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EMAIL US 		bullet Stephanie POULIOT Parents: Napoleon POULIOT and Marie-Alice PICARD.

She was married to Joseph-Arthur LECOURS on 1 Jul 1919 in Ste. Justine de Dorchester, P. Q..

bullet Thomas POULIOT was born after 1840. Parents: Remi POULIOT and Marcelline CLOUTIER.

He was married to Celanire POISSANT on 25 Feb 1879 in St. Edouard de Frampton, P. Q.. Children were: Joseph-Edmond POULIOT.

bullet Valerie POULIOT was born after 1870. Parents: Jean POULIOT and Celestine GIGUERE.

She was married to Ferdinand CLOUTIER on 30 Jun 1902 in St. Odilon de Dorchester, P. Q.. Children were: Agenard CLOUTIER.

bullet CATHERINE POULLET was born about 1615 in Probably France.

She was married to JEAN DUCHESNE before 1637 in St. Georges, Eveche de Damiens, France. Children were: Pierre DUCHESNE DIT LAPIERRE.

bullet Jean POUPARD

He was married to Marguerite FRICHET OR FRECHETTE before 1649 in Fraance. Children were: Pierre POUPARD.

bullet Joseph POUPARD was born on 8 Jun 1696 in La Prairie, P. Q.. He died on 17 Apr 1726 in Montreal, Ile de Montreal, P. Q.. Parents: Pierre POUPARD and Marie-Marguerite PERRAS.

He was married to Marie-Anne LEMIEUX on 6 Nov 1724 in La Nativite, Laprairie, P. Q.. Children were: Marie-Josephte POUPARD.

bullet Marie-Josephte POUPARD was born in Sep 1725. Parents: Joseph POUPARD and Marie-Anne LEMIEUX.

She was married to Louis BARRETTE on 27 Nov 1741 in La Prairie, P. Q.. Children were: Marie-Josephte BARRETTE.

bullet Pierre POUPARD was born about 1649 in France. He died on 7 Jun 1699 in Hotel Dieu de Montreal, P. Q.. Parents: Jean POUPARD and Marguerite FRICHET OR FRECHETTE.

He was married to Marie-Marguerite PERRAS on 14 Aug 1682 in La Prairie, P. Q.. Children were: Joseph POUPARD .

bullet Elisabeth POUPART DIT LAFLEUR Parents: Rene POUPART DIT LAFLEUR and Marie GENDRON.

She was married to Charles CHARON-CABANAC on 26 Feb 1712/13 in Montreal, Ile de Montreal, P. Q.. Children were: Jean-Baptiste CHARON-CABANAC, Elisabeth CHARRON .

bullet Pierre POUPART DIT LAFLEUR

He was married to Marie BOULAY about 1645 in Nantes, Bretagne, France. Children were: Rene POUPART DIT LAFLEUR.

bullet Rene POUPART DIT LAFLEUR Parents: Pierre POUPART DIT LAFLEUR and Marie BOULAY.

He was married to Marie GENDRON on 6 Apr 1679 in Boucherville, Chambly, P. Q.. Children were: Elisabeth POUPART DIT LAFLEUR.

bullet Madeleine POUPART Parents: Vincent POUPART and Madeleine BARSA.

She was married to Jacques JOLY on 19 Mar 1711 in Riviere des Prairies de Montreal, Ile de Montreal, P. Q.. Children were: Catherine JOLY.

bullet Marie-Esther POUPART

She was married to Leon FOUCRAULT on 1 Oct 1821 in St. Philippe de La Prairie, P. Q.. Children were: Joseph FOUCREAULT.

bullet Pierre POUPART

He was married to Marie-Anne DEMERS on 9 Feb 1750 in Montreal, Ile de Montreal, P. Q..

bullet Vincent POUPART

He was married to Madeleine BARSA before 1691 in Of Riviere des Prairies, P. Q.. Children were: Madeleine POUPART.

bullet Jeanne POUSSARDE

She was married to Etienne PAQUET . Children were: Etienne PAQUET.

bullet Marie-Anne POUSSIN was born about 1643 in Paris, France.

She was married to Jean LARCHEVEQUE on 7 Sep 1665 in Quebec City, P. Q.. Children were: Catherine LARCHEVEQUE, Anne-Madeleine LARCHEVEQUE , Genevieve LARCHEVEQUE.

bullet Denise POUTRE

She was married to Gilbert OTIS.

bullet Elizabeth-Magalene POWERS was born on 22 Jul 1887 in Brooklyn, N. Y.. Parents: Richard POWERS and Annie REILLY.

