Steve’s Genealogy Blog

On 21 Nov 1687, Julien Fortin-Bellefontaine, son of Julien Fortin-Bellefontaine and Geneviève Gamache, died. On 22 Nov 1687, he was buried in the cemetery of the parish of St. Joachim, co. de Montmorency, Canada, New France.

The Death and Burial Record of Julien Fortin-Bellefontaine - 1687

SOURCE: Gabriel Drouin, comp. Drouin Collection. Montréal, Québec, Canada : Institut Généalogique Drouin. St. Joachim, Canada, New France, 1687. Death and Burial Record of Julien Fortin verso folio 1 and recto folio 2.

Click on the image above to enlarge it. Click on the link for a PDF copy of the Death and Burial Record of Julien Fortin-Bellefontaine. The record reads:

Burial of Julien Fortin

On the twenty-second of November in the year one thousand six hundred eighty-seven, Julien Fortin dit Bellefontaine was buried by me, Louis Soumand, performing the function of pastor, in the cemetery of the parish of St. Joachim, who died in Communion of Our Holy Mother Church on the twenty-first of the same month and year, after having received the Sacraments of Penance, the Eucharist, and [Extreme Unction]. Witnesses present at the funeral were [Antoine Baillon], Alexis Granelle and Jean Granelle who have declared that they do not know how to sign as required by law. Signed L[ouis] Soumande, P[riest]

This record can be found as image 4/6 in the Quebec Vital and Church Records (Drouin Collection), 1621-1967 on Ancestry.com in the records for St-Joachim (1687-1689). The record appears on verso folio 1 and recto folio 2 (the back of folio 1 and the front of folio 2).

Part of the record from the top of folio 2 has been destroyed. I was, nonetheless, able to reconstruct the missing section by comparison to other burial records on the same pages and by carefully noting the remnants of words in the damaged section.

Copyright © 2008 by Stephen J. Danko

On 03 Jan 1756, Pierre Fortin, husband of Marie Gertrude Hudon-Beaulieu, died. On 04 Jan 1756, he was buried in the cemetery of the parish of Notre Dame de Bonsecours de L’Islet sur Mer, L’Islet sur Mer, Canada, New France.

The Death and Burial Record of Pierre Fortin - 1756

SOURCE: Gabriel Drouin, comp. Drouin Collection. Montréal, Québec, Canada : Institut Généalogique Drouin. Notre Dame de Bonsecours de L’Islet sur Mer, L’Islet sur Mer, Canada, New France, 1756. Death and Burial Record of Pierre Fortin verso folio 20 (144).

Click on the image above to enlarge it. Click on the link for a PDF copy of the Death and Burial Record of Pierre Fortin. The record reads:

Burial of Pierre Fortin

     In the year one thousand seven hundred fifty-six, on the fourth of January by Us, priest, was buried the body of Pierre Fortin, age about sixty years, [who] died on the preceding day, armed with the Sacraments of the Church. Assisting with this burial [were] Louis Caron, Jean Baptiste Belangé, and several other parishioners who did not know how to sign.  [signed] Dolbec, priest

This record can be found as image 151/312 in the Quebec Vital and Church Records (Drouin Collection), 1621-1967 on Ancestry.com in the records for L’Islet-sur-Mer (1679-1779). The record appears on verso folio 20 (144). The folios bear two numbers; the lower number is the folio number for a limited number of years, while the higher number is the folio number for a larger collection of years.

The age stated in this record is not consistent with Pierre Fortin’s birth in 1756. However, based on his presence at his son Louis’ wedding, Pierre is known to have been living in L’Islet sur Mer in 1742. Although the information in this record does not provide conclusive evidence that the Pierre Fortin named in this record is the Pierre Fortin born in L’Islet sur Mer in 1756, this record is the most likely match.

Copyright © 2008 by Stephen J. Danko

On 21 Mar 1703, Marie Geneviève Fortin, wife of Noël Gagnon, died. On 22 Mar 1703, she was buried in the cemetery of the parish of La Visitation de Notre Dame du Château Richer, Château Richer, Canada, New France.

The Death and Burial Record of Marie Geneviève Fortin - 1703

SOURCE: Gabriel Drouin, comp. Drouin Collection. Montréal, Québec, Canada : Institut Généalogique Drouin. La Visitation de Notre Dame du Château Richer, Château Richer, Canada, New France, 1703. Death and Burial Record of Marie Geneviève Fortin verso folio 8 (205).

