(fl. later 19th century), general merchant at Williamstown. The 1871 census listed Gustavus Gadbois, 24, born NY state, and Peter Gadbois, 45, born in Quebec, both merchants. It may be guessed, though without any approach to certainty, that these were son and father, and that Gustavus was G.A. Gadbois. Lovell’s Ontario directory for the same year,1871, lists Gadbois dit Vandandaigne, Pierre, areas of business: dry goods and cabinet maker. This, again, would be Peter Gadbois. A Mr Gadbois was among those citizens who spoke, 1867, at the public examination exercises of the Williamstown grammar school. (Cornwall Freeholder 27 Dec. 1867) Given the ages involved, this would be Peter rather than Gustavus, if indeed either of these men is meant. At least one issue, dated Sept. 1881, survives of Gadbois’ Ladies Journal, published by G.A. Gadbois, Williamstown, an 8-page Toronto-printed advertising publication with only limited GC connections. G. A. Gadbois was one of the prominent local citizens who signed the address presented to Dr Hunt when Hunt left Williamstown in 1888. (ASC ii, 172) An advert. about this time for G. A. Gadbois’ store at Williamstown mentions dry goods and groceries and other merchandise. (Cornwall Standard 19 Jan. 1888) In 1889, “Mr. Gadbois,” Williamstown, had newly employed a “peddlar,”[sic] said to be “in every way, a first class man.” (Glengarrian 18 Oct. 1889) Presumably a peddler in this sense made deliveries and did sales to out of town clients. In Sept. 1891 G. A. Gadbois read the address presented to Bishop Macdonell at the conclusion of the Forty Hours Devotion at St. Mary’s Church, Williamstown. (ASC ii, 103, 140) See also John McLaren.

     Gustavus Gadbois, son of Peter, merchant, and Emilie St. Denis, was marrried at St. Finnan’s church, Alexandria, on 11 July 1875, to Mary Anne Chisholm. Their short married life ended the same year with her death on 9 Dec. 1875.

Bibliography of Glengarry 14 * Elliott 95 * Williamstown 200 42 (picture of Peter Gadbois’ store) * St. Finnan’s CRNI, I, 142