The gathering of the Doucets--

top row: Walt--Joanne--Ethel

middle row: Norma--Doris

bottom row: Phyllis--Heck--Rita

standing: Mickey

The Province of Maine received a share of the French neutrals, the exact time cannot be stated. In 1761 there were 21 living in York, among a people alien in culture, religion and language. Only one family is known by name as residing here and supported by the Province, while another, FRANCOIS LeBLANC "late inhabitant of Nova Scotia" petitioned the general Court in 1756 as follows: "Praying that he and his family may be removed from POINT SHIRLEY where he now dwells. to the Town of York for his more comfortable subsistence among some friends and relatives of his who dwell there." (Acts and Resolves of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, Vol. XV,582). As his petition was granted it is presumed that he came here to live with his family. (Prov.Laws 1756-7,c.129)Of one French neutral family, that of PETER DOUCET, consisting of himself, wife and seven children, there are sufficient documents to establish his residents in this town for several years. They were assigned to this town by a committee of the General Court and arrived January 15, 1756. They were placed in the care of Col.Nathaniel Donnell.In 1757 he rented a house for their occupancy which was occasioned by the birth of a child in this family. The house shown to the top left was shown to me as being the house rented for PETER DOUCET and his family.

SOURCES: Acts and Resolves of The Provinces of Massachusetts Bay, VOL: XV 582

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