Call Me-shell

Save the Date: Upcoming Genealogy Lectures in and Around Lowell

2012-01-26T07:16:00.000-05:00

The Greater Lowell Genealogy Club has rescheduled Marian Pierre-Louis' lecture "Looking After the Poor: Finding Your Ancestors in New England Poverty Records." Originally scheduled for our Jan. 21st meeting, the rescheduled date is April 21st. This meeting of the GLGC will be held at the Chelmsford Public Library in Chelmsford, MA at 1:30pm.

Also, the Pollard Memorial Library has scheduled a FREE full day of lectures for March 3rd. Starting at 10am, Michael Brophy will be presenting his lecture, "Paddy on the Net". At 11:15am Marian Pierre-Louis will grace us with her lecture, "Researching House Histories," and at 1:00 pm Walter Hickey will present " The 1940 Census."

There will be a lunch break at noon, with beverages, snacks and deserts. Please bring your own brown bag lunch. For more information please see the flyer below.

In Search Of: The Burial of Joseph Robillard

2012-01-23T06:09:00.000-05:00

Who, according to the article below, drowned in the St-Lawrence River on 14 May, 1937.

HANGS ON TO CAPSIZED SKIFF SIX HOURS
MONTREAL. MAY 14 (INS) -- Two members of the crew of the S.S. Maple Branch dived into the icy waters of the St. Lawrence river today to rescue Joseph Labrecque, clinging to an overturned skiff for six hours.
With Eugene Tremblay and Joseph Robillard, Labrecque had left the home of a friend on the south shore to row back to Montreal. Their skiff was capsized in the heavy waters and Tremblay and Robillard perished.
The water was so rough when the crew of the freighter perceived Labrecque's plight, a lifeboat could not be lowered and two of the crew went over the side to drag him to safety.

Published in the Lowell Sun 14 May, 1937 p.1.

La Gazette de Joliette: Necrologie de Jerome Robillard - Publie 21 Novembre, 1884

2012-01-22T18:56:00.002-05:00

The obituary of my paternal 2nd great-grandfather, Jerome Robillard, as it appeared published in "La Gazette de Joliette", Joliette, Quebec, on 21 Nov., 1884.

NECROLOGIE.
----
À Lowell, Mass., le 16 du courant
à l'âge de 59 ans, 3 mois et 27 jours,
est décédé Jérôme Robillard Écuyer
Ex-Agent Seigneurial des Seigneuries
de D'Aillebout et Ramsay. Le
défunt a passé sa vie dans l'enseignement
de la jeunesse et apres 27
années, de dévouement dans cette
carrière il fut nommé Agent pour
les Seigneuries de D'Aillebout et
Ramsey.
Atteint peu après d'une maladie
qui l'obligea à donner sa démission
l'automne dernier; animé du zèle
de l'education de ses enfants, il partit
pour Lowell avec sa famille, le 17
janvier dernier, espérant revenir
bientôt dans sa paroisse. "Le Seigneur
en décide autrement," disait-il
dans les dernier jours de sa vie.
" Eh bien que sa sainte volonté soit
faite." Il montra une résignation
admirable en face de la mort,
et il s'endormit paisiblement dans le Seigneur.

Il laisse pour déplorer sa perte une
épouse cherie et inconsolable et 14 enfants dont 8 qui sont mariés et 6 en bas age.

R. I. P.
--Communique

Thank you, Ruth! The above text was extracted and transcribed by Arielle Major over at La compagnie des arbres. I did attempt to extract and transcribe the text myself, as you can see below. However, there were quite a few words that I didn't know. Those words have been marked with a question mark. All I can say is that it helps to have friends in those northern places! Thanks again, Ruth!

NECROLOGIE
---
A Lowell, Mass., le 16 du courant
a l'age de 59 ans, 3 mois et 27 jours,
est decede Jerome Robillard. ?
Ex-Agent Seigneurial des Seigneuries
de D'Aillebout et Ramsay, Le
defunt a passe sa vie dans l'ensei-gnement
de la jeunesse et apres 27
annes, de devenement dans cette
carriere il fut nomme Agent pour
les Seigneur de D'Aillebout et
Ramsey.
Atteint ? apres d'une maladie
qui l'? a ? sa demission
l'? dernier ? du ?
de l'education de ses enfants, il par
? pour Lowell avec sa famille, le 17
janvier dernier, esperant revenir
? ? dans sa paroisse. ? "Le Seigneur
decide autrement." disait il
dans les dernier jours de sa vie.
" Eh bien que sa sainte? volonte son
faite." Il montra une resignation
admirable en face de la mort, et il ? ? paisiblement dans le Seigneur.
Il laisse pour deplorer sa perte une
epouse cherie elle inconsolable et 14
enfants ? 8 qui sont maries et 6 en ? age.

R. I. P.
--Communique

Mappy Monday: 12 West Street, Lowell MA

2012-01-02T14:07:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year, everyone!

I've had this little ancestor mapping project on the back burner for a while now. On the back burner I say, mainly because most of the buildings and or addresses that I'm looking for within Lowell don't exist any more. Ideally, I wanted to start with my first known Robillard ancestor to come to the city and map where he or she lived and then climb the ladder, but... that isn't working out too well. So, I guess I'll just go at it all willy nilly like... Who cares, anyway?

12 West St. was the address of the home that my Pepere Robillard and his family lived at in 1930. April 10th, 1930, to be exact. West St. is in Centralville, right off of Lakeview and runs all the way up to Colburn. According to the 1930 census, my Pepere, Joe, was 32 years old that year, as was my Memere, Louise (Wright). Pepere, who was naturalized in 1898, rented his home for $18.00 (is that per week?), and worked as a loomfixer in a silkmill. Memere was home with the kids. The kids, all 5 of them, were between the ages of 2 and half and 13 years. Uncle Jim was the oldest, Uncle Bob the youngest, and, I just have to mention this, Aunt Joan, well... She was on her way. As my Memere was abt 8 months pregnant at this time. What about Uncle Richard and my Dad, you ask? They weren't even a thought in 1930. Pepere & Memere's neighbors were the Gilbride family at, what appears to be, 14 West St. and the Grotton (or is it Grafton) family at 10 West.

If you look at the map below, you'll see that I marked the current address location. The house is a very modest one, maybe a starter home, or would you call it a cottage? I do believe the house that is there may be the same house that was there in 1930, although I'm not sure. I keep thinking about the flood of 36 and the more I do the more I doubt that this is the same house. What about the development of the VFW Highway? How did that change the landscape? Shit, I don't even know when it was put in, so I don't know. I tried to do a history of the address at the Middlesex North Registry of Deeds website to figure that out, but I was unsuccessful.

The house at the current address in the map below looks white, but I can tell you it's now 2 shades of a really ugly blue. Yes, I went and hunted it down, even took a few photographs early one weekday morning. Uhuh, that was me standing in the middle of your street with the camera. Can you say wackado?

I wonder how long my Pepere & Memere lived on West St, and if my Uncle Bob remembers it. I kinda doubt he does though, he was, after all, only 2 years old and I know my Pepere & Memere moved around a lot. I mean a lot, always following the work I was told... I could, I suppose, revisit the directories to find this out. Someday.

Anyway, I guess I'm going to try and go backwards from here (then forward again, think 1940 census). In 1920 my Pepere lived at 299 Moody, I doubt the actual building still exists and that the street has been renumbered many times? Do they do that? Renumber streets? Of course they do... I'll go see what I can find.

View Larger Map

Tombstone Tuesday: Louis Flavien Maille - Cimetiere St-Joseph, East Chelmsford, MA

2011-12-27T10:01:00.000-05:00

Born and baptized at St-Cuthbert de Berthier, Quebec on 9 February, 1865, Flavien was a son of Eusebe and Angelique Chevrette. Married to Malvina Cammel [sic] in Lowell in 1884, and according to his obituary, to Adela Gagnon at the time of his death in in 1931. He is buried with his first wife, Malvina, and their daughter Eva.

Blog Caroling 2011: Adeste Fideles

2011-12-08T07:24:00.001-05:00

I didn't know "Blog Caroling" was a tradition here in the genea-blogosphere until I heard Bill caroling over at his West in NewEngland blog this morning. Nice job, Bill! You sound lovely! The tradition, which was started, I believe, in 2007, is hosted by footnoteMaven. And, I'm really happy to be participating this year because I have a very nice memory to share. For directions on how you can participate, please visit fM's blog.

I always knew my father studied Latin when he was in school, but I never heard him actually speak any of it, that is, until the Christmas before his death. That Christmas he and his wife gave us a vintage M.I.M. Lador pull string box for our Christmas tree. When they presented it to me, I didn't know what it was. Looking at the both of them rather oddly, they told me to pull the string... So I did, and what came out of that little box was just beautiful, and even more so when my father began to sing along to the music in Latin. I miss my father and his voice, I wish would have had a tape recorder at time. But, I guess it really wasn't necessary, because I know every time I pull that string now, he's right here by my side singing to me again...

This version is amazing, it brought tears to my eyes.

Adeste Fideles laeti triumphantes,

Veníte, veníte in Bethlehem.

Natum vidéte, Regem Angelorum:

Veníte adoremus,

Veníte adoremus

Veníte adoremus Dóminum

Deum de Deo, lumen de lúmine,

gestant puellae viscera

Deum verum, genitum non factum:

Veníte adoremus,

Veníte adoremus

Veníte adoremus Dóminum

Cantet nunc io chorus Angelórum

cantet nunc aula caelestium:

Gloria in excelsis Deo:

Veníte adoremus,

Veníte adoremus

Veníte adoremus Dóminum

Ergo qui natus, die hodierna

Jesu, tibi sit glória

Patris aeterni Verbum caro factum:

Veníte adoremus,

Veníte adoremus

Veníte adoremus Dóminum

L'Etoile Tuesday: L'avis Deces Mon Arriere Grand-Mere Mme. Philomene Robillard nee Foucher

2011-11-29T10:36:00.001-05:00

Publie dans L'Etoile, Lowell, MA, 4 mars, 1941

DECES
ROBILLARD-- Mme. Philomene Robillard, nee Foucher, citoyenne de cette ville depuis cinquante ans. est decedee hier apres-midi au domicile de sa fille Mme. Fabiola Fournier, 547, rue Moody, a l'age de 71 ans et deux mois, a la suite d'une maladie de plusieurs mois de duree.
Feu Mme. Robillard etait paroissienne de St-Jean Baptiste et etait bien connu dans la paroisse. Elle etait membre de la fraternite du Tiers-Ordre de saint Francois et la congregation des Dames de Ste-Anne. Elle etait aussi membre fondateur de l'Auxilliaire de la Legion franco-americaine.
La defuncte laisse pour pleurer deux filles, Mme Fabiola Fournier et Mme Anita Patenaude, toutes deux de Lowell; trois fils, Rosario Robillard, de North Grosvenordale, Conn; Joseph H. Robillard de Manchester, N. H., et Antonio Robillard de Lowell; un soeur, Mme Rose Robillard de Grosvenordale, Conn. et un frere Theophile Foucher de Fort Benton, et trois arriere-petits-enfants, ansi que plusieurs nieces et neveux.
La depouille mortelle repose en chapelle ardente a la maison funeraire 744, rue Merrimack. C'est de cet endroit que les funerailles auront lieu samedi matin a 9 heures. Un service solennel sera celebre a 10 heures en l'eglise St-Jean Baptiste. Parents et amis sont pries d'y assister. L'inhumation se fera dans le lopin de terre de la famille au cimetiere St-Joseph. Les arrangements funeraires ont ete confies aux ordonnateurs d'enterrement Joseph E. Tremblay.

My translation:

DEATHS
Mrs Philomene Robillard nee Foucher, a citizen of this city for fifty years, died yesterday after noon at the home of her daughter Mrs. Fabiola Fournier, 547, Moody st., at the age of 71 years and two months, following an illness of several months duration.
The late Mrs. Robillard was a parishioner of St-Jean Baptiste and was well known in the parish. She was a member of the fraternity of the Third Order of St. Francis and the congregation of the Sisters of St. Anne. She was also a founding member of the Auxiliary of the La Legion Franco-Americaine.
The deceased leaves to mourn two daughters, Mrs. Fabiola Fournier and Mrs. Anita Patenaude, both of Lowell; three son, Rosario Robillard of North Grosvenordale, Conn., Joseph H. Robillard of Manchester, N. H., and Antonio Robillard of Lowell; a sister, Mrs. Rose Robillard Grosvenordale, Conn.. and a brother Theophile Foucher of Fort Benton, and three great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
The mortal remains are lying in repose at the funeral home 744, Merrimack Street. It is here that the funeral will be held Saturday morning at 9 o'clock. A solemn service will be celebrated at 10 o'clock in the St-Jean Baptiste church.. Family and friends are requested to attend. Interment will be in the family plot at Cimetiere St-Joseph. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to undertakers Joseph E. Tremblay.

Wednesday's Walk: Where Am I?

2011-11-16T08:06:00.000-05:00

Do you know?

Obviously, I'm in a cemetery, but which one and where? The flat stones, which were at one time erect, should be a dead giveaway (no pun intended).

In memory of

JOHN BORK,

Son of John &

Catharine Bork,

who died

March 9, 1832,

Aged 2 years

& 11 months.

The cherub hastened to its native home

All wasting death hath tri-

umph'd oer this child.

B . DAY . LOWELL .

Has David been here?

¿ɹǝʍsuɐ ǝɥʇ ʍouʞ oʇ ʇuɐM

Tombstone Tuesday: Cyprien Chrisman & Theodule Chouinard - Cimetiere St-Joseph, East Chelmsford, MA

2011-11-15T11:36:00.001-05:00

Ci GiT
Cyprien Chrisman
decede le 18. Aout.
1901. age de 66 ans.
Epoux de
Malvina St Pierre
---
Theodule Chouinard
decede le 18. Aout.
1901. age de 21 ans.
Epoux de

Odinas Chrisman
R.I.P

Buried in Section H, lot 545; both Cyprien and his son in law, Theodule, drowned in the Oyster River at Durham Point, N.H. Also, according to the burial records of Cimetiere St-Joseph, buried in this plot are Esther Parent and Odinas Morin nee Chrisman. I know who Odinas is, but I can't seem to figure out who Esther is.

Baptized as Marie Odinas Christman on 3 April, 1882 at St-Jean-Port-Joli, L'Islet, Odinas (Cyprien & Malvina St-Pierre) married Theodule Chouinard (Joseph, Clementine Thibault) on 25 February, 1900 at St-Aubert de L'Islet. Sadly, she and Theodule had only been married a little over a year when he died. Remarried in Nashua, NH on 29 May, 1905 to Napoleon Morin, Odinas, who I believe had no children, lived to be 92, as she died on 8 Sept., 1974 and was interred here on 10 Sept., 1974.

Marriage Source: [Gabriel Drouin, Institut Généalogique Drouin, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Le Fonds Drouin 1621-1967, Quebec vital records, 1900, St-Aubert0 Co. L'Islet, P.Q., pg. 5, M.3, Theodule Chouinard + Marie Adina Chrisman, register photocopy of the Greffe of Montmagny]

For the rest of my sources please contact me, cause I'm just too lazy to add them right now.

L'Etoile Tuesday: Dans le New Hampshire - Deux Lowellois se noient dans riviere Oyster

2011-11-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

L'Etoile, once a very popular Franco-American newspaper, was published in Lowell, MA from 1886 up until 1957, it's available for viewing on microfilm at several repositories in the area, including the Pollard Memorial Library in downtown Lowell. And, as you may very well know, back in May I started my own lil blogging meme, entitled L'Etoile Tuesday. The plan was to pick one article of interest each week from L'Etoile and from there I would transcribe, translate, and then publish it here at my blog. So far I've only managed to publish three articles... Anyway, the article below was not just some randomly picked article. After having found the grave of both the men mentioned in it, I went searching for death notices and this is what I found.

Cyprian Chrisman et Theodule Chouinard, son gendre, tous deux de Lowell se sont noyes dimanche, dans la riviere Oyster, pres de la briqueterie de King, a Durham Point, N. H. On a reconnu les cadavres de suite. Ils etaient a bord d'une barge remplie de briques qui s'est mise a couler.
Les deux noyes on saute a l'eau et ont peri dans les flots La femme de Couinard qui etait dans la barge voulut persuader son mari et son pere de ne pas sauter dans la riviere. Elle avait raison, car au dernier moment elle s'est sauvee elle, en sautan dans une petite embarcation.
Chrisman et Couinard allaient travailler aux briqueteries tous les etes. L'hiver ils revenant a Lowrll et travaillaient dans les filatures.
Pendant leur sejour en cette ville, ils demeuraient au No 9 Bay State Court.
Les depouilles mortelles de ces infortunes sont arrivees en ville a 11 h. 30. M. Joseph Albert, entrepreneur de pompes funebres, a de charge des funerailles.Chrisman avait 65 ans. Son gendre, Couinard, n'etait age que de 21 ans. Il s'est marie a Lowell, il v. un an environ.
Les corps sont expose a la residence des defuncts, 9 Bay State Court.
Les funerailles auront lieu demain a l'eglise St. Joseph.

Published on pg. 1 in L'Etoile, Lowell, MA, 20 Aout, 1901

Cyprian Chrisman and Theodule Chouinard, his son in law, both of Lowell drowned Sunday in the Oyster River, near the King brickyard, in Durham Point, N. H. Where the corpses were identified. They were aboard a barge full of bricks when it began to sink. Both men jumped into the water and perished in the waves.
Chouinard's wife, who was on the barge, tried to persuade her husband and her father not to jump into the river. She was right, because at the last moment she saved herself by jumping into a small boat.
Chrisman and Chouinard would work in the brickyards every summer. In winter they returned to Lowell and worked in the mills.
While in this city, they lived at No. 9 Bay State Court.
The remains of these unfortunates arrived in town at 11:30. Joseph Albert, funeral director, is in charge of the funeral.
Chrisman was 65. His son in law, Chouinard, he was only 21. He married in Lowell, about a year ago.
The bodies are laid out at the residence of the deceased, 9 Bay State Court.
The funeral will take place tomorrow morning at St. Joseph church.

Sentimental Sunday: Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad

2011-11-13T15:33:00.001-05:00

Photography by Jim Bruno, 13 November, 1965.

Those Places Thursday: St. Raphael's, Manchester, NH

2011-11-10T06:10:00.001-05:00

Located in Manchester's West Side on Walker St, St Raphael's Church was where, on January 24, 1943, my father was baptized. His sister Rose, who was almost 23 years his senior, and her husband, Leonce Chandonnet, were his godparents.

