William
TREMBLAY
Parents & Family of William TREMBLAY
Explore parents, grandparents, spouses, children, and the family connections surrounding William TREMBLAY.
Born: 28 June 1878 in Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA
Spouse(s)/Partner(s) and Child(ren):
William married Marie-Josephine-Eglentine CAYA 28 June 1898 in Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA . The couple had (at least) 14 children.
Marie-Josephine-Eglentine CAYA was born 30 August 1877 in Montréal, Québec, Canada (Sault-au-Récollet) (Côte-St-Michel) (Côte-St-Paul). Marie-Josephine-Eglentine died 16 May 1941 in Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA (Globe) (Lensdale) (Saundersdale) (Shuttleville). Marie-Josephine-Eglentine was the child of Jean Baptiste (John) CAYA and Adelaide BOURDELAIS.
William TREMBLAY died 17 August 1920 in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA.
www.ninds.nih.gov
According to BBC News, Tuesday, 27 July 2004, "Mystery of the forgotten plague"
"Encephalitis Lethargica was a devastating illness that swept the world in the 1920's.
It attacked the brain, leaving victims like living statues, speechless and motionless.
During the outbreak, nearly a million died, and millions more were left frozen inside their useless bodies, in institutions.
No-one knew what had caused it, or how to treat it... The bacteria that can cause a simple sore throat had mutated into a much more severe form and triggered the attacks of encaphilitis lethargica. It seems that in some people the body has a massive immune reaction to the streptococcus bacteria and then turns on the body itself; attacking the brain and destroying it."
news.bbc.co.uk
Details of the family tree of William appear below.

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Occupation
Recorded occupation: dye maker at optical co., hairdresser
Spouse & Children of William TREMBLAY
Marie-Josephine-Eglentine CAYAMarriage date: 28 June 1898
Marriage place: Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA
Source: Massachusetts Vital Records, 1841–1925
Researching Your Colonial New England Ancestors
Marie-Josephine-Eglentine CAYA was the child of Jean Baptiste (John) CAYA and Adelaide BOURDELAIS
Children of William TREMBLAY and Marie-Josephine-Eglentine CAYA
Lucy Exena TREMBLAYDied: 10 June 1993, Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA
George Elzear TREMBLAY
Mary Nelida TREMBLAYDied: 2 January 1988, Oxford, Massachusetts, USA
William Lionel TREMBLAYDied: 26 August 1969, Manistique, Michigan, USA
Albert Lewis Rodolph TREMBLAYDied: 14 December 1992, Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA
Wilfred Roland TREMBLAYDied: 16 January 1921, Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA
Died: 13 April 1909, Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA
Eugene Gregory TREMBLAYDied: 24 February 1959, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
Edgar Arthur ("Ben") TREMBLAYDied: 13 August 1977, Brimfield, Massachusetts, USA
Alice Lorraine TREMBLAYDied: 11 November 1977, Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
Arthur Raymond TREMBLAYDied: 19 September 2008, Altamonte Springs, Florida, USA
Died: 1 October 1915, Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA
Died: 11 September 1917, Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA
Louise Lillian TREMBLAYDied: 10 December 2007, Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA
Add a life event, census record, military record, obituary, achievement, or photograph for William TREMBLAY.
Life & Records
Photos, life events, and historical records for William TREMBLAY.
Records about William TREMBLAY and family appear alongside historical events from the same years. Each item is labeled so you can quickly tell family records from historical context.
Tremblay Guillaume Southbridge 1878 birth - parents Augustin Tremblay and Anastasie Boucher, both born in Canada. Father listed as a laborer.
Name: Guillaume Tremblay
Gender: Male
Baptism/ Christening Date:
Baptism/ Christening Place:
Birth Date: 30 Jun 1878
Birthplace: Southbridge, Massachusetts
Death Date:
Name Note:
Race:
Father's Name: Augustin Tremblay
Father's Birthplace:
Father's Age:
Mother's Name: Anastasie Boucher Tremblay
Mother's Birthplace:
Mother's Age:
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: I02011-5
System Origin: Massachusetts-EASy
Source Film Number: 1428171
Reference Number: P 331
Collection: Massachusetts Births and Christenings, 1639-1915
source: familiysearch.org
Massachusetts Vital Records, 1841–1925
Researching Your Colonial New England Ancestors

