Notes
on the Old Burial Ground
And
Sketches
on the People
1. Rev. Mather BYERS, D.D., Rector of Christ Church, Boston at
the evacuation in 1776 and Garrison Chaplain at Halifax, to May 1789, was the
second rector of St. John. He died at his residence Germain Street where the
Market Building now stands, on March 12ty, 1814 in his 80th year. Mrs. Byles
went to England of which place she was a native. As her first husband was a
naval officer she enjoyed a pension from the time of his death. She was the 'Old
Rector's' third wife. In Trinity Church was a tablet to his memory sent from
England by his widow.
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 73 Number 1275 Rank 43
Date January 18, 1889 County
Saint John Place Saint John Newspaper The Daily Telegraph
2. Andrew CROOKSHANK, merchant and alderman, died on entering
his residence, 'Colville Hill', Prince William Street (St. John) Feb. 13th,
1815, in his 50th year.
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 73 Number 1275 Rank 43
Date January 18, 1889 County
Saint John Place Saint John Newspaper The Daily Telegraph
3. Adino PADDOCK, M.D., while on a visit to his son-in-law,
Frederick P. ROBINSON, Esq., opposite Fredericton, died at the age of 57 years,
October 21st, 1817. His residence was in Prince William Street (St. John) and
at the time of the fire in 1877 was occupied by the 'Telegraph' printing
establishment. Dr. Paddock had three sons, Adino, Thomas PADDOCK and John
PADDOCK. John V. THURGAR, Esq., married a daughter. The Tremont street trees,
Boston, were planted by the father of Dr. Paddock.
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 73 Number 1275 Rank 43
Date January 18, 1889 County
Saint John Place Saint John Newspaper The Daily Telegraph
4. Thatcher SEARS died on 19th July 1819, at the age of 67
years. Of his sons, there are living, Edward SEARS, Robert SEARS and John
SEARS, an unusual circumstance for one born in 1752, when George II was on the
Throne. Three of his sons have been members of Trinity Corporation; the younger
is now, and has been over ten years a warden.
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 73 Number 1275 Rank 43
Date January 18, 1889 County
Saint John Place Saint John Newspaper The Daily Telegraph
5. Henry GARDNER, Sr., an ex-alderman and father of Charles M.
GARDNER and grandfather of Samuel GARDNER, Emigrant Agent, died at his
residence, Market Square (St. John) east side, 22nd of August 1822, at the age
of 54 years.
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 73 Number 1275 Rank 43
Date January 18, 1889 County
Saint John Place Saint John Newspaper The Daily Telegraph
6. Hon. Ward CHIPMAN at his death was Judge of the Supreme Court
and President and Commander-in-Chief; he died at Fredericton during the meeting
of the Legislature, February 9th, 1824, at the age of 70 years
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 73 Number 1275 Rank 43
Date January 18, 1889 County
Saint John Place Saint John Newspaper The Daily Telegraph
7. Munson JARVIS, J.P. and ex-M.P.P. was a member of the first
Common Council and of the first Vestry of Trinity Church. He was a retired
merchant and died at his residence, Horsfield St., October 7th, 1824, at the
age of 83 years. He left three sons, Ralph M. JARVIS, William JARVIS and Edward
James JARVIS. The first two were hardware merchants, the latter Chief Justice
of P.E.I.
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 73 Number 1275 Rank 43
Date January 18, 1889 County
Saint John Place Saint John Newspaper The Daily Telegraph
8. Samuel MILES, merchant and ex-alderman, died at his
residence, King St. (St. John) next door to Thatcher SEARS, 18th November 1824,
at the age of 82 years.
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 73 Number 1275 Rank 43
Date January 18, 1889 County
Saint John Place Saint John Newspaper The Daily Telegraph
9. John KNUTTON was an Englishman; his residence and store were
on the east side of Prince William Street (St. John) between Church and
Princess. Mr. Knutton married Widow BLAIR, who is at rest between her two
husbands in the Old Burial Ground, where three stones mark their graves. Mr.
