Vol. 16 Number 3 ISSN October 2004

Transcription

1 Bulletin des Levasseur Newsletter Vol. 16 Number 3 ISSN October Levasseur Réunion In this issue 2004 Réunion 1 Sailiant facts 4 Message from the President Ancestral line of Gilles Carmel 6 7 A few pictures 8-9 Board of Directors Brief news 10 List of persons registered at the Réunion 11 New publications 12 The 2004 Réunion: what a wonderful and unforgettable day. The weather was most pleasing and as the guest arrived they were most anxious to meet each other again. The day started with the registration of guests followed by two very interesting conferences. The first speaker, Mrs. Ginette Laroche, PhD and art historian developed the theme Levasseur as sculptors. Pierre and Jean, both carpenters, have created masterpieces that we now find in many churches in Québec. Moreover, they have transmitted their skills to many of their descendants. The second speaker, Mrs. Madeleine Desrivières, author and biographer, described in details the life of Dre Irma Levasseur. A pediatrist, Dre Irma Levasseur was the first French-speaking lady to practice medicine in Canada. She co-founded Hospital Ste-Justine in Montreal and Hospital Enfant-Jesus in Quebec City. A remarkable women and highly sensitive to infant mortality, her story is most interesting and moving. Internet News 12 Have you forgotten your access code to gain access to the Association s databank? Write to webmaster@ levasseur.org and we will return it rapidly

2 Page 2 Special 2004 Réunion in Québec City Then came the lunch prepared by the staff of la Maison Jésus-Ouvrier. Before departing for the afternoon program, the group assembled for the traditional family photo. Without loosing any time, we are now en route for a guided tour of Old Quebec City. Our visit will focus on our ancestors: where they lived and worked. We visited the chapel of l Hôpital General. The beauty of the tabernacle created by the Levasseur was absolutely outstanding. We have also seen ea few sculptures of Sister Marie-Joseph Hallé a descendant of Laurent Levasseur. Wet hen walked to the Ursuline Chapel, which still holds many ornamental works produced, by Pierre-Noel and his sons. We are indebted to the Ursulines for having saved and maintained these objects of great value. Among them are a tabernacle, many statues and a pulpit with an angel and trumpet. All the gilding has been done by the Ursulines. You are encouraged to visit these magnificent pieces of art. In our small bus we then crossed Porte St-Louis, in the form of an arch, to find ourselves in narrow streets behind the Chateau Frontenac. According to the 1716 parish Census, Pierre II Levasseur married to Anne Mesnage had a house located on des Carrières Street. In 1734, an act indicates that there was a house and a lot measuring 74 by 71 located on Mont-Carmel Street. This lot was parceled out between his widow and his son Pierre Noël is now buried under the Chateau. We then stopped by the courtyard of the Old Quebec Seminary where we could see the layout of the house of Guillemette Hébert and water well. Laurent Levasseur has worked for Guillemette Hébert in the period The Architectural department of Laval University now occupies the Old Seminary. Our guide remarked that Jean and Pierre Levasseur were co-founders of Mme de Sainte-Anne Society, a group mainly composed of carpenters and tradesmen. Jean Levasseur was also responsible fore the maintenance of the first church built in Quebec City. In this spot, we now find the Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica where many baptisms, weddings and funerals of Levasseur were celebrated. St-Louis Street was the first inhabited street in Haute-Ville de Quebec. The 1716 Census indicates that Noël Levasseur was one of its residents. On 34 St-Louis Street is the Jacquet house, the oldest house of Québec City. Since 1966, it has been the home of the restaurant "Les Anciens Canadiens". Almost facing this house, the Levasseur had their houses and workshops. The 1716 Census also reports that Pierre (son of Pierre) had a house on des Carrieres street, very close to the Chateau Frontenac. At the time, Pierre was registered as a carpenter. Worth mentioning is Sainte- Genevieve Street now called Avenue. On this street in 1758, the Levasseur dit Borgia had two lots facing the Jardins des Gouverneurs. Our bus tour also took us to many historic sites. Among them are Place Royale, the Trésor Street in existence since 1689, Rue des Artistes and many other very interesting sites. Our guide then led us to the famous Plains of Abraham full of history, military