[Baptisms of Hillsboro County, St Raphael, Manchester, NH, 1888 - 2001, v.2, p. ; Manchester, NH : American-Canadian Genealogical Society, [2008]]

In 1943 , my grandfather, Joseph Robillard, lived at 28 Second Street, which is located in the same West Side neighborhood as St. Raphael's. Employed by the Stephen Spinning Co. as a foreman, which I believe was located at 186 Granite (also in the same neighborhood), he lived there with his wife, my grandmother, Louise Wright, and I can only assume, their younger children, as well. Also, listed in the directory at this same address, is my uncle Joe who was 25 years my father's senior, and in the Navy at the time.
However, before my father died, he told me that his mother and father were renting a place on Webster Ave. when he was born. I didn't get the copyright date of the directory that above information came out of, so it is quite possible that my father was correct and I believe the only people alive that could possibly collaborate on his story would be his siblings, my Aunt Joan, Uncle Richard and/or Uncle Bob.

The pictures above are of a newly constructed church. Well, newly constructed in 1964 that is. The original church, in which my father was baptized, is located on the corner of 3rd and Ferry Streets, behind this church.

According to the parish website, St Raphael's was founded in 1888, with the first public Mass being said on Easter Sunday at the Harrington Hose Co. building, which was also located in Manchester's West Side.

From Wikipedia :

In 1889, Denis M. Bradley, the first bishop of Manchester, New Hampshire, requested that Abbot Boniface Wimmer send monks to his diocese to create a school for French and Irish immigrants. The bishop thought that in order to create harmony among the people of his diocese the best educators for them should be German.^[2] Monks from Saint Mary's Abbey in Morristown, New Jersey, were sent to found Saint Anselm Abbey in 1889.^[3] When they arrived they founded St. Raphael's Parish in Manchester, and they founded Saint Anselm Preparatory School, which would later become Saint Anselm College.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Anselm_Abbey

Funny story, when I was at St. Raphael's, some time ago, I must have been in the right place at the right time, because while I was taking photos of the church and it's grounds, I met a woman who works in the administrative offices at the school there. She invited me into the old building in which the original church was housed and shared a bit it's history with me. She told me that my father would have been baptized in the basement, as that was where the Masses were held. I thought it odd, but then she explained to me that the original building, which you can see above, was not only a church, but held inside it was also a school, rectory, convent, and an auditorium. I was told that the outside of the original building has changed a bit since it was first built in 1891, the top two floors were taken off sometime in 1964 and an entrance to the building was dug out and added at the basement level as well. She then gave me a print (8/125) of a drawing, dated 2006, of the original building, pre 1964, which was sketched in pencil by her brother. I was going to scan it so I could show it to you, but I'm not sure if I would be breaking any copyright laws, so I decided I had better not.

While researching this post I read a little bit about Saint Raphael, and it turns out he was one of the 7 Archangels, mentioned in the bible right up there with Saint Michael (not in the same book though). St.Raphael is the patron of the blind, happy meetings, nurses, physicians and travelers. And, he was also a great healer. I wish I would have known this when my father was dying, maybe if I had prayed to him... my father would still be with us today.

Wednesday's Walk: L'automne au Cimetiere St-Joseph

2011-11-09T14:37:00.000-05:00

He was a very prominent man

2011-11-08T14:22:00.000-05:00

After finding out my paternal 2nd great-grandfather, Jerome Robillard, died in Lowell during 1884 a few weeks back, I ran straight out the door down to the library that same day to search some microfilm in hope of finding a death notice published in any of the local newspapers. Unfortunately, L'Etoile was not yet being published at the time (because you know I would have found one there if it had been), so I seearched the Courier and the Lowell Weekly Sun and this is what I found:

Jerome Robillard, who died in "Little
Canada, " Sunday morning, was to have
been taken to Montreal on the express
train Monday evening; but an unforeseen
incident delayed the departure of the re-
mains until Tuesday morning. Mr. Robil-
lard died of dropsy, his weight from that
cause reaching an enormous figure of 328
pounds. The box which contained the
coffin was in consequence of unusual di-
mensions and when it was attempted to
put the box into the baggage car of the ex-
press train, Monday evening, it was found
to be over two inches wider than the door.
The door of the baggage care on Tuesday's
morning's train was wide enough to admit
the box, and it was taken on it northern
journey. The deceased measured over 30
inches about the shoulders, the box con-
taining his remains being three feet wide,
two feet deep and seven feet long.

Published on pg. 8 in the Saturday Evening Lowell Weekly Sun, Lowell, MA, on 22 Nov., 1884

The Northern Canal: Sitting on the Tiger Frechette Bridge in October

2011-10-29T00:51:00.000-04:00

Sentimental Sunday: The Franco American "Little Canada" Memorial - Aiken St., Lowell, Mass

2011-10-23T13:44:00.002-04:00

Demolished in the 1960's to make way for Urban Renewal, Little Canada is where my ancestors once lived, loved, worked, worshiped, and played. I wish I could have had a chance to walk it's streets and listen to it's voices before they were erased.

"EN SOUVENIER DES CANADIENS DE LANGUE

FRANCAISE ET DE LEURS DESCENDANTS,

LES FRANCO-AMERICAINS, QUI ONT VECU

ICI, NOS COEURS N'OUBLIERONT JAMAIS

LEUR COURAGE, LEURS SACRIFICES, LEUR

FOI, LEUR FIERTE

1875 - 1964

ON THIS SITE GREW THE HEART OF THE

FRANCO-AMERICAN COMMUNITY. HARD

WORKING FRENCH CANADIANS CAME TO

FILL THE MILLS OF LOWELL AND BUILD

A TRADITION OF FAITH, GENEROSITY,

AND PRIDE.

LE PEITE CANADA - LITTLE CANADA

AIKEN - CABOT - CHEEVER - COOLIDGE - HALL - MELVIN- MONTCALM - PAWTUCKET - PERKINS - SUFFOLK - TUCKER - WARD

JE ME SOUVIENS - LEST WE FORGET"

"1977

ERECTED BY

THE FRANCO-AMERICAN PEOPLE

AND

THE OBLATE FATHERS OF

ST. JEAN BAPTISTE PARISH

THIS STONE COMES FROM ONE OF THE

LAST BLOCKS OR LARGE WOODEN

APARTMENT HOUSES TO BE TORN DOWN"

Lewis Wickes Hine: Child Laborer Photographs from Lowell Mass

2011-10-22T07:30:00.002-04:00

In 1908 Lewis Hine was contracted by the National Child Labor Committe as an investigative photographer, his job was to document child labor practices within American industry in an effort end the practice. Mr. Hine, who I believe visited Lowell in October of 1911, took several photographs of the children that were employed in the mills within the city, many of which, were Franco-American, and, as I browse through the collection, there are many surnames that are familiar to me, Courtois, Therrien, and Boucher, are just a few.

You can view the NCLC photographic collection online at the Library of Congress PPOC, just type Lowell into the search bar.

On November 1st, at 7:00 pm, historian, author, and genealogist, Joe Manning, will be giving a presentation at the Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center Theater, as a part of the Moses Greely Parker Lecture Series, entitled “The Lewis Hine Project: Tracking down the Lives of Child Laborers”

“Whatever happened to that child worker?” Motivated by this question, Joe
Manning has identified some of the more than 5,000 child laborers
photographed in the early 1900s by Lewis Hine, and has tracked down and
interviewed their descendants. Manning will show some of Hine’s historic photographs, tell the stories of the children in them, and talk about the exciting process of searching for descendants, most of whom were not aware of the pictures of their parents and grandparents

http://www.parkerlectures.com/?page_id=1

I am looking forward to attending this presentation.

Here is one of my favorite photographs from the collection.

# Title: Alexander Durand, 35 Tucker Street, next boy in middle of picture appears 12 years old. Is in mill room No. 2. Joseph Courtois, 33 Tucker St., at the right Alex. appears about 13 years old. Works in the spinning room. Majorie Bonclair, at left of Alex. see 2592. Location: Lowell, Massachusetts.
# Creator(s): Hine, Lewis Wickes, 1874-1940, photographer
# Date Created/Published: 1911 October.
# Medium: 1 photographic print.
# Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-nclc-02378 (color digital file from b&w original print) LC-USZ62-97581 (b&w film copy negative)
# Rights Advisory: No known restrictions on publication.
# Call Number: LOT 7479, v. 4, no. 2593 [P&P]
# Repository: Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA

http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/ncl2004002422/PP/#

Greater Lowell Genealogy Club Meeting

2011-10-17T22:30:00.001-04:00

We will be meeting this Saturday, October 22nd, from 9:00 am until noon at the Pollard Memorial Library, ground floor meeting room. Officer nominations & elections are on the agenda. Also, it is at this meeting that we will begin to index the City of Lowell's Overseers of the Poor collection of records. Kim Zunino, of the Lowell Historic Board, will be there to give us the first batch of records, to go over what should be extracted from each record, as well as the Excel template we will be using for our data entry. If you are interested in participating, it is requested that you be present at this meeting. If you have a laptop please bring it. If you don't, a flash drive will suffice. The Overseers of Poor collection of records contains over 6,000 files, with multiple documents in each file. This is a major genealogical collection and we are very excited to have been given the opportunity to work on a project such as this, so please join us.

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Correction: Jerome Robillard decede en Lowell, Etats-Unis. Yes, he died in Lowell!

2011-10-14T10:55:00.002-04:00

How do I say this? Ok, I got it... Simply speaking, I f'd up. Yup, I did, and big time too. And, just how did I f up, you ask? Well, last night when I was messing around at Find A Grave, (have I ever mentioned that I love Find A Grave) adding a few new memorials and what not, I was checking the info that I was entering at FAG against information that's available in the Massachusetts Deaths (1841 - 1915) database at FamilySearch, and when I had finished at FAG, I decided that I would, just for shits & giggles, mind you, revisit my Robillards in that database at FamilySearch. Maybe there was something new there that I hadn't seen before, or something that I had previously overlooked. So, I typed my surname in the search field and began looking.... And, at first glance, I didn't believe my eyes, and I was like wtf is this? But then, I remembered... I didn't even have to look at the image to know what it was that I had found, I already knew.

What I found was an 1884 register entry from the city of Lowell, Massachusetts for the death of my great-great-grandfather, Jerome Robillard. Yes, the same Jerome Robillard (Louis, Marie Genevieve Riberdy) who was the husband of Sophie Moussin dit Lajoie. The same Jerome Robillard who was the husband of my great-great grandmother, Sophie Riberdy, and father of Sophie (1848), Marie Henriette (1850 - 1919), Jerome Alfred (1852 - 1853), Marie Philomene (1854), Joseph Jerome (1856), Joseph Charles Omer (1857 - 1857), Louis Octavien (1858 - 1933) Marie Melanie Lea (1860), Marie Louise Parmelia Cordelia Amanda (1861), Louis Joseph Anselme (1863 - 1863), Marie Louise Melanie (1864 -1864), Emelie (1864 -1864), Joseph Arsene (1865 - 1866), Louis Gaspard Alfred (1866 -1914), Louis Arsene (1867), Joseph Arthur (1867 - 1937), Marie Louise Leontine (1868 - 1911), Marie Amanda (1870 -1897), Pierre Jerome Gaspard (1871), Joseph Gustave Alcide (1872 - 1873), Joseph Octave Zenon (1874 - 1875), Joseph Napoleon (1876 -1876), and Louis Joseph Zenon (1877 - 1918).

The same Jerome Robillard that I have in my database, and plastered all over the web, as dying in Ste-Melanie. Joliette County, Quebec on 16 Nov., 1884.

Well, HE DIDN'T, according to this register entry, JEROME ROBILLARD DIED IN LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS on 16 Nov., 1884. I guess I could claim ignorance on my part, because I had never, before this day, laid my eyes on this register entry from Lowell, but I won't. Because, somehow I knew...

When I read Jerome's burial record back in 08, I knew something wasn't right, and I asked for translation help, but.... Well, there's no one to blame but myself. Live and learn, I guess. The big whoop dee doo in all of this is the misinformation I so graciously propagated, it's all over the frikken place. Needless to say, I have a mess to clean up. Thank goodness it is only a small one (well, smallish), but it's still a mess. So, before I go off traipsing all over the web trying to fix the error of my ways, let's examine this newly found register entry a little, shall we?.

If you look at the familysearch index information for this register entry it has the event place as being in Canada, and I can only say that this has got to be wrong. Because, if you look at the actual registry entry (below) and the column that reads "RESIDENCE AND PLACE OF DEATH, and BURIAL (if elsewhere)", you will see two little apostrophes followed by the word Canada, well this " " is a ditto mark, and means that he was buried in Canada. Just look at the first entry in this column, and you'll see. Also, in this register entry his parents are documented as being Louis and Mary, this is partially correct. His father was Louis, yes. But, his mother was Marie Genevieve Riberdy. Could she have been referred to as Mary or Marie by who ever the informant was, it's possible, but I believe she went by the name of Genevieve. And lastly, you will see that it documents Jerome's parents as being born in France. This too, is wrong. Jerome's father, Louis Robillard, was born in St-Sulpice, L'Assomption, Quebec,
[PRDH, bapteme no.674684; Louis Robillard]
and his mother, Genevieve, in St-Cuthbert, Berthier, Quebec
[Gabriel Drouin, Institut Généalogique Drouin, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Le Fonds Drouin 1621-1967, Quebec Vital Records: database online, ancestry.com, http://ancestry.ca/default.aspx, The Generations Network, Inc., Provo, Utah; 1805, St-Cuthbert Co-Berthier, PQ, p.6, B. M. Genevie Riberdy, Register Photocopy of the Greffe of Joliette. ancestry image6/40].

Now, this Lowell register entry has me curious, who was the informant?. I would also like to know exactly where in Lowell Jerome died. It states he died from fatty degeneration, so was he in the hospital when he died?. Had he come to Lowell to be treated for an illness? I don't know. But I certainly want to find out.

I guess I'm glad I found this Lowell register entry. It has taught me to be more careful when reading the parish registers from Quebec (one must pay attention to grammar, when it's used), and to research questionable information more thoroughly. I can't say if the Lowell register entry was online back in 08 when I did my initial research, but I should have at least explored the possibility that he could have died here in Lowell. Because, it was, after all, right there in his burial record. I just couldn't see it.

[Gabriel Drouin, Institut Généalogique Drouin, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Le Fonds Drouin 1621-1967, Quebec Vital Records: database online, ancestry.com, http://ancestry.ca/default.aspx, The Generations Network, Inc., Provo, Utah; 1884, Ste. Melanie D'Aillebout, Co-Joliette, P.Q., pg. 15, S.29 Jerome Robillard, Register Photocopy of the Greffe of Joliette. ancestry image 15/18.]

My extraction & transcription

S.29ieme
Jerome Robillard
Le dix-neuviemes jour de Novembre, mil huit cent quatre vingt
quatre, nous pretre cure sosusigne, avons inhume dans la cave
de l'Eglise de cette paroisse le corps de Sieur Jerome Robillard,
legitime epoux de Sophie Riberdy, de Lowell, E. U., decede le
seiziem jour de ce mois age de cinquante neuf ans trois mois
et vingt sept jours. Ont ete temoins Gaspard Robillard fils
du defunt et Hermenglide Bourgeault instituteur, de cette
paroisse, et tous deux soussigne. Lecture faite

/s/ H. Bourgeault Inst
/s/ G. Robillard
/s/ F Jeannotte Ptre cure.

& my translation:

S.29ieme
Jerome Robillard
On the nineteenth day of November, one thousand eight hundred and eighty
four, I the undersigned parish priest, did bury in the cellar
of the church of this parish the body of Mr. Jerome Robillard,
lawful husband of Sophie Riberdy, of Lowell, U. S., who died
on the sixteenth day of this month at the age of fifty nine years three months
and twenty seven days. Witnessed by Gaspard Robillard son
of the deceased, and Hermenglide Bourgeault schoolmaster of this
parish, both undersigned. Reading made.

/ s / H. Bourgeault Inst
/ s / G. Robillard
/ s / F. Jeannotte ptre cure.

L'Etoile Tuesday: Publicite a Les Canadiens-Francais de Lowell Mass

2011-09-27T13:19:00.000-04:00

L'Etoile, once a very popular Franco-American newspaper, was published in Lowell, MA from 1886 up until 1957, it's available for viewing on microfilm at several repositories in the area, including the Pollard Memorial Library in downtown Lowell.

The advertisement for the publication L'Etoile below was published in 1896, on page 88 of Les Canadiens-Francais de Lowell Mass. This book, which I believe celebrates the Franco-American community's presence, and influence within the city of Lowell at the time, was written and published by Avila Bourbonnière. It is to be noted that in 1898, Avila was an assistant city assessor for ward 5. And, in 1899 he made run for the position of Chairman of the Board of Assessors. However, I believe he lost, because in 1900 he returns to Quebec.

A man of many hats, while Avila was here in Lowell, he was a notary public, as well as the secretary for L'Union Franco-Americaine, and the secretary for the Candadian Cooperative Bank, which was located on Middle St. He was also a general agent at the Columbia Aid Association of Boston, which was located on Central St. A publisher, and secretary of the Société de Publications, Francaises des Etats-Unis; and the Club Democratique Cando-Americain. The list of everything that he was involved in within this city is quite capacious. I am glad that I decided to research him. It is to be noted, (yes, I write a lot of notes) that Avila's oldest son, Joseph A. (baptized as Joseph-Pierre-Avila in 1871 ) was quite active within Lowell's Franco-American community as well, and I have tried not to confuse the two men. As far as I can see, the younger Avila, as I call him, was almost always referred to as Joseph A.

Baptized at the parish of Notre-Dame-de-Montreal as Michel-Etienne-Avila Gaudry on 27 Dec., 1847, Avila was the son of Michel Gaudry dit Bourbonnière and Catherine Vinet dit Souligny. Marrying Catherine-Concorde-Cornelie Mignault (Pierre-Emile, Justine-Adelaide Leclerc) on 18 May, 1870 at the the parish of St-David-d'Yamaska, thier marriage was largely attended. Naturalized in Lowell, at the Police Court, on 28 October, 1887, Avila and his wife, Cornelie, as far as I can tell thus far, had 9 children, four of whom were born in Lowell. His last known occupation is that of an assurance inspecteur in 1911. However, in his burial record he referred to as being a publiciste. Avila lived to be 75 years old, and died on 30 Dec., 1922. He was buried on 2 January, 1923 in parish cemetery of Notre-Dame-de-Montreal, and like his marriage, his funeral was equally attended.