Knutton died at the age of 88 years, 25th July 1827. The Rev. Roger VEITS, then
curate of St. John, married his daughter.
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 73 Number 1275 Rank 43
Date January 18, 1889 County
Saint John Place Saint John Newspaper The Daily Telegraph
10. David HATFIELD, at one time an extensive ship owner, for
many years resided on Colville Hill, Prince William street (St. John) Judge
FISHER of Fredericton married a daughter and the present mayor of St. John,
Charles R. RAY, is a grandson. Mr. Hatfield at the age of 80 years, died December
5th, 1843.
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 73 Number 1275 Rank 43
Date January 18, 1889 County
Saint John Place Saint John Newspaper The Daily Telegraph
11. Zalmon WHEELER, one of firm of Venner, Bowman & Wheeler,
and at one time representative of the County of St. John in the House of
Assembly, died at his residence, Carleton (St. John) March 10, 1845, at the age
of 73 years. His son, George WHEELER was clerk of the vestry and Common Clerk
of St. John.
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 73 Number 1275 Rank 43
Date January 18, 1889 County
Saint John Place Saint John Newspaper The Daily Telegraph
12. John WARD, Sen., at his death was the senior Justice of the
Peace and in several assemblies on the representatives of the County of St.
John. In the Revolutionary war he had a lieutenant's commission and enjoyed a
pension for 63 years. In 1804, Mr. Ward was a warden of Trinity Church; in that
year a committee was appointed to report upon the practicability of having
stoves placed in the church 'to keep it warm in the winter'. Having reported
favorably, the committee was authorized to procure stoves, provided 50 was
subscribed to their cost. On the 60th anniversary of the Landing of the
Loyalists, an address was presented to Mr. Ward as 'Father of the City' by the
Mayor and Aldermen. His death took place in his 94th year, August 3rd, 1846, at
his residence, corner of Germain and King Street. His youngest son is living,
having passed his 90th year.
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 73 Number 1275 Rank 43
Date January 18, 1889 County
Saint John Place Saint John Newspaper The Daily Telegraph
13. William SCOVIL, in early life, was clerk of the Checque in
the Ordnance Dept. His father and brother were the first two rectors of
Kingston (Kings Co.) Mr. Scovil was a warden of Trinity Church over 25 years
and under four rectors. Mr. Scovil's first wife was a daughter of Rev. Dr.
BYLES; he died at the age of 85 years, April 26th, 1851.
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 73 Number 1275 Rank 43
Date January 18, 1889 County
Saint John Place Saint John Newspaper The Daily Telegraph
14. Craven CALVERY was a merchant, ex-alderman and M.P.P. He
resided in his Stone House, Main St., Lower Cove (St. John) adjoining the Old
Artillery Barracks, of which he was the owner. He was the last of St. John
citizens who wore the blue coat with brass buttons; in later years he went to
Trinity on horseback. He died at the residence of his nephew, Craven
LANGSTROTH, Hammond River (Kings Co.) 4th July 1851, at the age of 86 years.
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 51 Number 767 Rank 76 Date September
16, 1880 County Saint John Place Saint John Newspaper The Daily Telegraph Notes on the Old Burial Ground: Sketches of
the Dead:
15. Hon. William BLACK, brother of Hon. John BLACK, who in 1804
gave 250 stg. to the cost of the organ in Trinity Church, was the fourth mayor
of St. John and for over two years president and commander-in-chief of New
Brunswick. Mr. Black died at Fredericton, June 17th, 1866, at the age of 96
years; he was long President of the Legislative Council.
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 51 Number 767 Rank 76 Date September
16, 1880 County Saint John Place Saint John Newspaper The Daily Telegraph Notes on the Old Burial Ground: Sketches of
the Dead:
16. John CLARKE, for half a century held the position of clerk
in Trinity Church and responded to five rectors; he was the last who held the
office. His residence was at Lower Cover adjoining Craven CALVERY's. He lived
there from his arrival in 1783 to his death Dec. 1st, 1853, at the age of 94
years. The vestry continued his salary to his death and placed a monument over
his grave. In the great fire of 1877, three of his daughters were at the 'old
homestead' and in trying to escape, perished in the flames. Like Dr. Byle's,
Mr. Clarke was small in stature.
