Who will tell their stories?

Elzear Brisson

2012-01-16T14:19:00.000-07:00

My Great-Grandfather, Elzear Brisson was born on 25 Aug 1853 in Rimouski, Quebec, Canada to Ludger Brisson and Henriette Fiola/Vignola. He was the 2nd child of seven children all born in Rimouski. On the same day of his birth, he was baptized as is shown in his baptismal record below in the parish of Ste. Cecile.

The 1861 Canadian Census has the whole family living in St. Germain Parish, Macpes, Rimouski, Canada. Their father is listed as a 'cultivator' which is a farmer. While this section of the census is only of his immediate family, at the top of the census page on line 6 are his grand parents and additional family members from both sides of their family. Elzear is on line 40 and is 8 years old.

The family stays in Rimouski according to the 1871 and 1881 census but by the 1891 census he is living with his wife, Florentine Soucy and two children, Joseph and Omer in Hull, Ottawa, Quebec. According to his naturalization petition papers, he immigrated to the United States on 14 Sep 1893.

The family settled in Providence, Rhode Island where Elzear is listed as a railway worker. The family stayed in this area for many years and Elzear continued to work on the railway until his death on 21 Feb 1924. By this time all his children were married or on their own. Together, Elzear and Florentine had 9 children and many grandchildren who in turn have married and spread out throughout the United States. Of those 9 children, 5 died was still very young.

His death certifcate states he died on 21 February 1924 and is buried in St. Ann's Cemetery in Cranston, Rhode Island. According to the cemetery records he and his wife are buried in Section 6, grave marker # 676 as shown below.

As I ponder the above marker it helps me to understand more clearly how difficult times were then. His dear wife, Florentine, had purchased the plot and she herself would be buried there in 1937, just 13 years later.

Being an immigrant family with many children often made it impossible to afford more than a marker. Each of their own children had large families too, and so this is the way it was at this time in Providence, Rhode Island.

Elzear Brisson: 1853-1924

Marie Florentine Soucy Brisson

2011-12-03T16:47:00.001-07:00

Marie Florentine Soucy was born 23 Jul 1855 in Rimouski, Quebec, Canada to Pierre (Prudent) Soucy and Mides-Neiges Thibault. She was the 2nd of eight children. Here is a copy of her baptismal record.

We find this family in the 1861, 1871, 1881 Canadian census living in various location in Rimouski, Quebec, Canada. Pierre, her father was a farmer.

Maire Florentine Soucy married Elzear Brisson on 4 Feb 1879 at St. Blanchard's Church, Rimouski, Quebec, Canada. Together with three children they immigrated to the United States in 1893 and settled in Providence, Rhode Island. This family is located living at 44 Howard Street, Providence, RI. This census states she has had 9 children but only 4 are living. It is difficult to imagine how it would have been to leave their country knowing that these 5 children were buried and their family moved on for perhaps a better life in a new country.

Ancestry's "Quebec Vital & Church Records 'Drouin Collection', 1621-1967" allowed me to locate the missing 5 children who lived very short lives:

1) Elzear Brisson: 3 Feb 1882 to 13 Feb 1882

2) Marie Delphine Brisson: 30 May 1883 to 12 Dec 1886

3) Pierre Irenee Brisson: 28 Nov 1884 to 4 Dec 1886

4) Marie Exilda Brisson: 10 Jan 1887 to 19 Nov 1887

5) Joseph Theodore Pamela Brisson: 7 Apr 1889 to 12 Sep 1889

Their next child was my grandfather, Omer Joseph Brisson born 14 Jan 1891. The family moved to the US after this birth as their daughter Marie Victoria Leontine Rose Brisson was born in Providence, RI on 3 Apr 1893. It must have been difficult to leave family and loved ones behind and yet they were able to relocate, settle down and the remainder of their family stayed in the RI area for many years. Some of their descendants moved out of the area but most stayed in New England.

The 1900 Census finds her husband, Elzear working for the Railway and unable to speak, read or write English as was the usual situation during this time period. Florence was also unable to speak, read or write English, however all of their children had learned English within the 7 years they had been in the US.

The 1910, 1920 Census shows the family living on Huntington Ave. where they stayed for many years. Elzear contined to work for the railways and died in 1924, Florentine lived till 1937 and was living with her daughter Evelina's family still in Providence. They had 8 children and she was probably able to help out with their care. She is buried at St. Ann's Cemetery in Cranston, RI.

She leaves a great legacy of endurance through difficult times to the many descendants she has today along with courage to be able to settle in a new country, learn a new language and instill in her family all the good qualities needed to be a productive member of society.

