Hilarion Thériault, a 71-year-old Acadian in the 19th century, made the unusual decision to draft a will before his passing. This was uncommon among Acadians of that era due to the scarcity of property following the Acadian deportation. Many Acadians lost their land and were not permitted to own property until the 1780s, leading to challenges in obtaining land titles.
Colby Gaudet, a post-doctoral fellow at Dalhousie University, delved into the wills of Thériault and 23 others from the Clare, N.S. Acadian community to explore how families navigated legal and religious practices during times of grief and death. Gaudet noted that these wills represented a blend of resistance and adherence to existing norms, reflecting the Roman Catholic faith of the Acadians.
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, highlighted the social ostracism faced by Acadians during that period, stemming from the 1755 deportation ordered by Lt.-Gov. Charles Lawrence.
The wills shed light on the challenges faced by Acadians, such as the language barrier in dealing with Anglo-Protestant judges who oversaw wills in the area. Gaudet highlighted the role of a priest, Jean-Mandé Sigogne, who acted as an intermediary between the Acadian families and the legal system.
The wills studied by Gaudet, mostly left by community leaders, showcased a strong Catholic influence, reflecting the integral role of the church in their lives. Details such as invoking the Virgin Mary and saints were prevalent in these wills, distinguishing them from Protestant counterparts.
The wills also provided insights into the relationships between Acadians and Black individuals. Gaudet’s research uncovered instances of Black individuals mentioned in the wills, shedding light on the complex social dynamics of the time.