Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, Québec, Canada
1832 - ST. JEAN PORT JOLI,

seigniory, in the co. of L'Islet is bounded N.E. by Reaume; S.W. by the S. of L'Islet; in the rear by the augmentation of the T. of Ashford; in front by the St. Lawrence. - 2 leagues in front and depth. Granted, May 25, 1677, to Noel L'Anglois, and now belongs to __ Gaspe, Esq. - The land in front is rather low, but the uniformity is varied by a trifling ridge and a few rising grounds; towards the rear it is mountainous and rugged. The soil is a mixture of light sandy earth and clay; about the high lands it is poor and indifferent. About one-third of the tract is in a moderate state of cultivation, and the settlements, generally speaking, have been brought by industry into a very respectable condition. - All the lands are conceded and surveyed. May farms were conceded before 1759, at the rate of 40 sols for each front arpent by 40 in depth; the farms conceded since that period were granted on the same terms, with the exception of some, the rent of which does not exceed 3 livres per aprent. There are 4 ranges of concessions: 2 are settled, and 35 inhabitants are in the 3rd. The 1st is most settled and the soil is dray and sandy, except in the higher and lower parts, where the soil is strong with a clay bottom. The 2nd concession is all strong soil upon clay. On the 3rd are maple and other hard wood, epinette, spruce, and black birch, but not much cedar. The 4th range is traversed by the mountain. The church, 120 ft. by 40, has two steeples and is is surrounded by 15 houses, including the parsonage-house; it is close the St. Lawrence, near which the main road passes there are also several other roads to the adjacent grants on each side. At the mouth of the R. Trois Saumons the valuable mills and distillery belonging to Mr. Harrower are very eligibly placed: the latter is an establishment of considerable magnitude, with every convenience for carrying on an extensive business: at high water decked vessels of twenty tons may come up to the premises. Over the river there is a good bridge. The beach at the mouth of Trois Saumons is flat and thickly covered with detached rocks that run a good way out. From the St. Lawrence the view of the mills and surrounding objects, heightened by the pleasing natural scenery of the environs, is very agreeable. - At the mouth of the R. Port Joli vessels of 60 tons burden can enter, although the port is not so advantageous as that at the mouth of the Salmon River. - Beech, birch, maple and pine timber are in great plenty, as well as most of the inferior kinds. The rivers Trois Saumons and Port Joli have their sources in the mountains at the back of the seigniory, and, descending in a westernly direction, water the S. very well: there are a few other streams of inconsiderable note. - A great number of persons in this parish have the means and are willing to make new settlements in the place of their birth and near their relatives, but there is no land for them, all being already occupied.

Population 2,452
Churches, R.C. 1
Presbyteries 1
Chapels 1
Schools 1
Corn-mills 1
Saw-mills 8
Distillery 1
Merchants 6
Taverns 6
Artisans 25
Schooners 6
keel boats 12

A Topographical Dictionary of The Province of Lower Canada by Joseph Bouchette, Esq., London, 1832

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