Marie Florentine Soucy Brisson: 1855-1937

Eliza Audette Marotte

2011-09-27T23:56:00.000-06:00

Eliza Audette was born in Rouville, Quebec, Canada on 16 April 1856 to Magloire Audette and Marceline Mace. Her baptism record lists her name as "Azilda Arsarine Audet", however, in each record where her name is listed, it is always mispelled somewhere! According to her granddaughter, Ozina Cora Marotte, she was always mentioned as "Grandma Eliza" in conversations with her grandfather Theodore Marotte as Eliza passed away before Ozina was born, in fact, her grandfather passed away when she was still young child herself.

We first find Eliza listed with her parents and brother Joseph in the 1861 Canadian Census where they are living in Rouville, Quebec.

She was the first of nine children. Her father, Magloire, was listed as a saddler on her baptismal record. A saddler was an individual who worked with leather.

Their whole family immigrated to the United States sometime around 1866. While we located her family in the 1870 US Census she is not living with them and we don't locate her until the 1880 US Census where she is married to Theodore Marotte with their first child Albina. They were married on 9 Sep 1877 at Notre Dame Church, Central Falls, Rhode Island.

Together they had six children, Albena, Cora Anne, Alphonse, Alma, Alfred and Henry. Unfortunately, Henry died 15 days after his birth on 28 Feb 1888 however, she had died seven days earlier on the Feb 21st leaving her husband a widow with five children.

Sadly, there is no picture of her to date. While she died young, her skills and talents were passed onto her five children as they matured into individuals with many talents of their own. She immigrated to a new country, learned a new language and different customs and was able to be a good wife and mother until she died soon after the birth of her sixth child.

While these five children and her husband have long passed on, her talents and love of life have been passed on to her descendants who are scattered throughout the United States. As with all of our ancestors she is missed and we look forward to the day when we will be reunited in eternity.

Eliza Audette Marotte: 1856-1888

Rene Brisson

2011-07-16T22:15:00.002-06:00

This part of the memorial to the first French Colonists who settled around L'Ange-Gardien, Quebec, Canada which is located 10 miles northeast of Quebec City on the north side of the St. Lawrence Seaway. (Courtesy of Roussin.org)

Rene Brisson was born about 1635 in St. Xainte, La Rochelle, Aunis, France. Records from this time period are scarce and it is thought his parents were Pierre Brisson and Marie Navarre, others say that his father was Jacques Brisson. Not much else is known about the family he left behind to settle in Quebec, Canada by this author at this time.

It is known that Rene Brisson sailed in the spring of 1664 on the ship "Le Noir d'Amsterdam" under Captian Pierre Filly who was from Dieppe. The ship was a fishing vessel and to improve the return on investments they added 51 passengers. Rene was among 50 young men hired to work in New France as it was a time of recruiting individuals to help build 'New France'. There was also one female, Jeanne Benart. Besides Rene Brisson there were others who helped to settle the area; Nicolas Fournier, Andre Gautron dit Larochelle, Mathais and Pierre Champagne and Jean Beaudet. From the passenger list only 42 are identified (1). On May 25, 1664, the 100 ton ship docked at Quebec. You'll note most of these names along with many others were some of the "First Colonists" who helped to settle Quebec.

Rene was a baker and did very well in Quebec. He married Anne Vezina in 1664 in L'Ange-Gardien, Montmorency, Quebec, Canada after signing a marriage contract on September 6, 1663 in front of Mr. Paul Vachon dit Pomerleau.

Together they had ten children but three died very young. They lived off the coast of Beaupre, Montmorency, Quebec, Canada and had four boys who helped to carry on the Brisson name. He died in 1698. The number of descendants this couple has had since their marriage in 1664 is truely amazing, there is no field this family has not entered into and been successful. Their descendants live in many places all over the world.

Rene Brisson is my 8th grandfather and my pioneer ancestor!

1635-1698

Reference:

(1) Author: Debrien, Gabriel "Engages pour le Canada au XVIIe siecle, vus de la Rochelle." In Revue d'Histoire de L'Amerique Francaise, Vol. 6:2 (Sept 1952), pp. 177-233; vol. 6:3 (Dec. 1952), pp. 374-407. Page 393 / http://ancestry.com/

Laurent Plante

2011-04-30T23:50:00.003-06:00

Laurent Plante was born 6 Aug 1856 in St. Lazare (Bellechasse), Quebec, Canada to Francios David Plante and Marie Henriette Trahan. He was the fourth child of seven children and spent most of his life living in Canada.

In the 1871 Canadian census he is living with his family in Levis, Notre Dame de la Victoire and working as a cultivator. On 26 Nov., 1877, he married Marie Ruel in St. Charles (Bellechasse), Quebec, Canada.

The 1881 and 1891 Canadian Censuses have them living in Sherbrook, this is where all their children were born. Together they had seven children: Joseph, Peter Honore, Jean Baptiste, Louis D., Julia Anne, Emile J., and Joseph Oliva.