Click on the image above to enlarge it. Click on the link for a PDF copy of the Death and Burial Record of Marie Geneviève Fortin. The record reads:

20.S. Geneviève Fortin

In the year one thousand seven hundred three, on the twenty-first day of March, Geneviève Fortin, wife of Noël Gagnon, age forty three, after having received the Sacraments of Penance, the Eucharist, and Extreme Unction: and was buried the next day in the cemetery of this Church by me, the undersigned parish priest of this parish in the presence of Mister Gagnon, Dufournel, priest, and Mister Jacques LeBlond sub-deacon, who have signed. [signed] [Gaspard] Dufournel, pr[iest], Jacques LeBlond, [G] Gaultier, pr[iest]

This record can be found as image 63/116 in the Quebec Vital and Church Records (Drouin Collection), 1621-1967 on Ancestry.com in the records for Château Richer (1691-1719). The record appears on verso folio 8 (205). The folios bear two numbers, the lower number is the folio number for a limited number of years, while the higher number is the folio number for a larger collection of years.

The number and letter that precede the name indicate that the event was a burial, and that burial was the 20th in Château Richer for the year 1703.

Copyright © 2008 by Stephen J. Danko

On 28 Feb 1730, Jacques Fortin, husband of Marie Catherine Biville-Picard, was buried in the cemetery of the parish of St. Pierre et St. Paul de Baie St. Paul, Baie St. Paul, Canada, New France.

The Death and Burial Record of Jacques Fortin - 1730

SOURCE: Gabriel Drouin, comp. Drouin Collection. Montréal, Québec, Canada : Institut Généalogique Drouin. St. Pierre et St. Paul de Baie St. Paul, Baie St. Paul, Canada, New France, 1736. Death and Burial Record of Jacques Fortin page 18.

Click on the image above to enlarge it. Click on the link for a PDF copy of the Death and Burial Record of Jacques Fortin. The record reads:

On this day, the 28th of February in the year 1730 I, the undersigned missionary of Baie St. Paul certify that I have buried in the Cemetery of Notre Dame de Bonsecours the body of Jacques Fortin, age about 70, residing in Petite Riviere, and we have administered him the sacrament and the ceremonies of the Church in the presence of the entire parish. In witness thereof, we have signed.
                             [signed] P[ère] Pierre Bapt[iste] Resche
                                            Priest, Récollet, Missionary

This record can be found as image 2/3 in the Quebec Vital and Church Records (Drouin Collection), 1621-1967 on Ancestry.com in the records for Baie-St-Paul (St-Pierre et St-Paul). The record appears on page 18.

The date of death is not provided in this record.

There were three phrases in this record that I could not read and understand. Fortunately, these phrases did not include critical information.

UPDATE: Once again, I have to thank Gilles Cayouette, The Nomadic Researcher for his help with the parts of this document I could not read. The first phase is …Petite Rivière et luy avons [fait ….] administré…, translated as …Petite Rivière and we have him [done…] administered… . The second phase is …paroisse. En foy de quoy nous…, translated as …parish. In withness thereof we… . Thanks, Gilles!

Copyright © 2008 by Stephen J. Danko

On 22 Jun 1735, Charles Fortin, husband of Marie Sainte Cloutier, died. On 23 Jun 1735, he was buried in the cemetery of the parish of Notre Dame de Bonsecours de L’Islet sur Mer, L’Islet sur Mer, Canada, New France.

The Death and Burial Record of Charles Fortin - 1735

SOURCE: Gabriel Drouin, comp. Drouin Collection. Montréal, Québec, Canada : Institut Généalogique Drouin. Notre Dame de Bonsecours de L’Islet sur Mer, L’Islet, Canada, New France, 1736. Death and Burial Record of Charles Fortin verso folio 11 (78).

Click on the image above to enlarge it. Click on the link for a PDF copy of the Death and Burial Record of Charles Fortin. The record reads:

Bur[ial] of Charles Fortin

In the year one thousand seven hundred thirty five on the twenty-second third day of the month of June was buried in the cemetery of this parish by Us, the undersigned Missionary, the body of Charles Fortin – Lieutenant of the Militia of this state, age eighty two years. He received all the Sacraments. He died on the twenty-second. The entire parish as well as all the family assisted with the burial. They did not sign as required by law.