1878 Birth. Southbridge, Worcester, Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Vital Records, 1841–1925
Researching Your Colonial New England Ancestors
The first gravity roller coaster amusement ride (LeMarcus A. Thompson, United States)
The motion picture camera is invented (Thomas Alva Edison, William K.L. Dickson, United States)
First Perforated Toilet Paper Roll is Patented
1892 NY Census
Clinton, Clinton, New York
Dated 16 Feb 1892
Augustus Trombly, m, 68, b. Canada, farmer
Phebe Trombly, f, 31, b. Canada
Rosa Trombly, f, 21, b. Canada
Tilda Trombly, f, 17, b. Canada
Willie Trombly, m, 15, b. U.S.
Napoleon Trombly, m, 9, b. U.S.
Arthur Trombly, m, 10, b. Canada
George Trombly, m, 8, b. Canada
Joseph Trombly, m, 3, b. U.S.
familysearch.org (Mormon Genealogy Records)
Unofficial Guide to FamilySearch.org: How to Find Your Family History on the World's Largest Free Genealogy Website

1892 NY Census
Clinton, Clinton, New York
Dated 16 Feb 1892
familysearch.org (Mormon Genealogy Records)
Unofficial Guide to FamilySearch.org: How to Find Your Family History on the World's Largest Free Genealogy Website
William TREMBLAY and Marie-Josephine-Eglentine CAYA 28 June 1898, Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA (Globe) (Lensdale) (Saundersdale) (Shuttleville)
He was 20 years old.
William married Josephine Maynard on June 28, 1898 in Southbridge, MA. He was 20. She was 21. Both were born in Southbridge. Both were spec makers. His parents were Augustus and A. Boucher. Her parents (adoptive) were Albert Maynard and Lucy Giroux.
Massachusetts Vital Records, 1841–1925
Researching Your Colonial New England Ancestors

1898 Photo
BACK: William Tremblay and Josephine Caya Maynard Tremblay (on their honeymoon), Napoleon Livernois
Thanks to Louise Tremblay Meltaus

1898 Marriage. Southbridge, Worcester, Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Vital Records, 1841–1925
Researching Your Colonial New England Ancestors
Maynard, Albert, head, b. May 1853, age 47, b. Canada, married 26 years, b. Canada, year of immigration 1864, alien, occupation: ? painter
Maynard, Lucy, wife, b. Jun 1854, age 45, b. Canada, married 26 years, mother of 0 children
Tremblay, William, son-in-law, b. Jun 1878, age 21, b. MA, married 2 years, occupation: Tozal? Frame
Tremblay, Josephine, daughter, b. Aug 1878, age 21, b. Canada, married 2 years, mother of 1 child, 1 child living
Tremblay, Exena L., daughter, b. Mar 1900, age 3/ 12, b. MA
Giroux, John B., father-in-law, b. July 1833, age 66, widowed, b. Canada
1900 Census Ancestry (U.S.)
Exploring the U.S. Census: Your Guide to America’s Data
1900 Birth of ChildLucy Exena TREMBLAY was born 13 March 1900, Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA (Globe) (Lensdale) (Saundersdale) (Shuttleville)
William was 21 years old.
1901 Birth of ChildGeorge Elzear TREMBLAY was born 14 April 1901, Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA (Globe) (Lensdale) (Saundersdale) (Shuttleville)
William was 22 years old.
1902 Birth of ChildMary Nelida TREMBLAY was born 31 July 1902, Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA (Globe) (Lensdale) (Saundersdale) (Shuttleville)
William was 24 years old.
1903 Birth of ChildWilliam Lionel TREMBLAY was born 6 October 1903, Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA (Globe) (Lensdale) (Saundersdale) (Shuttleville)
William was 25 years old.
1905 Birth of ChildAlbert Lewis Rodolph TREMBLAY was born 24 December 1905, Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA (Globe) (Lensdale) (Saundersdale) (Shuttleville)
William was 27 years old.
1907 Birth of ChildWilfred Roland TREMBLAY was born 14 December 1907, Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA (Globe) (Lensdale) (Saundersdale) (Shuttleville)
William was 29 years old.
1909 Birth of ChildJosephine Lilian TREMBLAY was born 6 April 1909, Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA (Globe) (Lensdale) (Saundersdale) (Shuttleville)
William was 30 years old.
ftp.us-census.org/ pub/ usgenweb/ census/ ma/ worcester/ 1910/ ed1953-pg030a.txt shows the Tremblay family living at 6A Cohassee Street:
TREMBLEY William Head M W 31 Massachusetts Massachusetts Massachusetts . . ENG d?ye maker optical works
TREMBLEY Josephine Wife F W 32 Can/ French Can/ French Can/ French 1879 . ENG none .
TREMBLEY Lucie Daughter F W 10 Massachusetts Massachusetts Can/ French . . ENG none .
TREMBLEY Elzear Son M W 9 Massachusetts Massachusetts Can/ French . . . none .
TREMBLEY ...Read full story
1910 Census Ancestry (U.S.)
Exploring the U.S. Census: Your Guide to America’s Data

