Quarterly

The French Canadian/Acadian Genealogists of Wisconsin Quarterly features articles on French Canadian/Acadian research, historical as well as cultural information, published genealogies, and news about many current genealogical events. The annually published surname list consists of major surnames being researched by members.

Volume 14 Number 3, Spring 2000

Articles

"Artisans/Tradesmen of New France" by Joyce Banachowski

"Tradesman were an important part of the seventeenth century migration to New France. It is estimated that 3,900 of the 10,000 who settled in New France were tradesman. In the Recruitment of 1653, all of the men came as tradesmen engagés. In 1716, The Company of One Hundred Associates required that every ship of 60 tons of cargo provide passage for three contracted settlers, and for each ship carrying one hundred tons of cargo, six contracted settlers were to be brought. Tradesmen were counted as two people...."

The author explains in detail the role of tradesmen/artisans in the New World as well as their place in the society of the time. "The tradesmen were part of the working class. Craftsmen were at the bottom of the pyramid along with peasants and laborers."

Apprenticeships, partnerships, and The Confrerie are expertly detailed. The following worker's organization are explained: La Confrerie de Sainte-Anne (for wood sculptors and joiners), Confrerie de Saint-Eloi (for metalworkers), and Confrerie de Saint-Crepin et Saint-Crepinien (for shoemakers).

Tradesmen in New France included blacksmiths, carpenters/joiners, roofers, masonry, and tanners. The Early Mason-Architects of New France details the individuals who were responsible for most of the construction in New France.

"The building trades--masons, carpenters, and roofers-- were important trades in New France." This article includes a detailed list of the names of tradesmen in New France who at some time were in the building trades.

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