A Group of Voyageurs

List of the Drummond Island Voyageurs

In 1828 the transfer of the British garrison from Drummond Island to Penetanguishene commenced. The following is a list of voyageurs who resided on Drummond Island at the time of the transfer. In many cases a brief biographical sketch is contained which may provide clues to their ethnicity, family relationships, and the location where they or their ancestors settled. The vast majority of these voyageurs were either half-breed (metis) or their offspring were metis through either church sanctioned or country marriages.

Drummond Island Voyageurs

A Group of Voyageurs
A Group Of Voyageurs (From Photo, taken in 1895)
1. Lewis Solomon, born on Drummond Island, 1821; died at Victoria Harbor, Ont., March 1900.
2. John Bussette / Brissette, born in the Rocky Mountains (near Calgary), 1823.
3. James Larammee, born on Drummond Island, 1826.
4. Francis Dusome, born at Fort Garry, Red River, 1820.
  1. Amyot, Colbert, was born in Quebec, went up with the Hudson’s Bay Company, was with Admiral Bayfield in the survey of the thirty thousand islands of Georgian Bay in the old Recovery. He accompanied the admiral to Fort William, and with Hippolyte Brissette and William Cowan, also half-breeds, helped to build the new Recovery, a sailing vessel, with which they completed the survey. His ancestors were Charles and Joseph Jean Baptiste Amyot, of Vincelotte, Quebec, the original grantees of that fief in 1672. He has a son, Colbert, living at St. Joseph Island, and another at St. Ignace, Michigan He was married to a daughter of the interpreter, William Solomon. (See Louie Solomon’s Narrative.)
  2. Auger, Josephette.
  3. Barbou Pierre went to Waubaushene.
  4. Bareille, Louis, settled at old Fort Ste. Marie, Tay.
  5. Barnard, M., married a daughter of Alixe Lamorandiere, returned to the “Sault,” where he has sons still living, and at St Joseph Island.
  6. Beaubien, M.
  7. Beaudria, Antoine.
  8. Beaudria, Louis, returned to La Cloche with the Hudson’s Bay Company.
  9. Beausoleil, Alixe, died in Penetanguishene. Several children are living in Tiny.
  10. Beausoleil, Antoine, went to Trenton, Ontario.
  11. Beausoleil, Felicite, married Antoine Recollet, of Green Bay. She died in Penetanguishene. Her daughter, Cecilia, married Antoine Trudeau and is still living in Tiny.
  12. Beausoleil, Louis, settled on Beausoleil Island (marked “Prince William Henry Island” on maps) in 1819, and from him the island received its name. He afterwards moved to Beausoleil Point, on Penetanguishene Bay, where he died at an advanced age. His wife was a full-blooded Chippewa. He is remembered by early settlers as the owner of a monster black ox, which he drove or worked on all occasions. He had two sons and one daughter.
  13. Bell, John. A genuine French half-breed with an English name, and married to a half-breed woman. I have been unable to ascertain the origin of his name. He appears to have been more than usually clever, as Gordon, the trader, tried to retain his services for collecting furs from the Indians. He soon returned to the “Sault.”
  14. Bellval, Baptiste, had no hair on his head or nails on his fingers and toes. He settled at old Fort Ste. Marie, was mail-carrier for some time, and died at Bruce Mines.
  15. Benoit, Francois.
  16. Benoit, Louis, came from the “Sault.”
  17. Berger, Joseph. His son Charles, at Victoria Harbor, and other descendants are still living.
  18. Blette, Dit Sorelle, Pierre, was the grantee of Park lot 24, the patent having been issued in 1834. He died in Owen Sound.
  19. Blette, Francois. Descendants of his are living in Parry Sound.
  20. Blette, Louis, was the grantee of Park lot 26, the patent having been issued in 1834.
  21. Boissonneau, Joseph, came from St. Joseph Island. His descendants still live in Tiny.
  22. Boisvert, Edouard, went to Lake Simcoe.
  23. Boucher, Jean Baptiste, first settled on lot No. 15, concession 16, Tiny; removed to lot No. 17, concession 17, still occupied by his widow and son, Narcisse Boucher. He was born in Quebec. His family connections include that noted branch of Jean Baptiste Boucher de Chambly, a grandson of M. de Chambly, the original grantee in 1672, who was killed in an Italian campaign. He died at the age of seventy one years, and is buried at Lafontaine.
  24. Boucher, Pierre, once owned the lot where Beck & Co.’s mill now stands in Penetanguishene.
  25. Bourassa, Gabriel. Descendants of his are still living in Tiny.
  26. Boyer, Baptiste.
  27. Boyer, Charles.
  28. Boyer, Gotfried (near sighted), settled in Tiny. His son is living in Midland.
  29. Boyer, Gustave.
  30. Boyer, Joseph.
  31. Boyer, Pierre.
  32. Boyer, William.
  33. Bruneau, Baptiste, settled at old Fort Ste. Marie, Tay, on the Jesuit lot, and gave the name to Bruneauville Station at that place. He is descended from the family of Francois Pierre Bruneau, of Montarville, Quebec, who purchased that fief in 1830. His descendants live in Victoria Harbor and Tay.
  34. Cadieux, Andre, a pensioner, on a Park lot, South Poyntz Street, Penetanguishene, was born in the Province of Quebec, on the Island of Montreal, and went up with the Hudson’s Bay Company. He had a medal, won in the British army in Lower Canada. He saw some hard service going up the Ottawa. After reaching a certain point meat supplies were stopped; the allowance then became four ounces of tallow, and one quart of corn per day for each man, and any game they could shoot. He was descended from the family of Charles Cadieux, of Quebec city, who took the oath in 1767, and another of his ancestors was Joseph Cadieux, who was at the battle of Bennington, and drew seven hundred acres of land at St. Sulpice under Lord Dorchester in 1788. He had six sons and one daughter. The sons were: André Junior, killed at Port Severn; Isidore, living in Penetanguishene; Louis, Joseph, Jean, and Baptiste, living at the “Sault”, and in different parts of the United States. All these were born in Penetanguishene.
  35. Cadieux, Julie (daughter of Andre, Sen.), was born at Drummond Island, and became the wife of Joseph Legris. She is now a widow living at Byng Inlet. Her father and William Couture at one time occupied a double house, standing on the corner where Dr. Spohn’s residence now stands in Penetanguishene.
  36. Cadotte, Angelique, became the wife of Pierre Lepine; died at the advanced age of 95 years, and is buried at Lafontaine. She was wrecked on the schooner Hackett with her babe. (See Louis Solomon’s Narrative.)
  37. Cadotte, Louise, “Oh-ge-ke-quah”, also known as Mother Pecon, was the first wife of Louis George Labatte, and the mother of Michael Labatte. (See his narrative.) She died in Penetanguishene.
  38. Cadotte, M.