She was married to Philip-Joseph SIMONEAU on 19 Oct 1908 in Moosup, Windham County, Connecticut. Children were: Alice-Ida-Mae SIMONEAU, Elizabeth-Anna SIMONEAU , George-Raymond SIMONEAU, Philip-Henry SIMONEAU, Richard-Joseph SIMONEAU , Francis-Earl SIMONEAU.

bullet Mr. POWERS

He was married to Victoria ST-GELAIS .

bullet Richard POWERS

He was married to Annie REILLY. Children were: Elizabeth-Magalene POWERS.

bullet Catherine POYNEAU

She was married to Pierre MORIN in of Poitou, France. Children were: Charles MORIN .

bullet Andre PRADET was born about 1703 in of St. Andre de Niort, Deux Sevres, Poitou, France. He died on 25 May 1715 in St. Andre de Niort, Deux Sevres, Poitou, France. Andre's burial record indicates that he was 12 yrs old when he died May 25, 1715. Copy of burial record received from Jean-Roch St-Gelais, Lac St-Jean, P. Q. Parents: GASPARD PRADET and ELIZABETH CHAIGNEAU.

bullet Elisabeth PRADET was born about Apr 1706 in Probably France. Parents: GASPARD PRADET and ELIZABETH CHAIGNEAU.

bullet Felix (Philippe) PRADET was born on 10 Sep 1718 in Probably France. He died on 11 Aug 1719 in Probably France. Parents: GASPARD PRADET and ELIZABETH CHAIGNEAU.

bullet GASPARD PRADET(1) Photo was born about 1680 in Poitou, France. He died before 1730. He was a "Boulanger" = Baker. from Baptism record of Jean Simon Pradet & Notes of Bernard St-Gelais). GASPARD (1) PRADET. The estimated date of birth and date of marriage for Gaspard Pradet is based on the date of birth of his sons André who was buried at the age of 12 on 25 May 1715, and, Jean-Simon who was born & Baptized on Dec 13, 1708. We know that GASPARD PRADET died before 1730 as his son Jean-Simon declared this fact in his marriage contract dated Feb 1730. We know that GASPARD PRADET & his wife ELIZABETH CHAIGNEAU (Chaignon) had several children. To date 7 of their children have been found. They are:(#1) André, born about 1703. André's burial record indicates he was burried at St. André de Niort, Deux Sevres, Poitou, France on May 25, 1715. Andre was 12 years old when he died. (#2) Elisabeth Pradet born about April 1706 & died when she was 18 months old on Oct 12, 1707.( #3) Jean born about July 1707 and died when he was 3 months old on Oct 21, 1707. (#4) JEAN-SIMON PRADET dit SAINT-GELAIS & dit LAFORGE "THE ANCESTOR' of all the SAINT-GELAIS of North America was born Dec 13, 1708. (#5) Jean-Bernard Pradet Born Jul 6, 1710, died 4 yrs old on Sept 29 1714. (#6) Felix or (Philippe) Pradet Born Sept 10, 1718 at Frontenay, R. R. France and died Aug 11, 1719 when he was about 11 months old. And, (#7) Pierre Pradet probably born abt 1720, was married on Nov 27, 1747. I have a copy of Jean-Simon's baptism record which clearly states that JEAN-SIMON PRADET was born on 13 December 1708. That same record indicates that GASPARD PRADET' s occupation was "boulanger" which is the French word for "baker". Most of my adult life, I thought that I might be related somehow to the Aristocratic St. Gelais family of the 16th and 17th century, The St. Gelais family that occupied the Chateau de Cherveux in Poitou, France or other Illustrious St. Gelais of the period, like Mellin de St. Gelais, a Court poet etc . I carved out a wooden plaque of the "St-Gelais Family Crest" over 25 years ago, and to this day it is still hanging on my living room wall. Since working on my genealogy for the past few years, I find this more and more NOT to be the case. Moreover my oldest paternal ancestor found is GASPARD PRADET, mentioned above, and to this day, not one link either by blood or marriage to the SAINT-GELAIS families has ever been established. There is indeed a Chateau de Cherveux in Poitou which was occupied by the SAINT-GELAIS Family. (The Chateau de Cherveux has a wonderful French-English website) and I have indeed located a village in France called SAINT-GELAIS. It is located very close to the Chateau de Cherveux in Poitou. GASPARD PRADET and his children are from the area of St. André-de-Niort, Deux -Sevres in Poitou, France. The village of SAINT-GELAIS of which I speak is in the same area. The only logical conclucion is.... that the Village of St-Gelais must have been named after the St-Gelais family that occupied the Chateau de Cherveux and that the Pradet family must have been from the village of St-Gelais and that would explain why Jean-Simon Pradet dit St. Gelais and dit Laforge was given the "dit name" SAINT-GELAIS by his military regiment, which is the surname used by most of the Pradet descendants to this day, myself included. Being somewhat of an unusual name , I am sure it just did not pop out of the blue the day it was given to him. In conclusion, I am just as happy and proud to have descended from a humble and brave soldier, the son of a baker, as if I had descended from a member of the Aristocratic St. Gelais family. Here is a brief history of the Village of St. Gelais. It is in French and hope to translate it soon. Origine et Histoire

