The exact origin of this branch of the Tardif families is unknown. When Jean-Baptiste Tardy married Léocadie Marin in Rimouski on August 20, 1833, the parish priest of Saint-Germain de Rimouski did not mention the groom’s parents in the civil registry, as required. This omission often indicates a particular situation that one prefers not to disclose.
The full marriage record states:
« On August 20, 1833, after the publication of three marriage banns during our parish masses for three consecutive Sundays, between Jean-Baptiste Tardy, of legal age, residing in the parish of Sainte-Cécile, and Léocadie Marin, of legal age, daughter of Bernard Marin, farmer, and the late Modeste Duplessis, her parents from the parish of Sainte-Cécile, with parental consent obtained and no impediment discovered, we, the undersigned parish priest of Rimouski, received their mutual consent according to the form prescribed by our Holy Catholic Church, in the presence of Jean-Charles Pelletier, Hyacinthe Côté, friends of the groom, and Pierre Michaud, cousin of the bride, all of whom, along with the spouses, declared they could not write or sign. »
Michel Ringuet, priest.
Although the record specifies that parental consent was obtained, Jean-Baptiste’s parents were not mentioned, nor was any Tardif family member present as a witness.
Jean-Baptiste and Léocadie had at least seven children:
- Jean-Baptiste, born August 31, 1834.
- Théodore, born July 31, 1836, died April 26, 1837.
- Thomas, born April 29, 1838.
- Fortunat (Ferdinand), born October 20, 1840.
- Alexandre, born September 1, 1843.
- Marie-Caroline, born January 6, 1847.
- Marie-Hermine, born April 28, 1850, died November 17, 1861.
Curiously, no Tardif or Tardy family members were godparents to any of Jean-Baptiste’s children. Further research into marriage records and notarized documents yielded little information about his family origins. Even in the marriages of his children, no Tardif relatives were present as witnesses, suggesting that Jean-Baptiste may have been alone in the region.
Only one notarized document related to him was found—a sale of inheritance rights passed before notary Pierre Gauvreau in Rimouski. Again, no mention of any Tardif relatives.
Interestingly, his name was spelled « Tardy » only in his marriage record and the baptism of his son Thomas. In all other records, he and his children were referred to as « Tardif. »
Given the current state of research, it remains impossible to determine Jean-Baptiste Tardif’s origins. He may not have been adopted by a Tardif family, as no Tardif witnesses appeared in his civil and religious records. Perhaps he was a descendant of Olivier, or possibly an outsider who adopted the Tardif name.