Wordless Wednesday: St-Jean Baptiste

Tombstone Tuesday: Franco-American War Veterans' Memorial, Cimetière Saint-Joseph, Chelmsford, Massachusetts

For this week's Tombstone Tuesday I made a special visit to the Franco-American War Veterans' Memorial at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Chelmsford, Massachusetts.

The monument, which was dedicated on Tuesday, May 30th, 1933, sits at what was once the main entrance of the cemetery along Riverneck Road and is made from the highest grade granite. It is twenty-one and one-half feet long, five and one-half feet in height, by one and one-half feet wide, and is surmounted with 3 flag staffs.

On the left and right sides of the monument there are the following inscriptions; A LA MEMOIRE DE CEUX QUI TOMBERENT, and  EN L’HONNEUR DE CEUX QUI SERVIRENT  which translate to: IN MEMORY OF THOSE WHO DIED, IN HONOR OF THOSE WHO SERVED. In the center of the monument there is the inscriptions GUERRE MONDIALE, 1917-1918 and LES FRANCO-AMERICAINS RECONNAISSANTS. which translate to:  WORLD WAR 1917 - 1918, GRATEFUL FRANCO-AMERICANS

According to Albert V. Cote's website, The Franco-Americans in Lowell, Massachusetts, the monument was refurbished by the Franco-American War Veterans, Post No.4 of Lowell, MA, in the early 1990s. This refurbishment added two brass plates (I did not find) and the English translations of the left and right side inscriptions. Also added was the inscription, FRANCO-AMERICAN WAR VETERANS POST NO. 4 1995. And to the back of the monument, Refurbish Committe May 27, 1995. Ronald Sevigny, Roland Provencher, Arthur Papillion, Ronald Guilmette, Leo Cloutier and Leo Martin.

The first Veteran to be buried at the memorial  was *Alfred Peter Barron, Seaman 2 Cl., USN. He died on 11 October, 1933 and was interred on 14 October.

Also laid to rest, in order of interment, are:

Hormisdas Gauthier

*Ernest Villandry

*Oscar Rene

*Peter Dufour

Joseph Forbes

Alexandre Gagnon

*Mathias St. Laurent

Gilbert Richard

*Harry Porter (Ira F. Porter)

Ovila Briere

Salluste Fournier

Joseph Bedard

*Walter St. Hilaire

*Peter Desmarais

*Louis Dube

George A. Richard

Louis Provencher

Rocky Ambrosino

Ovila Frenette

Antonio Roussell

Joseph R. Laferriere

Victor Charette

Rosario Martineau

Raymond O. DeMange

Raymond A. Ferris

Roland Gagne

Henry J.Couture

Armand J. Carbonneau

Leo S. Harnois

Raymond P. Vincent

Perley R. Munsell

Omer Frechette

Raymond. E. L'Heureux

William B.Aresenault

Paul J. Pare

Arthur J. Proulx

Gerard R. Gauthier

Paul L. Greenwood Sr.

John H. James Jr.

Franklin D. Ambrosino

Walter, J. Ciesla

Raymond J. Landry

George N. Gilbert

Joseph R. Corcoran

Joseph Leo Lacourse

John J. Mele Jr.

Eugene Sylvain

Daniel Lavoie

Calvin Simpkins

Robert W. Finn

Leo R. Plante Jr.

Norman M. Ayotte

Daniel A. Thompson

Ralph N. Biron

Richard J. Marshall

Donald G. Foote

Paul H. Durand

Thomas Olivera

Armand Bibault

On May 31, 1933, there was an article that appeared in Lowell Sun describing the dedication ceremony of this memorial on pages 6 & 7. I have extracted some of that article below. 

Erected to honor the memory of Franco-American war heroes, this monument was dedicated on Tuesday, May 30, 1933 in an open air ceremony at St. Joseph's cemetery in Chelmsford, Massachusetts. The dedication was largely attended and a musical program was provided by an augmented choir under the direction of Telesphore Malo, director of the choir at St. Joseph's parish.

Delegations from the many Franco-American organizations in the area were there, as well as: Guard St. Louis, Sacred Heart Guard, Franco-American veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, United Spanish War Veterans, Boy Scouts of America, the C. M. A. C. and the Jewish War Veterans. There was a mass and the eulogy was delivered by Rev. J. A. Fortier, OMI, a former war chaplain and pastor of Notre Dame de Lourdes church in Lowell . The monument, unveiled by Spanish war hero, Lieut. Georges Charette, U. S. N. retired, was presented to the Franco-American population by Arthur H.R. Groux, president and general chairman of the committee in charge of erecting it. Received and accepted by Rev. Louis G. Bachand OMI, superior of St. Joseph's parish, he gave a brief acceptance speech. Also, a burial plot was presented to the American Legion and accepted by Commander James H. Rooney, followed by a few words by Rev. Willliam F. Mahan, OMI, chaplain of the post.