  39. Caron, Joseph, Jun., was the grantee of Park lot 28 in 1834 (old Mitchell farm).
  40. Caron, Joseph, Sen., was the grantee of Park lot 27 in 1834 (old Mitchell farm).
  41. Caron, Louis.
  42. Champagne, Antoine, carpenter, owned part of the lot belonging to Allen L. McDonnell.
  43. Chapin, Marguerite, married William Couture.
  44. Charpentier, Antoine, moved to Lake Simcoe.
  45. Chenier, Michael, returned te the “Sault” and Mackinaw, and died in the House of Refuge.
  46. Chevalier, Louis, died in Penetanguishene. Sons are living on Dokis’ Reserve, Nipissing. His father, Louis Chevalier, took a prominent part in charge of Indians at the post of St. Joseph in 1783, under Governor Sinclair, of Mackinaw. He was well versed in Green Bay incidents.
  47. Chevrette, Louis, of lot 13, concession 17, Tiny, was born at St. Hubert, Quebec, in 1801, joined the North-West Company to trade with the Indians, but returned to the “Sault” and Drummond Island, thence to Penetanguishene. In early years he had a sugar camp on the corner where Dr. Spohn‘s residence now stands on Main Street, Penetanguishene. He settled on Quesnelle‘s place, near McAvela‘s, afterwards moved to Tiny, where he died in 1880, aged 79 years. Two sons, Moses (Moise) and Louis, are living in Tiny; one daughter, Mrs. Wynne, 18 living in Penetanguishene, besides numerous descendants.
  48. Clermont, Francoise, came from Red River as the wife of Francis Dussaume, Sen.
  49. Cloutier, Rosette (wife of Jacques Adam Larammee), died at the age of eighty-three, and was buried at Lafontaine.
  50. Corbiere, David, owned Park lot 33 and the town lot where the Arcade now stands.
  51. Corbiere, Eli, a half-brother of Louis, has lived at Holland Landing for sixty years.
  52. Corbiere, Louis, of lot 18, concession 15, Tiny, won a medal in the army in Lower Canada. Descendants of his are still living on Beausoleil Island.
  53. Corbiere, Maria (daughter of Louis), was accidentally shot by her brother while hunting cows.
  54. Coté, Charles, of lot 16, concession 16, Tiny, died at the age of seventy, and is buried at Lafontaine. He came originally from La Cloche, and had been in the employ of the Hudson’s Bay Company. He was descended from the family of Jean Baptiste Coté, of Ile Verte, Quebec, 1723. His descendants are still living in Tiny.
  55. Coté, Francois, settled on lot 14, concession 15, Tiny.
  56. Coté, Joseph, owned lot 18, concession 15, Tiny. his descendants are living in Penetanguishene.
  57. Couture, Joseph, died in Killarney.
  58. Couture, William, died at Owen Sound. He was descended from the family of Guillaume Couture, of Beaumont, Quebec, who took the oath of fealty in 1759.
  59. Craddock, Joseph, was born on St. Joseph Island in 1812, the first year of the American war. He came to Penetanguishene with the soldiers and lived near the barracks. He was employed by the government on the Orillia portage in 1830-32, in the erection of houses for the Indians, and received a grant of fifty acres of land in Coldwater, on which he resided till his death. His father was an officer in the 42nd Regiment, and returned to the Old Country soon after he (Joseph) was born, and was killed in the battle of Waterloo. His aboriginal-descent was so very marked, and the Indian so predominant in his character, that he received a government annuity with the other members of the Indian bands. He was scrupulously honest and upright in his dealings, highly respected, and a pattern to the community in which he lived over sixty years. He died at Coldwater on the 13th April, 1900. He has numerous descendants.
  60. Craddock, Katrine (Joseph’s sister), became the wife of William Simpson, the early trader in Penetanguishene. Her descendants now reside in Montreal.
  61. Croteau, Charles, Jun., moved to Holland Landing.
  62. Croteau, Charles, Sen., settled on Water Street, near Mitchell‘s corner.
  63. Croteau, Jean Baptiste.
  64. Cruson, Joseph.
  65. Deloge, Widow, was Charles Vasseur‘s mother. She was buried on the Gidley farm.
  66. Desaulniers, Charles, settled on Robert street, Penetanguishene on the site of Elliott‘s livery stable.
  67. Desaulniers, Louis, settled at Gordon’s Point, then moved to Tiny. He died at the age of 86 and is buried at Lafontaine.
  68. Deschambault, Pierre, went to Waubaushene. His ancestor, Captain Deschambault, was at the siege of St. John, and drew 700 acres of land in Longueuil, under Lord Dorchester, in 1788. Descendants are living in Tiny.
  69. Deschenaux, Louis, of lot 16, concession 16, Tiny, (now owned by M. Duquette) built the first house in Ste. Croix (Lafontaine) about 1830. It is still standing. His father was born at Beaumont, Quebec, and came up with the North-West Company. Among his ancestors was the famous curé of Ancienne Lorette, Charles Joseph Deschenaux, son of Joseph Brassard Deschenaux, of Beaumont, 1781. Louis is buried at Lafontaine. No descendants are living
  70. Desjardins, Charles, settled on Water street, next to Mr. Hubert, Penetanguishene. He died in Owen Sound.
  71. Desjardins, Joseph, the grantee of Park lot No. 23, in 1834. His descendants are still living in Tiny. Their name recalls the memorable disaster near Hamilton in 1858.
  72. Desmaisons, Archange, the daughter of Francis Desmaisons, became the wife of Henry Modest Lemire.
  73. Desmaisons, Francois, once owned the lot where the Memorial Church now stands. Has a grandson, Narcisse, living in Penetanguishene.
  74. Desmarais, Augustin. His descendants are still living in Penetanguishene.
  75. Doleur, Joseph, a stonemason. He once owned the lot on Robert street, where Wynne’s residence stands. He returned to the “Sault,” where his descendants still live.
  76. Doucette, Edward, once owned lot 13, concession 17, Tiny (now Moise Cbevrette’s).
  77. Duclos, Calixte.
  78. Dusang, Amable, moved to Fesserton, where his descendants still live.
  79. Dusang, Benjamin, dit Monagre. One of his sisters married into the Vent family.
  80. Faille, Louis. Reputed to be Germans, though speaking French and married to a half breed woman.
  81. Farlinger, James, blacksmith in the navy. Reputed to be Germans, though speaking French and married to a half breed woman.
  82. Fleury, Joseph, owned the lot on Poyntz street, Penetanguishene, that is now Corbeau‘s. He was one of Adjutant Keating‘s party that captured the Yankee schooner near Drummond Island. He was said to be a Spaniard. He married a half breed woman and spoke French.
  83. Fontaine, Louis.
  84. Fortin, Antoine, owned the park lot on Poyntz street, opposite Mr. Plouffe‘s, Penetanguishene.
  85. Fortin, Henri, settled at old Fort Ste. Marie. He went to Owen Sound, where he died.
  86. Frechette, Baptiste, occupied a Park lot in Penetanguishene.
  87. Frechette, Charles.
