This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: OHaraHaworth68 Surnames: ARBOUR DESMARAIS GRENIER Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.arbour/281/mb.ashx Message Board Post: 07 April 1869 - Francois-Xavier ARBOUR was the 5th child of 13 and namesake of Francois-Xavier ARBOUR and his wife Natalie DESMARAIS. He was born in Belle Ewart, Ontario, during his family's 7-year stop there on their way from Joliette County, QC, to Waubaushene, ON. On 19 September 1892, Xavier married 20-year old Marie-Louise GRENIER at St Croix Catholic Church in LaFontaine, ON. Louise's family had been among the first people befriended by Xavier's parents upon their arrival in Ontario. Louise's parents served as godparents to Xavier's younger sister Rosanna in July 1871. After their wedding, Xavier and Louise settled in Waubaushene, where their first few children were born. By 1901, they had moved to the town of Midland. In the 1901 Census, the young couple lived on Sturgeon Bay Road in Midland with 3 of their children in a one-story, 5-room house on a regular city lot. Xavier earned $300 that year at the mill. Eleven children were eventually born into Xavier and Louise'! s home, 6 daughters and 5 sons. Showing a poet's heart, Xavier wrote in cousin Annie Belle ARBOUR's autograph book: "Dear Annie Belle: Apples are sweet, Peaches are better, If this verse does not suit you, Try and do better. Xavier ARBOUR," dated 9 May 1897. Xavier and Louise eventually moved away from rural Simcoe County to settle in the big city of Toronto in about 1915. Louise died in Toronto General Hospital, on Sunday, 21 March 1948. Less than 7 weeks later, Xavier succumbed to loneliness when he died at their home on Syndenham Street on 05 May 1948, at the age of 79. They are responsible for 32 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.