Sunday, November 18, 2012

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 4th and 5th October 1839


4th October l839

The whole of the day was spent in study.  In the evening according to appointment.  I lectured in the Methodist Chapel.  The house was not full, although a considerable number were present.  During the lecture a female of the name of McKay who is connected with a public house came to the door and kicked it with her feet.  When the lecture (which lasted about 2 hours) was over, another 5 signed the Pledge.

5th October l839

This day I forwarded Bills to Aberdeen per carrier.  In the afternoon I along with Mr. Rankin Sheriff's Clerk went out in a small boat to the Dilse.  The sea was very calm, but the tide not being retired sufficiently, made the attaining of our object rather a dangerous matter.  We went into a place almost surrounded by perpendicular rocks, and in the form of a cavern.   I believe the cave like place goes a great way into the rock, here we got excellent dilse but could not hold the boat for a sufficient length of time to enable us to stir up a quantity as was purposed.  On reaching the town I went through most of the streets with Mr. Rankin.

In the evening I attended the weekly meeting of the Mason Lodge.  It was crowded to suffocation almost.  I sang 5 or 6 songs and made a short address to them, another 5 names were added to the Society.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.  Permission to reprint granted by Morris Kay, 25 June, 2012.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Quebec Family History Society - Upcoming Events


The Quebec Family History Society will be hosting a Seminar, Social Event, Free Public Lecture, December, 2012.
 
All information is detailed below.
 
Saturday, December 1
 
A Genealogical Day in Scotland: 1500-2012 (Seminar)
 
10:00 am to 3:00 pm - Quebec Family History Society Heritage Centre and Library, 173 Cartier Avenue, Pointe-Claire, QC H9J 4H9
 
Presented by Jackie Billingham, Susan Gingras and Gary Schroder
 
Learn about the major sources used in in Scottish genealogical research from civil registrations to Kirk records, and from censuses to probate records. Participants will learn how to correctly use the information available on the Scotland’s People website and what strategies to use when planning a research trip to Scotland.
 
Fee: $30.00 members; $40.00 non-members.
 
Reservations are required. Call 514.695.1502 or contact Jackie Billingham at qfhs.communications@bellnet.ca
 
Wednesday, December 5
 
Celebrating Our Military Roots Day - Afternoon & Evening
 
Afternoon 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm - Evening 6:30pm to 9:30 pm
 
Quebec Family History Society Heritage Centre and Library, 173 Cartier Avenue, Pointe-Claire, QC H9J 4H9
 
Join us for the first in a series of monthly Celebrating Our Roots Days.
 
Drop by for coffee, tea, and informal conversation. Share your research and learn what others have discovered about their ancestors who served in the military.
 
Joining us in the afternoon will be Earl John Chapman, author of several military history books, including "Canada's Black Watch: Legacies of Gallantry and Service."
 
Bring your favourite military books to show others. On display we will feature books from the QFHS military collection for you to browse and borrow. Also on display will be members' military memorabilia.
 
So, bring along copies of your military letters, photos, service records, medals, coffee mug, a friend, or just bring yourself.
 
Open to members and the public.  Please visit our web site @ www.qfhs.ca
 
Saturday, December 8
 
An Insider's View of the Institut généalogique Drouin (Free Public Lecture)
 
10:30 am to 12:00 pm - Briarwood Presbyterian Church Hall, 70 Beaconsfield Blvd., Beaconsfield, QC H9W 3Z3.  Visit www.qfhs.ca
 
Presented by Sébastien Robert
 
Sébastien Robert, vice-president at the Institut généalogique Drouin will provide us with a unique opportunity to learn from an insider what the Drouin records offer family historians.
 
Until the late 1900s, church registers in Quebec were the source of birth, marriage and burial records. Every year, all churches were required to send a copy of their registers to the appropriate courthouse. During the 1940s, these records were filmed by the Institut généalogique Drouin.
 