3 Vol. 16 Number 3 ISSN Page 3 battles and intrigues. Our guide took pleasure in detailing the most memorable events, which took place on these famous Plains. We noticed many Quebecers and tourists soaking the sun on this beautiful afternoon. Pierre-Noël I, the grandson of Pierre I, was considered as the most accomplished sculptor of his descendance.. Back to the Maison de Jésus-Ouvrier the Board of Directors invited all guests to the General meeting where elections of new Directors were held. It was followed by a banquet complete with a social evening full of songs, music, dance and happiness. Many retired early to get ready for a busy morning at the Sainte-Anne de Beaupré Basilica. On Sunday morning, we met and entered the Basilica as a group. On the left of the Basilica, is a magnificent piece of stained glass created by August Labouret and representing Jean Levasseur a co-founder of Mme de Sainte-Anne Society. What a beautiful surprise to view this superb piece of work in the magnificent Ste-Anne de Beaupré Basilica! The group then moved to the main altar for the 11 o clock mass celebrated to the intentions of the Levasseur. The celebrant welcomed the group and many prayers were dedicated to the Levasseur throughout the celebration. Father Dominique Levasseur from Richelieu Qc cocelebrated the mass. We are most grateful to these two priests. The 12 o clock mass was dedicated to Jean, Pierre, Laurent and all their descendants. After the mass, the group met at the restaurant les Montagnais for a nice brunch. The atmosphere was full of love, joy and happiness. Congratulations, compliments to the organizers were ever present as everyone reminisced about the Réunion and gathered souvenirs they will cherish for a long time. Separation is never easy and it is with mixed emotions that the group parted with the promise to meet again in The invitation is now launched for volunteers to organize the next Réunion and for all of us to participate. Au revoir Marie-Noëlle Levasseur, secretary

4 Page 4 Special 2004 Réunion in Québec City Sailiant facts by : William Levasseur Docteure Irma Levasseur In August 2002, the Association des Levasseur d Amérique had the name of Irma Levasseur engraved on her family mausoleum. The a formal announcement was made on 4th September 2004 during the Réunion held at le Maison de Jésus Ouvrier in Québec City Dr Irma Levasseur was the first French Canadian speaking lady to practice medicine in Canada. Mr Gilles Carmel was elected President of l Association des Levasseur d Amérique. He takes over from Mr Roger Levasseur who has held the title since In a question and answer period, Mrs. Madeleine Desrivières, author and biographer, provided most interesting details on the life of Dre Irma Levasseur. Mrs. Desrivières became interested in Irma Levasseur while writing a book titled Une femme, mille enfants, a biography of Mme Justine Lacoste-Beaubien, a very close friend of Irma. Mrs. Desrivières believed that her book could not be complete without a chapter on Irma Levasseur. Irma Levasseur was born in 1877 and studied medicine in Minnesota, USA. She practiced in the USA, then in Québec and got very involved in the treatment of patients during WWI. However, most of her medical career was devoted to the treatment of sick children. To accomplish her work, she founded Hospital Sainte-Justine in Montreal in 1907 And Hospital l Enfant-Jésus in Quebec City in A bachelor at her death in 1964, Irma was buried beside her parents in the Saint-Charles Cemetery in Québec City. Without a family nor close friends to look after her, Irma s name was never engraved on the family mausoleum. To redress this situation and as an homage to this outstanding lady who had devoted her life to dispense care for sick children, your Association decide to proceed with an appropriate inscription for some 150,00$. Levasseur: carpenters/sculptors Mrs. Ginette Laroche, PhD from Laval University and an art history specialist, was a guest speaker at the Réunion held in Québec City. She spoke on the Levasseurs as carpenters in the St-Lawrence Valley,

5 Vol. 16 Number 3 ISSN Page 5 which became highly skilled and renowned sculptors. The first Levasseur, Pierre and Jean, were born of a family of carpenters. They left France in the 17th century and each established a workshop in the Québec area to practice their trades. Mrs. Laroche noted that at the time, very few people had the appropriate ability to work on wood. Because of their skill, they obtain and good number of orders to create decorations for churches, tabernacles, altars and pews etc.the realization of these items required skills way above those required for traditional carpenter work. The Levasseur gained expertise and a few generations later, the trades of carpenter and sculptor were fully integrated. Pierre-Noël I, the grandson of Pierre I, was considered as the most accomplished sculptor of his descendance. He created several pieces for churches and many religious sculptures that we now find in many museums. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to identify the work of Pierre-Noel I. Many tradesmen were working in his workshop on his project and failed to sign their work. Even Pierre-Noel did not facilitate the task of historians as he often signed his work as P. or. or as.n.. This way, he intermingled all the Pierre, Noël and Pierre-Noël of his family. Even today, certain pieces of work, normally credited to him, are questioned. Only more advanced analysis will reveal the authors real identity. New President or L Association des Levasseur d Amérique Mr. Gilles Levasseur was elected President of l Association de Levasseur d Amérique succeeding Roger Levasseur who had held the appointment since The change of command took place and the Board of Directors meeting held at the 2004 Réunion. Gilles was born in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and now resides in Joliette, QC. Evidently he does not carry the name Levasseur. However, he is a descendant of Pierre-Jacques Levasseur dit Carmel ( ). The later undoubtedly adopted this surname to distinguish himself from other Pierre Levasseur in Québec. It is probably a law, voted about 1860 that would have forced families with multi surnames to adopt only one. Thus the Levasseur dit Carmel would have selected the name Carmel. We would like to take the occasion to thank the many volunteers who contributed to the success our Réunion. Many actively participated in different planning subcommittees. In particular, our gratitude goes to three young volunteers: Geneviève St-Arnaud at reception and registration, Stephen Bouchard and William Levasseur at refreshments. A special mention goes to Ginette Levasseur, of Cap-Rouge, for her gracious donation during the diner.