                             [signed] Father Simon Foucault, Mis[sionary] P[riest]

This record can be found as image 78/312 in the Quebec Vital and Church Records (Drouin Collection), 1621-1967 on Ancestry.com in the records for L’Islet-sur-Mer, 1679-1779. The record appears on verso folio 11 (78) (the back of folio 11 in the book for the years 1733-1736, and the back of folio 78 for the collection of books for the years 1679-1779).

Copyright © 2008 by Stephen J. Danko

On 21 Jan 1736, Eustache Fortin, husband of Louise Cloutier, died. On 23 Jan 1736, he was buried in the cemetery of the parish of St. Ignace du Cap St. Ignace, Cap St. Ignace, Canada, New France.

The Death and Burial Record of Eustache Fortin - 1736

SOURCE: Gabriel Drouin, comp. Drouin Collection. Montréal, Québec, Canada : Institut Généalogique Drouin. St. Ignace du Cap St. Ignace, Cap St. Ignace, Canada, New France, 1736. Death and Burial Record of Eustache Fortin, recto folio 14.

Click on the image above to enlarge it. Click on the link for a PDF copy of the Death and Burial Record of Eustache Fortin. The record reads:

Bur[ial] of Eustache Fortin

In the year one thousand seven hundred thirty six on the twenty-
third day of the month of January, by Us the undersigned Missionary, Eustache Fortin age eighty years was buried in the cemetery of this parish. He died on the twenty-first day of the same month and year after having received all the Sacraments in an edifying manner. Assisting with the burial were Louise Cloutier his wife, François, Pierre, Jean, Philipe and Louis Fortin his children, and it seemed the entire parish. These persons did not sign as required by law.

                             [signed] Father Simon Foucault, Mis[sionary] P[riest]

This record can be found as image 118/948 in the Quebec Vital and Church Records (Drouin Collection), 1621-1967 on Ancestry.com in the records for Cap-St-Ignace, 1679-1808. The record appears on recto folio 14 (the front of folio 14).

Copyright © 2008 by Stephen J. Danko

On 26 Aug 1737, Barbe Fortin, wife of Pierre Lessard, died. On 27 Aug 1737, she was buried in the cemetery of the parish of Notre Dame de Bonsecours de l’Islet, L’Islet sur Mer, Canada, New France.

The Death and Burial Record of Barbe Fortin - 1737

SOURCE: Gabriel Drouin, comp. Drouin Collection. Montréal, Québec, Canada : Institut Généalogique Drouin. Notre Dame de Bonsecours de l’Islet, L’Islet sur Mer, Canada, New France, 1737. Death and Burial Record of Barbe Fortin, verso folio 81.

Click on the image above to enlarge it. Click on the link for a PDF copy of the Death and Burial Record of Barbe Fortin. The record reads:

Bur[ial] of Barbe Fortin, wife of Pierre Lesard

In the year one thousand seven hundred thirty seven on the twenty-seventh day of the month of August, Barbe Fortin, was buried in the cemetery of this parish, age eighty eight years. She died on the previous day after having received all the Sacraments. [She was] the wife of the deceased Pierre Lesard. Assisting with the burial were her son Alexandre Gagnon, her son-in-law Louis Gagnier, Igance and Joseph Caron, and it seemed the entire parish. These persons did not sign as required by law.

                             [signed] Father Simon Foucault, Mis[sionary] P[riest]

This record can be found as image 88/312 in the Quebec Vital and Church Records (Drouin Collection), 1621-1967 on Ancestry.com in the records for L’Islet-sur-Mer, 1679-1779. The record appears on verso folio 81 (the back of folio 81).

Copyright © 2008 by Stephen J. Danko

On 17 May 1877, Hannah Elizabeth Shults Olds, wife of Willard Olds, died. She was buried on 19 May 1877 in the Methodist Church of Canada, Philipsburg, Province of Québec, Dominion of Canada.

The Death and Burial Record of Hannah Elizabeth Shults Olds - 1877

SOURCE: Gabriel Drouin, comp. Drouin Collection. Montréal, Québec, Canada: Institut Généalogique Drouin. Methodist Church of Canada, Philipsburg, Missisquoi County, Province of Québec, Dominion of Canada, 1877. Death and Burial Record of Hannah Elizabeth Shults, recto folio 8.