Members and non-members are invited to attend and stay afterward for refreshments and conversation.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 3rd October 1839

I spent the greater part of this day in writing tee-total songs for the people of Bervie.  In the afternoon, I took the coach for Stonehaven.  But here again I suffered a silent ride.  However the distance was not great.  It only cost me 4/- this juant.  In Stonehaven I was kindly received.  Got lodgings of a Mr. Bowman, a grocer.  In the evening I lectured to a large audience in the Methodist Chapel, about 2 hours.  Four names were added.  I proposed to lecture next night in the same place.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.  Permission to reprint granted by Morris Kay, 25 June, 2012.
 
©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 1st and 2nd October 1839

Due to heavy work load at work and other commitments, it has been a long while since I have posted a journal entry.  Time to get back on track!

The pages from September 27th – September 30th are missing from the journal, so we start up again with the entry from October 1, 1839.  Since this entry is short, I’m also posting the entry for October 2nd.

********************************

lst October l839

I spent the greater part of the day in study, and in the evening I went out to Lochside, where I lectured to a most attentive audience chiefly composed of females, about 2 hours.  This Society is flourishing.  Nearly all the inhabitants of the district are members.  I was earnestly requested to leave a Song I had wrote with Mr. Troup that they might publish it which I promised to do.

2nd October l839

I finished the Song and left it with Mr. Troup as promised.  About 2 o'clock p.m. I went to the Coach Office and with difficulty obtained a seat for Bervie.  But here I paid for my whistle as in most other places I have done.  Alas!  I pity the poor traveller who has nothing to depend on but the conversations of his companions.  In my case however the matter was different, for I but seldom court the conversation of those who travel with me.  The scenery being almost new to me, I had enough ado with it and considering the important work in which I was engaged without giving any attention to the dull morose companions who travelled with me.  Another 3 were in the Coach, an old lady with a face for the world like a shrivelled white clout with a pair of spectacles on her grey eyes, in which beamed pride in a most horrifying degree.  I was relieved from this silent deformity about Lauriston.  The next was an old gentleman little better.  Pride seemed to be his chief virtue, and the last was a young lady, who perhaps like myself, was too much taken up with personalities to care much about her companions.  She employed her time in reading.  Not a word passed the whole l3 miles and I was happy on reaching Bervie at finding myself relieved of such a Society. The payment of 5/- for my ride together with these circumstances put me in a rather bad humour, but the scene was not long in shifted.  I was scarcely landed when I had to encounter a Taylor on the subject of the Charter.  This man was also a curiosity.  He was one of those who make a virtue of a necessity, for example he got so very high in the discussion that he believed he would do better were he to get on his feet, and in attempting to rise for this laudable purpose he brought the chair in which he sat which had but the greater part of the seat up with him.  And all that he could make of this occurrence was to ask me if I could play that?  My gravity forsook me as I witnessed the old fool walking through the floor with the pride of some heathen prince, carrying the chair after him without the assistance of his hands.

My Bills had reached, and were circulated, and I sent the Bellman through the town.  The meeting was held about 7 o'clock in Mr. McKenzies Chapel.  The attendance was numerous, and very attentive.  I lectured nearly 3 hours without any opposition but from a Drunken Saddler, who growled like a Bear in a cage, who could not possibly get at his prey.  I was most kindly treated by a Robert Barclay, and his family.

There are about 200 members here. The sect. has weekly meetings.  They are starting a Band and have got an excellent Drum, and a few other instruments.

Altogether my visit to Bervie gives me much satisfaction, and I hope has been productive of some good.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 26th September 1839

My landlady and her family were exceedingly kind to me.  I enjoyed much pleasure in walking in the beautiful garden belonging to the house, and in sitting in that arbour, where so many of the columns of the Montrose Review - which have tended so much to evelate mankind, had been composed.  While enjoying this scene, all the romantic feelings of love beset by the most striking virtue, and adorned with the grandest scenes of nature's workmanship, flashed upon my mind, and I believe had I had time sufficient at my command I could have wrote a romantic tale, so much was my imagination tainted by the lovely scene around, and even while I sit and write - surrounded as I am with the beauties of nature and art, the paintings around me and some of them fair originals standing beside me, telling of ancestors who are smiling in the canvas from the walls who once lived and moved, where I now am, and the consciousness that these ancestors were men and women of no ordinary talent, and beauty, with the heart thrilling notes of the piano, accompanied by the sweet voice of Margaret (Margret) the flower of Montrose altogether overwhelm me and open up to me new beauties, touching a chord of pleasure, that till now had been dead in my bosom, it was here that I first saw beauty combined with talent, and in this scene must my mind ever look back with inexpresible feelings of no common delight.

