This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: dgfim22 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.massachusetts.unknown/7340.2.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: It started out as Paté, then wen to Pottie and Porter (because of the English influence in the area). Ile Madame (Richmond County), NS and especially the villages surrounding Arichat were a French-Acadian stronghold in the region. Most of the people there were seafaring, which is why your family ended up in Boston. Lots more went to Gloucester and towns on the North Shore where the fishing industry was booming at the time. These seafarers were expert fishermen and the Massachusetts folk welcomed them with open arms to help expand the fishing industry here in New England. Glad you found the document online. I thought there might be one from what someone once told me. Acadian families are my specialty. Glad to have helped you and have a nice holiday! Dennis 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.