Travel 2017 | Day 4 | Finding Ol’ Blue Eyes

Hide in plain sight they say. That’s just what I have been doing. It was kind of entertaining to observe that old stubborn lady from Longueuil trying to catch me.

Well, well, well… Seems like she finally laid hands on that Description Book from the Glengarry Fencibles Regiment. Ain’t that funny! She was looking for it in the Canadian Archives, but it was here in England. Even worse, it’s available for everyone to review it on the UK’s National Archives Website.

Yes, my dear, you can look down on me, that’s right, I’m only 5 feet 5 inches, smaller than you! With my fair complexion, fair hair, and blue eyes, no one will start that Indian theory on me.

When you found out that I enlisted on February 27, 1816, as a labourer from Cornwall, and that I declared being 18, you couldn’t help thinking: “That’s where the 1798 birth year comes from! I cannot believe somebody actually saw this document and hasn’t told me about it.”

Well, when they asked me where I was born, I mentioned Montréal (yeah, yeah, just like you do, instead of telling Longueuil for your residence, it’s so convenient). Oh! The look on your face when you read the name of the parish I gave. I know they wrote Terribone, but what can I say, you’ve been there too, right?

Of course, you didn’t expect to get my parents’ names on that form. Nonetheless, I see some satisfaction in your smile, you are a little bit closer than you were before.

Catch me if you can, Diane!

Respectfully yours,

Lewis Bangle
Private, Glengarry Fencibles Regiment


Louis or Lewis Bangle died in Massena, NY, in 1832 1838. He married Angéliqe Duhaut dit Jasmin in Cornwall in 1816 1817. Until today, we had no proof of his birthplace and age. We can presume that he might be the son of John Bangle and Louise Couvillon.

8 thoughts on “Travel 2017 | Day 4 | Finding Ol’ Blue Eyes

  1. Oh Diane,
    You are too funny.
    Great find. Enjoy the rest of your time in England. You found what you went for and that’s the main thing.
    Judy

    • Thank you, Judy! The weather is great, a bit hot, so the National Archives’ conditionned air is welcome 🙂

  2. Bravo, Diane!

    I am sure you have mentioned it in a previous post, but why the interest in Bangle when you are a Tourville? Great great etc grandmother!?

    • Thank you, Denise 🙂

      I don’t have my computer with me, just my tablet. I cannot find where I mentioned it! I think it’s like 1st cousin 5 times removed with Marie Tourville. I will have to confirm 🙂

      I just love the search and I find this family quite fascinating! I will come back to the Tourvilles soon, I was too busy at work!

  3. Ultimately if anyone can find him, Diane, it will be you.

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