6 Page 6 Special 2004 Réunion in Québec City Message from the President Greetings, I would like to take this opportunity to extent my most sincere appreciation to Roger Levasseur for his outstanding work as the President of our Association for the last four years. Our bi-annual réunion held, in Québec City on September 4th and 5th, was a tremendous success. I invite you to read the article in this issue detailing the main activities as well as the participants.you will also find on our WEB site many photos taken on this occasion. I would like to thank the principal organisers of this event namely Joceline, Huguette, Jean-Pierre and the many volunteers who contributed its resounding success. They collectively spent countless hours in the preparation of the gathering and its execution throughout the weekend. I thank Réjean Levasseur for animation and translation. Vincent Levasseur devoted many hours in the preparation of individual ancestral lines. Joseph Levasseur, many thanks for your generous donation of badges with our coat of arms. Finally a special thank to our two guest speakers who provided us with most interesting and valuable information on the Levasseurs as sculptors and Dre Irma Levasseur. In the coming months, I would like to increase our membership. You, dear members, are our best recruiters. If you could recruit only one person, our membership would double in one year. Your help is solicited. We are also preparing an action plan for a recruiting campaign in the USA. More information to follow. Our data bank now contains more than 90,000 entries. Joceline Levasseur, assisted by a few volunteers, have spent countless hours screening registers on microfilms thus gathering very precious information. Their work continues relentlessly. We have also included a few obituary notices in our databank. As and example, in your next consultation of the databank, you will note an extract from the newspaper reporting the death of Carol Levasseur married to Francine Dumont. You are invited to send us similar information on births, marriages and deaths in your family and related acquaintances. Our databank will only get better with your assistance. Let s be proud of our work!!! In closing, I will leave you with our motto: «Du mieux que je puis.»

7 Page 8 Special 2004 Réunion in Québec City The 2004 Réunion was an ideal occasion to take advantage of the researches of our genealogists. Our databank now contains in excess of 90,000 entries. Vincent, Gilles and Joceline continue to update the databank with valuable information. We would be grateful of receiving any information on births, marriages and deaths either in your family or your acquaintances to enrich our databank. Your assistance is solicited. Roger Levasseur, the outgoing President welcomes our guests at the 2004 Réunion. On his left is Réjean Levasseur who acted as the master of ceremony for the event. Roger was the President for the period and will remain on the Board of Directors for the next term. We are most grateful to Roger for his fabulous work during the last four years. Madeleine Desrivières et Madeleine Levasseur Ginette Laroche Our guest speakers, on the left are Mrs. Madeleine Desrivières who conducted a workshop on Dre Irma Levasseur. Madeleine Levasseur assisted her. Mrs. Ginette Laroche who spoke on the Levasseur dynasty as sculptors to a most captive audience.

8 Vol. 16 Number 3 ISSN Page 9 Three busses were hired for the visit of the historic and beautiful Québec City. The weather was outstanding and our guides led us to places where the Levasseur left their marks. In the foreground, we note the presence of Patrick and Marie-Noël Levasseur who had hosted the Réunion in Edmunston in A warm welcome is extended to André Levasseur as a new member of the Board of Directors. André, a descendant of Laurent and a native of Trois- Rivières, is a long time collaborator to the Association. His dynamism will undoubtedly contribute to the Association be it on recruitment or special projects.. The festivities of the evening were under the animation of Mr. Yvon Asselin. Music, songs, dance and draws contributed to entertain our guests. The evening was most appreciates by all.

