HC
Patterson , Fran _^_.
A history of Tfet. .iche,
Tatamagouche
By
FRANK H. PATTERSON
COL. J. F. W. DESBARRES.
THE FIRST LAND OWNER AT TATAMAGOUCHE.
A HISTORY
OF
TATAMAGOUCHE
NOVA SCOTIA
BY
FRANK H. PATTERSON, LL.B.
"To the memory of conquerors who devastate the earth, and of politicians who vex
the life of its denizens with their struggles for power and place, we raise sumptuous
monuments: to the memory of those who by their toil and endurance have made it
fruitful we can raise none. But civilization, while it enters into the heritage which
the pioneers -prepared for it, may at least look with gratitude on their lowly graves." -
Goldwin Smith.
CORRIGENDA
Page vii. line 38. " Historic " should read Historical.
Page 22, line 3. " Nancy " should read Nantes.
Page 112, line 25. " P. Mclntosh " should read J. P. Mclntosh.
Page 136, line 1. "complied" should read compiled.
ROYAL PRINT & LITHO LIMITED
HAUFAX, NOVA SCOTIA
J917
COL. J. F. W. DESBARRES.
THE FIRST LAND OWNER AT TATAMAGOUCHE.
A HISTORY
OF
TATAMAGOUCHE
NOVA SCOTIA
BY
FRANK H. PATTERSON, LL.B.
"To the memory of conquerors who devastate the earth, and of politicians who vex
the life of its denizens with their struggles for power and place, we raise sumptuous
monuments: to the memory of those who by their toil and endurance have made it
fruitful we can raise none. But civilization, while it enters into the heritage which
the pioneers prepared for it, may at least look with gratitude on their lowly graves."—
Goldwin Smith.
ROYAL PRINT & LITHO LIMITED
HAUFAX, NOVA SCOTIA
1917
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
PREFACE
TT is not without misgivings that the writer presents this
book to the public. Its subject matter is such that
to do full justice to those mentioned therein, it should have
been written at least one-half a century ago and by one who
was either personally acquainted with the facts or had
received them first hand. To endeavour at this late date
to tell the story of the trials and hardships of our pioneers,
many of whom have departed almost a century ago is well
nigh an impossible task. That this book will fall far short
of rendering a true appreciation of their labours none can
be more conscious than the writer. But every year the
difficulty of obtaining accurate information of former years
becomes greater, for each year there are slipping from our
midst men and women whose minds were veritable store-
houses of the traditions and folk-lore of the past. Much
of the information contained in these pages, the writer feels
sure, could not be obtained ten or twenty years hence. It
is better that the effort be made now and that a record,
imperfect as it is, be rendered than that the lives and deeds
of our early pioneers should never be known to the public.
Then, too, the writer has doubts as to the accuracy
of several statements contained in the pages of this book.
Still, apart from minor detail he thinks that the matter will
not be found inconsistent with fact. That errors, especially
in the genealogical records, have crept in inevitably follows
from the very nature of the work.
The writer has experienced difficulty in determining to
what area of country to confine his remarks. There is
no statutory district of Tatamagouche and what country
is to be included under that name is a question to which
no definite answer can be given. Dealing with the earlier
years when the settlers were few and information limited
a larger scope of country has been included- During the
last years references have been confined almost entirely to
the village of Tatamagouche itself. Though New Annan
VI HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
and Earltown have not been included in the writer's observa-
tions, he has nevertheless inserted some quotations from the
"History of Pictou County" regarding their settlement.
The genealogical records the writer, as a rule, has carried
only to the first generation. Of those coming to Tata-
magouche subsequent to 1850 no notice has been given
other than to the head of the family.
Four years ago when this work was begun there was
but little known to the public of the early history of this
place; what references there were, being confined to a
few pages in the "History of Pictou County" and "Memoirs
of Dr. MacGregor" by the late Dr. Patterson. Without the
information there a future history of Tatamagouche could
have little value, for in these books and in these books only,
is found the material that can form a good foundation
for any historical work on Tatamagouche. Information
concerning the early French period the writer has obtained
from French documents contained in "Le Canada Francais"
and also from the two books by Dr. Patterson mentioned
above.
A lengthy letter by S. D. Scott, now editor of the "News-
Advertiser," Vancouver, and published in the "Colchester
Sun" of July 31, 1893, contained many interesting facts
relating to the days of the DesBarres estate. That papers
belonging to Colonel DesBarres and pertaining to his Tata-
magouche property are extant there seems little doubt. The
contents of the4 above mentioned letter show that at the
time of its publication such papers must have been in existence
and its author, Mr. Scott, has informed the writer that a
great deal of his information was obtained from an account
of the Tatamagouche estate written for Col. DesBarres in
1790 by a Capt. McDonald of Prince Edward Island. The
original manuscript was borrowed by Mr. Scott from the
late Sir Robert Wetherbee but since then it has been lost.
The late Louis DesBarres of Halifax had, so it is said, many
interesting papers of Colonel DesBarres in his possession,
but what has become of them since his death is not known.
For information concerning happenings of later dates,
the writer is indebted to many people in this community
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOtTCHE Vll
who have supplied him with old documents, family records,
etc. Papers originally belonging to Wellwood Waugh,
Rev. Hugh Ross and the Rev. Robert Blackwood may in
particular be mentioned.
Knowledge of matters within living memory has been
obtained from many of our older inhabitants. Information
concerning the development and decline of the shipbuilding
industry has also been obtained from the same source. With
the compiling of the list of vessels built at Tatamagouche
the writer must publicly acknowledge the assistance of
R. P. Fraser, Esq., Collector of Customs at Pictou, who
undertook the tiring work of making out this list from the
Custom records at that port. Records of vessels built before
1840 were obtained by the writer from the Custom records
at Halifax.
Of those at Tatamagouche who have assisted the writer
in the collecting and the arranging of the material contained
herein, the public will pardon him when he mentions in
particular his father, the late W. A. Patterson. His thorough
knowledge of conditions in Tatamagouche for the last fifty
years — a knowledge acquired from a most intimate associa-
tion with its people — and his retentive memory, which
permitted him to recall with accuracy the events of fifty
or sixty years ago, have made possible this present work.
Mention must also be made of James Bryden of the village
who has gone to no little trouble to assist the writer, par-
ticularly in gathering information of matters relating to
the "forties" and "fifties" and the days of the shipbuilding
industry. The writer may also mention his friend, W. M.
Nelson, for whose assistance the writer gives this public
acknowledgment. To the various others at Tatamagouche
who in one way or another have lent their aid the writer
extends his thanks.
Of those elsewhere he feels that he should mention
two. Major J. P. Edwards of Halifax, although having
no particular interest in Tatamagouche, has given the writer
the greatest assistance; his library, one of the best collections of
Canadian Historic works in Canada, and which is now owned
by Acadia College, Wolfville, was placed as far as possible
at the use of the writer. Information was secured from
VU1 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
Major Edwards and his library which could not be obtained
elsewhere. W. F. Ganong, Ph.D., of Smith College, North-
ampton, has also assisted the writer, particularly by his
explanation of the local nomenclature.
If, with all its defects and errors, this work is successful
in a small measure at least in saving from oblivion the
records of our past and in stimulating a more lively interest
in the lives and labors of our pioneers — men and women
whose memory deserves our highest respect — then the writer
feels that he has not labored in vain.
FRANK H. PATTERSON.
Tatamagouche, N. S., Aug. 29th, 1917.
''THE MEETING OF THE RIVERS."
(TAKUMEdOOCH).
CHAPTER I
NOMENCLATURE
'"THE word Tatamagouche or Tatmagoucbe is of Indian
origin, and, according to Rand, the great student of the
Micmac language, is a corruption of the Micmac Takume-
gooch. The root of this word is Takumoog, which means
across or lie down across. The termination och (often
oochk) is a typical example of the Micmac locative
termination which gives the word the meaning of place
where or at the. Thus, the meaning of the whole word
taken literal!}?- is, lying across place or at the place which
lies across (some other). The application of the word is
quite evident. French and Waugh's rivers clearly meet
at right angles, that is, they lie across each other. More-
over, the rivers themselves after their junction, meet the
harbour in a similar manner.
"For the principal river to enter an elongated bay not at its head in
line with it, but some distance from its head and .at right angles to its course,
is certainly an unusual geographical feature, and just such as the Indians
noticed and used as distinctive in their purely descriptive place nomenclature."*
The only difficulty in the application of the word is to
decide whether it refers to the meeting of the rivers or to
the meeting of the rivers and harbour. Local traditions
say that it applies to the meeting of the rivers, but it is
more than probable that these two natural occurrences in
close vicinity gave rise to the word.f
The change from Takumegooch to Tatamagouche was
made by the French who, according to their custom, caught
and recorded as -t- the Indian sound which the English
catch as -k-. It was of course from the French that we
received the word.
*From notes made by W. F. Ganong, Ph. D., to whom the writer is indebted for this
explanation of the word.
f Since writing the above the writer has had a conversation with Lone Ctoud,_ an intelli-
gent Micmac Indian, who has assured him that Tar-me-gooch (as he pronounced it) meant
where two rivers met and the current of one crossed the current of the other. This should
remove all doubt as to the meaning of the word — local tradition has been amply confirmed.
2 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
Some say that the word means a large beaver dam.
Traces of beavers have been found in the vicinity, and so
at one time a large dam may have been constructed some-
where near this place by these industrious animals, or
possibly the Indians used the word to describe the large
body of water partially enclosed by Ross' and Weather-
bie's points, which to a certain extent resembles a large
dam.*
When the name was first applied to this place is unknown.*
The earliest written record is in the year 1738, when Le
Loutre refers to it as "Tahamigouche". As may be expect-
ed, the early spelling of the word is varied. No less a per-
son than Haliburton has shown that he even did not know
which was the correct spelling, for in his history published in
1829, he spells the word in two ways, "Tatamagouch" and
"Tatmaguish". On old charts it is sometimes spelled some-
thing like this, "Patameragouche". However, as years went
along only two spellings namely, Tatamagouche and Tatma-
gouche, survived among the educated. Men of authority as
late as twenty years ago, indicated by their persistent usage
that they believed the latter spelling to be the correct one,
but the former has now been generally accepted.
The name, Tatamagouche did not survive without a
struggle. Col. Joseph Frederick Wallet DesBarres, who
was the first landlord at Tatamagouche, accepted this old
Indian name, but not so the first Scotch settler, Waugh,
who in many of his land transactions speaks of himself as
belonging to "Southampton, district of Colchester, County
of Halifax." In 1794, in a lease to James Langille, he des-
cribes the lands as lying "on Point Brule on Southampton
Harbour". Waugh, as far as we know, was the only person
at Tatamagouche to use this name, and it is indeed difficult to
understand why he should have attempted to affix it to his new
abode. We should naturally have expected him to endeavour to
perpetuate the name of one of the many places in Scotland
which were dear to his heart. It is interesting to notice
DesBarres and Waugh in contemporaneous documents
persisting to call the same place by different names.
These men, like all others, had many differences, but on
this occasion, fortunately perhaps, the old warrior won
*Froro the Indian Taw-ma-gouche, signifying like a dam or sea wall. Geaner'a "Indus-
trial Resources of Nova Scotia" (1849).
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
/
out. Tatamagouche is to be preferred to a name borrowed
from a town in England, with which, so far as we know, there
was no historic connection. DesBarres, while he made no
attempt .to change the original name, did make an effort
to perpetuate his name elsewhere. Barrachois Harbour,
outside the Narrows, he called Joseph Harbour, while the
waters beyond Cape John and Malagash Point, he named
Frederick Bay. It is doubtful if these names were ever
used by any one save DesBarres himself, and they have
long since sunk into oblivion, and would forever remain
there if it were not for old charts and deeds. •
Another word about which there has been a difference
of opinion, is Gouzar, a word whiph for many years has
designated the basin of water at the head of the bay. It
has always been supposed that the Indians used the word
to describe the place because of the abundance of geese
which gathered there in spring and fall. This explanation
is erroneous. One of the first settlers there was a man by
the name of Gousar or Geeser. Hence the name. In 1786
it is referred to as Port Gouza.
There are two other local names which need a few
words of explanation. These are Brule and Barrachois.
The former is the French word for burnt land and formerly
was applied only to that long landscape that ever since
has borne this name. Doubtless at one time it had been
visited by a disastrous fire which left it shorn of vegetation.
The latter word is found quite frequently in the Maritime
Provinces and means either a lowland or a sand bar. It
does not occur in the French of today, at least not in
the modern French dictionary, and probably was first coined
by the French Acadians to describe those tracts of low
land often found in Nova Scotia.
4 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
CHAPTER II
THE INDIANS
T^HERE is much evidence to show that at one time Tatama-
gouche was a frequent rendezvous for the Micmac Indians.
The name itself is almost conclusive in sho wing that it was
a place well known to these men of the forest. The location
and environment of the place were peculiarly suited to meet
the few needs of the Red Man. The waters of the rivers and
harbours teemed with a great number of fish, including
the lobster and oyster, while in the' fall and spring these
waters and the adjacent marshes were the haunts of the wild
fowl which to a great extent made up the Indians' bill of fare.
Traditions tell us that at one time there was an Indian
burying-ground on Steele's Island. This is still generally
believed and is not without good foundation.* A number
of years ago a jaw bone of unusual size was found near the
edge of the bank. The late David Fraser is supposed to have
been the finder. It was kept for a number of years in his shop.
It is true that at present no trace of mounds is to be found on
the island, but recent cultivation would account for their dis-
appearance— indeed it would be extraordinary if, after the
lapse of so many years, there still remained any indications
of this ancient burial place. Other stories, too, are current,
which tell of the finding of rude Indian implements and
beads on the shores of this island.
