Author Archives: Guy Dubay

Violette Grist Mill

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This article was published under the Madawaska Historical Society, written by Guy Dubay, in the St. John Valley Times on September 6, 1973, title Van Buren Grist Mill Genealogy Listed. While the original mill and equipment are long gone, a similar grist mill and carding mill can be seen at The Acadian Village in Van Buren ME. The Violette Industrial Building and equipment there was donated by Alderic O. “Dick” Violette (VFA#100) and Alice Violette (VFA#101) in 2008.

the 1826 mill

Probably the mill from 1826

On the Picquanositaque Stream, there once stood an old grist mill which eventually led to the renaming of that Van Buren waterway. Continue reading →

Violettes played key early roles

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The Violet/Violette family was involved in every aspect of the developing communities on both sides of the Upper St. John River.

In 1789, François Violet and his son, Augustin (1771-1849), were given grants of land under the Soucie Concession and became pioneers in the area. In 1824, his son François Violet (1774-1856) was given a grant of land at Grand River on the New Brunswick side.

In 1792, François Violet was Commissioner of Highways for York County, New Brunswick. The first carriage road from Fredericton was not completed until the 1850’s.

In 1794, we find Augustin Violet (1771-1849) as a constable.

In 1798 François was the proprietor of one of three licensed inns or taverns in the area.

In 1821, Hilarion Violet (1792-1877) and Francis Violette were Surveyors of Highways.

In 1824, François Violet (1774-1856) was a captain of militia, 4th Battalion, York County. Dominique Violette was an Ensign.

In 1844, Belonie Violette (1817-1879), grandson of François, was a member of the Board of Assessors of Van Buren plantation.

In 1852, Belonie was an Aroostock County Commissioner.

In 1862, Belonie  was a Captain of the State militia in Maine.

In 1867, Belonie was a Maine State Legislator.

When Van Buren was incorporated in 1881, at least five Violettes appeared as elected officials of the town, some occupying more than one position.

One of our more illustrious later relatives was Elmer Violette of Van Buren, who was a State senator and later a Justice of the Supreme Court of Maine.

On the Canadian side, Dr. Lorne Violette of St. Leonard served on the New Brunswick Legislature Assembly.

François Violette (1840-1922) was the postmaster and first customs officer at St. Leonard, New Brunswick.

There are many other successful businessmen and farmers, such as Wilfred (Fred) Violette (1918-1979) who built a successful and on-going automobile sales and repair company in Grand Falls, New Brunswick.

So, you can see from the very beginning, François and his descendants were influential and active members of their community, whether they were in the French-Canadian or Anglo-American environment. We can all be proud and appreciative of the legacy that François left for us.