L'église de Saint-Gelais fut construite à partir de 1109 par Raoul de Lusignan. Celui-ci avait un fief en ce lieu et vénérait particulièremrent Saint-Gelais, successeur de Saint Hilaire, évêque de Poitiers au IV ème siècle. Il dédia cette église prieurale en l'honneur de Saint Gelais. Enfin, le village avait une identité avec un saint patron dont la fête serait célébrée tous les 26 Août. Les pélerins de Saint-Jacques de Compostelle, descendant de Parthenay, trouvaient en haut de la Cueille Saint Jacques recueillement en notre église et repos aux Jacquetières.

En 1530, 10 ans seulement après que Luther ait brulé la bulle du pape, un bourgeois de Saint-Gelais nommé Martin, fut condamné comme Luthérien par le Parlement de Paris, c'est dire la rapidité de l'extension du Protestantisme en Poitou. En 1544, Calvin séjourne à Poitiers et ses disciples convertissent une grande partie des Poitevins à la Réforme. En 1569, 1574, et 1585, Louis de Saint-Gelais, fidèle d'Henri de Navarre, fut assiégé par trois fois dans son château de Cherveux par les troupes catholiques. En 1598, devenu Henri IV, le Roi essaie d'apaiser les combattants en donnant le droit de cité aux protestants par l'Edit de Nantes. En 1635, les protestants rejetés des cimetières catholiques reçoivent à Saint-Gelais un cimetière à part au Bourg Neuf. Craignant que les corps des descendants des fondateurs de l'Eglise devenus protestants ne soient exhumés et jetés à la décharge publique, les protestants de Saint-Gelais retounèrent la dalle recouvrant l'escalier de la crypte. La croix de Saint-Gelais étant en dessous, la crypte passa inaperçue au moment des exhumations exigées par les catholiques, et les révolutionnaires de 1793 n'eurent pas l'idée d'y descendre pour récupérer le plomb des cercueils pour en faire des balles. En 1681, le Roi envoie ses dragons, pour convertir les protestants par la force. Nos registres paroissiaux témoignent de 436 conversions sur environ 800 âmes.

En 1791, l'église et le prieuré sont vendus comme biens nationaux.

En 1925, l'église fut inscrite à l'inventaire supplémentaire des monuments historiques.

En 1945, elle fut classée comme monument historique.

A partie de 1962, de grands travaux ont été entrepris, et leur achèvement s'est fait en 1998.


He was married to ELIZABETH CHAIGNEAU before 1703 in St. Andre de Niort, Deux Sevres, Poitou, France. Children were: Andre PRADET, Elisabeth PRADET, Jean PRADET, JEAN-SIMON PRADET\ST-GELAIS, Jean-Bernard PRADET, Felix (Philippe) PRADET , Pierre PRADET.

bullet Jean PRADET was born about Jul 1707 in Probably France. He died on 21 Oct 1707 in Probably France. Parents: GASPARD PRADET and ELIZABETH CHAIGNEAU.

bullet Jean-Bernard PRADET was born on 6 Jul 1710 in Probably France. He died on 29 Sep 1714 in Probably France. Parents: GASPARD PRADET and ELIZABETH CHAIGNEAU.

bullet Pierre PRADET was born probably about 1720 in Probably France. Parents: GASPARD PRADET and ELIZABETH CHAIGNEAU.