More certain evidence! of the Indians has, however,
been found on Ross' Point in what is now the farm of
C. N. Cunningham. When a cut was being made there at
the time of the construction of the railway, a number
of bones were exposed, many of which had every appearance
of having been broken before they were interred in their
final resting place. These bones were found close to
the surface, which indicated that they had either been
The late Frank Steele used to relate that on one occasion, after a heavy storm, he
found a large number of bones on the beach. These he carefully buried near the bank's edge.
tOak or Stewart's Island, across the Harbour on the Malagash shore, was another
favourite resort for these people. When the first settlers arrived, they found immense quanti-
ties of oyster shells near the beach. These they used for fertilizing their farms. Small quan-
tities may yet be seen at or near the edge of the bank. According to Lone Cloud, _Malagash
in the Micmac language meant a place where the Indians met to play games, and it may be
that the word Malagash was first applied to this small island. It is to be noted, however,
that the students of Micmac state that Malagash means "end of smooth water". It is more
probable that the word was first applied to the Point.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 5
deposited in haste, or ait a date previous to the coming of
the Europeans, when the Indians possessed no implements
other than sharpened sticks with which they were unable
to dig a hole of much depth. In the adjoining fields at various
times, spear heads and other implements of war have been
found. Possibly what is now a peaceful farm, was once the
scene of a hard fought battle.
A recorded reference which substantiates the former
statement that Tatamagouche was a frequent rendezvous
for the Indians, is found in a report by Judge Morris in
1753 on the failure of the attempts of British settlement in
Nova Scotia in 1749-50 and -53. It seems that the chief
cause of the failure was the hostility of the Indians who
were constantly making attacks upon the British settlors.
This is how Judge Morris explains the situation:
"The Indians being supplied with provisions at Bay Verte, proceed
along the shore of the sea, till they come to Tatamagouche, which is navigable
twenty miles for their canoes, where they leave them, and taking their pro-
visions travel about ten miles, which brings them to Cobequid. This takes
up two, sometimes three days. At Cobequid they are supplied by the French;
thence from there they go down the Shubenacadia River to Dartmouth where
they embarrass the inhabitants."
The Judge then goes on and advocates as a remedy the
removal of the French from Chignecto and the erection
of a fort on the Shubenacadie. He says:
"It is quite evident that if the inhabitants were removed from Cobequid
that their (the Indians) means of support among them would cease. They
would have none to take care of their canoes, and consequently must pass from
Tatamagouche River by land through the woods, which are almost impass-
able, above sixty miles, and carry their provisions both for their support
out and home, which would put them to such difficulties they would be
induced seldom, if ever, to attempt it."
Thus it would seem that Tatamagouche was, to use the
modern phraseology, a "strategic point" from which the
Indians could carry out their acts of depredation.
Frequently, when they had succeeded in capturing
a prisoner of note, the Indians would retire to Tatamagouche.
Iwany a poor captive has found his way to lead over the
rough trail from Cobequid to Tatamagouche, and thence
overland to Chignecto, or by water to Louisbourg or to St.
John's Island. Much of our knowledge of the Tatamagouche
of those early days is gleaned from diaries which were kept
by several captives who were brought here by the Indians.
One, by Capt. Wm. Pote, we shall deal with later.
6 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
Another rather distinguished captive whom the Indians
brought to Tatamagouche, was Anthony Casteel. On 17th
May, 1753, Casteel with several Englishmen, was surprised
and captured by the Indians at Jeddore. All his comrades
were killed, but he escaped by calling himself a Frenchman.
He was then carried by the Indians down the River Shuben-
acadie to Cobequid, thence to Tatamagouche. The party
left Cobequid on the 24th of May, and arrived the same
night at Tatamagouche, where they lodged. On the folio wing
day, Friday, "We crossed," he says, "a bay and marched to
a place called Remsheag (Wallace) where we found an
Indian encampment." From Wallace he was taken to
Bay Verte. Subsequently he was released.
There are indeed few, if any, stories of difficulties
between the early settlers at Tatamagouche and the Indians,
and they seem to have been on excellent terms, though
many of our forefathers felt genuine fear when they heard
of the cruelties that were then attributed to the
Indians. In River John, more trouble was experienced,
and there the first settlers, in self-protection, prepared
to erect rough forts. It was there, too, that Frederick,
the five year old son of George Patriq^uin was stolen, and
though every search was made for him, no trace of the
missing boy could be found. With good reason it was
believed that the Indians alone could account for his dis-
appearance.*
The Indians as late as twenty-five years ago used to
visit Tatamagouche in great numbers. The "old burying-
ground" was their favourite meeting place. Gradually
their numbers became fewer and finally they ceased to
visit as of old. Only occasionally do we now see a few
of this rapidly disappearing race around the place where
their fathers lived a happy, though obscure, life, or where,
when the call came, they answered it and fell in battle.
Our debt to them may be small. They left to our
fathers no cultivated fields with which to repay their honest
labours. Neither intellectually nor morally have they con-
tributed to our civilisation, unless in their religious life
*It is recounted ttiat >eais alter, iatriquin, as an old man, returned to River John.
He had been treated with only kindness by the Indians and soon learned to adopt their wild
life, and could never bring himself to live in a fixed abode.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 7
their simple, confiding trust in an Almighty Power, whose
care they were, may strengthen ours. Still in the words
of the poet we can say of them:
"The memory of the red man,
How can it pass away
While their names of music linger
On each mount and stream and bay?"
Their legacy to the people of Tatamagouche is a name
euphonious and full of that mystic, hidden meaning which
can alike arouse our imaginations and stir our emotions.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
CHAPTER III
THE FRENCH AT TATAMAGOUCHE
the waters of our harbour and rivers were first
ploughed by the rude sailing craft of some bold European,
or when civilized man, with almost insurmountable diffi-
culties, made his way through the pathless forests to gaze
for the first time upon this broad expanse of waters, is a
matter of conjecture only. Even tradition is unwilling to
come to our aid and by silence refuses to throw light upon
these questions which still remain shrouded in mystery.
John Cabot and Jacques Cartier, in their early voyages,
missed our port. Indeed, neither of these entered the
Northumberland Strait at all. In the days of the French
explorers who followed these two men, it seems hardly
conceivable that Tatamagouche was not visited. Records
which cannot be disputed show that about the middle of
the seventeenth century* a small French vessel, engaged
in the work of exploration on the north coasts of Acadie,
sailed up the Harbour, while those on board eagerly scanned
the shores of a district which to them was nameless and
unknown. The sturdy Denys, whose name is inseparably
linked up with the early exploration of this Province, parti-
cularly of Cape Breton, was in charge. He was not only
a sea captain. He was also a scholar of no small merit. No
day of exploration passed without his faithfully and accurately
recording its events. The day he sailed up Tatamagouche
Harbour he made no exception to his accustomed rule.
Hence it is that today we have . a description of Tatama-
gouche as it appeared to this bold and adventurous French-
man of two hundred and fifty years ago. After leaving
what is now Pictou Harbour, he says:
"Passing eight or nine leagues along, the coast is high with rocks, [and]
it is necessary to keep a little off shore. One finds here, nevertheless, an
occasional cove, where the land is low; but there is not much shelter for boats
.and the sea breaks strongly. Then there is another river met with, which
has abundance of rocks at its entrance; and a little off shore towards the
eea is another little island covered with woods which is called Isle L'Ormet.
Before entering into this river one finds a large bay of two good leagues of
depth and one of breadth. In several places the low land is all covered with
beautiful trees. In the extremity of this bay one sees two points of landf
which approach one another and form a strait and this is the entrance of the
*1671-2 are tlie years in which the records were written.
fRoss' and Weiitiierbie'a.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 9
river. It comes from three or four leaguss inland. It is flat at its entrance
[and] boats cannot go far into it. The land there is rather fine. Some hills
appear inland but of moderate height. An abundance of oysters and shell
fish is also taken here."
Wm. F. Ganong, Ph.D., who translated and edited,
the record of Denys' voyage, thinks that "Isle L'Ormet"
was what is now known as Amet Island. This is what he
says in reference to it:
"L'Ormet. This is the earliest use of the word. Its origin is not known
though possibly it may have been suggested by some resemblance to 'armet',
a helmet. The little island is rapidly being washed away by the sea and
is now much smaller than when our author saw it."
The rocks at the entrance of the harbour and to which Denys
referred, are not in existence today unless, as is probable,
he was referring either to the Amet or to the Waugh shoals.
The first settlers of Tatamagouche were French Acadians,
of whom, unfortunately, there is little known, history having
preserved the name of one alone.* What few details we
have of their attempt at a settlement, we owe for the most
part to observations which were made by the first Protestant
settlers who, on their arrival here in 1772, found many
indications of a once flourishing community.
Tatamagouche was selected as a settlement by the
French as a point of communication between their Annapolis
and Cobequid settlements and their colonies in what is now
New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and .Cape Breton.
But there were other reasons. f At that time Tatamagouche
was remote from any British settlement and possibly had
been represented to them by the Indians as a suitable place
for a settlement, and the French love of the smell of the
tide and the marsh, of which there is plenty at Tatamagouche,
may have influenced them to go there. They were no friends
of rock and hill, but preferred the alluvial soil which is
found along the shores of this river and harbour. As one
writer has said:
"Thither they came with their cattle and seed grain and dyking shovel;
there they set up their household goods, their simple machinery for grinding
corn, and their little house of prayer. "j
*The following quotation is taken from Le Canada Francais, Vol. II: "Famille de Pierri
Boudrot demeurant au village de ternest parvoesse de Bangor. Claude Boudrot, ne a 1'isle
St. Jean eu mil sept heute six, Marie A. Magdaleine Oezelit, fille de Jean Oizilet soite de France
en de -feane Morse de Tatamugouche de Cobequick de present aux iles Saint Pierre et Miquelon
avec leur farnille."
fin those days of continual warfare, copper was in constant demand and it is
possible that the many indications of it which were then (and even now) to be found at Tatama-
gouche were a further attraction to the French to settle there.
{Article "Colchester Sun," July 31, 1893.
10 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
The date of the first French settlement at Tatamagouche
is unknown. There is a letter in the Archives de La Marine
at Paris, written by PAbbe de Loutre* from Tatamagouche
on the 1st day of October, 1738, which translated, reads thus-
"My mission is that of Chigabenakadi, that is to say, the Acadian
Indians, together with the French of TahamiSochef of Gobekitck and all
the French scattered and distant from whatever priests there are in that
country. The [care of] savages proved quite a burden to me, and yet I have
also charge of the French. It may be too much for me if the Lord does not
lend his aid. Still I place all my confidence in Him alone. I left Louisburg
for my mission on the 22nd day of September. On the eighth day, after
having passed through high winds and tempests, I fortunately reached dry
ground and I take this advantage of writing you and to give you news of
myself. 'TahamiSoche, this 1st day of October, 1738.' "
Thus, from this letter, it appears that as early as 1738,
the French had not only settled at Tatamagouche, but
they had also established it as part of the Cobequid
mission. In another letter, written nine years later, describ-
ing the same mission, the following quotation is found:
"M. Girard is the priest in charge. There is a portage ten leagues in
length from Cobequitk which leads to Takamigoush. There is a road through
the woods in good shape and finely built. Cattle, sheep and fowl pass over
it when sent to Louisbourg. This parish is under Cobequitk. The number
of communicants is one hundred and fifty. "J
From maps made by C. S. Robert de Vaugondy in 1753
and 1755, it would appear that at that time there were
three French, settlements in the vicinity of the present
village of Tatamagouche. One of these was known as Pate-
magouche b which was presumably situated near the site of
the old burying-ground; another was at Cape John and a
third somewhere between Brule and River John. One of
the last two was designated as "Village des Sauvages"/i.
The road before mentioned in the letter of Le Loutre is
also shown on the maps of 1753.
When the first permanent settlers arrived in 1771-2,
they found that considerable land had already been cleared
from McCully's Hill to the Presbyterian Church. This
had also been ploughed, and put under cultivation, as was
* Loutre was a most active instigator of the Indians and Acadians against British
rule. Goldwin Smith in "Canada and the Canadian question," p. 57, speaking of the expulsion
of the Acadians says, "The blame rests on the vile and murderous intrigues of the priest Le-
Loutre."
t 8, a consonant equivalent to "ou".
fThis must refer to the whole district of Cobequid.
fcProbably a misprint of "P" for "T". I
AIndian Village(?)
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 11
evidenced by the ridges still visible among the fast growing
bush. On the hill back of the old schoolJioiise lot the French
had erected a small chapel, and in the adjoining field they had
buried their dead. Crosses which bore silent witness that
the sleepers were of "The Faith" still were standing at the
heads of the graves.* It was generally believed that the
exact location of this burying-ground was directly adjoining
the back of the old schoolhouse lot, and for that reason the
late William Campbell, the subsequent owner, regarding
it as sacred, refused to put the land there under cultivation.
Hence it remains till this day grown up in shrubs and wild
bushes. Mounds of earth which resemble graves can be
plainly seen, but it may have been that these were made by
other than human hands, and that the grave-yard was nearer
the chapel, which was farther down on the slope of the hill.
The French had also cleared, to some extent, the inter-
vales of the French and Waugh's Rivers, particularly of the
former, which ever since has borne their name. On the latter
they had begun the mining and smelting f of the native
copper ore which was found exposed on the banks of the
river at various places, particularly at the Mine Hole, about
a mile above Murdock's, where the river takes a sharp
turn at the junction of its two branches. The subsequent
settlers believed that the turn was an unnatural one caused
by the river's overflowing into the old mine, and that the
stream covered the original workings. Acting on this
belief, an American company took over the property and
diverted the stream into its natural course, but failed to
discover any great bed of copper. The late William Wilson
many years ago, when ploughing the adjacent fields, found +
considerable half-smelted ore along with the rude implements
with which the French had been carrying on their feeble
attempts at mining and smelting.
Ruins, or rather indications, of several mills were still
to be seen. One of these was on a small brook which crosses
the main highway a little west of Mrs. William Waugh's.
Even today one can see the remains of their old dam, which ;
*.»ieaioir ol Dr. Alaei-iregor, p. 2tM. i Mere is also a tradition wmcn says iiiat, me .trench
had a burial ground on the banks of Waugh's River intervale, close by the main road, near the
late Solomon Waugh's. As late as fifty years ago, local parties have dug there looking for hid-
den treasure.
fOnly a few years ago, quantities of half-smelted ore were unearthed in a field near
Fleming Waueh's.
JSo I have been credibly informed.
12 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
now grown over with grass, resembles a dyke.
Another mill was on the Blockhouse Creek near the road
bridge. The third was at Gouzar and the other two on
the French River, one on Mill Brook and the other on the
main stream.* The presence of so many mills would seem
to indicate that the little colony was rapidly growing and
that it had every prospect of a bright future when in the
years to come, the enemies of His Majesty the King of
France would be vanquished and they, in peace, would
enjoy the land for which they had made many sacrifices.
Vain dreams which never were to be realised!