Among those in attendance were Rep, Edith Nourse, Mayor Charles H. Slowley, Rep. Henry Achin Jr., Col. Charles A. Stevens, Rep. Frank E. Maclean, Postmaster Xavier A. Deslise and the following goldstar mothers: Mrs. Olivier Renaud, Mrs.William H. Cloualre, Mrs. Philomene April, Mrs. Eugene Lajeunesse, and Mrs. Ralph Lashua. The following delegations represented Franco-American societies: CMAC, Alphonse Fortier, Leo Barou, Ferdinand Rousseau; Council J. N. Jacques of  l'Union St. Jean Baptlste d'Aremique, Telesphore Leblanc, Edouard Casaubon, Eugene Gullbault; Council Ste. Therese, Mrs. Eva Michel, Mrs. Florida Nadeau, Miss Adeline Martin; Council Carillon, Olivier 'A. Page; National Benevolence union,; Louis N. Milot, Eugene Longval,; Donat Vadeboncoeur; Court Pawtucketville ACF, Pierre Leblanc, Joseph E. Lambert, Josephat Sawyer; Pawtueketville Social club, Origene Descoteaux, James St. Hilalre, Emilien Leblanc; CCA, George Pednault, Achille St. Pierre, Alfred Beauchesne; Court St. Antoine OFC, Onesime Tremblay, Joseph Magraa, Armand Beauchesne; St. Joseph's alumal, Stanislaus 0. Paquln, Rev. Brother Alphonse, Richard L. Provencher; Court Ste. Marie, ACF, "Joseph A. Plante, Albert Morln, Zotique Sauvageau; Franco-American Educational association, Mrs. Louis P. Vincent, Mrs. Napoleon Lozeau, Mrs. Clarina H. Morier, RN; Franco-American Civic League of Massachusetts, Lowell branch. Joseph A. Legare, Joseph A. Routhior, Albert J. Blazon; Cercle St. Louis, Elzear J. Dionae, Orlando P. Viau, Joseph A. Biron; Club Lafayette, Dr. Raymond Gendreau, Alphonse Coutu, Georges D. Dozois; Ste. Marie's parish, Edouard Gadreau, Edmond Gendreau; Notre Dame de Bon Secours society, Miss Julia Landry, Mrs. Eugenie St. Ives, Mrs. Jeremie Champagne; Court Ste. Eveline ACF, Mrs. Jules G. Deschenes, Miss Rosa Gagnon; SI. Jean Baptiste ACA, Charles Brousseau, Donat and Omer Joyal; United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, local 1610, Philippe Chaput, Damiens Descoteaux. Victor Breton; Franco-American Naturalization association, E. Lajeunesse, Emllien Leblanc, Louis Harnois.

The committees in charge of arrangements follow: General committee, Arthur H. R. Gtroux, president; Maxime Cornellier, secretary; religious program, Maxime Cornellier, chairman; Joseph T. Dusseault, Louis Renaud, Joseph Payotte, Joseph I'Heureux; invitations committee, Dcwey Archambault, chairman; Arthur Monty, Elphege Phaneuf, Onesime Tremblay, Paul Dostaler; committee on speakers, Donat Brunellc, chairman; Zenon Chouinard, Hector Duputs, Barnabe Dusseault, Joseph Robillard; transportation, Heclor J. McDonald, chairman; Alfred S. Gagnon, Donat Dery. Edmond I,. Belley; reception committee, Hon, Arthur I,. Eno, chairman; Albert L. Bourgeois, Paul R. Foisy, Lucien R. Brunelle, Lazare Boule. and Rozider Leclair.

Surname Saturday: Foucher

1. Me

2. My parents

3. Joseph Zenon Heria Robillard, b. 16 Dec. 1897, Ste-Melanie, Joliette, Quebec and baptised on the 17th at the parish of Ste-Melanie,  m. Louise Esther Wright, 2 Dec. 1917, Boston, MA. d. 24 May 1983, Lowell, MA. Buried 27 May 1983, Cimetiere St-Joseph, Chelmsford, MA

4. Joseph Arthur Robillard,  m. Marie Louise Philomene Foucher, 11 Sept. 1893, Ste-Melanie, Joliette, Quebec.

5. Joseph Foucher, m. Flavie Bruneau , 20 Jan 1857, Ste-Melanie, Joliette, Quebec.

6. Louis Joseph Faucher dit St-Maurice m. Angel-Felicite Boucher dit Barbel, 17 Nov. 1828, Ste-Elisabeth, Joliette, Quebec.

7. Jean-Baptiste Faucher dit St-Maurice, m. Claire Gautron dit Larochelle, 23 October 1797, St-Cuthbert, Berthier, Quebec.

8. Joseph-Jean-Louis Faucher dit St-Maurice, m. Marie-Angelique Mercure dit Villeneuve, 26 February 1770, St-Francois-de-Sales, Neuville (Pointe-aux Trembles), Portneuf, Quebec

9. Jean-Baptiste Faucher dit St-Maurice, m. Marie-Francoise Juneau, 24 August 1724, St-Francois-de-Sales, Neuville (Pointe-aux Trembles), Portneuf, Quebec.

10. Leonard Faucher dit St-Maurice, m. Marie Damoys, 15 October 1669, Notre Dame de Quebec, Quebec.

[Gabriel Drouin, Institut Généalogique Drouin, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Le Fonds Drouin 1621-1967, Quebec vital records, 1667-1679, Quebec (Notre Dame), P.Q., pg.. 50, Leonard Faucher et Marie Damoys, register photocopy to the Basilique Quebec]

Almost Wordless Wednesday: McGuire & Robillard, 1966

Charlie and Jerry

Tombstone Tuesday: Sophie Kluck nee Malinoski, St. Patrick's Cemetery, Lowell, Massachusetts

Well, I couldn't wait for April (my daughter) any longer. We were supposed to do this together but I just couldn't wait. You could say I had ants in my pants, so I went at it alone. Digging into the Kluck family history today, I found a census record, a few obituaries and a burial marker.

The census record I found was a 1930 census of  Lowell Ma, ward 10. The family was living at 40 Union street. Enumerated on 7 April of that year, the head is John, age 34, first marriage at the age of 24, born in Lithuania, as are both his parents. His year of immigration is 1914 and he is an alien. He's a carpenter and he is not a veteran. John's wife Sophie is 40 years old, first marriage at age 30. She is born in Lithuania as are both her parents. Her year of immigration is 1913 and she is an alien. The oldest child is John Jr (April's grandfather), he's 13 years old and born in Massachusetts. Next is Sophie, 10 years old also born in MA. Then we have Mary, age 7, born in MA and Joseph age 5, also born in MA.

[1930 census of Lowell, Middlesex, Massachusetts, Series: T626, Roll: 922, Ward: 10, Ed: 9-146, Page: 311, Sheet 7A, line 6] 

So for today's Tombstone Tuesday I will post the burial marker and obituary of Sophie Kluck nee Malinoski, According to the cemetery records Sophie was 69 years old when she died, but the marker has a year of 1886 for her birth. The cemetery records also have her being interred on 28 Jan. 1962 and that She is buried with a Marie Kluck. Marie was interred on 16 Jan 2004 and she was 87 years of age. I do not know who Marie is at this time. Also on this marker there is an incomplete inscription for a Joseph Kluck, I do believe that Joseph is Sophie and John's youngest son and the brother of John Kluck, my daughter's grandfather. Maybe I should try and contact Joseph, if he is still alive.