He was married to Magdeleine GABRIAN on 27 Nov 1747 in Probably France.

bullet Louis-Samson-David PRADET\LAFORGE was born on 18 May 1753 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. He was baptized on 20 May 1753 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. He died in Sep 1839 in Detroit, Wayne, Michigan. He was buried on 20 Sep 1839 in Ste. Anne Church, Detroit, Wayne, Michigan. He was also known as Louis-Samson-David Pradet dit Laforge. I am very grateful to Mrs. Karen (Hawkins) Hayes of Clinton Township, Michigan for graciously donated Volume I of the Genealogy of the French Families of the Detroit River Region, 1701-1936 by Rev. Christian Denisson, which will greatly assist me to furhter document the descendants of Louis-Samson-David Pradet dit Laforge of whom she is a descendant. The main goal for this genealogy & website is that, if your surname is Pradet , St-Gelais, or Laforge and a descendant of Jean-Simon Pradet dit St-Gelais & dit Laforge, you should not have too much difficulty in finding your roots. Robert St. Gelais, GEDCOM owner of THE ST-GELAIS FAMILIES OF NORTH AMERICA. Parents: JEAN-SIMON PRADET\ST-GELAIS and MARIE-GEN. CHARRON .

He was married to Marguerite CAMPEAU on 28 Apr 1783 in Detroit, Wayne, Michigan. Children were: Louis LAFORGE, Joseph LAFORGE, Theotiste LAFORGE, Alexis #1 LAFORGE, Antoine (Anthony) LAFORGE, Nicolas LAFORGE , Charles Sr. LAFORGE, Jean-Baptiste LAFORGE, Alexis #2 LAFORGE, Henri (Henry) LAFORGE, Jean-Pierre (John-Peter) LAFORGE, Patrick LAFORGE, Marguerite (Margaret) LAFORGE.

bullet Louise PRADET\LAFORGE was born about 1740 in Prob. St. Roch-des-Aulnaies, P. Q.. She was also known as Louise Pradet dit Laforge. Parents: JEAN-SIMON PRADET\ST-GELAIS and MARIE-GEN. CHARRON .

She was married to Joseph-Marie HAMELIN about 1760. Children were: Catherine HAMELIN, Joseph-Marie HAMELIN, Raphael HAMELIN, Francois HAMELIN, Genevieve HAMELIN, Marguerite HAMELIN, Augustin HAMELIN, Scholastique HAMELIN.

bullet Elisabeth PRADET\ST-GELAIS was born on 19 Jan 1731 in St. Pierre, Ile d' Orleans, P. Q.. She was baptized on 20 Jan 1731 in St. Pierre, Ile d' Orleans, P. Q.. She died in Mar 1821. She was buried on 27 Mar 1821 in Les Eboulements, P. Q.. She was also known as Marie-Elisabeth Pradet. Marriage contract 10 Jan , 1755 by Notaire Michel Lavoie. Parents: JEAN-SIMON PRADET\ST-GELAIS and MARIE-GEN. CHARRON.

She was married to Jean-Baptiste SIMARD on 12 Jan 1755 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. Children were: Marie SIMARD, Marie-Elizabeth SIMARD, Jr. Jean-Baptiste SIMARD , Rosalie SIMARD, Zacharie SIMARD, Marie-Angelique SIMARD, Marie-Genevieve SIMARD, Marie-Josephte SIMARD , Abraham-Isaac SIMARD, Honore SIMARD.

bullet Elisabeth PRADET\ST-GELAIS was born on 2 May 1779 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. She was baptized on 3 May 1779 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. She died on 7 Nov 1784 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. She was buried on 8 Nov 1784 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. Parents: Jean-Marie-Francois PRADET\ST-GELAIS and Marie-Victoire POTVIN.

bullet Genevieve PRADET\ST-GELAIS was born on 8 May 1733 in St. Pierre, Ile d' Orleans, P. Q.. She died on 22 May 1733 in St. Pierre, Ile d' Orleans, P. Q.. She was buried on 23 May 1733 in St. Pierre, Ile d' Orleans, P. Q.. Parents: JEAN-SIMON PRADET\ST-GELAIS and MARIE-GEN. CHARRON .