There are also stories which tell of the finding of French
coins on Wa-ugh's River intervale, f Two muskets were
found in the early days in the field north of the old Gass
house. These had lain there so long that the barrels were
rusted through, and when picked up the wooden stocks fell
away from the barrels. This happened so long ago, that it
is impossible to obtain an accurate description of the weapons,
but the finders and others who saw them, expressed the
belief that they were French muskets. Then there is the
prevalent idea that the willows, growing on the intervales
of Waugh's River, were planted by the French. Some say
this idea is erroneous and contend that they were planted
by the early Scotch settlers, even though it is true that
the willow is a native of France, and was frequently planted
by the early French in various places of Nova Scotia where
they had made settlements.
In Campbell's History of Nova Scotiaf there is one
reference to a French settlement at Tatamagouche. Mr.
Campbell, quoting from a report of Governor Hobson sent
to the Home Government in 1752, says: "There are sixty-five
families at Cobequid, Rimchigne, Tatamagouche and Cape
Sable." This would allow on an average about fifteen
families for this place, and this is further borne out by a
report of Judge Morris in 1755, in which he estimates the
number of French families at Tatamagouche to be twelve.
Some references to the settlement and its inhabitants
are to be found in the records of the military expedition
"•History of Pictou County, p. 129.
tA deep pool in the river below Archie Waugh's, known to this day as the "field hole"
received its name from the fact that when the first settlers arrived, they fouud that a small
clearing had been made there and that a few apple trees were still alive and growing.
JPage 111.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 13
of de Ramezay in 1747, which culminated in what is generally
known as the "massacre of Grand Pre". At that time
the French had a fort at Chignecto and from that point
they fitted out a strong expedition to surprise and defeat
the British Colonial forces which early in the winter of 1746-7,
had arrived at Grand Pre with the intention of pushing
forward and capturing Chignecto. Among the officers of
the French forces which set out from Chignecto on the 21st
of January, 1747, were de Villiers, who afterwards defeated
Washington at Fort Necessity, the Chevalier de la Corne,
and others who subsequently were to play important parts
in the struggle which, twelve years later, resulted in victory
for the British on the Plains of Abraham. Diaries of their
expedition were kept by Beaujeur and La Corne. These officers
relate that on the morning of January 27, 1747, they stopped
at the village of Tatamagouche, where they were joined by
a number of Acadians.* Here they mended their broken
sledges. Resuming their journey, they at five o'clock in the
afternoon arrived at a place called Bacouel, at the beginning
of a p'ortage which led some twenty-five miles across country
to Cobequid, now Truro. The location of this place, Bacouel,
is not known, but apparently it was somewhere on the
French River, and the expedition probably went by a trail
following the course of the river, or possibly by the river itself,
which at that time of the year would be mostly frozen over.
At Bacouel they were met by Girard, priest of Cobequid,
who seemed unwilling to assist the French, fearing trouble
with the English authorities. They spent the morning. of
the 28th mending their sledges, and in the afternoon were
joined by another party of Acadians and Indians, whereupon
they again set out and towards evening reached a village
near Cobequid. From the rapid progress made by the
expedition and the information received at various points
concerning the numbers and equipment of the British, it
seems clear that convenient lines of communication in the
nature of a highway, extended from the French settlements
of Chignecto to those in the Annapolis Valley; and the
journals indicate that a number of Acadiansf were at that
*These, the diary states, came from Cape Jeanne (Cape John), where the Acadians
had made a settlement
fin 1743, "Father Germain reported at Quebec that certain French Refugees in the
vicinity of Tatamigouche, who had come from the Island of Cape Breton, designed to go to
that island to make some devastation there." Murdock, Vol. 2, p. 120.
14 IISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
time settled at Tatamagouche and in the country now
making up the northern part of the County of Colchester.
In the journal of Captain William Pote,* who was
brought by the French as a captive to Tatamagouche, there
is given not only an account of his journey from Annapolis,
but as well an interesting narrative of an encounter in the
Harbour between several British vessels and a number
of Indians, assisted by the French.
Pote had been in command of the schooner "Montague"
which was engaged in carrying supplies to Annapolis, f and
on May 17th, 1745 was captured at that place by the French
and Indians. On the 9th of June, he arrived in their custody
at Cobequid, from whence all proceeded overland to Tata-
magouche, having Louisbourg as their prospective destination.
According to Pote, the party set out from Cobequid at
5 a. m. of Monday, the 10th and arrived here a little before
sunset of the same day. The journey, he says, being "over
high mountains and low valleys" was very tiring, and
"Verey much fatigued both Indians and English, with Ye
Extream heat and Ye sun, yt Beat upon us with So much
Vehemency. Some of ye Indians yt carried Connews, was
almost melted and obliged to Gave out before the Night."
About the settlement itself, Pote has only the following
remark :
"At this place (Tatamagouche) there Livd an old Gentleman ,yt had
been a prisoner in queen Annete War in boston, and Spoke Verey Good English,
ye old Gentleman Saemed Very Kind to me, and Gave me a piece of Bread
and told me he was Verey Sorrey for our Misfortune and wished it was in
his power to Contribute any thing to our Consolation."
On the following day, while they remained here, many
of the Indians went into the woods, where they busied them-
selves in making canoes and providing food for their voyage
to Louisbourg.
Describing their method of curing meat, Pote says:
"there manner of curing meate that they Design to keep any considerable
time is to Cut it in Large fletchers, and Lay it over ye fire, till it is so Smoake-
*Pote belonged to Portland Maine. "He was skilful in both surveys and seamanship
and his capture was a serious loss to the English cause in Canada." Whilst in captivity, he
kept a diary of each day's events. In 1890, John Fletcher Hurst, an American, discovered
the original manuscript in Switzerland. Returning to America he had it edited and published.
It is a book of the greatest interest to all students of Nova Scotian history.
t Annapolis was then being besieged by a mixed force of French and Indians under the
command of Lieut. Marin. Failing to make any impression upon the fort, Marin, with Pote
and nine other F.nglishmen as captives, retired to Minas. There he received word from Du-
chambou, the new Governor of Cape Breton, that Louisbourg, which had been invested by the
New F.tiglanders, was in a most precarious condition. Marin with as many men as he could
collect, prepared at once to hurry to its assistance.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 15
dryed, and Rested, yt one Cannot perceive any manner of moisture in it
more then in a chip, this ye Custom of both french and Indians, when they
Design to Carrey their provisions any considerable Distance."
On the next day, Wednesday, the French officers from
Louisbourg heard further news which caused them the greatest
concern.* The truth they carefully concealed from the
Indians, who believed that nothing was amiss.
On Thursday, the 13th, preparations for the voyage to
Louisbourg were continued.
"Ye Indians Imployed in making Connews and paddles, and ye French
in Transporting of their Bagage and all yt was heavey Carrige on board of
the Vessels, this Day there Came many horses Loaden with Provisions
from Quebecet [Cobequid] Viz. meal, flower, meat and Biskett and Liquor,
the french officers Seemed Exceeding Urgent to make all possible Dispatch."
On the next day (Friday) the party took its departure.
The Indians proceeded ahead in canoes which were
"so large yt Sum of them would carrey Very Comfortably fourteen
men, and their Bagage So yt all of them Could Com-paddle, or Row, without
Discommoding Each other, In ye Leaste."
The French and their officers embarked on two vessels which
it seems had been sent to Tatamagouche to be at their dis-
posal. Pote was taken into a canoe with the Indians. In
his narrative he gives nohint as to the exact place of embark-
ation; he merely says, "We took our Departure from
Togmiguish".
After the Indians had proceeded two or three leagues
(which in any case would take them well out into the Harbour)
they learned that the vessels bearing the French had grounded.
Therefore they concluded it was best "to Go on Shore and
Stop for ye General."! (who was on one of the French vessels).
They therefore landed "in a sandy cove, Behind a Point of
Land yt sheltered it from Ye Sea." If they embarked on
the river anywhere near the site of the present village, this
landing was in all probability somewhere on the Mala-
gash shore which is well sheltered, and has, for the most part,
a sandy beach, but from the few details given, no definite
conclusion regarding this and their subsequent movements
can be safely arrived at.
Next morning, as they sailed out and turned round the
point, they saw but a short distance from them three sloops
*The messenger urged Marin to make all possible haste to relieve Louisbourg. He report-
ed that the Fn'ilish had made much progress.
fLieut. Mai in.
16 HISTORY OP TATAMAGOUCHE
which at once began to bear directly down upon them. Great
speculation then arose among the Indians as to the nationality
of the approaching craft. Some fe red that they were
English, while others believed them to be French vessels
bearing supplies for Louisbourg. The Indians, who numbered
two hundred or more, kept a course close to shore which
"brought ye Sloops to Bear almost a Stern" of them and at
a distance of six miles. The sloops gradually began to
overhaul the Indians who, for the first time, discerned the
French colours flying on the nearest craft. They were now
firmly convinced that it was a French ship and consequently
were in a state of great elation, but Pote says he was
"firmly perswaeded to ye Contrary."
In going round a large cove one of the sloops suddenly
shot ahead and sailed directly in the course of the canoes.
The Indians, whose suspicions were again aroused, decided
to land on the beach, but before they could do so they were
overhauled by the sloops. And as they drew near,
"Down Comes ye French colors on the one Side and up ye English on
ye other and knocked open their portes and almost in the Twinkling of an Eye,"
they fired three of their cannon. Among the savages a great
confusion followed, and as Pote rather quaintly expresses it,
"he was ye Best Man yt could Get on Shore first." Accord-
ing to his narrative all safely escaped on shore and when
they had drawn their canoes out of the water they sought
safety behind what he terms a "seawall". He describes the
encounter as follows:
"Ye Bullets Continued flying amongst us, but by bad Fortune they all
Escaped Safe on Shore, and Never a man hurt, we hailed our Connews up
behind a Sea Wall. Ye Sloops Stood Near ye Shore and Came to anker,
and fiered Verey Briskly upon us, But we being Behind ye Sea Wall it was
to no purpose, for as Soon as they Saw ye Flash of A Cannon they Tumbled
as quick as though they had been Shoot Down, ye Indians Lay Scatered
along Shore Some Considerable Distance and to Shew there Great Courage,
would Sometimes Crawl from behind ye Sea Wall, and hoop and Yell, and
make ye most hellish Noise that is possible to proceed from humain Creatures
at Length there Came a ball, that passed through one of their Bodys and
Carried part of his powder horn, that hung by his Side with it. the Sloop
yt Stood back for ye General, and those that was behind us, began to fire
Verey briskly ye Indians began to [be] much Concerned for ye General, and
Sent Messengers Back by Land to Inspect how affairs Stood, who Returned
in a Very Short time, and gave Intelligence, that they would Soon Take ye
privatear, if they had a few Cannon But Nevertheless if it Continued Callm,
they would Soon take her with Small armes, for they was then In Chase of
her with all four of their Vessells, and Intend to board her. ye two Sloops
that was with us, hearing ye Continual fireing come to Sail, and made all
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 17
possible Expectation to ye others assistance, as Soon as they Saw ye Sloops
make towards ye General, ye French officers that was with us, and Likewise
ye Indians Changed their Countenances and Exactly Imetated Belteshazer
ye Great King of Babylon and Said one to another, that they was verey much
Concerned at what they feared would be ye Event, for they was Sensible;
there would be much Blood Shed, if they was not all Destroyed, as Soon as
ye French General Saw ye other two Sloops, he Gave orders to make for ye
Shore with all possible Expedition, the Sloops gave Chase and followed them,
Verey Clost but by ye help of their Oars they made their Escape, and arrived
Safe Into their Lurking place, a Small Crick where ye Sloops could not follow,
ye Sloops followed Clost in to ye mouth of ye Crick, and Came to anker,
So that they Could by no means Come out. When we Saw ye Course was
Clear we Embarqued In our Connews. In order to Return to Togmiguish.
In Expectation ye General and all yt was with him, was Either Taken or
killed, when we Came in Sight of ye Harbour, we found ye Three Sail of
Privetears, where Come to anker in ye Entrance, and we Could not by any
means pass, without being Exposed to ye danger of their Cannon, and we was
obliged to Go Round to another place and Transport our Connews by Land
Into ye harbour, this Night we Incamped at ye Head of a Small Crick, and
Could not arrive to Togmeguish, nor hear any News from ye General, this
Night I sought for an opportunity to make my Escape, but ye Indians kept
So Good a watch, I found it would be but Imprudent to make ye attempt."
It is probable that the place of retreat for the
French vessels was Gouzar an.l that the creek referred
to was Dewar's River. The British ships to watch them
would anchor near the bar which Pote correctly terms the
"entrance."
The English captain, David Donahew, however, gives
a rather different version of this affair. It reads thus:
"On the 1.5th Instant [June, 1745] in Askmacouse Harbour, up the Bay
[Tatamagouche Bay], my Luck was to meet with two sloops and two schooners
and an unaccountable number of Indian Canoes. At six the same morning
the Captains Becket [or Beckwith] and Fones [Daniel Fones] who were con-
sorted with me, being to Leeward saw some smoke which they pursued,
and soon lost sight of me. I pursued my Chase, and at Ten o'clock came
up with, and fired at them, they strove to decoy me and catch me in shoal
water, which 1 soon perceived and I accordingly stood away from the Shore,
they being a Thousand in number and 1 but Forty odd. We spoke to Each
other for two hours and a half; they knowing my name they desired me to
make ready my Fast for them and I telling the cowards they were afraid to
row up; the weather start calm; as they come to Hand I killed but the number
I know not. I fired two hundred four Pounders double round and Partridge
fifty-three Pounders, my swivel and small Arms continually playing on
them. My stern by force of firing is down to the water edge. Round House
all to pieces but, bold hearted; had it not been so calm I should have done as
I would, but not one Breath of Wind, and they rowing all round me, both
Head and Stern; but Capt. Becket and Capt. Fones appearing in Sight they
retreated and run into shoal water. I followed them within pistol shot till
I ran aground; but blessed be G.xl, have got safe off. This was the army
that besieged Annapolis and was ordered to assist Louisbourg but their Design
is prevented."
Next morning the Indians joined the French where "they
2
18 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
had hauled all four of their Vessells ashore in a Crick and
incamped by them."
On Monday, the 17th another English ship arrived and
anchored in the harbour.
