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Archiver > QUEBEC-RESEARCH > 2011-06 > 1308329844


From: Suzanne Sommerville <>
Subject: Re: [Q-R] Translation
Date: Fri, 17 Jun 2011 09:57:24 -0700 (PDT)


In some records, more than two male witnesses were recorded.
 
I have observed that the two men on most were often the bedeau of the parish and sometimes a member of the fabrique or lay governing body of the church.
 
I have seen more people, including women, indicated as present and also their signatures at burials in the older records. For example, Angelique Couc signed the burial record of her sister Jeanne in 1679. These tend to disappear, replaced by just two witnesses, sometimes one and the priest. 
 
Just because there is no mention of family at a burial, however, does not mean they were not present. They just did not witness the writing of the burial act. Not too many years ago, my brother and father were invited to witness and sign the burial of my aunt in Montreal, but I was not. I was definitely present, though.
 
Suzanne
 
Message: 3
Date: Sun, 12 Jun 2011 14:57:06 -0400 (EDT)
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Subject: [Q-R] Translation
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Thank you Doreen for the quick translation of the Martin death. Reading 
what you wrote brought up a quick question. In burials, is it always two males
that are the witnesses. (It seems that way to me but I could be wrong.)
Thanks  once again Clyde
 

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