Bernard Savoie (1837 - abt. 1845)

Born 22 Dec 1837 in Neguac, New Brunswick, Canada

Ancestors

Died about 1845 at about age 7 in Neguac, New Brunswick, Canada [uncertain]

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Biography

Bernard, called Barnabé Savoie, 1836-circa 1848

Bernard Savoie, better known as Barnabé, was born in Neguac, December 22nd, 1836, son of Victor Savoie and Françoise Landry. When he was 8 years old, Barnabé disembarked on Sheldrake Island from a rowboat along with his mother Françoise, his two brothers and 17 sick others, July 19th, 1844.

The family of Victor Savoie was considered, for that time, to be well-off. Victor , Barnabé's father, Victor, was a farmer and owned wooded lots. Their house was of a good size and always well-kept. But, much like their compatriots, leprosy was ravaging their family. Françoise was the sister of the first victim of leprosy: Ursule (Landry) Benoit, daughter of Anselme Landry and Marie Brideau. Her grandfather was Alexis Landry , one of Caraquet's pioneers. The sick at Sheldrake Island's lazaretto lived in such unhealthy conditions, that those who could excape, did. Stanislas, Marin and their young brother Barnabé were amongst the fugitives. Françoise had died. The three Savoie brothers made their way to Neguac. The laws at that time forbidded anyone to hide lepers with penalties going from heavy fines to imprisonment. Victor, their father, suggested to Stanislas and Marin that they hide in the woods near their house. Victor kept Barnabé at home because he was a little too young. Dr. Robert Bayard of Saint John(N. B.),government investigator, wrote in 1849: "Victor Savoie the Bureau of Health and his constable had come to his house and had removed by force his son Barnabé. They had tied him up and when Victor tried to save him, the lazaretto's officers pointed a pistol to his chest thus forcing him to submit". Investigator Bayard and Wilson found Barnabé in a very poor state during their visit to Sheldrake Island in 1847. He was breathing with difficulty. His face and body were covered in sores. He probably died shortly after as he was not among the 15 survivors that were transferred to the new lazaretto in Tracadie in 1849.

Sources

• Gregoire is cited in "Reports of Cases Determined by the Supreme Court of New Brunswick ..., Volume 30." That he is the half brother of Joseph, both children of Victor. Frances (victors wife) died of early age from leprosy as cited in "Journals of the House of Assembly of the Province of New Brunswick" (by G.E. Fenety 1848) which confirms Victor's need to be remarried. The book says "Victor lived with his wife for 23 years, 10 which she was diseased (paraphrased)". The first book referenced also mentions Victors birth year. The second book mentions Stanislaus, Marin, and Bernaby/Bernard as also being victims of leprosy along with being children of Victor.

http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/sgc-cms/histoires_de_chez_nous-community_stories/pm_v2.php?id=story_line&lg=English&fl=0&ex=00000629&sl=5085&pos=1&pf=1

http://mwlandry.ca/genealog/familygroup.php?familyID=F625&tree=05