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 51 Number 767 Rank 76 Date September
16, 1880 County Saint John Place Saint John Newspaper The Daily Telegraph Notes on the Old Burial Ground: Sketches of
the Dead:
The following inscription on a tomb stone in the family plot of
the Old Burial Ground:
|
Sacred |
|
to the memory of |
|
George SEARS, |
|
Who died 21st January, 1844, |
|
Aged 48 years |
|
As a Christian |
|
He did justly, loved mercy, |
|
and walked humbly |
|
with his God |
|
As a member of society |
|
He did unto others as he would |
|
They should do unto him |
|
"Mark the perfect man and behold
the upright, |
|
for the end of that man is peace.” |
James SEARS, one of the proprietors of and editor of the
'Courier', served his time at Halifax, in the same office with Joseph HOWE, and
was his contemporary as an apprentice. He died July 14, 1825, at the age of 26
years. - William Charles SEARS, died at New York, Aug. 29th, at the age of 31
years. He was a fine classical scholar and a frequent contributor of poetry and
prose to the Press. The three were sons of Thatcher SEARS by his first
marriage.
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 51 Number 767 Rank 76 Date September
16, 1880 County Saint John Place Saint John Newspaper The Daily Telegraph Notes on the Old Burial Ground: Sketches of
the Dead:
Thatcher SEARS was born in Norwalk, Connecticut; his old home
there is one of the antiquities of the place; at the burning of the town by the
enemy it escaped, hence it has become /historic. He was a son of Nathaniel
SEARS, a descendant of Rev. Peter THATCHER of Boston, after whom he was named.
Before the revolution he was employed in the purchase of furs in the Mohawk
country. On the burning of Norwalk he removed to New York and went into the hat
and fur business with his cousin, Thomas HANFORD, afterwards of the firm,
Gilbert & Hanford, merchants, St. John. At the evacuation of New York,
1783, Mr. Sears came to Parr Town and drew a lot on King St. where he erected
his dwelling and store; the lot is yet in the possession of his descendants.
The old buildings were taken down in 1850 to make room for one known as the
Revere House. It arrested the great fire of June 20th (1877) in that quarter.
Thatcher Sears was the father of the first child born at Parr Town. Hymeneal -
Married at Trinity Church, Monday February 10th, 1823, by Rev. Robert Willis,
rector, Samuel BAGSHAW, Esq., merchant, to Nancy SEARS second d/o late Thatcher
Sears, Esq. Mr. Bagshaw was a wealthy Englishman and large importer of British
goods, representing a number of leading houses in that country. He was the last
of St. John citizens who wore yellow topped boots, tassels and knee breeches.
He died at his residence Lower Cove, November 7th, 1843 in his 79th year; Mrs.
Bagshaw only survived him three days. - Departed this life on Thursday eve. 8th
July 1819, age 67 years, Thatcher Sears. Funeral Saturday 3 o'clock from his
dwelling, King St. The body was taken to Trinity Church and as the procession
moved from the home the bell tolled and also after leaving the church for the
grave. (see original)
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 51 Number 767 Rank 76 Date September
16, 1880 County Saint John Place Saint John Newspaper The Daily Telegraph Notes on the Old Burial Ground: Sketches of
the Dead:
Early last eve., Edward Nelson WRIGHT of Head of Millstream
(Kings Co.) and Miss Sarah McAFEE, Barnesville, were married at police
headquarters by Rev. Dr. Bennet, assisted by Dectective Ring and Officer Moore.
The couple were arrested in the old burial ground Sunday night for indecent
conduct and after received a lecture yesterday from Police Magistrate Ritchie
to become man and wife, and therefore no fine was imposed.