On Tuesday, Pote writes as follows:
"This Day ye French and Indians Imployed In falling Trees Round their
Camps. In Expectation of ye English Comming to attack ym on Shore, there
was also Spies from our Camps, continually passing and repassing, to Inspect
weither there was any Danger of their Landing, to attack ym which the French
and Indians told me they wished they would attempt & I Should Soon have
more of my Countrymen In there Camps with me for Company."
A conference of the Indians and French was held on
Thursday. At this meeting Marin proposed a scheme
whereby they could steal past the English ships and thus
bring relief to the hard pressed Louisbourg, but the Indians
had had enough of fighting and insisted on proceeding by
land to Canada. The next day they began the journey
and in due time reached Quebec.
This incident which we have just noted can claim more
than local significance. It deserves mention in any
provincial history, for in no small measure it contributed
to the fall of Louisbourg. Had the French ships succeeded
in escaping from the harbour and bringing relief the result
of the New Englanders' expedition to Louisbourg might have
been entirely different. As the author of "Pote's Journal"
says:
"This exploit of Captain Donahew contributed very materially toward
the capture of Louisbourg. For had Marin arrived during the siege, he
would have harassed the New England troops not a little, and Duchambou*
distinctly stated that Marin's failure to appear proved disastrous to him
at a time when succour would have meant victory."
Historians, as a rule, have been mistaken as to the
place of the engagement. Murdock in his history of Nova
Scotia states that the engagement took place off of Cape
Sable. "Douglass calls the place 'Asmacouse' and Donahew
'Askamacouse Harbour' "f But the publication of "Pote's
Journal" removes all doubt as to the place and significance
of the engagement, and we trust that future historians of
Nova Scotia will not fail to give it the mention which it
deserves.
There is another interesting letter written from Tata-
magouche during this period and which is still preserved
*The Governor of Louisburg, during the siege.
1From foot note page 40 "Pote's Journal"
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 19
in the French archives. The author was apparently an agent
of the French government who had gone to Tatamagouche
for the purpose of inciting the French and Indians against
the British authorities. Late in December he ventured
to Tatamagouche without being molested. He found "that
the villagers were engaged in celebrating the festival of
Christmas. It had assumed an orgy of great dimensions.
They had several great casks of rum [fire water, cognac]
from the Carribean Islands and the people, freed from the
labours of the harvest, had abandoned themselves to the
enjoyment of the feast." He admonished them severely
but to no avail. He found it impossible to expect any
help from them in his projected enterprise, and was obliged
to return home without having accomplished the object of
his visit. Later on the Indians bitterly complained to
him of the treatment of their squaws by the French.
In 1754 the French settlers at Tatamagouche were joined
by a number of Acadians from Cobequid, who, evidently
fearing that they soon would be molested by the British,
burned all their buildings and retired to Tatamagouche,
Ramsheg (Wallace) and other places on the north shore.
It was in 1755 that the British Government decided
to expel the Acadians and in July 31st of that year, we find
Governor Lawrence writing as follows to Col. Monckton:
". . . but I am informed those* will fall upon ways and means in
spite of all our vigilance to send off their cattle to the Island of St. John and
Louisbourg (which is now in a starving condition; by way of Tatamagouche.
I would, therefore, have you without loss of time, send thither a1 pretty strong
detachment to beat up that quarter and to prevent them. You cannot want
A guide for conducting the party, as there is not a Frenchman at Chignecto
but must perfectly know the road. . . I would have you give orders to
the detachment you send to Tatamagouche to demolish all the houses which
they find there, together with all the shallops, boats, canoes or vessel of any
kind which may be lying ready for carrying off the inhabitants and their
cattle, and by this means the pernicious intercourse and intelligence between
St. John Island and Louisbourg and the inhabitants of the interior part of
the country will be in a great measure prevented."
There is no official record that this order was ever
carried out, but the first settlers related that from observations-
which they were able to make, they believed that the depar-
ture of the previous inhabitants had been made in haste.
When forced to leave Tatamagouche, the French joined many
of their compatriots who had previously settled at Arichat,
*The Acadians.
20 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
Harbor au Bouche and other places in the eastern part of
the province, where their descendants still live.
After expelling the French from Tatamagouche, the
British, in order to frustrate any future attempt on the
part of the French to re-occupy it, erected a small fort
on that point of land at the head of the bay which is
still known as the "Blockhouse". It was Governor Shirley
of Massachusetts who suggested that this fort should be
erected. In a letter written by him to Governor Lawrence,
and dated at Boston, March 13th, 1756, he says:
"I would prooose for your consideration whether taking possession of
the harbour of Tatamagouche and erecting a small fort there, to be garrisoned
with one hundred and fifty men, may not be necessary."
There is no record that this suggestion of Shirley's was
ever acted upon, but even today, an examination of the
ground at this point of land clearly shows that some kind
of fortification was once there. Mounds of earth, and
remains of excavations are still plainly seen. It would
thus appear that this suggestion of Shirley's met with the
approval of the Government, and that a fort was duly
erected*.
The strategic importance of a fort at Tatamagouche
at that period can be easily understood. It guarded the
terminus of the road leading from Cobequid over the moun-
tain, a road which as early as 1747 had been opened by the
French. Had there been any endeavour on their part
to re-occupy this province, nothing would have been more
probable than that an expedition equipped at Quebec or Louis-
bourg, would disembark at Tatamagouche and then proceed
over this road to Cobequid, just as de Ramezay's expedition
had done a few years previously. It was to meet such
an emergency that this fort was erected. It is to be re-
membered, too, that at that time Prince Edward Island and
Cape Breton were still in the possession of the French, and
a fort at Tatamagouche would tend to prevent all communica-
tion between those colonies and any Acadians who remained,
or who might return to the mainland. With the capture
* *There is no documentary evidence to show that a blockhouse was erected durin? this
period by the British at Tatamagouche. But that a fort was at one time erected on
that point known still by its name, there can be no doubt. It was surely not by the French.
Pote does not mention it, nor is there any reference to it in "I.e Canada Francais". It was
not built nor occupied during the days of the early Protestant settlers, otherwise we should
have more knowledge of it. There can only be one conclusion. It must have been erected
after the expulsion of the French and before the permanent settlement of this place had begun.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 21
of Prince Edward Island and Louisbourg, and final surrender
of the French forces in Canada in 1760, all further need of
a fort at Tatamagouche was at an end, and consequently
it was allowed to fall into ruin.
The attempt to settle this place by the French resulted
in failure— a failure not due to any want of industry or
forbearance on the part of the Colonists, but entirely to
the inability of the King of France to recapture and hold
Nova Scotia as a French Province. Nothing was accomplish-
ed except the clearing of a few scattered acres, the erection of
several small water-mills, a little fur trading, and the cutting
of timber and masts for the Navy of France.
"They departed and others entered into the reward of their labours.
The land was taken from them and given to another who,* while speaking
the same language, worshipped at a different altar, and honoured another
king."f »
*Colonel DesBarres.
fArticle in "Colchester Sun", July 31, 1893.
22 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
CHAPTER IV
THE FIRST PERMANENT SETTLERS
TN 1598, the Edict of Nantes, which assured more religious
freedom to the Calvinists of those days, was drawn
up at Nancy in France. This measure was ahead of the
spirit of its times, and was particularly disliked by all devout
Catholics who considered it nothing short of an insult to
the divine power of the Church. On every occasion during
the following years prelates and priests strove to excel one
another in the breaking of the spirit, if not the letter, of
this law, while at the same time, they kept up a constant
agitation to have its fair and wise provisions repealed. When
Louis XIV, who was an ardent Catholic, became King of
France, the Catholics redoubled their efforts and finally
in 1685, that monarch signed its revocation. In the following
years the French Protestants, as well as those of other coun-
tries, suffered intolerably at the hands of Church and State.
Previous to the Revocation, the Reformed Church had made
progress in a disputed territory between France and the
Duchy of Wurtemburg. This district was finally, with
its Protestant population annexed to France, but in the
annexation treaty, full freedom was allowed to the Protestants
living within its borders.
As it had been especially provided that the Revocation
should not apply to this district, its inhabitants, in marked
contrast to their more unfortunate neighbours, suffered no
molestation in their worship. In time, however, on the
slightest pretence, this provision of the Revocation was
broken, and here, as elsewhere, the Reformists were forced
to bear the full burdens of a religious persecution. Orders
were given that all the children should be baptized in the
Catholic Faith, and finally, to stunt the growth of the
Reformation, all the Protestant churches were ordered to
be destroyed. One of these churches was at the town of
Montbeliard. This old town is one of the connecting links
between this rather ancient history and the present village
of Tatamagouche. We shall repeat the following incident
which occurred there, as it is told in Patterson's "History
of Pictou County:"
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 23
"Orders were given that one of their* chapels should be taken from
them and handed over to the Romanists. Fifty young men, among them
George Tattrie and Peter Millard, assembled at it, armed only with stones,
prepared to resist. A detachment of troops was sent against them, with a
priest at their head. He warned the party gathered of the uselessness of
their resistance. They, however, refused to yield, when a section of the troops
were ordered to fire, which they did, killing two and wounding others, among
them George Tattrie, who received a ball in the fleshy part of the leg. The
order to fire was answered by a volley of stones, by which some of the soldiers
were badly injured, and it is said, one killed. The Protestants were again
summoned to surrender, but refused, until the priest called on the whole
detachment to fire, when they submitted and saw the house where their
fathers had worshiped given to their enemies."!
The above story was told on two occasions to Dr. Patter-
son by George Tattrie, a son of the George Tattrie mentioned
therein and the father of George Tattrie (spar maker). The
last time was in the year 1873 when Tattrie was over ninety
years of age.
After this incident, the persecuted, having decided to
leave the land of their nativity, gladly welcomed and accepted
the offers which the British Government was then making
to those who wished to settle in the New World. Tattrie
and Millard, who were old soldiers, both having fought at
the battle of Fontenoy, in 1745, joined the expedition. In
1752 they had made full preparation, and putting what
few goods they possessed on rafts, drifted down the Rhine
until they at length reached Rotterdam. Here they took
ship for England but their troubles, though many, were
not over. The Government had promised to provide them
with passage and supplies, but failed to do so and the whole
party was left without means of support at Portsmouth.
Finally the Government was induced to act, and in the follow-
ing spring four vessels were sent to remove them to America,
two of which sailed for Halifax and the others to South
Carolina. In the Halifax vessels were two hundred and
twenty-four immigrants who were first landed at George's
Island but shortly afterwards moved to Lunenburg. ,
One of their Pastors in the old land was one DesBarres.
He had a son, Joseph Frederick Wallet, who inherited that
spirit of independence which his father so fervently preached.
He, however, preferred to show this spirit in a more militant
manner, and so at an early age joined the armies which were
then opposing the King of France.
* Reformists.
•(•History of Pictou County, page 127.
24 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
In 1756, he sailed as a lieutenant for America, where he
raised and, for a time, commanded a corps of artillery.
He was present at the siege of Quebec, and it was in his
arms, so the story goes, that Wolfe fell when he received
his mortal wound.* The next year saw the final defeat of
the French in America, and in 1763 the Treaty of Paris
brought the conflict to a close. The many wars that the
British Government had waged, while they left its treasury
empty, added millions of acres to its already vast domains.
A great deal of these lands was at once granted to those who
had aided in their conquest. DesBarres presented his
claim and, so highly successful was he, that at one time he
owned a good part of Falmouth, the whole of Minudie, the
best portions of Maocan and Nappan, and twenty thousand
acres at Tatamagouche. The Tatamagouche grant bears date
August 25, 1765. A copy of it will be found in Appendix A.
After the war, DesBarres was engaged in making charts
of the Nova Scotian coast and, while at Louisbourg, heard
of the condition of his compatriots at Lunenburg. They
were anything but satisfied. He at once offered to let them
land from his estate at Tatamagouche. In this he
was actuated by selfish as well as unselfish motives. The
land as it then stood was practically of no value to the
owner who was continually in need of money to defray his
various expenses, f At the same time it cannot be doubted
that DesBarres had a genuine interest in his old countrymen,
and considered that he was aiding them as well as replenishing
his own coffers. DesBarres' scheme, while a good one for
himself, was clearly impracticable. Men were not willing
to pay rent when equally good land all around them was
theirs for the asking. However, these men at Lunenburg
seemed in such a dissatisfied condition that a number gladly
accepted his offer. Each family was to have one lot con-
taining eighty acres or less; for six years no rent was to be
paid; in the seventh year the tenants were to pay five shillings
for a lot; on the eighth, ten shillings, and on the ninth, one
pound, which would be the fixed rate thereafter. The land-
lord also provided cattle, the tenants agreeing to give him
*Ttiere has been considerable controversy on this point.
•(•There was another reason — a provision in the grant called for the settling of a number
of Protestant colonists within ten years.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 25
half the increase. Later on we shall see how this last condition
on one occasion brought rather disastrous results to the
first tenants.
In the year 1771 or 1772, about eleven settlers arrived
at Tatamagouche from Lunenburg. They were George Tattrie,
who settled on what is now the Donaldson farm; George
Gratto; David Langille, who settled a little nearer the village
on the Lombard place; his son James, who took a farm
near him on the French River; George Matatall and Matthew
Langille, who settled where the village now stands; and James
Bigney, who had his house on the bank of the French River,
close to where the late Miss Margaret Campbell resided.
Either at this time or a little later came Peter and John
Millard who took up lots between French River and the Block
House. There were also three other settlers who did not
remain: Ledurney, who settled on Waugh's River; John
Lowe and John Buckler. Some time afterwards, there
came from the same place or quite near it, John Frederick
and John George Patriquin. Their stay was short, as they
soon removed to River John.
Twenty years had elapsed from the time of the departure
from their old home until their arrival at their new one
at Tatamagouche. Like ^Eneas of old, they had been "much
tossed about on land and on sea." Many of them who
had left in the full strength of manhood found that they
no longer were young, while their greatest task yet remained
before them. They must indeed have been discouraged when
for the first time, they viewed their long sought after home.
The primeval forest extended to the water's edge, save on
a few places where the French had made clearings, which
were of great assistance to them, the more so because of
the non-arrival of the promised vessel load of farm imple-
ments. Within thirty miles there was not a house or shelter
of any kind, not a living creature except Indians and wild
animals, and to the newcomers neither of these was a very
welcome sight.
