The Chagnon Generations
Tracing the Chagnon family line from the first known ancestor in New France through the generations that followed.
This page provides an overview of the direct Chagnon family line documented in the Chagnon Family History Book. Beginning with François Chagnon dit Larose, each generation contributed to the growth of the family and its expansion throughout Québec, New England, and beyond.
Explore the Chagnon Generations
Select a generation to explore the lives, migrations, and legacy of the Chagnon family through more than 350 years of history. Each generation represents a chapter in the Chagnon family’s journey from New France to modern-day North America. Click a generation to learn more about the individuals who carried the family line forward.
François Chagnon dit Larose
1640–1683
The first known Chagnon ancestor in North America. Born in Touraine, France, François immigrated to New France during the early 1670s and established the Chagnon family line at Verchères along the St. Lawrence River.
Born: Touraine, France
Married: Catherine Charron
Settled: Verchères, New France
Generation 1 of 9
Louis Chagnon dit Larose
1688–1760
The son of François Chagnon, Louis continued the family’s growth in the fertile St. Lawrence Valley. His generation represents the height of New France, where faith, farming, and family shaped daily life.
Born: Verchères, New France
Married: Marie-Madeleine Foisy
Settled: Verchères, New France
Generation 2 of 9
Jean-Baptiste Chagnon
1720–1796
Born into an established farming community, Jean-Baptiste lived through one of the most significant periods in Canadian history—the fall of New France and the transition to British rule. Despite these changes, the family remained rooted in the St. Lawrence Valley.
Born: St. Sulpice, New France
Settled: Québec Parish Communities
Era: Fall of New France
Generation 3 of 9
Joseph Pierre Nolarque Chagnon
1762–1826
A member of the first generations to live entirely under British rule in Québec. Joseph Pierre Nolarque continued the family’s agricultural traditions while preserving its French-Canadian heritage.
Era: Post-Conquest Québec
Settled: Québec Parish Communities
Generation 4 of 9
Hyppolite Chagnon
1800–1870
Hyppolite represents a period of transition and growth. During his lifetime, opportunities beyond Québec began drawing descendants toward new regions and future migration.
Era: Expansion and Transition
Settled: Québec
Generation 5 of 9
Nazaire Chagnon
1836–1896
Nazaire’s generation marked the family’s movement from Québec into the United States. Like many French-Canadian families of the nineteenth century, he sought new opportunities across the border.
Migration: Québec to United States
Settled: Champlain, New York
Generation 6 of 9
Narcisse Hyppolite “Nelson” Chagnon
1872–1928
Nelson Chagnon established the family in Vermont and became the patriarch of the branch documented throughout the later chapters of this book.
Married: Delina Bouchard
Settled: Burlington, Vermont
Generation 7 of 9
Roy Arthur Chagnon
1916–2004
Part of the first generation fully rooted in Vermont, Roy carried the family story into the twentieth century through periods of tremendous social and technological change.
Born: Vermont
Era: Twentieth Century America
Generation 8 of 9
Modern Descendants
The descendants of Roy Arthur Chagnon and earlier generations continue the family’s story today. Their lives reflect the continuing legacy of a family that began in France, took root in New France, and expanded throughout North America. Through family traditions, military service, community involvement, and the preservation of family history, today’s generations continue the legacy established by François Chagnon more than three centuries ago.
Origins: France → New France → Vermont → Beyond
Generation 9 of 9
The Chagnon Family Journey
Chagnon Family at a Glance
• More than 350 Years of History
• 9 Direct Generations Featured
• Origins in Touraine, France
• Descendants Across Canada and the United States
Did you find an ancestor in your line?
The complete Chagnon Family History Book contains detailed biographies,
photographs, documents, and family stories for each generation.