Click on the image above to enlarge it. Click on the link for a PDF copy of the Death and Burial Record of Hannah Elizabeth Shults Olds. The record reads:

                           folio eight

Burial:- E. Olds

Eliza Olds, wife of Willard Olds of Philipsburg
St. Armand West and county of Missisquoi, died
on the seventeenth day of May Eighteen hundred
and Seventy-seven in the seventy-fourth year
of her age and was buried on the Nineteenth
day of the aforesaid month and year by me

                                [signed] J.E.Richardson
                                                     M. M.

Witnesses:  [signed] Willard Olds
                     [signed] Geo. W. Olds

This record can be found as image 8/20 in the Quebec Vital and Church Records (Drouin Collection), 1621-1967 on Ancestry.com in the records for Philipsburg (Methodist Church) 1877. The record appears on recto folio 8 (the front of folio 8.

The initials “M. M.” under J.E.Richardson’s signature stand for “Methodist Minister”. 

Copyright © 2008 by Stephen J. Danko

On 26 Feb 1921, Loretta Fidelia Olds, wife of the late William Symms, died. She was buried in the Philipsburg Protestant Cemetery on 28 Feb 1921.

The Death and Burial Record of Loretta Fidelia Olds - 1921

SOURCE: Gabriel Drouin, comp. Drouin Collection. Montréal, Québec, Canada:
Institut Généalogique Drouin. Church of England, Parish of St. Armand West, Philipsburg, Missisquoi County, Province of Québec, Dominion of Canada, 1921. Death and Burial Record of Loretta Fidelia Olds, recto folio 2.

Click on the image above to enlarge it. Click on the link for a PDF copy of the Death and Burial Record of Loretta Fidelia Olds - 1921. The record reads:

                           Folio two

Olds Delia, Widow of the late William Symms
Buried Feb. 28th 1921

Delia Olds, widow of the late
William Symms, aged eighty years,
of the Village of Philipsburg of the
Parish of St. Armand West of the
County of Missisquoi of the Province
of Québec died on the twenty-
sixth day of February in the
year of our Lord Nineteen
Hundred and Twenty-one
and was buried in the Philipsburg
Cemetery on the twenty-eighth
day of the month and year
aforesaid.
                      by me,
       [signed] Wm Jms Palmer Baugh,
                      Rector
In the presence of the
  Subscribing Witnesses:
  [signed] C Fred Farnsworth
  [signed] L L Markell

This record can be found as image 2/17 in the Quebec Vital and Church Records (Drouin Collection), 1621-1967 on Ancestry.com in the records for Philipsburg (Anglican Church) 1921. The record appears on recto folio 2 (the front of folio 2.

Copyright © 2008 by Stephen J. Danko

On 06 Dec 1878, William Edward Gibson, son of Willard Olds Gibson and Hannah Eliza Blanchard, died. On 07 Dec 1878, he was buried by the Methodist Church of Canada, Philipsburg, Missisquoi County, Province of Québec, Dominion of Canada.

The Death and Burial Record of William Edward Gibson - 1878

SOURCE: Gabriel Drouin, comp. Drouin Collection. Montréal, Québec, Canada: Institut Généalogique Drouin. Methodist Church of Canada, Philipsburg, Missisquoi County, Province of Québec, Dominion of Canada, 1878. Death and Burial Record of William Edward Gibson, verso folio 17.

Click on the image above to enlarge it. Click on the link for a PDF copy of the Death and Burial Record of William Edward Gibson. The record reads:

Burial:- W.E. Gibson

William Edward son of Willard Gibson
laborer of St Armand West died on the
sixth day of December Eighteen hundred
and Seventy-eight being Twenty-one months
old and was buried on the seventh day
of the Aforesaid month and year
                                              by me
                          [signed] J.E.Richardson
                                             M. M.
Witnesses:- [signed] Willard Gibson
                      [signed] Peter Richardson

This record can be found as image 18/21 in the Quebec Vital and Church Records (Drouin Collection), 1621-1967 on Ancestry.com in the records for Philipsburg (Methodist Church) 1878. The record appears on verso folio 17 (the back of folio 17).

I have not been able to find a birth/baptismal record for William Edward Gibson (he may not have been baptized). Given that he was “Twenty-one months old”, he would have been born in about Mar 1877.

This child died just 11 months after the death of John Frank Gibson, the three-year-old child of Clark Gibson and Maryette Olds.

Copyright © 2008 by Stephen J. Danko