On 3 November 1647, less than one month after Françoise Fafard arrived in Ville-Marie (Montreal) from France, she was married to Mathurin Meunier at the Basilique Notre Dame. To us, this probably sounds like a hurried marriage, and it was, but not for the reason you may think. In 1647, men outnumbered women 6 to 1 in New France (Quebec), and very few of those women were single. Seeing the need for marriageable ladies the leaders of Ville-Marie contracted women in France to travel to Ville-Marie for the purpose of becoming the wife of an eligible man. They are known as Filles à marier or “marriageable girl”. Françoise was part of the first small group who arrived in Oct 1647.
I have not located the notary record for Françoise engagement by the Société Notre-Dame de Montréal. Usually these records stipulated the amount of dowry the lady would receive upon her marriage to either a specific individual or any eligible man in Montreal, as well as the amount of clothes, if any, she would receive before her departure. The contract would also stipulate that the Société would pay for her travel to Ville-Marie and house and feed her while she was there, until her marriage. I’m not certain, then, that Françoise knew whom she would marry soon after her arrival. It is possible that Mathurin was aboard the same ship that arrived with Françoise; but he had signed his own contract three years earlier, and likely was already in Montreal working for the Société Notre-Dame de Montréal by assisting in building Ville-Marie. I do know from history, that the eligible lady had a choice when she arrived in New France. She could choose any man who showed interest, but choose she must.
Françoise wasn’t a young girl, she was at this time, 25 years of age. She came from the town and parish of D’Argence near Caen in France and was the daughter of Jean Fafard and Elisabeth Tibou. Do you wonder what she was thinking as she signed the contract in France? As she boarded the ship? As she exited the ship on a new continent, in a new town that was at that time merely a few buildings surrounded by a tall wall? Ville-Marie was hardly impressive. And yet, one could imagine that a person could see a future there, a new beginning. Perhaps a future that was not so bleak as what was left behind? Françoise mother had died when Françoise was a young girl, and her father soon remarried Antoinette Leverdier and had two children by her. Françoise and her siblings would be on the short stick of any inheritance left by her father.
The original document that is left behind recording this momentous occasion is torn and worn. Thankfully, at some point in the past, seeing the deteriorating condition of the original register of Notre-Dame-de-Montreal a Jesuit priest rewrote the original in much clearer and neater writing… both the original and the copy are in Latin. This record of marriage provides us with the names of their parents, the towns they came from in France, as well as some of those who were present and witnessed the marriage. A rough English translation goes something like this:
“In the Year of our Lord 1647. On 3 November 3 bans having been published on three successive denunciations and no legitimate impediment disclosed, Georges d’Endemare of the Company Jesus Sacudor, married Mathurin le Monnier, son of Rene le Monnier and Marie le Roux, his parents residing in the parish and town of Clermont near Lafleche [France] to Françoise Faffart Daughter of Jean Faffart and Elizabeth Tibou residing in the district and parish of Argences near Caen, in France. In New France, at the Royal house in Ville-Marie we received their mutual consent and gave them the nuptial blessing in the presence of Maisonneufue [Chomedey sieur de Maisonneuve], Gilbert Barbier Nevers, Jean de St Pere Gastinons, + many others.”
#52ancestors
Original marriage record of Mathurin Lemonnier and Francoise Faffart
Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 47182, citing image d1p_11000103.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. Marriage, 1647-11-03, Montréal (Notre-Dame-de-Montréal), Mathurin Lemonnier, parish and town of Clermont near Lafleche, single, and Francoise Faffart, town and parish of D’Argence near Caen, single; father of groom, Rene Lemonnier; mother of groom, Marie Leroux; father of bride, Jean Faffart; mother of bride, Elisabeth Tibou; witnesses: Demaisonneufve, Gilbert Barbier Lenivernais, and Jean Destpere Legastinois; priest, Georges Dendemare. https://www.genealogiequebec.com/Membership/LAFRANCE/acte/47182; database with images, Généalogie Québec (https://www.genealogiequebec.com/en/lafrance).
Rewritten marriage record of Mathurin Lemonnier and Francoise Faffart
Ancestry.com, Quebec, Canada, Vital and Church Records (Drouin Collection), 1621-1968 (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2008), Ancestry.com, M > Montréal > Basilique Notre-Dame (copie textuelle) > 1643-1680; 4 of 277 images, [stamped] 205-206; 1647 Mathruin Meusnier et Francois Fafart. https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/1091/images/d13p_1184c0520.
Since my 10th great-grandparents Mathurin Meunier and Françoise Fafard were the first European couple to have been married in Montreal, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they also had the first European child born and baptized in Montreal!
The birth of their first child, Barbe, must have brought great hope to the leaders of Ville-Marie (Montreal). Here was the beginning of colonializing they had hoped and prayed for. It wasn’t the plan for the Société Notre-Dame de Montréal to just supply men for the mission Ville-Marie – they also wanted to populate the area around it with families who would farm and be reliant on themselves, not the yearly supply shipments from France sent by the Société.
I know of Barbe’s birth from her baptismal record in the Parish of Notre-Dame-de-Montreal. The Priest Jean Dequen baptized her the same day she was born, 24 Nov 1648. Her Godfather was none other than Paul Chomeday, the Governor of Montreal. Her Godmother was Jeanne Mance, a nurse, who founded the Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal, the first hospital in Montreal, built in 1645 and the likely location of birth and baptism since the surgeon Jean Poppe was present at the baptism.
The baptism and birth occurring on the same day is often indicative that the health of the newborn was poor. They baptized them quickly back then when they believed there was a chance the newborn would die without a proper baptism. Barbe held on for 9 days, but on 3 December 1648, she passed away and was buried in the consecrated grounds of the parish church. This is also recorded in the register of Notre-Dame de Montréal. I’ve attached images of both records.
The life of Barbe Meunier was short, but not insignificant. No life ever is. Like the disappointment her parents felt from losing her, the community of Ville-Marie must have felt the same. What a blow to the gut this was for all. The mission and town of Montreal would grow, but it would be a tough row to hoe for many decades (actually there would be little hoeing – that is another story however). This setback was yet another in a long list that no prayer seemed to prevent. But the leaders of little Ville-Marie believed in hope and faith, in life and death. They believed that their mission in Montreal was to bring God to the Natives, and they believed it was a Divine mission. Surely God would provide in his own time.
Mathurin and Françoise obviously had other children, or I wouldn’t be here today writing this. Neither would some of you who are reading this. The couple would eventually bring nine children into the world, of which, only six would survive into adulthood. Those six though, would help fulfil the dreams and prayers of Société Notre-Dame de Montréal and the Meuniers. God does answer prayer!
In the autumn of 1651, after Mathurin LeMeunier had finished assisting Chomedey sieur de Maisonneuve in building the societies mission on the the Isle of Montreal, Sieur de Maisonneuve left for France to engage at least 100 new men to protect the colony and mission of Ville-Marie. This year in particular had seen an increase in attacks by the Iroquois on settlers who needed to venture outside the walls of the small hamlet. The Société Notre-Dame de Montréal would need to provide the funds necessary for this task, or give up Ville-Marie.
It would take Sieur de Maisonneuve two years to sign up a sufficient number of men. Faillon describes the men Maisonneuve sought as “young, robust and courageous men, every one well trained in the use of arms, each one proficient in some profession or trade necessary or useful to the new establishment, and all sincere Catholics. Moreover, he insisted that they should have good breeding and irreproachable morals for fear of corruption among the group.” Upon signing an obligation in front of Notary de Lafousse, the recruits became a part of La Campagnie de Montréal. Like the contracts signed by the engagés of 1644, these required the men to travel to Ville-Marie where they would be employed for a period of 5 years. The contract also required the La Campagnie de Montréal to provide transportation to Ville-Marie and maintain food and lodging for the men for the period of their contract. Any tools or items needed to complete a task assigned were also provided by the Company. Interestingly, Faillon notes in his treatise, that the total amount of wages per year would not amount to over £7,000 a year, but the total advance provided for 103 men, before embarking, to provide suitable “togs and objects” which could more easily be obtained in France, was £11,000.
Sieur de Maisonneuve was extremely successful in his task. 118 men were signed up from la Fleche, another 36 came from the districts of Picardy, Champagne, Normandy, Isle de France, Touraine, Bourgogne, but principally from Maine and Anjou. Not all men set sail though. On 20 June 1653 on a ship named Saint-Nicolas-de-Nantes under the command of Captain de Besson, 122 passengers, mostly men comprising La Campagnie de Montréal, set sail from France and headed towards Ville-Marie. It was a journey immediately fraught with problems as the boat was rotted and taking on water. Even with all those men taking turns at the pumps 24 hours a day it became clear within 350 leagues at sea of the need to turn back. Sister Bourgeoys reports the incident:
“As we approached land, we would have perished, but, for the grace of God, the local people rescued us. I was very distressed during this time of peril; we were 120 passengers without a priest and our people were ill-prepared for death. Upon landing, M. de Maisonneuve restricted the soldiers to an island which was escape-proof, otherwise all would have vanished. In desperation some even tried to swim to main-land, they believed they were doomed and had become discouraged. It took a long time to find and outfit another boat as well as gather new provisions but finally we set sail again after attending Holy Mass, on July 20th, the feast day of Sainte-Marguerite”.
This new sailing was also riddled with problems. Sickness prevailed on the passage, and 8 men would lose their life. Failon instructs us:
“It was an occasion for Sister Bourgeoys to display great charity by providing all services she could manage and by helping them toward a saintly death. Day and night she remained at their side, she consoled them in their troubles and shared among them everything she received in generosity from M. de Maisonneuve and the Captain. She refused to eat at the Captain’s table, but accepted portions of food which could be conveniently distributed among the ailing, keeping a very modest ration for herself. The entire trip, for her, became a mission of mercy. She diligently instructed the sick and the soldiers, taught them catechism, recited the morning and evening prayers and often conducted spiritual readings and other religious services in spite of suffering the usual discomforts of a novice sea voyager.”
On St-Maurice day, 1653 [1]September 22nd, the ship was in sight of Quebec, when it struck an object that pierced the vessel so deeply that it could not be dislodged. The passengers and crew, though, arrived that day at Quebec and were greeted by the townspeople joyfully, as they too had been under recent harassments from the Iroquois. The ship would eventually be burned where it lay, completely loss for further usage. La Campagnie de Montréal still needed to travel from Quebec to Montreal. Unfortunately, the loss of their ship required the company to purchase smaller boats to finish their journey. The governor of Quebec, Monsieur Jean de Lauson had other ideas, however, and wished for the company to remain in Quebec. However, Sieur de Maisonneuve carried the King’s Orders which gave him complete control over Ville-Marie. Faillon explains the situation thusly:
“By the decree of 1648, the King had declared that a governor general would have a mandate of three years and could be re-appointed only once. Regardless M. de Maisonneuve had been governing the Isle of Montreal for almost twelve years. Consequently colleagues and associates fearing M. de Lauson would further embarrass M. de Maisonneuve by disputing the title of governor therefore obtained an order with the king’s seal, addressed directly to Y. de Maisonneuve before his departure from France. By this order, Louis XIV approved once again the decision of the Lords of Montreal to select their governor and gave him full charge of the colonization of Villemarie. The rivalry between the two leaders was truly manifested when M. de Maisonneuve required small boats to continue the journey, none were made available, and the enlisted men were obliged to spend considerable time at Quebec while de Maisonneuve looked for other transportation.”
Unable to secure smaller boats for his journey, Sieur de Maisonneuve marched his men from Quebec to Montreal, he always remaining in the rear to insure no man was left behind. The men were joyfully welcomed to Ville-Marie. But their joy was made even greater when Sieur de Maisonneuve enticed many of the men to stay in Montreal by offering to write off the amount of money which had been advanced to the men while still in France and since their arrival, also to donate to each a good piece of land for cultivation, as well as another acre at the proposed city site where homes were built. Moreover, he offered additional financial help with the understanding that this money be returned if the candidate chose to leave the Isle of Montreal and established his home elsewhere unless of course circumstances obliged the French to abandon the Isle completely.
It was in this manner that several of my ancestors found themselves in Montreal. Immediately following their agreement, they each acquired thirty acres of land, which was to be cultivated, situated mostly on the hill side of St Louis or in the region of St Joseph, and in addition an acre or half acre on the site chosen for the town, where, as I mentioned before, each farmer would build himself a residence.
New Settlers of Montreal in 1653
The list below comprises those 102 recruits known to have arrived as part of the Company. These were researched by Michel Langlois of the Société généalogique canadienne-française. Langlois’ research was based on and updated earlier research by R. J. Auger. Those names in bold or linked are related to me.
