Jean Nicolas

Jean Nicolas, although often called "The Russian", was born in Ajaccio, on the island of Corsica. He was rumoured to have served in the Crimean War and been made a prisoner in Russia, hence the moniker. He came to Canada and settled in Meteghan in the early 1850s, and was married first to Julitte Comeau, then to Victoire Comeau. He was alternatively described as a rough and ignorant man with a speech impediment, or as being conversant in seven different languages. In any case, the 1861 census states that he could not read nor write. He nevertheless is referred to as an inn keeper, a trader and a yeoman in various legal documents. He first purchased his house in Meteghan in 1857 and expanded on the property several times, indicating he was at least of comfortable means. He took Jerome into his home in February 1864 and cared for him until Victoire Comeau’s death in 1870. Some time later, Jean Nicolas left Clare, reportedly to return to Corsica, though he disappears from all records at this time.