Published in The Lowell Sun , Thursday, July 26, 1962, pg. 3.

Mrs. Kluck

Mrs. Sophie Kluck (Malinoski) Kluck of 651 Middlesex street, widow of John Kluck, died last night at Lowell General hospital. She was born in Lithuania having come to the United States at an early age and had been a resident of this city for the past 50 years.

She was a member of St. Joseph's Lithuanian parish. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Sophie Pilat of Dracut and Mrs. Mary Palermo of Lawrence; two sons, John Kluck and Joseph Kluck, both of Lowell; a sister and a brother in Lithuania; and five grandchildren.

KLUCK---Died July 23, Mrs. Sophie (Malinoski) Kluck of 651 Middlesex street. Funeral Saturday at 8am from the Miksza funeral home, 48 Lawrence street. Solemn high funeral mass at 9 a.m. at St. Joseph's Lithuanian church. Burial in St. Patrick's cemetery. Visiting hours 7 to 10 p.m. today and 2 to 5 and 7 to 10 p.m. Friday. Funeral Director Walter A. Mikzsa.

I searched high and low for an obituary belonging to Sophie's husband, John, but I could not find one.

Madness Monday: Robillard, Fournier, and Desrosiers, Oh My!

Yesterday I posted a Sentimental Sunday that featured the marriage of Donat Desrosiers and Rita Robillard. In the article that I posted from The Lowell Sun it stated that a Francis Fournier (an usher) was Rita's brother and that a Lorraine Fournier (a bride's maid) was Rita's cousin. Well, I must be thick, because I didn't pick up on that error at all!

Anway, it took an e-mail from my cousin Roger for me to see this error... You see, Roger's e-mail was another "holy crap" email, (that I rec'd at 6 am this morning with out having had any coffee yet! Thanx Rog..) telling me that Donat's father Louis is his grandfather Desrosier's brother! Which makes Donat Roger's mother's first cousin. So for some reason I went back and reread the original Lowell Sun copy and there is where I saw what I had missed in regard to the Francis, brother of Rita, error mentioned above.  Now... I know that Francois Fournier Sr. and Fabiola Robillard had at least three children, Lorraine, Francois and Dolores, so if Lorraine, who was a bride's maid and Rita's cousin, how could Francois, an usher, be her (Rita's) brother!? Thanks for waking me up Roger.. I am too young to be having a senior moment, so we'll just forget about this, right? 

And in regard to the "holy crap" email, the Donat Desrosiers and Rita Robillard marriage is connection number four for me and cousin Roger Foucher! How's that for madness!? And just so I don't confuse you anymore than I already have (yeah right!??) I'll quickly go through our connections in the order in which they were found.. The first way Roger and I are connected is through my paternal great-grandparents, Arthur Robillard and Philomene Foucher. Philomene was Roger's grandfather's (Joseph Narcisse Foucher) sister, making Roger my 2nd cousin 1x removed. The second way we are connected is through Leonard Faucher dit St-Maurice and Marie Damois., making us 6th cousins 4 x removed. This connection is on my maternal side. Charles Therrien, one of my maternal 5th great grandfathers, married Louise Faucher, Roger's third cousin 3x removed. And the third way we are connected is through my maternal side as well with another Desrosiers connection, which, I haven't entered into my datbase yet (hangs head in shame). But as far as I can tell we are connected through Alexis Desrosiers and Maire Reine Courtin dit Sanschagrin  Roger through Alexis' son Alexis and his wife Catherine Bonin and me (my Maille side) through Alexis' son Joseph and his wife Marie Anne Brassard. I do believe Joseph and M. Anne Brassard had a son Pierre who married a Genevieve Beaugrand dit Champage, she died and then he remarried a Francoise Chaput. Francoise gave birth to Marie Adeline Philomene Desrosiers who married Moise Prudhomme and she gave birth to Marie Amanda Prud'Homme who in turn married my g-g grandfather, Joseph A. Maille. Confused? I am!! Btw,  I need to get the records to prove that third connection.

Below I have added some pictures of Antonio Robillard, father of the above mentioned Rita Robillard,  Anonio's sister Fabiola, and his brother Joseph, my grandfather. These pictures were taken circa. mid 1970s at a Robillard family reunion I attended when I was about 9 years old..

Antonio Robillard

My grandfather Joseph, his sister Fabiola and brother Antonio.

The Funeral of L. J. Zenon Robillard, 1918, Lowell, Massachusetts

While I was at the library Thursday I was going through a roll of microfilm of the Lowell Sun from 1918 and as I was looking for Athala Albert's (nee Caron) obituary I just happened to find the funeral of Louis Joseph Zenon Robillard. He and Athala died died 1 day apart. L. J. Z.'s obituary has already been posted to my blog, you can read it here..

Published in The Lowell Sun Friday, December 20, 1918

ROBILLARD--After impressive services at St. Joseph's church all that was mortal of L. J. Zenon Robillard was tenderly consigned to its last resting place in the Catholic cemetery today. The funeral took place from the home of the deceased, 728 Moody street at 8:30 o'clock and the long automobile cortege, headed by a machine filled with beautiful floral offerings, wended its way to St. Joseph's church in Lee street, where, for several years, deceased had been oneof the soloists from the choir.

The congregation was very large, showing the esteem in which Mr. Robillard was held. At 9 o'clock a solemn high mass of requiem was celebrated by Rev. Aureliemn Martell, O. M. I., assisted by Rev. Eugene Turcotte O. M. I., as deacon and Rev. L. N. Bachand O. M. I., as sub-deacon. A choir of over 50 voices, under the direction of Telesphore Malo, rendered the Gregorian mass, the solos being sustained by Dr. George Caisse, Telesphore Malo, Olier J. david, Edouard F. Gegire, Telesphore Brassard, Arthur G. Leveille, and E. J. Laroshelle. At the offertory the choir rendered "Jesu Domine Christe," and at the elevation Dr. Caisse sang "O Meritum Passionis" At the close of the mass "Les Adieux de Schubert" was sung by Miss Antoinette Alexander.