Men who arrived in 1653:
Family names, pseudonyms, and first names / Place of origin: village or city (current French department) / Trade
AUDRU, Jacques – Paris (Seine) – Land-clearer
AUGER dit LE BARON, Jean – Chemiré-en-Charnie (Sarthe) – Land-clearer
AVERTY dit LÉGER, Maurice – La Flèche (Sarthe) – Land-clearer
BAREAU dit LAGOGUE, Pierre – La Flèche (Sarthe) – Land-clearer
BASTARD, Yves -? – Land-clearer
BAUDREAU dit GRAVELINE, Urbain – Clermont-Créans (Sarthe) – Land-clearer
BAUDRY dit L’ÉPINETTE, Antoine – Chemiré-en-Charnie (Sarthe) – Land-clearer and nail-maker
ROINAY, François – Sablé-sur-Sarthe (Sarthe) – Land-clearer
TAVERNIER dit LAFORÊT, Jean – Roëzé-sur-Sarthe (Sarthe) – Land-clearer and weapon maker
THÉODORE dit GILLES, Michel – Tours (Indre-et-Loire) – Land-clearer and digger
VACHER dit ST-JULIEN, Sylvestre – St-Julien-sur-Cher (Loire-et-Cher) – Carpenter
VALLETS (or VALLAYS), Jean – Teillé (Sarthe) – Land-clearer
VALIQUET dit LAVERDURE, Jean – Le Lude (Sarthe) – Land-clearer and locksmith
Women who arrived in 1653:
A few women also boarded the Saint-Nicolas-de-Nantes and sailed to New France. As you may recall, the massive arrival of the King’s Wards only started in 1663. In 1653, the major concern was to bring men over to defend New France. R. J. Auger recorded the names of fifteen female passengers. Recent research conducted by the Société de généalogie canadienne-française indicates that there were actually fourteen women. Here are the names and the cities or villages they came from:
ARTUS, Michelle – Noyen-sur-Sarthe (Sarthe / Pays de la Loire)
My 10th great grandparents were Mathurin Meunier and Françoise Fafard This is their Life Story
Mathurin Meunier, also known as Lemonnier, Monier, and Meusnier, was born 20 Apr 1619, and baptized 22 Apr 1619 at St-Lambert de Clermont, France, son of René Lemonnier and Marie Lemoux. [1]Guy Perron, Le blogue de Guy Perron, (https://lebloguedeguyperron.wordpress.com/), 194 – The enlisted men raised by Jérôme Le Royer de La … Continue reading[2]Légaré, Jacques; Bertrand Desjardins, and Hubert Charbonneau, PRDH: Le Programme de Recherche en démographie historique … Continue reading Françoise Fafard, also known as Fafar, Fafart, and Faffart, is listed as from Argences, France in the 1647 marriage record to Mathurin. She was the daughter of Jean Fafard and Elisabeth Thibout, born sometime between 1621 and 1622. [3]Françoise is aged 25 at her marriage to Mathurin in 1647, likely the most reliable record pertaining to her age.
20 Apr 1644, on his 25th birthday, Mathurin signed a contract notarized by Pierre Teuleron in La Rochelle, France, for employment by Jérome Le Royer de La Dauversière, head of the Société Notre-Dame de Montréal. This job required Mathurin to travel to New France, specifically, to the town of Montreal, where he would perform digging work under Paul de Chomedey sieur de Maisonneuve for a period of five years. Many of our ancestors paid their way to the New World by hiring themselves out before ever setting foot on its soil. [4]Guy Perron, Le blogue de Guy Perron, (https://lebloguedeguyperron.wordpress.com/), 194 – The enlisted men raised by Jérôme Le Royer de La … Continue reading
In Oct 1647, a ship arrived in Montreal with Chomedey sieur de Maisonneuve. Sieur de Maisonneuve, a French aristocrat, was also hired by Jérome Le Royer de La Dauversière, to lead the colonists at Montreal and to build a society mission on the the Isle of Montreal. It’s not certain if Mathurin had arrived earlier, or if he came over at the same time. If he did arrive aboard the ship, then he arrived on the same ship with his future bride, Françoise. Where Mathurin had the job of digging, Françoise had the job of marrying her future husband, for she was a Filles à marier or “marriageable girl” brought over for the sole purpose of becoming a wife. In New France in 1647, men outnumbered women 6 to 1, so officials in France recruited single women to enter into marriage contracts and then make the voyage to settle in the new world. Place an emphasis on then. These ladies came over with no idea whom they were marrying, just that they must marry soon after arriving.
Less than one month later, on 3 Nov 1647, in the first marriage of whites recorded in Montreal, Mathurin Lemonnier, aged 28, and Françoise Faffart, aged 25, were married at Notre-Dame-de-Montreal, in the presence of Chomedey sieur de Maisonneuve, Gilbert Barbier Lenivernais, and Jean Destpere Legastinois. [5]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 47182, citing image d1p_11000103.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. Marriage, 1647-11-03, Montréal … Continue readingThis was a monumental moment for the Société Notre-Dame de Montréal; in order for their plans to succeed, they needed families to settle and live off the land, not just employees reliant on the society itself. This was the start of Montreal!
On 24 Nov 1648, just like clockwork, Mathurin and Françoise welcomed the first white child recorded as born in Montreal, Barbe. [6]“Québec, registres paroissiaux catholiques, 1621-1979,” database with images, FamilySearch … Continue reading[7]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 39427, citing image d1p_11000172.jpg; last accessed 24 Nov 2020. Drouin Records at the Institute … Continue reading Unfortunately, the joy was short lived, and Barbe passed away at 9 days old on 3 Dec 1648. [8]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 48678, citing image d1p_11000172.jpg; last accessed 24 Nov 2020. Burial, 1648-12-03, Montréal … Continue reading
On 03 Dec 1649, exactly one year from the death of their first child, Mathurin and Françoise had twin boys, Mathurin and Charles [9]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 39436, citing image d1p_11000014.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. Baptism, 1649-12-03, Montréal … Continue reading.. Unfortunately, like their sister Barbe, they lived short lives. Charles passed away on 21 Dec 1649 [10]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 48684, citing image d1p_11000172.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. Burial, 1649-12-21, Montréal … Continue reading and Mathurin on 27 Feb 1650. What a heart wrenching two years for the young couple!
Finally, on 8 Jan 1651, Jean breached Françoise womb and entered the world. [11]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 87252, citing image d1p_25390125.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. Baptism, 1651-01-08, … Continue reading This is their first child who will make it to adulthood. This child is also their first to not be born at Montreal, he instead was born at Trois-Rivières. Why the couple had relocated temporarily to Trois-Rivières is not known, but by this time, Mathurin would be free from his engagement with Jérome Le Royer de La Dauversière.
13 Sep 1653 finds Françoise in Notre-Dame-de-Quebec and birthing my 9th great-grandmother, Françoise Meunier. [12]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 87252, citing image d1p_25390125.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. Baptism, 1651-01-08, … Continue reading
On 11 Oct. 1653 Mathurin entered a contract to sell half his property to Michel l’Homme and the other half to Charles Pouliot, however, this deal fell through. The transaction where Mathurin purchased the land has not yet been found, but the land is in Beaupré. [13]Collaborative, WikiTree, WikiTree, (https://www.wikitree.com/), Mathurin (Lemonnier) Lemounier (1619 – bef. 1681), accessed 3 Dec 2020. … Continue reading
15 Jul 1654 In the records of notary Claude Auber of Quebec City is act #15 of “vente & adjudication” [14]sale and legal settlement of the estate of Andre Basin. Mathurin witnessed as Mathurin LeMounier along with Jacques Labarche and Jean Cochon. [15]Ancestry.com, Quebec, Canada, Notarial Records, 1637-1935 (Lehi, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016), Ancestry.com, Actes notariés … Continue reading
10 Aug. 1654 In the records of notary Guillaume Audouart is an agreement between Mathurin and Pierre Paquereau with Denis Guyon. [16]Library and Archives of Canada- Fonds des registries de notaires de Québec – MSS1679, microfilm M-1617, No. 319.
On 30 Jan 1655 Mathurin obtained a grant of 4 arpents of frontage in Sainte Anne de Beaupré between the lots of Francois Boivin and Noel Simard. [17]Our Ancestors – Garard Lebel, in “The Genealogical Corner” – June 1979
4 Feb 1656, Record #24 of notary Claude Auber of Quebec is an agreement of obligation between Mathurin LeMounier and Robert Anest. This obligation was witnessed by Marin Boucher. This record contains a signature of Mathurin. [18]Ancestry.com, Quebec, Canada, Notarial Records, 1637-1935 (Lehi, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016), Ancestry.com, Répertoires de … Continue reading
17 Feb 1656, Elisabeth Isabelle was born and an emergency baptism was supplied by Françoise Lehoux wife of Robert Pare. She was officially baptized by Father Ragueneau on 13 Mar 1656 at the house of Louis Gasnier. [19]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 57551, citing image d1p_31410363.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. Baptism, 1656-03-13, Québec … Continue reading
1658 – Mathurin is on the map of 1658 listing the first colonists in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. [20]Collaborative, WikiTree, WikiTree, (https://www.wikitree.com/), Mathurin (Lemonnier) Lemounier (1619 – bef. 1681), accessed 3 Dec 2020. … Continue reading
04 Aug 1659, Marie Marguerite was born in Notre-Dame-de-Quebec. [21]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 57742, citing image d1p_31410380.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. Baptism, 1659-08-17, Québec … Continue reading
08 Dec 1662, Mathurin Monier was born in Château-Richer. [22]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 28816, citing image d1p_16510175.jpg and d1p_16510176.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020; this is a … Continue reading
09 Apr 1665, The family must have returned temporarily to France between Mathurin’s birth and 09 Apr 1665, when we find Francois, born in Honfleur, France. [23]Légaré, Jacques; Bertrand Desjardins, and Hubert Charbonneau, PRDH: Le Programme de Recherche en démographie historique … Continue reading
Census 1666, La Côte-de-Beaupré: Mathurin Meunier, 47, inhabitant; Françoise Fafar, 45, his wife; Jean, 15; Françoise, 13; Elizabeth, 10; Marguerite, 6; Mathurin, 3; François, 2. [24]Estate General Des Habitans du Canada en 1666, Jean Mounier; printed in Rapport de L’Archiviste de la Province de Quebec pour 1935-1936, p. 42, … Continue reading The 1666 census show the family complete, there would be no more children born to the aging Françoise; it also shows them in Mathurin’s final home, Beaupré.
Census 1667, La Côte-de-Beaupré: Mathurin Musnier, 48; Françoise Fafard, 45; Jean, 17; Elizabeth, 12; Marguerite, 8; Mathurin, 5; François, 3; 4 cattle, 15 arpents in value. They live on the Côte de Beaupré. [25]Sulte, Benjamin, Histoire des Canadiens-Français 1608-1880 : origine, histoire, religion, guerres, découvertes, colonisation, coutumes, vie … Continue reading
28 Mar 1667, Mathurin Meunier had an agreement with Pierre Parent notarized by Gilles Rageot for transport [26]Transfer of property or of an amount of money.[27]The notarial acts for notary Gilles Rageot do not survive, all we have are the notarial indices for those acts.[28]Ancestry.com, Quebec, Canada, Notarial Records, 1637-1935 (Lehi, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016), Ancestry.com, Répertoires de … Continue reading
06 Dec 1668, Mathurin was present and Godfather for his grandson Charles Pouillot, son of Charles Pouilot and Francoise Meunier. [29]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 29097, citing image d1p_16510202.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. Baptism, 1668-12-06, … Continue reading
9 Oct 1676, Françoise Fafart is listed as the Godmother for her grandchild, Jacques Labbe, son of Pierre Labbe and Marguerite Musnier. In the baptismal entry prêtre Charles Amador Martin recorded Françoise as “femme de” or “wife of” Mathurin. This is the last known date when Mathurin was recorded as alive. [30]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 31525, citing image d1p_30780105.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. Baptism, 1676-10-09, Ste-Famille … Continue reading
27 Jul 1679, the living daughters of Mathurin and Françoise sell their shares of their fathers land to their brothers, indicating that Mathurin was deceased by this date.
Census 1681, La Côte-de-Beaupré: Françoise Fafar, widow, 50; children: François 17, Mathurin 16; 1 gun; 5 horned beasts; 20 arpents in value. Françoise resides in the seigneury of Beaupré with Mathurin and François. The ages of all three were incorrectly listed in this census. [31]Sulte, Benjamin, Histoire des Canadiens-Français 1608-1880 : origine, histoire, religion, guerres, découvertes, colonisation, coutumes, vie … Continue reading[32]“Recensement du Canada fait par l’intendant Du Chesneau. Nominatif: familles”, digital image, The National Archives … Continue reading
The three census together show that Françoise Fafar had this incredible ability to not age… she gaining only 5 years in age over 15 years of census!
Genealogy of Mathurin Meunier and Françoise Fafar
Mathurin Meunier was born to Rene Lemonnier and Marie Leroux in St-Lambert de Clermont, France. He was baptized at the parish church, St-Lambert de Clermont, on 22 Apr 1619. It is likely his baptism occurred within days of his birth, if not the day of. He married Françoise Fafar, daughter of Jean Fafar and Elisabeth Thibout of Argences, France [33]some genealogists claim that Françoise was born and baptized in Argences, but a search of the Argences parish records failed to produce … Continue reading, on 3 Nov 1647, in the first recorded marriage of Europeans at the parish of Notre-Dame-de-Montréal, New France. Mathurin died between 9 Oct 1676, the day his grandson, Jacques Labbe was baptized, and 27 Jul 1679, the day his children sold their portion of his land to their brothers. Françoise died 13 Jan 1702 in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, New France. [34]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 28586, citing image d1p_30981573.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. acte is not in chronological … Continue reading The family resided at Montreal, Quebec, Trois Rivieres, Chateau Richer, and Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, New France.
Children of Mathurin Meunier and Françoise Fafar:
Barbe Lemounier, b. 24 Nov 1648 and bapt. the same day, [35]“Québec, registres paroissiaux catholiques, 1621-1979,” database with images, FamilySearch … Continue reading[36]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 39427, citing image d1p_11000172.jpg; last accessed 24 Nov 2020. Drouin Records at the Institute … Continue reading d. and bur. 3 Dec 1648, all at Notre-Dame-de-Montréal, New France. [37]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 48678, citing image d1p_11000172.jpg; last accessed 24 Nov 2020. Burial, 1648-12-03, Montréal … Continue reading
Charles Lemonier, b. 3 Dec 1649 and bapt. the same day, [38]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 39436, citing image d1p_11000014.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. Baptism, 1649-12-03, Montréal … Continue reading d. and bur. 21 Dec 1649, all at Notre-Dame-de-Montréal, New France. [39]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 48684, citing image d1p_11000172.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. Burial, 1649-12-21, Montréal … Continue reading Twin to Mathurin.