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 78 Number 109 Rank 101
Date August 5, 1890 County Saint
John Place Saint John Newspaper The Daily Sun
Almost every stone in the Old Burying Ground (St. John) has a
history. Near the main walk is a plain upright slab. Growing close to the head
is a flourishing willow tree. The inscription reads:
|
In memory of |
|
Pierre Darant Record |
|
Planter, of the Island of |
|
St. Lucia |
|
who departed this life |
|
18 August, |
|
In the year of Our Lord, |
|
1821 |
|
Aged 34 years. |
Sixty or seventy years ago trade between St. John and the West
Indies was very extensive. It was the usual thing for the younger partners in
our mercantile houses to make voyages there and in many instances to take up a
lengthened residence. In this way intimate friendship sprung up with the
merchants and planters. In 1820 a young planter came to St. John from St.
Lucia. He was far advanced in a decline and thought the bracing climate of New
Brunswick would benefit his health. Shattered by the enervating effect of
tropical residence, he brought with him a Negro attendant. He was received here
by kind friends and every attention given that would restore his health, but
after lingering awhile, he died. They buried him in the Old Burial Ground. His
poor black servant was inconsolable with grief and at last it was determined to
send him home. He was embarked on a vessel belonging to one of the old firms
here, which happened to be bound for St. Lucia. Some thirty years ago, two
French gentlemen arried in St. John and in conversation related they were on a
strange journey; that they had travelled through the States looking for a
tombstone. A large estate was in dispute in France and to settle, it was
necessary to procure the date of death of one of its original posssessors. They
had searched all the old graveyards from the Carolinas to Massachusettes and
had given up and were going home by way of Halifax. During their stay here, one
eve they strolled through our old burial ground and there, near the centre
walk, they read the above tombstone. Their search was ended.
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 78 Number 109 Rank 101
Date August 5, 1890 County Saint
John Place Saint John Newspaper The Daily Sun
A correspondent writes to the 'Globe' - Great carlessness is
shown in the treatment of the tombstones in the Old Burial Ground (St. John) A
week ago the stone of Mark VARLEY was standing in good condition. Yesterday it
was broken from the socket and prostrate. The Centenary Church should interest
itself in saving from desecration the resting place of one of its benefactors.
The tombstone of David GABEL, whose burial place is in the neighborhood the
fountain, has been carried up and thrown on the ground - in the southwest
corner opposite the Presbyterian Church.
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 65 Number 2344 Rank 101
Date April 30, 1886 County Saint
John Place Saint John Newspaper Saint John Globe
Last Friday, in the Old Burial Ground (Saint John) on many
tyongues was the question who was David WATERBURY, Sr. The sculptor was there
recording on the stone: 'David Waterbury, Sen. Born in Stamford, Conn., 1758,
Died November 28th, 1833' David
Waterbury came with the other Loyalists in the second vessel that arrived at
Parr Town from New York in May 1783. He followed the cooperage, with
inspection, screwing and packing of fish for the West India market. He owned at
his death the property in Dock Street, with a frontage of eighty feet,
extending across Nelson to low water mark; the Dock St. part now belongs to the
estate of Otis SMALL. At the north end of Dock St. lot Mr. Waterbury resided,
at the south end was No. 3 Engine House, between the two, a pair of stairs
connected with Nelson St. Mr. Waterbury was captain of No. 3 Engine Company.
Its members in 1812 were David Waterbury, captain; Abel HARDENBROOK, Andrew S.
RITCHIE, George PAGAN, George WATERBURY, Hugh JOHNSON, jr.; L.H. DEVEBER,
Thomas GILBERT, George BONSALL, Alexander EDMONDS, John C. WATERBURY, George
SWINNEY, John WARD, jr.; Millet CARPENTER, jr., Charles WARD, William Tyng
PETERS, Alexander JOHNSTON, Joseph T. SCRIBNER, Henry McADAMS, James GRANT,
John GORMAN, Henry CHUBB, James MACOMB, John R. PARTELOW, Stephen SINNOT. Of
all only one is now living. Mr. Waterbury, at this time, was captaining the St.