Whatever their feelings may have been, they lost no
time in getting to work, first to erect slight shelter for them-
selves and then to put in as best they could their crop for
the first year which, in the Absence of any implements,
was a small one. The first year they suffered greatly.
26 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
•
What few provisions were absolutely necessary they obtained
from Truro, paying as much as twelve shillings a bushel
for wheat. These they carried on their backs to Tatama-
gouche, over thirty miles through the woods. It is said
that they would have starved to death if it had not been
for some greens which they found growing on the marshes.
These they boiled and used continually as their principal
food. This, along with fish and game, gave them a bare
existence and kept starvation away.
We may now give the history of the various families
as it has been given to us. George Tattrie was the one already
mentioned in connection with the fight around the old
church. He had three sons, Louis, David and George.
The first, born in 1785, obtained in 1812 a tract of land
at Louisville, near River John, where he had settled eight
years previously. David, the second son settled on the
French River near where Robert Tattrie now lives. His
children were George, John, Ephraim and Edward. George,
the third son, who died sometime in the "seventies", married
a Matatall, and had several children, all, or nearly all, of
whom settled on the French River. Among them were
George (spar maker), Annie, who married a Patriquin, James,
Levi and David.
David Langille was twice married before he left his
native land. By his first marriage he had one son, John
James, whom we have already seen settled with him on
the French River. By his second marriage he had no children.
While he was sailing down the Rhine he fell in love with and
married the widow of a Spanish soldier.* She, by her
former marriage, had one son who took the name of Langille
and, after his arrival here, settled at Point Brule. By his
third marriage, David Langille had five sons: Nicholas, who
went away to the United States and wras not heard of after-
wards; John David, John George, John Frederick, and
John Louis. The last four, about 1792, took up land at
Louisville between Tatamagouche and River John. John
George became an elder of the Presbyterian Church at
River John in which office he was succeeded in turn by his
son and grandson, who each bore the name Ephraim. John
Louis had also one son, David, who was an elder of the
same church in River John.
*See "River John and Its People," by Rev. G. Lawson Gordon.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 27
John James Langille, only son of David by his first
marriage, had five sons: George, David, James, Joseph and
Frederick. George removed to River John but finally settled
in New Annan. Frederick removed to the United States
and the other three settled in River John.
Matthew Langille had one son, George, who, in 1790,
removed to River John. His father joined him there in
the course of a few years, where he died in 1800 at the age
of seventy-six. He was the first person to be buried in the
old grave yard at that place.
With George Matatall came also his mother, old Mrs.
Matatall, who had formerly been a nurse to Colonel Des-
Barres in his boyhood days. On one occasion, when he
was Governor of Prince Edward Island, she paid him a visit.
He took her to Government House and showed her every
kindness. There were two George Matatalls, who were
brothers. George the elder had been a soldier, and, after
being long absent in the wars, was given up for lost and, on
his return, he found another member of the family, born
after his departure, who bore the same name. George, the
younger, owned lot 30 West sidef the site of the present village.
In 1790, one George Matatallf removed to River John.
James Bigney came from near Lake Geneva, Switzer-
land. He removed with his family to River John. His
grandson, John George, was a Methodist minister.
In 1785 the Patriquins, John and George, removed to
River John but, in 1790, John returned to Tatamagouche,
exchanging places with Matthew Langille's son George.
George Patriquin had four sons: James, who removed to
New Annan. David and George, who settled on the road
from River J'ohn to Earltown, and Frederick, who, as we
have already noticed, was presumably stolen by the Indians.
He had also one daughter, Phoebe, who was afterwards
married to Joseph Langille, River John. She was the' first
white child to be born in that place.
These first settlers were of Swiss origin but, having lived
in a small country whose borders were constantly being
changed according to the varying fortunes of the powerful
nations which surrounded it, they had, to a certain
*Near where James Kamsey now resides.
fThe elder.
28 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
extent, adopted the language and characteristics of these
nations. They understood and could speak the French
language, their Bibles and other books being in that language.
One of their descendants, now a lady of some sixty years,
says that she can remember her father speak French, but
"only once in a while". They resembled the Swiss people
in that they were industrious, sober and practical. They
were good settlers and in a remarkably short time were
making a comfortable living. As may be expected from
people who gave up their old homes for the sake of their
faith, they were devoutly religious. In the old land they
were Lutherans but here most of them first allied themselves
with the Presbyterian Church, as it was the first Protestant
Church to send a minister to Tatamagouche.
These people, as a rule, showed good judgment in the
selection of their farms, taking advantage of the clearings
that had been made by the French. They may have made
a little money from lumbering, but it was not for a good
many years after their arrival that lumbering or shipbuilding
afforded any real means of making a living. By 1775 the
little colony was apparently self-supporting, as in that year
they were able to supply the Dumfriesshire settlers at George-
town with potatoes.
In subsequent years they were joined by more of
their countrymen. George Joudry was one of the earliest
to come out. In 1790 he removed to River John. In 1809
came the three Mingoe brothers, David, John and George,
along with their father who had been an old soldier*. They
came to Tatamagouche from Philadelphia and finally settled
on the "Back Road" to River John. They were the first
settlers at that place. Their descendants now occupy the fine
land where the original members of the family erected their
first cabins among the stumps. These brothers were largely
instrumental in the establishing of an Episcopal church
at River John.
The old burying-ground of these pioneers was along the
shore a little below the junction of French and Waugh's
Rivers.
"There on that beautiful wooded point silently sleep the
*In Switzerland.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 29
heroes of the fight around old Montbeliard."* "Time and
tide, working incessantly, have carried away over half of this
historic spotf where forever the "rude forefathers of the hamlet
sleep." ,
Once again the war clouds hang dark around old Mont-
beliard where, one hundred and fifty years ago, these men
bravely prepared to die. There, where they, unarmed,
bade defiance to Church and State, some of their descendants
today are bravely fighting to preserve that liberty handed
down to them by these men of old. But they heed it not —
over their quiet, secluded graves the rugged spruces are
keeping silent watch; trees which saw them when they first
touched our shores, watched them as they struggled on,
and finally, when life's work was done, saw their bodies
"returned to the earth from whence they came". If today
these primeval giants of the forest could speak, what a story
they would tell!
*Article in "Colchester Sun", July 31, 1893.
•(The graves had nearly all been marked stones, but on all but two the epitaphs have
become obliterated. One is still legible and reads as follows:
IN MEMORY OF JAMES McKAY
A most promising Youth of Pictou
Who departed this life on the 9th of April, 1823
Aired ?9 years.
!t is said that Mr. McKay was drowned while endeavouring to cross the ice from Weather-
bie's Point in the si>ring of the year when the ice was thin. He was carrying a heavy chain
the wcitrht of which carried him at once to the bottom. He ivas doubtless about the lust
one buried there, as some time after this A. W. DesBarres (son of Col. DesBarres' gave the
present cemetery to the trustees of the Presbyterian Church, but it was to be open for
the burial of all denominations.
30 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
CHAPTER V
FROM THE ARRIVAL OF THE FIRST SCOTCH SETTLERS UNTIL
THE END OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY
T\7"E now come to one of the most interesting events in the
history of Tatamagouche — the arrival, in or about the
year 1777, of the first Scotch settler, Wellwood Waugh.
Waugh was a native of Lockerby, Parish of Lockerton,
in the County of Dumfries, which is situated in the south
of Scotland, bordering on England and the Solway Firth.
Lockerby was about fifteen miles inland; nearer the Firth
by some ten or twelve miles was Annan. It was about
this time that there commenced an emigration of many of
the inhabitants of these places to the New World, some of
whom, as we shall presently see, followed Waugh's lead,
and came to Tatamagouche and its vicinity.
Waugh has left several invaluable writings from which
we have been able to obtain information concerning the
Waugh family. This is what he says in one:
"This narrative, relative to the name of Waugh, is traditionary. They
were originally from the Highlands of Scotland. When they loft that place,
the chieftan of their clan, enquiring for a certain person, was answered accord-
ing to the native idiom of speech, 'He's awa,' from which the name Waugh
has been considered to have originated. James Waugh, of the Brown Hill
of Dunscore, being one of the lineage of the Waughs of the Kere, and his wife,
Mary McKeg, lived both to a very great old age, died at the same time,
and were interred in the same grave, leaving four sons and two daughters.
The youngest son, Alexander, was married to Catherine Calvin* in the Parish
of Lockerton in the year 1739; their eldest son, Wellwood, was born there
on the loth day of February, 1741, married Nellie Henderson in the year
1760."
Again he writes:
"In the year 1772 he (Wellwood Waugh) with his family left Lockerby
the place of their nativity, and embarked on board a vessel bound for Nova
Scotia, where they anived and began to settle in Prince Edward Island, but,
various emergencies arising, they were able to remove to Pictou, where they
continued for a short space of time, and then proceeded to Tatamagouche."
In the "History of Pictou County", f there is given a descrip-
tion of Waugh's difficulties while at Georgetown, for it was
there that he and his countrymen settled when in Prince
*<Jatherine Calvin, after the death of her husband, Alex. Waugh, married a Campbell
who died, leaving one son, William, who took a farm in Pictou which remains until this day
the Campbell homestead. Mrs. Campbell came and lived with her son, Wellwood, at hU
home in Tatamagouche.
fPage 95.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 31
Edward Island. In addition to suffering all the hardships
experienced by the early settlers, they were visited by a plague
of field mice. What crops they expected were devoured, and
they found themselves on the verge of starvation. For three
years they struggled on, practically their only food being
lobsters and shell fish.* To add further to their already
almost insurmountable difficulties, they lost what little
merchandise they possessed. Waugh had handed over
his goods to a man by the name of Brine, who was running
a small store, trading with fishermen from the United States.
These fishermen, in anticipation of the American Revolution,
seized and either carried away or destroyed Brine's property,
leaving the little colony in the most wretched state imagin-
able. The following winter was the worst in their experience;
strong men though they were, they found themselves so
weak that they could scarcely carry food to their children.
For three months they lived on shell fish and boiled beech
leaves. Some iron pots which they had brought out from
Scotland they allowed to stand full of water through a cold
winter night. The next morning, owing to the heavy frost,
they were all broken. In 1776, discouraged with their
outlook in Georgetown, they removed to Pictou. Waugh
used to relate that the only food he had for himself and
family during the journey was a bucket of clams. Haliburton
says of them:
"They made their escape to Pictou in the greatest poverty and must
inevitably have perished had it not been for the kindness of the Highlanders
who supported them until they could provide for themselves."
This, in Waugh's case, was not long, for on the very next
day after his arrival he went to work in the woods making
staves and from that time on was able to make a comfortable
living for himself and family. He took up a farm almost
in the centre of the present town.
Waugh's future was bright with promise but the Ameri-
can Revolution was now at its height and Waugh, who was
an old Scotch Covenanter, refused, for a time, to take the
oath of allegiance to the British Crown. This fact seems
to have caused suspicion that he was secretly in sympathy
with the revolting Colonies. In 1777 a number of American
sympathisers in Pictou had planned to capture a British
vessel under the command of Captain Lowden. They were
There is also a reference to their having obtained potatoes from Tatamagouohe.
32 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUfcHE
successful and Lowden himself was taken prisoner. Whether
Waugh actually took part in this seizure is extremely doubt-
ful, but so strong was the feeling against him, that so the
story goes, he was forced to leave Pictou and settle in
Tatamagouche. It was further said that all his property
was seized. If this be so, fortune was truly unkind to him;
his property being twice confiscated, first by the Amei leans
at Georgetown, and then, on this occasion, by the Royalists.
We may add, however, that whatever mistrust he had
of the British Government soon disappeared when, after
residing a few years under its power in the New World.
he, too, appreciated what it meant to enjoy all the rights and
privileges of a British subject and hence he soon became
a loyal subject of George the Third. His loyalty is shown
by an interesting document bearing date November 3rd.
1795, in which one Patrick Martin deposes that though he
had long been in the service of Waugh at Tatamagouche, he
had never heard him "disclaim or say anything disrespectful
against His Majesty King George the Third, or against
his Crown or dignity — and further saith that the said
Waugh always behaved as an honest and good employer
and master to him and others."
Some time after his arrival at Tatamagouche, Waugh
became a servant of the Government, acting as courier between
Truro and Tatamagouche. When Prince Edward visited
Charlottetown, Waugh escorted him on that part of the
journey.* Some say that he went with him to that city.
The Prince, in recognition of his services, presented him
with a handsome silk scarf, which is now in the possession
of Waugh's great-great-grand-daughter, Mrs. Abram Currie.
With him in 1777 or 1778 came also his wife, Nelly or
Helen Henderson; his mother, Mrs. Campbell; and his
children, Thomaf, Alexander, William, Catherine, Wellwood
and Mary. He at once settled on the intervales of that
river which ever since has borne his name. His first log
house was erected close by the present farm house of Fleming
W^augh. At the time of his arrival the whole countryside
was still an unbroken forest, save the few clearings made
by the Acadian French and the Swiss. There was a
trail to Truro, but no road of any kind to Pictou.
*Fhe Prince's destination must have been elsewhere. Campbell, in his History oJ
Princ Edward Island, states that the Prince never visited the Island.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 33
Waugh had a good eye for farm land and was far-sighted
enough to get possession, at first by lease, of 1600 acres of
land, a great portion of which was intervale. DesBarres was
not long in turning over the management of his vast estate
to his new tenant and, in 1785, he gave Waugh full power
of attorney over his Tatamagouche lands. At this time
Waugh, with his sons, was paying £15 annual rental. Dif-
ficulties soon began to arise between DesBarres and his
leading tenant, and finally the landlord questioned Waugh's
title. Litigation resulted but Waugh, who had retained
S. G. W. Archibald, was successful. Then the case was
appealed to the higher courts but no final decision was ever
given. In the mean time, Waugh held by possession.*
During the meanwhile, DesBarres, who had been appointed
Governor of Prince Edward Island, was living beyond his
means and his creditors, to protect themselves, did not
hesitate to seize the goods of his defenceless tenants. We
have already noticed how, by the agreement, DesBarres
was to get half the increase in the cattle; thus his share
would be liable to seizure by his creditors. We shall now
repeat one incident which appeared in print a number of years
ago.f
"Once, when an attachment was issued, Waugh went among the tenants,
collected all the rents in notes and money and sent it to DesBarres' agent,
then he drove all the cattle belonging to DesBarres' share back into the woods.
