NineNorth Spotlight: Gervais Family Book Project
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Biography of Little Canada founding family Benjamin Jera and Genevie Laurance
Research on voyageur and French Canadian farmer history
Historical significance of the Jera-Laurance family in Minnesota, Quebec, and Manitoba
Little Canada Historical Society partnership and record utilization
Timeline for completion and funding of the upcoming biography
Notable Quotes (2)
There is no biography of voyage or French Canadian farmers because they didn't write anything down.
Historical ResearchExplaining the lack of literature regarding the demographic.
Once it's finished, it's going to help put this historical society and the city of Little Canada on the map.
Community ImpactDiscussing the expected public impact of the book project.
People (4)
John VanicProfessional Historian
Contracted by the Little Canada Historical Society to write a biography of the city's founding family.
Benjamin JeraFounder of Little Canada and St. Paul
A patriarch of the founding family of Little Canada and St. Paul.
Genevie LauranceFounder of Little Canada and St. Paul
A matriarch of the founding family of Little Canada and St. Paul.
Benjamin Jera Jr.Son of Benjamin and Genevie
Documented as an old-time fiddle player in early Minnesota historical records.
Places Mentioned
Little CanadaSt. PaulMinnesotaQuebecManitoba
Events & Meetings (2)
- 2026: Completion of research phase
- 2027-2028: Projected publication date for the biography