I have Edouard Joseph Connor documented in Quebec about 1780. He married Marguerite DeVileray. I have no idea where in Ireland he came from. He was pre- Robinson settlers. He was probably born in Ireland about 1760. His son, Edouard, was born abt 1801. When his son died about 1838, he was listed as a shoemaker. This was a higly skilled trade and one likely to be passed down. The names Edouard and Joseph are used over and over again down the line. There was a John Connor in QC abt 1760 who was a voyager and another earlier John who ran a ferry. In the 1800 records and later, the name was O'Connor. I haven't found any historical background that would indicate any Irish immigrated from Ireland to Canada so early as 1780. It seems like it was just an individual choice for an Irishman to join to Irish or French army and be posted to Quebec or maybe he was just an adventurer. Any research guidance would be appreciated.
suem600
Sunday 10th Jun 2018, 09:11PMMessage Board Replies
-
Hello Sue, as you say the name is common and the O prefix was not common or in the process of dying out until the rise of nationalism after the famine, from about 1860 on.
You are correct as to find him in Ireland but there w,as considerable trade between Waterford on Irelands south east coast and Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the 1700s and earlier I think, you could try Waterford library to see if there is any printed stuff but a quick Google brought up this https://www.irishtocanada.com/newfoundland/ Quebec is not too far now.
Good Luck
Pat
Pat O Holloran, IrelandXO Volunteer
Monday 25th Mar 2024, 10:20PM