We have stressed the strongly rural character of New France, a character which can be recognized easily when we follow the steps of the two Cazeau (1719) and Casault (1759) families. Jean Casaux (Bascout) acquired a parcel land in 1740. One of his sons, Joseph, furthered the agricultural vocation of the eldest branch of the family by marriage in 1764 to Marie-Cécile Bélanger, the only child of her family and heiress of large land tracts in the same parish. The agricultural tradition of this branch would thus continue without interruption for the next 200 years.

As for Jean-Baptist Casault who lived in Montmagny, he also became a farmer, a status continued by several of his sons at Montmagny, St. Vallier, and St. Hyacinthe. One might imagine life in the countryside to be somewhat unchanging and without surprises. However, that was not always the case. Who was to inherit and how much was always a thorny question. The advantage may go to two or three children, and often to only one. Dividing the land into parcels to each son was not always the answer. It was not simply to establish one son, but rather to ensure a livelihood for each, sufficient for an entire growing family.

By 1900, in active farming at Chateau-Richer, the game of subsections had favored only two Cazeau families, while at Montmagny, the same year, one could find only three Casault families. In the case of Montmagny, numerous farming families swarmed to other regions. This illustrates the very important weight given to agriculture in the history of Quebec. By the decade 1940-1950, both the Cazeau and Casault families had ceased their agrarian activities.

Quebec, the Capital

Any large city may exert a strong power of attraction and Quebec City was no exception. In 1764, Marie-Madeleine Voyer, now the widow of Jean Casaux, arrived in Quebec, her city of origin, with her young children. Two of her sons, Pierre and Jean, will remain as Quebec citizens all their lives and take up the lucrative trade of cartwright. Likewise, Charles, one of the sons of Jean-Baptiste Casault, came to Quebec City from Montmagny about 1800 and became established as carpenter, pursuing an active career as builder of houses.

Life in the city was not always easy. Living conditions could be deplorable; insufficient potable water, frequent fires, and epidemics of disease may be the lot of the city dweller. During the winter of 1783-84, Pierre Cazeau and his wife Marie Dion, saw five of their young children die of smallpox and scarlet fever within two weeks. Cholera wreaked havoc in 1832 and 1849, spreading even into the countryside. Charles Casault, the carpenter, possibly saw his property damaged by the devastating fires that swept through the Lower Town during the middle of the19th century.

But the city also had advantages and enlarged opportunities for the middle class to pursue a dynamic life style and reach many ambitions. Thus, Charles Casault became involved in Quebec's municipal life as counselor (1833-35), member of the Committee of Roads, the Sanitation Committee, captain of a fire company and overseer of elections (1836). In addition, Charles served as inspector of works at the St. Paul market in 1833 and was involved in the official inquiry into the fire of Dorchester Bridge in the following year.

Quebec City, the capital of Quebec, was also a favorable seedbed for liberals and the clergy. The legislature and public service beckoned with beautiful careers. But not all of those in this realm were loaded with gold. In 1830, the family of Mgr Charles-Félix Bélanger, a prominent churchman, surrendered their property. Clement Cazeau abandoned his teaching career for a more lucrative position with the customs service.

Some great names of our two families will include Louis-Napoléon Casault, Louis-Jacques Casault, Charles-Félix Cazeau, all of Quebec, and who all led prestigious careers. Louis-Jacques Casault was the founder of Laval University in Quebec, an educational institution with a world-wide reputation for greatness in teaching and research.

Others will pursue different paths : Honoré Casault will be usher in Quebec City for more than forty years. Francois of Lévis Casault and Arthur Cazeau will opt for positions as officials during a period when favoritism existed. In the beginning of the century, Adolphe Casault, had begun a career as a telegrapher, but went on to work for the Associated Press as a journalist.

Montreal

From 1880-90, we should note the presence of Cazeau and Casault family members residing in Montreal. From 1920-1940 there was such a strong influx into Montreal their numbers now exceed those of other family members elsewhere. These late arrivals of Cazeau/Casault name converged on Montreal from Quebec City, Montmagny and Granby.