John Artillery Company, of which two of his sons, John C. and George WATERBURY
were lieutenants. Among those resting (in the Old Burial Ground) are Hon. James
PUTNAM, the first of the N.B. Bench; Sheriff OLIVER, William THOMPSON,
ex-M.P.P., donor the first bell in Trinity Church; William WANTON, for over
thirty years Collector of Port of St. John; Robert PARKER, for 37 years,
Comptroller of Customs; William CAMPBELL, 20 years Postmaster and Mayor; Hon.
John ROBINSON, 12 years Treasurer and Mayor, the first and only one who died in
the discharge of mayoralty; Thomas HANFORD, Thatcher SEARS, Hon. Christopher
BILLOP, Andrew CROOKSHANK, Hugh JOHNSTON, Sr.; H'y GARDNER, Sr.; John THOMSON,
ex-Chamberlain; Thomas SANCTON, ex-Chamberlain; George BONSALL, John CHALONER,
Registrar of Deeds and Wills; Edward SANDS, ex-M.P.P.; David MERRITT, John
VENNING, William HARDING, John SANDALL, with the three first rectors of Trinity
Church: Rev. George BISSETT, Rev. Mather BALES, D.D.; and Rev. George PIDGEON.
Among the graves of the venerated matrons are the wives of the first Chief
Justices of N.B., Hon. George Duncan LUDLOW and Hon. Jonathan BLISS. Also the
grave of the mother of General Fenwick WILLIAMS, the hero of Kars.
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 51 Number 310 Rank 101
Date July 20, 1880 County Saint
John Place Saint John Newspaper The Daily Telegraph
Of the trees planted in the Old Burial Ground (Saint John) the
one dedicated by Dr. PARKER to his grandfather, Robert PARKER, sr., one of the
Loyalists buried there is the most historic. It is a scion from the old willows
on the Carman Estate, Musquash brought here from New York in 1783. A Carman
tree was planted by Miss Florence CARMAN, Fanny CARMAN and Master Henry CARMAN.
The Parr Town grantee was Richard CARMAN.
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 59 Number 1573 Rank 101
Date October 19, 1883 County
Saint John Place Saint John Newspaper The Daily Telegraph
At the organization of St. Andrews Society in 1798, William
PAGAN was elected president and William CAMPBELL, vice-president. They were
loyalists, the former from Falmouth (now Portland, Maine), the latter from
Worcester, Mass. Mr. Pagan died at Fredericton, 1819, while attending the
Legislative Council. Mr. Campbell died at St. John, 1823. To the right and the
left of the pulpit in the old St. Andrew's Kirk, were tablets to both these
honored Scotchmen. As the tomb of Mr. Campbell in the Old Burial ground has
long been in ruins, St. John's lodge, had a monument of the design of the old
one placed over his grave yesterday.
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 67 Number 2825 Rank 76
Date December 1, 1887 County
Saint John Place Saint John Newspaper The Daily Telegraph
Mrs. Henry MELICK, who died in her 84th year, was a daughter of
late Lawrence FOSTER and sister of Lt. Col. FOSTER. Her grandfather was
Ebenezer FOSTER, member of Kings Co. inn the first Provincial Legislature and
also one of the Judges of the inferior court of common pleas. On the maternal
side, Mrs. Melick was the granddaughter of Stephen KENT who lies in the Old
Burial Ground. She leaves no children. Henry MELICK, husband of the deceased,
was 90 years old last January. He is still able to be about.
