Born from the marriage of Joseph-Michel Boucher de Niverville (widower of the late Louise-Victoire Chaouigouette, Abenaki, who died in 1813) and Josephte Laviolette. Charles Boucher de Niverville was born in Trois-Rivières in 1825. He entered the Séminaire de Nicolet in 1837, then began studying law with Antoine Polette, at that time MLA for Trois-Rivières. He was called to the Bar of Lower Canada in 1849. In 1852, he married Élizabeth Lafond, the daughter of Antoine Lafond, a farmer, and Élizabeth Darveau. The couple lived at the Manoir de Niverville. After his years of practice, he became mayor of the City (July 13, 1863), a position that he held until his election as MLA to the House of Assembly for one term (1865-1867). He was then appointed the Queen’s Legislative Counsel, and in 1868, he became sheriff of the district of Trois-Rivières. He passed away in 1869.

As for the artist, Joseph Marsal Samson, his presence in Trois-Rivières can be traced in 1879 and 1880. His studio was initially on rue Niverville, then he moved to the Bloc Dominion at 42, rue du Fleuve. Some of his works were made from the same process that he learned from his master Adolphe Rho (Rheault).

Advertisements in Trois-Rivières newspapers from this time tell us that a black pencil portrait cost $5 and a pastel pencil portrait cost $10. Samson also produced frames and all types of signage and lettering.

He seems to have left the region to settle in Montreal.

The artist would have made this portrait from a photograph, since it was produced ten years after the subject’s death.

Musée Pierre-Boucher Collection
1979 70 D