Date Published:
2004

L’Encyclopédie de l’histoire du Québec / The Quebec History Encyclopedia

Captain Joseph Elzéar Bernier

BERNIER, Captain Joseph Elzéar, J.P.   - Master Mariner, Explorer for Department of Interior, Ottawa. Born L'Islet, P.Q., Jan. 1, 1852, son of Captain Thomas Bernier and Célinas Paradis Bernier. Educated: Christian Brothers, L'Islet Village. At the age of seventeen (1869) was appointed Captain to every part of the world. Has made ten trips amongst the Arctic Islands during which all the Islands have been visited, taken possession and occupied. Now in command C.G.S. Arctic, of Ottawa. Has made two hundred and fifty-six trips in all parts of the world, covering about four hundred and thirty-eight thousand miles without any trouble, equalling [sic] twenty-one times the distance around the world. Has been employed by all Provincial and Federal Governments. Was Master of one hundred and seven ships during fifty-four years. Governor of Quebec Jail for four years. Dock Master of Lévis for three years. Married Rose de Lima Caron, Nov. 8, 1870 (deceased, 1917); secondly, Alma Lemieux, July 1, 1919; one son (deceased). Societies: Royal Colonial Canadian Institute, London , Eng.; Quebec Geographical Society, and many others. Catholic. Residence: 27 Fraser Street; Levis, P.Q.

Source: Prominent People of the Province of Quebec, 1923-24, Montreal, Biographical Society of Canada, Limited, undated and unpaginated. Correct French spelling and accents have been restored.