Benoni Gagne - Great- Grandfather

Benoni (Belonie Gagne) - Great Grandfather
Father of Virginie Gagne
1855-1928

Benoni Gagne was born May 6, 1855 in Cap Chat, Gaspe, Quebec to Vincent Gagne and Euphemie Parent.  He was baptized at Sainte Anne des Monts Church in Quebec in 1855.

He lived in Cap Chat for fifty years.

According to the 1871 Census, at age 16, Benoni is living with his parents, Euphemie, age 49 and Vincent, age 48. His grandfather, Abraham, age 100, was also living with them.  Benoni listed his occupation as a farmer and fisherman. 

Benoni siblings were also listed on the 1871 Census

Julienne - age 18
Theodora - age 14
Marie     - age 11
Clara  - age 9

According to the 1881 Census, Beloni at age 27, was living with his parents. He listed his occupation as farmer. 

In both census records, Benoni's older brother Elzear and his family were neighbors.  On October 28, 1882, Benoni (age 27) married Marie Salome St. Laurent (age 21)(sister to Narcisse St. Laurent) in Cap Chat.  Benoni and Marie had 15 children together:

Joseph Octave Gagne (1884-1959) 
Albert Joseph Gagne  (1886 - 1969)
Aldolph Adrien Gagne (1887 - 1963)
Virginia Gagne (1889 - 1954) (Grandmother)
Adelaide F. Gagne (1890 -1966)
Esther Gagne (1890 - ) There is a baptism record for Esther for Aug 27 1890, it's possible she was Adelaide's twin sister that did not survive.
Ernest Wilfrid Gagne (1891 - 1892)
Blanche Alma Gagne (1893 - 1987)  (Aunt Mimi)
Anna Gagne - (1895 -1955)
Francois Wilfrid Gagne (1897 - 1901)
Joseph Alfred Gagne (1898 - 1940)
Alvina Gagne (1900 - 1905)
Francois (Frank) Napoleon Gagne (1901 - 1984)
Marie Ange Gagne (1904 - )
Marie Ange (Marion) Gagne - (1909 - 1961) Mother to Claire Barbero

In the 1901 Census Report, Beloni (age 46) and Marie (age 40) are living in Cap Chat with their children.  Benoni lists his occupation as farmer.

Records show that the family traveled to the United States in 1905 and settled in Winchendon, Mass.  

In the 1910 US Census, Benoni (age 57) and Marie (age 50) are living in Winchendon at 82 Maple St. with their children. His occupation is listed as Watchman at a cotton mill.

In the 1920 US Census, Belonie (age 65) and Marie (age 60) are living in New Bedford, Ma. at 209 Nash St.  It's a bit fuzzy, but it looks like Benoni lists his occupation as a helper in a coal shop and most of his children that are still living with him are working in the cotton mill.  Except for Albert, who is working as a carpenter.

According to a 1925 City Directory, Belonie and Marie are now living at 42 Glennon Road in New Bedford. 

Belonie died July 9, 1928 in New Bedford, and is buried at Sacred Heart Old Cemetery.