Nicolas Denys (1598? – 1688) was a French-born merchant, governor, author, and settler in New France. He founded settlements at St. Pierre (now St. Peter's, Nova Scotia), Ste. Anne (Englishtown, Nova Scotia) and Nepisiquit (Bathurst, New Brunswick).
Overview
Nicolas Denys (1598? – 1688) was a French-born merchant, governor, author, and settler in New France. He founded settlements at St. Pierre (now St. Peter's, Nova Scotia), Ste. Anne (Englishtown, Nova Scotia) and Nepisiquit (Bathurst, New Brunswick).
Denys' writings about the lands and peoples of Acadia were published in two volumes in 1672. The work, entitled The Description and Natural History of the Coasts of North America, remains the leading authority regarding the conditions of Acadia for the years 1632 through 1670.
Life
Early years in France
Nicolas Denys was born in Tours, Indre-et-Loire, France, about 1598, the son of Jacques Denys, a captain in King Henri IV's Royal Guard and equerry to the king. His mother was Marie Cosnier. He was baptized in 1603.