These cattle were afterwards hurried through the forest to the DesBarres
estate at Minudie. When the officers came with their writs, it was explained
that the Governor had no cattle there, and that the tenants had paid their
rents, and owed the estate nothing. The officers and bailiff listened with
patience to them and as the story goes, drew their swords to keep off the people,
while they gathered all the cattle and horses, which they drove through the
woods to Truro, to be sold at ruinously low prices, while the tenants, like Lord
Ullin, were 'left lamenting'."
After this many of the tenants decided to leave and
take up land which they themselves could own. This was
the cause of many of the young men, as we have already
noticed, taking up land at River John, since at that place the
Philadelphia Company were giving free freehold grants. The
old people stayed because they could not well remove. In
addition to those who had already gone, we may mention
*It may be noted that ajruin in 180S Desl'.arres uppculed to the Courts for justice,
and this time w:ts nueressl'iil in obtaining an injunction restraining Waugh, along with most
of the other inhahita'itt- <>t Taiamajiouche, from "any further falling or carrying away any tim-
ber of other trees M;milin<r. ^rowiiiK or being in or upori the premises in question."
•(•"Colchester Sun ' .luly :ilst, 1*M.
34 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHB
James Gratto and James Bigney. However, after a while,
conditions improved as DesBarres began to give some
freehold deeds. This removed the greatest obstacle to
settlement.
In 1795 Waugh's wife, Nellie Henderson, died at the
age of sixty-one. This is what he says of her in his diary:
"In the relation of wife, friend and parent, she was in a high degree
exemplary, in her life esteemed and beloved, in her death much regretted.
She left a numerous offspring, whose number at this period of time amounts
to nearly sixty. He who was her partner in life is still alive and now at the
advanced age of eighty."*
Her sorrowing husband erected over her grave a large
horizontal table with a lengthy inscription, which he com-
posed. It reads something like this:
"Thirty and six years are past and gone
Love and unity did still abound
She was the mother of my tribe
The dusty parts shall near my dwelling bide.
Before my door that I may see
The place she lies I'll shortly be
She was zealous for Christ's cause,
Agreeable to Scotland's covenanted laws.
Now Nellie is dressed like a bride
In garments that are white and side
That was dear bought by Christ for thoe
While he was hanging on the tree.
Thy soul in Heaven now sings praises high
Although thy body mouldering in dust does lie.
At the dreadful trumpet's sound
Both heaven and earth will then resound.
The next Voice that thou shalt hear
It shall be sweet unto thy ear
The Judge sa}^ 'Ye righteous come to me
And have pleasure through eternity'."
%
Perhaps it may be well at this stage to take further
notice of Waugh's family. The eldest son, Thomas,
had as his share of his father's estate what is now the Embree
farm. He was born in 1763 and married Mary Brown, who
was the daughter of a captain in the United States army.
For a number of years he followed the sea. On one voyage
he brought back with him a number of apple trees, which
he planted. A few of these, now a hundred years old, can
still be seen in the orchard of Fleming Waugh. Wellwood,
Donald, Murray and George Waugh were his sons.
* \\augh did not write the above till 1821.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 35
Waugh's second son was Alexander, commonly called
"Big Sandy" who lived on the Murdock farm. He was
the first Justice of the Peace in North Colchester. He
married Hannah Wilson and had three children: William;
Wellwood, who married a sister of John Currie's; and Eleanor.
He died in 1804 at the early age of thirty-eight. The rustic
moralist wrote upon his tomb this simple couplet:
"Death is a debt to nature due
Which I have paid, and so must you."
The third son was William who was born in 1768 and
died in 1857. He married Elizabeth Rood They had
a large family of six sons: Samuel*, William, Wellwood, John,
Solomon and Alex., and four daughters. His farm was the
one now owned by Mrs. William Waugh,
The fourth and youngest son was Wellwood, who was
born in 1773, and inherited the old homestead at the Willow
Church. He married Lucy Rood, and had four sons: Solomon,
Wellwood, James and William, and four daughters.
Waugh's two daughters were both married, Catherine
to Alex. McNab of Wallace, and Mary to Samuel Wilson.
Two other children died as infants, f
Waugh's mother, Mrs. Campbell, died in 1809 at the
advanced age of ninety years. As we have already noted,
she had by her second husband one son, William, who settled
in Pictou and married Martha Henderson. Three of their
sons, Alexander, William and James, as we shall see later,
settled in Tatamagouche. The two others, George and
Thomas, remained in Pictou. The two daughters, Margaret
and Hannah, were married to Andrew MillerJ and James
Hepburn respectively. We can pay no more fitting tribute
to this splendid old lady than to quote the following in-
scription from her tombstone.
''Catherine, mother of W. Waugh and William Campbell, who departed
this lii'e in the year 1809 at the advanced age of ninety years. She was
a descendant of old Scottish worthies, who, in defence of the testimonies of
Jesus and of civil liberties of their country, loved not their lives unto the
death, and who under Providence were the means of securing to their offspring
*Died IS! 4. atzcd one hundred years; was a Justice of the Peace and for ;\ time a^ent
of t.lie DesR:irres estate.
fFor the genealogy of Waugh family, as well as for many other items of interest, the
writer is indebted to George Waugh who is always interested in matters of local history and
who is one of its best authorities at Tatamagouche.
t Father of Col. John Miller.
36 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
those civil and religious privileges which now constitute the best ornaments
of Scotland. Duiing the whole period of her life she was a careful and success-
ful traveller in the blessed path of her progenitors, and at last completed her
protracted pilgrimage in the firm belief of the truth of the divine promises
and in the animating hope of an entrance into that Rest which remains for
the people of God. In memory of so much goodness and of a parent deservedly
dear, this stone has been erected by her sons. 'The Righteous shall be held
in everlasting remembrance.' "
Some time after the death of his wife, Waugh returned
to Scotland, and began to learn the watch-making trade.*
He was now a man of fifty years, and in a letter to a
friend, dated at Lockerby in January, 1802, he says: "I
am coming on very well and am to tell you further, I am the
oldest tradesman and the youngest apprentice." On the
outside of this letter there is written by an unknown hand
that Waugh, when he went to Scotland, left his mother with
John Bell at the Willow Church farm. This cannot
be correct, as 1806 is the date given for the arrival of John
Bell at Tatamagouche. It may have been that Waugh
remained in Scotland after 1806, but not for long, as we
know from documents that he was back in 1809.
In 1824 this sturdy pioneer paid the debt we all must
pay and passed away at the advanced age of eighty-three.
Waugh was an ideal settler, possessing the great faculty
of being able, in a great measure, to adapt himself to any
situation and to become master of any circumstances. The
difficulties that he encountered in Georgetown and Pictou
might well have discouraged many a strong man, but they
seemed only to have aroused in him greater determination
to carry out his purpose of having for himself and his pos-
terity a home in which they could live and enjoy a greater
degree of religious and political freedom. Yet there remained
throughout his struggles a tull devotion to Scotland and
the old home, and we find him on the first occasion returning
there. Amid the strenuous activities of a pioneer life, he
found time to continue corresponding with many of his old
friends. Some of their letters are extant.
An old Covenanter through and through, he was a true-
blue Presbyterian, and very religious. Possibly in this
age there may be a tendency to scoff at his religion which
had so much of fear and reverence. All his letters show a
deep gratitude to the Almighty who had safely brought him
*A "grandfather's" clock, which he made, is still in possession ot his descendants.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 37
through so many perils, and a confiding trust that he too
would be led "safe home at last". With his activities in
the establishment and erection of a place of worship, we
shall deal later on. Suffice it to say that he was ever the
ministers' .friend; his heart and purse were always open to
aid these men as they strove to administer to the spiritual
needs of the far distant and scattered communities.
In some respects his education was above that of
an average person, even of today. With foresight he
kept an accurate diary of some of the events of his life,
family records, and the more important business transac-
tions. There is really very little difficulty in reading his
hand-writing, some of which is now over a century old.
He was possessed of the usual amount of Scotch
cunning, which he used with varying success, on one occasion
outwitting DesBarres and securing for himself and his chil-
dren that large and valuable tract of land which is still
owned by his descendants. As soon as he arrived at Tata-
magouche, he became the leading man in the community,
the representative of the Government and agent of the
landlord. In the struggle for "better terms" from DesBarres
he was the leader.
Blazing the trail for the men of Dumfries, Inverness,
Rosshire and other places of Scotland, he was the forerunner
of the sturdy Scotch pioneers, men who, because of their
splendid character and habits, were pre-eminently suited
to endure the hardships of a pioneer life and to lay a firm
foundation on which succeeding generations were to build
a mighty country.
In the old churchyard, close by the scenes of his earthly
labours and anxieties he sleeps today. It was in summer
last we visited his grave. From the abounding intervales
came the smell of fresh mown hay, while under the over-
shadowing willows, the lilies were growing about his grave.
Our feelings were transported back a hundred years, and in
imagination we could see him when, in his old homespun
clothes, he trod those fields, reclaiming them from wilderness,
or when, in the cold of winter, with axe in hand, he felled
the trees beneath his "sturdy stroke". As we surveyed
the beautiful farms, many of which were owned by those'
who bore his name, and many more by those who were
38 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
proud to claim him as their progenitor, we felt that he had
not lived and struggled in vain.
In priority of arrival, William Hayman comes second
among the early Scotch immigrants. He was a native of
Inverness, but in 1779 joined an expedition which the
British Government was sending to America in its endeav-
our to subdue the revolting colonies. He served for four
years in the Eoyal North Carolina Regiment, and at the
conclusion of the war, received his honourable discharge
from John Hamilton, the Lieutenant commanding that
Regiment. He then came to Nova Scotia and, in some way,
was attracted to Tatamagouche and settled on what is now
the McKeen farm. His house, of course a log one, would
be one of the first in the village. He died in 1829 and was the
first to be buried in the cemetery at the Presbyterian Church,
Tatamagouche. He had twelve children: David, who first settled
on the Lockerbie farm and then moved to River Philip; Mrs.
Murphy; Mrs. Smith; Mrs. Simon Cameron; Mrs. Donald
Cameron, Mrs. Matatall; Donald, William and John, all of who
lived on Waugh's River; Mrs. John Langille, New Annan;
and Frederick, who at first lived where Abe Currie now
resides. Mrs. Nelson, another daughter, was the mother
of Ex- Warden David Nelson, and was born at the McKeen
farm in 1799. Frederick was killed by a falling tree in
1837. He and another young man were engaged in cutting
timber on the George Baillie farm near The Falls, to which
place he had recently moved, and a large hemlpck four feet
in diameter fell on him, causing instant death. He was
buried at Tatamagouche. His tombstone is the oldest
one now standing in that cemetery.
Hayman was a thrifty Scot and made a good settler.
At his death he owned some fine farm land which is now
the property of his descendants. Though it is many years
since he passed away, his spirit continues to live after him.
Among the many Canadian heroes who won immortal fame
at the battle of St. Julien in April, 1915, were two of his
great-grandsons, Thomas Hayman, a son of Frederick
Hayman, Balmoral Mills, and Herbert Cameron1, of Den-
mark.*
*8ince the above has been written, Private liben Langille, another descendant, ha»
given up his life on the field ot battle.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 39
About the close of this century came John Richards.
Of English descent, he was born in Newfoundland. As a
young man he was pressed into military service and was
maltreated at Halifax where, on one occasion, he received
on the bare back an unusually large number of stripes the
marks of which he carried to his grave. He was a man of
remarkable physique and, though by no means quarrelsome
he would not hesitate when challenged to defend his
fame as a pugilist. He lived first on the French River but
shortly after removed to the Head of the Bay, and settled
on what is now the farm of his grandson, Joseph Roberts.
While living there he had a quarrel with an Indian — an
incident well worth relating. Some Indians, along with
a number of whites, including Richards himself, had been
holding a frolic on Oak or Stewart's Island* just across
from his farm. Rum was freely passed around and one In^
dian, who was noted among his fellows for his pugilistic
powers, endeavoring to provoke a quarrel between himself
and Richards, challenged the former to "twist necks".
Richards refused to do so and to keep the peace, suggested
that they both leave, and offered to take him across
on a raft to what is now known as Clark's Point.
While crossing, the Indian still persisted in quarreling, so
when they reached the shore, Richards consented to
meet him in combat. The struggle was indeed short;
one blow from Richards was enough, and the fight ended
disastrously for the Indian. The Indians never forgot the
defeat administered to their champion, and on various
occasions showed their dislike to Richards, and openly
boasted that they would have revenge. Richards used to
relate that on only one occasion was he ever really afraid
of them. One dark night, when returning to his home from
the Blockhouse, he was attacked by six Indians armed
with muskets. In this case discretion again proved the
better part of valour and Richards fled to find refuge in
his own house. He was married to Henderson and
had a family of seven daughters: Mrs. William Dumphy,
Mrs. Henderson, Mrs. Thomas Roberts, Mrs. W. M. Rob-
erts, Mrs. David Langille, Mrs. Alexander Langille, and Mrs.
*This Island is known by various names. On charts it IB called "War Island". In
•bfybuilding days it took the name of "Shipyard Island". Because of the abundance of oak,
which grew there, it is sometimes known as "Oak Island".
40 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
Brammer. His two sons died as children. Richards died
in or about the year 1870, aged ninety-five years.
At the same time John Johnson came with Richards.
They had originally belonged to the same regiment and
were for some time employed in making "Citadel Hill",
Halifax. They, however, soon grew weary of their restric-
tions so taking a northerly course through the unbroken
forest, they walked till they reached the Northumberland
Strait at Tatamagouche. Johnson settled on a large grant
of wilderness land where his grandson, the late John Johnson
subsequently lived. Here he built a log house, married and
settled down. He died in 1841. He had three sons, James,
George and Wellwood. The first remained on the old home-
stead. The late Dr. D. M. Johnson of the village was his
son and another son also entered the medical profession.
The second son, George settled on his part of the original
grant. Of his eight boys, three became ministers of the
Methodist Church and the youngest, Dr. J. R. Johnson, is
a physician in Syracuse, N. Y. James Johnson of Bayhead
is another son. The third son, Wellwood, also settled at
Bayhead. He had no family.
Besides these permanent settlers already mentioned,
there were several who had come out previously but for some
reason did not remain for any great length of time. Most
of these were merely "squatters" and rather than pay rent
into the coffers of DesBarres, they moved away. We
have already mentioned Geezar, who lived at the Head of
the Bay. After his departure his farm was occupied by
one McGrath, but he, like his predecessors obtained no
title. In 1786, the whole of this property, comprising 280
acres was deeded to Robert Adam of Wallace.
