The First BÉLANGERs in Nouvelle-France
Étienne BÉLANGER (Stephen BELLANGER) an unknown Bélanger
but a forerunner of the Bélangers in New-France (1580-1584)

He was a Rouen Merchant and, an explorer of the coasts of Acadie. He delt in the trading of fish and fur trading. He made two trips, as superintendent on the boats of his majesty, to Cap Breton and the coasts of Acadia (today, Nova-Scotia). Apparently, at his instigation, Cardinal Bourbon, Archbishop of Rouen, got interested along with the Duc of Joyeuse, in an exploration and trading project with the Indians of Cap Breton, in order to establish a small counter in the aim of forming a group of colonial establishments.

From 1582 to 1584, he had a cartographer agency.
He chartered a three masts, the Chardon, and went to explore the coast of Acadia as far as the French Bay (Bay of Fundy, today) and, carried on map surveyings. He took possession of the place, by placing staffs of the armories of the Cardinal of Bourbon on a large tree (discovered in 1607 by Champlain). At the beginning of 1584, Étienne Bélanger went on another trip with commercial intents: There is a possibility that he never returned from this expedition because it is the last time that he was heard from.

Nine Bélanger came to New-France in the XVIIth century.
However only two left males in their line of descent.

François BELLENGER was born on october 7th 1612 in Touques, Lisieux, France. He was a mason.

Nicolas BELLANGER was born in 1632 in Touques (St-Thomas' church), Lisieux, France, He was a salt producer. He came to New France in about 1655. Hence 21 years after François.

Michel Bellenger, 29 years old, was born in Xaintes, France. He was confirm in 1660 by Mgr De Laval. But he returned to France in 1661.

Alexandre Bellenger was born in Évreux, Normandie, France. He was seen in New France in 1662. He married Marie Frie in 1663. No Children.

Joseph Bélanger married Angélique Surault in 1729 in Montréal. His son, Joseph married Léocadie Marier in 1767 but left no descendents.

Antoine Bélanger, corporal in the milicia, married Françoise Mouet in 1741 but left no descendents.

Pierre Bélanger of Bordeau, France, married Ursule Simon in 1742. They had many children of whom three sons. The eldest, Pierre, left no children. Philippe married Élisabeth Vallée in Detroit in 1771. Their son, Jean-Baptiste, bore only girls. The youngest, Joseph, left only two girls.

René Bellenger, slater and mason, of Sarthe in Anjou, registered himself to come to New France but never came.