The 1901 census states they were living in Acton Vale where Laurent was a foreman on a farm. Joseph is listed as an electrician, Jean Baptiste is listed as a 'cordonnier' which is a cobbler (a shoe repair person) while Louis is going to school.

According to the 1910 US Census, the whole family moved and settled in Providence, Rhode Island sometime during 1904, however, on 24 December 1908, Marie Plante, his wife passed away leaving hin a widower. He worked on the railway as a laborer to keep his remaining family of four children together. By 1920 he is living by himself and working in the cotton mills for support.

His daughter Julia Anne, the young girl in the front on the right married Omer Joseph Brisson, Sr. on October 31, 1910 and are my grandparents. Family legend states that Laurent was quite tall and one can see from this family photo that he seems to be so even in his arkward sitting position for this picture.

Laurent Plante passed away on 31 July 1928 and is buried with his wife Marie in St. Ann's Cemetery, Cranston, RI. He was a hard worker who was there for his family every step of the way.

Laurent Plante: 1856-1928

Lovely Blog Award

2011-04-10T19:26:00.040-06:00

One Lovely Blog Award

It is nice to know that people read my blog articles about those who have had gone on before and interlaced our lives for the better. It is fun to be chosen and thank you to one of my followers, Sonja at Tree Climbing with Grandma Sonja whose link is http://treeclimbingwithsonja.blogspot.com/.

I also enjoy her post along with many others. The rules of acceptance are:
1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who granted the award and the blog link.
2. Pass the award on to 15 other blogs that you've newly discovered or just love so much.
3. Remember to contact the bloggers to them know they have been chosen for this award.

Chosing 15 blogs is going to be interesting as there are many good ones! Thank you!

My Choices are:

1. Genea-Musings

2. About.com Genealogy

3. DearMyrtle's Genealogy Blog

4. Family History Circle

5. Genealogy Canada

6. AFGS - American French Genealogical Society

7. The French Genealogy Blog

8. The Knowles Collection

9. My Heritage Blog

10. Arlene H. Eakles' Genealogy Blog

11. Scotish Genes

12. Genealogy Tip of the Day

13. Shades of the Departed

14. Little Bytes of Live

15. The Educated Genealogist

Theodore Marotte

2011-01-30T01:20:00.000-07:00

Theodore Marotte was born on 1 February, 1854 in Richelieu, Quebec, Canada to Isaie-Gedeon Marotte and Josephte Bourgeois. Eight children were born to this couple, the first seven were born in Canada and Theodore was the seventh, with the eigth child, a sister, being born in Burlington, Vermont in 1860.

The first US Census we find Theodore was taken on 18 July 1860 and he is living with his family in Burlington, Vermont. This fits right in with the immigration information listed on his application; it states he immigrated in November, 1855 through St. Albans, Vermont which was the port of entry from Quebec into the United States at this time. He was naturalized on 2 November 1888.

The census records states his father was a tin smith. He is listed as a 'car builder' in the 1880 census but other censuses list him as a carpenter. He was someone who had multiple talents with his hands. His family stayed in Burlington, Vermont for the 1870 census also, but by the 1880 census he was in Pawtucket, Rhode Island living with his wife, Eliza Audette and their first child, Albena F. Marotte. Cora Anne, Alphonse, Alma and Alfred Eugene came along quickly and by 1885 they were expecting their sixth child.

Henry was born on 13 Feb 1888 and lived for 15 days, however, his mother died 8 days after his birth which was devasting to Theodore. It was a very difficult time in his life as he had five children to take care of and yet he had to work to support them. Family members helped out during this diffcult time and he remarried on 30 Jan 1889 to Adeline Ratte.

The family moved to Central Falls where he stayed for a number of years and changed his trade to being a carpenter as listed in the 1900 US Census. He had two more children with Adeline, George and Flora Bell. Eventually he moved back to Burlington, Vermont with his family and stayed there till his death on 31 March 1921. He continued his carpentry work in Burlington designing all different types of kitchen cabinets and any other household item made of wood. He built a large clientele and was very successful in his trade. He is buried in Vermont with Adeline.

His remaining five children with Eliza all migrated back to Pawtucket, Rhode Island where they stayed, married and had their families. The two children he had with Adeline stayed in Burlington, Vermont. George never married but Flora Bell did and her descendants are scattered throughout New England as have the descendants of the other five children. Each of them have varying talents and if he were to look down he would be pleased at the many accomplishment of them all.

His grave and photo are posted at FindAGrave: http://tinyurl.com/4fcsul2

Theodore Marotte: 1854-1921

Ernest William Gimson

2010-12-05T22:16:00.001-07:00

Ernest William Gimson was born on 20 Dec 1916 at home at Claremont, 44 London Road in Sawston, Cambridge, England during World War 1. He was the first born child of Ernest Reynolds Gimson and Gladys Hilda Wakefield. Their next child, Roy Gimson, only lived a day. Over the next few years, three girls completed this tight knit family.

