Welcome to the DeGrand Family Website
I've been trying to redo the site for awhile now, it's taking much longer than I thought - so more things will be added back on as I have time....
During the years of 1853 to 1858, approximately 10,000 Belgians came to the United States, with the majority of them settling in the Door/Brown/Kewaunee County areas of Wisconsin. Approximately 95% of them were Walloon Belgians (from the Wallonia Region of Belgium). Settlements were begun in the townships of Green Bay, Scott, Preble, Eaton and Humboldt; the City of Green Bay; western Kewaunee County; and southern Door County. It was the biggest Belgian settlement in the United States. A 1970s census estimates 30,000 people of Belgian heritage still living in the three-county area. Belgian languages, cultures and customs are still heavily practiced in that area today.
In 1856, Francois and Josephine Degrandgagnage came to the United States, along with their children Victor Joseph, Alphonse and Felicien; as well as Francois’ children from his previous marriage – Alexander and Pascal. They settled in southern Door County, Wisconsin in the township of what is now known as Union. Francois registered his claim for 40 acres on July 3, 1857. Francois never left Union Township and died there in 1886. Seven months later, his wife Josephine also died and both are buried in St. Mary of the Snows Cemetery, across the road from where they once lived. Read more.....
This is a place to share information about our family. Please be sure to check back to see what's changed or been added, and email me with your questions, comments or suggestions. Note: Parts of the website are still under construction. Research is always on-going, and website is always a work-in-progress.