Martin d'Aprendestiguy

Known as a fur trader and Acadian seigneur, Martin was born at Ascain in France in 1616.

During the 1650’s he ran the business in partnership with traders of Saint-Jean-De-Luz. They equipped a vessel which traded and fished every year on the Acadian coast in furs and cod. In the course of time, Aprendestiguy developed a close relation with Charles de Saint-Étienne de La Tour, trader, colonizer, and governor of Acadia. He married his daughter, and it is known that he also lent him considerable sums of money.

Around 1660-1662 Aprendestiguy settled near La Tour in Acadia, and was granted an extensive land grant at the mouth of the Saint John River and the title “Sieur de Martignon.”