Mathurin Lemonier, b. 3 Dec 1649 and bapt. the same day, [40]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 39437, citing image d1p_11000014.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. Baptism, 1649-12-03, Montréal … Continue reading d. and bur. 27 Feb 1650, all at Notre-Dame-de-Montréal, New France. [41]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 48686, citing image d1p_11000172.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. Burial, 1650-02-27, Montréal … Continue reading Twin to Charles.
Jean Mousnier, bap. 8 Jan 1651 at Trois-Rivieres, New France; [42]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 87252, citing image d1p_25390125.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. Baptism, 1651-01-08, … Continue reading married Marguerite Ozou 5 Oct 1670 at Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, New France, the daughter of Nicolas Ozou and Marguerite Detroye. [43]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 28350, citing image d1p_30981463.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. Marriage, 1670-10-05, … Continue reading[44]Légaré, Jacques; Bertrand Desjardins, and Hubert Charbonneau, PRDH: Le Programme de Recherche en démographie historique … Continue reading Dates of deaths for either Jean or Marguerite have not been found. It is possible that Marguerite married Denis Gloria after the death of Jean.
Francoise Lemosnier, b. 13 Sep 1653, and bapt. 17 Sep 1653 at Notre-Dame-de-Montréal, New France. [45]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 57428, citing image d1p_31410355.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. Baptism, 1653-09-17, Québec … Continue reading She married 05 Jun 1667 in an undetermined location within Quebec, Canada, to Charles Pouilot, son of Jean Pouilot and Jeanne Josef. [46]Légaré, Jacques; Bertrand Desjardins, and Hubert Charbonneau, PRDH: Le Programme de Recherche en démographie historique … Continue reading She married second, 30 Sep 1700, in Saint-Laurent-de-l’Île-d’Orléans, Jean Paul Maheu. [47]Légaré, Jacques; Bertrand Desjardins, and Hubert Charbonneau, PRDH: Le Programme de Recherche en démographie historique … Continue reading[48]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 35500, citing image d1p_16810206.jpg; last accessed 04 Dec 2020; image is not a copy of the … Continue reading Francoise d. 18 Jan 1703 at Saint-Laurent-de-l’Île-d’Orléans, New France. [49]Légaré, Jacques; Bertrand Desjardins, and Hubert Charbonneau, PRDH: Le Programme de Recherche en démographie historique … Continue reading She and Charles Pouilot are my 9th great-grandparents.
Elisabeth Isabelle Meusnier, b. 17 Feb 1656, bapt. the same day in an emergency baptism [ondoyée] and then by a priest on 13 Mar 1656 at Notre-Dame-de-Quebec, New France. [50]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 57551, citing image d1p_31410363.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. Baptism, 1656-03-13, Québec … Continue reading Isabelle was married to Isaac Etienne Paquet Lavallee, 30 Jun 1670, at Chateau Richer, New France. [51]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 30178, citing image d1p_16510635.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020; this is an obvious hand written … Continue reading[52]Légaré, Jacques; Bertrand Desjardins, and Hubert Charbonneau, PRDH: Le Programme de Recherche en démographie historique … Continue reading This family would move to and reside in America.
Marie Marguerite Mosnier, b. 04 Aug 1659 and bapt. 17 Aug 1659 at Notre-Dame-de-Quebec, New France. [53]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 57742, citing image d1p_31410380.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. Baptism, 1659-08-17, Québec … Continue reading Married 10 Apr 1674 at Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, Pierre Labbe, son of Francois Labbe and Marie Fouré, bapt. 30 Jun 1643. [54]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 28357, citing image d1p_30981472.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. Marriage, 1674-04-10, … Continue reading[55]Légaré, Jacques; Bertrand Desjardins, and Hubert Charbonneau, PRDH: Le Programme de Recherche en démographie historique … Continue reading[56]Quebec Federation of Genealogical Societies, Fichier Origine, (https://www.fichierorigine.com/), … Continue reading Marie Marguerite d. 17 Jun 1733 and was bur. the following day at Saint-François-de-l’Île-d’Orléans, New France. [57]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 143671, citing image d1p_30791244.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. Burial, 1733-06-18, St-François … Continue reading
Mathurin Meunier, born 8 Dec 1662 and bapt. 12 Dec 1662 at Château-Richer, New France. [58]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 28816, citing image d1p_16510175.jpg and d1p_16510176.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020; this is a … Continue reading Married Marie Madeleine Meneux, 22 Nov 1684 at Ste-Famille-Ile-d’Orléans, Quebec. [59]Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 32679, citing image d1p_16260043. Marriage, 1684-11-22, Ste-Famille I.O., Mathurin Meusnier, … Continue reading[60]Légaré, Jacques; Bertrand Desjardins, and Hubert Charbonneau, PRDH: Le Programme de Recherche en démographie historique … Continue reading Mathurin d. on 14 Feb 1743 at Notre-Dame-de-Quebec, New France. [61]Légaré, Jacques; Bertrand Desjardins, and Hubert Charbonneau, PRDH: Le Programme de Recherche en démographie historique … Continue reading
Francois Meunier, bapt. 09 Apr 1665 at Honfleur, Normandie. [62]Légaré, Jacques; Bertrand Desjardins, and Hubert Charbonneau, PRDH: Le Programme de Recherche en démographie historique … Continue reading Married 18 Feb 1692 at L’Ange-Gardien, La Côte-de-Beaupré, New France to Angelique Jacob, daughter of Etienne Jacob and Jeanne Fresel of La Côte-de-Beaupré. [63]Légaré, Jacques; Bertrand Desjardins, and Hubert Charbonneau, PRDH: Le Programme de Recherche en démographie historique … Continue reading
Baptism record of Mathurin Lemonnier on 22 Apr 1619 in Clermont, France
Marriage, 1670-10-05, Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré, Jean Meusnier and Marguerite Housseau, residence, Parish of St-Jean, village of Troyes; father of groom, Mathurin Meusnier; mother of groom, Francoise Fafart; father of bride, Nicolas Housseau, deceased; mother of bride, Marguerite Detroye; witnesses: Charles Poulliot, Michel Bouchart, Noel Simart; priest, Francois Fillon.
Burial, 1649-12-21, Montréal (Notre-Dame-de-Montréal); Charles Lemonier, celib., male; father, Mathurin Lemonier; mother, Francoise Faffart; pretre, Jean Dequen
Burial, 1648-12-03, Montréal (Notre-Dame-de-Montréal); Barbe Lemonnier, age 9 days, female; father, Lemonnier; mother, Francoise Fafart; pretre, Jean Dequen.
Baptism, 1648-11-24, Montréal (Notre-Dame-de-Montréal); Barbe Lemounier, female; father Mathurin Lemounier; mother, Francoise Fafard; Surgeon, Jean Poppe; Godfather, Paul Chomedai, Governour; Godmother, Jeanne Mance; and Pretre, Jean Dequen.
Chapel and grotto at Ste Anne de Beaupre
Légaré, Jacques; Bertrand Desjardins, and Hubert Charbonneau, PRDH: Le Programme de Recherche en démographie historique (http://www.genealogy.umontreal.ca/en/home, Université de Montréal), Individual #47178, Mathurin Meunier Monier, the date and place of baptism of this immigrant was obtained from Fichier Origine. https://www.prdh-igd.com/Membership/en/PRDH/Individu/47178.
Guy Perron, Le blogue de Guy Perron, (https://lebloguedeguyperron.wordpress.com/), 194 – The enlisted men raised by Jérôme Le Royer de La Dauversière for Canada in 1644, published 3 Mar 2018; citing Source : AD72 en ligne. IMI963R1. Clermont. Baptêmes. 1610-1648. Vue 46/78. https://lebloguedeguyperron.wordpress.com/2018/03/03/194-les-engages-leves-par-jerome-le-royer-de-la-dauversiere-pour-le-canada-en-1644/.
1681 Quebec Census showing family of Francoise Fafar Meunier
1667 Quebec Census showing family of Mathurin Meunier
1656 signature Mathurin Lemounier
Extrait. Engagement de Mathurin Lemonnier. 20 avril 1644.
(Source : AD17. Notaire Pierre Teuleron. Registre 3E1293, fol. 255r)
1644 signature Mathurin Lemounier
The Village and Church of Ste Anne de Beaupre, Canada
Map of Sainte-Anne concessions in 1680. Shows where Mathurin’s land was in comparison to others after his death
Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 47182, citing image d1p_11000103.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. Marriage, 1647-11-03, Montréal (Notre-Dame-de-Montréal), Mathurin Lemonnier, parish and town of Clermont near Lafleche, single, and Francoise Faffart, town and parish of D’Argence near Caen, single; father of groom, Rene Lemonnier; mother of groom, Marie Leroux; father of bride, Jean Faffart; mother of bride, Elisabeth Tibou; witnesses: Demaisonneufve, Gilbert Barbier Lenivernais, and Jean Destpere Legastinois; priest, Georges Dendemare. https://www.genealogiequebec.com/Membership/LAFRANCE/acte/47182; database with images, Généalogie Québec (https://www.genealogiequebec.com/en/lafrance).
Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 39427, citing image d1p_11000172.jpg; last accessed 24 Nov 2020. Drouin Records at the Institute cite incorrect image, correct image is d1p_11000013.jpg. Baptism, 1648-11-24, Montréal (Notre-Dame-de-Montréal); Barbe Lemounier, female; father Mathurin Lemounier; mother, Francoise Fafard; Surgeon, Jean Poppe; Godfather, Paul Chomedai, Governour; Godmother, Jeanne Mance; and Pretre, Jean Dequen. https://www.genealogiequebec.com/Membership/LAFRANCE/acte/39427; database with images, Généalogie Québec (https://www.genealogiequebec.com/en/lafrance).
Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 57551, citing image d1p_31410363.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. Baptism, 1656-03-13, Québec (Notre-Dame-de-Québec), Elisabeth Meusnier, female; father, Mathurin Meusnier; mother, Francoise Fafart; mother’s mother, Francoise Lehoux, wife of Robert Paret; godfather, Toussaint Toupin; Godmother, Marie Francois; baptism performed by Louis Gasnier; recorded by Ragueneau. https://www.genealogiequebec.com/Membership/LAFRANCE/acte/57551; database with images, Généalogie Québec (https://www.genealogiequebec.com/en/lafrance).
Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 57742, citing image d1p_31410380.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. Baptism, 1659-08-17, Québec (Notre-Dame-de-Québec), Marguerite Mosnier Le Monier, female; born 1659-08-04; father, Mathurin Mosnier; mother, Francoise Fafart; Godfather, Noel Simart; Godmother, Marguerite Sevestre, wife of M. Lessart; ceremony performed at the home of M. Lessart; Priest, Paul Ragueneau. https://www.genealogiequebec.com/Membership/LAFRANCE/acte/57742; database with images, Généalogie Québec (https://www.genealogiequebec.com/en/lafrance).
Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 28816, citing image d1p_16510175.jpg and d1p_16510176.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020; this is a copy of the original, the original was torn leaving out the surname of the mother and the first name of the Godmother. Baptism, 1662-12-12, Château-Richer, Mathurin Meunier, male; birth, 1662-12-08; father, Mathurin Meunier; mother, Francoise [Farfar]; Godfather, Pierre Gebouin; Godmother, [Jeanne] Mercier, wife of Claude Poulain; priest, Thomas Morel. https://www.genealogiequebec.com/Membership/LAFRANCE/acte/28816; database with images, Généalogie Québec (https://www.genealogiequebec.com/en/lafrance).
Estate General Des Habitans du Canada en 1666, Jean Mounier; printed in Rapport de L’Archiviste de la Province de Quebec pour 1935-1936, p. 42, Department du Secretaire de la Province (1936), PDF.
some genealogists claim that Françoise was born and baptized in Argences, but a search of the Argences parish records failed to produce positive results for her or her siblings
Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 28586, citing image d1p_30981573.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. acte is not in chronological order, it is situated between a baptism of 1702-04-08 and a baptism of 1702-06-08. Burial, 1702-01-14, Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré, Francoise Fafart, widow, female, aged 78; died 1702-01-13; spouse, Mathurin Meusnier, deceased; witnesses: Mathurin Meusnier and Francois Meusnier; priest, Morin. https://www.genealogiequebec.com/Membership/LAFRANCE/img/acte/28586; database with images, Généalogie Québec (https://www.genealogiequebec.com/en/lafrance).
Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 28350, citing image d1p_30981463.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. Marriage, 1670-10-05, Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré, Jean Meusnier and Marguerite Housseau, residence, Parish of St-Jean, village of Troyes; father of groom, Mathurin Meusnier; mother of groom, Francoise Fafart; father of bride, Nicolas Housseau, deceased; mother of bride, Marguerite Detroye; witnesses: Charles Poulliot, Michel Bouchart, Noel Simart; priest, Francois Fillon. https://www.genealogiequebec.com/Membership/LAFRANCE/acte/28350; database with images, Généalogie Québec (https://www.genealogiequebec.com/en/lafrance).
Légaré, Jacques; Bertrand Desjardins, and Hubert Charbonneau, PRDH: Le Programme de Recherche en démographie historique (http://www.genealogy.umontreal.ca/en/home, Université de Montréal), Family #546, Mathurin Meunier Monier and Francoise Fafard. https://www.prdh-igd.com/Membership/en/PRDH/Famille/546.
Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 35500, citing image d1p_16810206.jpg; last accessed 04 Dec 2020; image is not a copy of the original. Marriage, 1700-09-30, St-Laurent I.O., Jean Paul Maheu, widow, and Francoise Meunier, widow; spouse of groom, Marguerite Tesson, deceased; father of groom, Rene Maheu, deceased; mother of groom, Marguerite Corrivea, deceased; spouse of bride, Charles Pouillot, deceased; father of bride, Francoise Meunier; mother of bride, Marguerite Fafar; witnesses: Francois Monteau, Nicolas Lapointe, Onufre; priest, Pierre. It is apparent in the record left by Father Pierre that he was not familiar with the parentage of Francoise Meunier, erroring on both given names of her parents and the fact that her father was deceased. The parents never resided in Saint-Laurent. https://www.genealogiequebec.com/Membership/LAFRANCE/acte/35500; database with images, Généalogie Québec (https://www.genealogiequebec.com/en/lafrance).
Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 57551, citing image d1p_31410363.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. Baptism, 1656-03-13, Québec (Notre-Dame-de-Québec), Elisabeth Meusnier, female; father, Mathurin Meusnier; mother, Francoise Fafart; mother’s mother, Francoise Lehoux, wife of Robert Paret; godfather, Toussaint Toupin; Godmother, Marie Francois; baptism performed by Louis Gasnier; recorded by Ragueneau. https://www.genealogiequebec.com/Membership/LAFRANCE/acte/57551; database with images, Généalogie Québec (https://www.genealogiequebec.com/en/lafrance).
Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 30178, citing image d1p_16510635.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020; this is an obvious hand written copy of the original. Marriage, 1670-06-30, Château-Richer, Isaac Pasquier, resident St-Jean, Montegu and Elisabeth Musnier, resident Ste-Anne; father of groom, Mathurin Pasquier; mother of groom, Marie Fremillon; father of bride, Mathurin Musnier; mother of bride, francoise Fafard; witnesses: Pierre Gendron, Nicolas Quentin, Pierre Lombret, and Pierre Boitvin; father Fillon presiding. https://www.genealogiequebec.com/Membership/LAFRANCE/acte/30178; database with images, Généalogie Québec (https://www.genealogiequebec.com/en/lafrance).
Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 28357, citing image d1p_30981472.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. Marriage, 1674-04-10, Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré, Pierre Labbe, resident of Parish of Notre-Dame, Town of La Ferte-Bernard, Bishopric of Le Mans, and Marguerite Meusnier; father of groom, Francois Labbe; mother of groom, Marie Fourret; father of bride, Mathurin Meusnier; mother of bride, Francoise Fafart; witnesses, Etienne Lessart, Charles Puolliot, and Pierre; priest, F. Fillon. https://www.genealogiequebec.com/Membership/LAFRANCE/acte/28357; database with images, Généalogie Québec (https://www.genealogiequebec.com/en/lafrance).
Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 143671, citing image d1p_30791244.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020. Burial, 1733-06-18, St-François I.O., Marie Meusnier, widow, female, age 80; spouse of Pierre Labe, deceased; witnesses: Jacques Asselin and Francois Langelier; priest, A. Cloutier. https://www.genealogiequebec.com/Membership/LAFRANCE/acte/143671; database with images, Généalogie Québec (https://www.genealogiequebec.com/en/lafrance).
Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 28816, citing image d1p_16510175.jpg and d1p_16510176.jpg; last accessed 23 Nov 2020; this is a copy of the original, the original was torn leaving out the surname of the mother and the first name of the Godmother. Baptism, 1662-12-12, Château-Richer, Mathurin Meunier, male; birth, 1662-12-08; father, Mathurin Meunier; mother, Francoise [Farfar]; Godfather, Pierre Gebouin; Godmother, [Jeanne] Mercier, wife of Claude Poulain; priest, Thomas Morel. https://www.genealogiequebec.com/Membership/LAFRANCE/acte/28816; database with images, Généalogie Québec (https://www.genealogiequebec.com/en/lafrance).
Institut généalogique Drouin, Le LAFRANCE, acte 32679, citing image d1p_16260043. Marriage, 1684-11-22, Ste-Famille I.O., Mathurin Meusnier, residence, Ste-Anne De La Cote De Beaupre, single, age 23, and Marie Madeleine Meneux, single, age 16; father of groom, Mathurin Meusnier, residence Ste-Anne De La Cote De Beaupre; mother of groom, Francoise Fafare, residence, Ste-Anne De La Cote De Beaupre; father of bride, Jacques Meneux; mother of bride, Marguerite Lepeuvrier; witnesses: Pierre Labbe, Marc Bareaux, and Joseph Deblanc; pretre F. Lamy. https://www.genealogiequebec.com/Membership/LAFRANCE/acte/32679; database with images, Généalogie Québec (https://www.genealogiequebec.com/en/lafrance).
I noticed today that I had not recorded the 1860 census for Eunice (Crane) Williams. I found her in the 1860 census, but while looking at the census page I realized that there was a cluster of Williams’ families in Roxbury. Of the 15 families numbered #763-777, six of them are named Williams. I am interested in who these other Williams families were, as usually when you have a cluster like this so close together, they are related – but we are dealing with a common surname, and must always keep that under consideration.
Family 770 Williams, John, 65, m, farmer, VT Mabel, 59, f, VT Henry, 20, m, farm laborer, $600 RE, VT, school
John was the son of John and Sally.
Family 771 Williams, Dana, 30, m, farm laborer, $50 PE, VT Sophia, 17, f, VT George, 1, m, VT Chase, James, 10, m, VT, school
Dana was the son of Jeremiah Williams, grandson of John and Sally
Family 773 Williams, Harrison, 40, m, Farmer, $1500 RE, $220 PE Eunice, 73, f Lydia, 48, f
Harrison was the son of William and Eunice.
Family 774 Williams, Eleazer, 38, m, farm laborer Jane, 25, f Frank, 8, m William, 6, m Olive, 4, f Fernand, 2, m
Eleazer was the son of William and Eunice
777 Williams, Chester B., 27, m, Farmer, $1200 RE, $600 PE Martha, 26, f Geo H., 3, m Flora, 11/12, f
Chester was the son of John and Mabel Williams, grandson of John and Sally.
My interest being piqued, I wondered if there was a land map around that time for Roxbury. There is! In 1854 an Atlas was published of Washington County, Vermont. These are useful because they show where everyone lived at that time. This map brings to light how close all of the Williams families were land wise, especially John, Harrison, and Eleazer. Harrison and Eleazer lived next door to each other. They had no other neighbor north of them on the street until the street ended at a T intersection. It was across the street of this T intersection where John lived, and I presume, Dana had a house on his land during 1850.
Harrison owned the land he and Eleazer lived on at the time, and the physical address would likely be the home at 324 Old Warren Road today. John and Mabel (and Dana) likely lived at the address of 1796 Warren Mountain Road today. Whether the houses on those properties are the same houses they resided in is not known. The cutout of a portion of Roxbury, Vermont shows the families proximity to each other.
A valid concern would be, how do I know these are in fact the names of the people on the map, when the map uses only initials? While we can never be certain, the closeness of the families on the map, along with other names on the map, indicate that these dots on the map, reflect the people in the census above.
Why is this important?
Harrison (full name of Warren Harrison Williams) and Eleazer M. Williams were brothers, children of William Williams and Eunice Crane. William Williams ancestry is not known. In the records found to date, there is no mention of either of his parents. Utilizing the Genealogy Cluster Research method, I need to research his neighbors and see if any of them can shed some light on his parentage. John and Mabel Williams, who resided just down the street, may just be the clue I need to solve this brick wall.
My 4th great-grandparents were William Williams and Eunice B. Crane
This is their Life Story
William Williams and Eunice B. Crane are my second gr-grandparents on my father’s side. William Williams parentage remains one of my few remaining brick walls.
WILLIAMWILLIAMS1-6 was born in 1791 (Based on age of William on headstone. Conflicting evidence is recorded on his death record, which dates his birth as abt 1800, but that would make William only 16 when his eldest daughter was born. Date on headstone is more likely.2-3). He died on 12 Aug 1846 in Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, USA1, 7. He married Eunice B. Crane, daughter of Zebulon Crane and Rhoda Thompson, about 1815. She was born on 06 Jul 1785 in Alstead, Cheshire, New Hampshire, USA6, 8-9. She died on 12 Jun 1864 in Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, USA10-11.
William Williams1-6 was born about 18001. He was counted in the census in 1820 in Chelsea, Orange, Vermont, USA (William is recorded as head of household in the 18204 census, being between the age of 26-45, employed in manufacturing, and residing in Chelsea, Vermont.). He was counted in the census in 1830 in Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, USA (William is recorded as head of household in the 18303 census, being between the age of 30-39, and residing in Roxbury, Vermont.). He was counted in the census in 1840 in Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, USA (William is recorded as head of household in the 18402 census, being between the age of 40-49, a farmer, and residing in the town of Roxbury, Vermont. ). He was buried in West Hill-First Settlers Cemetery, Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, USA.
Eunice B. Crane5-6, 8-10 was likely born in Sep 1791 in Williamstown, Orange, Vermont, USA (Recorded as 72 yrs, 9 mos at her death on 12 Jun 1864.10) to Zebulon Crane and Rhoda Thompson. She was counted in the census in 1820 in Chelsea, Orange, Vermont, USA64. She was counted in the census in 1830 in Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, USA65. She was counted in the census in 1840 in Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, USA66. She was counted in the census in 1850 in Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, USA (probable miss-named entry for Eunice18). She was counted in the census in 1860 in Roxbury, Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, USA (Age: 7363). She also went by the name of Eunice Williams63. She was buried in West Hill-First Settlers Cemetery, Roxbury, Addison, Vermont, USA.
Children of William Williams and Eunice B. Crane:
LYDIA M. WILLIAMS 12-17 was born on 02 Jun 1816 in Brookfield, Orange, Vermont, USA12-13. She died on 10 Apr 1895 in Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, USA12.
Lydia M. Williams was counted in the census in 1850 in Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, USA14, 18. She was counted in the census in 1860 in Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, USA15. She was counted in the census in 1870 in Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, USA (Post Office: Roxbury16). She was counted in the census in 1880 in Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, USA (Marital status: Single; Relation to Head of House: Sister17).
WARREN HARRISON WILLIAMS 19-26 was born on 31 Oct 1820 in Chelsea, Orange, Vermont, USA 19-21, 26. He died on 11 Jan 1902 in Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, USA (Age: 78 25 ). He married Julie Ann Kent on 23 Aug 1866 in Northfield, Washington, Vermont, USA 26-27. She was born in 1839 in Vermont, USA 26-28. Warren Harrison Williams was counted in the census in 1850 in Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, USA 18, 20. He was counted in the census in 1860 in Roxbury, Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, USA (Age: 40; Occupation: Farmer; Personal Estate Value: 220; Real Estate Value: 1500 21 ). He was counted in the census in 1870 in Roxbury, Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, USA (Age: 45; Male Citizen Over Twenty-one: Y; Personal Estate Value: 490; Real Estate Value: 1500; Occupation: Farmer 28 ). He was counted in the census in 1880 in Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, USA (Age: 58; Occupation: Farmer; Enumeration District: 215; Marital Status: Married; Relation To Head: Self 22 ). He was counted in the census in 1900 in Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, USA (Age: 78; Able To Speak English: Yes; Can Read: Yes; Can Write: Yes; Enumeration District: 0236; Months Unemployed Past Year: 0; Marital Status: Widowed; Relation To Head: Boarder 23 ).
ELEAZER M. WILLIAMS 5, 29-38 was born on 31 Oct 1822 in Northfield, Washington, Vermont, USA5, 31, 33-36, 38. He died on 11 Sep 1893 in Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, USA35. He married Nancy Jane Silsby, daughter of Asaph Silsby and Olive Betsy Steel, on 02 Jul 1851 in Northfield, Washington, Vermont, USA. She was born on 02 Dec 1834 in Middlesex, Washington, Vermont, USA39-45. She died on 15 Dec 1912 in Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, USA (Age: 78; Cause Of Death: Fatty Degeneration of The Heart44).
Eleazer M. Williams was counted in the census in 1850 in Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, USA18, 34. He was counted in the census in 1855 in North Elba, Essex, New York, USA (Relation to Head of House: Head33). He was counted in the census in 1860 in Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, USA29. He was counted in the census in 1870 in Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, USA31. He was counted in the census in 1880 in Winchendon, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA30.
Nancy Jane Silsby was counted in the census in 1850 in Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, USA40. She was counted in the census in 1860 in Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, USA39. She was counted in the census in 1870 in Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, USA (Census Post Office: Roxbury42). She was counted in the census in 1900 in Rockingham, Windham, Vermont, USA (Marital Status: Widowed; Relation to Head of House: Mother in Law; Relation to Head of House: Mother-in-law43). She also went by the name of Jane Williams39. She also went by the name of Mary Jane Williams44.
ALFRED HENRY WILLIAMS 46-55 was born on 15 Oct 1824 in Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, USA48, 50-52. He died on 28 May 1911 in Winchendon, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA46, 48-49. He married Lucinda Abby Foskett on 03 Aug 1848 in Winchendon, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA47, 53, 56. She was born on 08 Mar 1822 in Orange, Franklin, Massachusetts, USA57-60. She died on 16 Mar 1900 in Winchendon, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA57-58. She was buried in Winchendon, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA57.
