The history of the Beaudreau and Graveline families began in 1653 with the arrival from France of a young man pioneer named Urbain Baudreau dit Graveline. Sailing form the small port of LaRochelle in France aboard a small vessel, a determined group of soldiers and adventurers began its perilous journey.

Urbain had signed a contract for five years to serve the colony of Montreal as a militiaman to protect
it from the attacks of the dreaded Iroquois Indians. Following his discharge from his original contract in 1658, Urbain returned to France brieftly, but returned again in July of 1659 aboard the St-André.

Upon his return, he received from the owners of the colony, a land grant as compensation for his service. He decided to settle down and raise a family, so in 1664 he married Mathurine Juillet, the daughter of another colonial hero, Blaise Juillet, who had given his life in defense of the colony. Together they had eight children : four sons and four daughters.

During his early years in Ville-Marie, as Montreal was then known, Urbain worked as a landclearer for others in addition to working his own land. But, beginning in 1660, he began to acquire parcels of land on the shore of the St. Lawrence River. In 1663, he was elected syndic (trustee) of the colony, a position of some importance, though unpaid. He represented the other colonists in their dealings with the owners of the colony. His term lasted three years.

He lived a long and full life. Urbain passed away in 1695 in Montreal at about 70 years of age. He was buried in the cemetery adjoining the Church of Notre-Dame the next day.

His children inherited their father`s sense of determination and adventure. The second son, Jean-Baptiste, was a soldier, businessman and adventurer who later became a pioneer settler along the Gulf Coast in the Mobile, Alabama area. Gabriel was a carpenter and businessman who, along with his wife, lost his life on a trip exploring the Mississipi River while they were searching for minerals.

Paul, the third oldest son, stayed in the area of Montreal for most of his life. He married and had eight children who lived to adulthood. The youngest son, Jean (John), was a butcher, soldier, and farmer. He also married, had five children and lived in the Richelieu Valley region.

Today, the descendants of Urbain Baudreau dit Graveline are scattered from coast to coast in the United States and Canada. We hope that this book will serve as a catalyst to future generations of family researchers and historians to continue the work only begun here.