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We are searching for information on Joseph Couture
Joseph Couture, Sr. died August 29, 1909
Date of Birth ? Place of birth Quebec Province?
Father Joseph Couture, province of Quebec
Mother Mary ? province of Quebec
Wife Mary Jones b 1836
Children:
(1)Maria Couture in 1853; (2)Margaretta 1855;(3)Joseph Jr. 1857; 4)Francois 1859; (5)Jean(John) 1861; (6)Guillaume (Wm) 1864; (7)James 1865; (8)Maria 1870; and (9)Charles 1874 (my great grandfather)
Here is an excerpt from his Obituary printed in the Owen Sound Sun Times.
"Joseph Couture was a remarkable character. According to his own story, he was born in 1785, and was therefore 124 years old. His mother was a squaw, his father a Frenchman, of the class known as "coureurs des bois". The first three years of Joe's life was spent amid Indian surroundings; then his parents came to this locality, and settled near the point where his cabin now stands. His early years were spent here; but the "wanderlust" of his Indian ancestors asserted itself, and for years he travelled, visiting many places in Canada and the Republic to the south. His wanderings over, he returned and spent the rest of his days here, fishing, hunting and trapping until game became too scarce.
Many interesting stories are told of the old man. On one occasion it is said, he went to buy a barrel of salt for his fish. The merchant jocularly said, "Joe. You can have the barrel if you can shoulder it." "All right!" growled Joe; and stooping, he caught the barrel by the chines, and with a mighty heave, hoisted it over his broad shoulders. Then, grinning at the discomfitted merchant, he walked off, carrying the barrel. When one looked at the man, a year or so ago -- six feet four inches tall, and broad in proportion -- the story was easy to believe.
Joe was a great boxer and wrestler, and it is needless to say, a very successful one. He had some great stories to tell of encounters with champions of different places. But with all his strength and all his love for game he was never quarrelsome. He was always considered one of Owen Sound's most peaceable and law abiding citizens." --- Owen Sound Times.
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