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 61 Number 4105 Rank 76
Date July 29, 1884 County Saint
John Place Saint John Newspaper Saint John Globe
Epitaphs: The tomb of James PUTNAM, surrounded by a railing, is
the most conspicuous object in the Old Burial Ground. Another reads: 'Christopher
BILLOP, a member of His Majesty's council in this Province, whose
uncompromising loyalty as a lieutenant-colonel in the royal cause during the
American Rebellion obliged him at the termination of that contest to abandon
without compensation his hereditary property, on Staten Island, and retire with
his family to this colony where he has since resided universally respected. He
died March 28, 1827, in the ninetieth year of his age.'- 'Walter CHALONER
Former High Sheriff of Newport, the then British Colony of Rhode Island' -
'Elizabeth TOOLE aged 2 years Babes and Sucklyngs all doth meet And lays
themselves at Christ's feet.' - 'Elizabeth Sevvil, Daughter of the Reverend
Mather BYLES, D.D. Born 9th May 1767 Died 13th Nov. 1809 Modest and mild with Innocence
of Life Silent she shone, the Daughter, Sister, Wife // Jesus she loved, to him
resigned her breath She saw Heaven opened and she smiled at death.' - 'Abell
JUDSON son of Chapman JUDSON and Mary JUDSON, who was drowned Tho' Boreas blast
and Neptune's rage Have tossed me to and fro' Now I escaped from all their rage
Am anchored here below Safely I ride in triumph here With many of our fleet
Till signals call to weigh again Our Admiral Christ to Meet
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 59 Number 3704 Rank 60
Date May 19, 1883 County Saint
John Place Saint John Newspaper The Daily Sun
The papers this morning announce the demise of Mary FORSYTH
widow of Andrew FORSYTH, age 98. Mrs. Forsyth was a native of Ireland and came
to this country with her husband and three children many years ago - so that
her immediate friends have lost all reckoning. They often heard her remark,
however, that when she first set foot on New Brunswick soil, the head of King
St. (St. John) was completely surrounded by forest primeval. Some of her
friends say that she was 101 years old. Three of her children are buried in the
Old Burial Ground and it is over 30 years since her husband died. She was
always blessed with good health and up to within two years was able to attend
to household duties. Lately she was able to move from her chamber to the
kitchen. Her hearing and sight were remarkedly good and to the last moment she
was perfectly sensible. At 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon, she laid down the
burden which she had borne so meekly and fell peacefully asleep.
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 65 Number 2176 Rank 60
Date February 17, 1886 County
Saint John Place Saint John Newspaper Saint John Globe
There passed away Thursday afternoon, Henry MELICK, our city's
oldest resident, having entered his 96th year. Mr. Melick was born on the east
side of Market Square in 1796, the year Prince Edward visited the city. On the
visit last fall of the Governor General Lord Stanley, Mr. Melick was presented
to him at the levee in the Court House. Mr. Melick was the last male survivor
of John MELICK who died in 1856, past 90. There were four sons, Henry MELICK,
William MELICK, Charles MELICK and James MELICK and two daughters, Mrs. Wm
LEAVITT and Mrs. Henry FOTHERBY, the last sole survivor of the second
generation. In the Old Burial Ground are the graves of their grandparents on
the mother's side, Joseph BICK and Catherine BICK. Mr. Melick, after he had
passed his 90th year, had their tombstone re-lettered a kindly act worthy of
imitation. In his early years he engaged in mercantile pursuits, but the last
fifty years has led a quiet life looking after his property.. He enjoyed
excellent health until last Sunday, being out the day before.
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 81 Number 506 Rank 60
Date June 19, 1891 County Saint
John Place Saint John Newspaper Saint John Globe
Capt. William Barton
POULETT (formerly Barton William Poulett WALLOP, died at Bournesmouth, England,
7th Dec., 79th year. He was the eldest s/o Barton WALLOP, naval officer at St.
John who died Jan. 27, 1824, aged 42 years. The grave of Mr. Wallop is in the
old burial ground. His wife was a daughter of Major WARD and died before her
husband at St. John's, Nfld. They had two sons and one daughter. The younger
brother, Newton WALLOP, was a member of the bar and died years ago. The sister
married in England Alexander PARK, When children, these three, after their
father's death, resided with their grandfather, Major Ward, at the corner of
King and Germain streets, Saint John. It was while living here, and only ten
years old, that Barton accidentally shot and killed an early settler, Daniel
DEVOE, for which act he was tried and acquitted. Barton, with his sister, left
Saint John for England in 1839; being connected with the Earl of Portsmouth he
came into a large income. In 1870, after attaining his 62nd year, he married
and has left one son and three daughters.