Margaret, the flower of Montrose

What tho' the bright fields are enshrouded in spendour,
And enchanting the notes of Autumns sweet song
Tho' the Lake 'mid the Rocks is reposing in grandeur
And the mountain Deer bounding the wild woods among

To the heart that tormented swells in this sad bosom
In vain drops the dew from the Lily and Rose
In vain does sweet nature spread fragrance and blessings
While far from sweet Margret the flower of Montrose

Proud boreas may swell the dark frowning ocean
And the Bark may distracted reel over the waves
The skies may be tossed(?) in dreadful commotion(?)
And the warrior be hushed on the field of the brave

Yet to this sad bosom while memory is reigning
In vain lovely nature in glory forth goes
This heart still all comfort and joy is disdaining
While far from sweet Margret the flower of Montrose.

When evenings dark shades envelope the mountains
And Phoebus in glory spreads brightness around
As lonely I stray by the streams and the fountains
In majesty murm'ring their language profound

Still this bosom distracted does conjure up near me
The Nymph that for beauty outvies the sweetest(?)
And in journeying this world this only can charm me
The love of young Margret the flower of Montrose

In the afternoon I went to Logie a place about 4 miles distant from Montrose where there is a spinning mill and bleachfield.  I lectured about 2 1/4 hours in a schoolroom to about l00 of an audience.  Eight names were added to the Society at the close of the lecture.

The cause is prospering in this quarter. 

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 25th September 1839

This morning I employed myself in copying temperance songs etc., the morning being extremely wet.  When the weather cleared up I travelled to Montrose, had an interview with the Pres. & Secty who conducted me to Mr. Sharp(?) of the Review, who received me kindly, and promised me a licence to lecture, would I but stay a few days in the quarter.  Mr. Sharp (?) seems a frank open kind man.  His appearance bespeaks him to be a man of intense study.  He is about the middle size, rather thin (doubtless on account of great mental exertion).  He was exceedingly kind to me.

I was in a manner idle this evening I attended a Prayer Meeting which was in the family where I lodged and was much delighted with it, it was in connection with the Scottish Baptists.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 23rd and 24th September 1839

I’ve been a little lax again in posting the journal entries, so once again I am doubling up.  Enjoy.

September 23, l839

Employed the greater part of the day in study and writing to friends.  In the evening I lectured in the Old Relief Chapel to about 300 of an attentive audience.  The cause here is prospering very much.  There are about 720 members.  They manifest a great desire to become acquainted with the subject.  I was very kindly used while in Kirriemuir.

September 24, l839

Left Kirriemuir for Forfar per Omnibus, about a quarter to ll a.m. reached Forfar about 12, remained till half past 3 p.m. when I took the Railway Coach for Auldbar where I landed about 4.   It rained hard and then not being a coach for Brechin till 6, I stretched me on a form in the Office and took a nap.  When I awoke, I was very cold, and it still continued to rain very heavily.  It was not a covered coach, but I had the benefit of an umbrella.  It was about half eight when I reached Brechin, but had no difficulty in finding out the Pres. of the Society.  The meeting had been advertised.  I accordingly went to the church, and lectured about 2 hours, to a pretty good audience (considering the unfavourable weather).  The Soct (Society) is very prosperous.  There are about 700 members, but there is much work also here, there being no less than 7 public houses and 2 distilleries.

The women here are extremely busy.  Some of them come before the Public at the weekly convivial meetings, and deliver addresses.

I was most kindly received here.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 21st and 22nd September 1839

I seem to have forgotten to post the journal entry last Sunday, so I am posting two days’ worth this week, which is kind of a good thing as the journal entry for September 22nd is rather short!

September 21, 1839

Sent for coach a number of Bills forward to Brechin and Montrose, altogether uncertain whether they would reach or not, as I did not know to whom I should send them.

