THE AUBERY FAMILY
The links between the Aubery and de Croisette families are of interest because they intermarried and were thus allies. In 1996 Dennis Le Croissette gleaned the following particulars during research in Rooms 78 and 79 of the Bibliothèque généalogique (a private Genealogical Library in Paris at 3 rue de Turbigo, 75001, phone 01 42 33 58 21). His sister Eileen translated his notes into English.
The Aubery family came originally from Paris. Their name goes back to the IVth century in the merchant bourgeoisie of the capital of France. According to a report by Tallemant des Reaux, they descended from a vinegar-maker of the rue Montmartre. They made their way onwards and by the 18th century were a rich and powerful family with brilliant connections. The Vatan male line died out in 1761 and the female line on 11th August 1781.
The first known ancestor, Isaac Aubery, was a merchant candle maker born in 1495. He had at least two children, the second, Jean — a haberdasher in the rue St Médéric, was first Judge of the Council of Merchants in 1563. Isaac's second union with Anne (and not Marie) Boucher produced a son Claude (see below*) who became, like his father, a haberdasher. He was councillor on the Town of Paris in 1569 and Judge of the Merchants in 1576, then in 1578 bought the office of secretary to the King, who ennobled him. He married successively Marie Pallua, daughter of a secretary to the king, then in 1570 Catherine Vivien, daughter of Jean, master of the chamber of accounts.
CLAUDE AUBERY [senior] had three children from his first marriage [to Marie Pallua]:
1. Claude* (see below), husband of Geneviève Dreux,
2. Geneviève, wife of Pierre des (or de) Croisettes, Seigneur (Lord) of Chennevières, councillor in Parliament in Paris, with whom he had no children,
Marie, who married Robert le Hannivel, gentleman of the house of the King.
From his second wife, Catherine Vivienne, Claude Aubery senior had 5 children, 3 sons and 2 daughters.
CLAUDE* AUBERY and GENEVIÈVE DREUX were married by contract on the 15th August 1595 (57). He was son of the late Claude Aubery (Secretary to the King) and Marie Palluan (first wife), and was master ordinary in the accounts chamber. He began as auditor of accounts in 1589 then became master in 1595. On the resignation of his brother-in-law, Pierre des Croisetts, he became Councillor of the Town of Paris, a function which he resigned in 1618 in favour of his son-in-law, Simon Dreux de Creuilly. He died on 16th December 162? and was buried in the funeral chapel of his family at St. Médéric. His wife died at 75 years on the 10th October 1650, and was buried alongside him (58).
From his union with Geneviève Dreux Claude Aubery had 3 daughters: Geneviève, Elizabeth and Madeleine:
1. Geneviève. As we have previously seen, she married Simon Dreux de Creuilly.
2. Elizabeth Aubery. She was married to Pierre des Croisettes, Lord of Sainte Mesme and of Mermont, President and Lieutenant Général of the bailiwick and Presidual [?] Seat of Soissons, son of Laurent des Croisettes (advocat in Parliament) and Catherine Lecomte. There was an only daughter from this union, Marie des Croisettes, who married first Antoine de Foucault, Lieutenant Général of the Armies of the King, then on the 11th February 1676, Eléanor de Flesselles (Flécelles, Marquis of Brégny (or Brégis).) The latter was the son of the famous Marquise (marchioness) of Brégny, one of the “precious ones” who keptt a salon in imitation of the Marchioness of Rambouillet. Marie des Croisettes, Marquise of Brégny, died without issue in October 1668. The executors of her will were her husband and her uncle (who was also her first cousin) Emery Dreux (almoner to the King and Under Precentor of Notre Dame.) She left part of her fortune to her first cousins the Cavoye family, who were in much need. Her husband remarried Catherine Jeanne Auzanet, daughter of Barthélemy Auzanet (Councillor of the Grand Councillor?) and his wife Anne de Creil.
JEAN AUBERY was master of Petitions, councillor of state and quartermaster in Anjou and in Tourraine. Through his second wife, Françoise Lebreton de Villandry (known in the world of “the Precious Ones” under the name of Almazie) he had a daughter Rénée-Julie, who married Louis de la Tremoille, Marquis of Noirmoutiers, in 1649. They had several children, including a daughter who became the princess of Ursius.
ROBERT AUBERY was president of the Chamber of Accounts and Councillor of State. He played a quite important role at the moment of the Rebellion. His second wife, Claude de Preteval, brought with her the beautiful lands of Vatau in Berry, whence came the name of Marquis de Vatau, taken by his descendants. From her, whose family were allied to the Saint-Simons, Jean Aubery [or perhaps Robert?] had a daughter and son. The daughter married Charles de Cochefilet, Count of Veausineux with whom she had Charlotte de Cochefilet, wife of Charles de Rohan, Duc de Montbazon and Prince of Guéménée.
GILLES AUBERY was Treasurer General of France in Paris then Master of the Accounts. He married Marie Pinou.
MADELEINE She married Madeleine Baptiste de Bernand, Councillor of State and Master of Petitions.
CATHERINE AUBERY married Martin Ridel, treasurer General in Rouen.
ELEANOR DE FLÉCELLES (FLÉSSELLES), called originally the Knight and afterwards the Marquis of Bregy. He was a qualified Knight and High and Powerful Lord, under the titles to which these are related. He was Baron of Ste Severe in Berry, Lord of Bregny, of Mory in France and a part of the town and parish of St. Ambroise de Melun, etc. Captain of a Company of one hundred French infantrymen in the Infantry Regiment of the Knight of Lorraine by Commission of the 16th October 1665. Afterwards Aide-de-Camp to the King's armies, by brevet [an honorary promotion or appointment] on the 20th April 1672. He was baptised 1st September 1644 and was married twice, as follows:
1. Dame Marie de Croisettes of Ste. Mesme (died October 1688). They were married by contract 11th February 1676 when he was referred to as Viscount of Brégy. Marie was the widow of Antoine de Foucault, qualified Knight, Lord of Eflois etc. Lieutenant General of the Armies of the King. She was the daughter of Pierre de Croisettes (Lord of Ste. Mesme, President of the Presiding Seat of Soissons) and of Elizabeth Aubery.
2. Demoiselle Catherine-Jeanne Auzanet, daughter of Barthélemy Cluzanet (Counsellor of the Grand Council) and of Anne of Creil. Barthélemy Cluzanet swore homage of his Ste. Sevère barony to Ste. Mesme on 8th March 1690. He was named Knight of Honour of the Presidual [?] of Crespy 15th June 1693, and was confirmed in his noble status by the Judgement of the General Commissioners on 22nd May 1770. He died without children 2nd November 1712.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Les Dreux Brézé, Michel de Dreux-Brézé. Editions Christian, 5 rue Alphonse Baudin, 75011 Paris. References: Croiset (de) p.367, Croisettes (des) p. 70, 71 and 88 (ref 58)