THE AMERICAN OPTICAL COMPANY - The American Optical Company 1910 - engaged in the manufacturing of spectacles and eye-glasses, using gold, silver and steel, has sprung from a small beginning until at the present time, their works are the leading mechanical enterprise of the town, and their reputation extends throughout both the old and new worlds. The achievements made in spectacles and eye glasses during the past few years has been marked, and this company has not only kept pace with its rivals, but has outstripped them all in mastering the art, and now stands the largest optical company in the world, fitted with the most intricate and modern machinery, guided by skilled mechanics who have spent years to acquire their present high degree of skill. These extensive works are situated on Mechanic Street, and are visited annually by hundreds of visitors from all parts, who are amazed at the extent to which this branch of industry is carried on. The works are all systematically divided into departments comprising gold, silver, steel, forging, engraving, grinding, polishing and inspecting rooms, together with many other departments; that to write in detail about would require a volume in itself. Their goods are noted for their honest qualities, accurateness and artistic finish, that make them indispensable in the stock of the dealer in these goods. The incorporators of this company are progressive men, being interested in all that pertain to the advancement of the town, both in its general business and social standing, holding positions of trust from the hands of their townsmen, thereby making their works and themselves indispensable in the progress of the place.
1882 Massachusetts City Directory - Webster and Southbridge
1910 Birth of ChildEugene Gregory TREMBLAY was born 25 May 1910, Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA (Globe) (Lensdale) (Saundersdale) (Shuttleville)
William was 31 years old.
1911 Birth of ChildEdgar Arthur ("Ben") TREMBLAY was born 27 December 1911, Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA (Globe) (Lensdale) (Saundersdale) (Shuttleville)
William was 33 years old.
The bra is invented (Mary Phelps Jacob, United States)
1913 Birth of ChildAlice Lorraine TREMBLAY was born 28 April 1913, Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA (Globe) (Lensdale) (Saundersdale) (Shuttleville)
William was 34 years old.
1914 Birth of ChildArthur Raymond TREMBLAY was born 16 July 1914, Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA (Globe) (Lensdale) (Saundersdale) (Shuttleville)
William was 36 years old.
1915 Birth of ChildLeona Camelia TREMBLAY was born 16 July 1915, Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA (Globe) (Lensdale) (Saundersdale) (Shuttleville)
William was 37 years old.
Registered in Southbridge, MA. Employed at American Optical. Difficult to read.
U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
A World Undone: The Story of the Great War, 1914 to 1918

