This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: OHaraHaworth68 Surnames: ARBOUR LAFOREST DEMERS DESROCHES LOISELLE Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.arbour/302/mb.ashx Message Board Post: 28 April 1894 - Born in Ste-Beatrix, Quebec, Joseph-Avila ARBOUR was the youngest of 13 children of farmer Pierre ARBOUR and his wife Edwige LAFOREST. Avila seems to have kept himself occupied throughout his life as a journeyman. When he was 22, Avila married 17-year old Pamela DEMERS, who was born in the United States. Pamela (aka Pomela) seems to have grown up in the Ste-Beatrix area, but she was raised not by her own parents but by someone who the family was told was an "uncle." Perhaps her disjointed childhood contributed to her decision to marry early and establish some roots. Avila and Pamela married in Ste-Beatrix on 19 June 1916. They then proceeded to have 20 children over the next 25 years. Yes, another couple with 20 children. The ARBOURs seem to be somewhat known for this. They were also a bit unlucky in that 8 of their children did not survive infancy. Pamela was just 47 when she died on 28 December 1945. Having grown up as the youngest in a houseful of children! , Avila seemingly did not like to be alone. He quickly remarried when he wed Emilienne DESROCHES in Joliette City, Quebec, on 15 February 1947. Emilienne was just 62 when she died in October 1963. Avila wed for the third time to Annette LOISELLE in Montreal on 30 January 1965. Avila was just 4 days shy of his 87th birthday when he passed away in Ste-Beatrix on 24 April 1981. Annette died in Montreal in 1984. Avila had no children from the later two unions, but he and Pamela's brood gave them 30 grandchildren and at least 10 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.