Portal:New France/Selected biography/6
Paul Chomedey, sieur de Maisonneuve (February 15, 1612 – September 9, 1676) was a French military officer and the founder of Montreal. He was born into the aristocracy in Neuville-sur-Vanne in Champagne, France.
He joined the military at the age of thirteen and had a successful career where he was noted for his ability and his piety. He was hired by Jérome le Royer de la Dauversiere, a Jesuit who was head of the Société de Notre Dame de Montréal. Based on a vision had by Royer de la Dauversiere, the society was attempting to build a mission on the Montreal Island in New France. Maisonneuve was hired to lead the colonists and ensure their security.
On May 1641, there they founded Ville-Marie, building a chapel and a small settlement. A hospital under the command of Jeanne Mance was also established. They maintained peaceful relations with the Algonquins and the first year of the colony's existence was peaceful.