In February, 1927, when Ernest (Ernie) was 11 years old, their family immigrated to Australia. They sailed there on the S.S. Berrima and landed in Fremantle. After World War 1, the Australian government looked to Great Britain for immigrants and encouraged those willing to consider resettlement in Australia by offering them assisted passage. Additionally, British immigrants were also eligible to receive land grants and encouraged to settled in rural areas. Their family settled in Babakin, Western Australia as his father purchased land with a store and a home on it.

Everyone in the family helped with the store and Ernie was a great help to his father in running a grocery story and maintain a farm in Western Australia. At 19 years of age, he joined the Royal Air Force in England in 1935 and was just finishing his education when World War II broke out.

Even though Ernie was away from home, he would always remember his sisters and mother at Christmas time and send them jewelry from England. Once World War II started in 1939 he was only able to continue that tradition for a couple more years. While in the Air Force he developed a love for soccer and was able to stay in touch and visit the many relatives still living in England.

Unfortunately, Ernie was reported missing off the coast of Sicily on 25th June, 1941. The family was notified by letter which stated they were part of an attack on a ship and the plane that Ernie was in didn't return from the raid. Various reports state there was a flash from the ship that may have hit the plane causing it to crash. The end result is that he was never seen again and presumed to have met with disaster. To this day he is still listed as "Missing in Action". In the News & Reviews, Cambridge, Sawston 1940-45 Newspaper Cuttings, the following statements were made:

"29^th October 1940 Gallant Sawston Man. A bar to his D.F.M. has been awarded to Sergeant Ernest Gimson of 107 Squadron RAF. Sert. Gimson was born at Sawston, but his home is at Babakin Western Australia. Before joining the RAF he was a shop keeper’s assistant. He was awarded his DFM in February of this year in Air Operations.”

The Malta Family History has a "Commonwealth Air Force Memorial" on their website dedicated to the airmen of the Commonwealth who died during World War II in the Mediterranean area but have no known grave. Their entry states:

The actual Malta Memorial is situated in the area of Floriana and is easily identified by the Golden Eagle which surmounts the column and stands outside the main entrance to Valletta. Ther memorial honors almost 2,300 airmen who lost their lives during this war. He was a member of the 69th squardron whose motto is "With Vigilance We Serve", this he did with his life for his country.

Those who knew him miss him and those who have come to know of him also wish they could have enjoyed the company of Ernest William Gimson, a hero to his family, friends and his country.

Ernest William Gimson, 541685, Flight Sergeant, D.F.M. and Bar, Royal Air Force, 69 Squadron, died 26^th June 1941, aged 25 years. Son of Ernest R. and Gladys H. Gimson, of Pendle Hill, New South Wales, Australia.

Rose DeLima Limoges Theroux Paquin

2010-10-30T23:41:00.001-06:00

Rose DeLima Limoges and her six daughters

Rose DeLima Limoges was born 3 Nov 1859 in Lake Champlain Valley, Quebec, Canada to Benjamin Limoges and Catherine Aubin (Lambert). She was the 3rd child in a family of 8 children and loved the water.

She married Alberic Theroux on 16 Apr 1882. Alberic was very athletic and for the first few years of their marriage they lived aboard a friend's yacht as he was employed as the captain of the yacht.

After the loss of her first child, they settled in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and had nine additional children; 6 girls and 3 boys with 2 of the girls being a set of twins, Annetta and Henrietta, known as Anita and Rita.

Rose was a very intelligent woman and became a midwife delivering many of her own grandchildren. She was considered to be a healer and would often be sent for in an emergency rather than a doctor.

She believed in education and snet her children to "french" and "public" schools to make sure all of her them knew both languages fluently. In addition she loved music and made sure they all had music lessons. This love of music has passed down through to the current generations and will surely continue with many who play various instruments as well as participate in various types of choruses.

Her last pregnancy was overshadowed by the untimely early death of her husband who use to fix the looms in the cotton mills. He suffered a heart attach on his way home from work and remained unconscious for several days before passing away on 26 Jan 1902. A couple of months later, her last child was born on 14 March 1902 but only lived till 24 Aug 1902. It was a difficult time for her as she was now responsible for the remaining 8 children, no husband and having to deal with the loss of another child.

She was an excellent seamstress and would do all she could to make ends meet. Many of the children got odd jobs to contribute to the family's survival and survive they did. Many of her children went on to become successful in a variety of fields and all had many children. She remarried later in life to Alcide Paquin who also preceeded her in death.

After living a life of service to all she passed away on 7 Jun 1942 and is buried with her daughter Lovina Theroux and her husband Alphonse Marotte along with four of their children in Pawtucket, RI.