Having been wrong informed of the hour when the Omnibus for Kirriemuir should start I was disappointed in that conveyance, and had to travel on foot to Kirriemuir.  On the way I called into a house at a place called Padonarm and as usual examined the people on Tee-totalism.  I found them prejudiced against the system through ignorance, so much so that, they told me that "it was a very bad thing to lay any more taxes on the working classes".  On further enquiry I found that, the view they had of Tee-totalism was, that a tax was to be put on every house that had 3 windows.  I explained the principles of total abstinence to them and convinced them that they were just.  I also circulated a few tracts and songs on which the people did not know what to make of me - they made me sit down, and although head and foot of me could have ate, I believe they would have been satisfied.

It was evening till I reached Kirriemuir, my Bills had reached, but the lecture was put off to Monday, as their weekly convivial meeting happens on Saturday - I attended the convivial meeting - the house being a church was crowded.  A hymn commenced the proceedings, after which a tune by the Instrumental band, and a song from any individual who volunteered his or her services, and of these there was no lack alternatively made up all the routine of the amusement of the evening.  I delivered a short address to them, and sang two songs.  This meeting was to me another proof that for man to enjoy himself there was no necessity for intoxicating liquors.

September 22, l839

This being Sabbath I went in the forenoon to the Rev. Mr. Ramage's Chapel and heard a lecture on Eph. 2.ll, l2, l3 & l4 by a Mr. Murray - In the afternoon I attended divine service the Rev. Mr. Buchan's Chapel, and in the evening I went to hear Dr. Easton.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Monday, July 9, 2012

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 20th September 1839

Proceeded to Arbroath by the Railway.  Was kindly received by Alexander Anderson's family to whom I had a letter.  Had an interview with Mr. & Mrs. Stuart Gellatly, as also with Mr. John Taylor Sect. to the Tee-total Society.  Proceeded by the Railway to Forfar.   The view was delightful.   The sun shone in autumnal grandeur, upon the busy reapers.   Nature smiled sweet around me, and I was not dead to her charms, my heart rose in gratitude to the great source of all the beauties.  A serene, severe reflection oftener than once passed through my mind.  Can man, thought I, favoured with such a scene of beauty, in which he must perceive not only grandeur, but also mercy, be so debased as to withdraw himself from the lovely scene and spend his precious time in debauchery.  And can these fields of Barley 'mong which the reaper plys his busy sickle be changed into a deadly poison by man to destroy his fellow.  Ah! Yes! Tis lamentably true.  Then reflections nerved me onward to the undertaking in which I was engaged.  On reaching Forfar, I called on two members of Committee who seemed quite willing that a meeting should be got up for me but would do nothing without the concurrence of the rest.  I accordingly went to a Mr. Scott, Pres. of the Society, who sent for the Treasurer, and made up matters.  The meeting was called through the town.  The business was rather a failure.  Owing partly to it being on the day on which inhabitants are most busy at their avocations, and partly to the short notice which they had of my coming.  There could not be more than 100 who assembled in the Mason Lodge where I lectured about an hour and a half.

The cause here is prosperous.  There are about 400 members.  They have printed their Rules.  They are much the same as the Dundee ones.  An excellent instrumental band belonging to the Society is started l7 in number.  A weekly convivial meeting is held on the Saturday evenings.  These meetings are not conducted on the principal, which is generally adopted, of giving sound information on the subject, but mainly in singing and amusement.   Consequently they are well attended.  To these meetings, the Society is most indebted for its present prosperous state for there is but little thirst for information on the subject.  I endeavoured to point out the evil as far as possible to the Committee, who promised to endeavour to remedy it, if possible.
 
I had supper in the Coffee room, and a good bed in a respectable house.  On the whole my visit to Forfar did in no wise realize my expectations.  However some good may have been done.
 
Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 19th September 1839

Visited a Mr. Andrew Bell in Broughtyferry and had a sight of several very curious glasses, among which was a very powerful microscope.  This individual informed me that he had mixed a little water and vegetables together for a few days, and on taking a view of a single drop had found it to contain an innumerable quantity of living animals, he had dipped the point of a needle in whisky and put it to the drop of water, and all the animals died.

