My great grandfather was James Fraser (Frazier/Frazer). He was born May 23 (sometime between 1830-1849; believe most likely is 1847±1), possibly in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

His parents were Samuel Fraser (dec’d at time of James’ wedding in 1872) and Marguerite Wilson Fraser, both of St. John Baptiste parish.

James married Adeline (Adélaide) Hubert April 8, 1872, at St. John Baptiste L’Orignal.

They had two children, both born in L’Orignal: Fred Fraser, b. Jan, 1872 (or 1866, according to another document), and Olivine Louise Fraser, b. Feb. 20, 1876.

My question concerns son Ferdinand (“Fred”). He was born in 1872 (1866?), before James and Adeline were married. I don’t know if Fred was really James’ son, or if he had a different father. I believe he was illegitimate or of a previous marriage. This is consistent with James’ statements in pension documents that Fred "was Olivine’s son" (he never said Fred was “our son”). I found a birth record for a “Ferdinand” (with no last name) in the Drouid Collection for Napierville St. Cyprien, Quebec, with him listed as “Illegitimate” (I could not read the details, which are in French). I also found a “Ferdinand” (also with no last name) in the Drouid Collection for Ontario: “April 2, 1866 – Ferdinand baptized, born of unknown parents”. Birth date of 1866 may be correct for my Fred, so I suspect James was not his father. It seems unlikely, given this “unknown parents” entry, that finding the true identity of Fred’s father would ever be possible.

If you can shed any light on the parentage of Fred, it would be wonderful. Thank you.