*Please feel free to contact me for source information.*

Wordless Wednesday: Pepere & Memere Robillard - 1965

2011-09-07T09:16:00.001-04:00

Tombstone Tuesday: Cimetiere St-Joseph, East Chelmsford, Massachusetts

2011-09-06T06:54:00.000-04:00

L'Etoile Tuesday: Les Avis de Deces de Mon Arriere-Grand-Pere, Joseph-Arthur Robillard

2011-09-06T01:34:00.000-04:00

DECES
---------
ROBILLARD --Nous sommes au regret d'announcer le deces ce matin de l'um de nos vieux concitoyens, M. Joseph-Arthur Robillard, a sa demeure au no 90 rue Aiken appartiement 9, apres un longue maladie suportee avec une patience exemplaire, a l'age de 69 ans, 3 mois et 19 jour. M Robillard, qui demeurait en cette ville depuis 50 ans, etait tres bien connuet estime de tous. Il laisse dans le deuil son epouse, Mme Philomene Robillard, nee Foucher; deux filles, Mme. Leo Patenaude et Mme Francois Fournier de cette ville; trois fils, MM Rosario et Heria Robillard de Central Falls R.I. et M. Antonio Robillard de Lowell; et un frere, M. Jerome Robillard de Cohoes, N. Y. Il etait membre de la Ste-Famille de la paroisse St-Joseph et des Forestiers Catholique, Cour Ste-Antoine, no 566. Les funerailles auront lien mardi matin a 8 heures de la demeure mortuaire au no 90 rue Aiken appartement 39. A 9 heures a l'eglise St-Jean-Baptiste son service solemnel sera celebre avec diacre, sous-diacre et choeur de chant. Parents et amis sont pres d'y assister. l'inhummation aura lieu dans le lot de la famille au cimetiere St-Joseph. MM Amdee Archambault et Fils on la direction des funerailles.

My translation:

DEATHS
---------
ROBILLARD - We regret to announce, this morning, the death of one of our older citizens, Mr. Joseph-Arthur Robillard, at his residence no. 90 Aiken Street apartment 9, after a long illness, endured with exemplary patience, at the age of 69 years, 3 months and 19 days. Mr. Robillard, who lived in this town for 50 years, was well known, and held in high esteem by all. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Philomene Robillard, nee Foucher; two daughters, Mrs. Leo Patenaude and Mrs. Francois Fournier of this city; three sons, Mr. Rosario Robillard, and Heria Robillard of Central Falls R. I., and Mr. Antonio Robillard of Lowell; and a brother, Mr. Jerome Robillard of Cohoes, N. Y. He was a member of Ste-Famille of St-Joseph Parish and the Catholic Foresters, Court of St. Antoine, No. 566. The funeral will be Tuesday morning at 8 o'clock in the funeral home at no. 90 Aiken Street apartment 39. At 9 o'clock at St-Jean-Baptiste, a service will be celebrated with solemn deacon, subdeacon, and choir singing. Family and friends are requested to attend. Interment will take place in the family lot at Cimetiere St-Joseph. Funeral under the direction of Mr. Amdee Archambault and Son.

Amanuensis Monday: Petition for Naturalization- Joseph Arthur Robillard

2011-09-05T10:18:00.003-04:00

Amanuensis Monday is a daily blogging theme, originating at John Newmark's Transylvania Dutch, the theme encourages the transcription of family letters, journals, and other historical artifacts.

Last winter, Diane Leedburg Laferriere, a fellow member of the GLGC, and I took at trip to the NARA at Waltham, and this was one of the documents I rec'd. Joseph Arthur, as if you didn't already know, was my paternal great grandfather : )

[Police Court, Lowell, Mass - Minor Series, Vol. 1892 - 1897; Pet. No. 1, pg. 645]

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

MIDDLESEX, SS.
To the Honorable the Justice of the Police Court of Lowell, holden at Lowell, in
the District of Lowell, in said County of Middlesex on the            Thirteenth
day of September A. D. 1895.

RESPECTFULLY REPRESENTS                   Joseph Arthur Robillard
of Lowell,               in said County, an alien, that he was born at       Ste Melanie
                           P.Q         , in   Canada              , within
the dominions of Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,

on the       twelfth      day of               Oct                , A.D. 1867, and is now
     twentyseven         years of age, that he emigrated from      Canada        and
arrived at         Lowell         , in the United States of America, on or about the
fifteenth day of      Jauy [sic]           , A. D. 1884, being then a minor under
the age of eighteen years, to wit, of the age of        seventeen      years, that he
has ever since resided withing the United States, being more than five years now last past,
that he now resides at No.            36 Aiken Ave                                ~~Street,~~ in
Lowell,                                , in the District of Lowell, in said County of Middlesex,
and that his occupation is that of a                  weaver           ; that he desires and
it has been for three years last past, his bona-fide intention to become a citizen of
the said United States, and to renounce all allegiance, and fidelity to every foreign
prince, potentate, state and sovereignty whatsoever, and particullary to Victoria, Queen                                            as aforesaid, and that he has duly filed in said Police Court of Lowell his application for Naturalization. Wherefore he prays to be admitted by this Honorable Court to become a citizen of the said United States, according to the laws in such cases made and provided.

                                                                      /s/   Joseph Arthur Robillard

MIDDLESEX, SS. SEP 20 1895, ~~189~~     . Signed and sworn to,

                                                                     /s/ Edward W Trull
                                                                         Asst clerk.

[Police Court, Lowell, Mass - Minor Series, Vol. 1892 - 1897; Pet. No. 1, pg. 645A]

WE,                Camille Roussin           residing at No.             3 Salem
Street, in             Lowell                    , and            Joseph Roy     , residing
at No. 4 Willie Ave           ~~street~~, in              Lowell               , both in said County, and both citizens of the United States of America, on oath, severally depose and say, that we have known       Joseph Arthur Robillard             , the foregoing petitioner, for more than five years last past, during all which time he has resided within the United States of America, and at least on year thereof in said Commonwealth, that he has during that time behaved as a man of good moral character, attached to the principles of the Constitution of the United States, and well disposed to the good order and happiness of the same; that he arrived in the United States while a minor aforesaid, and resided in said United States five years before he arrived at the age of twenty-one years, and that we verily believe it has been, for three years past, his bona-fide intention to become a citizen of this United States.

   /s/ Camille Roussin
   /s/ Joseph Roy

MIDDLESEX, SS. SEP 20 1895 189     . Signed an sworn to:

                                                                       /s/ Edward W Trull
                                                                                             Asst clerk

I, Joseph Arthur Robillard do solemnly swear that I do absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to every foreign prince, potentate, state and sovereignty whatsoever, and particularly to Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,                                          whose subject I have heretofore been, that I have never been any of the orders of nobility, nor borne any hereditary title, and that I will suppoert the Constitution of the United States of America.
So help me God.
                                                                      /s/ Joseph Arthur Robillard

MIDDLESEX, SS. SEP 20 1895 189
                     Sworn and admitted a citizen
                                                                     /s/ Edward W Trull
                                                                                           Asst Clerk

Greater Lowell Genealogy Club Meeting

2011-08-24T19:16:00.000-04:00

Greater Lowell Genealogy Club Meeting

   Time: Saturday, September 24 · 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Location: Pollard Memorial Library
              401 Merrimack St.
              Lowell, MA

Are you curious on how to get started researching your family history? If so, we can help. New members are always welcome!

Please come join us for our first meeting of the season! Scheduled to be with us is Kim Zunino of the Lowell Historic Board. Kim, who is active in preserving and restoring Lowell's historical burial grounds, as well as other preservation projects, will be presenting the group with a project of our own. Under her direction, we will be transcribing and indexing a very large city collection, so please join us to hear the details and participate! Also on the agenda will be officer elections, which take place in October (we need a couple of dedicated, brave souls), as well as potential speakers and field trips!

As always, our meetings are open to the public, so bring a friend! If you decide you'd like to join, GLGC membership is $10.00 for the year. Find us on facebook!

bo(n)-'zhooR

2011-08-07T12:21:00.004-04:00

Hey everyone, just thought I 'd pop in here to say good morning and let you know that there's still not too much going on with me in regard to my genealogy research. Although I did join WikiTree, and I uploaded a gedcom to play around with. You can view my WikiTree here, http://www.wikitree.com/index.php?title=Robillard-30. It's pretty fun, a good time waster if you as me. I also started looking into the children of David Wright and Margaret White, my g-g-grandparents. David was born in Scotalnd, abt. 1816 and Margaret from the IOM, b. abt. 1814. They are in my WikiTree if you're interested. Anyway, here's the latest from my backyard garden and the Textile Avenue Greenhouse. Have a great day!!

SNGF - My 16 Great-greats

2011-07-17T00:58:00.008-04:00

Dear Readers, we now interrupt you for Randy Seaver's Saturday Night Genealogy Fun!!!

Ah, Genea-folks, it's Saturday Night again - are you ready for more Genealogy Fun?

Your mission tonight, should you decide to accept it, is to:

1) List your 16 great-great-grandparents with their birth, death and marriage data (dates and places). [Hint - you might use an Ancestral Name List from your software for this.]

2) Determine the countries (or states) that these ancestors lived in at their birth and at their death.

3) For extra credit, go make a "Heritage Pie" chart for the country of origin (birth place) for these 16 ancestors. [Hint: you could use the chart generator from Kid Zone for this.] [Note: Thank you to Sheri Fenley for the "Heritage Pie" chart idea.]

4. Tell us about it in your own blog post, in a comment to this post, or in a post on Facebook or google+.

Here's mine:

16. Jerome⁵ Robillard (105) (Louis, #32) was born on 20 Jul 1825 at Ste-Elisabeth, Joliette, Quebec. He was baptized on 20 Jul 1825 at la paroisse de Ste-Elisabeth, Ste-Elisabeth, Joliette, Quebec. Charles Ribery (grand-father) and his spouse, Monique Ducharme, were Jerome's god-parents. He married Sophie Moussin dit Lajoie (155), daughter of Joseph Moussin dit Lajoie (1312) and Genevieve Paquin (1313), on 25 Jan 1848 at la paroisse de Sainte-Melanie-d'Ailleboust, Sainte-Melanie, Joliette, Quebec. He married Sophie Riberdy (106) (see #17), daughter of Pierre Riberdy (129) and Victoire Beauparlant (130), on 9 Nov 1863 at la paroisse de, Sainte-Melanie, Joliette, Quebec. He died on 16 Nov 1884 at Sainte-Melanie, Joliette, Quebec, at age 59. He was buried on 19 Nov 1884 dans la cave (in the cellar) de eglise at la paroisse de, Sainte-Melanie, Joliette, Quebec.

17. Sophie⁵ Riberdy (106) (Pierre, #34) was born on 19 Jul 1840 at Sainte-Melanie, Joliette, Quebec. She was baptized on 19 Jul 1840 at la paroisse de Sainte-Melanie-d'Ailleboust, Sainte-Melanie, Joliette, Quebec. She married Jerome Robillard (105) (see #16), son of Louis Robillard (191) and Genevieve Riberdy dit Sansoucy (381), on 9 Nov 1863 at la paroisse de, Sainte-Melanie, Joliette, Quebec. She married Jean-Baptiste Brissette dit Courchaine (824) on 23 Apr 1888 at la paroisse de, Sainte-Melanie, Joliette, Quebec. She died on 5 Oct 1895 at Sainte-Melanie, Joliette, Quebec, at age 55. She was buried on 7 Oct 1895 at dans le cave de l'eglise la paroisse de, Ste-Melanie, Joliette, Quebec

18. Joseph⁵ Foucher (547) (Louis Faucher dit St-Maurice, #36) was born in Quebec. He married Flavie Bruneau (548) (see #19), daughter of Joseph Bruneau (940) and Flavie Trudel (941), on 20 Jan 1857 at la paroisse de Sainte-Melanie-d'Ailleboust, Sainte-Melanie, Joliette, Quebec.

19. Flavie⁵ Bruneau (548) (Joseph, #38) was baptized on 13 May 1834 at la paroisse de Sainte-Melanie-d'Ailleboust, Sainte-Melanie, Joliette, Quebec. She married Joseph Foucher (547) (see #18), son of Louis Joseph Faucher dit St-Maurice (549) and Angel-Felicite Boucher dit Barbel (550), on 20 Jan 1857 at la paroisse de Sainte-Melanie-d'Ailleboust, Sainte-Melanie, Joliette, Quebec.

20. Marcel Boudreau, was born at New Brunswick, son of Marc Boudreau and Monique Melancon (Info not entered into database at this time)

21. Ellen, Helen or Helene⁵ Grant, was a daughter of one of her grandfather's (John Grant) sons. John Grant was married to Ann Thebeau. (For more information on my Grant and Boudreau lines please contact me at callmeshell at gmail.com)

22. David ⁵Wright was born about 1816 at Scotland?

23. Mary⁵ White was born about 1814 at the Isle of Man?

24. Joseph Alfred 'Adam'⁵ Maille (59) (Eusebe, #48) was born on 25 Apr 1862 at St-Cuthbert, Berthier, Quebec. He was baptized as Joseph Alfred Mailler on 26 Apr 1862 at la paroisse de St-Cuthbert, St-Cuthbert, Berthier, Quebec. He married Marie Amanda Prud'homme (60) (see #25),daughter of Moise Prud'homme (454) and Adeline Philomene Desrosiers (457), on 30 Jan 1881 at Immaculate Conception church, Lowell, Middlesex, Massachusetts. He died on 20 Feb 1933 at Arlington St., Dracut, Middlesex, Massachusetts, at age 70.

25. Marie Amanda⁵ Prud'homme (60) (Moise, #50) was born on 14 Jul 1862 at Lanoraie, Berthier, Quebec. She was baptized on 14 Jul 1862 at la paroisse de Saint-Joseph, Lanoraie, Berthier, Quebec. She married Joseph Alfred 'Adam' Maille (59) (see #24), son of Eusebe Maille (68) and Angelique 'Rosalie' 'Angeline' Chevrette (69), on 30 Jan 1881 at Immaculate Conception church, Lowell, Middlesex, Massachusetts. She died on 9 Sep 1933 at Dracut, Middlesex, Massachusetts, at age 71.

26. Charles Francois⁵ Therrien (498) (Jean, #52) was born on 29 Jan 1869 at St-Julien-de-Wolfestown, Wolfe, Quebec. He was baptized on 5 Feb 1869 at la paroisse de St-Julien, St-Julien-de-Wolfestown, Wolfe, Quebec. He married Marie Provencal (499) (see #27), daughter of Isidore Provencal (500) and Philomene Mercier (501), on 20 Apr 1891 at Lowell, Middlesex, Massachusetts.

27. Marie⁵ Provencal (499) (Isadore, #54) married Charles Francois Therrien (498) (see #26), son of Jean Baptiste Therrien (507) and Marie-Celina Letourneau (508), on 20 Apr 1891 at Lowell, Middlesex, Massachusetts. She was buried on 3 Mar 1953 at Cimetiere St-Joseph, Chelmsford, Middlesex, Massachusetts.

28. Michael⁵ Moran (1261) (John, #56) was born circa 1867 at Ireland or England. He married Rose Kelley (1037) (see #29), daughter of Patrick Kelley (1415) and Rose Dacey (1416), on 11 Apr 1895 at Lowell, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA. He died on 15 Dec 1906 at 32 Cross St., in the rear, Lowell, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA. He was buried on 17 Dec 1906 at St. Patrick Cemetery, Lowell, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA.

29. Rose⁵ Kelley (1037) (Patrick, #58) was born circa Apr 1873 at Ireland or England. She married Michael Moran (1261) (see #28), son of John Moran (1410) and Bridget Higgins (1411), on 11 Apr 1895 at Lowell, Middlesex, Massachusetts, USA. She died on 19 Dec 1951 at Lowell, Middlesex, Massachusetts. She was buried on 22 Dec 1951 at St. Patrick Cemetery, Lowell, Middlesex, Massachusetts.

30. Claude Benjamin⁵ Ferron (215) (Joseph, #60) was born on 20 Oct 1844 at Massueville (Sorel), Richelieu, Quebec. He was baptized on 21 Oct 1844 at la paroisse de Saint-Aime, Massueville (Sorel), Richelieu, Quebec. He married Celina Lamay (217) on 31 Jul 1866 at la paroisse de Saint-Leon, Saint-Leon-le-Grande, Maskinonge, Quebec. He married Marie Georgiana Rabouin (216) (see #31), daughter of Frederic Rabouin (337) and Domithilde Guilmette (338), on 22 Aug 1876 at la paroisse de Saint-Paulin, Saint-Paulin, Maskinonge, Quebec. He died on 6 Nov 1930 at 9 Dutton St., Lowell, Middlesex, Massachusetts, at age 86. He was buried on 10 Nov 1930 at Cimetiere St-Joseph, Chelmsford, Middlesex, Massachusetts.

31. Marie Georgiana⁵ Rabouin (216) (Frederic, #62) was born on 29 Apr 1856 at Yamachiche, Saint-Maurice, Quebec. She was baptized on 29 Apr 1856 at la paroisse de Sainte-Anne, Yamachiche, Saint-Maurice, Quebec. She married Claude Benjamin Ferron (215) (see #30), son of Joseph Ferron (233) and Marie Ouelette (234), on 22 Aug 1876 at la paroisse de Saint-Paulin, Saint-Paulin, Maskinonge, Quebec. She died on 6 Apr 1919 at Lowell, Middlesex, Massachusetts, at age 62. She was buried on 8 Apr 1919 at Cimetiere St-Joseph, Chelmsford, Middlesex, Massachusetts.

Happy Summer!!!

2011-06-24T05:24:00.002-04:00

Here's what' has been keeping my busy as of late. I hope you are enjoying your summer! Don't worry, I'll be back to my genealogy research and blogging in no time : )

Remembering Them Fondly: James Francis Robillard (1916 - 2011)

2011-05-26T07:06:00.001-04:00

James F. Robillard, Rose Chandonnet nee Robillard, Pauline Robillard nee Barraclough, and Leonce Chandonnet

Although I was just a child when I first met my uncles and aunts that are pictured above, and didn't see them much, if at all, throughout my life, I do remember them fondly. This photograph was taken on a day that will live on in my memory. A day that will always be close to my heart. A day when we all came together to celebrate who we were, and where we came from. Let us never forget.