Claire Virginie Marotte Brisson

2010-09-12T23:51:00.000-06:00

Claire was born on 8 April 1927 to Alphonse Arthur Marotte and Lovina Theroux, she was the 9th and last child in their large family who settled and lived in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Besides being my mom, through the years she developed many talents that included a love for education, playing the piano, barbershop singing, knitting, crocheting, playing Scrabble and various card games along with spending time at the beach with family and friends.

She also was involved in many organizations as a treasurer, secretary or whatever the group needed, she was always there to help. In spite of all this, her love besides her family of six children was nursing and she passed that love onto many of her children. She graduated from high school in 1945 and went straight into nursing at St. Joseph's School of Nursing which was in Providence, Rhode Island at that time. She completed her studies and graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1948. Besides working at St. Joseph's Hospital, she also worked at Pawtucket Memorial Hospital for many years before retiring.

When she was young, she lost her sister Rhea in 1931. Her mother passed away in October, 1945 and another sister, Blanche, passed away June, 1952 and her husband, Omer J. Brisson, passed away 16 Mar 1984. In spite of these losses, she built good relationships with her siblings and her children and lived a very full life.

After a long battle with cancer, she passed away on September 13, 1998 leaving six children and 16 grandchildren and to date 21 great-grandchildren who have been able to go on and accomplish much, as if often said, "Descendants are a living legacy of those gone on before."

It will be 12 years ago on September 13th since her passing, she is dearly missed by all who knew and loved her. To uplift the sadness of the day, one of her grandchildren was born on her 1 year anniversary, so as we remember her with tears in our eyes, we also celebrate the 11th birthday of her grandson, Phillip the II.

8 April 1927 - 13 Sep 1998

Omer Joseph Brisson, Sr.

2010-08-17T00:05:00.001-06:00

          Omer Joseph Brisson, Sr. was born on 14 January 1891 in Ottawa, Carleton, Ontario to Elzear Brisson and Marie Florentine Soucy and baptised on 15 January 1891 . Although he was baptized as Joseph Omer Brisson according to his baptismal records, however, he had an older brother whose name was also Joseph and so he is listed in the census records as Omer along with Draft Registration cards. He immigrated on September 14th, 1893 according to his father's naturalization records. Most likely this family, like most, crossed the border at St. Albans, Vermont. Unfortuately, copies of the boarder crossings don't begin till 1895 and so his naturalization record stands as his statement of entry into the United States.
          The 1910 US Census was taken on 27 April 1910 and Omer is listed as a clerk in a grocery store. Later that year on halloween he marries Julia Anne Plante. The World War 1 draft registration entry dated 5 Jun 1917 he lists himself as a carpenter at the American Wollen Company in Olnyville with 3 children. The 1920 census so states the same employement and they now have 4 children, however, by the 1930 census he is again listed as a clerk for a market and has 11 children together with his wife Julia living in their home in Providence on Manton Ave.
          World War II Draft Registration taken on 27 April 1942 is referred to as the "Old Man's Registration" as all had to register. Omer did just that and is listed as working for I.G. LeFrancois on Westminster St., Providence. A check of the 1942 Providence City Directory shows this to be the Idola G. LeFrancois Meats Retail Establishment where he was a butcher. While he was too old to serve, some of his sons did serve in World War II honorably. Together they had 54 grandchildren and many great children.
          Omer's wife Julia died in 1954 and he died in 1959. They are buried in St. Ann's Cemetery in Cranston, Rhode Island. Their children and their grandchildren are spread out all over the United States and many have advanced their careers in many different fields.

Omer Joseph Brisson, Sr. 1891-1959

Alice Laura Hemestretch Nicholls

2010-07-02T12:21:00.019-06:00

"Auntie Laurie" as she was so fondly known by her family in Australia was born 2 July 1900 in Lyndhurst, Hampshire, England. She is the daughter of Arthur Edward Hemestretch and Alica Charlotte Holes. She was the first of three children, Ethel May and Arthur Edward were her siblings. Unfortunately, her mother died when she was 5 years old. In the 1911 census her father and her sister, Ethel, are living with her father's brother James and her younger brother is living with her father's sister Laura Sims and her husband Stephen.

During her lifetime she cooked for many prominent people including Queen Elizabeth II. On July 2nd, 1945 she married William David Nicholls as a war bride. As he was still in the military at the time of their marriage he rejoined his military unit and later Laurie arrived in New South Wales on a 'War Bride Ship" to join her husband along with many other women at that time. I'm sure this ship with its precious cargo of 'young war brides' was well received by the many military soldiers anxiously awating their arrival!

They never had any children and resided in New South Wales, Australia to be near family. Over the years Auntie Laurie and Uncle Bill became the focus of many family gatherings as he would have war stories to share and she would tell of times she cooked for the queen. Of course her cooking skills were always admired as she prepared many a meal "fit for a queen" whenever you would visit their lovely apartment. She never forgot her "English" heritage and was very proper in every way.