  88. Frechette, Etienne, the grantee of Park lot No. 17, Tiny, in 1834.
  89. Frechette, Louis. The correct name of these brothers is Desroches except the first, Michael, whose mother married the second time. They all retained the name of the first. Descendants are still living in Tiny.
  90. Frechette, Michael, settled near Lake Tyndall (or Semple), Midland.
  91. Freismith, Joseph, baker, settled on one of the original lots of the Gidley farm.
  92. Gager, Antoine.
  93. Gerair, Francois. His daughter married Joseph Boucher and is still living.
  94. Giroux, Joseph, died at the age of 76 and was buried at Lafontaine.
  95. Giroux, Pierre, the grantee of Park lot No. 4, Tiny Reserve, in 1834. He was one of Adjutant Keating‘s party in the capture of the American schooner near Drunimond Island. He was severely frozen while on his way from Giant’s Tomb Island and suffered amputation of both bands and feet. Some of his descendants are living in Tiny.
  96. Gordon, Betsy, married Joseph Lacourse, a brother of Judge Lacourse, of Waterloo County. Her second husband was James Bailey. Both are still living in Tiny.
  97. Gordon, William D., was the eldest son of George Gordon. He was born at Drummond Island in 1820. He was lost in the woods near Penetanguishene in 1832, and was supposed to have been devoured by wolves. The skeleton of the boy was found fifteen years later near the site of Midland. The skull was identified by a peculiarly shaped tooth, and was preserved till his father’s death, five years later, when it was buried in his coffin.
  98. Goroite, Julie Francoise, was the second wife of Louis George Labatte. She died at the age of 75, and was buried at Lafontaine. Her brother, William Goroite, was Government interpreter for the Indians at Port Credit, Ontario.
  99. Goroite, Julie, half-breed, mother of Julia Frances Labatte. She came from Drummond Island with Louis George Labatte, and died at Holland Landing the same year of typhoid fever. She married James Goroite, a Protestant Englishman, who went from Montreal to Drummond Island as schoolmaster, “avocat,” and issuer of marriage licenses. He wore a wig, was very methodical in his habits, and scrupulous in the observance of holy days. Though a Protestant, he would always remind his wife of any day to be observed in her Church and insist upon her attending to it. He also died at Holland Landing of cholera the same year.
  100. Goulet, Francois, was a noted violinist. He occupied the house built by D. Revol in Water street.
  101. Goulet, Marguerite, eloped with Michael Lavallee and never retured.
  102. Goulin, Pierre.
  103. Greverot, Marguerite, became the wife of Charles Coté. She was buried at Lafontaine.
  104. Grevote, Pierre.
  105. Guimont, Francois.
  106. Gurneau, Joseph.
  107. Johnson, Marguerite, was born at Mackinaw and became the wife of William Solomon, the Indian interpreter at Drummond Island. She died in Penetanguishene and was buried with military honors. (See the Narrative of Louie Solomon.)
  108. Jolineau, M.
  109. Jourdain, Louis.
  110. La Plante, Pierre, the grantee of Park lot No. 38, Tiny, part of the Mitchell farm, where his remains lie buried, with those of Le Garde.
  111. La Ronde, Charles, a titled gentleman who claimed descent from the Bourbons of France. Letters addressed to him always bore his title. One of his ancestors was Sieur Pierre Denys de la Ronde, who obtained a grant in the city of Quebec in 1658. Charles lived at Penetanguishene, Beausoleil Island and Coldwater.
  112. Labatte, Ambrose, of lot 13; con. 17, Tiny, is still living.
  113. Labatte, Antoine, of lot 16, con. 19, Tiny, at Thunder Bay. He has numerous descendants. (See the Narrative of Antoine Labatte.)
  114. Labatte, Dominique, the third son of Louis George Labatte, was killed at the raising of a building in Tiny. He was buried at Lafontaine.
  115. Labatte, Katrine, of lot 16, con. 16, Tiny, the early home of Louis Deschenaux. The original block-house is still standing. She became the wife of M. Duquette, and has a vivid recollection of the family trip in the bateau up the Nottawasaga River and over the portage to Lake Simcoe; also of the subsequent landing at their future home beside Thunder Bay, in Tiny, on a cold Christmas eve.
  116. Labatte, Louis George, blacksmith in the navy, lived on lot 16 con. 19, Tiny, at Thunder Bay, which thus became the early home of the Labattes. (See Antoine’s Narrative.) He was buried at Lafontaine.
  117. Labatte, Louise (Michael’s sister), married Pierre Blette dit Sorelle.
  118. Labatte, Michael, owned the Park lot on Poyntz Street, now owned by Mr. Plouffe, Penetanguishene. He lives on an island in Victoria Harbor; is over eighty-five years of age, is vigorous, alert, and his memory is almost intact. A typical French voyageur, his aboriginal descent being most unmistakably marked. He married Archange Berger, and has a family of fifteen children. (See the Narrative of Michael Labatte).
  119. Lacerte, Louis, the grantee of Park lot No. 20, Tiny, in 1834, in the Mitchell farm. He was buried there.
  120. Lachapelle, Etienne, went to Holland Landing.
  121. Lacombe, Madeline, became the wife of Louis Langlade, after whose death she married Leon Dusome. She is still living in Tiny. Her father died on Drummond Island, after which her mother married Oliver Lafreniere, with whom she came to Penetanguishene.
  122. Lacombe, N.
  123. Lacroix, Antoine. His descendants are living in Tiny.
  124. Lacroix, John, senr., of lot 16, con. 16, Tiny, had two sons and three daughters. He was a descendant of Hubert Lacroix, of Mille Iles Quebec, 1781.
  125. Lacroix, Pierre, baker, occupied part of the site where Sneath’s Block stands.
  126. Lacroix, Therese, married Cyril Pombert, and died at the age of eighty. She was buried at Lafontaine.
  127. Lafreniere, Amable, died in Penetanguishene.
  128. Lafreniere, Antoine, cooper, the grantee of Park lot No. 18, Tiny, in 1834, now the Gidley farm. He was buried at Lafontaine.
  129. Lafreniere, Antoine, Jun., of lot 18, con. 15, Tiny. His descendants are living in Tiny.
  130. Lafreniere, Oliver, of lot No. 18, con. 15, Tiny, married widow Lacombe.
  131. Lagace, Joachim, the grantee of Park lot No. 29, Tiny, in 1834. He was buried at Lafontaine.
  132. Lagacé, Josephette, became the wife of Louis Desehenaux. She was tall and stately, of a commanding presence, and an accomplished violinist. While at Drummond Island she furnished music for the officers and gentry at halls and parties, and was frequently called away to Mackinaw and other points for the same purpose. Her services were in constant requisition, even after moving to Penetanguishene. Finally, Mr. Deschenaux, her husband, demolished the violin by placing his foot on it, suddenly and “violently.”