Doubtless there were others who, like these, remained
only for a short time, but these are the only names that
are on record, excepting Patrick Martin who, for a time,
was a servant to Waugh.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 41
CHAPTER VI
FROM THE CLOSE OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY TO THE
BEGINNING OF THE SHIPBUILDING INDUSTRY
HPHE opening years of the nineteenth century brought
with them a large increase in the number of immigrants
to Nova Scotia, particularly from Scotland where, at that
time, many of the landlords were turning their estates into
sheep ranches and, in so doing, did not hesitate to eject
their tenants who were then from necessity forced to emigrate
tb the New World. Many came to settle at Pictou and
other places in eastern Nova Scotia and of these Tatama-
gouche received its share.
In 1804, DesBarres leased the Blockhouse farm to
one Patrick Carrol. This lease is interesting as it states,
"Only reserving what was formerly reserved for His Majesty's
use :.s a fort". Nothing further of this Carrol is known,
and his stay at Tatamagouche must have been short, as
this property was Soon occupied by others. Several of
the old people can recall his name, but know nothing of him.
One of the earliest arrivals of the nineteenth century
was Robert Chambers who, in 1806, received from DesBarres
a deed of that point of land which has ever since borne his
name. It may be noted that Chambers was the first
person at Tatamagouche to receive a freehold title from
DesBarres, the others only having leases of their property.
He was a Scotchman and an old soldier, which is all that is
known of him before he came to this country. He had
two sons: Samuel and James. The former was a farmer
and lived for a while on the Blockhouse farm, but receiv-
ing his father's farm as an inheritance, removed there.
He had six sons: James, John, Robert, Samuel, Edward
and Thomas. James, the other son of Robert, removed to
New Brunswick, where he died unmarried.
Another early settler of this period was William Lombard.
He was a native of the North of Ireland, but as early as 1809*
was settled at Tatamagouche. Two other brothers also
*Since the above has been written, the writer ha-* been informed that Lombard came
to Tatamagouche the same , iine as Richards, who, as far aa can be ascertained, had settled at
Tatamagouche previous to 1800. If this information is correct, Lombard should be classed as
a -citlcr of the eighteenth century, but. aa there is also uncertainty at* to the time of Richards'
arrival, the writer has thought it better to add thi- explanatory note than to make any other
changes.
42 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
came with him to this country, but on landing at Halifax
they left him and nothing further was ever heard of them.
William Lombard settled on the farm now owned by William
Bonyman, near Cooper's. He died in 1854. In his family
were three sons: George, John, and Danford. The first
settled on the farm now owned by his son, George. John
was a clerk for Hon. Alex. Campbell and lived near the main
road, a little west from Mrs. Crowe's. For a time he was
village postmaster Danford lived with his brother, George.
The third Scotch settler was John Bell. He was a
native of Annan, or Annandale, Dumfries. In 1806 he
emigrated and came to Tatamagouche where he lived with
Waugh at the Willow Church farm. Lonely as the life at
Tatamagouche was, he preferred to retire still further
into the wilderness and, in 1815, removed seven miles inland
to form a settlement which, after his old home in Scotland,
he called New Annan. His farm was the one (still owned by
his descendants) on the brook just above Byers' store. There
for six years he dwelt alone. The reason why Bell removed so
far, six miles from his nearest neighbour, is evident. His new
farm was off of the DesBarres grant, and he was thus freed
from the burden of paying rent. He opened a road from
Waugh's to his new home. Traces of it may still be seen
as it joins the old Truro road near the top of the Willow
Church Hill. His sons — Irvine, William, Gavin, James
and Robert — all settled in the district known as West
New Annan.
In 1822, James Me George, Wm. Scott, Thomas Swan
and Mr. Byers, all from the same district in Scotland, and
James Munroe, took up farms adjacent to Bell's. The history
of New Annan is most interesting and only lack of time
and space have prevented the writer from including it in
this present work, and forced him to make his remarks on
it so brief.
Earltown has not been included within the scope of
this small history, but a few notes taken from the "History
of Pictou County"*, concerning its early settlement may
not be out of place.
"It was firet surveyed in 1817, by Alexander Miller, who gave it its
name, in compliment to the Earl of Dalhousie, then Governor of the Province.
The first settlers were Donald Mclntosh and Angus Sutherland, who took
*Page 277.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 43
up their residence in the unbroken forests in the year 1813. The next to join
them was Alexander McKay (tailor). Others soon followed after, among
whom mav be mentioned George Ross, Robert Murray, John Sutherland
(father of Rev. Alex. Sutherland) who afterwards removed to Roger's Hill,
Paul McDonald, John McKay, Peter Murray, John McKay (miller, father
of Rev. Neil McKay) William Murray (father of Rev. Wm. and Robert
Murray), R. Murray (tailor), William McKay, etc."
Nearly all these settlers came from Sutherlandshire*, chiefly
from the Parishes of Bogart, Lairg and Clyne.
"There were families from Inverness, two or three from Ross and three
or four from Caithness. All the original settlers spoke the Gaelic language."
"Like all who take up their abode in the woods, the first settlers had many
difficulties to encounter. They were for years without a grist mill. During
that time, they got their grain ground partly by hand mill and partly at
a grist mill at the West Branch, River John. As there were no roads to
the West Branch, and they had no horses, they were compelled to carry their
grain on their backs to and from the mill over a rough track. John McKay,
known as the miller, put up the first grist mill, at a fall fifty feet high, resembling
the Falls of Foyers in Scotland. The mill-stones that were used in it were
taken from the West Branch, a distance of. fourteen miles, on a dray hauled
by thirty-six sturdy Highlanders. McKay, we may here observe, wa.s pro-
verbial for his kindness to the new settlers, and his hospitality was shared
by many a stranger."
Waugh and Bell were soon followed to the New World
by many of their Dumfries countrymen, who came out in
1809-20 and the subsequent years. It is probable that
the Currie family of Annandale was the first to follow Bell,
William Currie, the second son, being out as early as 1809.
Shortly after his arrival he married the widow of Alex. Waugh.
They continued to live on the old farm at Murdock's where,
in addition to farming, they kept an inn. One of the first
meetings of the Presbytery was at their home. After the
/various ministers and elders had assembled, Mrs. Currie to
her great consternation discovered that there was no tea
in the house. Tea, in those days, was used only on special
occasions, and none was for sale or to be had nearer than
Pictou. Old Jimmie Johnson, who was then a young man,
saved the situation for the dismayed housewife. He started
in the afternoon and, walking along the shore, f reached
Pictou, and, purchasing the tea, returned in time for it to
be served for the morning meal. William Currie died in
1869, aged eighty-four. His wife died four years previous,
aged ninety-five. He had one son, Alexander, whose son,
*Later on the Duke of Sutherland sent out a- number of Gaelic Testaments to Hon.
Alex Campbell who distributed them among the Earltown settlers.
tAt this time there was a rough track as far as River John but it may have been that
on foot, better progress could be made by going along the shore.
44 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
William, though of good Covenanter stock, became an
Espiscopal minister.
The fourth brother, Gavin*, did not come out to this
country for some years after William. It was probably iv the
early "twenties" that he settled at Tatamagouche. Previous
to his leaving Scotland, he had served as a mate on a vessel
sailing out of Liverpool. When he was coming out as a
passenger, the ship encountered heavy storms off the coast
of Newfoundland. It being the captain's maiden voyage
across the Atlantic, he was greatly perplexed and asked Currie,
who had made several voyages to America and was
familiar with the navigation in this part of the Atlantic,
to take charge of the ship. This he did and brought her
safely into port at Pictou. All the passengers, were
deeply grateful to him for his timely assistance. As
they were leaving the ship, two ladies who had been
passengers were discussing the perils of the past voyage,
and one made the remark that she never hoped to go
through such an experience again, to which the other replied,
"I wouldn't mind, provided Gavin was on board." Currie
at first settled at Balfron where the mills were afterwards
built. Here he erected his first house, part of which still
exists but as the waggon shed of Wm. McKay. Subse-
quently he bought and moved down to what is now the
McCullough farm. He died in 1869 at the age of sixty-nine.
His wife, Hanna,h Wilson, died in 1902, at the advanced
age of ninety-two. She lived the last years of her life with
her son James, who passed away a few years ago. Their
other children were Mrs. James Campbell, Mrs. John
Douglas, Mrs. James Waugh, John and Thomas of the
village.
The stay of the eldest son, James, was brief. He was
a gardener, and was absent for a number of years in the
United States. Two of his sons still survive him in the
old land.
The third brother was John, who came out about the
same time as Gavin, if anything a little earlier. He had
received a good education in the old land and at once took
*He had been ca'led after his Uncle, Gavin Irvjng. Irving, a few years before Currie's
birth, had been seized by a press gang and taken on board a vessel which was anchored a short
distance off in the stream. In the evening he escaped from his guards and, jumping ovenr
board, swam for the shore. His esc.. ^0 was at once noticed and the guards fireJ several shots,
one of which found its mark, killing him instantly.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 45
up his profession of teaching. He lived first on the farm
now owned by his son, Wellwood. There, on that picturesque
spot where the tall trees bend over the winding river, he
built his first log cabin which remained until recent years.
Afterwards, in order to be nearer the scene of his labour,
he moved down to where Abe Currie now lives. It is indeed
difficult to over estimate the value of this man to the com-
munity. There were at that time, including the whole
countryside, probably from two to three hundred people.
The education of the young was sadly neglected. John
Ourrie filled the ever increasing need. Year after year, in
his little log schoolhouse, near McCully's Hill, he laboured
on. Sternly, yet kindly, he led the young and rising genera-
tion along "the flowery path of knowledge." The troubles
of a school teacher even today are many. What must
they have been in those days before the blessed era of free
schools? John Currie surmounted every difficulty, and
successfully developed in a growing community the intellectual
side of life. His influence was not confined to the school-
room; working zealously for the welfare of the community,
he was ever a patriotic citizen. In the church too, he took
an active and leading part, being for many years an elder
and the clerk of the Session. He died in 1869 at the age
of seventy-three. "No man liveth to himself," so says
Scripture. John Currie, in his life and service, highly
exemplified this simple truth. How many men and women
through him were saved from illiteracy and spared the
humiliation of confessing before the world that they could
neither read nor write!
His son Wellwood still resides on the old farm and is
now one of the patriarchs of Waugh's River. Another
son was John Currie, Professor of Hebrew at the Presby-
terian College at Halifax. John Currie had also two other
sons, Murray, and Tom, who lived where his (Tom's) son,
Abram now lives.
We have already noticed that James Currie was absent
from home many years. When he did return, he found that
his parents had given him up for dead, and that a brother
born since his departure now bore his name. Thus it came
to pass that there were two James Curries of the same family.
James, the younger, was the last of the Currie family to
46 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
come to America.* He died at the early age of thirty.
In the Currie family there were also three daughters:
Henrietta (Mrs. Wellwood Waugh), Margaret (Mrs. Samuel
Waugh), and Mary (Mrs. John Shannon).
In June, 1816, came William Cole, who was a native
of Poole, England. Like many other of the young men of
that day he had been pressed into service and for some
years had served on board a man-of-war. Having lost
the sight of an eye by being struck by a knotted rope, he
received his discharge and came to Nova Scotia. He at
first worked for MacNab at Malagash, but in a year or
so settled on the farm now owned by Thomas Roberts.
Cole was known throughout the whole countryside as the
owner of a cow which on one occasion gave birth to six
calves. These he had stuffed and travelled through the
country, exhibiting them. On his return he found that
his farm had been occupied by others, and he then obtained
a lease of the Blockhouse property. He had three sons:
William, Absalom, and James, and several daughters, one
of whom, Mrs. Isaac Matatall, is still alive at the advanced
age of ninety-fourf. Though an invalid for many years, her
faculties are wonderfully preserved and it was from her
that the writer obtained the above information. She also
relates that, when difficulties arose over the Blockhouse
lease, first her father and after his death, her mother, journeyed
to Halifax to interview Augustus DesBarres, who had suc-
ceeded to his father's estate.
In the year following his arrival, Cole was joined by a
number of families from Argyle, Yarmouth County, who
took up farms along the fertile slope at the head of the bay.
These families were all of Royalist stock, and had come
from Rhode Island to Nova Scotia at the close of the Revolu-
tion. Jacob Spinney settled on the farm now owned by
the grandson, James Spinney; and Joseph, his brother, on
the one next below Joseph Roberts. Jacob had a family
of three sons: Morris, who lived on the old place; Aaron,
who moved away to the States; and James; and five daughters.
*He had r.tther an artistic turn and at a moment's notice could sketch a likeness of a
passer-by. He would thus, on various occasions, furnish no small amount of amusement,
particularly if nature had endowed his victim with any peculiar features. He also did en-
graving. The inscription on Mrs. Wauijh's tombstone was done by him, and the fact that
it is still perfectlv legible speaks for itself, that the work was well done. ,
fLast winter (1917) Mrs. Matatall donated to the Red Cross a large quilt which she made
entirely herself.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 47
Joseph had two sons: Joseph, who lived in the village, where
he died in the winter of 1912, and Stillman, who settled on
his father's place; and four daughters, one of whom, Joan,
is still living in Pugwash.
Daniel Goodwin settled on what is now the farm of
David Roberts. He had no family.
Henry Roberts settled on part of the same farm. He
had several children: William, Eunice, Samuel (who was
killed in California), Lizzie (Mrs. David Langille), Deborah
(Mrs. Holmes), Jane (Mrs. Kennedy), Patience (Mrs. Wm.
Matatall), Capt. Jacob, and Thomas.
One of the Spinney brothers was the first to visit Tata-
magouche and he returned to tell the others of a place so
peculiarly suited for fishing and shipbuilding. Roberts and
his sons, in the subsequent years, built a few vessels along
the beach below their farm. One of them, the ''Elizabeth",
was burned on the stocks the day before she was to be
launched. The loss, representing as it did the savings of
years, was a disastrous one to the owners.
Before the arrivals of these families, there were four
other settlers in this district: Richards, Johnson, and Cole,
whom we have already noted, and John(?) Henderson, who
settled on the Upham farm. He met his death by being
drowned in the creek which ran through his farm. He had
one son, John, who continued to live upon his father's farm.