Proceeded by the Arbroath Railway to Carnoustie.  Was directed by the Sec. Alex Balfour Wright to the Pres., a Mr. Wright, a taylor.  At first he would not hear of a meeting being got up.  I told him if he would not assist me I should call a meeting myself.  By degrees he softened down.  He could do nothing "he said" without the committee.  I thereupon got a quorum of their Committee called, and as they approved of me, the Bellman was sent about to call a meeting, which took place in a large School-room.   About l00 were present.  I lectured about 2 1/4 hours.  When through 5 individuals came forward and signed the pledge.  The Society here amounts to 80.

Mr. Wright was very kind to me he seems to have the matter at heart.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 18th September 1839

Had a conversation with Mr. Campbel, Sectr. of the Dundee Society. Proceeded by the Arbroath Railway to Broughty Ferry.  Called on Mr. John Taylor, Sectr of the Society.  Was very kindly used both by that gentleman, and the other members of Committee.  It appears that a considerable number of members here have failed.  The cause goes on but slowly.  The chief reason seems to be the hatred of the fishermen to the cause.  Not a solitary individual of that class is a member, neither do any of them attend the Societies meetings.  There are l00 steady members including about 20 at Dundee.   The Bell man called a meeting for me, in a Mr. Stuart's schoolroom.  About 60 attended among whom were some confirmed drunkards.  I lectured about two hours and a half.  No one opposed me, in the slightest degree.  A few tracts were purchased from me by the committee.  I slept with Mr. Stuart, a Mason.  Both he and his wife were very kind to me.

When the lecture was through, a circumstance somewhat curious occurred to me; an old man came up to me, and whispered into my ear "I am a true prophet of God, a true prophet, Robert Laird of Broughtyferry".  The old man, whom I perceived to be a maniac proceeded to tell me that he would endow me with "a sight" upon which he went down on his right knee and ordered me to hold down my head.  After making several signs with his fingers chiefly upon his face, he gave me 2 slaps on the forehead, and then rising with triumph beaming in his conuntenace, he told me that "I had got a sight".

I was told that the Sabbath previous, a woman of the ferry had drunk a mutchken of whisky, and was found a corpse shortly after.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Abstinence Tour of Robert Marshall (1819-1891) – Journal Entry of 17th September 1839

Left Alyth about 7 o'clock in the morning and proceeded, with considerable difficulty, on account of the Isla having overflowed its Banks to Co-Angus (Coupar Angus).  The forenoon was wet, I was too late for the coach with which I intended to go to Dundee.  Was shown a great deal of kindness, by a stranger, with whose name I am not acquainted.  Visited Mr. Liddell (?) in Co-Angus and examined his printing press.  Had rather a curious interview with a young man, and two Ladies, on the subject of tee-totalism.  The young man was at first a great enemy of the cause but after a little conversation he softened down a good deal, at last to the no small diversion of the Ladies, he faithfully promised to come and hear me lecturing in Kirriemuir on Saturday.  An individual belonging to the Railway told me, that it was a fixed rule that all servants about the Railway should be tee-totalers.  Proceeded to Dundee.

Typed by Betty Kay 11th May 1996, from Dan Marshall`s notes of the original journal.

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

A Journey of Temperance

Last year I was contacted, through this blog, by a third cousin, Morris, in Aberdeen, Scotland who was also researching our common great great grandfather, Robert Marshall (1819-1891).  He is in possession of a journal that Robert Marshall kept during an abstinence tour he did in the North of Scotland in 1839, which he most graciously sent me a transcript of.   It was transcribed by is uncle, and although there are some pages missing, it is a fascinating read.

Last week I emailed Morris and asked if he might have some pictures of the journal that he could send and a few days later the below pictures arrived in my inbox.  It’s hard to believe that Morris is standing there holding a 173 year old journal in his hands.  What a treasure to hold. 


I also asked permission to post the journal to this blog in order that my sisters (and our children) and Marshall cousins may also learn of their great great grandfather’s journey.  Permission was given, so each week on Sundays, I will post one day’s worth from the journal.  Unfortunately, due to the missing pages from the journal there will be gaps in the entries.  Some of the entries are brief, but I’m sure that will only peak interest for the next entry.

