Claude-Sébastien de Villieu facts for kids

Claude-Sébastien de Villieu was a French military officer who was active from 1674 to 1705. He is most famous for his work in New France, which was a large area in North America controlled by France. He fought in a war called King William's War. He also served for a time as the military governor of Acadia. Acadia was a French colony in what is now parts of Canada and the United States.

A French Soldier's Journey

Claude-Sébastien de Villieu began his military career in Europe. He said he fought in battles there for fifteen years. This was before he came to New France. He arrived in North America around 1689.

Defending Quebec

In 1690, English colonists from New England attacked Quebec. This city was a very important French settlement. Villieu helped defend Quebec during this attack. The French successfully protected the city.

Family and New Commands

In 1692, Villieu married Judith Leneuf. She was the daughter of a well-known person, Michel Leneuf de la Vallière de Beaubassin. This marriage connected him to an important family in New France.

Villieu continued to lead French forces. In 1694, he led a raid on a place called Oyster River. This area is now Durham, New Hampshire. After this successful raid, he was given a new command. He became the leader of Fort Nashwaak. This fort was located in what is now Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Important Battles

In 1696, Villieu joined forces with Jean-Vincent d'Abbadie de Saint-Castin. They worked with Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville in a major battle. This was the Siege of Pemaquid. Pemaquid was a fort in what is now Bristol, Maine. The French forces won this siege.

However, after the victory, Villieu faced trouble. The ship he was on was captured. He was taken prisoner and sent to Boston. Eventually, he was released and returned to France.

Governor of Acadia

Villieu later came back to Acadia. From July 1700 to December 1701, he served as a temporary governor. He took over after the death of the previous governor, Joseph Robineau de Villebon.

Not much is known about the rest of his life. He was known to have some disagreements with his superiors. But he was well-liked by the people of Acadia.