  133. Lamorandiere, Adelaide, became the wife of Regis Loranger. She died at Ontonagon, Michigan.
  134. Lamorandiere, Alixe. Two sons of his are prominent business men at Killarney.
  135. Lamorandiere, Charles. His father was born in Quebec, was well educated, went up with the Hudson’s Bay Company, and married a Chippewa squaw. His ancestor, Capt. Etienne Lamorandiere, was at the Siege of St. John, and drew 700 acres of land at Varennes, Quebec, under Lord Dorchester, in 1788.
  136. Lamorandiere, Charlotte, married M. Barnard. Descendants of hers are living at St. Joseph and the “Sault.”
  137. Lamorandiere, Joseph, occupied a town lot on Water Street. A son of his is Indian interpreter at Cape Croker.
  138. Lamorandiere, Josephette, married Captain Peck, of the steamer Gore. Her descendants live at the “Sault.”
  139. Lamorandiere, Julie, married Jean Baptiste Rousseau. She is still living at the “Sault,” Michigan, ninety years of age, hale and hearty.
  140. Lamoureux, Charles, owned lot 15, con. 5, Tiny. He is still living at Pine Point, 80 years old.
  141. Landry, Agnes, the first wife of George Gordon, the trader of Scotch descent who went up from Montreal with the Hudson’s Bay Company, came to Drummond Island, thence to Gordon’s Point, which he called the “Place of Penetanguishene,” in 1825. He was the grantee of Park lot No. 8, Tiny, in 1836, now owned by John Belyea. His father was Colonel Gordon, of Montreal, who was killed in action in the West Indies, and whose widow subsequently married Joseph Rousseau, a wealthy merchant of Montreal. Mrs. Bailey and Mrs. Vallee, of Tiny, and the Misses Gordon, of Penetanguishene, are daughters.
  142. Landry, Widow, the mother of Mrs. Gordon. She came to Penetanguishene in 1825. She is buried at Gordon’s Point, now owned by William Crosson, Tay.
  143. Langlade, Adelaide, married Joseph Precourt, and is still living in Penetanguishene, a widow with numerous descendants.
  144. Langlade, Angelique, (see her Narrative).
  145. Langlade, Charles, Jun., the grantee of Park lot No. 33, Tiny, in 1835. One son and two daughters are in Marquette, Michigan
  146. Langlade, Charles, Sen., the grantee of Park lot No. 35, Tiny, in 1834. He was born in Mackinaw. His father, Capt. Charles Langlade, was commandant at Wisconsin Portage in 1783. Another relative, Lieut. Langlade, was at Bennington and drew 500 acres of land at Detroit, under Lord Dorchester, in 1788. He had a family of eleven children. The original Langlade house is still standing on McAvela‘s farm. (Sce Angelique Langlade’s Narrative.)
  147. Langlade, Dea or Dedier, inherited Park lot 35 from his father.
  148. Langlade, Katrine, the youngest, was born and died in Penetanguishene.
  149. Langlade, Louis, son of Charles, died in Penetanguishene.
  150. Langlade, Louise, became the wife of Joseph Restoul, in Duluth.
  151. Langlade, Marguerite The 1st, became the second wife of George Gordon. She died in Toronto.
  152. Langlade, Marguerite The 2nd, died in Penetanguishene, unmarried.
  153. Langlade, Marguerite, a cousin, became the wife of Charles Vasseur. She died in Ontonagon, Michigan
  154. Langlade, Pierre, has descendants living in Penetanguishene.
  155. Langlois, Jean Baptiste, another form of the name Langlade. He belonged to a distant branch of the Langlade family.
  156. Larammee, Jacques Adam, settled on a Park lot in Tiny, part of McAvela‘s. He died at the age of 80, and was buried at Lafontaine. (See Mrs. Boucher’s Narrative.)
  157. Larammee, James, Jun., left Drummond Island at two years of age. He lived on Tiny Ordnance Reserve.
  158. Larammee, Julie, married Charles Lamoureux, and is living at Pine Point.
  159. Larammee, Rosette, became the wife of Jean Baptiste Boucher, and is still living on lot 17, concession 17, Tiny, aged 85 year, totally blind. (See Mrs. Boucher’s Narrative.)
  160. Larammee, Zoa, married Pierre Gendron, and is living at Byng Inlet.
  161. Laranger, Regis, clerk for Andrew Mitchell. His family moved to Ontonagon, Michigan, and he died there.
  162. Larche, Charles, walked all the way to Toronto on foot with several others under Captain Darling to join the British against the rebels in 1837, and while absent his wife eloped with Dennis Lavallee, and never returned.
  163. Lariviere, Joseph, returned to the “Sault.”
  164. Latard, Toussant, has a son Philip living at Byng Inlet.
  165. Lavallee, Celeste (daughter of Dennis Lavallee), became the wife of John Borland, and died in Coldwater. John Borland is still living. He is a son of Captain Borland, who was shot and wounded by the Americans at the sacking of Toronto in 1812, but subsequently became commander of the steamer Colborne, on Lake Simcoe, and later of the Penetanguishene, the first steamer built at Penetanguishene. John Borland helped his father build the houses for the Indians on Beausoleil Island, under contract from the Government.
  166. Lavallee, Dennis, the grantee of Park ]ot No. 5, Tiny, in 1834, which became known as “Lavallee’s Point,” now “Highland Point,” owned by D. Davidson, Esq.
  167. Laviolette, Pierre, died in Marquette, Michigan Descendants live there.
  168. Le Garde, Jean Baptiste, the grantee of Park lot No. 37, Tiny, part of the Mitchell farm.
  169. Lecruyer, Francois.
  170. Lecruyer, Louise, became the wife of Joseph Giroux. She is buried at Lafontaine.
  171. Leduc, Tromas, the grantee of the Park lot now owned by Mr. Lamb, also of lot 112, con. 2, Tiny. He procured the skulls for Mrs. Jameson from the cave at Nascoutiong, as mentioned in that lady’s “Winter Studies and Summer Rambles,” Vol. 3.
  172. Legris, Gabriel, on lot 96, con. 1, Tiny.
  173. Legris, Jean Baptiste, the grantee of Park lot No. 32, Tiny, in 1834 part of the Mitchell farm.
  174. Legris, Joseph, died in Penetanguishene. His wife is still living at Byng Inlet. He has a daughter, Mrs. Paul Vasseur, living in Penetanguishene.
  175. Legris, Josephine, became the second wife of Interpreter Solomon, after whose death she married Toussant Latard. A daughter is living in Penetanguishene, Mrs. Charles Gendron.
  176. Legris, Prisque, the grantee of part of Park lot 32, Tiny, in 1834, with his brother. He fell from the loft of a stable he was building for Adjutant Keating and broke his neck. It was popularly reported that he was sent in pursuit of a deserting soldier on Drummond Island and shot him. He has numerous descendants on Beausoleil Island and in Penetanguishene, all known by the name of Prisque. Paul Prisque, who perished on the ice two years ago while returning to Beausoleil Island, was his grandson.
  177. Lemaire, Angelique.
  178. Lemais, J. B.
  179. Lemais, Philip, cooper; his descendants live in Waubaushene and Coldwater.
  180. Lemais, Pierre.