SNGF on Sunday Morning

2011-05-22T08:51:00.002-04:00

That was fun Thanks, Randy!

Wordless Wednesday: Doors Open Lowell 2011 - St-Jean-Baptiste Church

2011-05-18T01:00:00.015-04:00

L'Etoile Tuesday: Les Avis de Décès pour Francois-Xavier Savard

2011-05-17T09:11:00.014-04:00

I've decided to start my own little blogging meme for Tuedays. Calling it L'Etoile Tuesday, the plan is to take one article each week from L'Etoile, transcribe it, and then translate. L'Etoile, a very popular Franco-American newspaper, was published in Lowell, MA from 1886 up until 1957. It's available on microfilm at several repositories in the area, including the Pollard Memorial Library in downtown Lowell

So... this week, because I transcribed and posted his Petition for Naturalization yesterday, I have chosen the death notice for Francois-Xavier Savard, my youngest daughter's paternal third great-grandfather, which was published in the October 26, 1916 edition of L'Etoile.

As far as I can tell, at the time, L'Etoile listed death notices according to which undertaker was handling the arrangements, hence the heading below.

JOS. ALBERT & FILS
SAVARD -- Francois-Xavier Savard, est decede ce matin a sa demeure No 711 Lakeview Ave., a l'age de 61 ans. Il laisse dans le deuil 3 fils, Arthur, Oliver et Edouard Savard; 2 filles Mmes Corrine Grondin et Clorida Tremblay des freres et des soeurs au Canada. Le defunt appartenait au Tiers-Ordre et a l'Association Funeraire. Le service aura lieu samedi matin a 8 heurs, en l'eglise St-Louis de France avec diacre sous diacre et choeur de chant. Parents et amis sont pres d'y assister.

My translation:

JOS. ALBERT & SONS
SAVARD - Francois-Xavier Savard, died this morning at his residence No. 711 Lakeview Ave., at the age of 61. He is survived by three sons, Arthur, Oliver and Edward Savard; 2 daughters Mrs. Corrine Grondin and Mrs.Clorida Tremblay brothers and sisters in Canada. The deceased belonged to the Third Order and the Funeral Association. The service will be held Saturday morning at 8 o'clock in the church of St. Louis de France with sub deacon deacon and choir singing. Relatives and friends are welcome to attend.

One thing to note about this death notice is the mention of Frank's membership to the Funeral Association. That little reference is very interesting.. Verrry interesting, indeed. Because on page 80 of Felix Albert's autobiography an Immigrant Odyssey: A French-Canadian Habitant in New England, Felix, father of Joseph Albert the Lowell undertaker, refers to Frank as his clerk. And, in a small 1892 Lowell Sun article, which tells us of Frank's mother's death in Point-aux-Trembles, Frank is referred to as being Felix's foreman. Was Felix Albert an undertaker as well? I think he made caskets, but I didn't take too many notes when I read the book, so I'm not sure. Needless to say, I need to revisit that book again. Also, what about the 1909 Lowell Directory that states that Frank was insurance agent at 13 Merrimack Square. Now, I'm wondering what type of insurance he sold, and for who, was he in business for himself?? I need to go to the library and go through all of the pertinent directories to see if I can obtain any more details. One more thing, there was no mention about Frank's membership to the Funeral Association in the death notice that was published in The Sun. Which just goes to show you how invaluable a source L'Eoile is for anybody researching their Franco-American connection in Lowell.

Amanuensis Monday: Petition for Naturalization - Francois-Xavier Savard

2011-05-16T14:08:00.010-04:00

Amanuensis Monday is a daily blogging theme from GeneaBloggers, originating at John Newmark's Transylvania Dutch, the theme encourages the transcription of family letters, journals, and other historical artifacts.

Francois-Xavier Savard is my youngest daughter's 3rd great-grandfather, and according to the research of Jean-Guy Savard of Quebec, and myself, it is believed that Francois was a son of Jean-Baptiste Savard and Elise Beland. Born and baptized on 11 March, 1855 in Neuville, Portneuf County, Quebec, he married Anselmie Picard (Norbert, Henriette Blanchette) on 15 Sept, 1878 at Saint Anne's Church in Fall River, Bristol County, Massachusetts.

According to this Petition for Naturalization, I can assume that he emigrated from Quebec to Fall River, Massachusetts at the age of 16 in 1871. And, that he was in Fall River for about 10 years before moving on to Lowell.
.
Believed to have been employed by Felix Albert of Lowell for a short time as a clerk, Francois was also an insurance agent, and worked out of an office at 13 Merrimack Square. Francois and Anselmie had five known children:

Clarida, believed to have been the couple's first born in Fall River, married Joseph Tremblay on 28 October, 1907 in Lowell; Corrine, also born in Fall River, married Abraham Grondin on 2 June, 1901, in Lowell; Alcidas, my daughter's ancestor, also known as Arthur, was the couple's first child to be born in Lowell.. Born on 28 Oct., 1881, he married Eveline Champagne on 17 Aug., 1903. Edouard, he married Malvina Otis on 20 Oct., 1907, again in Lowell; and Olivier, he married Lydia Grenier in Lowell on 8 Nov., 1915.

Francois-Xavier died on 26 Oct., 1916 in Lowell, and is buried in family plot; section F, lot 27 at St-Joseph Cemetery in Chelmsford, MA. His death notice, which was published in the Lowell Sun on 26 Oct 1916, pg. 8, reads:

SAVARD---Frank Savard, aged 61 years, died this morning at his home , 711 Lakeview avenue. He leaves three sons, Arthur, Oliver and Edouard and two daughters, Mrs. Corinne Grondin and Mrs. Florida Tremblay.

And his funeral notice, published in The Sun October 28th 1916, pg. 7.

SAVARD--The funeral of Frank X. Savard took place this morning from the home, 711 Lakeview avenue. Solemn high mass of the requiem was celebrated at St. Louis church at 8 o'clock by Rev. J. B. Labossiere, assisted by L. C. Bedard as deacon and Rev. E. J. Vincent as sub-deacon. The bearers were D. Belleville, J. Daneau, T. Savard., U. Larue, P. Fortin and G. Deziel. Burial was in St. Joseph's Cemetery, where the committal prayers were read by Rev. Fr. Vincent. Funeral arrangements were in charge of Undertakers Joseph Albert & Son.

[Superior Court Middlesex County, Cambridge Mass.; Minor Series, Vol # 3-1, pg. 565]

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Massachusetts District, SS. _____________
                       To the Honorable the Justices of the Superior Court, holden
at          Lowell    within and for said County of Middlesex, on the    third
Monday of     October    A.D. 188 3 .
RESPECTFULLY REPRESETS            Francois X. Savard    of
       Lowell     in said County, an alien and free white person, that he was born
at        Quebec        in           Canada               within the dominions of Victoria,
Queen of the United Kingdon of Great Britain and Ireland, on or about the   15
day of    March    A.D. 18 55 , and is now              2 8    years of age;
that he emigrated from        Canada    and arrived at          Fall River in the
United States of America, on the          12      day of                  June         , A.D.
1871, being then a minor under the age of twenty -one years, to wit, of the age of
      16             years; that he has ever since resided within the said United States;
that he now resides at             Lowell                  and he desires and it has been, for three years past, his bona-fide intention to become a citizen of said United States,
and to renounce all allegiance and fidelity to every foreign prince, potentate , state and sovereignty whatsoever, and particularly to Victoria, Queen as aforesaid. Wherefore he prays to be admitted by this Honorable Court to become a citizen of the said United States, according to the laws in such cases made and provided.
                                                              /s/    Francois X Savard

MIDDLESEX, SS.    Oct. 29    1883 . Signed and sworn to.
                                                            /s/      Theo (illegible)
   Clerk.
WE,    Joseph H (illegible) and
                                      Charles Beaulieu                     both of
        Lowell     in said County, and both citizens of the United States of America,
on oath, severally depose and say, that we have known    Francois X. Savard    the foregoing petitioner, for more than five years, last past, during all which time he has resided within the United States of America, and at least one year thereof in said Commonwealth; that he has during that time behaved as a man of good moral character, attached to the priciple of the Constituttion of the United States, and well disposed to the good order and happiness of the same; that he arrived in the said United States while a minor aforesaid, and resided in the United States _____________years before he arrived at the age of of twenty-one years, and we verily believe it has been, for three years past, his bona-fide intention to become a citizen United States.
                                                                         /s/ Joseph H (illegible)
                                                                         /s/   Charles Beaulieu
MIDDLESEX SS. OCT. 29 188 3 . Signed and sworn to.

                                                          /s/     Theo (illegible)
                                                                                               Clerk.
I         Francois X Savard       do solemnly swear that I do absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to every foreign prince, potentate, state, and sovereignty whatsoever, and of Great Britain and Ireland, whose subject I have heretofore been;   that I have never been of any of the orders of nobility, not borne any herediatry title, and that I will support the Constitution of the United States of America. So help me God.
                                                                           /s/ Francois X. Savard
MIDDLESEX SS. Superior Court,             Oct.         TERM. A.D. 188 3,
viz.:   Oct. 29    188 3 . Sworn and admitted a citizen.
                                                                          /s/ Theo (illegible)
                                                                                               Clerk.

Amanuensis Monday: Petition for Naturalization - Joseph Wright

2011-05-09T21:20:00.005-04:00

Yup, I'm jumping on the Amanuensis Monday bandwagon...

Amanuensis Monday is a daily blogging theme from GeneaBloggers, originating at John Newmark's Transylvania Dutch, the theme encourages the transcription of family letters, journals, and other historical artifacts.

Joseph Wright is one of my paternal great-grandparents, father of my Memere Robillard, Louise Esther Wright.

[U.S. District Court, Boston Mass; Vol. 123, Page 163]

United States of America
Massachusetts District, SS. _____________
To the Honorable the Judge of the District Court of the United States, within and
       for the District of Massachusetts.

RESPECTFULLY represents          Joseph Wright   26 High St    Neponset
of Boston     in said District, by occupation a      Nailmaker
an alien, and a free white person, that he was born in        the Isle of Mann

        on or about
the       19th       day of          November in the year of our Lord eighteen
hundred        fifty three and is now about            thirty    years of age;
that he arrived at Boston

                                          in the United States of America, on or about the
   Twelfth day of            March          in the year of our Lord
eighteen hundred and        seventy     being then a minor under the age of
eighteen years; that is then was and still is, his bona fide intention to reside in and
become a citizen of the United States of America, and to renounce all allegiance and
fidelity to every foreign Prince, Potentate and Sovereignty whatsoever --- more
especially to Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,

whose subject he has heretofore been.
     And the said petitioner further represents, that he made a primary declaration
of his intention to become a citizen of said United States, before the Honorable
                                     Court,                          or the Clerk
thereof, on the                               day of                                       A.D. 18
     And the said petitioner further represents, that he has ever since continued to
reside within the jurisdiction of said United States, that he has never borne any
hereditary title, or been of any of the orders of nobility; that he is ready to renounce
and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to every foreign Prince, Potentate, State or
Sovereignty whatsoever, and particularly to Victoria, Queen as aforesaid,

whose subject he has heretofore been ; that he is attached to the principles of the
Constitution of the United States of America, and well disposed towards the good
order and happiness of the same.
   And the said petitioner further represents that he enlisted in the Volunteer forces
of the Armies of the United States, and that he was honorably discharged therefrom
on the                                            day of                                           A. D. 18
     Wherefore your petitioner prays, that he may be admitted to become a citizen
of the said United States of America, according to the forms of the statute in such
case made and provided.

/s/ Joseph Wright                                     /s/ ~~Joseph Wright~~
Oct 20th 1883 . Sworn to by said Petitioner, before said Court.

Attest :                                            (illegible signature)        Clerk.

[U.S. District Court, Boston Mass; Vol. 123, Page 163A]

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Massachusetts District, to wit:    City of Boston,                      188   .
We          James P. Kelley Neponset Ave Neponset ,
            Michael Meleedy Taylor St Neponset

both citizens of said United States, severally depose and say that we have known the foregoing Petitioner, for five years, last past, during which time he has resided in said
Boston
and that he has resided within the State of Massachusetts one year at least; and has
conducted himself and behaved as a man of good moral character, attached to the
principles of the Constitution of the United States , and well disposed towards the
good order and happiness of the same.
                                                                                /s/ James P. Kelley
                                                                                /s/   Michael Meleedy

          188   . Sworn to by the above named Witnesses, before the said Court.

ATTEST:                                                                                        Clerk.

OATH TAKEN BY PETITIONER

I Joseph Wright do solemnly swear that I do absolutely

and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to every foreign Prince,

Potentate, State, or Sovereignty whatsoever---particularly to Victoria, Queen of the

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland,

whose subject I have heretofore been; and that I will support the Constitution of the

United States of America---so help me God.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

District of Massachusetts, to wit:

At a Special District Court of the United States holden at said Boston on the

      twentieth        day of                     October      in the year
of our Lord 1883, the said                Joseph Wright                 having
produced the evidence required by law, took the aforesaid oat and was admitted to
become a citizen of the United States of America; and the Court ordered that
record thereof be made accordingly

                    ATTEST:
                                                                                                             Clerk.

On This Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T09:38:00.005-04:00

Using TMG's companion utility product On This Day I am able to take a look into my database on any given day and see the events that occurred. The screen-shots below have been scaled down a bit, so they are a little blurry. Click to see original size.

Louis-Arsene Robillard married Josephine Albert in 1887.

Cecile Godin dit Bellefeuille died in 1804.

And, Emilie Robillard was born in 1810. Today is also my Aunt Joan's birthday, happy birthday Aunt Joan!

My Other Addiction

2011-05-05T09:38:00.004-04:00

“Write Quick”: War and a Woman’s Life in Letters, 1836-1867

2011-05-02T19:49:00.004-04:00

I was recently informed that the Bethel Historical Society, of Bethel, Maine, will now be publishing a new edition of “Write Quick”, a history of the Civil War based on letters, diaries, and documents from the ancestors of Anne Fox Chandonnet, formerly of Dracut, MA, & Roberta Gibson Pevear, of Exeter, NH. The price for the new edition has been reduced to $34.95, and Bethel will print on demand. However, they will print only soft cover. Please see The Bethel Historical Society website for more details, or contact Randall Bennett; director@bethelhistorical.org directly for orders.

On This Day: The Marriage of Joseph Achille Robillard & Delia Lepine

2011-05-01T22:57:00.009-04:00

Joseph Achille Robillard, son of Octavien Robillard & Marie-Louise Naud, married Delia Lepine, daughter of Urgel Lepine and Elisse Beauchin (?), on 1 May, 1919 at the parish church of Ste-Melaine, Joliette County, Quebec. Joseph Achille Robillard was my first cousin 2x removed, and I am working on extracting the text below in order to translate it. I haven't done too many marriage records, so this may take me some time.

Update 3 May 2011: Here is my transcription thus far, a translation will follow once I am finished.

Le premire Mai mil neuf cent dix neuf. Apres le publication d'un ban de mariage faite au prone le notre messe paroissiale entre Achille Robillard, cultivateur, fils majeur de Octavien Robillard, cultivateur, et Marie Louise Naud de cette paroisse d'une part, et Delia Lepine fille majeure de Urgel Lepine, cultivateur, et de Elisse Beauchin (?) de cette paroisse d'autre part. ? la dispene de deux bans a le mariage accordie par Mgr...

Marriage records are so hard for me. I mean, I can always pluck out the important stuff, like dates and names, and I can tell if there's been a dispensation of consanguinity or affinity, but getting the rest right can be quite the challenge. Any help that anyone has to offer would be greatly appreciated : )

[Gabriel Drouin, Institut Généalogique Drouin, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Le Fonds Drouin 1621-1967, Quebec vital records, 1919, Ste-Melanie, Joliette, P.Q., pg 6, M. 1, Achille Robillard & Delia Lepine, register photocopy to the Greffe of Joliette]

Robillard - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

2011-05-01T21:49:00.000-04:00

Robillard - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Robillard

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Robillard is a surname of French or Breton origin. It is not uncommon in Canada and is known in certain areas of the United States, namely New England. People with this last name include:

Alexander Robillard, Canadian politician
Claude Robillard, the City of Montreal's first director of Urban Planning
Duke Robillard, acclaimed blues guitarist and singer
Elizabeth Robillard, Anglo/Canadian Actress and Holistic Medicine & Science Researcher
G. Xavier Robillard, American writer, humorist
Honoré Robillard, Canadian politician, brother of Alexander
Lawrence Robillard, Anglo/Canadian Quantum Mechanic Theoretical Scientist
Lucienne Robillard, Canadian politician
Melanie Robillard, Canadian curler

Robillard may also refer to the:

Complexe sportif Claude-Robillard, a multi-purpose sports facility in Montreal, Quebec. It is named after the previously mentioned Claude Robillard

Categories: French-language surnames | Breton-language surnames | Breton loanwords | Disambiguation pages

Wednesday's Walk: St. Patrick Cemetery, Lowell, Massachusetts

2011-03-16T07:29:00.014-04:00

Yesterday, upon finding my great-great grandmother, Rose Ann Moran nee Kelley's obituary and funeral write up at the Pollard Memorial Library, I decided to go to St. Patrick cemetery to find her grave.

St. Patrick Cemetery is located at 1251 Gorham St., in Lowell. Established in 1832, it is Lowell's first Catholic cemetery.

According to her marriage record, Rose Moran nee Kelley was born abt 1873 in England. A daughter of Patrick and Rose, she was married to Michael Morran [sic] on 11 April, 1895 in Lowell, MA, by a Jms. J. Dacey [Mass Archives - Morran Michael, Lowell, 1895, 452, 212 Marriage]. Rose and Michael had six known children, Arthur, John, Robert, Francis, Rose and Della. After her husband Michael dies in 1906 [Mass Archives - Moran Michael, Lowell, 1906, 56, 278, Death], Rose is listed in the 1907 Lowell Directory as Rose A widow of Michael 32 Cross. Rose remained in the Acre through out her life. Moving around quite a few times, in 1950 she is listed in the directory as living at 14 Dutton. However, in a 1951 obituary write up, her residence is noted as being at 125 Mt. Vernon Street. I can only surmise that she moved to Mt. Vernon St. to be with her son, Francis Moran, and his family at the time. Perhaps she moved in with him because she was sick, as the obituary then goes on to state that she died at the Delaney Nursing Home.