bullet SR. JEAN-BAPTISTE-FRS PRADET\ST-GELAIS was born on 8 Aug 1743 in St. Roch-des-Aulnaies, L' Islet, P. Q.. He died in Mar 1829. He was buried on 8 Mar 1829 in St. Urbain de Charlevoix, P. Q.. He was also known as Jean-Baptiste Francois Pradet (DIT) Singelais. He was also known as Jean, Jean-Baptiste, Jean-Baptiste-Francois, Jean-Francois, Francois Pradet dit St. Gelais.. JEAN-BAPTISTE-FRANCOIS3) PRADET/St- GELAIS (JEAN-SIMON2) (GASPARD1) Some records refer to Jean-Baptiste-Francois3) as Jean, Jean-Baptiste, Jean-Francois or simply Francois. If it's the one married to Suzanne Caroline Duchesne, 2 Sept 1766, then they are referring to Jean-Baptiste-Frs. I would like to point out however, that Jean-Baptiste-Frs had a brother Jean-Marie- Francois, married to Marie-Victoire Potvin and some Genealogy records tend to mix these two brothers up, as Jean-Marie-Francois is also sometimes referred to as Jean and Jean-Francois, so it is important to try and figure out which one they are referring to. JEAN-MARIE-FRANCOIS OR JEAN-BAPTISTE-FRANCOIS. The former being born in 1734 and the latter being born in 1743. Frere Eloi Gerard Talbot's " Receuil des famille du Charlevoix" (page 431) lists" JEAN-MARIE-FRANCOIS as the one married to Victoire Potvin Jan 15, 1755, and, JEAN-BAPTISTE as the one married to Suzanne Duchesne Sept 2, 1766. *Note: I don't know why the date Sept 2 1766 appears in so many genealogy references. I have a copy of the handwritten marriage contract by Notaire Crespin and the date is CLEARLY 2 November 1766. There is also confusion as to who were the parents of Suzanne-Caroline Duchesne. In her marriage contract Suzanne Duchesne clearly states that her parents are Pierre Duchesne and Angelique Lavoie. Parents: JEAN-SIMON PRADET\ST-GELAIS and MARIE-GEN. CHARRON .

He was married to SUZANNE-CAROLINE DUCHESNE on 2 Nov 1766 in Marriage contract by Notaire: Antoine Crespin, Cote de Beaupre, Paroisse de Chateau Richer, P. Q.. Children were: Marie-Josephte ST-GELAIS, MARC (1) ST-GELAIS, Louis-Marie-Moise ST-GELAIS, Jean-Baptiste (01) ST-GELAIS, Abraham ST-GELAIS , Olive (1) ST-GELAIS, Francois (01) ST-GELAIS, Bernard-Isaie ST-GELAIS , Jr JEAN-BAPTISTE-FRS. ST-GELAIS, Marguerite (02) ST-GELAIS.

bullet Jean-Marie-Francois PRADET\ST-GELAIS was born on 6 Sep 1734 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. He died in Dec 1790 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. He was buried on 8 Dec 1790 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. He was also known as Jean Marie Francois Pradet-Singelay. He was also known as Jean-Marie-Francois Pradet (DIT) Singelais. JEAN-MARIE-FRANCOIS' wife, Marie, or Marie-Victoire, or Victoire Potvin are all one and the same. Marriage contract by Notaire Michel Lavoie 14 Jan 1755. Marriage occurring the next day. Marriage performed at St. Pierre Parish, Baie -St-Paul by Curé Louis Chaumont. On his marriage contract he is listed as JEAN-MARIE-FRANCOIS PRADET, dit CINGELAIS. JEAN-MARIE-FRANCOIS is sometimes referred to as JEAN, or JEAN-MARIE, or JEAN-FRANCOIS, unfortunately his younger brother , JEAN-BAPTISTE-FRANCOIS is also at times referred to as FRANCOIS, JEAN, OR JEAN-FRANCOIS. JEAN-BAPTISTE-FRANCOIS was born in 1743 an married to Suzanne Caroline Duchesne in 1766. Therefore it is important to try and figure out which JEAN or JEAN-FRANCOIS, or FRANCOIS they are talking about. When Tanguay lists the children of Jean-Simon Pradet, he lists the 3rd child as JEAN-FRANCOIS. On the same page where he lists this "SAME" JEAN-FRANCOIS' marriage to Marie-Victoire he lists him as "JEAN-MARIE-FRANCOIS." Then back on the list of Jean-Simon's children, child # 7 is listed as" FRANCOIS" born Aug 1743, yet when he lists this individual's marriage he refers to Child #7 as " JEAN-FRANCOIS." The Genealogy directory of Frere Eloi Gerard lists the husband of SUZANNE-CAROLINE DUCHESNE as JEAN-BAPTISTE and the husband of MARIE-VICTOIRE POTVIN as JEAN-MARIE-FRANCOIS. In conclusion: JEAN-MARIE-FRANCOIS AND JEAN-FRANCOIS (Jean-Baptiste-Francois) are NOT one and the same. Parents: JEAN-SIMON PRADET\ST-GELAIS and MARIE-GEN. CHARRON.