Alfred Henry Williamswas counted in the census in 1850 in Townsend, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA (Age: 25; Occupation: Farmer; Industry: Agriculture55). He was counted in the census in 1855 in Winchendon, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA (Age: 3061). He was counted in the census in 1860 in Winchendon, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA (Age: 34; Occupation: Pail Tanner; Personal Estate Value: 100 62). He was counted in the census in 1880 in Winchendon, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA (Age: 55; Occupation: Works In Tub Shop; Enumeration District: 873; Marital Status: Married; Relation To Head: Self 54). He was counted in the census in 1900 in Winchendon, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA (Marital Status: Widowed; Relation to Head of House: Father in Law; Relation to Head of House: Father-in-law52). He was counted in the census in 1910 in Winchendon, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA (Marital Status: Widowed; Relation to Head of House: Father51).
Citations:
Ancestry.com, Vermont, Vital Records, 1720-1908 (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013), Ancestry.com, Card Index, Card #39, William Williams, age 46,date of death, 12 Aug 1846, Name of Cemetery, West Hill. Attested on 18 Dec 1919, by E. A. Stinson, town clerk of Roxbury, VT. There is no backside image of card. https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/4661/images/41599_312493-03845.
Ancestry.com, 1840 United States Federal Census (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010), Ancestry.com, Year: 1840; Census Place: Roxbury, Washington, Vermont; Roll: 546; Page: 252; Image: 510; Family History Library Film: 0027441. https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/8057/images/4410698_00510.
Ancestry.com, 1830 United States Federal Census (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010), 1830; Census Place: Roxbury, Washington, Vermont; Series: M19; Roll: 183; Page: 282; Family History Library Film: 0027449. https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/8058/images/4410699_00560.
Ancestry.com, Vermont, Vital Records, 1720-1908 (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013), Record for Elezer M Williams. https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/4661/41599_312493-00936. Original data: State of Vermont. Vermont Vital Records through 1870. New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston, Massachusetts. State of Vermont. Vermont Vital Records, 1871-1908. New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston, Massachusetts.
Ancestry.com, New Hampshire, Births and Christenings Index, 1714-1904 (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011), Ancestry.com, Citing: “New Hampshire Birth Records, early to 1900.” Index. FamilySearch, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2009. New Hampshire Registrar of Vital Statistics. “Index to births, early to 1900.” New Hampshire Registrar of Vital Statistics, Concord, New Hampshire. https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=2559&h=329755.
Ancestry.com, New Hampshire, Births and Christenings Index, 1714-1904 (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011), Ancestry.com.
Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, Town and vital records, 1796-1851, Film # 005464212; p 123, Eunice Williams. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G999-KJDH?i=81&cat=117434.
Ancestry.com, 1850 United States Federal Census (Online publication – Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009. Images reproduced by FamilySearch. Original data – Seventh Census of the United States, 1850; (National Archives Microfilm Publication M432, 1009 rolls); Records of the Bureau of the ), Year: 1850; Census Place: Roxbury, Washington, Vermont; Roll: M432_928; Page: 90B; Image: 180.
Ancestry.com, 1860 United States Federal Census (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009), Year: 1860; Census Place: Roxbury, Washington, Vermont; Roll: M653_1324; Page: 933; Image: 290; Family History Library Film: 805324.
Ancestry.com, 1870 United States Federal Census (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009), Year: 1870; Census Place: Roxbury, Washington, Vermont; Roll: M593_1626; Page: 260B; Image: 183439; Family History Library Film: 553125.
Ancestry.com and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1880 United States Federal Census (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010), Ancestry.com, Year: 1880; Census Place: Roxbury, Washington, Vermont; Roll: 1348; Family History Film: 1255348; Page: 220D; Enumeration District: 215. https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/6742/4244820-00704?pid=24455181.
Ancestry.com, 1850 United States Federal Census (Online publication – Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009. Images reproduced by FamilySearch. Original data – Seventh Census of the United States, 1850; (National Archives Microfilm Publication M432, 1009 rolls); Records of the Bureau of the ), Year: 1850; Census Place: Roxbury, Washington, Vermont; Roll: M432_928; Page: 90B; Image: 180. Record for Asaph Selsbury. http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=8054&h=1273844&indiv=try.
Ancestry.com, 1850 United States Federal Census (Online publication – Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009. Images reproduced by FamilySearch. Original data – Seventh Census of the United States, 1850; (National Archives Microfilm Publication M432, 1009 rolls); Records of the Bureau of the ), Year: 1850; Census Place: Roxbury, Washington, Vermont; Roll: M432_928; Page: 90B; Image: 180.
Ancestry.com, 1860 United States Federal Census (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009), Ancestry.com, Year: 1860; Census Place: Roxbury, Washington, Vermont; Page: 933; Family History Library Film: 805324. Record for Harrison Williams. https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=7667&h=35826215&indiv=try.
Ancestry.com, 1880 United States Federal Census (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010), Year: 1880; Census Place: Roxbury, Washington, Vermont; Roll: 1348; Page: 220D; Enumeration District: 215. Record for Harrison Williams. https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=6742&h=22509342&indiv=try.
Ancestry.com, 1900 United States Federal Census (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004), Year: 1900; Census Place: Roxbury, Washington, Vermont; Page: 3; Enumeration District: 0236; FHL microfilm: 1241695. Record for Harrison Williams. https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=7602&h=62141236&indiv=try.
Ancestry.com, U.S., Civil War Draft Registrations Records, 1863-1865 (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010), National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Washington, D.C.; Consolidated Lists of Civil War Draft Registration Records (Provost Marshal General’s Bureau; Consolidated Enrollment Lists, 1863-1865); Record Group: 110, Records of the Provost Marshal General’s Bureau (Civil War); Collection Name: Consolidated Enrollment Lists, 1863-1865 (Civil War Union Draft Records); NAI: 4213514; Archive Volume Number: 2 of 2. Record for Harrison Williams. https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=1666&h=2238320&indiv=try.
Ancestry.com, Vermont, Vital Records, 1720-1908 (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013), Ancestry.com, Record for Harrison Williams. https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=4661&h=1364817&indiv=try.
Ancestry.com, Vermont, Vital Records, 1720-1908 (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013), Ancestry.com, Record for Harrison H Williams. https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=4661&h=407230&indiv=try.
Ancestry.com, 1870 United States Federal Census (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009), Year: 1870; Census Place: Roxbury, Washington, Vermont; Roll: M593_1626; Page: 260A; Family History Library Film: 553125. Record for Warren H Williams. https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=7163&h=39409636&indiv=try.
Ancestry.com, 1860 United States Federal Census (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009), Database online. Year: 1860; Census Place: Roxbury, Washington, Vermont; Roll: ; Page: 934; Image: 291. Record for Eleazer Williams.
Ancestry.com, 1880 United States Federal Census (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010), Database online. Year: 1880; Census Place: Winchendon, Worcester, Massachusetts; Roll: 566; Family History Film: 1254566; Page: 459A; Enumeration District: 872; Image: 0735. Record for Eleazer Williams.
Ancestry.com, 1870 United States Federal Census (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009), Year: 1870; Census Place: Roxbury, Washington, Vermont; Roll: M593_; Page: ; Image:. Birth date: abt 1824. Birth place: Vermont. Residence date: 1870. Residence place: Roxbury, Washington, Vermont, United States. http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=1870usfedcen&h=39409477&ti=0&indiv=try&gss=pt.
Ancestry.com, New York, State Census, 1855 (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013).
Ancestry.com, 1850 United States Federal Census (Online publication – Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009. Images reproduced by FamilySearch. Original data – Seventh Census of the United States, 1850; (National Archives Microfilm Publication M432, 1009 rolls); Records of the Bureau of the ), Year: 1850; Census Place: Roxbury, Washington, Vermont; Roll: M432_928; Page: 90B; Image: 180.
Ancestry.com. Vermont, Vital Records, 1720-1908 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013. https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/4661/41269_312743-03019 Original data: State of Vermont. Vermont Vital Records through 1870. New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston, Massachusetts. State of Vermont. Vermont Vital Records, 1871-1908. New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston, Massachusetts.
Ancestry.com, U.S., Civil War Draft Registrations Records, 1863-1865 (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010), National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Washington, D.C.; Consolidated Lists of Civil War Draft Registration Records (Provost Marshal General’s Bureau; Consolidated Enrollment Lists, 1863-1865); Record Group: 110, Records of the Provost Marshal General’s Bureau (Civil War); Collection Name: Consolidated Enrollment Lists, 1863-1865 (Civil War Union Draft Records); NAI: 4213514; Archive Volume Number: 2 of 2. Record for Eleazer M Williams. http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=1666&h=2238319&indiv=try.
Ancestry.com, Vermont, Marriage Records, 1909-2008 (Lehi, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010), Ancestry.com, Vermont State Archives and Records Administration; Montpelier, Vermont.
Ancestry.com, Massachusetts, Death Records, 1841-1915 (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013), Ancestry.com, New England Historic Genealogical Society; Boston, Massachusetts; Massachusetts Vital Records, 1840-1911.
Ancestry.com, 1860 United States Federal Census (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009), Database online. Year: 1860; Census Place: Roxbury, Washington, Vermont; Roll: ; Page: 934; Image: 291. Record for Jane Williams.
Ancestry.com, 1850 United States Federal Census (Online publication – Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009. Images reproduced by FamilySearch. Original data – Seventh Census of the United States, 1850; (National Archives Microfilm Publication M432, 1009 rolls); Records of the Bureau of the ), Year: 1850; Census Place: Roxbury, Washington, Vermont; Roll: M432_928; Page: 90B; Image: 180.
Ancestry.com, New York, State Census, 1855 (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013).
Ancestry.com, 1870 United States Federal Census (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009), Year: 1870; Census Place: Roxbury, Washington, Vermont; Roll: M593_1626; Page: 260B; Image: 524; Family History Library Film: 553125.
Ancestry.com, 1900 United States Federal Census (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004), Year: 1900; Census Place: Rockingham, Windham, Vermont; Roll: 1696; Page: 2B; Enumeration District: 0259; FHL microfilm: 1241696.
Ancestry.com, Vermont, Death Records, 1909-2008 (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010), Vermont State Archives and Records Administration; Montpelier, Vermont, USA; User Box Number: PR-01925; Roll Number: S-30909; Archive Number: M-2073393. Record for Mary Jane Williams. http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=1607&h=467568&indiv=try.
Ancestry.com, Massachusetts, Death Records, 1841-1915 (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013), Ancestry.com, New England Historic Genealogical Society; Boston, Massachusetts; Massachusetts Vital Records, 1840-1911.
Ancestry.com, Massachusetts, Death Records, 1841-1915 (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013), Ancestry.com, Original data: Massachusetts Vital Records, 1840-1911. New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston, Massachusetts. Massachusetts Vital Records, 1911-1915. New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston, Massachusetts. https://www.ancestry.com/interactive/2101/41262_b132046-00397.
Dodd, Jordan, Liahona Research, comp., Massachusetts Marriages, 1633-1850 (Online publication – Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005.Original data – With some noted exceptions all marriage records in this collection can be found at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, and may be available through Family Search).
U.S. Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles (Historical Data Systems, comp.. U.S. Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2009.).
Ancestry.com, Massachusetts, Death Index, 1901-1980 (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013).
Ancestry.com, 1910 United States Federal Census (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006), Year: 1910; Census Place: Winchendon, Worcester, Massachusetts; Roll: T624_630; Page: 5B; Enumeration District: 1846; FHL microfilm: 1374643.
Ancestry.com, 1900 United States Federal Census (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004), Year: 1900; Census Place: Winchendon, Worcester, Massachusetts; Roll: 695; Page: 3B; Enumeration District: 1708; FHL microfilm: 1240695.
Ancestry.com, Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988 (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011), Ancestry.com, Record for Alfred H Williams. https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=2495&h=81805328&indiv=try.
Ancestry.com, 1880 United States Federal Census (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010), Year: 1880; Census Place: Winchendon, Worcester, Massachusetts; Roll: 566; Page: 495B; Enumeration District: 873. Record for Alfred H. Williams. https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=6742&h=15855572&indiv=try.
Ancestry.com, 1850 United States Federal Census (Online publication – Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009. Images reproduced by FamilySearch. Original data – Seventh Census of the United States, 1850; (National Archives Microfilm Publication M432, 1009 rolls); Records of the Bureau of the ), Year: 1850; Census Place: Townsend, Middlesex, Massachusetts; Roll: 323; Page: 82b. Record for Alfred H Williams. https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=8054&h=10344611&indiv=try.
Dodd, Jordan, Liahona Research, comp., Massachusetts Marriages, 1633-1850 (Online publication – Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005.Original data – With some noted exceptions all marriage records in this collection can be found at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, and may be available through FamilySearch).
Ancestry.com, U.S., Find A Grave Index, 1600s-Current (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012).
Ancestry.com, Massachusetts, Death Records, 1841-1915 (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2013).
Ancestry.com, Massachusetts, Town Vital Collections, 1620-1988 (Online publication – Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.Original data – Town and City Clerks of Massachusetts. Massachusetts Vital and Town Records. Provo, UT: Holbrook Research Institute (Jay and Delene Holbrook).Original data: Town and C).
Ancestry.com, 1850 United States Federal Census (Online publication – Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009. Images reproduced by FamilySearch. Original data – Seventh Census of the United States, 1850; (National Archives Microfilm Publication M432, 1009 rolls); Records of the Bureau of the ), Year: 1850; Census Place: Townsend, Middlesex, Massachusetts; Roll: M432_323; Page: 82B; Image: 517.
Ancestry.com, Massachusetts, State Census, 1855 (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014), Ancestry.com, Record for Henry A Williams. https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=4472&h=4255121&indiv=try.
