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From: Suzanne B Sommerville <>
Subject: [Q-R] Re: Seigneurial System
Date: Mon, 20 Jan 2003 17:18:45 -0500


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>----- Original Message -----
From: jkerttula
To:
Sent: Sunday, January 19, 2003 1:33 PM
Subject: Seigneurial System


I am trying to research the Seigneurial System of "New France." In
particular I am trying to find out when the system ended. Also does anyone
know if the the Seigneurial System had any part in the thousands of
Canadians moving to the United States. I understand the Seigneurial System
but am wondering where it plays in the thousands leaving Canada. Was there
no land left to share and if so was this do to the British or perhaps the
ending of the Seigneurial System? Can anyone give me more understanding of
this time period? Thanks, judith : )

______________________________<

Judith,
Richard Colebrook Harris, _The Seigneurial System in Early Canada_, first
published in 1966, is a standard reference.

It survived in Lower Canada until 1854. By that time land was indeed at a
premium in the older original settlements, but expansion was taking place
into previously unoccupied territory, such as the Eastern Townships and the
Laurentian mountains. Movement to urban centers, as opposed to remaining
on the land, also began.

Many influences contributed to French-Canadians moving to or working for a
time in the United States. Large families, inability to find work in
Canada, and a political / religious situation that is a very sensitive
subject. Good luck in your research. I'm sure the answers won't be easy
but will be controversial.

I myself can speak only of what I know of my immediate ancestors, some of
whom "squatted" territory in an area they should not have because it was
reserved for British settlers but eventually won the government's
permission to remain there. Others, mainly great-uncles, went to New
England to work in the factories or to South Dakota to claim farm land
there. One of my aunts taught the French population in Manchester, New
Hampshire. Eventually, my father left for the States because there was no
work for him in Canada.

Suzanne
Suzanne Boivin Sommerville
Michigan, USA

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