An Early Setteler

Longevity Result of Clean and Temperate Living

Moralists can point to Noël Léveillé's 85 years as direct testimony to the value of clean, untainted living and of sobriety of conduct, temperance in the use of plain, wholsome food and abhorance of alcholic stimulants in the prolongation of life to a ripe old age. It has been only for tow or three years that the old gentleman whom death at last claimed on Saturday has been missed from his accustomed visits. Paralysis overtook him in the late evening of his career.

For a week at the end, he lay practically unconsious, and sank from lethargy into death. The funeral took place from the residence Tuesday afternoon, the remains being interred in Gros Cap Cemetary.

Noël Fourquin dit (aka) Léveillé was born November 6, 1822 in Yamaska, District of Three Rivers, 45 miles below Montréal. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812.

Noël went to a French school when ten years old,and to an English school at Baraks for two years.

After going to school he went to Montreal and clerked in a grocery store. The man for whom he worked ran away and the city was compelled to pay his wages. (that being the law in Canada at that time) which were $10 a month. After this experience he went home, but did not stay long, when he again returned to Montreal.

He left Montreal May 1st, and from Buffalo he took the steamer, Madison to Mackinac Island, reaching there May 14, 1839. He had $10 in his pocket when he arrived, but two men who were going to Green Bay aked him to lend some money, he gave them the $10, the only money he had. He was now many miles away from home, had no friends, not a penny in his pocket and was only 17 years old. The men to whom he gave the $10 to promised to return it as soon as they reached Green Bay, but he never heard from them.

After the two men had left, he sat on the dock wondering what he would do, when a young man about his age came along and started to talk french to him. This young man was the late Michael Marley. He took Noël to his home where he stayed 2 weeks.

Noël was then employed by John Drew, but before he started to work he had to sign a contract that he would work one year at $100.

Upon leaving, he went to work for John Deusman with whom he stayed for three years, saving $315 on $10 per month. During the last year he married Miss Madeline Lozon.

(this was either an editorial or the obituary that was in the paper at the time that Great Grandpa died. Olive sent it over fo rme to copy too. See what nice things they can say about us when we die! ) --- Cecelia

Joanie Moore, Email Message, 20 April 2001.