Michel Bégon (1667-1747)
Encyclopedia
Michel Bégon de la Picardière (21 March 1667 – 18 January 1747) was from a French family with a history of service to the King of France in fiscal and judicial matters. His father, Michel V Bégon, was first cousin to the wife of Jean-Baptiste Colbert
and this moved the family into the occupations of maritime and colonial administrators.
Bégon was appointed to serve as the intendant of New France
in 1710. However, he, his new wife Jeanne-Élisabeth de Beauharnois de La Boische, and his brother Claude-Michel
sailed for the colony in 1712. He replaced the co-intendants, Antoine-Denis Raudot
and Jacques Raudot
and held the position from 1712–1726 (being replaced by Claude-Thomas Dupuy
). The last three years of his service as intendant were ineffective as one successor died at sea before Dupoy arrived. Upon the arrival of his replacement, Bégon left almost immediately for France where he continued his career.
An examination of his career in New France
shows a man who had been trained for this type of career move. There are indications that he carried out questionable dealings in wheat and other agricultural products during his early years. He used his position and the card money
system to enrich himself.
Jean-Baptiste Colbert
Jean-Baptiste Colbert was a French politician who served as the Minister of Finances of France from 1665 to 1683 under the rule of King Louis XIV. His relentless hard work and thrift made him an esteemed minister. He achieved a reputation for his work of improving the state of French manufacturing...
and this moved the family into the occupations of maritime and colonial administrators.
Bégon was appointed to serve as the intendant of New France
Intendant of New France
New France was governed by three rulers: the governor, the bishop and the intendant, all appointed by the King, and sent from France. The intendant was responsible for finance, economic development, and the administration of justice . He also presided over the Sovereign Council of New France...
in 1710. However, he, his new wife Jeanne-Élisabeth de Beauharnois de La Boische, and his brother Claude-Michel
Claude-Michel Bégon de la Cour
Claude-Michel Bégon de la Cour was an officer in the colonial regular troops and a governor of Trois-Rivières....
sailed for the colony in 1712. He replaced the co-intendants, Antoine-Denis Raudot
Antoine-Denis Raudot
Antoine-Denis Raudot , was born in Versailles, France)), son of Jacques Raudot.- Intendant of New France :Antoine-Denis Raudot was the co-intendant of New France from 1705 to 1710, along with Jacques Raudot, his father....
and Jacques Raudot
Jacques Raudot
Jacques Raudot was the co-Intendant of New France between 1705 and 1710 with his son Antoine-Denis Raudot.- External links :* * *...
and held the position from 1712–1726 (being replaced by Claude-Thomas Dupuy
Claude-Thomas Dupuy
Claude-Thomas Dupuy was from Paris, France, where he followed the family's path of upward mobility and prepared himself for a career in law. His good fortunes regarding his career were recognized in the appointment as Intendant of New France from 1726 to 1728 in New France...
). The last three years of his service as intendant were ineffective as one successor died at sea before Dupoy arrived. Upon the arrival of his replacement, Bégon left almost immediately for France where he continued his career.
An examination of his career in New France
New France
New France was the area colonized by France in North America during a period beginning with the exploration of the Saint Lawrence River by Jacques Cartier in 1534 and ending with the cession of New France to Spain and Great Britain in 1763...
shows a man who had been trained for this type of career move. There are indications that he carried out questionable dealings in wheat and other agricultural products during his early years. He used his position and the card money
New France livre
The livre was the currency of New France, the French colony in modern-day Canada. It was subdivided into 20 sols, each of 12 deniers.-History:After an initial period during which barter prevailed, the French livre began to circulate...
system to enrich himself.