Captain Jean (John) Mercereau was the son of General Josue' Mercereau. He was born about 1638 probably in Moise or Meschers, Saintonge (St. Onge), France. He died sometime before April 29, 1681, presumably in France, when his wife is listed as a widow at his daughter's marriage.
Jean Mersereau was a Protestant Frenchman, noted for his personal strength. He studied law, but, disliking the confinement of study, learned the trade of saddler. He was captain of a military company armed with pikes, the members of which attained great skill in the use of that weapon. As a captain, he was allowed to go armed.
One evening he met three men, habited as friars, whom he saluted with "Good evening, gentlemen." They immediately charged him with being a Protestant, as a good Catholic would have said, "Good evening, fathers." He replied, "I know of but one Father, who is in Heaven." They drew their sabres, which were concealed under their cloaks, and attacked him. He defended himself with success, killing one, wounding another and putting the third to flight.

Captain Jean Mercereau married Elizabeth Dubois in Saintonge, France sometime before 1658. They had the following children, all born in Moeze, Saintonge, France:

Josue’ (6 Jan 1657/8 - 23 May 1756) m. Marie Chedaine/Chadaine
Elizabeth (abt 1660 - aft 16 Jul 1693) m. Pierre Masse
Jean (abt 1662 - bef 1681)
Daniel (abt 1665 - ) m. Suzanne Marie Doucinet/Doucenet
Paul (1 Jan 1668 - aft 1700)
Marie (6 Nov 1670 - 1733) Jean Latourette
Martha (abt 1674 - dy)

Elizabeth Dubois, a Huguenot, emmigrated to England in 1685 around the age of 42 with her children (most of whom were grown) except Paul whom either went to Holland, or directly to Philadelphia. Shortly thereafter, fearing further persecution under the Catholic James II, they all emigrated to New York.