OUR HUGUENOT
The HUGUENOT movement started in the 16th century in France and continued into the 17th century and to the end of the French Revolution. The HUGUENOT(S) was a religious sect following the leader, JOHN CAVIN, and being strong in England, Holland, Germany and Switzerland. They broke away from the established church because of the many needed reforms within the church and the corruption of the leaders of that church. The HUGUENOT(S) in France was so cruelly persecuted that thousands of them immigrated to America during the colonization of this country. Many fled first to England and Holland, to friends who helped them start a new life. Their descendants are scattered across our country. The French HUGUENOT(S) was absorbed readily into the communities where they settled. They joined the various Protestant churches and their skills, especially weaving, have done much to enrich and build our own America. Apollos RIVOIRE, son of a vineyard owner in France, came to Boston and became a silversmith. He was the father of our Paul REVERE. Priscilla MULLINS of Alden and Standish fame was Priscilla DeMOLINE, who but a pert French girl could have carried this off so well? The lovely French names were twisted so the harsh Yankee tongues they could not be recognized. Another example is of BASART, which became "BUZZARD". The HUGUENOT(S) of France was not of a bleak and narrow religion. While of strict morality, they combined this with a love of light music and dancing and a study of the humanities. They were no long countenances but enjoyed bright colors, gourmet cooking, good conversation and laughter. After a morning spent in church, they repaired on Sunday afternoon to the homes of friends for a little wine, music and dancing. The one and only HUGUENOT church remaining (1687) is in Charleston, South Carolina. Services are held annually. At Mowryston, Ohio, the old HUGUENOT records are kept in what was formerly the HUGUENOT church and the cemetery is full of stones with the inscription "Born In France". Some original pieces of furniture are there.
Many French settled along the Ohio River in the French Grant especially in Gallia County. The descendants of Henri MARCHAND (MERSHON) are numerous in Scioto County, having migrated from New Jersey. Only two were members of the Ohio Society of HUGUENOT(S). This society operates in northern Ohio, with a chapter in Cincinnati, Ohio. Many in southern Ohio are eligible.
The Genealogical Publishing Company of Baltimore, Maryland, lists many books on the HUGUENOT records in America. The Western Reserve Library at Cleveland, Ohio, contains records and books on this subject. The family of Louis BEVIER of New Paltz, New York has published their records in book form, as have the Henri MERSHON family of New Jersey. Of course the National Society of HUGUENOT(S) have their records in Washington, D.C. The records in France were mostly destroyed during the persecutions, burning and wars permitted by the various French Kings.
Ancestry by Loraine B. Swiger
P.C.O.G.S. Newsletter - March 1977
Copyright © 2004
Pike Co. Genealogy Society a Chapter of O.G.S.
P. O. Box 224, Waverly, Ohio 45690