The bearers were the following members of Court St. Paul, C.O.F.: Arthur Lavoie, J. B. Fremeau, Edmond Lambert, Raoul H. Monier, John PInault, Michel Huote. The Lowell aerie of Eagles were represented by Willliam Higgins, Laurent Grenon, Armand V. Sicard and Albert J. Bolduc. Attending the funeral from out of town were Jerome Robillard and Edgar Joly of Cohoes, N. Y. and Mrs. Laura Ross of Nashua, N. H. Burial was in the family lot in St. Joseph's cemetery where the committal prayers were read by Rev. Anthanase Marion, O. M. I. Funeral in charge of Undertakers Amedee Archambault & Sons.

Sentimental Sunday: Mr. & Mrs. Donat J. Desrosiers

Published in the Lowell Sun, Friday, May 23, 1947, pg. 8.

LOWELL--On April 5 at 2 o'clock at the Immaculate Conception church, with Rev. Francis D. Flanagan, OMI, officiating, Donat J. Desrosiers, son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Desrosiers of 173 High street, took as his bride, Miss Rita B. Robillard, daughter of Mrs. Lillian Robillard of 50 High street.

Mrs. Claire Bealieu was matron of honor for her new sister-in-law, and bridesmaids were Miss Lorraine Fournier, cousin of the bride and Miss Lorraine Desrosiers, another sister of the bridegroom. Roland J. Robillard, the brides brother, was the bestman, while the usher corps included Francis Fournier, her brother, and Edward Desrosiers, brother of the bridegroom.

The bride was lovely in a white brocaded satin gown with sweetheart neckline and bustle back, and her fingertip veil was caught with side clusters of vines of pearls. She carried white roses with streamers. Her matron of honor wore blue, and the bridesmaids were in pink. All bridal attendants carried red roses with fushia ribbons.

At the reception the bride's mother received guests in a pink frock with blue accents, and the bridegroom's mother were powder blue with navy blue touches. They had corsages of spring flowers to highlight their ensembles.

Leaving for a trip to New York, the bride wore a navy suit with pink accessories and a fushia coat. The couple will live at 111 High street. Both are graduates of Lowell schools.

Rita, as far as I know, was also the daughter of Antonio Robillard. Why Antonio is not mentioned as being her father in this article, I do not know. When I first discovered the marriage of Rita's mother, Lillian Fortin, and my great uncle Antonio in 1926, I thought perhaps Lillian died young, because Antonio remarries around 1940. But Lillian Robillard nee Fortin  did not pass away until 1976, so I can only surmise that they must have divorced. Also another peculiar item in this article is the mention that Francis Fournier is Rita's brother.This is obviously  an error as Francois Fournier, was Rita's cousin, son of Francois and Fabiola Robillard, as is Lorraine. Fab and Rita's father, Antonio, were siblings.

The Burial of Eusebe Maille, 1887, St-Cuthbert, Berthier, Quebec

This is a follow up to an older post made back in 2008 in regard to Angelique Cheverette and Eusebe Maille. In May of 2009 I found Eusebe's burial record. He died 17 July 1887 and was buried on the 19th at the cemetery of the parish of St-Cuthbert, Berhier, Quebec. Please click the image below to view a copy of the original record. Back in 08 when I wrote the intial blog referenced above there was some controversy surrounding the marriage(s) of Angelique and her maternal parentage. While this record doesn't clear up the parentage issue, I do believe it certainly clears up the marriage issue. It is my belief that Angelique only married one time, to Eusebe Maille, despite what has been published on a certain Chevrette website.

[Gabriel Drouin, Institut Généalogique Drouin, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Le Fonds Drouin 1621-1967, Quebec vital records, 1887, St-Cuthbert, Co.Berthier, P.Q., pg.19, S.53., Eusebe Mailler, register photocopy to the Greffe of Joliette]

The Obituary of Athala Albert nee Caron, 1918, Lowell, Massachusetts

Follow up to a previous Tombstone Tuesday featuring the memorial of Joseph Albert and his wife, Athala Caron

Published in The Lowell Sun, December, 19, 1918, pg. 7.

ALBERT--The many friends of Mrs. Joseph Albert, wife of the well known undertaker, nee Athala Caron, will be grieved to learn of her death which occurred this noon at her home, 173 Aiken street, after a lingering illness at the age of 54 years, 4 months and 19 days. Mrs. Albert was born at St. Jean Port Joli, Que., and came to this city 34 years ago. She was a prominent member of St. Joseph's parish and always active in the parish affairs. She leaves to mourn her loss besides her husband, four daughters, Rev. Sister Marie Albert of the Grey Nuns of the Cross of Ottowa, Ont., Misses Maria, Dorila and Claire Albert of this city; a son, Joseph Albert Jr., three brothers, Andre Caron of Chandlers Que., Andre Caron of Notre Dame du Lac, Que., and Pierre Caron of this city; a sister, Mrs. Thomas Beaulieu of Notre Dame du Lac. She was a member of the Third Order of St. Francis and St. Anne's sodality of St. Joseph's parish.

Published in The Lowell Sun, Monday, December 23, 1918, pg. 11.

ALBERT--The funeral of Mrs. Joseph Albert, wife of the well known undertaker, took place this morning from her home, 173 Aiken street and was very largely attended. The funeral cortege composed of 35 automobiles left the home at 8:45 o'clock and wended its way to St. Joseph's church, where at 9:00 o'clock solemn high mass of requiem was celebrated. The congregation at the church was very large for the deceased was one of the best known members of St. Joseph's parish. In attendance were the children of the french-American orphanage accompanied by the Sister of Charity, pupils of St. Joseph's convent and the following delegations: St. Anne's sodality, Mesdames C. Lirette, Z. St. Hilaire and J. St. Pierre; Third Order of St. Francis, Mesdames J. Tetreault, E. Dupont and M. Cote. The celebrant of the mass was the pastor Rev. Eugene Turcotte, O. M. I., who was assisted by Rev. Charles Denizot, O. m. I., as deacon and Rev. Armand Baron, O. M. I. as sub-deacon. The choir, augmented for the occasion, rendered the Gregorian mass under the direction of Telesphore Malo. The bearers were H. Michaud, A. Michaud, T. Lamire, F. Albert, W. Bouthillette, W. Perron, S. Belanger and E. Cossette. Burial was in St. Joseph's cemetery, where the committal prayers were read by Rev. Aurelien Mercil, O. M. I. Funeral arrangements were in charge of Napoleaon Bilodeau and James W. McKenna.