Published on Thursday, 20 Dec., 1951, page 3, her obituary reads:

MRS ROSE A. MORAN
Mrs. Rose Ann (Kelly) Moran, widow of Michael Moran and a well known resident of this city, making her home at 125 Mt. Vernon street, died last evening at the Delaney Nursing home after a lingering illness. She was born in England, the daughter of the late Patrick and the late Rose (Dacey) Kelly, but early in life came to this city. She was an attendant of St. Patrick's church. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Francis J. Boyle and Miss Frances Moran of Chicago, Ill; four sons, Arthur P. Moran of Westford, John Moran of Brooklyn N. Y., Robert M. Moran and Francis A. Moran of this city; many grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

According to cemetery records, Rose A Moran, age 72, was buried on 21, Dec., 1951 in section R, lot 16. Section R is right behind the chapel on the right, her grave was easy to find. Buried with her daughter, Rose E. Boyle nee Moran, and her daughter's husband, Francis J. 'Phinney' Boyle, as well as with her grandson, Francis J. Jr. There is a flat marker at the grave, but Rose's name does not appear on it..

Moran, Rose, A., 72, 12/21/51 19, 2
Boyle, Rose, E. 77, 02/27/73, 19, 2A
Boyle, Francis, J., 80, 12/11/73, 19, 1
Boyle Francis, J., 84, 10/12/05 (Francis J. Jr.), 20, 1A

After finding Rose's grave, I decided to go see if I could find her husband, Michael Moran's grave. According to the cemetery records Michael Marin [sic] was buried on 17 Dec., 1906 in yard 3, range 41, lot 38. I could not locate the grave because there's still snow in the section where I believe it to be. Michael is buried with a Mary J. McHugh, Thomas, McHugh, Thomas Carmody, Margaret Carmody, and two other Mary J. McHughs.

McHugh, Mary J., 0, 08/07/96, 18
McHugh, Thomas, 0, 04/05/98, 18
Marin, Michael, 39, 12/17/1906, 19
Carmody, Thomas, 72, 11/04/1915, 19
Carmody, Margaret, 64, 10/16/1916, 19
McHugh, Mary J., 64, 6/25/1930, 19 1A
McHugh, Mary J., 64, 01/27, 1940, 1A

Sentimental Sunday (on Monday): A Walking Tour of the Acre

2011-03-14T12:31:00.010-04:00

Continuing in the spirit of St. Patrick's Day and Lowell's Irish Cultural Week, this week, for Sentimental Sunday, I have chosen to share a few photographs I took the other day while on a walk through Lowell's Acre neighborhood. Hosted by David McKean, David is the local Historian/Archivist for St. Patrick's Church, which is located in the Acre.

Our first stop along the way was at "The Worker" sculpture. Located at the corner of Shattuck and Market Streets, this sculpture was created in 1985, by brothers Ivan and Elliot Schwartz. Also known as the Hugh Cummiskey sculpture, Hugh Cummiskey was an Irish immigrant born in county Tyrone. He came to this place, which was to be Lowell, from Charlestown, Massachusetts by invitation from Kirk Boot. In 1822, Hugh, with his gang of 30 Irish laborers, walked all the way here to help widen the canal system.

In an "Irish Catholic Genesis of Lowell" by George F. O'Dwyer, it is written that Hugh Cummiskey died in the Acre, at his home on Adams Street on 12 Dec., 1871. It also goes on to say that there was a write up about Hugh's life published in the "Courier" on 14 Dec., 1871. I have searched the Dec., 1871 (4 pages available at archive.org) edition of the "Courier' and have yet to find it, but it is quoted in an Irish Catholic Genesis of Lowell, so you can read it there..

During the walk we stopped at Cummiskey Alley. Named after Hugh, I am assuming, here's a listing of those who lived at Cummiskey Alley in 1859.

Mrs. Margaret Delmore, widow, house 5 Cummiskey's alley
Mrs. Catharine Flynn,., house 5 Cummiskey's alley
Timothy Holland, laborer, house 3 Cummiskey's alley
Catharine Mahar, house 4 Cummiskey's alley
William Moran, laborer, house 2 Cummiskey's alley
James Reynolds, (Cal.), house 1 Cummiskey's alley

Michael Roach, laborer, house 1 Cummiskey's alley
Francis Rourke, Boott, house 4 Cummiskey's alley

While in the parking lot next to Cummiskey Alley we were standing alongside an old building, which, thanks to Google and Brian, I found out used to house The Cosmopolitian Cafe. David didn't come right out and tell us what this building once was, all he said is that it was a bar at one time. So when I got home, I asked my "nice Acre boy", Brian. "The Cosmo" (as he called it), used to be a pretty rough place at one time. He compared it to the bar in the movie Star Wars. He said if you wanted to get into a fight, "The Cosmo" was the place to go. Ha ha... Also, I guess... this is the place where Micky Ward got his hands smashed by the cops back in the 80s. Anyway, according Mr. McKean, this building, with it's granite sills and lintels, is representative of the some of the buildings that were present in the "Irish Acre."

On to St. Patrick's Church, this is the church where my maternal grandmother, Rita Maille nee Moran, was married in 1940. Actually, she was married at the rectory. She also attended St. Patrick's School for Girls. On May 27th, 1940 an article appeared in the Lowell Sun detailing her wedding. It reads:

Lowell-- A pretty marriage was solemnized yesterday afternoon at St. Patrick's parish rectory by Rev. Edwin F. Carney, assistant pastor, when Miss Rita Moran, daughter of Mr and Mrs. Peter Farley [sic], 2 Dutton street, and Mr. Paul Maille, son of Mr. and Mrs. Cuthbert Maille, Wheeler road, Dracut, were united in marriage in the presence of many friends and relatives. Miss Irene Moran, sister of the bride, and Mr. Emile Maille, brother of the bride-groom, were the attendants.
The bride was attired in a gown of white silk taffeta Queen Anne style, with matching accessories. She wore an illusion veil and carried a Bouquet of white bridal roses, sweet peas and lilies of the valley. Her attendant was attired in pink taffeta with blue accessories and carried an old fashioned bouquet.
After the ceremony, a wedding dinner was served at the home of the bride's parents with Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Simoneau, uncle and aunt of the bride, serving as hosts. A reception followed after which Mr. and Mrs. Maille left for a visit to the World's fair. On returning, they will reside in Hudson, N. H., where Mr. Maille holds and important position with the nationally known Jasper Poultry Farms.

Surname Saturday: Moran

2011-03-12T09:10:00.021-05:00

In the spirit of St. Patrick's Day and Lowell's Irish Cultural Week I am featuring my ancestor, Michael Moran, for the GeneaBlogger's blogging prompt Surname Saturday.

Irish Cultural Week started on March 5th here in Lowell and ends on St. Patricks day. For more details you can see the calendar of events on the Irish Cultural Committee's Facebook page.

One of the events I attended as a part of Irish Cultural week was on Thursday night. I attended the the Archeological Dig Presentation held at the O'Leary Library at UMass Lowell's South campus. The presentation was lead by Dr. Colm Donnelly of Queens University in Belfast, Ireland, Dr. Frank Talty of UMass Lowell, and David McKean, Parish Historian and Archivist for St. Patrick's Church here in Lowell.. The presentation detailed the events surrounding a 4 week excavation project that took place on the front lawn of St. Patrick's Church last summer. Producing over 1300 artifacts, among those on display were: a set of iron nails; a small section of rosary beads; a few children's marbles, made of clay; cattle bones; a clay tobacco pipe bowl; some slag/clinker, and some oyster shells. I didn't take any pictures of these artifacts, but Richard Howe did and he has posted a picture of them at his blog-post entitled "Archeological Dig Presentation."

I found Thursday night's presentation to be very interesting, as I am not all that knowledgeable when it comes to Lowell's Irish history. I learned about Hugh Cummiskey and his gang of Irish laborers who walked from Charlestown to Lowell to work on the canals. The Sisters of Notre Dame, who came to Lowell in 1852 from Cincinnati to teach at St. Patrick's School for Girls. The Know-Nothing Movement, a political group which was anti-immigration and anti-Catholic, and about the Smelling Committees, a group of men formed to sniff out, if you will, the alleged abuse that was going on in within the Catholic schools and convents. All in all, the presentation gave me a better understanding in regard to lives of the Irish immigrants that settled in Lowell during the early part of the 19th century, I really enjoyed it.

In my family tree I only have one ancestor, a maternal great-great-grandfather, whose parents came from Ireland or perhaps he was born there himself. I have yet to prove anything either way. This ancestor, Michael Moran, is first located (in my genealogical research anyway) in Lowell on 11 April, 1895, when he married a Rose Ann Kelley. Documented as being the son of John and Bridget he was born abt. 1867 in England.

The reason that I firmly believe this Michael Moran to be my great-great-grandfather is the Vermont marriage record I found for Michael's son, my great-grandfather, John. John Moran, son of Michael and Rose Kelley, married Yvonne Ferron 3 March, 1918 in the town of Rockingham Vermont. My Ferron line has already been researched and proven so I believe, short of a birth record, this record confirms John's parentage.

The next bit of information I have finds who I believe is my Michael Moran in the town of Newmarket, Rockingham County, New Hampshire. Enumerated on the 9th day of June 1900, he is the head of his family. A white male, who is 33 years old. He is documented as being born in March 1867 in Ireland, as are both his parents. He has been married for 7 years. What is most interesting to me here, is the fact that this census documents him as immigrating to the United States in 1888 and that he is naturalized.I've looked for an index card for petition but haven't found one that matches up with the birth information that is given.

Anyway, also in this 1990 enumeration of Newmarket, NH is Michael's wife, 'Rosa'. His daughter Rosa, and sons John and Robert. What throws me off here is that daughter Rose is documented as being born in Nov., 1894 (they were married in 1895?). However, if I do a search at familysearch.org. I find reference to a Rose Moran that was born on 16, Nov., 1895 to a Michael and Rose Kelly, but this information doesn't state at which place the birth supposedly occurred. Also there is a John Moran, who died in Lowell on 3 July 1894 at the age of 3 months old, a son of Michael and Rose Kelley. So all of this isn't coming together as smoothly as I had hoped... I have more thoughts to share in regard to this 1900 census and the records that confirm and contradict the information contained within, but I think I'll skip to the next record that have for who I believe is my g-g-grandfather, Michael Moran.

My newest piece of information in regard to my research of Michael Moran is a Return of Death from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, City of Lowell. This record is for a Michael Moran who died on 15 Dec., 1906 at 32 Cross street, in the rear. I believe this address to be his home address. He was 39 years old, born in England, his father is unknown but his mother is documented as being Bridget Higgins (note the name of his mother from the 1895 marriage info) also born in England. It is documented that he is single, but yet if we look at who the informant was it states, "Wife." Buried at St. Patrick's Cemetery on 17 Dec., 1906.

I have yet to go out to the cemetery to see what information they hold for me there. The reason I believe this is my Michael is a 1910 census from Lowell which documents a Rose Moran living on Cross street... Enumerated along with the widowed Rose are her children, Arthur, Rose, John, Robert, Francis and Della. It all seems a little weak right now, I know.. There is lots more to the story that I haven't covered here and more research to be had, but you get the jist of it. The purpose of posting all of this is the hope that maybe one of Michael's descendants will see this and contact me. It's cousin bait, if you will. So until next time.

Right now I am going to go get ready to go on a walking tour of the Acre neighborhood in Lowell. Hosted by David McKean, it should be a good, as I found him to be a most enjoyable speaker on Thursday night.

Greater Lowell Genealogy Club Meeting: 19 March, 2011

2011-03-08T19:23:00.003-05:00

Time: Saturday, March 19 · 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Location: Chelmsford Public Library
24 Boston Rd.
Chelmsford, MA

Let's talk genealogy! Curious on how to get started researching your family history, we can help. Seasoned veterans, please come share your knowledge! All are welcome.

This meeting is all about helping others.
Many of our members will bring their laptops or net-books and do on-line searches for others that don't have the access or knowledge. It does not have to be a brick wall, it can just be a simple question that you have not been able to find an answer to. Our Seasoned veterans have an array of experience and access to many of the subscription genealogy websites, come and share your genealogy experiences.

Find us on Facebook!

In Memory of Jerome C. Robillard - Jan 2, 1943 - Feb. 22, 2009

2011-02-22T12:46:00.004-05:00

Once In A Life

Once in a life

They loved so dear

only wanting to be near

Sharing together a dream

happiness abound

Illness took over

they were stricken

Sad in his own way

he watched her slip away

Angry at the thought

was it all for not

Just some words I jotted down on paper a few years ago in regard to my father's feelings towards my mother's death.

Memories From Fern

2011-02-12T12:41:00.026-05:00

..and a few ramblings from yours truly.

Rec'd from a childhood friend of my father's and shared with his permission.

Michelle,
   I was cruising your site and was delighted to find not only the information on the Chandonnets (which you had previously discussed with my wife, Ann, I think), but also the photos of the Robillard family reunion -- which evoked a lot of memories about your family.
   I was friends with your father, Jerry, when he lived on West 6th St.
   Did he ever tell you about the brand-new (VERY unusual among us street kids) Shelby bicycle his parents gave him? It had a Donald Duck head sitting on the fender in front of the fork. I gave him much grief about that. Another fond memory (though not one of HIS favorites) was when a bunch of us were playing in the "sand bank" that was then behind the Greenhalge school. Jerry volunteered to be buried, pirate-victim-like, in the sand up to his neck. So we buried him. After a time, he started shouting that something was biting him, though he didn't really seem all that concerned. So we let him stay buried. But then his yells became very loud (Jerry could really yell -- I estimate they could hear him in Billerica) and we dug him out. It seems some little red ants had found him and attempted to eat him. We all agreed -- except for Jerry -- that it had been a fine experiment indeed.
As I looked over the photos, I was amazed at the uncanny resemblance there was (is?) between Joanie Robillard and my cousin Claire -- Leonce's daughter. (I don't have any symbol insertion with this Wild Blue mail service. If I did, I'd put the acute accent over the "e" in Leonce.)
   Thanks again for the memories.
Fernand Leonce Chandonnet, godson of my uncle Leonce -- and a GREAT fan of my Aunt Rose (I'll tell you some memories about her sometime) -- and greatgrandson of Pierre Zotique and Sephora (also in need of an acute accent).

Michelle,
   Good to hear from you.
   I believe your father left West 6th at about the time he entered high school. I remember he moved far, far away. So it might have been to South Lowell? I was sorry to see him go because of all the urchins in our surroundings I thought him one of the most intelligent and enterprising. Did he ever tell you about his appearance on television? (I believe it might have been on WBUR, out of Manchester, N.H.?) His school had gathered a few students together with a skit that included singing, as I remember, and square-dancing.
   Our gang did NOT square dance, so I thought it brave and independent of him even to consider doing it.
   Other snippets of memory are starting to pop up. Jerry and I spent a lot of time at a pool room in the Rosemont -- just over Beaver Brook on Beaver Street. The place had been a failing variety store, which the creative owner turned into a "club" for which he charged dues. Jerry was a pretty good player, as I remember.
   Also, he liked to sing, and it was not unusual to hear him singing some currently popular tune. I have a sound picture in my mind of him singing a tune that was on the juke box at the "club" that was by a duo named Patience and Prudence.
   Jeez-muh-neez!
   Here's another snippet. On hot summer days, we'd walk up to the Christian Hill area to the McPherson Playstead -- what we used to refer to as the Mayflower. There was a baseball diamond and bleachers there, tennis courts, and a large though shallow "swimming" pool made of concrete. We kids used to array ourselves around the pool on blankets when we weren't splashing around. I remember one time when Jerry was changing from his swim suit back into his clothes while under his blanket. His older brother "Richie," as we called him, tore the blanket from him and left him to writhe and scream, naked on the grass.
Richie could be a plague, not only to us smaller kids, but to Jerry as well.
   I must say, though, that I found the other brothers that I met -- Bob and Frank in particular -- some of the friendliest and nicest folks I'd ever known.

So, Uncle Richard was the neighborhood bully <3 Ha ha, just kidding Uncle Richard.

When my father was dying we talked a lot when we were alone, and I'd like to share the bits and pieces of what he told me.

It was Fern's mother, nee Blanche Duchesne, that taught him how to play cribbage, she must have been really good, cause my Dad sure was. He remembered her fondly. He said she would place him on her knee while she was playing and that is how he learned. He told me about her part of her lung being removed and how Fern had to go into the orphanage because she was in the hospital for a long time. He said she was always really nice to him. Always.

Living in a tenement block around where Vic's parking lot is now, he also told me that he had to take baths in the kitchen in an old wash tub, because there wasn't a bathtub in the room where the toilet was, and when his sister Rose moved into the house with her kids, he and all his male Chandonnet nephews (who were abt. his age, if not a bit older) shared a bed.

Another time, he told me that he was sent to live in Alabama with his sister Rose and her husband. He said his sister worked, so he was sent to an old woman's house every morning before school. He said it was this woman who would give him a peanut butter and mayo sandwich everyday for lunch... Now, I think that's just gross, and I believe he did too because the expression on his face while he was telling me this story was one of pure disgust... But it's funny in a way, as all of this all came up in conversation one day when I was making his lunch. I can't remember exactly what I said, I think I jokingly offered to make him a peanut butter and banana sandwich (he used to love peanut butter before he got sick), and just the suggestion of it triggered this memory.

He also told me about how he met my mother, but I'll get to that later.

Greater Lowell Genealogy Club Meeting

2011-01-30T11:51:00.001-05:00

Greater Lowell Genealogy Club Meeting

Time: Saturday, February 19 · 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: Chelmsford Library, 25 Boston Rd., Chelmsford, MA

Let's talk genealogy! Curious on how to get started researching your family history, we can help. Seasoned veterans, please come share your knowledge! All are welcome. Membership is $10.00 for the year. Come join us!
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~maglgc/index.htm

The Newspaper Reference Book of Canada - Louis Gaspard Robillard

2011-01-12T11:36:00.005-05:00

My first cousin, 1x removed, Christopher Robillard (grandson of my Uncle Jim), just sent me the link to this biogrraphy, so I just had to share.. If you would like to read a few previous blog posts in regard to my research of L-G and his family please click here.. Otherwise, please click the image below to go to Google Books in order to read the below biography in full.

Tombstone Tuesday: Paul & Roland Savard, Cimetiere St-Joseph Chelmsford, Massachusetts

2010-11-09T10:48:00.004-05:00

Originally posted to my blog back in 2007, I am posting these updated photographs because during a recent trip to the cemetery I noticed that the huge tree that once stood over Paul and Roland's marker, as well as two others, had been taken out and the markers reset. so I snapped a few pictures.. I have to say, I'm happy to finally see a little grass growing over here. Let's hope the sinking problem has been resolved..

