Subject: [COULOMBE-L] Fw: Prothonotarial Records-types

More helpful information.

        Ellen
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 From: Jane Gant
 To: post Quebec list (quebec@listserv.northwest.com)
 Subject: Fw: Prothonotarial Records-types
 Date: Monday, September 01, 1997 5:58 PM
 
 Want to share this info which someone might find helpful.

 Jane

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 These records are similar to probate records and notary records in the
 US,  but contain much more info due to the laws of the old French regime.
 This type of record exists ONLY in Quebec province. Most now held in
 Archives Nationales du Quebec.

         All legal transactions were brought before the prothonotaries and
 their registers include various records of genealogical value:

 1.Marriage Contracts (Contrats de mariage)-Frequently French Canadian
 couples signed a formal contract prior to marriage, stipulating such things
 as the bride's dowry,the responsibility of each for any debts incurred
 before and after marriage, the division of communal property should the
 marriage be dissolved. Each document usually contains the names of the
 bride and groom, their ages, the names of their parents,maiden name of
 mother, places of origin,occupation of groom, names of relatives and
 friends who were present. (Cover the period from 11636 to the present)

 2. Donations to Heirs (Donations entre vifs)-Originate with elderly
 parents dividing their property among their children before their deaths.
 Usually contain names of children,their parents,sometimes grandparents,dates,
 residences and conditions to be fulfilled by recipients.(Cover 1640 to present)

 3. Wills(Testaments)

 4. Inventories (Inventaires)

 5. Settlement (Partage)

 6. Guardianship and Orphan Records

 7.Indentures (Engagements)-Concern records of immigrants from France who
 promised to serve individuals in Quebec from a certain length of time for
 certain remuneration. The documents were drawn BEFORE they left and are
 mostly located in  France(the area of La Rochelle from where many left for
 Quebec) These records are mainly from the 1600s.

     Cited from Research Outline:Quebec, Family History Library,Salt
Lake City,UT.

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