Almost Wordless Wednesday: Timothy Jerome Kopycynski

I have a camera phobia, so there aren't many photos of me floating around, but I like this one of me and my grandson. Taken at my house after his first bath in September 08.

Tombstone Tuesday: Joseph Albert and Athala Caron, Cimetière Saint-Joseph, Chelmsford, Massachusetts

Buried here is Joseph Albert and his wife, Athala Caron.  Baptized at the parish of  St-Eloi, Riviere-du-Loop, Quebec on the 26th of February, 1869,  Joseph was the son of Felix Albert (Fermin, Celeste Bergeron dit Damboise) and Marie Desneiges Michaud (Alexandre, Zoe Pelletier). Athala, Joseph's wife, was born, according to the headstone, in 1864. However, I can only find one baptismal record for an Athala Caron and that is in 1861 at St-Jean-Port-Joli, L'Islet, Quebec. The father of the aforementioned Athala is documented as being Moise Caron and the mother is Apolline, I can not read the mother's surname.

Below is the baptismal record for Joseph Albert from the parish of St-Eloi, Riviere-du-Loop. According to this record he was born le vingt duex ? (22)  du meme mois (of this month).

[Gabriel Drouin, Institut Généalogique Drouin, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Le Fonds Drouin 1621-1967, Quebec vital records, 1869, St-Eloi, Co. Riviere-du-Loop, pg.4, B.12., Joseph Albert, register photocopy to the Greffe of Riviere-du-Loop]

Joseph Albert and Athala Caron were married 17 Aug 1891, in Lowell, Massachusetts in a ceremony performed by Rev. A. Amyot. (click the image to enlarge)

[Massachusetts Archives, Albert , Joseph,  Lowell , 1891, vol. 416, pg. 212]

In the record cited above, Athala's mother is only recorded as being Apolline.

On 23 June 1900 the family of Joseph Albert was enumerated in the 12trh census of the United States, living at Jodoin Place in Lowell, Massachusetts. Joseph, the head, is recorded as being born in Feb of 1868. He is 31 years old and, according to the census, has been married for 9 years. He was born in Canada-French (Quebec) as were both his parents. The year of his immigration to the United States is 1881, he has been here for 19 years. He is an alien immigrant and his profession is that of an Undertaker with zero months not employed. Also, according to the census, he can neither read nor write, but he can speak English. Joseph Albert rents his home.

Athala, Joseph's wife, is enumerated as being Athela. according to the census, she was born Nov. 1864. She is married and has been for 9 years, four children out of five births are living and she too was born in Canada-French, as were her parents. Her year of immigration is 1883 and she has been in the United States for 17 years. The status of her citizenship is blank, she can read and write and speak English.

The children of Joseph and Athala are recorded on the census as follows:

1. Marie A. - daughter/w/f//Aug/1892/ 7/s/Mass/CanFr/CanFr/at school/10/yes/yes/yes
2. Bernadette - daughter/w/f/Aug/1893/6/s/Mass/CanFr/CanFr/at school/10/yes/
3. Joseph Jr. - son/w/m/July/1897/2/s/Mass/CanFr/CanFr/
4. Blanche - daughter/w/f/June/1898/1/s/Mass/CanFr/CanFr/

There is also a Pierre Caron living with the family, he is enumerated as being Joseph's brother-in-law. Recorded as being born in February of 1864, if Pierre is Athala's brother this date certainly conflicts with her  given birth date, doesn't it? I believe the census records Pierre as being widowed, he was born Canada-French, as were both his parents. His year of immigration is 1883, he has been in the united States for 17 years, he's an alien and his occupation is that of a Hostler (?). He can read, write and speak English.

In 1910 the couple, Joseph and Athala, are living on Cheever st. in Lowell. There are two more daughters, Dorila, age 7 and Claire, age 4. According to the census, Athala has now given birth eleven times but only 6 children are living. Joseph is still an undertaker, but now he owns his own shop and is also an employer.

In 1920 Joseph Albert is living with three of his daughters, Dorila, Claire, Maria F, a son-in-law, Edward J. Lynch, who is Maria's husband, and a maid. Athala, Joseph's wife, died in 1918 and Joseph will die on 27 September 1930. Please click the link above to read Athala's obituary. I am still searching for Joseph's.

In 1930 Joseph's son, Joseph Jr, is recorded in the 1930 census, on April 2nd of that year, living at 476 Merrimack st., he is recorded as being 32 years old. His wife, recorded as Florina, is 19. Age at first marriage for both of them is their age at which the census was taken. There are no children. Joseph Jr. is noted as being an embalmer in a Funeral parlor. Is Joseph Jr. getting ready to take over his father's business or had he already?

If anyone knows Apolline's maiden name I would be grateful if you could contact me at callmeshell at gmail.com.

Some one has the bug: Kluck and Brown

I spent the day with my daughter April today. It was nice, we talked a lot about school, graduation, her friends, her plans for the future and her internship at Edson cemetery. Since starting the internship at Edson, she has changed a bit. I can't explain it, but she is different. During her first week there at the cemetery she was all excited (and so was I). And she was even more excited when she shared with me the fact that there were only 3 Robillard burials in all of the Edson cemetery records. Which, by the way Mom, includes Westlawn cemetery! Of course after she told me this I was in the cemetery the very next time she was working to find those Robillards and thanks to her I did! Anyway, I think this is the first time April and I have ever shared an interest in anything, it's wonderful, maybe more so for me then her, but that's ok. I actually think she looks forward to going to the cemetery every Friday to work and that's a good thing, plus I think she's getting the bug.