The Obituary of Mrs. Evelina Savard nee Champagne

2010-11-06T09:04:00.006-04:00

Good morning, today I'll be working with obits and the like- cropping, transcribing, uploading etc. etc. and I will be making a trip to the library later this afternoon to do a few RAOGKs. So if anyone needs a look up in the Sun, now's the time to let me know. I'm also thinking about possibly posting our Savard line for Surname Saturday later on this evening.

Eveline was the daughter of Joseph-Alexandre-Olympe Champagne and Anais Dube. Using the date calculator in FTM 2010, and the age given in her obituary, FTM calculates her birth date as being abt. 20 Jan., 1884. However, this is just an assumption, as I have yet to obtain a birth record for her. Eveline and Joseph-Alcidas 'Arthur' Savard married 17 Aug., 1903 at St-Jean Baptiste Church in Lowell and they had 11 known children. Eveline's Champagne family is a part of the Beaugrand dit Champagne line.

Published in the Lowell Sun, 18 March, 1937, pg. 3.

MRS. EVELINA SAVARD
Mrs. Evelina (Champagne) Savard, of 32 Ennell street died yesterday afternoon at the Lowell General hospital after a long illness at the age of 53 years, 1 month and 25 days. She leaves her husband, Arthur Savard; five daughters, Mrs. Armand Jutras, Rita, Beatrice, Irene and Eva Savard; four sons, Leo Savard, Alfred Savard Jr., Louis Savard and Raymond savard; three sisters, Mrs. Marie Carroll of Boston, Mrs. Eva Champagne of Providence R. I . and Mrs. Blanche Driscoll of this city; a brother, Armand Champagne of Providence R. I.; seven grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was a member of At. Anne's sodality of Sr. Louis parish. The body was removed to her home by Funeral Director M. R. Laurin.

SAVARD-- Died in this city, March 17 at Lowell General hospital, Mrs. Evelina (Champagne) Savard, aged 53 years, 1 month and 25 days. Funeral will take place Saturday morning at 8 o'clock from her home, 32 Ennell street. Solemn high funeral mass at 9 o'clock at St. Louis church. Burial will take place in the family lot in St. Joseph's cemetery. Funeral arrangements in charge of Funereal Director M. R. Laurin.

Funeral Card Friday: A la Douce Memoire de Louis Mayotte

2010-11-05T11:17:00.011-04:00

Funeral Card Friday is a daily blogging prompt from GeneaBloggers - the genealogy community's resource for blogging. Originating from Dee Akard's blog, Funeral Cards and Genealogy, Dee encourages those of us who genea-blog to share our funeral card collection on the first Friday of each month.

This week's funeral card, ou cartes mortuaires dans Francais, is a card that was made for one of my youngest daughter's paternal (on her father's maternal side) great-grand uncles, Louis Mayotte. I posted Louis' obituary a few weeks ago. Believed to have been originally published in L'Etoile in Lowell, MA, the obituary text is all in French (which has been extracted and translated) as is the text in this funeral card. Please see my extraction and translation below the card. I received both the obituary and funeral card from another of Louis' nieces, Sue Johnson nee Mayotte. Sue and I have been sharing our research in regard to her and my daughter's father's Mayotte line, as well as with the other related branches of this family.

Click image to enlarge

A LA DOUCE MEMOIRE DE
Louis Mayotte
EPOUX DE LILLIAN FRENETTE
Decede le 15 fevrier 1934, a l'age de
26 ans, 7 mois et 19 jours.

Je te supplie, espouse bien-aimee, et vous,
chers enfants, chers frere et soeurs,
parents et amis cheris, ainsi que tous ceux
qui m'ont connu de vous souvenir de moi
dans vos prieres.
Adieu, chere epouse que j' ai tant aimee
et vous enfants de ma tendresse adieu!
O qu 'il est dur et cruel ce sacrifice!
J'avais demande a Dieu quelques annes
encore, chers enfants, afin d'affermir vos
pas chancelants. Dieu ne l'a pas voulu, que
sa sainte volonte soit faite.
Parents et amis, ne pleurez pas celui que
vous avez perdu, Je n'etais qu'un depot que
Dieu vous a repris. Consolez vous!
Jesus, misericorde. (100 jours d'ind.)
Une Communion, une priere s'il vous
plait.
MADE IN FRANCE

IN THE SWEET MEMORY OF
Louis Mayotte
HUSBAND OF LILLIAN FRENETTE
Died the 15 February 1934, at the age of
26 years, 7 months and 19 days.

I beseech thee, beloved bride, and you,
dear children, dear brother and sisters,
parents and close friends, and all those
who knew me to remember me
in your prayers.
Farewell, dear wife that I have loved so much
and to you my children a tender farewell!
O it is hard and cruel this sacrifice!
I asked God for a few more years,
dear children, to help strengthen your
faltering steps. God did not want that,
may his holy will be done.
Relatives and friends, weep not for the one
you've lost, I was just a receptacle which
was once His. Comfort yourself!
Merciful, Jesus. (100 days of indulgence.)
A prayer of Communion, if you
please.
MADE IN FRANCE

Treasure Chest Thursday: A Celebration of Life - Part II

2010-11-05T02:53:00.020-04:00

Treasure Chest Thursday is a daily blogging prompt from GeneaBloggers - the genealogy community's resource for blogging.

This week I am presenting a continuation of last week's Treasure Chest Thursday: A Celebration of Life - Part I.

Born on 11 March, 1944 in Chelmsford, MA, Pauline Gail Maille was the daughter of Paul Maille (Cuthbert, Rose Therrien) and Rita Moran (John, Yvonne Ferron). She married my father, Jerome Charles Robillard (Joseph, Louise Esther Wright) on 13 Nov., 1965, at Sacred Heart Church in Lowell. Friday, November 5th will be the 28th anniversary of her death.

MY FIRST YEAR DEVELOPMENTS I SAT UP ALONE 8 mo's I STOOD BY MYSELF 11 mo's DISCOVERED MY TOES 6 mo's WALKED WITH HELP 9 mo's STARTED TO CREEP 6 mo's TOOK 3 STEPS 13 mo's Walked when she was 15 mo's	DAYS TO REMEMBER MY FIRST SMILE 3 wks. MY FIRST WORD Da-Da I FIRST LAUGHED ALOUD 4 mo's I FIRST CRAWLED Little at 5½ mo's I STOOD ALONE 11 mo's
MY FIRST HAIRCUT no hair cut for my girls Gails hair is starting to curl. Her hair is going to be very soft + silky }20 mo's The top doesn't curl yet and its a pest) A 3 yrs her hair does curl but its very soft and silky and I think she be the lightest of the four- They curl very good-	MY FIRST TOOTH Pauline Gail Jan 18, 1945 Gail Gail was in her stroller this morning when, Patsy wanted a drink of water and said the baby wanted one too. So I gave Gail a drink and heard a noise. Sure enough it was a tooth. I thought she would never have one. We all had to feel it. I called Irene + Ma to tell them. Now I owe Gail a dollar.
NOTES We are going to call the baby "Gail" She looks like her brother. In fact they look alike so much that they could be twins. Gail was very red when born. But she's getting Prettier everyday. She had the longest eye lases in the nursery. Her eye lacher are beautiful She is the best baby yet, sleep all the time. Patsy and Chickie just love her and thats not mentioning her father. I guess that when she get big she'll look like him. At 9mo's Gail is still very good and she has the most beautiful eyes yet. But she is kind of slow Words 5 mo's - Da-Da 7 mo's - Ma MA 7 mo's - Na - Na 9 mo's - Hi 11 mos - what 11 mo's - by by	-Notes- -1- 6 mo's she is playing with her toes. -2- 7 mo's she is eating wonderful and I am glad. -3- Janet Shaw took care of her when I went to Conn. -4- Gail has a sweet smile + is very good. -5- Gail sleep with Patsy in their room. they both sleep well, -6- Gail is 7 mo's and she can't sit up by herself yet - but she is eating well now. -7- At 9 mo's Gail is starting to go in her stroller. I will be glad when she starts playing with Patsy. -8- At 9 mo's - Gail's hair is starting to curl. I hope it curls as much as Patsy. Patsy plays with her and I think she thinks its a doll the way she handles her. -9- I am going to try and take the bottle away her starting today - (Didn't do it) >10- At 11 mo's Gail has 4 teeth. She cut her eye teeth first. }11} Gail is forever saying Da-Da- She says it all the time }12} At ? mo's she say Ma -Ma- }13} At 15 mo's she is walking and like a tin soldier. But she a very good baby - (14) Went swimming for the first time- June 28/45 (15) Her hair curls in the back but not on the top. Don't know what to do. (16)She been eating by herself since she's 13 mo's - hands and all. (17) First sun burn May 11 and I hope it will do her good.

The Second GALPSGC: Alouette, Gentille Alouette..

2010-10-29T12:39:00.011-04:00

Published for The Second Great American Local Poem And Song Genealogy Challenge hosted by Bill West at West In New England.

I present to you something very near and dear to my heart.

According to Wikipedia, the song Alouette was first published in A Pocket Song Book for the Use of Students and Graduates of McGill College in 1879 and is said to be a song that was sung by the French fur traders. Also, published in a Canadian Folk-life and Folk-lore, by William Parker Greenough in 1897, it is a song about plucking the different body parts of a lark and just thinking about the lyrics makes me laugh.

Remembering the song with great fondness, every time I sing it, and I do, I am reminded of my maternal grandfather, Pepere Maille. Although he was born and raised here in Massachusetts, he spoke with a slight French accent, with some words being more pronounced then others. Remembering when he used to place me on his knee in my Memere's kitchen and bounce me on his knee while he would sing, is something I will never forget. I have shared this song with my youngest daughter Sabrina. When she was smaller, and had an interest in such things, we used to listen to, and sing, it together and have some great laughs at the cost of that poor bird!!

[Grennough, William Parker. Canadian Folk-life and Folk-lore. New York: George H. Richmond, 1897. 141. Google Books]

I don't think my translation is spot on, aren't a bird's beak and nose one in the same?

Lark

*Lark, nice Lark, Lark I will pluck you,
I will pluck your head, I will pluck your head,
And your head, and your head Ohhhhh,

Lark, nice Lark, Lark I will pluck you
I will pluck your beak, I will pluck your beak
And your beak, and your beak,
And your head, and your head, Ohhhhh,

Lark, nice Lark, Lark I will pluck you,
I'll pluck your nose, I will pluck your nose,
And your nose and your nose, and your beak and your beak,
And the head, and the head, Ohhhhh,

Lark, nice Lark, Lark I willl pluck you,
I will pluck your back, I'll will your back,
And your back, and your back, and your nose, and your nose,
And your beak, and your beak, and your head, and your head, Ohhhhh,

I will pluck your legs, I will pluck your legs
>And your legs, and your legs, and your back, and your back,
And your nose, and your nose, and your beak, and your beak< And your head, and your head, Ohhhhh,

Lark, nice Lark, Lark I willl pluck you,
I'll pluck your neck, I will pluck your neck
And your neck, and your neck, and your legs, and your legs,
And your back, and your back, and your nose, and your nose
And your beak, and your beak and your head, and your head Ohhhhh

*Repeat this bar once for 2d verse twice for 3d verse etc.

Enjoy!

Foodie Friday: Cretons

2010-10-29T00:50:00.013-04:00

I made some cretons the other day. Using the recipes I received from my cousin Roger P. Foucher as a guide, my recipe is as follows:

4 lbs of fresh ground pork
1 med onion, chopped fine
3.5 tsp of celery salt
abt. 2 tbsp of Bell's (give or take a bit, I didn't measure the Bell's)
3 - 4 cups of water (cover pork mixture completely with water)
Pepper to taste.

Lightly brown pork and onion, then add all of the seasonings, except for the pepper. Add the water and bring mixture to a boil, lower heat and lightly simmer for about 3 - 4 hours or until all the water is gone. You don't want to rush it.

While the mixture is simmering make sure you mash the pork rather frequently (potato masher or wooden spoon, I used both) you want it to be very fine by the time it is done cooking. Once most of the water is gone you can add your pepper. I like pepper.

Cool mixture in the pot (slightly warm to the touch), then pack the mixture into to small containers with tight fitting lids (I reused the containers I've collected from Cote's Market) or you can pack the mixture into molds for a fancier presentation. Then refrigerate overnight. I think I got 5 containers of an unknown size (I'll check on the sizes) out of this recipe.

The fat will rise to the top upon refrigeration and will probably end up sticking to the cover of your container. You can just scrape this off when you open it for the first time.

Enjoy your cretons on toast or crackers. With mustard or with out. Brian said he likes it and that the flavor is very good, just the way he likes it. I, myself, was stark raving mad over it. I think we only have 2 containers left *oink*. However, next time I think I may refrigerate the mixture in the pan that it was cooked in, then pack it into containers. I think doing it this way will make the fat that comes to the top easier to remove.

Treasure Chest Thursday: A Celebration of Life - Part I

2010-10-28T13:27:00.037-04:00

Treasure Chest Thursday is a daily blogging prompt from GeneaBloggers - the genealogy community's resource for blogging.

This week for Treasure Chest Thursday I am celebrating the life of my mother by presenting a few pages from her baby book.

Born on 11 March, 1944 in Chelmsford, MA, Pauline Gail Maille was the daughter of Paul Maille (Cuthbert, Rose Therrien) and Rita Moran (John, Yvonne Ferron). She married my father, Jerome Charles Robillard (Joseph, Louise Esther Wright) on 13 Nov., 1965, in Lowell. Next Friday, November 5th, will mark the 28th anniversary of her death.

Cover	Page 1 Given by Mother - "44" GAILMAILLE
Page 2 "Pauline Gail Maille"	Page 3 TODAY I CAME INTO THE WORLD AT 711 O'CLOCK AM. ON SaturDAY THE 11 of March 1944 DOCTOR Dr. Namay NURSE

Page 5

"Pauline Gail Maille"

Note: There are known errors in the above chart.

Page 6

GIFTS
Grandma F - Dress + slipp
Irene - sweater set
Aunt Blance - sweater + bootie
Aunt Vic - blanket
Elileen Poole - blanket -
Mrs Poole - candy -
Aunt Jenny - Dress -
Doris Stafford - Dress
Mrs L. Maille - Locket
Mrs C. Therrien - sweater
Mrs Mary Alain - $1.00
Mrs Rose Moran $2.00
Mrs. L Malnloney 1.00
Lillian Alrich Blanket
Mrs Martineau Blanket

Flowers:
Mother - Pat+Chickie
Paul - Mr + Mrs D Putnam
Risa Blacher- Doris + Aunt Blanche

Mystery Monday: Mr. & Mrs. Paul E. Maille's Mystery Vacation - Solved

2010-10-25T08:59:00.015-04:00

***Mystery Solved! Thanks to the great detective work of my fb friend and fellow genealogist, Albert Riezebos, the statue in the picture below is believed to be that of Saint Brother Andre Bessette, located at L'Oratoire Saint Joseph du Mont-Royal, Quebec (St-Joseph's Oratory of Montreal). Please read my original post below.***

Mystery Monday is a daily blogging prompt from GeneaBloggers - the genealogy community's resource for blogging.

I am posting this picture of my maternal grandparents, Paul E. Maille and Rita G. Moran, for this week's Mystery Monday in hopes that somebody will recognize the place in which the photograph was taken.

If you look closely, you will see that my grandfather is holding a home movie camera. This is why I am assuming that they were on vacation. I am also assuming that is was taken in a church yard somewhere, or perhaps a cemetery. Although I don't really believe the latter to be the case. The photograph, which you can plainly see, is severely damaged. This is the condition in which I found it. It was taped to the inside of my mother's scrapbook along with many other unidentified photos. If you recognize this place, or have first hand knowledge of when and where this photograph was taken I would appreciate it if you could please leave a comment or contact me personally at callmeshell at gmail dot com...

Almost Wordless Wednesday: Louis Gaspard Alfred Robillard - Editeur et Proprieteur du Pionnier et President de l'U.F.C.

2010-10-06T11:59:00.003-04:00

Wordless Wednesday is a daily blogging prompt from GeneaBloggers - the genealogy community's resource for blogging.

In a follow up to last week's Wordless Wednesday I am posting another image of L.-G. I have cropped the original, from BAnQ, in order to compare it with the image I posted last week. I believe both of these images are of the same man. However, in this week's image he appears to be quite a bit older. Originally published in Le Monde illustre, vol. 18 no. 913. pg. 404 on 26 Oct., 1901, it is believed that L.-G. and his family fled Quebec in early 1902, shortly after this article went to print.

Le Monde Illustre was published in Montreal between the years 1884 & 1902. A portion of the publication has been scanned and images are available for viewing from the BAnQ here. The page that the image below comes from is also available. My plan is to extract the text and translate it. Hoping that it will offer more clues as to why L.-G. and his family left Quebec.

The image above comes from the Revues d'un autre siècle collection at the Bibliotheque et Archives nationales Quebec (BAnQ) online and is used with permission. BAnQ allows, without special authorization, use of content from its Web portal for educational, private study or research purposes, provided the source of the images and/or texts is clearly indicated.

Reproductions of these images are also available. For more information on ordering please see this link.

Tombstone Tuesday: Louis Mayotte, Cimetiere St-Joseph, Chelmsford, Massachusetts

2010-10-05T15:58:00.007-04:00

Louis Mayotte, the son of Olympe (Jean-Louis, Eualie Roberge) and Marie Alice Blanche Jodoin (Joseph, Parmelie Dupont), was the brother of my youngest daughter's great-grandmother, Celine Courtois nee Mayotte. Louis died in Lowell Massachusetts on 15 February, 1934 at the age of 26. He is buried in Section Q, lot 89 with his parents and two of his brothers, Olympe Gerard and Jerome. I have included his obituary below.

Unfortunately, the exact publication information of the obituary is not known. However, I am led to believe that it was published in the Franco-American newspaper, L'Etoile. I have included a translation below.

M. LOUIS MAYOTTE
EST DECEDE HIER

Ce jeune boulanger etait proprietaire de la boulangerie Sunkist dans la rue Cheever. ---Funerailles a 9h.15 lundi matin a St-Jean-Baptiste.

C'est avec regret que les nom breux amis de M. Louis Mayotte du numero 201, rue Cheever apprendront la nouvelle de sa mort survenue hier apres-midi a l'hopital St-Joseph, a l'age de 26 ans, 7 mois et 19 jours.