He was married to Marie-Victoire POTVIN on 15 Jan 1755 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. Children were: Jean-Marie-Francois Jr. PRADET\ST-GELAIS, Cecile (1) ST-GELAIS, Sauveur Sr. ST-GELAIS, Marie-Modeste-Ursule ST-GELAIS, Joseph-Marie PRADET\ST-GELAIS, Marguerite (01) ST-GELAIS , Catherine ST-GELAIS, Marie-Felicite ST-GELAIS, Francois-Xavier (1) ST-GELAIS , Theothiste ST-GELAIS, Elisabeth PRADET\ST-GELAIS.

bullet Jean-Marie-Francois Jr. PRADET\ST-GELAIS was born on 18 Mar 1756 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. He was baptized on 19 Mar 1756 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. He died on 21 Apr 1758 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. He was buried on 22 Apr 1758 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. Parents: Jean-Marie-Francois PRADET\ST-GELAIS and Marie-Victoire POTVIN.

bullet JEAN-SIMON PRADET\ST-GELAIS(1) was born on 12 Dec 1708 in St. Andre de Niort, Deux Sevres, Poitou, France. He was baptized on 13 Dec 1708 in St. Andre de Niort, Deux Sevres, Poitou, France. He died on 12 Jun 1797 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. He was buried on 13 Jun 1797 in The Parish Cemetery, Baie St. Paul, P. Q.. He was also known as Simon, Jean-Simon Pradet Singelais. He was also known as Jean-Simon Pradet dit Saint-Gelais & dit Laforge. He was also known as Symon Pradet dit St. Gelet (Death record). JEAN-SIMON PRADET (dit) ST. GELAIS & (dit) LAFORGE, Son of GASPARD PRADET & ELIZABETH CHAIGNEAU (CHAIGNON) IS THE FIRST ANCESTOR BORN IN FRANCE TO SETTLE IN (New France) CANADA. HE WAS A SOLDIER.

THE ORIGINS OF THE SURNAME SAINT-GELAIS
Surnames beginning with "SAINT" The compound is sometimes fused or blended into one word, These surnames are almost always names of localities. Some are names of nobles. Some can be ancient nicknames. Sometimes " Saint" is ironically placed before a name given at Birth or Christening. Ancestors of the families Saint-Gelais, Pradet, & Bradet, are originally from the area of Poitiers, in Poitou, France. Born on the 12th & Baptized on the 13th of December 1708 at St. André de Niort, Deux Sevres, Poitou, France, Jean-Simon Pradet (dit) roughly translated , means (aka) (also known as) Saint-Gelais and (aka) Laforge was the son of Gaspard Pradet and Elizabeth Chaigneau (Chaignon). When Jean-Simon was about 17 yrs old, he enlisted in the military company of "Monsieur de Rigaud" to participate in the defense of the "Young Colony". He was given, at that time, the surname " Saint-Gelais." It was a common practice among soldiers to attribute amongst themselves a nickname or what is known in French as a "Sobriquet" upon entering the military ranks. It is also known in French as "le Bapteme du Regiment", (The Christening from the Regiment). These nicknames or "Sobriquets" are selected somewhat in the same manner as many surnames, that is to say, after a place of birth, geographic characteristic of an area where the individual lives, or lived, and also at times, the type of work or trade in which the individual was involved. And, at times, even a physical or psychological trait that the individual possessed.
THE MARRIAGE OF JEAN-SIMON PRADET dit ST-GELAIS and dit LAFORGE.
On February 20, 1730, the "Ancestor", JEAN-SIMON, married at St-Pierre parish, Ile d' Orleans, GENEVIEVE CHARON,(Charron) daughter of Jean Charon (Jean-Baptiste Charron) and Genevieve Dupile. Jean-Simon continued to exercise his craft as a soldier, and participated in many campaigns of the "Rigaud Company" against the Iroquois Indians and the English. The family Pradet dit St-Gelais & Dit Laforge was constantly on the move from L'Ile d' Orleans to Baie-Saint-Paul, then to Beaumont, and then to Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pocatiere, and to Saint-Roch-des-Aulnaies, to finally return to settle in Baie-Saint-Paul. JEAN-SIMON settled on a small farm where he owned and operated a "FORGE". Some records suggest that he may have been a blacksmith while in the military. That is how the other surname was acquired (dit) (aka) "LAFORGE". JEAN-SIMON PRADET dit SAINT-GELAIS and dit LAFORGE'S death record has been found. He is listed on that record as SYMON PRADET dit ST. GELET, and, it indicates that he died June 12, 1797 in Baie St. Paul, and was buried the next day in the parish cemetery. According to Tanguay Vol 6, page 439, Jean-Simon was the father of 11 children. (See *Note#1) His sons, JEAN-MARIE-FRANCOIS and *JEAN-BAPTISTE-FRANCOIS remained in Quebec and adopted the surname SAINT-GELAIS. Then, his son LOUIS-SAMSON-DAVID married in Detroit and left many descendants in the United States. Louis-Samson-David and his descendants adopted the surname "LAFORGE".

