In his final days at the age of 71, Hilarion Thériault, an Acadian in the 19th century, made the unusual decision to create a will. This departure from the norm among Acadians of that era was largely due to the scarcity of inheritable property following the Acadian deportation, which resulted in many losing their land and homes. The Roman Catholic community in the province also faced challenges in owning property until the 1780s. Despite these obstacles, Thériault was determined not to pass away unprepared.
Colby Gaudet, a post-doctoral fellow at Dalhousie University, delved into Thériault’s will and 23 others from the small Acadian community of Clare, N.S. His research aimed to shed light on how families managed the legal and religious aspects of mourning and death. Gaudet highlighted the dual nature of these wills as acts of both resistance and compliance. While Acadians adhered to existing Anglophone property norms, they also emphasized their Catholic identity.
Thériault’s will emphasized settling debts, seeking reparations for any injustices, and ensuring peace for his family. Maurice Basque, a historian at l’Institut d’études acadiennes at the Université de Moncton, contextualized these wills within a period of social ostracism of Acadians. Following the 1755 deportation order by Lt.-Gov. Charles Lawrence, Acadian lands were confiscated by the Crown, leading to the displacement of thousands of Acadians.
Basque explained that the British government’s systematic efforts to supplant the Acadian population included barring them from positions of authority through oath tests that challenged their Catholic beliefs. Gaudet noted the language barrier faced by Acadians, as all county judges overseeing wills were Anglo-Protestant, necessitating the drafting of wills in a language unfamiliar to many.
The wills analyzed by Gaudet predominantly belonged to community leaders like Thériault, who was a prominent churchwarden. Given the integral role of the church in Acadian life, these wills reflected a strong Catholic influence, despite societal disapproval. Gaudet highlighted the distinct Catholic elements in these wills, such as references to the Virgin Mary and saints.
The study of these wills also unveiled insights into the interactions between Acadians and Black individuals. For instance, Amable Doucet’s will included provisions for a Black slave named Jerome, demonstrating the complex relationships within the community. Another will highlighted the involvement of a Black man, Anselm Hatfield, who had been an indentured servant and later a free resident.
Overall, the examination of these historical wills offers a glimpse into the resilience and cultural identity of Acadians amidst challenging circumstances, providing valuable insights into their legal, religious, and social practices.