She always had time to cook and chat and be a part of all the family gatherings where she would always bring a great culinary treat to share.

In 1982 she became seriously ill and while she had the best possible care, she passed away on 29th October. She had a way of making everyone feel like they were a queen or a king and her kindness and love will be remembered forever.

"Happy Birthday Auntie Laurie" you will always be in our hearts!

1900-1982

Ernest Reynolds Gimson

2010-05-23T20:53:00.010-06:00

Ernest Reynolds Gimson was born 23 May 1888 in Linton, Cambridge, England to Joseph William Stallabrass Gimson and Elizabeth Ann Reynolds. He was the youngest member of their precious family. His story is truely an amazing one as he was a remarkable man who not only served his country in World War 1 but was a dedicate father and grandfather who would do anything to help anyone in need, he truely exemplified service to ones fellow men.

He married Gladys Hilda Wakefield on 30 September 1915 in the Congregational Church of Sawston, Cambridge, England. Soon after their marriage World War 1 began and he was part of the Gun Section, 1st Cambridgeshire Regiment. He was wounded in this war and received two war medals, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. These have been passed down to his descendants and are a reminder of his dedicated service.

Together with Gladys they had five children, two boys and three girls, unfortunately, their 2nd son, Roy only lived a few hours. They stayed in England for awhile after the war but eventually immigrated to Western Australia in 1927 and settled in Babakin where Ernest purchased a piece of land that had a general store on it. This store was their lively hood for many years and is still standing today. Ernest's talents were many and he was handy at just about everything he needed to know to run the general store and raise his family, he was a man of many talents and a well respected member of his community.

They stayed in Western Australia until 1944 when their 1st son Ernest William Gimson was listed as Missing in Action off Malta in 1942. Ernest sold his property and joined his brother Robert in Pendle Hills, New South Wales and lived on the property next to his brother. Together with his brother they managed a poultry farm for a number of years. In 1959 he bought property and settled in Guildford, New South Wales. He loved gardening and had a rockery and built a shed on the property. Unfortunately, he only lived for a couple of years on this property and died on 2 August 1961 leaving a wife, three children and three grandchildren. His love for life and dedication to serving others lives on today through his descendants which are many.

He is remembered with deep reverance and precious memories as it would have been his 122nd birthday on Sunday, May 23rd!

In addition, Memorial Day is tradionally celebrated in the United States on May 31st. It is a day set aside to honor all those who have died serving their country. Consequently, we think of Ernest's service to his country in World War 1 and his son, Ernest, who died while serving his country in World War 2. May we never forget them.

Ernest Reynolds Gimson: 23 May 1888 - 2 August 1961

William Moir Banks

2010-04-10T19:37:00.017-06:00

William Moir Banks was born on 14 April, 1897 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland to James Simpson Banks and Jane Neil Lockhart, he was the 12th child in a very large family. According to the 1901 Scottish census, his father was a plasterer and they lived on Wheatfield St. in Edinburgh where he grew up.

His attestation papers state he enlisted in the Gordon Highlands Corps at the age of 19 1/2 years in 1915. We are fortunate to have a copy of his papers as many of these records were destroyed in World War 2 and this is part of the "burnt" collection that survived. At the time of his enlistment, he stated that he was a painter. He was a Private assigned to the 2nd Battalion and on 22 April 1917 was killed in action.

According to an article in Wikipedia we learn that the Gordon Highlanders was a British Army Infantry Regiment that recruited from Aberdeen and the North-East of Scotland. According to the Commonwealth War Graves Commision, William is buried in the Croisilles British Cemetery in Pas de Calais, France.

In commemoration of recognizing those who have lost their lives through war, the International Wargraves Photography Project was created in September,2005 and is published on Findagrave.com. William Moir Banks is listed in this Find a Grave reference for those who are buried in the Croisilles British Cemetery along with many other veterans. Learn about their project here.

As part of his family, we are grateful for all the veterans who have faithfully served and paid the ultimate price to provide the freedoms we enjoy today.

Alphonse Arthur Marotte

2010-01-24T21:19:00.007-07:00

Alphonse was born 4 Aug 1882 in Pawtucket, RI to Theodore Marotte and Eliza Audette and was their 3rd child, the first boy after two girls, Albena amd Cora. Both his parents were born in Canada and his mother died days after the birth of their 6th child along with the child, Henry. His father eventually remarried and had 2 additional children with Adeline Ratte while living in Central Falls, RI. Later, Theodore and Adeline settled in Burlington, VT where he died and is buried in 1921.

Alphonse stayed and settled in Pawtucket, RI. He was an individual with multiple talents and did whatever was necessary to provide for his large family. He married Lovina Theroux on 24 Jun 1907 also in Pawtucket, together they had 9 children. Unfortunately, 2 of them died as children from diptheria.

