Gagnier (Gagne) History Web Site
by Rev. John F. Gagnier
www.gagnier.org
Section Three: Ancestral Documents & Signatures
In italics below appears an English translation of the deed to the property obtained in 1650 by Louis Gasnier (1612-1661). This was a form of "homesteading" in which the owner received eventual clear title to the property in return for living on it and establishing a residence there. It was a way of building up the economy of the region and more specifically bringing business to the mill later operated by Olivier LeTardif.
"I, Olivier LeTardif, associate in the Beaupre Company for a one eighth share, in my name as well as special and general counsel to Messrs. Berruyer and Cheffault, responsible for the operation of said company by an act passed before Morel and Vasseur, notaries in the district of Paris, the seventeenth day of April, 1646, recognized to have deeded under manorial lease, payable each year on the festival of St. Martin in winter, to Louis Gaigner, the number of five arpents of land, in field and woods, along the great river St. Lawrence with 10 perches of frontage for each arpent and with a depth of up to four and one half miles, situated between land belonging to Pierre Picard on one side and nondeeded land on the other side along the great river, the remaining land borders on nondeeded property; provided that he is to establish residence there himself, or for someone else, in the current year and to pay on the day of Saint Martin in winter, for each arpent of land along the great river the sum of 20 sous in manorial lease and 12 deniers in fees and tithes when the lease takes effect, and for the said deed, two live capons or twenty sous for each capon at the choice and option of me, LeTardif, and of my successors having the right to the said position in the manorial residence of said Beaupre or other location where I happen to reside.
The said lease includes lots, seizures, and foreclosures according to the customs of the provost and viscounty of Paris, should occasion arise. Said Louis Gaigner may not hunt or fish on the present deed without the consent of his neighbors. There is to be a path 15 feet wide from one end of his holdings to the other and along the great river to serve as a path for navigation. In case the said LeTardif builds a mill, said Gaigner will be required to take his grain there to be milled. The common meadows that are in front of his property may not be mowed to his profit. To avoid any disputes and to maintain peace among his holdings, said Louis Gaigner is to gradually enclose his lands as they are cleared; in case this is not done, said Gaigner may not derive any benefit from the damages or offenses that his livestock may cause his neighbors.
He and his rightful heirs are to use and dispose of this deeded property as they see fit.
Accorded in witness thereof, I have signed the present deed in Quebec the 20th day of October,1650
--- signed LeTardif with initials.
attached to the original in parchment by me. Paul Vachon, notary in Beaupre Manor and in other areas, ect. The original returned this 25th day of May, 1668. P.Vachon, Notary. The reason for the copy made was omitted -
A copy was given to me for the execution of the ordinance of Monseigneur Talon, made April 9, 1666
-- signed Bequet with initials.
******
1661 INVENTORY OF POSSESSIONS
OF THE LATE
LOUIS GASNIER
AND OF
MARIE MICHEL
(Auber, Notary July 14, 1661 No. 85)
Today, Monday, the fourteenth day of July, One Thousand Six hundred Sixty One, at Chateau Richer, by verbal order of Monsieur the Governor, we, Jean Cochon, tax collector in the coast and manor of Beaupre, aided by our clerk, have taken inventory of the property and possessions remaining after the decease of the late Louis Gasnier, represented to us through Marie Michel, widow of said Louis Gasnier and estimated by Sir Francois Bellanger and Julien Fortin, Lord in part of the said coast and manor.
Thus there is as follows:
Two dairy cows estimated at 120 Francs
Two heifers, two years old, past age for veal est at 100f
One ox for service, est at 120f
Two young bulls, at end of usefulness for veal, est at 60
Two veal calves born this year est at 40f
4 large pigs est at
5 other small suckling pigs est at 100s each
1 plow equipped with a pair of wheels, total est at
1 old boat with its sail, cord and anchor, est at
3 beds, bolsters and pillows with a night stand, total est at
2 bedcovers est at 40
3 old covers est at 12f
2 old tablecloths and six napkins est. at 12f
2 pots, 1 frying pan, 1 grill, 1 skewer, 2 ladles - total est at
1 plate with a burner est at 10f
1 ripsaw and 1 crosscut saw, both with handles est at 155s
One old thresher est at 40s
Two small rifles and one pistol est at 50f
Several small axes and a hoe with a large axe, total est at 20f
A suit, already old and 4 shirts all for men's use, used by said deceased, total est at 30f
Item: Declared that the widow has ten minots (39 liters = 1 minot) of grain (wheat) left as food for her and her children until the next harvest.
Item: All possessions have been left with the widow to produce them on demand. She has been approved and guaranteed for this by Claude Bouchard, son-in-law of the late Louis Gasnier and said widow. For this, each shall be responsible for all their possessions and inheritances, present and future and those of their heirs.
In the presence of Simon Guion, living in said manor and Annet Villain, called LaMeneyre as witnesses.
(signed)
Villian
Simon Guion
F. Bellanger
Cochon
X of said Sir Fortin
X of said widow
Auber, notary
