Husband of Georgianna Coutu.
Married Oct 29, 1880 St Damien, Berthier Co, Quebec
Parents were Jean Baptiste Gouin & Louise La Prade
James came to Cheboygan in early 1870's and lived with his brother David Gouin. He bought property in Cheboygan from his brother David who bought his property from the state of Michigan. Later he traded the Cheboygan property with his brother Julius Gouin for property in St Michel de Saints, Berthier co, Quebec. When he decided to marry he went back to Quebec to look for a bride. He married Georgianna and they lived in St Michel de Saints, Berthier co, Quebec for a few years near his father Jean Baptiste Gouin. He brought his family to Cheboygan in 1886. He built a log cabin on his property in Inverness.
James had a farm in Inverness. When he and his wife grew older their youngest son Alex and wife Albena "Bena" lived with him to help out on the farm. Alex loved his moonshine and was making it in a hidden place in the barn. One night Alex's still fell over and caught the barn on fire. Most of the livestock got out OK but the chicken's tried to fly out and got stuck on the very hot wire fence. I was told it was quite a site as you came down the road to see the chicken's stuck to the fence the next day. Needless to say James was not happy with his son.
The E was added to the end of the name by a school teacher so she could figure out what family the children belonged to. They kept naming their children the same names, Jean Baptiste, George, Isabelle etc. Also they all spoke French and the teacher did not.

Children of James & Georgianna

Louise 1881--1881 Que
Philbert 1882--1970 Que
Virginia 1884--1949 Que
Alvina 1886--1944 Que
Clara 1887--1973 the first born in Cheboygan
Albert (Chi Chi) 1888--1969
Marie Felinda 1891--1985
Alex 1896--1960
Delinda 1899--1985
Edie 1901--1901

Picture at the top is back row Philbert, Alex, Charles Keeler & Isreal (Pete) Gouin In front is Father James Gouin.