U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
A World Undone: The Story of the Great War, 1914 to 1918
1917 Birth of ChildCharles Edward TREMBLAY was born 12 July 1917, Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA (Globe) (Lensdale) (Saundersdale) (Shuttleville)
William was 39 years old.
William Tremblay, Fairlawn avenue, bought out the half-interest in the four-chair barber shop located at 39 Mechanic street, formerly owned by Alfred Langevin. The other partner in the business is Alfred Guertin, who has been at this stand for the past four years. This shop is what is termed in barber circles as a night shop, but even so, Mr. Tremblay said tonight, regular prices are charged for all kins of tonsorial jobs.
Worcester Telegram
Worcester, Massachusetts
March 14, 1918
Tremblay, Exena L, emp A O Co, b William Tremblay's
Tremblay, William (Josephine) (Tremblay & Guertin) also emp A O Co h Fairlawn Ave RFD 1 (William Tremblay and Alfred Guertin) hairdressers 39 Mechanics
1919 Massachusetts City Directory - Southbridge
Southbridge (MA)
Tremblay, William, head, age 41, b. MA, parents b. Canada, dye maker at optical company
Tremblay, Josephine E., wife, age 41, b. Canada, year of immigration 1878, naturalized, parents b. Canada
Tremblay, Exena L., daughter, age 19, b. MA, inspecting at optical company
Tremblay, Elzear G., son, age 18, b. MA, machinist at machine shop
Tremblay, Nelida E., daughter, age 17, b. MA, clerical work at optical company
Tremblay, Lionel W., son, age 16, b. MA
Tremblay, Rodolphe A., son, age 14, b. MA
Tremblay, Roland W., son, age 12, b. MA
Tremblay, Eugene G., son, age 9, b. MA
Tremblay, Edgar A., son, age 8, b. MA
Tremblay, Laureine A., daughter, age 6, b. MA
Tremblay, Raymond A., son, age 5, b. MA
Maynard, Albert, father-in-law, age 66, b. Canada, year of immigration 1869, naturalized in 1890, parents b. Canada, painter in carriage shop
1920 Census Ancestry (U.S.)
Exploring the U.S. Census: Your Guide to America’s Data
Place of Death: Worcester City Hospital. Residence: 5 Fairlawn Ave. Southbridge. Died 17 Aug 1920. Age: 42. Cause of Death: Encephalitis. Place of Burial: St. George, Southbridge.
Index to Births, Marriages and Deaths in the Town of Southbridge, MA -- microfilm -- Jacob Edwards Library, Southbridge, MA

Tremblay family in 1920 (28 Apr 1920)
Front (L to R): Edgar, Josephine, Louise (baby), Lorraine, William, Raymond and Eugene
Back (L to R): Nelida, Lionel, Exena, Rudolph, George (in photo)
Center: Roland
Thanks to Louise Tremblay Meltaus

This gravestone shows William Tremblay and Josephine Maynard. This stone is located in St. George’s cemetery on Paige Hill in Southbridge. Roland was their son. Louis P. Metras was the husband of their daughter, Lucy Exena (we called her, Aunt Exena). Albert Maynard was the man who adopted Josephine Caya.
Photo taken by us

Death Certificate
Massachusetts, State Vital Records, 1841-1920
Deaths 1920 vol 94 South Hadley-Springfield Image 240 of 543
familysearch.org (Mormon Genealogy Records)
Unofficial Guide to FamilySearch.org: How to Find Your Family History on the World's Largest Free Genealogy Website
17 August 1920
Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
He died at the age of 42.
1920 Birth of ChildLouise Lillian TREMBLAY was born 3 March 1920, Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA (Globe) (Lensdale) (Saundersdale) (Shuttleville)
William was 41 years old.
From Southbridge Herald, Thursday, Aug. 19, 1920
William Tremblay, age 42 years, 1 month and 19 days, of Fairlawn avenue, died Tuesday at the City hospital in Worcester, where he was taken Friday for treatment. he was born in Southbridge, son of Augustus and Anastasia (Boucher) Tremblay, and had lived here all his life. He was a die maker and worked at the American Optical Co. plant, and conducted a barber shop on Mechanic street nights. He was prominent in fraternal societies, and was a member of Southbridge aerie, F.O. E, C.O.F., St. Jean Baptiste and Court Jacques Cartier. He leaves his wife, 11 children, seven sons and four daughters, three brothers and five sisters.
Employes of the die department of the American Optical Co. will attend the funeral of William Tremblay, who worked in the department for a number of years. The employes will leave their work at 8 o'clock tomorrow morning, and march in a body to Mr. Tremblay's home on Fairlawn avenue.
Worcester Daily Telegram
Worcester, Massachusetts
August 20, 1920
Burial & Cemetery
Burial details for William:
Southbridge, Massachusetts
Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA (Globe) (Lensdale) (Saundersdale) (Shuttleville)
Phone: (508)-765-0601
Record added: 12/16/1999 12:00:00 AM
Last updated: 4/10/2026 3:34:20 PM
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