Good day everyone,
I know it has been a long while since I have written anything for this blog, but I hoping that will change this year. I see some great finds and wonderful stories on the horizon. I hope that my family and friends find some value in this blog and I hope that you learn a little something about our family and the lives of our ancestors. Remember, we are a product of those that came before us.
Current status of the family tree:
- 1029 individuals in the family tree
- 370 unique marriages
- 196 unique sources
All I can say is that I have been rather busy of the last fifteen months! I have been rather fortunate in my research for three reasons. The first, many of our ancestors are French Canadian and Acadian and the Catholic and Jesuit priests keep very detailed records of Baptismals, marriages, and burials. Their extensive record keeping has allowed for me to more quickly find our ancestors. Second, these same church records are made available online through the Church of Latter Saint's FamilySearch genealogical website. Lastly, I have been in contact with several instrumental French Canadian and Acadian genealogical researchers that have help me immensely when I get stuck.
Many of the French Canadian lines have been successfully traced back to their points of origin in France. Some of which date back to the early 17th century. I plan to periodically search the available online French archives for these ancestors in an attempt to add a few more generations to the family tree. The earliest ancestors I have been able to locate is Gatien Chuisnard (Chouinard) and his wife Cathrine Venier, both of whom were born about 1585 in France. Their grandson, Jacques Chouinard, was the first Chouinard to arrive in Canada before 1692. This evidence was found in a book titled : "Famille Chouinard". Gatien Chuisnard is my 10th Great Grandfather.
The Mageau family line is rather interesting. Louis Majot dit MaisonSeule was part of the Carignan Regiment when he arrived in Nouvelle France in 1665. Louis is the Mageau's first North American ancestor. The Mageau name has had many variations since 1665. I have noted the following variations: Majot, Maio, Majault, Majeau, Mageau. The variation that is seen most often is Majeau. To those family members that think Viola Lague was the originator of the change from Majeau to Mageau, I think you are wrong. I have documentary evidence in both Canada and Massachusetts of both spellings. At this time I have not been able to isolate when exactly the change occured.
So what will the future hold for the family tree? I will continue my research to try and fill in many of the holes that exist. More importantly, I am considering writing some articles for publication that pertain to our ancestors and lives' in colonial Canada. Should I get something published, I will be sure to let everyone know.
I am searching for documents (copies) or more importantly photographs of any of ancestors that someone might be willing to share. If you have something to share, please email me at modoc31(at)gmail.com
Until next time,
Keith