Il etait ne et avait ete eleve en cette ville depuis cinq ans il etait proprietaire de la boulangerie Sunkist, situee sur la rue Cheever. Il etait un jeune homme d'un caratere doux et aimable et un jeune Franco-Americain estime.

Il laisse son espous Mme. Lilliane Mayotte nee Frenette:, deux enfants, Andre et Paul mayotte; ses parents, M et Mme Olympe (Jodoin) Mayotte; deux soeurs, Mlls Celine et Therese Mayotte, et trois freres, Jerome, Gerard et Robert Mayotte. ? etait membre de la Societe de la Sainte-Famille de la paroisse St-Joseph. Le defunt tut transporte a la demeure de ses parents, 215 rue Cheever par l'entrepreneur M-R. Laurin.

Ses funerailles imposantes auront lieu lundi matin a 8h.15 de la demeure mortuaire. Le service solennel sera celebre a 9h.15 en l'eglise St-jean-baptiste avec diacre, sousdiacre et choeur de chant. Parents et amis sont pries d'y assister L'inhumation se fera dans le lot de la famille au cimetiere St-Joseph.

Les arrangements funeraires ont ete confies l'entrepreneur M.-R. Laurin.

My translation:

MR. LOUIS MAYOTTE
DIED YESTERDAY

The young baker was the owner of the Sunkist bakery on Cheever street. ----Funeral at 9:15 Monday morning at St-Jean-Baptiste.

It is with deep regret that the many friends of Mr. Louis Mayotte, number 201, Cheever street,. will learn the news of his death yesterday morning at St.-Joseph hospital, at the age of 26 years, 7 months and 19 days.

He was born and bred in this city and became the owner of the Sunkist bakery, located at Cheever street, five years ago. He was a young man of character, sweet and kind, a young Franco-American that everybody loved..

He leaves his bride Mrs. Lilliane Mayotte nee Frenette; two children, Andre and Paul Mayotte, his parents, Mr. and Ms. Olympe (Jodoin) Mayotte, two sisters, Misses Celine and Therese Mayotte, and three brothers, Jerome, and Robert Gerard Mayotte. He was a member of Societe de la Sainte-Famille at St-Joseph parish. The undertaker M R Laurin carried the deceased to the house of his parents, at 215 Cheever St

An impressive funeral will begin Monday morning at 8:15 at the funeral home. The funeral service will be held at 9:15 at St-Jean-Baptiste with deacon, sub-deacon and choir. Friends and family are invited. The burial will take place in the family plot in St-Joseph's cemetery.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to undertaker M.-R. Laurin.

Thank you to Ruth Major Lapierre & Sue Johnson nee Mayotte. Ruth, the author of Major Boutron et/and compagnies, helped me with the obituary translation and Sue sent me the very nicely photographed photos you see above as well as a copy of the original obituary clipping.

L'Etoile, 1886 - 1957, Lowell, Massachusetts

2010-10-05T05:34:00.014-04:00

Brian told me this morning that it's supposed to be rainy until Thursday. You know I don't mind the rain, I just wish it wasn't so cold. As a matter of fact, I should be outside right now, because I have a lot of cleaning up that needs to be done in my garden. But thanks to the rain, and the mud it created, clean up has been put off for another day. So today I am working on extracting and translating a few obituaries that I think were published in the Franco-American newspaper L'Etoile. The word étoile, in French, means star. From the personal collection of Susan Johnson nee Mayotte, the obituaries I have are .jpg copies of originals that were clipped out of a newspaper. The text is all in French, so I'm only guessing that they were published in L'Etoile. However, the years of death (1934 & 1938) for the persons the obituaries were written for fit the dates of publication for this newspaper (1886 to 1957). Also, I believe it may have been the only French newspaper published in Lowell at the time these obituaries went to print. So the likelihood that they were published in L'Etoile, in my opinion, is high.

L'Etoile is available on microfilm at the Boston Public Library. Also, the Library of Congress states that the Institute Canada-American Bibliotheque, Manchester, NH, has copies of the original newspapers. Where is this Institute Canada-American Bibliotheque? Do they mean the ACGS? I'll have to look into this as Manchester is certainly closer to me then Boston.

Update: After a bit of research I am led to believe that L'Institute Canada-American is now called the Association Canado-Americiane. The ACA is a Franco-American fraternal benefit society and, according to their website, they are located at 52 Concord Street in a historic building in downtown Manchester, NH. The ACA shares the building with The Franco-American Centre and I think it is here that I will find those original copies of L'Etoile. I'm going to call them in the morning to confirm this information. Also, I do believe I will be able to find copies of L'Etoile at the Center for Lowell History, located at 40 French St. in downtown Lowell. I have submitted a query asking them if the collection is complete and if the copies are originals or on microfilm, as I would really prefer to view original copies over microfilm.

Funeral Card Friday: Jerome C. Robillard

2010-10-01T07:04:00.008-04:00

Funeral Card Friday is a daily blogging prompt from GeneaBloggers - the genealogy community's resource for blogging.Originating from Dee Akard's blog, Funeral Cards and Genealogy, Dee encourages those of us who genea-blog to share our funeral card collection on the first Friday of each month and since I have managed to collect a few, I have decided to participate.

This week I present my father's funeral card. Not really a funeral card though, as he didn't have a funeral. This card is more like a memorial card. I received it from the McKenna-Ouellettte Funeral Home, in Lowell, MA., on the day of his wake along with another laminated card preserving his obituary. When I went into my Robillard files earlier this morning to find the card, so I could scan it, I read the poem again and it brought back a flood of emotion.

In Loving Memory of
Jerome C. Robillard

January 2, 1943
February 22, 2009

AFTERGLOW
I'd like the memory of me
To be a happy one. I'd like
To leave and Afterglow of
Smiles when day is done.
I'd like to leave an echo...
Whispering softly down the
Ways of happy times and
Laughing times and bright
And sunny days. I'd like
The tears of those who
Grieve to dry before the
Sun of happy memories
That I leave behind when
Day is done.

McKenna-Ouellette Funeral Home

I miss you Dad..

Almost Wordless Wednesday: Louis Gaspard Alfred Robillard From Sainte-Melanie

2010-09-29T16:26:00.045-04:00

Today is not even close to being a "Wordless Wednesday" and I apologize, but I have a story tell..


Louis-Gaspard-Afred Robillard (1866 - 1914)

Brother to my great-grandfather, Joseph-Arthur-Robillard, Louis-Gaspard-Alfred Robillard was born on 15 April, 1866 and baptized the next day at the parish of Ste-Melanie in Joliette co., Quebec. His parents, Jerome Robillard and Sophie Riberdy(2) had 13 children, L-G was born fourth and the first child to survive past infancy. Raised in Ste-Melanie, I can only assume, since his father was an instituteur (teacher) and an agent, that he was highly educated when compared to the standards of the day.

Baptismal record for Louis Gaspard Alfred Robillard

My translation:

On the sixteenth of April, eighteen hundred and sixty six, we the undersigned priest, have baptized Louis Gaspard Alfred Robillard born yesterday of the legitimate marriage of Jerome Robillard, teacher, and Sophie Riberdy, of this parish. Godfather Antoine Alfred Robillard, undersigned; Godmother Marie Henriette Robillard, undersigned. The father has signed.
Jerome Robillard
Antoine Alfred Robillard
Marie Henriette Robillard
G. Jeannotte ptre

In 1881, Gaspard is the oldest child in his parent's household, as all of his half siblings from his father's previous marriage had left the home. He is 14 years old and is in school (+1). In 1883, at the age of 16 years, 11 months and 19 days, he marries Marie-Percide Parent (Isidore, Emilie Etu) at the parish of Ste-Melanie. Present at their marriage is, Jerome Robillard, Louis Gaspard;s father; Isidore Parent, the father of Percide; Marie-Louise Parent, Joseph Parent and Desiri Parent, all of whom are siblings of Percide; Louise Leontie Robillard, a sister of L-G and a Henri Benny, relation unknown. Unfortunately, Louis Gaspard and Percide's life together was cut short as Percide dies of causes unknown in 1888. Having not sired any children yet, L-G, an instituteur in Ste-Elisabeth, is determined to have several offspring so he marries Percide's sister, Elizabeth, seven months later.

In 1890, L-G, still an instituteur like his father before him, becomes a father for the first time. However, his first born, Joseph-Jerome-Isidore-Gaspard does not survive infancy. In 1891, L.-G.'s wife, Elisabeth, gives birth a second time to Joseph-Gaspard-Achille in June of that year. The baby is baptised on the 18th and his godparents are Joseph-Edouard Parent, notaire of St-Jerome and his spouse, Honorine Melancon. It is also around this time that L-G. probably decides to go into the newspaper business. And in 1892 he becomes the editor and proprietor of Le Courrier Canadien: Commerce, Industry Literature et Education. This publication is a journal of sorts that is published in St-Jerome. I have only been able to find one copy of this journal and the copy that I found is the premiere copy, v.1, n1. However, in a Societe canadienne du microfilm inc. publication entitled Journaux du Quebec, Catalogue 2005 it is noted that Le Courrier Canadien (L.-G. Robillard, editeur), St-Jerome, made it's debut on 3 Nov., 1892 and published it's final copy on 17 Nov., 1892 with v.1, n.3, so there must have been three publications of this journal, Le Courrier Canadien.

By 1895, L-G's wife, Elisabeth, has given birth three times, but only baby has Achille survived, and will turn 4 this year. It is also in 1895 that L-G applies to be an inspector of schools, but his application is denied because there are no vacant positions available at the time. Shortly thereafter, in 1896, he becomes the the director and proprietor of a publication from Montreal entitled La Nouvelle France. How many copies were published? I don't know. And like the previously mentioned publication, Le Courrier Canadien, I have only found one copy of La Nouvelle France and absolutely nothing else to offer me any further insight. Given the information that I do have in regard to L.-G.'s newspaper publishing enterprise, I can only surmise, at this point, that he went into the newspaper business for something other than money. As I don't assume that the newspapers generated much income.

In 1897, L-G is finally appointed to be an inspector of schools by the Superintendent of Instruction in the Province of Quebec His first annual report on the Roman Catholic Schools, in his assigned district, is submitted to the Superintendent on 28 July, 1897. I hope to feature that report here on my blog at another time. In September of 1897, L.-G. resigns as an Inspector of Schools.

Around 1901, L-G purchases the Montreal publication entitled Le Pionnier, from an Amedee Denault and at this same time he, L-G, is also the president of L'Union Franco-Canadienne, a fraternal life insurance organization. Exactly when he went into the insurance business is not known to me. However, it is during this time he is accused of skimming money from the organization's reserves and with several lawsuits having been filed against him, it is written that he and his family fled Quebec for the United States. And in 1902, Louis Gaspard and his wife, Elizabeth Parent, are found entering the United States through Detroit, Michigan. With two children in tow, a boy and a girl, they move on to Chicago, Illinois.... To Be Continued.

The image above of Louis-Gaspard Robillard from the Revues d'un autre siècle collection at the Bibliotheque et Archives nationales Quebec (BAnQ) online is used with permission. BAnQ allows, without special authorization, use of content from its Web portal for educational, private study or research purposes, provided the source of the images and/or texts is clearly indicated.
For information on the other sources used to create this post, please contact me.

Almost Wordless Wednesday: Mr & Mrs. Charles Francois Therrien, circa 1894

2010-09-08T07:21:00.002-04:00

This week for Wordless Wednesday I present to you, dear reader, a picture that was sent to me from my first cousin, one time removed, Kevin Maille (Emile J, Theresa Normandin). This picture is believed to be of Charles Francois Therrien (J-B, Marie-Celine Letourneau); his wife, Marie Provencal (Isisdore, Philomene Desrosiers) and their daughter Rose. The picture, sent to me in .jpg format, has been edited by yours truly, with a copy of the original having been retained. Written on the original, in red ink, were the words, Grandpa, Grandma and Rose. These words are thought to have been written by my grand uncle, John Maille (Cuthbert, Rose Therrien). Kevin said that this picture, along with some others, were found in my great-grandmother's home (which no longer stands) at 60 Wheeler Rd. in Dracut. My great-grandmother, Rose Maille nee Therrien, was born on 7 Feb., 1894 in Lowell. So, if the information that was written on this picture is correct, I am assuming that this picture was probably taken around that time.

Tombstone Tuesday: Mrs. Lauretta (Ferron) Reedy, Cimetiere St-Joseph, Chelmsford, Massachusetts

2010-09-07T16:02:00.007-04:00

Buried in section C, near her mother, father and grandparents, Lauretta is believed to have been born in Plattsburg, NY in 1911.

Published in the Lowell Sun, 24 Feb., 1976, pg. 23.

Mrs. Reedy
...Notre Dame de Lourdes

Mrs. Loretta (Ferron) Reedy of 33 Cosgrove St., widow of Joseph J. Reedy, died last evening at St. Joseph's Hospital. Born in Plattsburg, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Alfred and Victoria (Ferron) Simoneau. At the time of her death she had been employed by K's Lounge in Lowell. Mrs. Reedy was a communicant of Notre Dame de Lourdes Church, and was a member of the Marguerite D'Youville Charity League of the Franco-American School, Boys Town, St. Anthony's Guild, St. Jude's League and the Association of Marian Helpers. Her survivors, besides her mother, include a son, Alan J. Reedy of Nashua, N.H.; two step-brothers, Maurice Simoneau of Nashua, N.H., and Roland Simoneau of Lowell; and three grandchildren, Tina M. Reedy, Michelle L. Reeedy , and Allan Reedy, Jr., all of Nashua.

The Family of Victor Lefebvre and Marie Louise Leontine Robillard of Lowell, Massachusetts

2010-09-06T10:40:00.019-04:00

Marie Louise Leontine Robillard was my great-grand aunt. Born to Jerome Robillard and Sophie Riberdy on 6 Nov., 1868 at Sainte-Melanie, Joliette, co., Quebec. She was the 17th child of 23 born to her father and his two wives.

[Gabriel Drouin, Institut Généalogique Drouin, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Le Fonds Drouin 1621-1967, Quebec vital records, 1868, Ste. Melanie d'Aillebout, Co-Joliette, PQ, pg. 17, B.69 Marie Louise Leontie, Register Photocopy to the Greffe of Joliette]

Leontine married Victor Lefebvre (Joseph, Eugenie Jacob) in Lowell, Massachusetts on 6 Sept. 1887.

I have not been able to find a birth record for Victor to confirm his date of birth or who is parents were.

On the 10th of April in 1891 the family of Victor and Leontine are enumerated in the 1891 Canadian Recensement and are found living in Ste-Melanie, Joliette co., Quebec. Victor is enumerated as being 23 years old, his occupation at this time is that of a boulanger. His wife, Leontine, as I call her, is 22. The couple, at this time time, have two children, a daughter, Rosanna, born in E.U. (Etats-Unis) is 1 year and 4 months old and a son, Achille, born in Quebec is only 4 months old. Ancestry.com has an alternate name listed for Victor's wife, Leontine, in this census. The name is Marie Louise Riberdy. Which is wrong. I wish people would thoroughly research before they go adding alternate names.

[1891;Canadian Recensement: Dist.#158, Ste Mélanie, Joliette, Quebec. Roll: T-6398, Family No: 40.]

On 5 June, 1900 I find the family of Victor and Leontine enumerated in the census by an Alexis F. Fecteau, and living back in Lowell at 196 Perkins St. Victor who is the head, is enumerated as being 32 years of age and has a birth date of April of 1868, born in Canada-French, as are both his parents. Married 12 years, he immigrated into the United States in 1884, he's been in the states for 16 years and he is an alien. Renting his home and working as a cotton weaver, he can read and write but he can't speak English. Leontine, who is enumerated as being 32 and born in Nov of 1867 [sic], has given birth 8 times with only 5 children living. Married 12 years, this census also enumerates her as immigrating to the states in 1884. She can read, write and speak English.

Victor and Leontine now, in 1900, have five children.

Rose A./daughter/w/f/Dec./1889/10/s/Mass/Can-Fr/Can/Fr/at school/10/yes/yes/no
Achille/son/w/m/Dec/1890/9/s/Canada Am Cert/Can-Fr/Can-Fr/at school/10/yes/no/no
Amede A./son/w/m/June/1892/s/Canada Am Cert/Can-Fr/Can-Fr/at school/9/yes/no/no
Fabiola/daughter/w/f/Nov/1893/6/s/Mass/Can-Fr/Can-Fr/at school/8/no/no/no
Alexis/son/w/m/Mar/1896/4/s/Mass/Can-Fr/Can/Fr

[1900; Census Place: Lowell Ward 7, Middlesex, Massachusetts; Roll T623_661; Page: 9B; Enumeration District: 809]

Now, in 1910, I find Leontine as the head, enumerated as living at 21 Hancock Avenue in Lowell, MA. She and her brother, Louis Joseph Zenon Robillard, and his family, reside in the tenement. Leontine, a this time is enumerated as being 41 years of age and widowed. 9 children born with 5 living, she was born in Canada-French as were both her parents. Immigration year is 1894 and she speaks English. Working as a weaver in a cotton mill, she has not been out of work in the past year. She can read and write and she rents her home.

[Year: 1910; Census Place: Lowell Ward 6, Middlesex, Massachusetts; Roll T624_600; Page: 44A; Enumeration District: 861; Image: 609]

It's funny, in an odd kind of way, that Leontine has claimed herself as being a widow in the 1910 census. Because her husband, who is clearly estranged at this time, doesn't die until 1911. Sadly, I can only surmise that they, Victor and Leontine, had some rather serious marital problems as Victor commits suicide on the 29th of June in the year 1911. Below is an article from the Lowell Sun published on the front page of the evening edition on that same day. I must note, for you dear reader, that on Victor's certificate of death it documents his birth as being in April 1870 in New York and that his burial was at St-Joseph's cemetery in Chelmsford, MA. However, when I went to go find his final resting place, the cemetery had no record of his burial. His wife, Leontine, according to burial records, was buried 1 Dec., 1911 in section J, lot 514. For a copy of Victor's certificate of death please click here, and for more information in regard to my research on the families of Victor and Leontine please contact me.

JUMPED INTO CANAL

Edmond Forget Made Heroic Attempt to Rescue Drowning Man

Brooding over family troubles and in a state of temporary aberration of mind, Victor Lefebvre, aged 46 years, committed suicide this morning by drowning in the Pawtucket canal. Edmond Forget, a young man living at 230 Cheever street made an heroic effort to save the man's life, but although the drowning man was brought to the edge of the canal, he died in Forget's arms before he could be pulled to the surface.