Today the majority of Jean-Simon's descendants use the surname Saint-Gelais and can be found in Charlevoix, Matane, and in The Saguenay- Lac- Saint-Jean area of Quebec. There are also the Bradets and Bradettes a variation of Pradet and some Laforges residing throughout Canada and the United States particularly in the New England area. As for the Pradets a few can be found in Montreal.*NOTE #1: The Genealogy of the French Families of the Detroit River Region 1701-1936 Volume I by Rev. Christian Denisson lists Peter (Pierre) Laforge, husband of Geneveva Canada as son of John Simon Pradet & Geneveva Charon. I have also found another Genealogy record indicating that Louise Laforge, married to Joseph-Marie Hamelin in 1764 is the daughter of Jean-Simon Pradet & Genevieve Charon.

*NOTE #2:(Translated from sections of the French version by Robert St- Gelais descendant of Jean-Simon Pradet-Saint-Gelais-Laforge). Eleven of Jean-Simon's children appear in Tanguay's Vol VI, page 439. Child # 3, Jean-Francois, b 1734, Married to Marie-Victoire Potvin. He is generally referred to as JEAN-MARIE-FRANCOIS, and child # 7. " Francois", Born 1743, married to Suzanne Caroline Duchesne. He is generally referred to as JEAN-BAPTISTE, or JEAN-BAPTISTE-FRANCOIS. I shall refer to child # 3 as JEAN-MARIE-FRANCOIS , and child #7 as JEAN-BAPTISTE-FRANCOIS in this Genealogy. From JEAN-SIMON'S known children, 5 died shortly after birth. The remainder have been fairly well accounted for with the exception of child # 6 , LOUIS- MARIE-JOSEPH, Baptized at Ste. Anne-de-la-Pacatiere 26 Oct,1740. Louis-Marie-Joseph may have died young, as to date, no other record mentions him other than his birth. As to why Jean-Simon was GIVEN the Surname SAINT-GELAIS, Well..... I HAVE INDEED LOCATED A VILLAGE IN FRANCE, IN POITOU ON THE SEVRE RIVER CALLED SAINT-GELAIS. The Village of Saint-Gelais is located just a few Kilometers north, northwest of Niort, France in Poitou on to the Sevre river.The City of Niort, France has a street running through it called Rue St. Gelais. There is in this same area a Chateau de Cherveux which was occupied by the Aristocratic St-Gelais family. It is 70 KMs East of La Rochelle or 60 KMs west of Poitiers or about 20 KMs north of NIORT which is just a few KM from the village of SAINT-GELAIS. For more information about The Chateau de Cherveux that was occupied by the St-Gelais family, visit their French-English website. The village of Saint-Gelais in France also has a website which has the history of the village of Saint-Gelais. It is in French. It is very likely that the Pradet family was from the village of St. Gelais, and it would account for the surname SAINT-GELAIS that JEAN SIMON PRADET received at "Le Bapteme du Regiment". Being somewhat of an unusual name, I am sure it did not pop out of the blue the day it was given to him. Here is the website for the Village of Saint-Gelais. http://perso.libertysurf.fr/foyergelasien/photo.htm Some information on the Surname Saint-Gelais, was received from: The Center of Genealogical Research of Quebec. (Centre de recherches généalogiques du Québec)







Parents: GASPARD PRADET and ELIZABETH CHAIGNEAU.

