In his final days at the age of 71, Hilarion Thériault, an Acadian in the 19th century, defied the norm by creating a will, a rare practice among his community due to their historical lack of property ownership. The aftermath of the Acadian deportation left many without land or homes, with Roman Catholics only gaining property rights in the 1780s. Despite the challenges, Thériault, described in his will as “unwilling to die unprepared,” sought to settle his affairs before passing.
Colby Gaudet, a post-doctoral fellow at Dalhousie University, delved into Thériault’s will and 23 others from the Acadian community in Clare, N.S., to explore how families navigated legal and religious customs surrounding death and mourning. Gaudet highlighted the complex blend of resistance and adherence within the wills, showcasing Acadians’ adaptation of existing legal frameworks while emphasizing their Roman Catholic identity.
Thériault’s will included provisions for debt repayment, reparations for any wrongs committed, and a desire for familial peace. Maurice Basque, a historian at l’Institut d’études acadiennes at the Université de Moncton, contextualized these wills within the broader social marginalization faced by Acadians post-deportation in 1755, when their lands were seized by the British Crown as part of a systematic effort to displace the Acadian population.
The wills examined by Gaudet, primarily left by community leaders like Thériault, reflected a strong Catholic influence, underscoring the deep integration of the church in Acadian daily life. These wills stood out for their explicit Catholic elements, such as invoking the Virgin Mary and saints, in contrast to Protestant wills of the era.
Gaudet’s research also shed light on the interactions between Black individuals and Acadians, revealing nuanced relationships within the community. For instance, Amable Doucet’s will assigned a Black slave named Jerome to his wife, showcasing the complexities of social dynamics in Clare.
The study of these historical wills not only provides insight into Acadian legal and religious practices but also offers a glimpse into the intricate social fabric of the time.