I first wrote about Charles and Mathilda on December 10, 2021.  Subsequently I found quite a bit more information and did an update on Charles on September 16, 2022.  Although I’ve not uncovered a lot more in regard to Charles and Mathilda, what I have found is quite interesting (at least I think so).

As you can see, the above document is the marriage record for Charles and Mathilda.  It reads: On this 23^rd day of November, A. D. 1852, I  Father Fayolle underscribed, have joined in the sacred bonds of matrimony according to the rites of the holy catholic church, Charles Pelletier, the son of Charles Pelletier and of his wife Marttra Etu [Melitilde Hetu], born at St. Sulpice, Montreal Detroit, with Mathilda Garceau, the daughter of John Garceau and of his wife Mary Gingra [Gingras], both living in Little Canada, in presence of witnesses: Edward Bibo and Sauveur St Martin.

It’s wonderful to have found such an early Minnesota family record.  I find it interesting that it was written in English and not in French or Latin.

Unlike many other church records, this one lists Charles’ stepmother, Melitilde Hetu, instead of his deceased birth mother, Marie Rose Perrault.  I wonder if Charles thought of Melitilde as his actual mother since his birth mother had passed away when he was 4 years old and Melitilde was a part of Charles’ life from 5 years old onward.  It’s also quite possible that Charles didn’t remember his birth mother’s name when the marriage record was created; after all, over 22 years had gone by since her death.

The priest that married Charles and Mathilda, Father Jean Fayolle, was the first pastor at St. John’s Church.  When he was assigned to Little Canada, he was commissioned to build a church.  On October 7, 1852, St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church was dedicated and the first mass was held.  The 30 by 60 foot tamarack log structure had been built by the parishioners over the previous several months and it would serve the people of Little Canada and the surrounding area until 1880.  Charles and Mathilda were married in the church a little over a month after it opened.

Thanks for visiting, come back soon,
Cindy

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Footnotes for Charles Peltier & Mathilda Domitille Garceau – 2^nd Update Post