He was married to MARIE-GEN. CHARRON on 20 Feb 1730 in St. Pierre, Ile d' Orleans, P. Q.. Children were: Elisabeth PRADET\ST-GELAIS, Genevieve PRADET\ST-GELAIS, Jean-Marie-Francois PRADET\ST-GELAIS , Simon PRADET\ST-GELAIS, Marie PRADET\ST-GELAIS, Louis-Marie-Joseph PRADET\ST-GELAIS , SR. JEAN-BAPTISTE-FRS PRADET\ST-GELAIS, Louise PRADET\LAFORGE, Marie-Genevieve (1) PRADET\ST-GELAIS , Simon -Alexis -Victor PRADET\ST-GELAIS, Marie-Genevieve (2) PRADET\ST-GELAIS, Louis-Samson-David PRADET\LAFORGE, Pierre ? (Peter) LAFORGE.

bullet Joseph-Marie PRADET\ST-GELAIS was born on 29 Aug 1765 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. He died on 29 May 1796 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. He was buried on 31 May 1796 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. Parents: Jean-Marie-Francois PRADET\ST-GELAIS and Marie-Victoire POTVIN.

He was married to Genevieve BELLAY on 30 Jan 1787 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. Children were: Jean-Baptiste (02) ST-GELAIS, Marie-Genevieve ST-GELAIS , Rosalie ST-GELAIS, Joseph (01) ST-GELAIS, Joseph-Abraham ST-GELAIS , Marie-Magdeleine PRADET\ST-GELAIS.

bullet Louis-Marie-Joseph PRADET\ST-GELAIS was born on 23 Oct 1740 in Ste. Anne de la Pocatiere, Kamaraska, P. Q.. He was baptized on 26 Oct 1740 in La Pocatiere, Kamouraska, P. Q.. He was also known as Louis-Joseph Pradet. Parents: JEAN-SIMON PRADET\ST-GELAIS and MARIE-GEN. CHARRON.

bullet Marie PRADET\ST-GELAIS was born on 18 May 1738 in Beaumont, Bellechasse, P. Q.. Parents: JEAN-SIMON PRADET\ST-GELAIS and MARIE-GEN. CHARRON.

She was married to Louis-Joseph BELAND in 1761 in Pointe-Aux-Trembles, P. Q.. Children were: Joseph BELAND.

bullet Marie-Genevieve (1) PRADET\ST-GELAIS was born on 31 Jul 1746 in St. Roch-des-Aulnaies, L' Islet, P. Q.. She died on 13 Dec 1747 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. She was buried on 14 Dec 1747 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. Parents: JEAN-SIMON PRADET\ST-GELAIS and MARIE-GEN. CHARRON.

bullet Marie-Genevieve (2) PRADET\ST-GELAIS was born on 29 Aug 1751 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. She was baptized on 29 Aug 1751 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. She died on 1 Sep 1751 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. Parents: JEAN-SIMON PRADET\ST-GELAIS and MARIE-GEN. CHARRON .

bullet Marie-Magdeleine PRADET\ST-GELAIS was born on 14 Sep 1796 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. She was baptized on 15 Sep 1796 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. Parents: Joseph-Marie PRADET\ST-GELAIS and Genevieve BELLAY.

She was married to Michel-Benoni BLUTEAU on 15 Feb 1814 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. Children were: Marie-Angele BLUTEAU.

bullet Simon PRADET\ST-GELAIS was born on 7 Apr 1737 in Beaumont, Bellechasse, P. Q.. He died on 9 Apr 1737 in Beaumont, Bellechasse, P. Q.. Parents: JEAN-SIMON PRADET\ST-GELAIS and MARIE-GEN. CHARRON .

bullet Simon -Alexis -Victor PRADET\ST-GELAIS was born on 15 Feb 1749 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. He was baptized on 19 Feb 1749 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. He died on 15 Jul 1752 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. He was buried on 16 Jul 1752 in Baie St. Paul, Charlevoix, P. Q.. Parents: JEAN-SIMON PRADET\ST-GELAIS and MARIE-GEN. CHARRON .

bullet Louis PRAT

He was married to Jeanne-Angelique GOBEIL on 30 Jul 1691 in P. Q..

bullet Bennett PRATT was born about 1576 in Dorset, England.

He was married to Anne PRIMROSE before 1607 in England. Children were: Grace PRATTE.

bullet Joseph PRATT was born about 1642. Parents: Phineas PRATT and Mary PRIEST.

He was married to Dorcas FOLGER on 12 Feb 1674 in Charlestown, Middlesex, Mass.. Children were: Sarah PRATT.

bullet M. Ronald PRATT

He was married to Janet L. SIMONEAU about 1960 in Massachusetts, USA.

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