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 66 Number 2779 Rank 60
Date January 11, 1887 County
Saint John Place Saint John Newspaper The Daily Telegraph
A Tour Through Scotland - James MILLIGAN recounts the experience
of his recent visit - "... From Newmarket we crossed the Tweed and stopped
at Dumfries ... There is a beautiful statue of Burns cut in stone representing
him standing at the plough. Burns died and was buried at Dumfries. An elegant
mausoleum was erected some years ago over his grave. In this connection it
might be interesting to know that the builder of this beautiful tomb lived in
St. John for some years. He died here and is buried in the old burial ground.
His name was John MILLIGAN and his grave is marked with a large tablet and is
on Central Avenue. ... My native place is Thornhill about 14 miles distant and
we went there next ... I stopped at the Queensbury Arms overnight and in the
morning I walked out. On the streets I met a number of old men who were young
men and lads when I left Scotland. I said to them, one after another, 'Do ye
ken me?' and the answer always came, 'I ken ye weel'. All were glad to see me
and the officers of the Masonic Lodge presented me with a history of the lodge
of which my grandfather and father were both past masters. I found in the
graveyards the names of ancestors of mine as far back as 1619. (see original)
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 55 Number 2009 Rank 60
Date November 10, 1881 County
Saint John Place Saint John Newspaper The Daily Telegraph
After a long pilgrimage on this earth, James EMISON, a citizen
of St. John, has gone to the silent majority. His death occurred yesterday morn.
at his residence, Mecklenburg street and with him passes away the rest of his
name here. Few who saw the upright form of Mr. Emison had any idea of his great
age - 86 years - or his long servitude to his native and adopted country. He
was born July 18, 1802 in Downpatrick, Ireland, his father being William
EMISON. In Feb. 20, 1821, he enlisted in the 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade,
better known as the famous Black Watch. He was raised to the rank of corporal
on April 1, 1825 and Sept. 4, 1829 received his sergeant's stripes. As a
private he served 4 years 42 days; as a corporal 4 years and 126 days; as a
sergeant 331 days. The first four years and a little over four months of the
time was given in Ireland. His regiment arrived in Halifax Sept. 9, 1825 while Mr.
Emison was a corporal and October of the same year found him in St. John, where
he has continued ever since, a period of nearly 60 years, the alloted span of a
man's life. But he did not serve long here as he bought his discharge which is
dated Fredericton, July 31, 1830. Accompanying it is a certificate stating that
'the character and conduct of James Emison has been that of a well conducted
soldier, seldom in hospital, trustworthy and sober.' This is signed by A.
Norcott, colonel. He also served under Col. F.C. Frith (father of H.W. FRITH
who was succeeded by Col. W.H. Tapp. Mr. Emison, during his connection with the
Black Watch saw no active service. A month after quitting the active militia,
Mr. Emison began work as an office keeper and messenger remaining at that post
until Jan. 18, 1852 and a day later became foreman of the stores dept. for the
home government and when the branch was taken over by the Dominion government
at Confederation, he continued to perform the duties. Mr. Emison enjoyed the distinction
of being a double pensioner. He was twice married, once in Ireland (his wife
coming with him to St. John and dying in this city) and a second time in St.
John. His first wife bore him four daughters and a son; by the second marriage
two sons. Several of his children and second wife repose in the Methodist
burying ground where the deceased will be laid at rest Saturday. The remains of
the first wife were interred in the old burial ground. His oldest daughter
preceded him to her final earthly habitation only last week. Mr. Emison was
converted at the age of 18 and became a Methodist. He has been a class leader
in Centenary Church many years. Every Sunday saw him seated in his pew at
church, always one of the earliest comers.
Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 73 Number 1275 Rank 43
Date January 18, 1889 County
Saint John Place Saint John Newspaper The Daily Telegraph