Jean-Charles Chapais and his family

The Chapais family of Saint-Denis was one of the most influential in the region and in Quebec.

As was customary at the time, Jean-Charles Chapais was named after his father and grandfather. Both were prosperous merchants. Jean-Charles Chapais (1811-1885), père, was successively a merchant, mayor of Saint-Denis, a member of parliament, one of the Fathers of Confederation, Minister of Agriculture in the federal government, and senator. On his mother’s side, Henriette-Georgina Dionne, daughter of Seigneur Amable Dionne, introduced her son Jean-Charles to gardening. It was from her, therefore, that Chapais fils inherited his love of horticulture and agriculture.

Jean-Charles Chapais fils had two sisters, Georgiana and Amélie, as well as a brother, Thomas (1858-1946). The latter was a lawyer by training. He was also a journalist, historian, member of parliament, minister and senator.

For his research work and experiments, Jean-Charles Chapais fils was awarded the title of Special Commander of the Order of Agricultural Merit, with the mention “specially distinguished merit” in 1922, along with Auguste Dupuis.

In addition, Chapais’ contribution to the development of agricultural science in Quebec earned him two honorary doctorates in agricultural science. One was awarded by Université Laval in 1916, and the second by McDonald College. Chapais is thus considered a pioneer of agronomy. He died in Saint-Denis in 1926.

The Maison Chapais has been a National Historic Site of Canada since 1962. The provincial government classified the building as a heritage immovable in 1990. Thomas inherited the house, which is open to the public. Jean-Charles, his son, lived in a house next to his experimental garden and childhood home.