  181. Lemeux, Amable, the grantee of Park lot 31, Tiny, in 1836, part of the Mitchell farm.
  182. Lemire, Henry Modeste, known only by the latter name. He was small in stature and nick-named “Court à Pouce” (short in inches). He left his wife and went to Cheboygan, Michigan, where he died.
  183. Lepine, Francoise, daughter of Louis, married William Rawson, Coldwater. She is still living at Girard Pen. Thomas Rawson, of Coldwater is her son, and she has numerous other descendants living at Coldwater and Girard.
  184. Lepine, Henri.
  185. Lepine, Louis, came with the Larammee family. He settled on a park lot in Tiny, part of McAvela‘s farm. He was buried at Lafontaine.
  186. Lepine, Pierre, wrecked with his wife and child on the schooner Hackett. He was buried at Lafontaine.
  187. Lepine, Therise, daughter of Pierre; was wrecked on the schooner Hackett and with her mother clung to the wreck till rescued by the crew next morning. She died in the House of Providence, Toronto.
  188. Leramonda, James, coast pilot, married a daughter of William Solomon.
  189. Leramonda, Ouillette, son of James, also a coast pilot.
  190. Lesoir, Pierre, the grantee of Park lot No. 36, Tiny, in 1834, part of the Gidley farm in the hollow. He was small in stature and a clever violinist.
  191. Lorette, Pierre.
  192. Lorrin, Therize, died aged 80, and was buried at Lafontaine.
  193. Mangeon, Charles.
  194. Martin, Tontine, fisherman, settled at old Fort Ste. Marie, on the Wye.
  195. Messier, Joseph, of lot 15, con. 16, and Lot 17, con 15, Tiny. His father was born in St. Francis, Quebec, and went up with the North-West Company. He was closely connected with the Deschenaux family. He built the second house in Lafontaine. His ancestors, Joseph and Michael Messier, of Saint Michael, took the oath in 1772. Descendants are still living in Tiny, and a grandson, Joseph Messier, lives at Victoria Harbor.
  196. Minsie, Joseph, obtained Park lot No. 20, Tiny, from Louis Lacerte in 1836.
  197. Nalon, Charles.
  198. Normandaine, Joseph.
  199. Ogier, Pierre, occupied the lot subsequently owned by the late William Hoar, Tiny. He and Deschenaux traded wives, after which they married.
  200. Oreille, Benjamin, settled at old Fort Ste. Marie. He went to the “Sault” and St. Ignace.
  201. Palladeau, J. from St Joseph’s Island settled near F. Dussaume’s, Tiny.
  202. Paquette, Ignace, went to St. Ignace, Michigan
  203. Paquette, Louis, went to St. Ignace also.
  204. Paradis, Joseph, moved to Coldwater.
  205. Parent, Sophie, married Louis Rondeau, who was poisoned. She subsequently became the wife of William Cowan. She is buried at Lafontaine.
  206. Parissien, Jacques, went to Waubaushene.
  207. Payette, Eas, married Katrine Lavallee. He died in Owen Sound.
  208. Payette, Louis, owned a lot near Payette‘s foundry, Penetanguishene.
  209. Pelletier, Joseph. His descendants are still living in Tiny.
  210. Perrault, Charles, his grandfather went to Mackinaw in 1781 from Quebec.
  211. Perrault, Louise, married Gotfried Boyer. He has a son in Midland.
  212. Perrigeaut, Francois, settled on the lot now owned by Allen B. McDonnell, Tiny. He also owned the lot where Payette’s foundry stands in Penetanguishene. He died in 1871.
  213. Pombert, Cyril, the grantee of Park lot No. 12, Tiny, in 1835, and of lot 16, con. 16, Tiny. He died, aged seventy eight, and was buried at Lafontaine.
  214. Precourt, Augustin, carpenter, father and two sons lived on lot 16, con. 15, Tiny. He was buried at Lafontaine.
  215. Precourt, Baptiste.
  216. Precourt, Joseph. His descendants are living on a Park lot in the Ordnance Reserve.
  217. Precourt, Marguerite, married F. Brunelle, Tiny.
  218. Prousse, Francis, went to Waubaushene.
  219. Puyotte, Francois, settled at Gordon’s Point.
  220. Quebec, Louise, married Baptiste Belval, the mail-carrier.
  221. Quebec, M., settled at old Fort Ste. Marie. He was a fine horse rider. He was rendered almost blind from a lightning stroke, and died at Bruce Mines.
  222. Recolet, Antoine.
  223. Recolet, Francois.
  224. Recolet, Johannah (widow).
  225. Recolet, Joseph, the grantee of Park lot No. 39, Tiny, in 1834.
  226. Restoul, Francois.
  227. Restoul, Joseph.
  228. Restoul, Michael. His daughter became Mrs. John Michon, and is still living in Tiny.
  229. Restoul, Pierre, was killed on Lake Nipissing in a fray by one McKenzie.
  230. Restoul, William.
  231. Revol, D. built the second house in Penetanguishene, next to Gordon‘s, on Water Street, on a lot owned by the late Alfred Thompson, and for some time occupied by Father Proulx. He acted as catechist for the congregation of St. Ann’s in the early days. He returned te Montreal, where he died.
  232. Rolland, Pierre, the grantee of park lot No. 22, Tiny, in 1834.
  233. Rondeau, Louis, settled at old Fort Ste. Marie. He died of poisoning from eating a root of la carotte à moureau (wild parsnip) which he found while planting potatoes. His wife took it from him, but while she was absent preparing dinner he ate it, with fatal results. He was buried in St. Ann’s, Penetanguishene.
  234. Ross, Marie, became the wife of Joseph Boissonneau, St. Joseph Island.
  235. Rousseau, Charles, also was a clerk for his half-brother, Gordon, and afterwards kept a store and post-office on St. Joseph Island. He returned to Montreal, where he died. The Rousseaus and Gordons are related by marriage to Madame Albani (Lajeunesse), the famous Canadian songstress.
  236. Rousseau, Jean Baptiste, was born in Montreal. He and his half-brother, George Gordon, went up to Fort William with the Hudson’s Bay Company as clerks, and then removed to Drummond Island, thence to Penetanguishene, where he was clerk for Gordon, and ranged the wilderness collecting furs from the Indians. From him Lake Rousseau, in Muskoka, received its name. He afterwards removed to Kostawang, was sent as returning officer to Bruce Mines during the Cumberland election, and died suddenly during the night. He was buried at Kostawang, St. Joseph Island. His wife removed to the “Sault,” Michigan, where she is still living, aged ninety.
  237. Roy, Alexander.
  238. Roy, George.
  239. Roy, James.
  240. Roy, Joseph, the grantee of Park lot No. 1, Tiny, in 1832. His father was born in Quebec, descended from Joseph Roy, of Vincennes, who took the oath in 1749. He returned to Bruce Mines.
  241. Rushleau, George, is said to have been a Spaniard, though married to a half-breed.
  242. Senecal, Pierre.
  243. Sicard, Francois the grantee of Park lot No. 41, Tiny, in 1834. He hanged himself near Bruce Mines. Mrs. Sicard was the first person buried in St. Ann’s cemetery, Penetanguishene.