Before posting the first entry (in a separate post), just a wee bit of background on the Temperance movement back in the day.

With the reduction in tax on alcohol in 1823, the consumption of legal alcohol increased dramatically.  The Home Drummond Act of 1828 introduced licensing of public houses, however this only affected legal drinking establishments – the illegal dram shops continued as they had before.  At this time in Scotland, right up until the early 20th century, the legal drinking age was 14 years old.  With the increase of consumption of alcohol and the associated misery and health problems, temperance and abstinence movements found public support.  Many societies began to emerge, such as the Rechabites, Good Templars, the Band of Hope, Sons of Scotland and the British Women’s Temperance Association.  In the 1840’s, temperance hotels and coffee houses began to emerge.

Many Society members believed that alcohol was fatal to the health, happiness and prosperity of their family.  They were encouraged to sign a pledge abstaining from the use of ardent spirits, except for medicinal purposes. To counteract the evils of drink, the Societies tried to offer alternatives to occupy the leisure time of the working class. These generally included lectures, evening concerts and social events. A musician was hired to train a choir, and musical evenings were frequently held. Lectures were regularly delivered.    

When my great great grandfather, Robert Marshall, began his Abstinence Tour, he was a young teacher of just 19 years of age and living in Alyth, Perthshire, Scotland.  He was to travel to many places in the North of Scotland recording the places visited, with the number of members of tee-total societies and the number of public houses.  He would billet with members of the local society, give lectures, sing temperance songs that he had written and hopefully get new members to sign the pledge.  He began his journey in September of 1839 and upon completion of his tour, had travelled 474 ¾ miles.  One of the families that he stayed with, in October 1839, was the family of a John Kynoch.  The entries about his stay with the Kynoch’s peaked my interest, as in 1841, Robert and John Kynoch’s daughter, Anne was married.  Robert says of this family: “this is a family which exactly suits me, they are every way to my taste.  His departure from Elgin, in Morayshire affected him greatly.  He writes:  Mr. Kynoch and family seem to have been enchanted with me - they would on no consideration allow me to go till I promised to come back that way - my staff had gone missing - it could not be found - 'Give him the umbrella and it will make him come back', says the wife - I would not promise for I could not positively say whether I should have it in my power to come back that way.”  Needless to say, Robert did return, perhaps obliged to return the umbrella (or was it maybe to see Anne again?)  My cousin, Morris (and I) like to think that if it weren’t for that umbrella, we might not be here today!

(The above information on the Temperance Movement was compiled from articles from "The Resources for Learning in Scotland" and through Wikipedia).

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

QUEBEC FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY - SEMINARS & PUBLIC LECTURE SERIES

I received an email today with the following information regarding some upcoming events hosted by the Quebec Family History Society. They will be hosting a Free Public Lecture on March 10, 2012 and a Seminar on March 31, 2012.


The War of 1812 (Free Lecture)
Date Saturday, March 10, 2012
Time 10:30 a.m.
Location Briarwood Presbyterian Church Hall, 70 Beaconsfield Blvd, Beaconsfield, QC, H9W 3Z3
Presented by Luc Lépine

This lecture about the War of 1812 will focus on events that took place in Lower Canada (now Quebec) and the Battle of Chateauguay. Luc Lépine is one of the leading experts in the War of 1812 and author of the book "Lower Canada's Militia Officers, 1812 - 1815."

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A Genealogical Day in England and Wales (Seminar)
Date Saturday, March 31, 2012
Time 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Location Quebec Family History Society Library, 173 Cartier Av., Pointe-Claire, QC H9S 4H9
Presented by Gary Schroder

The purpose of this seminar will be to a: examine the basic structures of family history research in England, Civil Registration of B.M.D.'s 1837-2005, Censuses 1841-1911, Wills 1858-2011, etc. and b: examine how to find your ancestors for the period prior to 1837 and how to make the best use of the English databases to found to be found on Ancestry and other commercial web sites.

Reservations necessary, call 514.695.1502
Visit www.qfhs.ca

©2012, copyright Alana Farrell