The Harts of Quebec The first Jewish settlers in the area now
known as Quebec (but which was referred to as “Lower Canada” by
the British) arrived with the British soldiers during the
“French and Indian War” (1754-1763). (Jews and other non-
Catholics had not been permitted in New France.) One of four
Jewish officers in the British Army, Lieutenant Aaron Hart (born
1724, London, England) had been living in New York. After the
war, however, Hart settled in the Canadian town of Trois-
Rivières (Three Rivers). This scion of a mercantile family, it
was not long before Hart achieved success as a businessman and a
landholder. As the Jewish population in Lower Canada grew, Hart
became active in the community and was a founding member of
Montreal’s Shearith Israel synagogue. Hart was equally blessed
in his family life; after his death at age 76, he was survived
by his wife, Catherine, four sons and four daughters. Three of
his sons were also fascinating historical figures: Moses Hart
was a successful businessman whose