  244. Sicard, Simon, has a son, Benjamin, still living on the Tiny Reserve. His ancestor, Sergeant Pierre Sicard, was at the siege of St. John, and drew two bundred acres of land at Riviere du Loup, Quebec, under Carleton, in 1788.
  245. Simpson, Marguerite, a Chippewa squaw, first wife of William Simpson, trader, who was the grantee of Park lot No. 16, Tiny, in 1834. She is buried behind the old store on Water Street.
  246. Solomon, Angelique, married Thomas Landrigan, caretaker of the naval store and magazine for the navy. She eloped with James Murphy and went to Bruce Mines.
  247. Solomon, Ezekiel, the father of William, the interpreter. William also had a son by this name.
  248. Solomon, Henry, died at Killarney, aged 80. He has a son at St. Joseph.
  249. Solomon, Jessie became the wife of Charles Rousseau, then married Colbert Amyot, and died at St. Joseph Island. A son Colbert is still living there.
  250. Solomon, Lewis, the youngest of eleven children, died at Victoria. harbour, March 9th, 1900, and was buried in Midland. He has one son in Tiny. (see his Narrative.)
  251. Solomon, Lisette, married Louis Desaulniers. She is buried at Lafontaine.
  252. Solomon, Marguerite, became the wife of Joeeph Leramonda.
  253. Solomon, Rosette, married Jean Baptiste Sylvestre. She is buried in Penetanguishene in St. Ann’s Cemetery. A daughter, Mrs. Belrose, lives in Penetanguishene.
  254. Solomon, Samuel, was with Admiral Bayfield in the old Recovery during the survey of the thirty thousand islands of Georgian Bay in 1822-5.
  255. Solomon, Sophie, married Benjamin Dusanque. Their descendants are living in Tiny.
  256. Solomon, Thaise died in Penetanguishene, unmarried.
  257. Solomon, William, Government interpreter (See the Narrative of Louis). He died in Penetanguishene.
  258. Souliere, Josephette.
  259. Souliere, Marguerite, came from the “Sault,” married Louis Chevrette, and died in Tiny. She was buried at Lafontaine.
  260. St. Amand, Pierre, settled at Old Fort Ste. Marie. His descendants are still living there.
  261. St. Onge, Dit Latard, Joseph, married Katrine Vasseur, and went to Newmarket.
  262. St. Onge, Madeline, married Antoine Lafreniere. She is buried at Lafontaine.
  263. Sylvestre, Jean Baptiste, Jun., born at Mackinaw, 1813; had three sons and four daughters. The sons were, Louis, drowned at the “Sault”, Alexander, drowned near the Reformatory, Penetanguishene; and Henry, supposed to be in the Klondike. The daughters were: Mary, who became the wife of Capt. Allen; Rose, who became Mrs. Langlade and died in French River; Sophia, who became Mrs. Trudeaux; and Angelique, who became Mrs. Belrose, of Penetanguishene. He is still living at Byng Inlet. (See his Narrative.)
  264. Sylvestre, Jean Baptiste, went up with the North-West Company, came to Penetanguishene and Newmarket in 1816. (See his son’s Narrative.)
  265. Taupier, Andrew.
  266. Taupier, Francoise (widow), grantee of Park lot No. 3, Tiny, in 1834.
  267. Thibault, Constance, married Charles Beron of the “Sault.”
  268. Thibault, Fanny, married Henry Solomon of the “Sault.”
  269. Thibault, Harriet, married Joachim Beron of the “Sault,” brother of the preceding.
  270. Thibault, Joseph, the grantee of lot 16, concession 16, Tiny, part of Louis Deschenaux‘.
  271. Thibault, Joseph, was clerk for trader Simpson, but absconded for embezzlement.
  272. Thibault, Julie, daughter of Pierre, married Joseph Craddock. She died in Coldwater.
  273. Thibault, Julie, wife of Pierre, and mother of fifteen children, died at the “Sault,” aged over one hundred.
  274. Thibault, Katrine, married Joseph Payment at the “Sault.”
  275. Thibault, Pierre, settled at old Fort Ste. Marie, but subsequently moved to Neddy McDonald‘s farm, Tiny, and gave the name to Thibault’s (or Tebo’s) Lake (now dry) near Penetanguishene. It was a considerable body of water, which at one time occupied parts of the McDonald, Columbus and Quigley farms. Afterward he moved to Sault Ste. Marie.
  276. Thibault, Pierre, went to the United States and enlisted in the American Civil War.
  277. Thibault, Scholastique, married James Quigley, medalist and pensioner.
  278. Thiridault, M.
  279. Trudeaux, Jean Baptiste, blacksmith in the navy, settled on a park lot in Tiny Reserve, and gave the name to “Trudeaux Point”. He went to Lake Simcoe, but returned. Has two sons, Antoine, living on Tiny Reserve, and Eustache, living at Byng Inlet; also one daughter, Angelique, married to Jean Baptiste Contan, living at La Crosse, Wisconsin, besides several grandsons living in Tiny.
  280. Varnac, James, went to Lake Simcoe.
  281. Vasseur, Andrew, of lot 84, concession 1, Tiny, went to Bruce Mines, and is buried there.
  282. Vasseur, Baptiste.
  283. Vasseur, Charles, Jun., married Miss Vallee. He has a daughter living at Byng Inlet.
  284. Vasseur, Charles, the grantee of Park lot No. 6, Tiny, in 1834. He was born at St. Maurice, Quebec, served with the “Voltigeurs,” then went west with the Hudson’s Bay Company. He joined the British forces and was at the capture of Mackinaw in 1812. There were six brothers and all went to Mackinaw and followed the British to Drummond Island, thence to Penetanguishene. While at Mackinaw Charles married a young half-breed woman, named Marguerite Langlade, a near relative of the famous Captain Langlade and cousin of the Langlades of Tiny. Charles and several others, under Captain James Darling, walked all the way to Toronto and back during the Rebellion of 1837. He brought the first cow and the first yoke of oxen ever used in Penetanguishene from Georgina, around by Point Mara, the Narrows (Orillia) and Coldwater, thence home; the latter portion of the way being only an Indian trail so narrow and bad that he often had to carry the yoke on his shoulders and drive the animals ahead in single file. His mother visited Penetanguishene twice while living at Mackinaw, after which she moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin, where she died. Charles was drowned near Manitoulin Island, where his remains are buried. His wife died at Ontonagon, Michigan, where his son Louis still lives. He had a family of fifteen children, only the two eldest having been born on Drummond Island. I gleaned these reminiscences from his son, Paul, living in Penetanguishene, who claims that his father had a medal won fighting for the British, but that it has been lost.
  285. Vasseur, Jacques, was shot by an Indian at Pinery Point. He asked the Indian to shake hands with him, and while reaching for his hatchet with the other hand discovered his arm was broken. He is buried on the Gidley farm.
  286. Vasseur, Joseph, was buried on the Gidley farm.
  287. Vasseur, Louis, once owned part of the lot on which Lafontaine church stands, and is said to be buried there, but it is uncertain.
  288. Vasseur, Marguerite, was buried on the Gidley farm.