Ancestry.com, 1860 United States Federal Census (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009), Ancestry.com, Year: 1860; Census Place: Winchendon, Worcester, Massachusetts; Page: 789; Family History Library Film: 803528. Record for Alfred W Williams. https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=7667&h=9934503&indiv=try.
Ancestry.com, 1860 United States Federal Census (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2009), Ancestry.com, Year: 1860; Census Place: Roxbury, Washington, Vermont; Page: 933; Family History Library Film: 805324. Record for Eunice Williams. https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=7667&h=35502111&indiv=try.
Ancestry.com, 1820 United States Federal Census (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010), Ancestry.com, 1820 U S Census; Census Place: Chelsea, Orange, Vermont; Page: 302; NARA Roll: M33_127; Image: 270.
Ancestry.com, 1830 United States Federal Census (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010), Ancestry.com, 1830; Census Place: Roxbury, Washington, Vermont; Series: M19; Roll: 183; Page: 282; Family History Library Film: 0027449.
Ancestry.com, 1840 United States Federal Census (Provo, UT, USA, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010), Ancestry.com, Year: 1840; Census Place: Roxbury, Washington, Vermont; Roll: 546; Page: 252; Family History Library Film: 0027441.
My 9th Great Grandparents were Philip Durrell and his unknown wife
This is their Life Story
Cape Porpoise, Kennebunk hand painted photograph by Charles Henry Sawyer
Cape Porpoise was named by Captain John Smith of the famed Pocahontas legend. On a trading mission in 1614, Smith visited the cape and likely seeing the large number of porpoises that resided there, named it Porkpiscis. This name was given to the fish due to their similarity to hogs, porpoises being often called sea-hogs at that time. Gradually the orthography of the word changed to Porpus, by which the town was incorporated in 1653, and then to Porpoise in 1672. The cape itself was likely “settled” by 1620 as a summer home for fisherman who would return to Europe during the winter. It is believed that the first permanent settlement started around 1630. From its onset, the settlement was sparsely populated and a consistent target of French and Native American hostilities. Porpoise town later became known as Arundel, and then Kennebunkport, Maine. [1]The area now known as Arundel, while sometimes referred to by that name, was a part of Kennebunkport until 1915, at which point it was set off and … Continue reading
Philip Durrell, the progenitor of the Durrell family of Maine and New Hampshire, immigrated from Guernsey, according to family tradition, and first appears in New England records on 20 Feb 1689/90, when his mark was affixed to a New Hampshire province petition. While his original settlement was in Exeter, Philip would remove to Porpoise cape in 1700. Philip remained but a short time at Cape Porpoise. The French and their Native allies attacked the settlements of present day Maine over a six day period starting on August 10, 1703. “Cape Porpoise, being inhabitated by a few unshielded fisherman, was wholly laid desolate.” [2]Samuel Penhallow. Penhallow’s Indian wars; a facsimile reprint of the first edition, printed in Boston in 1726, with the notes of earlier … Continue reading
Unfortunately, for the Durrell family and a few others, the toll was much worse than their homes and crops being laid desolate. Stephen Harding, residing across the Kennebunk River from Porpoise town, first heard the shots in the direction of Wells. He, his wife, and young child, barely escaping the coming attack, sought shelter the following day at the garrison house in Wells. [3]You can read more about the attack on Stephen Harding and his family and their daring escape in Charles Bradburys, History of Kennebunk Port, … Continue reading After discovering that the Harding’s had eluded them, the force headed across the river, and attacked the family of William Larribee. William was at work near the marsh. Seeing two Indians approach, William hid until they gave up looking for him. Returning to his house immediately after, he found other Indians sharing the provisions of his home – his wife and three children lying dead on the ground nearby. Seeing no survivors, William also headed to the garrison house in Wells. From there, this band of warriors headed further upriver until they reached the home of Philip Durrell. Philip was also absent from home. The Indians carried off Mrs. Durrell, her two younger sons, Benjamin and Philip, and their two daughters, Susan and Rachel. The Indians carried their prisoners as far as Paywacket (Fryeburg), when Mrs. Durrell “pursuaded” them to let her return with her infant, Philip. One of the Indians carried her child for her to the stone fort at Saco, from which place she returned home.
The other children remained with their captors. The two daughters are reported to have been taken to New France, where they adopted the Catholic faith, and married two Frenchmen. The son, Benjamin, is said to have died in a canoe accident on Saco River. None of this can be confirmed with existing records. That all three of the children appear in lists of captives developed by New England towns in 1710, and submitted to the English and French governments, is ascertained. That they never returned home is also true.
The family unit at this time comprised of Philip, Mrs. Durrell, Joseph, and little Philip, Jr. Where Joseph, the eldest son, was at the time of the attack is never mentioned. Obviously, he was not at home.
After the 1703 attack, the French drew off a great number of Indian families from the Penobscot, Norridgewock, Saco, and Pequaket tribes, and settled them at St. Francis, in Canada, as a protection against the Iroquois Confederacy. These were called the St. Francis Indians.
Their home and crops destroyed, the Durrells soon returned to their land in Exeter, New Hampshire, that Philip had not yet sold. The Durrell’s Exeter land was eventually incorporated into the formation of Durham, New Hampshire, and this land is where their son, Joseph, remained the rest of his life.
In Exeter, the Durrells continued to propogate, and fill their home with additional children (all dates are approximate): Sarah, in 1705; Elizabeth, in 1707; Benjamin (2), in 1711; Lydia, in 1712; and John, in 1714. Mrs. Durrell would bear at least eleven children in her marriage with Philip.
I wish I could say that the whole family remained in Durham and lived out a more peaceful existence. But the draw of beautiful Arundel, and the bountiful sea, once again drew the Durrells to their holdings there. Once peace returned to New England, Philip picked up his remaining family, and removed to what was then known as Arundel. On 30 May 1720, his old rights were recognized by the new town vote:
At a Leagal Town meeting at Arundel May the 30th, 1720, then Given & Granted unto Philip Dorriel Senr. All the Right the Town have to the land he lives now on, and in possession of
Attest Thomas Perkins, Town Clerk
It was not long before the peace of the quiet Maine seashore towns were shattered again. Soon after Philip’s re-settlement at Arundel, new New England towns began to appear on land which both the Wabanakis and French asserted were sovereign lands of the French. Spurned on by Father Rale of the French and royal Governor Shute of Massachusetts and New Hampshire province, an undeclared war began in January of 1722. By June of 1722, an all out war between New France and the northern portions of New England started in earnest. Arundel was continually harrassed by bands of Indians, especially when residents left their homes to work. The Durrell’s had a garrison house built next to their home, where they and area residents could retreat if needed. A peace treaty, ending what is known as “Dummer’s War,” was signed in December 1725. Encouraged by hopes of lasting peace, residents began to more boldly leave their garrisons again.
The sagamores of the local tribes were generally satisfied with the treaty, and on 6 August 1726, met at Falmouth and ratified it. The French, however, were not satisfied, and induced several parties to cause mischief.
On the 28th of October 1726, a couple of hours after sunrise, Philip Durrell left his house in Arundel to head to work; along with him was his son (son-in-law), John Baxter. They returned home a little before sunset, finding all of Philip’s and John’s family gone, Philip’s house set on fire, chests split open, and clothing gone. [4]Massachusetts Historical Society Collection, vol. vi. p. 103 as sourced by Charles Bradbury in his History of Kennebunk Port, from its First … Continue reading Quickly searching the nearby woods, they were unable to find any person killed. Raising an alarm, some townfolks joined the men in pursuit of the attacking force, but no such force was found.
John Wheelwrights letter, written the day after the tragedy, and sent to Boston from Wells, is referenced in the council records of November first. [5]John was the grandson of Rev. John Wheelwright of early Puritan Massachusetts. Rev. Wheelwright was a controversial reverend, who had sided with his … Continue reading After describing the assault on the Durrell and Baxter family he says three suspected Indians had been seized and secured in Fort Mary, the same stone fort at Saco that Mrs. Durrell had been brought to by her first captives. These Indians were taken to Boston, where they were interrogated. Claiming they knew nothing of the attack, or the whereabouts of the captives, they promised, if allowed to leave on probation, they would learn of the “author of mischief” and to have the captives restored. The council agreed, allowing two of the three to leave, but retained control of the son of one, to insure they returned. A reward was offered if they succeeded.
In December, 1726, Philip petitioned for financial relief from the Massachusetts and New Hampshire house stating that he had “all imaginable Reason” to believe that his home had been beset by Indians, “who not only took away all the Household Goods, and what else was Valuable in the House, but carried away Captive his Wife and Daughter and a Child of his Daughters” and also his Son. Those “carried away” were his wife Mrs. Durrell, their son John Durrell, their daughter Sarah (Durrell) Baxter, and her child, John Baxter.
In July of 1727, a conference was held by Dummer and the Indians at Falmouth. An accounting of captives were demanded. A chief replied with a short list of five captives, none of which described the Durrell boy. Pressed on the issue if the boy from Kennebunk was one of the five, the chief replied, no, he is among the French.
Finally, arriving late to the conference were the two Indians who were sent to retrieve the captives, or information about them. One of the Indians had wounded his leg, and that had hindered a quicker return. One of the Indians stated: “I heard When the Indians took that family, the English pursued them very quick, and the Indians were afraid of being Discovered and so they kill’d three of the English and the Boy they carried away.”
The Indians belonged to St. Francis, the Nowenicks and Scatacooks.
Philip sent another letter to the council at Boston, praying for some consideration: “on the Account of his Son John Dorrels being carried away Captive by the St Francois Indians, who at the same time carried away his Wife, Daughter & her Child, & destroyed much of his Substance, his son now being returned from Captivity almost naked.” This consideration was answered on 5 June 1729, with 10 pounds being allowed to clothe John.
John Durrell remained with his Indian captives for two to three years. He was a boy of 12 when he left his home, but came back a man of 15. In his captivity he had grown fond of the Indian lifestyle and preferred their mode of living over that of the Colonial lifestyle, for the rest of his life.
When the St. Francis Indians fled from the Durrell residence, in 1726, they spent the night camped in the woods. When they left that camping area they left behind the family Bible of the Baxters. This Bible was found in the woods the next spring. The family took the leaves out of it, dried them off, and had it rebound. To my understanding, it still exists today.
My Thoughts
I tried as I wove this article to leave my thoughts out of it, and just tell it like it’s known, dangling threads and all. But, I believe some of those dangling threads can be snipped to provide a better explanation of events. I will try to do that here.
What is the given name of Mrs. Durrell?
The name of Mrs. Durrell is never given in any records, she always being referred as Mrs. Durrell. There is a line, however, in the Arundel Town Records which may provide a clue to her identity. On 12 May 1720 Joshua Purington of Hampton Falls, NH, had laid out to him “one hundred accers of Land as he is Executor to his fathers Estate Deceased, only a highway excepted for Rode between his lot and his brother Dorriels lot.” The word “brother” in Puritan New England could refer to a real brother, half-brother, step-brother, or a brother-in-law. All of those possible options would have to be researched further. Looks like I have a fun job to do!
Why was Mrs. Durrell released after the first capture?
Before removing from Cape Porpoise (or soon after) in 1703, Philip and his wife welcomed another child into their home, Mary. I believe Mary is the reason Mrs. Durrell was freed by her captives the first time, she likely being pregnant, and the child Philip still nursing. But there is no mention of such in the records, other than the likely birth in 1703 of Mary at Cape Porpoise. [6]Possibly taken from the Baxter Family Bible. More on that Bible can be found later in this article. Perhaps, when the marauding Indians returned to their own town, another Indian took sympathy on Mrs. Durrell.
When did Philip know his wife, daughter and grand-daughter were killed?
The hardest thing I found proving was exactly when Philip knew that three of the four taken in the 1726 raid were killed. Since the Baxter Bible was recovered in the Spring of 1727 at the camp where the three were killed, we can reasonably assume that they found their remains at that time. This would also explain why in July 1727 Dummer questioned about the boy, but not the remainder of the family.
How were the three killed in 1726?
I have intentionally left out the details of how Mrs. Durrell and Mrs. Baxter were killed by the Indians, most especially how the baby was killed. In all three cases their deaths were similar in manner to how others were dispatched by the Natives in similar circumstances, and the deaths were both horrible and cruel. The actual manner in how they were killed was relayed by Wahwa, chief of the Eastern Wabanaki, to Mr. Baxter – but it serves no purpose to repeat here.
What happened to Philip Durrell after the death of his wife?
Philip would remain in Arundel for the remainder of his life. While the attackers succeeded in setting fire to his cabin they did not succeed in burning it down. By 1727, Philip and his son Philip, Jr., purchased additional acreage. In the 1730s Philip began to divest his properties to his sons. In 1743 a petition was written for the establishment of a meeting house nearer to Arundel which bore the signature of Philip, Jr. A petition of 1749, however, bears the sons signature without the Jr. It is likely that Philip Sr. died between those two dates.
Tragedies brings victims closer to each other
As happens often in tragedies, those involved become closer to other families who suffered through the same. After William Larrabee lost his first wife and three children in the 1703 attack, he remarried to Catherine Ford and had five more children with her. One of those children, Stephen, born abt 1707, married Lydia Durrell, daughter of Philip Durrell. Stephen became known as Sergeant Larrabee and was a well-known Indian fighter on the Maine frontier. See also Joseph Durrell below.
Joseph Durrells wife and family
My 8th great grandfather, Joseph Durrell, the eldest child of Philip, married abt 1710 Rebecca Adams. Rebecca was the daughter of Charles Adams, Jr. and Temperance Benmore, and granddaughter of Charles Adams, Sr. On 19 Jun 1694 in Durham, New Hampshire, Charles Adams, Sr. house was burned and he and 14 others were killed by Indians at the Oyster River Massacre. That story, however, will have to be saved for another day.