So today while April and I were chatting she asked me if I had ever researched her paternal side. Unfortunately, I had to tell her no, I have not. I think she kind of expected that kind of answer though, her father and I have been separated since 1995, and although I respect him and his family, I don't talk about them and to tell the truth, I have never had the desire to do any research on them, until now. So not wanting to disappoint her and actually being happy over her interest, April and I did some research online together today. Her father Tom's surname is Kluck, so we started with that name and what her and I already knew.

April's Grandpa, John J. Kluck, passed away in the year 2000 at Lowell, MA. Not knowing the exact date of his death, nor his birth, we looked him up in the SSDI at rootsweb and this is what we found:

JOHN J KLUCK 30 Apr 1917 02 Oct 2000 (V) 01852 (Lowell, Middlesex, MA)(none specified) 034-01-0681 Massachusetts

I told April that this information tells us his birthday, 30 April 1917, and his date of death, 20 Oct 2000 and that the information was verified. It also tells us his last residence, Lowell, MA, his social security number and what state the number was issued in. I also explained to April that this information is good, Even though it's not alot, it's enough and it shows that we should be able to find her grandfather in the 1920 and 1930 census records!

Unfortunately, April and I didn't have enough time to continue on and research the census today because she had to go visit with her Grandma Kluck, Grandma Kluck is 83 years old, so I made sure I gave her a few research related questions she could ask her Grandma before she left... and I told her I would wait for her to continue and that we'd research some more the next time she came over.

Happy Mother's Day

My mother in 1960...

 Randy Seaver's SNGF:  

1) List your matrilineal line - your mother, her mother, etc. back to the first identifiable mother. Note: this line is how your mitochondrial DNA was passed to you!

2) Tell us if you have had your mitochondrial DNA tested, and if so, which Haplogroup you are in.

3) Post your responses on your own blog post, in Comments to this blog post, or in a Note or status line on Facebook.

My matrilineal line

1. Pauline Gail Maille (1944-1982)
m. Jerome Robillard

2. Rita G. Moran (1922-1987)
m. Paul E. Maille

3. Yvonne Ferron (1902-1983)
m. John Moran

4. Georgianna Rabouin (1856-1919)
m. Claude Benjman Ferron [Drouin]

5. Domithilde Guillmette (1832-1898)
m. Frederick Rabouin [Drouin]

6. Sophie Hubert (1807-1898)
m. Leandre Guillmette [Drouin]

7. Angelique Desrosiers (1774 -?)
m. Michel Hubert [Drouin]

8. Madeleine St-Louis dit Billy (1751-1830)
m. Joseph Desrosiers [PRDH]


I have not had my mtdna tested and I still have lots of work to do on this line. Happy Mother's Day everyone!

Surname Saturday: Maille

starting with my mother

1. Pauline Gail Maille b. 11 March 1944, Chelmsford, MA, m. Jerome Charles Robillard 13 Nov. 1965, Sacred Heart church, Lowell, MA, d. 5 Nov. 1982, Lowell, MA

2. Paul E. Maille b. 17 July 1917, unknown, m. Rita G. Moran 26 May 1940, St. Patrick's church, Lowell, MA, d. 16 May 1994, St. John's hospital, Lowell, MA

2. Cuthbert Mailleb. 5 Feb 1892, Lowell, MA, m. Rose E Therrien, 13 April 1914, St-Louis de France church, Lowell, MA, d. 17 Dec. 1946, St. Joseph's hospital, Lowell, MA

3. Joseph Alfred 'Adam' Maille b. 25 April 1862, St. Cuthbert, Berthier, Quebec, m. Marie Amanda Prud'Homme, 30 Jan 1881, Immaculate Conception church, Lowell, MA, d. 20 Feb. 1933, Dracut, MA

4. Eusebe Maille b. unknown, m. Angelique Chevrette, 3 March 1851, parish of St-Cuthbert, St Cuthbert, Berthier, Quebec, d. 17 July 1887 St. Cuthbert, Berthier, Quebec, buried on the 19 July 1887, cemetery of the parish of St-Cuthbert

5. Joseph Maillet b. unknown, m. Marie Genevieve Masse, 24 June 1816, parish of St-Cuthbert, Berthier, Quebec, d. unknown

6. Jean Baptiste Mailler b. unknown, m. Marie Blondeau, 26 February 1781, at the parish of St-Pierre-du-Portage, L'Assomption, Quebec, d. unknown

7. Alexandre Maillet/Maguet b. 29 August 1694, (St-Enfant-Jesus), Pointe-aux-Trembles, Ile de Montreal, Quebec (B.17) m. Marie Joseph Beauchamp, 5 November 1724, parish St-Francois-de-Sales, Ile-de-Jesus, Laval, Quebec, buried 17 April 1777, cemetery of the parish St-Francois-de-Sales, Ile-de-Jesus, Laval, Quebec, abt. age 83 yrs. (I can't figure out the day he died)

8. Pierre Maguet baptised. abt. 1663, Paris, France, m. Catherine Perthius, 7 January 1686, (St-Enfant-Jesus) Pointe-aux-Trembles, Ile de Montreal, Quebec, buried 7 June 1725, (St-Joseph) Rivieres-de-Prairies, Quebec.

Aerial View of Cimetière Saint-Joseph, Chelmsford, Massachusetts

Albert Riezebos sent me the link.. I am hoping it will load on my blog here.. If you zoom in you can see the separate sections of the cemetery perfectly.


View Larger Map

Yesterday when I was therelooking for a few stones I found a turtle making his way around. Cute huh. He was leaving the Via Crucis here. When I made my way back about 10 minutes later he was in the street, so I helped him along.

I also found a flat marker for a Joseph H. Lecuyer 1896 - 1947 and an Agnes Lecuyer 1898 - in the woods right where you enter the Via Crucis. The marker had about 4 feet of solid cement adhered to the bottom of it. I meant to go into the office and ask them if they were aware of it but I forgot.

I love this cemetery, I always feel a great sense of inner peace when I am there. I want to be buried by the lilacs..