Surnames:
Albani, Allen, Amyot, Auger, Bailey, Barbou, Bareille, Barnard, Bayfield, Beaubien, Beaudria, Beausoleil, Bell, Bellval, Belrose, Belval, Belyea, Benoit, Berger, Beron, Blette, Boissonneau, Boisvert, Borland, Boucher, Bourassa, Boyer, Brissette, Bruneau, Brunelle, Cadieux, Cadotte, Caron, Chambly, Champagne, Chapin, Charpentier, Chenier, Chevalier, Chevrette, Clermont, Cloutier, Columbus, Contan, Corbeau, Corbiere, Coté, Couture, Cowan, Craddock, Crosson, Croteau, Cruson, Darling, Davidson, Deloge, Desaulniers, Deschambault, Deschenaux, Desehenaux, Desjardins, Desmaisons, Desmarais, Desroches, Doleur, Doucette, Duclos, Duquette, Dusang, Dusanque, Dusome, Elliott, Faille, Farlinger, Fleury, Fontaine, Fortin, Fréchette, Gager, Gendron, Gerair, Gidley, Giroux, Gordon, Goroite, Goulet, Goulin, Greverot, Grevote, Guimont, Gurneau, Hubert, Jameson, Johnson, Jolineau, Jourdain, Keating, La Plante, La Ronde, Labatte, Lacerte, Lachapelle, Lacombe, Lacourse, Lacroix, Lafreniere, Lagace, Lajeunesse, Lamb, Lamorandiere, Lamoureux, Landrigan, Landry, Langlade, Langlois, Larammee, Laranger, Larche, Lariviere, Latard, Lavallee, Laviolette, Le Garde, Lecruyer, Leduc, Legris, Lemaire, Lemais, Lemeux, Lemire, Lepine, Leramonda, Lesoir, Loranger, Lorette, Lorrin, Mangeon, Martin, McAvela, McDonald, McDonnell, McKenzie, Messier, Michon, Minsie, Mitchell, Murphy, Nalon, Normandaine, Ogier, Oreille, Palladeau, Paquette, Paradis, Parent, Parissien, Payette, Payment, Pelletier, Perrault, Perrigeaut, Plouffe, Pombert, Precourt, Prisque, Proulx, Prousse, Puyotte, Quebec, Quesnelle, Quigley, Rawson, Recolet, Recollet, Restoul, Revol, Rolland, Rondeau, Ross, Rousseau, Roy, Rushleau, Senecal, Sicard, Simpson, Sinclair, Solomon, Sorelle, Souliere, Spohn, St. Amand, St. Onge, Sylvestre, Taupier, Thibault, Thiridault, Thompson, Trudeau, Trudeaux, Vallee, Varnac, Vasseur, Vent, Wynne,

