations led by David Thompson in the years of eighteen hundred five and eighteen hundred six. Quesnel's adventurous spirit continued as he accompanied Simon Fraser on the exploration of the Fraser River in eighteen hundred eight, contributing to the mapping and understanding of the region.

After returning to Montreal in eighteen eleven, he served in the local militia during the War of eighteen twelve, achieving the rank of lieutenant. His entrepreneurial spirit flourished as he transitioned to a merchant in Kingston and York, eventually settling back in Montreal. Alongside his partner, John Spread Baldwin, he engaged in the trade of goods, notably timber and flour, and invested in steamships that operated in the area.

Quesnel's contributions extended beyond commerce; he was appointed a justice of the peace and served as warden of Trinity House in Montreal from eighteen thirty to eighteen thirty-nine. His political career saw him appointed to the special council governing Lower Canada following the Lower Canada Rebellion in eighteen thirty-eight, and later, he became a member of the Legislative Council of the Province of Canada in eighteen forty-one. Jules-Maurice Quesnel passed away in Montreal in eighteen forty-two and was laid to rest in the parish church of Notre Dame.