The area now known as Arundel, while sometimes referred to by that name, was a part of Kennebunkport until 1915, at which point it was set off and named North Kennebunkport. In 1957, following the publication of the Chronicles of Arundel by Kenneth Roberts, the town was renamed Arundel by the state legislature.
Samuel Penhallow. Penhallow’s Indian wars; a facsimile reprint of the first edition, printed in Boston in 1726, with the notes of earlier editors and additions from the original manuscript, p. 5. Boston, 1924.
You can read more about the attack on Stephen Harding and his family and their daring escape in Charles Bradburys, History of Kennebunk Port, from its First Discovery by Bartholomew Gosnold, p. 53-55. Kennebunk: James K. Remich, 1837.
Massachusetts Historical Society Collection, vol. vi. p. 103 as sourced by Charles Bradbury in his History of Kennebunk Port, from its First Discovery by Bartholomew Gosnold, p. 120. Kennebunk: James K. Remich, 1837.
John was the grandson of Rev. John Wheelwright of early Puritan Massachusetts. Rev. Wheelwright was a controversial reverend, who had sided with his sister-in-law, Mrs. Anne Hutchison in the Antinomian Controversy of 1636-7. When both were banished from Massachusetts Bay Colony, the Hutchison’s headed south of Boston with some of their friends to found Rhode Island, and Wheelwright headed to the province of New Hampshire and helped found the town of Essex. Unfortunately, a couple of years later, Massachusetts Bay Colony founded the town of Hampton on land which was part of Wheelwright’s claim, thereby landing him in Massachusetts Bay Colony, where he was forbidden to preach. He then headed northeast and purchased land in what would become Wells, at a time when Thomas Gorges ruled the area as deputy governor of Maine. Therefore, by 1642, John Wheelwright would become the pastor of the church at Wells Maine, across the river from Porpus. In 1644, the Massachusetts Bay Colony lifted the banishment order for Rev. John Wheelwright.
Sally (Susan) Fisher was probably [1]For an understanding of how I use qualifiers, such as likely and probably, please see: How I Describe Levels of Conviction in Genealogical … Continue reading born between 1805 and 1815 in the sleepy little town of Lyndon Vermont. Little is known of her childhood, but she was able to read and write in her adult years[2]1870 U.S. Census, Washington County, Vermont, population schedule, Waterbury, p. 323B (stamped), line 11; image, Ancestry.com … Continue reading, so she probably attended local schools in her early life. Lyndon Vermont is a “child town” of Rhode Island, and many of the early settlers of Lyndon came to clear land in the township in exchange for some of that land[3]“History of the Lyndon Area”, Lyndon Area Chamber of Commerce (http://www.lyndonvermont.com/index.php/learn-more/history : accessed … Continue reading. Perhaps that is what brought her unconfirmed parents to Lyndon.
In 1831 Sally would marry in Lyndon Vermont my 4th great-grandfather Francis (John) Farnsworth[4]“Vermont, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1732-2005,” images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org : 22 May 2014), Caledonia > … Continue reading. While marrying in Lyndon, both Sally and Francis would be listed as residing in Kirby Vermont at the time of the wedding. There is an 1830 census enumeration of a Sally Fisher residing alone in the town of Lyndon [5]1830 U.S. census, Caledonia County, Vermont, Town of Lyndon, p. 328 (penned at top left), line 8, Sally Fisher; image, Ancestry.com … Continue reading. If the 1830 census is of Sally then the move to Kirby by her would have been within the year prior to her marriage, or 1830-1831.
Francis and Sally moved about different townships of Vermont as is evident by the locations in the 1850-1880 census. In 1850 they resided in Moretown, Washington County, Vermont[6]1850 U.S. Census, Washington County, Vermont, population schedule, Moretown, p. 275A (stamped), dwelling 1542, family 1552, line 8, Susan Farnsworth; … Continue reading; in 1860, they resided in Bolton, Chittenden County, Vermont[7]1860 U.S. Census, Chittenden County, Vermont, population schedule, Bolton, p. 1 (stamped), ; image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed … Continue reading; and in 1870 and 1880 they resided in Waterbury, Washington, Vermont[8]1870 U.S. Census, Washington County, Vermont, population schedule, Waterbury, p. 323B (stamped), line 11; image, Ancestry.com … Continue reading[9]1880 U.S. Census, Town of Waterbury, Vermont, population schedule, enumeration district (ED) 218, p. 262D (stamped), line 22; image, Ancestry.com … Continue reading. While residing in five different townships in three separate counties, the entire breadth of Sally’s known residences through her life were less than 50 miles apart as a crow flies.
Residences of Sally Fisher
My 4th great-grandmother is asserted as Sally Fisher in the Waterbury Vermont Town Records which recorded the death of Weltha [sic] Rich, my 3rd great-grandmother. She, along with her husband, Francis Farnsworth, are listed as the parents of Weltha [Wealthy] Rich [Farnsworth] [10]“Vermont, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1732-2005,” images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org : 22 May 2014), … Continue reading.
I have been unable to locate a birth record for Sally. This includes physically browsing the Lyndon and Kirby town records. This is not unusual for townships in Vermont. Many of them did not begin to record births on a regular basis until the state required it. Some online family trees[11]“Sally Fisher” FamilySearch, family tree (https://familysearch.org : accessed 5/1/2017). have based Sally’s birth on that given in the Waterbury Vermont Town Records [12]“Vermont, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1732-2005,” images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org : accessed 24 … Continue reading and then repeated in the derivative work, Vermont Vital Records 1720-1908 [13]Ancestry.com. “Vermont Vital Records, 1720-1908” [database]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com accessed … Continue reading, both of which assert she was 80 years old when she died on 12 March 1885 of pneumonia. Researchers may also have used her gravestone, which she shares with her husband Francis Farnsworth, and which repeats the information found in the death record, that she was 80 years old when she died on 12 March 1885[14]See gravestone image and transcription available on this page.. Likely, whoever supplied the information for the death record, also supplied the information for the marker of the gravestone. The location of birth, as listed in the death record is Kirby Vermont[15]“Vermont, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1732-2005,” images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org : accessed 24 … Continue reading. There were no Fisher family’s residing in Kirby Vermont during the 1810 census, and it is more likely Sally was born in Lyndon where several Fisher families resided. The county remains the same (Caledonia), and the towns do border each other.
1830
In the 1830 census of Lyndon Vermont is an entry for a Sally Fisher[16]1830 U.S. census, Caledonia County, Vermont, Town of Lyndon, p. 328 (penned at top left), line 8, Sally Fisher; … Continue reading. I have included this entry in the records for my Sally as perhaps her, however I see contradicting evidence to this fact, which makes me hesitant in forming a conclusion:
Contradictory Evidence
The age of Sally in the 1830 census (30-40) is different than her likely age of 15-25 at the time.
Sally’s marriage record to Francis, which would occur about 1 year later, has her residence as Kirby Vermont.
1831
In 1831, about a year after the 1830 census, Sally married Francis Farnsworth. The record is recorded in the Lyndon Town Records, Vol 2, page 31. [17]“Vermont, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1732-2005,” images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org : 22 May 2014), … Continue reading
State of VermontCaledonia Co. J.Be it remembered that at Lyndon in the County and State aforesaid in this fifth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty one Mr. Francis Farnsworth and Miss Sally Fisher both of Kirby County and State aforesaid were duly joined in Marriage by me
Jared Perkins Minister
A true copy of record Attest Jared Perkins MinisterLyndon June 6th 1931
The marriage, while taking place in Lyndon, states the residence of Sally in 1831 was Kirby Vermont.
1840
I have not been able to locate the 1840 census for Francis or Sally Farnsworth.
1850
Enumerated as Susan Farnsworth, age 37, female in the 1850 Moretown, Washington, Vermont census [18]1850 U.S. Census, Washington County, Vermont, population schedule, Moretown, p. 275A (stamped), dwelling 1542, family 1552, line 8, Susan Farnsworth; … Continue reading. While the names given for John and Susan were different than their given names of Francis and Sally, the names of their children line up with those of Francis and Sally.
1860
Sally Farnsworth was enumerated in the 1860 Census at Bolton Vermont, age 52, female, born in Vermont. She is living with her husband Frank and seven of their children: William, George, Russell, R. Senna, Sarah, Lurana, and Firnando.[19]1860 U.S. Census, Chittenden County, Vermont, population schedule, Bolton, p. 1 (stamped), ; … Continue reading
1870
Sally Farnsworth was enumerated in the 1870 Census at Waterbury Vermont, age 55, female, white, born in Vermont. She is living with her husband Francis and son, Fernando. Also living in the house was a 1 month old child, Grace Copeland, who was born in May 1870 in New York.[20]1870 U.S. Census, Washington County, Vermont, population schedule, Waterbury, p. 323B (stamped), line 11; … Continue reading
1880
Sally Farnsworth, white, female, age 76, was enumerated in the 1880 census, keeping house in Waterbury Vermont, residing with Francis, and their son Rinaldo and his wife Marion. She and her parents were listed as being born in Vermont. [21]1880 U.S. Census, Town of Waterbury, Vermont, population schedule, enumeration district (ED) 218, p. 262D (stamped), line 22; … Continue reading
1885
Sally (Fisher) Farnsworth died 12 March 1885 in the Town of Waterbury Vermont. Her entry in the town ledger for Waterbury[22]“Vermont, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1732-2005,” images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org : accessed 24 … Continue reading, recorded her age as 80 years. She was listed as a married female, who was born in Kirby Vermont. Her cause of death was pneumonia. The Vermont death record card[23]Ancestry.com. “Vermont Vital Records, 1720-1908” [database]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com accessed … Continue reading was created by a town clerk, Frank N. Smith, from the town ledger; as such, it is only a derivative work of the original.
Genealogy
FRANCIS JOHN3 FARNSWORTH (Joseph1, Ebenezer2) was born on 12 Dec 1803 in Massachusetts. He died on 08 Aug 1900 in Waterbury, Washington, Vermont. He married Sally Fisher on 05 Jun 1831 in Lyndon, Caledonia, Vermont. She was born between 1809 and 1815 probably in Lyndon, Caledonia, Vermont, likely the daughter of William Fisher, Jr. and Esther Riggs. She died on 12 Mar 1885 in Waterbury, Washington, Vermont.
Francis John Farnsworth and Sally Fisher had the following children:
WEALTHY A. FARNSWORTH was born about 1833 in Vermont. She died on 07 May 1902 in Waterbury, Washington, Vermont. She married GEORGE F. RICH. He was born in 1825 in Vermont, USA. He died on 25 Jun 1886 in Northfield, Vermont.
WILLIAM FARNSWORTH was born in 1837 in Vermont. He married MARY A. GALLUP. She was born about 1832 in Vermont.
GEORGE R. FARNSWORTH was born on 30 Jan 1839 in Vermont. He died on 09 Mar 1925 in Waterbury, Washington, Vermont. He married BETSEY J. _____ in 1862. She was born in Jun 1845 in Vermont.
HENRY F. FARNSWORTH was born on 03 May 1840 in Kirby, Caledonia, Vermont. He died on 15 Jul 1915 in Duxbury, Washington, Vermont. He married (1) LUCY _____ in 1868. She was born in Oct 1844 in Vermont. He married an unknown spouse in 1868. He married (3) JOSIE M. _____ born about 1848 in Vermont.
RUSSELL FARNSWORTH was born in 1842 in Vermont.
ANNA FARNSWORTH was born in 1843 in Vermont.
SARAH FARNSWORTH was born in 1847 in Vermont. She married WILLIAM TOBIN. He was born about 1845 in Ireland.
FINAUDO RESOLIS FARNSWORTH was born on 22 Dec 1848 in Waterbury, Washington, Vermont. He died on 27 Feb 1921 in Waitsfield, Washington, Vermont. He married (1) MARION C. BRINK. She was born about 1863 in Vermont.
RACHAEL EURENA FARNSWORTH was born in Apr 1849 in Vermont.
1870 U.S. Census, Washington County, Vermont, population schedule, Waterbury, p. 323B (stamped), line 11; image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 4/26/2017); citing National Archives microfilm publication M593, Roll 1626.
1830 U.S. census, Caledonia County, Vermont, Town of Lyndon, p. 328 (penned at top left), line 8, Sally Fisher; image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 4/26/2017; citing National Archives publication M19, roll 187 and Family History Library Film # 0027453.
1850 U.S. Census, Washington County, Vermont, population schedule, Moretown, p. 275A (stamped), dwelling 1542, family 1552, line 8, Susan Farnsworth; image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 4/26/2017); citing National Archives microfilm publication M432, Roll 928.
1860 U.S. Census, Chittenden County, Vermont, population schedule, Bolton, p. 1 (stamped), ; image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 4/26/2017); citing National Archives microfilm publication M653, Roll 1319. Family History Library Film: 805319.
1880 U.S. Census, Town of Waterbury, Vermont, population schedule, enumeration district (ED) 218, p. 262D (stamped), line 22; image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 4/26/2017); citing National Archives microfilm publication T9, roll 1349. Family History Film: 1255349.
“Vermont, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1732-2005,” images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org : 22 May 2014), Washington > Waterbury > image 497 of 1910; town clerk offices, Vermont. Original Source: Vol. 7A-13, Deaths, 1897-1914, No. 185, Town Records, Births and Deaths, Waterbury, Vermont; Waterbury Town Clerk, 28 North Main Street Suite 1, Waterbury, VT 05676.
