Category Archives: Challenge A to Z 2018

My 2018 French ChallengeAZ in 100 Words: F for Ferrisburgh

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The town of Ferrisburgh—sometimes spelled Ferrisburg—is located in the northwest corner of Addison County. It was founded on June 24, 1762. The 1850 census tells us that if a few French Canadians were iron smiths, shoemakers, farmers, or cabinet makers, most of them were labourers. Starting in 1834, the Catholics were served by priests from the churches of St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s of Burlington. In the mid-fifties, they had access to St. Peter’s of Vergennes and to Our Lady of Mount Carmel of East Charlotte—neighbouring town in Chittenden County. Others turned to other Christian denominations.

To Learn More About my Vermont Project, click here.

My 2018 French ChallengeAZ in 100 Words: E for Exact

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When looking for French Canadians in US censuses, the last thing you should expect is to find them under the exact original surname spelling. If a couple had several children in Québec before leaving for Vermont, you might proceed by using the wildcard feature or one of the children’s first name. Picking more uncommon names, such as Calixte or Olivier, instead of Joseph or Marie—and, of course, their alternative spelling—might indeed help you track down the family and discover where they had settled in the States. Checking out the parish repertoires might also prove timely during your quest.

To Learn More About my Vermont Project, click here.

My 2018 French ChallengeAZ in 100 Words: D for Douglass

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French Canadians’ surname variations could either give you a headache or a thrill. At first sight, “Douglass” may sound like just another English surname. Never assume anything! A man called Casimir Douglass was indeed originally known as Casimir Daudelin. I was also forever trying to connect one John Douglass to this Casimir. It turns out John’s surname is Guedesse in Québec—a surname I applied myself so hard to track in censuses. No wonder I could not find the guy. The Vermont church repertoires are such a treasure, thanks to the relentless work of the Vermont French-Canadian Genealogical Society!

To Learn More About my Vermont Project, click here.

My 2018 French ChallengeAZ in 100 Words: C for Chartier

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While working on a project like mine, discoveries come from all kinds of sources. I first “met” Peter/Pierre Chartier—born in Saint-Antoine-sur-Richelieu in 1756—in a Revolutionary War Pension File application made by his wife, Polly Robinson. Peter marries Polly—Marie-Françoise Robinet—in New York State shortly after the war. He dies in Vergennes in 1820. Besides, their respective identity was corroborated owing to two of their children baptized in 1787 (parish of Chambly). Clearly, I had found in this family probably the oldest French Canadians living in Vergennes in the early 1800s.

To Learn More About my Vermont Project, click here.

My 2018 French ChallengeAZ in 100 Words: B for Bixby

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The Bixby Memorial Free Library is located on Main Street, in Vergennes. It has a large collection of historical newspapers, and genealogy items. Moreover, the Vermont Collection has everything a history buff needs to read about the city, area, and the State of Vermont.

It was named after William Gove Bixby, born in 1829 in Vergennes where he spent most of his lifetime and died in 1907. To everyone’s surprise, Bixby—he had told no one of his wishes—had bequeathed funds for the establishment of a public library in his hometown. The first cornerstone was laid in September 1911.

To Learn More About my Vermont Project, click here.

My 2018 French ChallengeAZ in 100 Words: A for Addison

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Located in the western Central Vermont Region, Addison County is bordered to the west by majestic Lake Champlain. The primary stream of the county, Otto Creek, represents a significant source of water power. If numerous French Canadians settled in Addison County starting around 1840, others came much earlier, seeking work opportunities offered by the Monkton Iron Company, established in the little city of Vergennes at the outset of the 19th century, and several farms in Ferrisburgh and surrounding areas. Surnames of some of the French Canadian pioneers included the following: Yattaw (Guertin), Labonté, Little (Petit), and Rock (Desrochers dit Frenière).

To Learn More About my Vermont Project, click here.

Genealogy? Still on my Mind… And the 2018 French ChallengeAZ Too

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You may have noticed that I was off the genealogy radar for a while now. Please do not assume that my interest in my favourite hobby has faded, quite the contrary!

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