In Barnstaple, Fontaine mentions the surnames of Mausy (the French pastor) and Juliot. He had boarders at Taunton — one named Travernier (from Plymouth), and another, Garaché. At Cork the Huguenot names are Abclin, Caillon, P. Reneu, P. Cesteau, M. Ardouin, and John Hanneton. He had dealings with three London merchants, Renue, Thomas, and Gourbould. At Bear Haven, he had reason to praise two French soldiers, Paul Roussier and Claude Bonnet.
In the French Register at Portarlington, the surname of La Lande occurs — for instance, Monsieur Aulnis de La Lande. It is probably to him that Fontaine, among the reminiscences of his own school-days, makes the following allusion:—
“Mr. de La Lande, who now lives at Port Arlington in Ireland (1722), was at Rochelle in Mr. Arnauld’s school, at the same time I was there (1664- 1666). We became the greatest friends, and we desired some mode of showing it to each other. We decided at last that when either of us should be taken to the room for chastisement, the other should follow and call Mr. Arnauld names for his cruelty, which would of course irritate him, and then we should be both punished together. . . . The object was fully accomplished. . . . Mr. Arnauld tried to discover what had prompted such conduct, but we would not have disclosed it for the world. Some of our schoolfellows, however, let out the secret. He tried various expedients to conquer our resolution, but in vain. At one time he punished the innocent, and allowed the guilty to go free; this pleased us mightily, for we were able to testify our affection by saving each other from the rod. At last his mother-in-law, my Aunt Bouquet, persuaded him to adopt the following plan. His habit was to keep a record of the faults of each pupil, and to administer the rod when a certain number had been committed. So when one of us two had reached the limit, the punishment was delayed until the other had filled up his measure, and then both were whipped at the same time. This plan worked well, and made us circumspect, to spare each other.”
Many of the Fontaines and their connections became refugees, as appears from the following notes, which may be called their “Refugee Pedigree:” —
Jacques Fontaine, Pastor of Vaux and Royan (born 1603, died 1666), married,
1st, in 1628, Miss Thompson, of London; and
2dly, in 1641, Marie, daughter of Monsieur Chaillon, of Rue au Roy.
His children were
Jacques, Pastor of Archiac, in Saintonge, who died in the prime of life (and before the birth of Jacques, the refugee). After his death, his widow suffered a three years’ imprisonment, and was then banished. She and
Three sons became refugees in London — one of whom became a Protestant minister in Germany.
Pierre, assistant and successor to his father as Pastor of Vaux. His temple was demolished, and he was banished. He became chaplain of the Pest House, in London. He was alive and on active duty in 1697. He had three daughters. His youngest daughter, Esther, became the wife of Jean Arnauld, refugee merchant in London, “whose uprightness and correctness of judgment caused him frequently to be called upon to act as umpire, when differences arose between any of the French merchants in London.” J. A. was the grandson of Madame Bouquet, who was a sister of the first Jacques Fontaine mentioned in this pedigree.
Judith, widow of Monsieur Guiennot, had to take refuge in London.
Four daughters were refugees in London — who, with their mother, were dependent upon needlework for their support.
Elizabeth was the wife of Pastor Sautreau, of Saujon, in Saintonge.
Five children (with the father and mother) having fled to Dublin, set sail for America, but the ship was wrecked, and all seven were drowned within sight of their desired haven, Boston.
[The above were children of the first wife.]
Ann, wife of Leon Testard, Sieur des Meslars — both took refuge in Plymouth, but she died a few months after landing, “rejoicing to leave her children in a land where the pure gospel was preached.”
Marie, wife of Pastor Forestier, of St. Mesme — both became refugees. Their children were —
Janette, whom her uncle brought to England.
Pierre, watchmaker in London.
Jacques (or James), born in 1658, married in 16S6 Anne Elizabeth Boursiquot; “she willingly gave up relations, friends, and wealth.”
His children were —
James, born in 1687, was married in Ireland — a farmer, settled in Virginia in 1717.
Aaron, died young.
Mary Ann, Mrs. Maury.