Victor Lefebvre, who was also living apart from his for thre past four years, was employed in a mill at South Boston as weaver. According to his son Achille, he had not been feeling well for the past few weeks, and two weeks ago he came to this city for rest abd stopped with the latter at his room, 152 Ford street. For the past two or three days the boy noticed that his father was acting strangley and he did the best he could to cheer him up and bring him to his senses.

Last night the father refused to retire and did not sleep all night. At 5.30 o'clock this morning he went out and was seen running up and down Ford street several times in an excited manner. His son went after him and took him into the house. A few minutes later he went out again and at 5.45 o'clock Mrs. William Smith of 239 Cheever street saw him jump over the fence of the canal opposite James street, and then into the water. Mrs. Smith screamed and attracted the attentiopn of Mrs. Edmond Forget, a neighbor. The latter awoke her husband and Mr. Forget, jumping out of bed, slid on a pair of tights and running around the building dived into the canal.

In the meantime Lefebvre had gone to the bottom, but shortly after he was seen floating and making efforts to sink. Forget swam across the canal and catching the man around the neck, swam to the canal's edge. There, however, he was handicapped for the wall was some two feet higher, and it was impossible to climb with Lefebvre who was still alive. The rescuer called for help and a few minutes later a young man named Leo Vigeant was on the scene, but his efforts in trying to pull the two to shore were fruitless. Forget was still clinging to the wall with the now lifeless body of the suicide. Undertaker Joseph Albert and patrolman Charles Jennell were notified and with the aid of a rope tied around the body of Lefebvre,
The ambulance was summoned, but it was useless, for the unfortunate man had expired. The body was remoced to the funeral parlors of Undertaker Joseph Albert and later to the home of the deceased's sister, Mrs. Elzear Harvery, 200 Perkins street.

Forget is to be congratulated on his heroic act, and had it not been for the fact that the water was somewhat lower than usual, he could have saved Lefebvre's life. Mrs. Smith, who saw the man jump into the water, said that Forget must have held the prostrate form of Lefebvre for at least seven minutes, clinging to the wall with one hand while waiting for help.

The deceased is survived by a wife, Leotine Robillard Lefebvre, and five children., Victor, a student at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., Rosanna and Achille, Mesdames Ernest Paquin and Alfred Waterhouse; his father, Mr. Joseph Lefebvre of Mechanicsville, N. Y.; five brothers, Auguste of Mechanicsville, N. Y., Theotime of Bangor, Me., Lucien, Emile and Alfred of Lowell; four sisters, Mesdames Joseph Tremblay and Elzear Harvey of this city and the Misses Malvina and Virginie Lefebvre of Lowell.

The Death and Burial of Marie Percide Parent, Ste-Melanie, Joliette co., Quebec

2010-09-03T10:47:00.016-04:00

Continuing on with the research of Louis Gapspard Robillard and his family, I find that his first wife, Marie Percide Parent, a daughter of Isidore Parent and Emelie Etu, died at the age of 26 on the 20th of September, 1888 at the parish of Ste-Melanie and was buried in the vaults of the church on the 24th Sept. in that same year.

[Gabriel Drouin, Institut Généalogique Drouin, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Le Fonds Drouin 1621-1967, Quebec vital records, Sainte-Melanie d'Ailleboust, co. Joliette 1888, P.Q., pg. 16, S. 33, M. Perside Parent, register photocopy to the Greffe of Joliette]

I am trying to learn to read French as I research so I have included how I have read the burial record above:

Le vingt-quatre septembre mil huit quatre vingt huit, nous pretre sous signe avons inhume dans les voutes de l'eglise de cette paroisse, le corps de Marie Perside Parent epouse de Louis Gaspard Robillard, instituteur de Ste-Elisabeth, decedee le vingt du courant, agee de vingt-six ans. Etaient presents Louis Gaspard Robillard epous de la defunte, Joseph Parent ecuyer Notaire frere de la defunte lesquels ont signe ainsi que plusieurs parents et amis. Lecture Faite.
Gaspard Robillard
C. T. Morel, M.D.
unknown Lacasse
R.H. Beaulieu
J. Parent
Clement Fontaine
Joseph Poulet
Joseph Lavoie
A.C. Dugas Ptre.
L.F. Bonin Ptre.
F. Jeannotte Ptre.

And my translation:

The twenty-four September, one thousand eight hundred eighty eight, we the undersigned priest have buried in the vaults of the church of this parish, the body of Marie Percide Parent, wife of Louis Gaspard Robillard teacher of St. Elizabeth, deceased on the twentieth day of the current month, age twenty-six years. Present were Louis Gaspard Robillard husband of the deceased, Joseph Parent squire Notary brother of the deceased which have signed and several relatives and friends. Reading was given.

Like I said, I am trying to learn how to read some French as I research my ancestors, and I enjoy it, but sometimes it proves to be to difficult for me and because I am just learning I often question my research. For example, in my translation, I am a little skeptical in regard to the actual date of Marie Percide's death. If you look at the copy of her burial record you will read, what looks like to me, "decedee le vingt du courant. Now, to me, this translates to the 20th day of the current month. But I'm not so sure, is that "du" really meant to be a "deux"? Or am I analyzing those these words a little to much? Maybe. So, some times when I am not so sure, I ask for a second opinion, and more often than not, and I hate to admit this, I am wrong. So I think I'm going to ask a few of my gena friends, who can read French much better I, to take a look at this and see what they have to say.

Treasure Chest Thursday: A L'Occasion des Noces d'or de M. et Mme J. A. Maille - 1881 - 1931

2010-09-02T09:31:00.008-04:00

On the Occasion of the Golden Wedding of Mr. and Mrs J.A. Maille

1881 - 1931

Earlier, during the summer, I had attempted to feature the 50th Anniversary of my maternal g-g-grandparent's, Joseph Adam Maille & Marie Amamda Prud'homme. Married at the Immaculate Conception rectory in Lowell, Massachusetts on 30 Jan., 1881, I had planned on featuring, in installments on Treasure Chest Thursday, a four page card that they received from their children in honor of that celebration. The card, as you can see below, is written in French and I had originally planned to feature 1 page a week for four weeks. Unfortunately, along the way I realized that my translation skills just were not up to par. Even with help from Google translate, all of the words just did not seem to make sense all the time.

Click images to enlarge

Fortunately, while I was in the process of translating the card, I was contacted by my cousin Ron Maille via e-mail. Ron is actually my mother's 1st cousin, he is my 1st 1x removed. Anyway, while Ron and I were corresponding I mentioned the card and asked him if he could translate. Ron told me that he had been told that he spoke French before English when he was baby and that his French vocabulary skills were quite good at one time. But not worry, because he had a friend from his years in the Navy that was fluent in French and he would contact this friend for me.

Well, I thought that was just wonderful, and a few weeks later Ron wrote back and told me that his friend, Herman 'Frenchy' Ouellette in Florida, would help me out and that I should contact him. If you follow me on facebook you already know all about this, but for those who don't, I'll tell you. So, I contacted Herman and he was so nice. Willing to translate the card, I sent him 3 pages of the text. He told me to give him a few days and that he would be back in touch.. We corresponded a bit during the process and 5 days later I had the full translation and it's wonderful. It reads like fine poetry and I have to admit, with my poor translation skills, I never would have been able to do it any justice. In his final e-mail to me, Frenchy wrote, "..I enjoyed doing the translating and took great pleasure in reading this fine prose. No one writes like this nor in the Old French anymore."

I am so grateful to Ron and Frenchy for the help they offered on this lil project of mine. I wouldn't have been able to do it and have it make sense with out their help. Thank-you both.

So with out further ado, I bring you Frenchy's translation:

January 1930

Dear Parents,

January 1931 brings to your children the incomparable happiness of celebrating the Golden Anniversary of your marriage.

The holidays are evocative: Let us carry our thoughts back to 30 January 1881; the priest blesses a cutting of the ancestral oak, transplanted in the fertile soil of Lowell.

The young stem took root, grew strong, grew tall, and produced ten branches, of which, one, whose sap was so religious only found her corresponding ideal in the hothouse of the monastery. Four detached themselves in turn from the Mother tree to multiply, for example, the field of the Master; four children, too weak to brave the storms, succumbed to the first Northwind; and to protect the trunk, weakened by so many losses, by the years of hard labor, consecrates to the training of these beloved limbs, by the shock of the years, there remains only one branch, but so strong, so solid, that is resists all the winds of storms, and stands upright, that stem, old woman of fifty years; she preserves the foundation and has affection for her cherished, tender foliage.

So this faithful branch keeps for us this Golden Relic, until the Diamond Wedding.

This is the wish to Heaven for you – Beloved parents. From your Grateful children.

Beautiful, isn't it?

To read more about the 50th anniversary of Joseph and Marie Maille please see this previous blog post that features an article from the Lowell Sun which was published on 2 Jan., 1931.

Almost Wordless Wednesday: Our Robillard Men

2010-09-01T08:04:00.003-04:00

Taken in 1978 at a family reunion our family had when I was 9 years old. This is a photo of my paternal uncles, grandfather and my father. Moving left to right, from the oldest brother to the youngest and their father in the middle; Jim, Joe, Frank, Joe, Bob, Richard and Jerry. Does anyone remember where this reunion was held?

Tombstone Tuesday: Marie Louise Leontine Lefebvre nee Robillard, Cimetiere St-Joseph, Chelmsford, Massachusetts

2010-08-31T07:29:00.010-04:00

This week for Tombstone Tuesday I am posting the final resting place of my great-grand aunt Marie-Louise-Leontine Robillard. Leontine, as I call her, was born and baptized on 6 Nov., 1868 in Ste-Melanie, Joliette co., Quebec. She was the daughter of Jerome and Sophie Riberdy. She was the 7th child born to Jerome and Sophie and the 17th child of 23 born to just her father.

[Gabriel Drouin, Institut Généalogique Drouin, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Le Fonds Drouin 1621-1967, Quebec vital records, 1868, Ste. Melanie d'Aillebout, Co-Joliette, PQ, pg. 17, B.69 Marie Louise Leontie, Register Photocopy to the Greffe of Joliette]

According to Family Search Record Search, Leontine married Victor Lefebvre (Joseph, Eugenie or Virgine Jacob) on 6 Sept., 1887 in Lowell, Middlesex, Massachusetts. I need to obtain more records to verify the date of this marriage.

Also, there is some confusion surrounding the date of Leontine's death. Family Search Record Search has her date of death as 5 Dec., 1911 in Lowell, but St-Joseph Cemetery has her date of burial as 1 Dec., 1911. Further research must be done to try and clear the confusion.

According to the cemetery records, Leontine is buried in section J, lot 514. She is buried with her son Victor, who, according to cemetery records, was buried on 26 July 1948. Also, in the same plot is a Rene Deziel, Joseph Broulet, Rose Deziel and a Joseph Paquin. I have not found an obituary for Leontine yet and the research surrounding this family is on going. Please contact me for the latest updates.

The Marriages of Louis Gaspard Robillard, Ste-Melanie, Joliette, Quebec

2010-08-20T14:02:00.052-04:00

My current research goal is to track the children, all 23 of them, of my g-g-grandfather Jerome Robillard (Louis, Genevieve Riberdy). I know I have a big job laid out in front of me, but I am well on my way.

In an attempt to accomplish this goal I sometimes browse the public trees on ancestry.com to see what other people may have for information on Jerome's children. And the keyword here is, browse, as I'm just looking. I do my own research and I don't take from others. Anyway, while browsing through ancestry.com today I came across a family tree which includes my great-grand uncle Gaspard Robillard (Jerome, Sophie Riberdy). Actually, I have two great-grand uncles with the name of Gaspard, Louis Gaspard Alfred who is the one mentioned in this ancestry tree, and Pierre Jerome Gaspard, both born to the same parents. In this tree that I came across, it incorrectly documents the date and place of Gapspard's first marriage to Marie Percide Parent. I know this because I had researched both Gaspards, Louis Gaspard and Jerome Gaspard, some time ago and at the time of this research there was great confusion in regard to which Gaspard married whom. But I believe I got that mess figured out and you can read about that here. The other Gaspard, Louis Gaspard's brother, Pierre Jerome Gaspard, married Marie Lea 'Delia' Bonin and their family ended up settling in Rensselaer & Albany counties in New York. You can read about some of that research here.

So, back to the tree on ancestry. In an attempt to correct the aforementioned tree on ancestry, I have contacted the owner of the tree and I am posting the marriage record of Louis Gaspard Robillard and Marie Percide Parent in order to aid in that the correction.

Louis Gaspard Alfred Robillard was born 15 April 1866 and baptised the next day at the parish of Ste-Melanie in Joliette county Quebec. A son of Jerome Robillard and Sophie Riberdy, he was one of 23 (15th) children born to his father Jerome and his 2 wives. Louis Gaspard married Marie Percide Parent (Isidore, Emelie Etu) on 3 April 1883 at the parish of Ste-Melanie, Joliette county, Quebec. Click the image below to enlarge. For a specific source citation please contact me.

If we take a look at the acte in the image below you will see that Jerome Robillard, Louis Gaspard's father; Leontine, L. Gaspard's sister; L.Gaspard, himself; his wife, Marie Percide; and some others, whom were present, all signed.

However, and unfortunately, Louis Gaspard's bride, Marie Percide, dies sometime between 1883 and 1889. I know this as I have found a marriage for Louis Gaspard and his sister-in-law, Elisa Parent.. Louis Gaspard Alfred Robillard and Elisa Parent were married 29 April 1889 at the parish of Ste-Melanie, Joliette co., Quebec.

If we take a look at this acte in the image above you will see that there is a bans of dispensation in the first degree for affinity. Gaspard, an instituteur (a teacher, like his father), is also the widower of Percide Parent. Those present are Jean-Baptiste Brisset dit Courshaine, brother-in-law of the wife, and Isidore Parent, brother of the wife, all of whom did not sign.

Wordless Wednesday: Celine Courtois nee Mayotte

2010-08-18T23:10:00.004-04:00

Therese Mayotte, Alice Mayotte nee Jodoin, Gerard Mayotte and Celine Courtois nee Mayotte

Photograph received from the personal collection of Susan Mayotte Johnson 2010

Tombstone Tuesday: Mr. Francis Xavier Bergeron, Cimetiere St-Joseph, Chelmsford, Massachusetts

2010-08-17T10:34:00.011-04:00

In a follow up to a post that I made last week, I am posting the final resting place and obituary of my first cousin 2x removed, Josephine Robillard's husband, Francis Bergeron. Born as Francois Xavier Bergeron, Francis was the son of Philippe (Francois, Louise Hele ou Helie?) and Odelie Courshaine (Damase, Margeuerite Lafond). He was born and baptised on 23 Feb. 1888 at St-Cyrille de Wendover, Drummond co., Quebec. In 1918 Francis worked for the Lawrence Manufacturing Company on Suffolk street in Lowell as a bolter and as far I can tell, he and Josephine only had one child. Francis died in 1952, twelve years before his wife, and is buried in section A, lot 112 with his parents and siblings.

Published in the Lowel Sun Thursday 24 April, 1952, pg. 6.

FRANCIS X. BERGERON
Francis X. Bergeron died last evening at St. Joseph's hospital. He was born at St. Cyrille P.Q. Canada, and had been a resident of this community for over 50 years. Mr. Bergeron was a machine operator in a cotton mill. He was a member of the Holy Name society of St. Jean Baptiste parish and also of the CMAC. Besides his wife, Mrs. Josephine (Robillard) Bergeron of Lowell, he is survived by a daughter, Miss Cecile Bergeron of Lowell; four sisters, Mrs. Claire Theriault, Mrs. Rose Bergeron and Mrs. Mira Brassard of Lowell and Mrs. Regina Lafond of Drummondville, Canada; three brothers, Deneri, Arthur and William Bergeron , all of Lowell; also several nieces and nephews.

BERGERON -- Died in Lowell, April 23, suddenly at St. Joseph's hospital, Francis Xavier Bergeron of 53 Salem street. Calling hours from 7 to 10 p.m. today and from 1 to 10 p.m. Friday. at the Tremblay funeral home, 744 Merrimack street. Funeral mass in St. Jean Baptiste church Saturday morning at 9 o'clock. Burial in St. Joseph's cemetery under the direction of the Joseph E. Tremblay funeral directors.

The Obituary of Mrs. Bergeron nee Josephine Robillard

2010-08-12T08:33:00.002-04:00

Published in the Lowell Sun, 22 July, 1964.

Mrs. Bergeron
Mrs. Josephine (Robillard) Bergeron, wife of the late Francois Xavier Bergeron, died this morning at her home. She was born in Lowell and had been a life-long resident of the community, establishing her home at 53 Salem street. By occupation before her retirement she was a spinner. She is survived by one daughter Cecile Bergeron.

BERGERON-- Died, July 22 at her home. Mrs. Josephine (Robillard) Bergeron of 53 Salem street. Calling hours are from 2-5 and 7-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday at the Tremblay funeral home, 744 Merrimack street. Solemn high mass in St. Jean Baptiste church, Saturday at 3 a.m. Burial in St. Joseph cemetery. Tremblay Funeral Home.

Born abt. 1893, Josephine was the daughter of Louis Arsene Robillard (Jerome, Sophie Riberdy) and Josephine Albert. (Fermin, Genevieve?) Josephine married Francois Bergeron in Lowell, MA on 8 Jan, 1911. According to cemetery records, Josephine was interred in the free ground at St-Joseph Cemetery in Chelmsford, MA on 25 July, 1964 at the age of 71.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: Undertaker Joseph Albert, Lowell, Massachusetts

2010-08-11T09:24:00.008-04:00

While browsing through the Museum Collection of the Lowell National Historical Park I found a photograph of a man whom I believe to be Undertaker Joseph Albert of Lowell, MA. Joseph Albert was the son of Felix Albert and Desneiges Michaud. I have done some minimal research on Joseph and his family, you can read about it here.

[LOWE 650, Museum Collection online: http://www.museum.nps.gov/lowe/page.htm; Lowell National Historical Park, Undated, Mounted sepia photographic print depicting Mr. Joseph Albert seated in carriage in front of St. Jean Baptiste rectory. The statue of Fr. Guerin is visible. The mount stock is black.]

I believe this photo to be in the public domain. If anyone knows otherwise please contact me.