Research throughout the month of January has focused primarily on the Lemay family line and that work will continue for another week or two. At which time I should be finished and will move over to either the Camerlin or Mageau lines. For the time being my research will focus on our French-Canadian and Acadian ancestors for no other reason than I have help from Elaine and records are readily available.
Interesting facts that I have found regarding our Lemay ancestors:
- Lemay can and has been spelled many ways throughout history - Lemee, Lemai, Lemai dit Poudrier, Lemay dit Poudrier, and Lemay.
- The "dit Poudrier" was an add-on name to distinguish some of our early ancestors as "powder makers" the dit name was keep for many generations afterward.
- The earliest Lemay in Canada was Michel Lemay. He originated from France at the age of 27. The following is Michel Lemay's Baptismal record.
- In 1829, the Soly (Solie) family married into the Lemay family. Following the Soly line back to 1744 we find Laurent Soly. He was possibly of Spanish decent, but he found himself in Acadia (modern day Nova Scotia) as a soldier in Swiss Karrer Regiment. In December 1744 he and two other men lead a bloodless mutiny at Ft. Louisbourg to demand better treatment and rations from the french for whom they were employed by.
- The family tree thus far goes 14 generations back from my son, all the way back to Michel Lemay's parents in France.
- Every few generations there twins born in the Lemay line.
Well, that is my update for now. If you wish to receive a copy of your portion of the family tree, please email me at modoc31@gmail.com.
Warmest regards,
Keith Mageau
