In 2007, I visited Montreal, Canada and found the city charming and in one particular area similar to that of the French Quarter of New Orleans which was called the Place d'Armes (French for 'parade ground") which dates back to the 17th century. There in the center stands a famous monument dedicated to five of the early settlers of Montreal in 1642.
Little did I know at that time, this monument would one day connect my earliest ancestors to what was then called New France.
Little did I know at that time, this monument would one day connect my earliest ancestors to what was then called New France.
As you can see from the photo above are four of the five persons credited with founding Montreal. On top stand the Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve .
 |
Jeanne Mance
Founder of Hotel Dieu Hospital
|
A native american (Iroquois) is represented however there is no name.
 |
| Lambert CLosse |
 |
| Charles Lemoyne |
About a month ago, I finally received from the archives in Canada, what is now my oldest family document, the marriage record of my 8th Generation Great Grandparents - Michel Messier and Anne Lemoyne who were married in Montreal, Quebec Canada on 25 Feb 1658.
What makes this document also interested are the signatures that appear on this record which also connects my ancestors to several of the founding members of Montreal, New France and also the family of the two founders of Louisiana and my home town of New Orleans.
Now with the marriage record, I am able to document my ancestral lineage to some of the earliest settlers (founders) of both Montreal, Louisiana and New Orleans.
Also what makes this marriage record so interesting is the fact that Anne Le Moyne is the sister to Charles LeMoyne pictured above of this marriage document. Even more interesting is the fact that Charles LeMoyne, the brother of my 8th generation great grandmother Anne Lemoyne is also the father of Pierre and Jean Baptiste LeMoyne the founders of Louisiana 1699 and New Orleans 1718.
Note the one descendant image in black stone below, it's me.
What makes this document also interested are the signatures that appear on this record which also connects my ancestors to several of the founding members of Montreal, New France and also the family of the two founders of Louisiana and my home town of New Orleans.
Now with the marriage record, I am able to document my ancestral lineage to some of the earliest settlers (founders) of both Montreal, Louisiana and New Orleans.
 |
My 8th Generation Great Grandparents
Michel Messier and Anne LeMoyne
Marriage Record
25 Feb 1658
|
Also what makes this marriage record so interesting is the fact that Anne Le Moyne is the sister to Charles LeMoyne pictured above of this marriage document. Even more interesting is the fact that Charles LeMoyne, the brother of my 8th generation great grandmother Anne Lemoyne is also the father of Pierre and Jean Baptiste LeMoyne the founders of Louisiana 1699 and New Orleans 1718.
 |
Jean Baptiste Lemoyne Bienville
Founder of
New Orleans
1718
|
Note the one descendant image in black stone below, it's me.
 |
| Jean Baptiste Lemoyne Bienville Founder of New Orleans 1718 |
GOT PROOF! “Finding Ancestral Proof on Paper and in Stone” Michael N. Henderson Copyright 2013
Michael,
ReplyDeleteCongrats! What an incredible find! Proof like this is rare indeed!
Great history Michael. I love the pictures of the statues. Very cool that the signatures of these historical figures appear on a document linked to your ancestors. Keep searching!
ReplyDeleteThanks guys. It's amazing what's being discovered the further I am able to travel back in time along these various ancestral lineages. I guess it is true what they say genealogy is a never ending journey.
ReplyDeleteloving every minute though.