DRACUT HISTORICAL SOCIETY - Presents the first New England Lecture about "Write Quick"

A BOOK THAT EXPLORES LIVES OF TWO UNION INFANTRYMEN

The Talk will include material about the Fox Family and Marsh Hill Farm in Dracut not covered in other presentations and not covered in the “Write Quick” book.

Two women with New England roots have completed a popular history; the story of two New England infantrymen. The book-which includes photos, company rosters, regimental activities, maps and family trees- will be published by Winoca Press of Wilmington, N.C., in early April.

The authors are Ann Fox Chandonnet of Vale, N.C., and Roberta Gibson Pevear of Exeter, New Hampshire. Chandonnet was born in Lowell, Mass., and grew up in nearby Dracut. Pevear grew up in Maine. The women's families have ties with New England that go back for centuries.

Eliza Bean Foster and Daughter The infantrymen are Henry Charles Foster and Andrew Jackson Bean. Foster was born in Vermont and later lived in Lowell, Mass. He enlisted with the 26th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry and died after being wounded at the battle of Third Winchester, Virginia. He was stationed for many months in New Orleans, and one of his letters is a dramatic play-by-play of the Battle of Sabine Pass.

Andrew Jackson Bean was born in Maine, where the national economic downturn made life difficult. He enlisted in the 5th Maine Volunteer Infantry, a regiment known for taking prisoners and battle flags. Bean survived the war, and became guardian of Foster's children, after Henry's wife Eliza (Andrew's sister) died of consumption - probably due to work in textile mills.

"Write Quick": War and a Woman's Life in Letters, 1835-1867 explores the extended kinship network of the Foster, Bean, Lynch, and Fox families, which included Gustavus Vasa Fox, Assistant Secretary to the Navy under Abraham Lincoln. Chandonnet is a fourth cousin of "Gus."

Chandonnet is a magna cum laude graduate of Lowell State College (now University of MA, Lowell), majoring in English and minoring in history. Her master's degree is from the University of Wisconsin (Madison). She lived and worked in Alaska for 34 years, where she was adjunct faculty for the University of Alaska Anchorage and worked as a newspaper reporter.

Co-author is Bobbi Pevear of Exeter, New Hampshire, who is descended from Eliza Bean Foster, the main "character" of the book. Bobbi and Ann are third cousins, once removed. Pevear, 79, grew up in Eliza's home town of Bethel, Maine. She served five terms in the New Hampshire House of Representatives and had a 35-year career in business administration and law. Bobbi's mother, Thirza Estelle Hickford Gibson (1893-1986) saved the documents on which the book is based.

Chandonnet is the award-winning author of many books including the Fodor travel guide, Alaska's Inside Passage, and the food history, Gold Rush Grub.

This is Pevear's first book.

Chandonnet and Pevear will tour New England in May. Their first appearance will be a lecture at the Dracut Historical Society at 1 p.m., Sunday, May 16. On Monday, May 17, at 7 p.m., both Pevear and Chandonnet will lecture at the Hampton Falls Historical Society.

In connection with a larger exhibit about Lincoln and Emancipation, Chandonnet will lecture at 7 p.m. on May 19 at the Pollard Memorial Library in Lowell. A lecture is also scheduled for Saturday, May 22, at the Bethel Historical Society. On the afternoon of May 23, Chandonnet will give a presentation about Andrew Bean and the Fifth Maine Infantry at the Fifth Maine Infantry Museum on Peaks Island near Portland.

Date: Sunday May 16, 2010
Time: 1 PM
Place: Harmony Hall, 1660 Lakeview Ave., Dracut, MA
(next to the Dracut Historical Society)

I have to chuckle...

Looking up a Drouin record to confirm the information I had found at BMS2000 for the marriage of  Moise Prud'Homme and Marie Adeline Philomene Desrosiers. I know they were married 8 June 1858 at St-Joseph de Lanoraie in Berthier county Quebec so I input most of that information into an ancestry search and this is how I found them indexed..

Name:      Moise Shunhouse
[Moise Prudhomme]
Spouse:     Adeline Kilominta Desrosiers
Event Year:     1858
Event:     Mariage (Marriage)
Religion:     Catholique
Place of Worship or Institution:     Lanoraie
Province:     Québec (Quebec)

Close enough I guess, roflmao.  Who the heck do they have indexing these things??

Tombstone Tuesday: Ferron/Simoneau, Cimetière Saint-Joseph, Chelmsford, Massachusetts

Sec. C., lot # unknown. I need to get a copy of the paper work for this plot. I took the top picture last Saturday and the bottom one the weekend before. Those are Gerbera daisies in the planters. My girls helped me plant them last weekend.

According to the headstone, buried here are Georgianna (Rabouin) Ferron and her husband Claude. Claude and his first wife, Celina Lamay's daughter, Celina Ferron. Claude and Georgianna's son, Joseph Edmond Ferron. Claude and Georgianna's grandson, a son of Yvonne Ferron and John Moran, John Moran. Alfred Simoneau, husband of Claude and Georgianna's daughter Victoria (Ferron) Simoneau, who is also buried here and Blanche Aldea (Ferron) Guilmette, wife of Alfred P. Guilmette, also a daughter of Claude and Georgianna. All of the obituaries for the people mentioned above, except for John Moran's, have been posted to my blog.

Sentimental Sunday: Garde Sacre Coeur Observes Anniversary With a Parade, Drill Contest and Banquet

Published in The Lowell Sun, Monday, June 11, 1934, pg. 12.

Garde Sacre Coeur, local semi-military organization connected with Notre Dame de Lourdes parish, celebrated the 25th anniversary of its founding yesterday with a solemn high mass in Notre Dame de Lourdes church, followed by a military contest in the afternoon at Washington park. The day's celebration ended with a banquet in C. M. A. C. hall last evening at which were present guests from all parts of New England.

