Mr. Thomas Harte’s text presents the fascinating history of the Carmel family, of French origin, spanning several centuries, beginning with Pierre Levasseur, the direct ancestor who left Paris to settle in New France in the 17th century. Initially named Levasseur, the family later adopted the surname “dit Carmel,” a common practice at the time to distinguish families sharing common names. Pierre Levasseur and his descendants became renowned artisans, particularly for their work in building structures such as the Notre-Dame de Québec cathedral.

The work details the difficulties faced by these early settlers, including wars against the Iroquois and the British, as well as the harsh climate and diseases. Despite these challenges, the Carmel family, through several generations, became firmly established in the colony, playing an important role in the construction and expansion of Québec City. The narrative also covers the successive migrations of the family to the Adirondacks in the United States, and later to Massachusetts in the 19th century, drawn by better economic opportunities.

Mr. Harte pays tribute to the resilience and adaptability of his ancestors, who not only overcame the difficulties of immigration but also thrived in very different environments, from rural Québec to industrial American cities. The book also explores the relationships between the different branches of the Carmel family and other pioneering families such as the Gagnés, Cloutiers, and Dions, who also contributed to shaping the family’s heritage.

This work is a valuable contribution to family memory, tracing not only the origins of the Carmel family but also the life choices and circumstances that influenced their journey. Mr. Thomas Harte deserves sincere thanks for his thorough research and dedication to preserving this history, a precious legacy for future generations.

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Joceline Levasseur, the genealogist of the Levasseur & Carmel Association, welcomes the author in Quebec.

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*** Jipi’s note : The summary is to be completed. A review will be made before distribution. ***