Our Half-Brother Charles Joseph

« Hello Catherine! It seems you have come across another puzzle.

Hello Rose, have you come to help me?

Yes, and with great pleasure.

Jean Baptiste and Marc Augustin COURAGEUX asked me to solve, or at least understand, the problem. The twins have a uterine brother, Charles Joseph TAVERNIER.

I know very well who you are talking about. He was born in Lillers on March 14th, 1781, his father died the same year. He was eight years old when his mother married Edmé François COURAGEUX.

Exactly, Rose, but the problem comes much later. He had a normal childhood with his brothers. They all lived in Saint-Omer above their parents’ shop.

He married the charming Françoise CADET in 1807. They had three children: François in 1808, Jean Baptiste in 1809 and Anne in 1811. Things become complicated after Charles’s death.

How so?

You are in such a hurry, Rose, calm down, I am getting there. I was searching for the deaths of the COURAGEUX family in the town of Saint-Omer when I came across this record: In the year one thousand eight hundred and thirty, on the third day of December (… …) Charles COURAGEUX, locksmith, husband of Françoise CADET, son of Charles COURAGEUX and Angélique GANTIEZ, died…

What do you find strange about this notice? And what is the connection with Charles TAVERNIER?

There was no Charles COURAGEUX born in Lillers, son of Charles COURAGEUX and Angélique GANTIEZ, but there was a Charles TAVERNIER, son of Charles TAVERNIER and Angélique GANTIEZ. I therefore concluded that the witnesses made an incorrect declaration to the Civil Registry.

But Catherine, do you not think that his wife and children would have reacted?

We do not know how relatives may react. In any case, I shall continue my research. I may perhaps find a death certificate in his name or the birth of a Charles COURAGEUX in Lillers. Who knows!

I have been delighted to speak with you! Call on me again sometime.

I shall not fail to do so, Rose. »