The Versepuech family
The Versepuech family, ca. 1893. Seated from the l.: Isidore Sr., Isidore Jr., Mootla, Édouard. Standing from the l.: Prosper, Matilda, Félix, Francois “Frank”, Alfred “Fred”. Victor, Julia, Sylvie and Agnès do not appear in this photo. Source: Philip Johnson. (colourised)
Mootla was the daughter of Koteminak and Cormenaskat of the Dog Creek Band (today, the Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation).
Mootla and Isidore’s son Édouard became a champion golfer and big game hunting guide. Their grandsons James and Wilfred served in the Second World War.
Louis Antoine Minaberriet and Isidore Versepuech, two of the ranchers from France highlighted in this exhibition, took on the title of “Count” in BC, while research indicates that neither of them had a right to it. Since they left a country because of their lack of position in family and society, it is interesting to note that they then tried to augment their stature by taking on a fictitious title. This is not unheard of in many settlers’ experience, regardless of their country of origin. An invented title perhaps opened doors for them in this new land.