The picture above was an advertisment for the New England Bakery where he worked as a salesman. He also use to deliver blocks of ice to homes on the back of a flat bed type hand drawn cart. Over time he started the Woodlawn Credit Union and remained the honorary president and director for many years after he retired. The Woodlawn Credit Union takes its name from the area and exists today on Main St. in Pawtucket. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and a 5o year member of the Societe Jacques Cartier both organizations placed a high value on the importance of home, family and community.

His wife died in October, 1945 and he did not pass away till 6 May, 1972 which is a lengthy time to be a widower. When he died he had 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. His legacy is filled with accountants, muscians, nurses, seamstresses, teachers and many other fields that are useful in today's society.

Aphonse Arthur Marotte: 1882-1967

2009-12-28T01:06:00.000-07:00

Alberic Theroux

Born 27 Dec 1855 to Joseph Theroux and Alida (Elida) Labbe in Yamaska, Quebec, Canada. Alberic a.k.a. Albert, grew up in the Lake Champlain area and was an accomplished yachtsman. He was one of seven children. Their family immigrated to the United States in 1866 according to the 1900 US Census records and they are listed in the 1870 US Census as living Warwick, RI.

He married Rose DeLima Limoges on 16 April 1882 and for the first few years of their
marriage they lived aboard a yacht which he captained for a friend. After the birth and death
of their first son, they moved on land and their next child was born on 23 Dec 1885. Rose loved
the water and often would take the ferry from Providence to Block Island.

Together they had a total of ten children with nine surviving to adult lives. Albert worked as a Loom fixer in the cotton mills, unfortunately, he died quite unexpectedly on his way home from work on 26 January, 1902, just before the birth of their last child on 14 March 1902. This left the raising of this large family in the hands of Rose. More about her in the next post!

Alberic Theroux 1855-1902

Omer Joseph Brisson, Jr.

2009-10-26T20:31:00.007-06:00

Omer Joseph Brisson, Jr.

Born 30 Mar 1918 in Providence, RI to Omer Joseph Brisson, Sr. and Julia Anne Plante. He was the first male child to this large family of 16 children. In his 20s, Omer known as "Red" for his hair color, was seriously involved in bodybuilding and belonged to an acrobat troupe. In 1939 he competed in Mr. America and received an honorable mention and in 1940 he competed in Mr. Rhode Island and was the runner-up. He injured his ankle and landed in the hospital where he met his future wife, Claire V. Marotte, a nurse at St. Joseph's Hospital, they were married in 1950. He fathered six children and attended Bryant College where he graduated with a degree in accounting and spent the rest of life working in the accounting field. He was a member of the Lincoln chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America (S.P.E.B.Q.S.A. ) and enjoyed all that this organization had to offer. He worked for the State of RI as the Assistant Property Manager for many years. He loved to go swimming and did some traveling with the Barbershop groups and even had the opportunity to travel to California in 1975. He passed away on March 16, 1984.

1918-1984

Julie Anne Plante

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Born December 23, 1891 in Sherebrooke, Canada to Laurent Plante and Maria Ruel, she was the 5th of 7 childen in this family. According to the 1910 census taken on April 22nd, 1910, her family immigrated here to the US in 1904 and settled in Providence, RI.

She was married on October 31, 1910 in Providence, RI. According to her descendants, she was an excellent seamstress and enjoyed cooking and baking which turned out to be a valuable asset later on as she had 16 children of her own. Unfortunately, she lost two of them soon after
they were born. She was only 63 when she died after dealing with
a variety of medical difficulties on June 17, 1954 and is buried in St. Ann's Cemetery in Cranston, RI with her husband, Omer J. Brisson, Sr. who died on October 4, 1959.

Many of her children went on to make great contributions in their respective fields with some serving in the World War II as well as becoming nurses, accountants, cooks and raising large families. She had a total of 60 grandchildren, however, many were born after she had passed away which was unfortunate for those who missed out on her wonderful cooking and great love of children. Many of her descendants still live in the Rhode Island area but are also scattered across the United States in various locations.

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Lovina Theroux Marotte

My grandmother, Lovina Theroux was born on December 23, 1885 in Pawtucket, RI to Alberic Theroux and Rose DeLima Limoges. She was the second of ten children with the first child, a boy, having died the day he was born. She was a very active young lady and attended school until she reached the 8th grade, at which point she was expected to find work to help support the family. She secured a job at a nearby cotton and lace factory while learning to play the piano from her mother along with all of her sisters. She became an accomplished pianist eventually giving piano lessons in the evenings and on Saturdays. She also completed her high school education by going to night school.