“Vermont, Town Clerk, Vital and Town Records, 1732-2005,” images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org : accessed 24 June 2017), Washington > Waterbury > image 35 of 55, No. 8; town clerk offices, Vermont.
Ancestry.com. “Vermont Vital Records, 1720-1908” [database]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com accessed 4/26/2017), 1871 and Later > Ewens – Farrell, Image 3019 of 4499; citing, State of Vermont, Vermont Vital Records through 1870, New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston, Massachusetts; State of Vermont, Vermont Vital Records, 1871–1908, New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston, Massachusetts.
1830 U.S. census, Caledonia County, Vermont, Town of Lyndon, p. 328 (penned at top left), line 8, Sally Fisher; image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 4/26/2017; citing National Archives publication M19, roll 187 and Family History Library Film # 0027453.
1850 U.S. Census, Washington County, Vermont, population schedule, Moretown, p. 275A (stamped), dwelling 1542, family 1552, line 8, Susan Farnsworth; image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 4/26/2017); citing National Archives microfilm publication M432, Roll 928.
1860 U.S. Census, Chittenden County, Vermont, population schedule, Bolton, p. 1 (stamped), ; image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 4/26/2017); citing National Archives microfilm publication M653, Roll 1319. Family History Library Film: 805319.
1870 U.S. Census, Washington County, Vermont, population schedule, Waterbury, p. 323B (stamped), line 11; image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 4/26/2017); citing National Archives microfilm publication M593, Roll 1626.
1880 U.S. Census, Town of Waterbury, Vermont, population schedule, enumeration district (ED) 218, p. 262D (stamped), line 22; image, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 4/26/2017); citing National Archives microfilm publication T9, roll 1349. Family History Film: 1255349.
Ancestry.com. “Vermont Vital Records, 1720-1908” [database]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com (https://www.ancestry.com accessed 4/26/2017), 1871 and Later Ewens – Farrell, Image 3019 of 4499; citing, State of Vermont, Vermont Vital Records through 1870, New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston, Massachusetts; State of Vermont, Vermont Vital Records, 1871–1908, New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston, Massachusetts.
In the first part of this series I explained how I was making an effort to further my chances of matches through Ancestry DNA by expanding my Grénier lines downward from siblings of my Grénier ancestors. In conducting this research I came across an interesting marriage record between Francois Henn and Marguerite Illégitime Anonime. In the first post I provided the information I currently have on Marguerite and developed a plan of researching for the identification of an illegitimate child in French-Canadian parish records.
This second part of the series will now identify any illegitimate Marguerite’s listed in the parish records of Ste-Marguerite-de-Blairfindie. I’ve stayed within the parish records in my search. Broadening my search outward to any illegitimate Marguerite in Canada at this time would be an unreasonable search in my opinion.
The known marriage record between Marguerite and Francois Henn does not provide an age of Marguerite. Therefore, I will also limit my search only to those Marguerite’s who were of reasonable marriageable age by 24 November 1835. My expectation is that this Marguerite was never married previously, and I believe this because the priest in this parish routinely would include a prior spouse in the subsequent marriage records, and there was no prior spouse mentioned for Marguerite.
Marguerite Héléne
Marguerite Héléne, illegitimate, was baptized in Ste-Marguerite-de-Blairfindie on the 10th of April 1785. The baptism record states that at the time she was six months old. Her Godfather was Joseph Chamberlain and her Godmother was Rosalie Cyr. While it is possible this is the Marguerite found within the marriage record to Francois Henn it is a less likely match due to the age she would have been at the time of the marriage in 1835 (age 50). [1]“Québec, registres paroissiaux catholiques, 1621-1979,” database with images, FamilySearch … Continue reading
Baptismal record for Marguerite Héléne
Also listed the same day directly after Marguerite Héléne’s baptism was the burial record of Charles Casimire Cyr, age 15 yrs, the legitimate child of Joseph Cyr and Magdeleine Gaudet. [2]“Québec, registres paroissiaux catholiques, 1621-1979,” database with images, FamilySearch … Continue reading
Burial Record for Charles Casimire Cyr
Marie Marguerite
Marie Marguerite, illegitimate, was baptized in Ste-Marguerite-de-Blairfindie on 01 May 1785. Her Godfather was Maturin Gaguon and her Godmother was Marguerite Chabot. [3]“Québec, registres paroissiaux catholiques, 1621-1979,” database with images, FamilySearch … Continue reading This is the same Marie Marguerite who would appear in the same Ste-Marguerite-de-Blairfindie parish record recorded as a burial on 2 June 1785, one month after her birth, buried in the presence of Sylvain Dupuis. [4]“Québec, registres paroissiaux catholiques, 1621-1979,” database with images, FamilySearch … Continue reading We can rule this illegitimate Marguerite out due to the fact she was deceased before the marriage record dated 24 November 1835.
Baptismal record for Marie Marguerite
Burial record for Marie Marguerite
Marguerite 1
Marguerite, illegitimate, was baptized in Ste-Marguerite-de-Blairfindie on 26 July 1813. Her Godfather was Francois Fortin and her Godmother was Rose Suprenant. [5]“Québec, registres paroissiaux catholiques, 1621-1979,” database with images, FamilySearch … Continue reading
Baptismal record for Marguerite 1
Marguerite 2
Marguerite, illegitimate, was baptized in Ste-Marguerite-de-Blairfindie on 6 March 1814. Her Godfather was Joseph Dupuis and her Godmother was Anne Landry. [6]“Québec, registres paroissiaux catholiques, 1621-1979,” database with images, FamilySearch … Continue reading
Baptismal record for Marguerite 2
Marguerite 3
Marguerite, illegitimate, was baptized in Ste-Marguerite-de-Blairfindie on 2 January 1816 the very first entry for 1816. Her Godfather was Amable Cyr and her Godmother was Louise Guenet. [7]“Québec, registres paroissiaux catholiques, 1621-1979,” database with images, FamilySearch … Continue reading
Baptismal record for Marguerite 3
Marguerithe
Marguerite, illegitimate, was baptized in Ste-Marguerite-de-Blairfindie on 09 June 1818. Her Godfather was Louis Gierney and her Godmother was Genevieve Marin. [8]“Québec, registres paroissiaux catholiques, 1621-1979,” database with images, FamilySearch … Continue reading
Baptismal record for Marguerithe
An Analysis of these Marguerite’s
The parish records of Ste-Marguerite-de-Blairfindie paint a limited picture of the lives of these Marguerite’s. Unfortunately, none of the surnames mentioned as Godparents appear as witnesses to the marriage of Francois Henn and Marguerite Illégitime Anonime in 1835. Other then the one death record listed for Marie Marguerite above, and the marriage record already found in part 1, there are no further identifiable records for any of these Marguerite’s listed as “illegitimate” in the parish records. The connection, if it can be made, between one of the Marguerite’s mentioned above, and the witnesses to the marriage of Francois and Marguerite, may appear more clear after a study of the Francois Henn(e) and his family connections. I’ll try and reconstruct the family of Francois Henne as well as that of his father, Christian (Chretien) Hoehn in part 3.
In an effort to further my chance of making matches through Ancestry DNA, over the past week I have been expanding my Grénier lines downward from siblings of my Grénier ancestors. I don’t like leaving anything to chance, so I would rather do the research myself, properly, then rely on somebody else having made the right connections for their own trees. French-Canadian researchers are blessed with the availability online of Parish Records from Quebec; but for researchers unfamiliar with their structured format and/or unable to interpret the old handwriting, these records can be confusing, especially with the quirky French numbering and naming. This confusion often leads beginning researchers to make improper connections because of their lack of understanding these records.
In conducting this research I came across an interesting marriage record for Francois Henn. Francois was the husband of one Susanne Grenier, child of Francois Peter Grénier, my 3rd great-grandfather. Susanne was the 3rd of six children born to Francois and his first wife Marie Louise Carrier. Francois would have an additional 14 children through his third wife, Catherine Boutin dite Cardinal. He and his son, Moses (my 2nd gr-grandfather) is the reason I call this side of the family my “rabbit branch.” [1]Moses would have 19 children by his two wives. It will be interesting as I research these collateral lines how many grandchildren each of these men … Continue reading Susanne was baptized 20 May 1810 in the Parish church of Ste. Marguerite de Blairfindie, L’Acadie St. Jean, Québec, Canada, the day after her birth. At the age of 16, she would marry Francois at Ste. Marguerite de Blairfindie on 08 Nov 1826. This marriage would be blessed with three children before Susanne would die on 2 Dec 1834 and be buried the following day in the parish cemetery of Ste. Marguerite de Blairfindie.
Upon Susanne’s death, Francois would find himself with 2 young children and a baby. It’s not surprising then that he would marry a second time less then one year from the death of his first wife. It’s this marriage which has me intrigued beyond my normal “Yes! Another record found!”
Source of Marriage Record for Francois Henn and Marguerite [–?–]
“Québec, registres paroissiaux catholiques, 1621-1979,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1961-28000-10724-86?cc=1321742 : accessed 13 February 2016), L’Acadie > Sainte-Marguerite-de-Blairfindie > Baptêmes, mariages, sépultures 1830-1836 > image 338 of 362 > Mariage 46, Francois Henn + Marguerite Anomine; nos paroisses de Église Catholique, Quebec (Catholic Church parishes, Quebec).
Transcription of Marriage Record for Francois Henn and Marguerite [–?–]
M 46
Francois Henn + Marguerite Illégitim Anonime
Le vingt quatre Novembre mil huit ant trente
cinq, Apres la publication de trois bans de
marriage faite au prône de la messe
paroissiale dans cette Eplise Dimanche le
yuinize duprésent et les deux precedents
Eartre Francois Henn Journalier fils majeur
De Christien Henn et de Monique Celleses[?]
Pérect mére de cette Paraisse d’une part: et
Marguerite aussi de cette paroisse d’ autre parts
Ne s’étant découvert aucun empêchement
Au dit Mariage Naus prêtre soussigné avons
reçu leur mutuel consentement de marriage
et leur avons donné la bénédiction nuptiate
Selon les régres de notre mére la Ste Eglise
De Francois Dubé soussigné de Pierre
Ménard et du côte de l’ Epouse de Charles Dubé
Et de Jean Cardinal qui ainvi que lesépau
N’ont su signer.
Francois Dubé
Joseph Crevier, prêtre
Translation of Marriage Record for Francois Henn and Marguerite [–?–]
Marriage 46, Francois Henn and Marguerite [–?–], illegitimate
The 24 November 1835, after the publication of three banns, wedding made from the pulpit of the mass in this parish, [?] Sunday [?] of this and the two previous, [?] Francois Henn adult son of Christien Henn and Monique Celle [?] mother that appear one part: and Marguerite also of this parish on the other parts. Having found no impediment to the Marriage, we, the undersigned priest has received their mutual consent of wedding and gave them the blessing nuptials according to our mother the Holy Church. Francois Dubé undersigned Pierre Ménard and Côte wife of Charles Dubé and Jean Cardinal, who [?] that [?] are unable to sign.
Francois Dubé
Joseph Crevier, Priest
Extraction of Marriage Record for Francois Henn and Marguerite [–?–]
Date: 24 Nov 1835
Location: Ste. Marguerite de Blairfindie Parish in L’Acadie St. Jean, Québec, Canada
Groom: Francois Henn
Father of Groom: Christien Henn
Mother of Groom: Monique Celle
Bride: Marguerite
Father of Bride:
Mother of Bride:
Note: Marguerite is listed as illegitimate, which would indicate her parents were unmarried at her birth, and remained unmarried.
Witnesses:
Francois Dubé (signed)
Pierre Ménard
[–?–] Côte , wife of Charles Dubé
Jean Cardinal
Note: Witnesses become doubly important considering the parents of Marguerite were not married. Did either one witness the marriage?
Analysis of Marriage Record for Francois Henn and Marguerite [–?–]
The marriage record for Francois and Marguerite is relatively easy to read, minus a couple of words which appear to be superfluous to the genealogical content. Within the marriage record itself there is no mention of Marguerite’s parents or last name… she is simply referred to as “Marguerite.” Alongside the record, however, appears the addition of two words. One can clearly be made out and that is Anonime which would appear to be a phonetic misspelling of Anonyme, the French word for anonymous. The other is less clear but appears to be illégitim a misspelling of illégitime. This is buttressed by looking at the index created for the records where it clearly states that Marguerite is illégitime. [2]“Québec, registres paroissiaux catholiques, 1621-1979,” database with images, FamilySearch … Continue reading
Clipping from index which clearly states that Marguerite was Illégitime
A person is declared illegitimate in Catholic Registers if at the time of baptism the child’s parents were not properly married by the Church. If the child’s parents were later married, the Illégitime declaration would go away, and the child would be declared as a legitimate child of those parents. We can use this then with Marguerite to reflect that it is apparent her parents never married, as she still retained the moniker of Illégitime at her marriage.
Plan of Approach:
I can see several methods by which I may approach solving this brick wall:
Search, record and analyze each baptism record of an illegitimate Marguerite found in the Parish Registers for Sainte-Marguerite-de-Blairfindie during the years of 1800-1820.
Attempt to reconstruct the life of each Marguerite to avoid an incorrect identification. I can use the marriage and death records to assist me with this task.
Identify and research familial connections for each of the witnesses to the marriage of Francois and Marguerite.
Have I missed any? If you can think of another approach to this puzzle then please post a comment below!
In part 2 of this article I will take a look at the illegitimate baptisms of Marguerite’s at Sainte-Marguerite-de-Blairfindie and develop a starting list of possible matches for my Marguerite.
Moses would have 19 children by his two wives. It will be interesting as I research these collateral lines how many grandchildren each of these men would eventually have.