Collection:
Osborne, Alexander Campbell. The Migration of Voyageurs from Drummond Island to Penetanguishene in 1828. Volume 3 of Papers and records. Ontario Historical Society. 1901.

Search Military Records - Fold3

21 thoughts on “List of the Drummond Island Voyageurs”

  1. My name is Wanda and I am hoping someone can help me with information regarding Joseph Messier and wife Marie that were part of Drummond Island migration. They lived in Penetanguishene where several relatives were born and baptized including my ggg grandfather William Massey born 1831. I am searching for anything I can find showing exact names for my ggg grandfathers parents. Marie went by several last names ( Messier, Cloutier, Makonte and Lafont ) I am searching for native blood. I know I am part native, but I need documentation. Any and all help I am grateful for. My email is wgarries@yahoo.com and I live in St Ignace, MI Thank you!

  2. Marguerite Vasseur is listed as a voyageur. My Marguerite Vasseur was born in the late 1800s – is this the same Marguerite? I’m thrilled to see many of my great great grandmothers were also voyageurs–paddles up/dig in!!

  3. My email address is 1952lora@gmail.com
    I am looking for her parents louisa cadieux born in Penetanguishene Ontario about 1826 was married to pierre didier longlade born in Montreal Quebec about 1824 married in penetanguishene ontario about 1850 or so I hope you can help me fill the blanks in
    Pierre didier longlade parents are philomene longlade and antione melafant this is my family the (longlade,bonnenfant, goodchild)thanks in advance for your help Rose Ritchie

  4. A long history of Matt @ lake Simcoe Virginia ON.,formerly Frenchville,,Had Charpentier,Laviolette,Duclos.Beaudreau, etc. in my neighbourhood as a child,,I am now ’71,,with a long print out back to Rouen France.. Drummond island popped in a chat with a childhood buddy and I found lotsa Matts !!

    1. Hey. I’m Joseph Craddock, son of Joseph Craddock. Hiya cousin.

      I’ve got a good chunk of the family story written up if you want to read it. Do you have any old pictures?

  5. Hello, I am a descendant of the Maurice Family in Penetanguishene and I am told we were too a part of the Drummond Island Voyagers. Apparently our name changed to Maurice somewhere along the way once we arrived. Does anyone have more information on what our last name used to be, and other ancestors who are of First Nations descent? Would like to feel more connected. Thanks!

    1. Teresa marchildon

      Claire, There is a genealogist who works every Wed at the Penetang Centennial Museum. He knows a great deal about the Drummond Island migration and helped me to map my Métis genealogy. I’m sure he could help you. Go to the museum on a Wed. There may be a small admission fee. I have an annual membership that allows me to use their genealogy room any time (and access to ancestry.com). The annual membership is only $35.

    2. The best person to contact about this is Hubert Charlebois, the genealogist at the Centennial Museum in Penetanguishene. He works in their genealogy room every Wed. Hubert is Métis.

  6. Can someone tell me where the Gidley Farm was located on Conc 15 in Tiny? What is the address today? A relative, Marguerite (Langlad) Vasseur, was buried on the Gidley Farm and I would like to know if the grave is still there. Thank you.

      1. I would like to know if there is a grave there?? I am also a relative of the Vasseurs; it was changed was changed to Vassair when Charles entered the army in 1916. I think it was changed because of a clerical error.s is
        This is an awesome web site, thank you for all the information.

      2. There is no grave marker for Marguerite (nee Langlade) Vasseur. The burial site is on private property so I was not able to access it. The genealogist who works at the Penetang Centennial Museum can show you on his map where the old Gidley is located. His name is Hubert Charlebois and he works on Wednesdays.

    1. Patricia Porter

      I am also interested in the Gidley farm as I have ancestors buried there. Marguerite Vasseur was my 3rd great grand mother. Thank you. Patty

  7. my name is Justin Dumont I was born and raised is Penetanguishene Ontario, I am also Metis and my family is from the Drummond Island migration of 1828-1829. I found is site very helpful.
    thank you for posting this story

    1. I am the great granddaughter of Louise Michaud and William Beausoleil and am looking for relatives still living in Tiny or that area

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Pin It on Pinterest

Scroll to Top