Originally she had plans to enter the convent, but after attending a farewell party for a friend, she met her husband, Alphonse Philip Marotte, who was her best friends' cousin! They married on June 24, 1907 and settled in Pawtucket, RI to raise a family. Her husband was the first in his family to own property in the United States as his father, Theodore Marotte, immigrated from Canada with his father in 1854.

She loved children and had nine children of her own, eight girls and one boy. According to her oldest daughter, Ozina Cora Marotte, she had an extraordinary green thumb and could grow anything. If she saw a plant along the road she liked and it was just about ready to die, she could bring it home and nurse it back to life! She loved to embroider and would sew their clothes along with beautiful quilts and lacey tablecloths. A trade she learned while working at the lace factory.

Unfortunately, she lost two of her daughters who died of Diptheheria in the early 1930s. It was a time of deep sorrow for her. She concentrated her efforts on the care of the rest of her family.

She died on October 20, 1945 after battling a number of physical aliments. She has passed on her musical talents, her love of education and her green thumb to many of her descendants.

As we turn to Mother's Day next month, let's remember all our ancestral mothers, even those we may never have met.

Remembered: Lovina Theroux Marotte 1885-1945

Aunt Ozina

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On January 25, 1995, I had the pleasure of interviewing my Aunt Ozina. Born Ozina Cora Marotte to Alphonse Marotte and Lovina Theroux on Aug. 15, 1908, she was the oldest of 9 children, with my mother being the youngest making them almost 19 years apart. She spent most of her life as a Registered Nurse and became one in 1933. She was also an accomplished organist and in June, 1979 she became Grand Organist of the Eastern Star. Her father had a Model T, it was the first model that did not need to be cranked. She learned to drive in it. She shared with me about her mother and how she played the piano and had a great green thumb. She would spot a plant along a path that looked like it was dying; she would bring it home and nurse it to good health. When she got too old to have any more children she was very upset about that.

Not having any children of her own, she was like our grandmother as she had passed away before we were born. She outlived two husbands, Eugene Baron and Dexter Stripp.

She taught me how to knit, crochet and sew my own clothes. She was also a great cribbage and Scrabble player, who taught us all so many things about life while we were all growing up. Everytime we play either game, we always think of her and how much fun we had each and every time.

Remembered: Ozina C. M. B. Stripp 1908-1997

Teaching Me to Pray

2008-06-26T15:40:00.000-06:00

After my mother's death, I was raised and lived with my Duncan grandparents. "Jean, is it your prayer time?". Grandma Duncan was reminding me that it was time for bed. I was just three years old.

We'll have family prayer with grandpa and Mick in a few minutes, but we need to have a few words of prayer alone." She led me into the big dining room and closed the door.
We knelt down beside the big chair by the door. As I peaked through my fingers I could see the heavily carved mahogany chair back and the deep red velvet seat.

"We will always have family prayer, but I know that there are special things that you will want to talk to Heavenly Father about" she said. "I will? " "like what?" I opened my eyes and unfolded my hands. The discussion might take a while. "Well, ask Heavenly Father to help you be good enough to see your mother Elaine again some day" she explained. That did seem like a good idea to me. "Pray for your dad. Heavenly Father could help him find happiness again." She looked at me for approval.

I closed my eyes and folded my hands again. Grandma started to teach me to pray. I repeated her words at first. After a few prayers on my own, I began praying for other family members and friends and our dog, but I always included in every prayer during those years "Please help me to be so good so I'll see my mother some day." I closed my eyes and folded my hands again.

In Memory of Violet Duncan 1885 to 1970

The Glistening Sun Catcher

2008-06-15T16:04:00.000-06:00

Hanging in the window of my kitchen is an array of stained glass sun catchers placed in just the right position to bring into my kitchen a kaleidoscope of colors for me as the sunlight streams through them. Sun catchers are amazing little things and so pleasing to the eye.

One sun catcher brings more delight to me than just its’ beauty. Whenever I gaze at it, I am immediately taken back years to my own mother’s kitchen where it also hung enchanting her with the same beautiful rainbow of colors. This sun catcher is shaped like musical symbols and reminds me of the love for music that existed in my mother’s life throughout my childhood and hers.

When my mother was a child, her own mother taught her how to play the piano, but her love of music continued beyond that. She was always a part of a church choir and took the time also to teach her own children how to play the piano. Later in life, she became a member of the “Melody Bells”, which was a large female barbershop group. She would spend hours practicing and participating in many competitions, bringing much joy to her life and all those who knew her.

Music was such a part of my mother’s life that she carefully planned the program for her own funeral. When that day came, the “Melody Bells” sang her favorite song, “On Eagles Wings”. Her memory and her love of music lives on through her children and grandchildren. Today many of them are either in choirs, singing groups or learning to play the piano. But I am particularly blessed, for I inherited the musical sun catcher!

Dedicated in memory of my mother, Claire V. M. Brisson 1927-1998