Garneau, F. X. (François-Xavier), 1809-1866

François-Xavier Garneau was a historian, notary and poet born in Quebec City, Lower Canada, on 15 June 1809. Garneau left school at the age of 14, and did not have access to the wealth required to continue his education in a Seminary school. He worked first as a clerk, and then for a notary, becoming a notary himself in 1830. On 25 August 1835, Garneau married Marie-Esther Bilodeau. They had ten children together. Garneau wrote both poetry and history, though he is best known for his three volume "Histoire du Canada" published between 1845 and 1848. He was also active in local politics, becoming translator to the legislative assembly of Quebec in 1843 and the city clerk of Quebec in 1844. He held the position of clerk until his death in February 1866.