CHAPTER 5: MONTREAL TO QUEBEC AND POINTS BEYOND
Many of the headstones in the coming chaptes have not been identified as a direct family link. However, most likely all are distant relatives. This headstone is in memory of Vitaline Blaise (1899-1961) spouse of Theophile Roy (1873-1941) and Marguerite Roy spouse of Samuel Kearney (1906 - 1981). Photo taken in an unidentified Montreal Cemetery. Photo courtesy of Pauletta Brin Niernberger.
La Prairie
At the beginning of my journey these sights of modern living were a disappointment and a reality check that time does not stand still. Gone are the quaint villages of centuries ago in my romantic imagination. Instead, manicured parks in towns close to metropolitan cities such as Montreal and Quebec City, as well as well-kept rural homes and yards showing pride of ownership.
Profitable farming operations nearly each with one silo in the countryside, In many cases numerous silos and bins that appear to be commercial operations. The area appears lush and crops abundant. I wonder why our ancestors left this area for the United States during the Homestead Act of 1862 and then remembered there were a series of droughts, and killing winters, that drove farmers to head south to Illinois and west to Kansas. But before that an eariler history is to be told.
Profitable farming operations nearly each with one silo in the countryside, In many cases numerous silos and bins that appear to be commercial operations. The area appears lush and crops abundant. I wonder why our ancestors left this area for the United States during the Homestead Act of 1862 and then remembered there were a series of droughts, and killing winters, that drove farmers to head south to Illinois and west to Kansas. But before that an eariler history is to be told.
St.-Jean-sur-Richelieu
We drive to St. Jean sur Richelieu not knowing what to find. Our AAA Canadian-approved map did not list the small villages I was seeking. I learn that in 2000 the surrounding villages of Saint-Luc, St-Athanase, Iberville, and Acadie merged into the city of St-Jean-sur-Richelieu.There are many cemeteries tucked away in the area: St-Alexandre, Mont-Saint-Gregoire, St-Athanase, St-Sebastien, Marieville, Ste-Angele-de-Monnoir, Ste-Brigide. St-Jean-sur-Richelieu. We were lucky to have stumbled upon a few without the aid of a detailed map.
A few miles further down the road is the cemetery of Mont St. Gregoire. I did not see family names,however there were many Benoit and Normandin markers. This village was named for Gregory the Great, pope from 590 to 604. Saint André Bessette was born in Mont-Saint-Grégoire. This is a municipality located in the Regional County Municipality (RCM) of Le Haut-Richelieu. The population is around 3,000.
I give up the idea of continuing southeast toward Magog on to the Benedictine Monastery on the lake. By now it's already nearly noon. Our time is limited. We head north. I see a photo opportunity. Actually there is a photo op around every curve in the road. The trees are gorgeous even though many are past the peak. This area is noted for the maple trees.
The towns of St.-Jean-Baptiste and St. Hyacinthe
St. Theodore D'Acton
My great grand-father, Jean Baptist Morin (1822-1883) was born at St. Theodore D'Acton. Married Olive Morin Morin (b. 1828-1906 with church dispensation.
Stanislas Morin (my grandfather) was born 1862 at St. Theodore D'Acton. In 1880. at age 18, he immigrated to Kankakee, Illinois, then to Kansas following the enactment of the Homestead Act. Died 1929 Damar, Kansas. Married Rosanna Hebert at Damar, Kansas. She preceded him in death during childbirth in 1917 - unfortunately a much too common occurrence during those times. Typically the widower would remarry shortly after however, my grandfather Morin did not.
My great grand-father, Jean Baptist Morin (1822-1883) was born at St. Theodore D'Acton. Married Olive Morin Morin (b. 1828-1906 with church dispensation.
Stanislas Morin (my grandfather) was born 1862 at St. Theodore D'Acton. In 1880. at age 18, he immigrated to Kankakee, Illinois, then to Kansas following the enactment of the Homestead Act. Died 1929 Damar, Kansas. Married Rosanna Hebert at Damar, Kansas. She preceded him in death during childbirth in 1917 - unfortunately a much too common occurrence during those times. Typically the widower would remarry shortly after however, my grandfather Morin did not.
HEADSTONES FOUND AT ST. THEODORE D'ACTON
A county road #116 takes us on a wild goose chase. We dead end heading toward St. Theodore/Acton Vale with construction. Taking a U-turn we approach from another angle. The terrain is beginning a pattern that feels like Kansas. The area around Rooks County to be precise. My immigrant ancestors moved to an area that felt similar and comfortable to them. Flat land. Wide open spaces. Farm land. Silos. It was uncannily similar. This is where my paternal grandfather, Philisime (P.H. Roy) was born. He immigrated from here to Rooks County, Kansas.
Heading toward the city of Drummondville the terrain remains the same.
Continuing northeast toward Quebec two beautiful bridges spanning the St. Lawrence River greet us upon entering the city.
Heading toward the city of Drummondville the terrain remains the same.
Continuing northeast toward Quebec two beautiful bridges spanning the St. Lawrence River greet us upon entering the city.
Quebec City