Rev. Arthur St. Cyr, O. M. I., pastor of the parish, was the celebrant of the military high mass at 11 o'clock. He was assisted by Rev. D. Dalphee, O. M. I., as deacon and Rev. Eugene Labrie, O. M. I., as sub-deacon. The choir, under the direction of Alberic Ducharme and Miss Bella LaVigne as organist, sang Vito Carnevali's "Rosa Mystica" mass. The sanctuary was decorated with streamers of blue and white, with a shield suspended in the center with the letters G. S. C., and the numerals 25 in silver. American flags and the emblems of the various organizations present were placed on each side of the altar. At the elevation all the guards stood at attention and presented arms. Rev. Joseph Bolduc, O. M. I., extended the parish's congratulations and best wishes to the Garde Sacre Coeur and presented preacher Rev. Antoine Barrette, O. M. I., of St. Jean d'Arc church and a former chaplain of the guard. Rev. Fr. Barrettte chose at his subject, "Take Courage, Arm Yourself With Great Will Power in Order to Obey All the Laws." He charged that modern materialism, due by the lack of conscience in modern people had caused the crime wave and the financial disaster and that the lack of respect by young people for their elders and lack of love for the mother had culminated in an indifference towards law in general. He pointed out the such organizations as the guard had a strong influence on young people and filled a need now existing in many centers. He invited the members to continue their efforts in order to make better citizens.

The following guards were present at the mass; Garde Independente of New Bedford (women), Miss Valentine Labossiere, captain;  Garde d'Honneur of Brocton, Capt. Raymond Mandeville; Company A, Garde Franco Americaine of Worcester, Lieut Col. Renaud in command; Garde St. Joseph of Fitchburg, Capt. Lionel Mandler; the girls guard, Garde d'Honneur of Worcester, Capt. Marie Renault; Garde Rochambeau, Nashua, Maj. R. A. Bonnette; Garde Marquette, Nashua, Capt. C. H. Desmaris; Garde St. Louis, Lowell, Capt. George Menard, and Garde Sacre Coeur, Lowell, Capt. Brule. The following represented the French-American War Veterans association: Frank Fournier, Joseph Breton, Valmore Savard, Louis Renaud, Andre Laverriere, Alfred Hall. The auxiliary of the same organization was represented by Mrs. Exilda Breton, Mrs. Fabiola Fournier, Mrs. Yvonne Renaud. Police Officer Jeremiah Dooley handled the traffic before and after the mass.

At 2:30 o'clock in the afternoon, a large crowd witnessed a series of military drills in which the various guards contested for four beautiful cups offered by the Garde Sacre Coeur. Those taking part were Garde d'Honneur of Brockton, Garde St. Joseph, Fitchburg; Garde Rochambeau, Nashua, with Capt Armand Nepveu in command; Garde Marquette, Nashua; Garde d'Honneur, Worcester; Garde Independente, New Bedford, and Co. A, Garde Franco-Americaine, Worcester. Frank Rock of Worcester was the drummer. First prize for the best women's guard was won by Garde Independente, New Bedford with a percentage of 81.7. Second prize for the women guards went to Garde d'Honneur, Worcester, with a percentage of 73.3. First prize for the best using both the fancy and military movements went to Co. A., Garde Franco-Americaine, Worcester, with a percentage of 80.8, while first prize for strictly military drill was won by Garde St. Joseph of Fitchburg with a percentage of 76.2. Immediately after the competition of the contest and exhibition was put on by the Four Horsemen from the Garde Independente of Worcester. These men executed more than 172 movements with out a command. The judges for the drill were all officers from the 182 Infantry, Lowell, Capt. George Crowell, Medford; Lieut. John F. Fitzgerald, Lowell, and Lieut. Stanley W. Hirtle, Malden.

At the banquet in the C. M. A. C. hall, Lieut. Joseph Belanger was master of ceremonies. The speakers were Rev. Antoine Barrette, O. M. I., Dewey G. Archambault, Albert Bergeron, Louis Renaud and Eiphege Phaneuf. In his remarks, Mr. Archambault praised the semi-military guards in this country. The cultivate love for our country. European countries have compulsory military training to help develop this love, while the United States do not have this compulsory training and the only outlet that citizens have for this inborn urge for fighting is through the militia and various organizations, such as the guard. Military training, said Mr. Archambault, makes better citizens, teaching submission to discipline. President  Eiphege Pahneuf of the C. M. A> C. brought the best wishes of his organization and asked for greater unity between various Franco-American organizations. He urged the formation of the federation of clubs in order to assure this unity of purpose. The musical program under the direction of Armand Boisvert was as follows: Solos by Jeannette Guilbault, Arthur Malo, Roland Dozois; duets by Jeannette Guilbault and Arthur Malo; the Dalphond sisters; violin solor by Armand Boisvert. Miss Isabelle Boisvert accompanied Mr. Dozois at the piano while Mrs. Anita Patenaude played for Miss Guilbault and Mr. Malo. The banquet ended with the singing of "O Canada" and the "Star Spangled Banner." The committe in charge was 1st Lieut. Joseph Belanger, Joseph Lavalle, Omer Moreau, Armand Boisvert.

To find out more about Franco-American Gardes of Lowell and New England please visit Dennis Taylor's website, FRANCO-AMERICAN & OTHER GARDES OF NEW ENGLAND, NEW YORK & QUEBEC.

LHS- Lowell Historical Society: “New Discoveries in Lowell”

Date & Time: Saturday, May 15, 2010

The annual business meeting including election of officers and board members will begin at 2:00pm followed by the program at 2:30pm.

Program: The program “New Discoveries in Lowell” will be presented by Corey Scuito.

Description: The Lowell Sun recently called Corey Sciuto - “The unofficial Ambassador of Lowell.” Corey is a young, Lowell-based blogger and software engineer who has photographed and written about Lowell – the past and the present - over the last several years. Corey will discuss his interest and approaches to documenting Lowell’s historic places, influences on his work and how he uses the Web to showcase the city’s historical and cultural landscapes.

Location: The meeting and presentation will take place in the Community Room on the lower level of the Pollard Memorial Library. There is parking available on the street and in the library patrons’ parking lot. Refreshments will be served.

For more information contact the LHS Clerk at sweeney133@verizon.net or call the Society at 978-970-5180.

LHS- Lowell Historical Society