9 Vol. 16 Number 3 ISSN Page 11 Levasseur, Huguette, Québec, QC St-Arnaud, Raymond, Québec, QC Levasseur, Joceline, Québec, QC Dupuis, François, Québec, QC Levasseur, Jean-Pierre, Québec, QC Truchon, Paule, Québec, QC Levasseur, André, Trois-Rivières Ouest, QC Garand-Levasseur, Irène, Trois-Rivières Ouest, QC Carleton, Jake, North-Olmsted, OH Carleton, Daniel, North-Olmsted, OH Levasseur, Joseph, Manchester, NH Levasseur, Jeannette, Manchester, NH Tichey, Pat, Fridley, MN Tichey, Bob, Fridley, MN Levasseur, Doug, Senecaville, OH Levasseur, Ethel-Marie, Senecaville, OH Fournier, Murielle, Québec, QC Levasseur, Vincent, Navan, ON Levasseur, Murielle, Navan, ON Levasseur, Jean, Québec, QC Côté, France, Québec, QC Carmel, Gilles, St-Charles-Borommée, QC Durand, Nicole, St-Charles-Borommée, QC Albert, Suzanne, St-Pacôme, QC Levasseur, Madeleine, St-Émile, QC Levasseur, Roger, Orléans, ON Fisette-Levasseur, Marie, Orléans, ON Levasseur, Dominique, Richelieu, QC Levasseur, William Cap-Rouge, QC Asselin, Yvon, Québec, QC Levasseur, Mona, Ste-Anne-des-Monts, QC Levasseur, Robert, Cap-Rouge, QC Wilkin, Roxanne, Cap-Rouge, QC Desrivières, Madeleine, Québec, QC Laroche, Ginette, Québec, QC Levasseur, Ginette, St-Augustin, QC Brochu, Louis, St-Augustin, QC Parr, Jean-Guy, Trois-Rivières Ouest, QC Levasseur, Thomas, Trois-Rivières Ouest, QC Levasseur, Alice, Trois-Rivières Ouest, QC Levasseur, Françoise, Trois-Rivières Ouest, QC Levasseur, Maryse, St-François, I.O,,QC Levasseur, Paul, Sherbrooke, QC Girardin, Pierrette, Sherbrooke, QC Levasseur, Jacqueline, Victoriaville, QC Wilson, Barbara, San Antonio, TX Wilson, John D., San Antonio, TX Levasseur, Roland, Gatineau, QC Levasseur, Honoré G, St Catharines, ON Chaumont, Gilberte, St Catharines, ON Levasseur, Clermont, St-Antoine-de-Tilly, QC Levasseur, Michel, Sept-Iles, QC Levasseur, Hélène, Sept-Iles, QC Martin, Linda, Sept-Iles, QC Levasseur, Rosaire, Pintendre (Lévis), QC Carrier-Levasseur, Madeleine, Pintendre (Lévis), QC Levasseur, Pierre, Pointe-du-Lac, QC Bélanger, Hélène, Pointe-du-Lac, QC Levasseur-Hevey, Suzanne, Repentigny, QC Levasseur-Miller, Claudette, Repentigny, QC Levasseur, Lise, Trois-Rivières Ouest, QC Jalbert, André, Contrecoeur, QC Levasseur, Réginald, Edmunston, NB Levasseur-Chisholm, Nancy, Hasting, MN Chisholm, Thomas, Hasting, MN Levasseur, Alphonse, Lévis, QC Levasseur, Michele, Towson, Maryland Graves, Damion, Towson, Maryland St-Arnaud, Geneviève, Québec, QC Levasseur, Patrick, Edmunston, NB Levasseur, Marie-Noëlle, Edmunston, NB Levasseur, Réjean, Ottawa, ON Gagné, Céline, Gatineau, QC Levasseur, Colette, Montréal, QC Brûlé, Raymond, Montréal, QC Levasseur, Pierre, Pierreville, QC Deshaies, Lorraine, Pierreville, QC Bouchard, Stéphane, Québec, QC Levasseur, Jean-Marie, Trois-Rivières, QC Levasseur, Yvon, Québec, QC Jean, Yolande, Québec, QC Levasseur, Donald, Manchester, NH Belaski, Helene, Manchester, NH Levasseur, John, Oshawa, ON, Levasseur, Jocelyne, Oshawa, ON, Levasseur, Huguette, Charny, QC Levasseur-Lajoie, Juliette, St-Germain, QC (thank you for reporting any error or omission)