Born on March 12th, 1700 with Bollezeele, deceased on March 5th, 1803 with Noordpeene at the 103 years age minus 7 days!

It Marie in 1720 with Marie Cornélie Vandaele, girl of the first alderman of Ebblinghem. It becomes middle-class of Cassel on February 22nd, 1720. Equipped with an important fortune to the death of his father in 1729 and per heritage of his mother in 1704, it also profits in 1773 from the succession from its godfather. After the death of his wife in 1773, it enters in conflict with his son-in-law for a problem of heritage seems it.

The statistical directory of the Département of North of Year XII learns to us from interesting information as for its health and to its exceptional longevity. thus, it is known that it is of a poor size and a merry mood, affecting cross-pieces of the life little, it is sober, abrasive with moderation of the tobacco, the coffee, strong liquors…

At the end of a successful social rise, it becomes at 36 years the new owner of the Seigneurie vicomtière of the Tower. With the purchase of this seigniory, Joseph Duvet behaves quickly like the true Master of Noordpeene, not hesitating to enter in lawsuit with whoever is opposed to him. The question which arises then is to know if acquisition of this seigniory the pupil with the row peerage-book. If Joseph Duvet has claims with the Noblesse, it is by the usurpation that it ambitionne to become it. Indeed, the seigniory of the Tower not conferring the nobility on its owner, it is the only way which is offered to him to reach it.

Joseph Duvet is imposed the most of Noordpeenois. This richness is concretized in particular by a policy of charity. To give to be indebted about it; here is a way of holding the country. He is the director of the village assembly to the detriment of the baillif of the parish; he directs really the village. In position of superiority, Joseph Duvet enjoys thus with the day before the Révolution an audience inherent in his considerable fortune. Proof is that in 1790 he is elected like the first mayor of the commune, and that with more than 90 years!

This primacy is not done however without conflicts, and those will grow louder and louder. The incredible series of lawsuit (more than 40 listed lawsuits with Cassel, Bailleul and Douai of 1728 to 1789) which rate/rhythm its life proves that he is man of character not hesitating to attack in justice… and its fortune allows him! Thus, in 1778, it is condemned to pay with the factory of the church of Arnèke 14324 pounds, that is to say 40% of the amount of purchase of its seigniory!

For more information: Noordpeene at the 18th century, by Sebastien BEUN, November 1998 (ISBN 2 84285 069 6, EAN 9782842850692)