A daughter was the wife of John Richards. John Hen-
derson, Jr., was married to - - Johnson of River Philip,
and had four sons: Thomas, Matthew, George, and William.
In 1820, William Dumphy settled on the farm now
owned by his grandson Harvey. He was a native of Clear-
kenny County, Ireland. He was married to another daughter
of John Richards. Among his children are William, Mrs.'
Wm. Hall, Mrs. James Patriquin, all of the village.*
It was in or about the year 1817, that Francis Wilson
came from Halifax and settled on what is now the David
Hayman farm. He was a native of Scotland, being born
in or near Edinburgh. While at Halifax he ran a small inn
and when he left for Tatamagouche was said to have had
*.Subsequetit, settlers of this district were: Uavid Cunningham, who came from .Scot-
land and settled where his grandson Joseph now lives; Wm. Dobson and Robt. N orris, both
Hi Halifax. Lack of space has prevented the writer from giving the settlers of Bay-head the
f':ll mention they deserve. As it is, he has already been forced to eliminate considerable
material.
48 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
"barrels of money". This was literally true for, having sold
all his earthly possessions, he had the proceeds changed
into large- copper coins which filled a barrel or more. After
coming to Tatamagouche he conducted a small school.
At one end of his school room was a large open fire place
before which, in later years, he often fell fast asleep.
On one occasion, while thus asleep, one of his shoes fell from
his foot, but not unnoticed by a youthful pupil, who at
once sei/ed the opportunity and quietly stealing to the
hearth, took a live coal from the embers and put it in
the heel of the shoe. A moment later a premeditated dis-
turbance awoke the master, who immediately slipped his
foot into the shoe, with a result which is most easily
imagined. In his later years he moved down and ran a
small shop, a little this side of George Waugh's. In his
family were Hannah (Mrs. Gavin Currie), James, who
removed to Pugwash; John and William, who settled on
Waugh's River, and Alexander.
It was sometime about the close of this period that a
number of families settled on Sand Point. John and James
Hingley came from Salmon River, Colchester County.
They settled on the farm now owned by John T. Matatall.
James Hingley was an elder in the Tatamagouche Presby-
terian congregation. In his family were six sons: Hugh,
Neil, Alex., John, Robert, and Samuel. There also were
two daughters. All are now dead save the last, and one sister
who lives in the States. John Hingley had only one son,
who removed to the States.
Samuel Weatherbie was another pioneer settler of this
district. He settled on that point of land which is now
Jtnown by his name. The Weatherbies were of Royalist
stock, and came from the States to Truro or somewhere in
that vicinity. Samuel Weatherbie had six sons: David,
William, Duncan, Nathan, James, who remained on his
father's farm, and Peter, who took up a lot near the Block-*
house.
Robert McBurnie was another Scotch settler of this
period. He took up the farm now occupied by Robert Bell
at Waldegrave. On coming to this country, he at first settled
at Truro, but, having had his property destroyed by a flood,
he came to Tatamagouche. In the old land he had received
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 49
a good education and for a number of years after settling
here he conducted a small school at what is now known as
Waldegrave. Robert and Daniel McBurnie of the village are
grandsons.
About 1820, William Buckler settled near what is now
the farm of Robert Bell at Waldegrave. He was the son
of a boot manufacturer in Devonshire, but at an early age
went to sea. He came to Tatamagouche in an English vessel
and here forsook the sea for the land. Two of his sons,
Samuel and William, settled on their father's farm. Sub-
sequently, William came to the village to live.
At this time, or perhaps a little later, all the lots along
the east side of the river from Lockerbie's to Wetherbie's
were taken up. David Hayman, the son of old William
Hayman, was on lot 61, the Lockerbie farm; lot 62 was
vacant; lot 63, across from Campbell's Point was settled
by George Millard; the one next below, 64, by Simon Matatall.
On 65 was John Steele, who came here from Green Hill. He
had three sons: Frank, Alexander, and James. The first
lived on the old place, where he died a few years ago, the other
two moved away. On the lot next below Steele was Mark
Matatall.
The year 1815 was a hard one for the people of Tata-
magouche, for it was in that year that this community,
in company with the other rural districts of Pictou,
Colchester and Antigonish, was overrun by hoards of field
mice. We take the following description of this interesting
but unwelcome visitation from the "History of Pictou Coun-
ty" by Dr. Patterson:
"This was a most destructive visitation, from which this portion of the
country suffered from these seemingly insignificant animals. During the
previous season they did not appear in any unusual numbers. But at the
end ofrWintcr, they were so numerous as to trouble the sugar makers by fouling
their troughs for gathering sap, and before planting was over, the woods and
fields alike swarmed with them. They were of the large species of field
mouse, still sometimes seen in the country, but which has never since been
very numerous.
"They were very destructive and actually fierce. If pursued, when
hard pressed, they would stand at bay, rising upon their hind legs, setting
their teeth and squealing fiercely. A farmer on whom I could rely told me,
that having, after planting, spread out some barley to dry in the sun before
the door, in a little while he saw it covered with them. He let the cat out
among them, but they actually turned upon her and fought her.
4
50 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
The late sown grain and the seed potatoes suffered from them;* but it
was when the grain began to ripen, that their destructiveness besame especially
manifest. They then attacked it in such numbers, that all means were unavail-
ing to arrest their raA a?es. They have bet n known to cut down an acre
in three days, so that whole fields were d st oyed in a si ort time. One would
nip a stalk off a little above the ground and, if instead of falling over, the
end sank to the ground, leaving it still upright, he would bite it off farther up
until it either fell, or the ear came within his rt ach, when he would devour all the
grain. Over acres and acres, they left not a stalk standing, nor a grain
of wheat, to reward the labours of the farmer. They tmrrowed in the ground
and consumed the potatoes. Cats, dogs, and martens gorged themselves to
repletion upon them, but with little seeming diminution of their numbers.
Trenches were dug and filled with water, but they formed but a slight barrier
to their progress.
"They passed away as rapidly as they came. In the Autumn, as the
weather became colder, they became languid, scarcely able to crawl. One
could trample them under his feet and finally they died in hundreds, so that
they could be gathered in heaps, and their putrefying carcasses might be found
in some places in such numbers as to taint the air. At Cape George they
went to the water, and there died, forming a ridge like seaweed along the
edge of the sea, and codfish were caught off the coast with carcasses in their
maws."
The conditions as stated in the above quotation were doubt-
less identical with conditions as existing during that year at
Tatamagouche. Though "the year of the mice" is now
beyond living memory, it still lives in tradition and
frequently we hear some of the people tell of incidents that
they have heard their parents relate. It is said that in this
community it was the potato crop in particular which
suffered. The farmers on the intervales found an effective
method to exterminate the mice. They would drive them
along the furrows till they came to the edge of the river and
then with sticks drive them into the water.
Severe and disastrous as were the results of the "year
of the mice", the next year was to prove equally as dis-
couraging. It was what is still known as the "year of the
frost".
"The year 1816 was known throughout the northern parts of this Con-
tinent, and also in Europe, as "the year without a Summer". In the noithern
States, frobt, ice, and snow were con men in June. Snow fell to the depth of
ten inches in Vermont, seven in Maine, and three in Central New York.
On the 5th -luly, ice \\as forrrcd cf tie thickness cf pomnr.cn window glass
throughput New England, Jvew York and son e parts of Pennsylvania. In
August ice was formed half an inch thick. Indian Corn was so frozen that
the greater part was cut down for fodder. Indeed, almost every green thing
was destroyed. A similar state of thinps e>isted in England. During the
whole season the sun's rays seerm d to be destitute of heat. All nature seemed
*"A man in Meripomish had made a clearing out at Piedmont in the woods. He carried
out four bushels of oats to sow. On commencing, they came in swarms eating the grain as
he sowed it. After continuing a while, he threw the whole to them in disgust, and returned
home."
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 51
to be clad in sable hue. The average wholesale price of flour during that year
in Philadelphia, was $13 per barrel. The average price of wheat in England
was 97s. per quarter.
"Here the frost was hard in the woods in the month of June, provisions
were high and from the destruction of crops the previous year by mice, many
were suffering and nearly all the farmers were put to some inconvenience
for want of food of their families."*
No history of these years is complete without some
reference to the old Nova Scotia Militia to which every
Nova Scotian of military age by law belonged. From almost
the beginning of British rule in Nova Scotia, military drill was
compulsory, and we have no doubt but that the young men
of Tatamagouche from the earliest years were thus obliged to
perform what they considered an onerous duty. In addition
to drill as a further measure of protection, army muskets
were distributed among the settlers who would thus become
acquainted with their use. In return a bond was given,
guaranteeing their safe return to the crown. The settlers
at Tatamagouche appeared to avail themselves of the oppor-
tunity of thus obtaining a free use of the King's muskets and
we have no doubt but that the woods frequently rang with
the echo of these old flint-locks. We produce here a copy
of one of the bonds, which is of local interest.
"Know all men by these present that we Samuel McBurnie and Jas.
Chambers are held and firmly bound to our Sovereign Lord, the King, in
the penal sum of five pounds to be paid to our Sovereign Lord, the King, his
Heirs, or successors, for which payment well and truly to be made we bind
ourselves and either of us for himself or each of our heirs, executors and admin-
istrators, firmly with these presents.
"Sealed with our seals and dated at Tatamagouche this 14th day of
July, in the year of our Lord, One thousand eight hundred and nine.
"The condition of the above obligation is that the said Samuel McBurnie
shall at all times hereafter safely keep in good and serviceable order and have
ready to return when called for one King's musket, bayonet, scabbard and
belt, one pouch and belt, and one gun sling which have been issued to him
under an act entitled, 'An act to provide for the better security of this province
by a better regulation of the militia and to repeal the militia law now in force'
and shall in all things well and truly perform the provisions of the said act
touching the same; then this obligation to be void, otherwise to be in and
remain in full force and effect.
(Sgnd) SAMUEL McBURNIE
JAMES CHAMBERS.
Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of
WILLIAM LOMBARD."
*History of Pictou County, page 2'»5.
52 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
In this year, 1809, there were given a number of other
bonds of a similar nature. On these we have noticed the
following names: George Jollimore ST., Geo. Jollimore, Wm.
Curri,e, George Halliard, David Matatall, Samuel Chambers,
John Peter Matatall, John Pierce, James Chambers, Michael
Otis (or Oares) and John Dunn.
Some time about 1808 there was formed throughout
what is now Colchester County, the 7th Battalion Nova
Scotia Militia. The only officer from the northern part
of the County was William Waugh, (son of old Wellwood
Waugh,) who, in September of that year, was granted a
Commission as Captain. In 1817, Wm. Waugh was made
first Lieutenant and E. Matatall second Lieutenant.
At the time of the war of 1812-14, a number of the
young men of Tatamagouche walked to Halifax, where they
drilled for some time. Among those who went was the late
Samuel Waugh, Esq., who was then a young man of eighteen
or nineteen. During the "seventies", the government granted
a bounty to all those who had offered their services.
Before concluding this chapter we may add a few
remarks upon the general customs, habits and mode of
living of the settlers of these early days.
The hardships that they suffered and the privations
that were endured, were the same as those suffered and
endured in the settlement of practically every community
of Nova Scotia. To understand the conditions as they
existed in Tatamagouche a century ago, it is only necessary
to read the "History of Pictou County," or any of the County
Histories of Nova Scotia.
The habitation was of course the log cabin. Up until
this date (1825) it is most improbable that there was a single
frame house in the community. Certainly there were not
more than three or four. The log cabin was not,
however, so despised a home as we in these days may
imagine. It was small, of one story with an attic above
and in some cases a "dug out" resembling a cellar beneath.
The ceiling was low and as a rule the windows were small
and placed almost as high as the eaves. The beds or bunks
were generally placed in the corners in tiers of three or four.
The first cabins as a rule consisted of one room only, but
later on some had two or three rooms with attics and a "lean
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 53
to". But they were warm. The spaces between the logs
were carefully packed with moss which was obtained from
the swamps and woods. The open fire place was in itself
a splendid system of ventilation. In some respects the
log cabins might be said to be superior to the first frame
houses which succeeded them.
The open fire place with all its inconveniences was
the great charm of every log cabin and the first frame houses.
The bottom of the fire place was built of large flat stones
and the sides of boulders and field stones and in later years
of bricks. The chimney was large and square. Swinging
from the sides were the iron cranes from which hung tea
kettle, porridge and other pots. The bake kettle was a
round and shallow dish about six inches in depth and
had a close fitting cover. When baking, the kettle was
placed in the fire place and covered over with coals and
ashes. Before these fires from night to night the people
of the home would meet and converse with their neighbors.
Few and simple were the joys that they experienced, but
together before the blazing hearth to hear tales of the forest
and stream, of the Indians, and especially, the tales of
the Old Country and of cities and towns, which were yet
to be disclosed to the growing youth — this was the greatest
joy of all.
The people of those days made all their own clothes.
Even as late as fifty years ago large quantities of flax were
grown from which they made their linen. Every housewife
could spin and card — arts soon to be forgotten. The majority
of men never wore clothes except those which were made
for them by the women of the family. Sheep's wool was
deftly turned into the homespun clothes. These, if they
were lacking in style, were nevertheless most durable. Many
a man, after a good, long married life, has been buried in the
same suit which he wore on his wedding day. During the
summer months, all went bare foot and children as old
as eight years never had a pair of boots on their feet.
Through the cold days of winter they remained indoors.
The first foot gear was, in all probability, the rough
cow or moose hide, but as small tanneries were built over
the country, local shoemakers made their debut. Boots
and shoes were made entirely by order. It was a great
54 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
event when the shoemaker visited the house to take measure-
ments and to fit members of the family with boots.
Their farm implements were of the simplest kind.
A triangular wooden harrow with wooden spikes was the
first form of a harrow. Later on, with the coming of the
ship blacksmiths, iron harrows were introduced. The plows
were wooden with a steel coulter and shear. The hay was
all cut by scythes and racked by hand. The first mowing
machines did not make their appearance till some twenty-
five years later. The grain was threshed on the barn floor
by the old fashioned flail which has not yet entirely dis-
appeared. The grain was cleaned and separated in a rather
novel method. The farmers waited till there was a moderate
but steady breeze. The grain and chaff were allowed to
fall to the ground from a shovel held to the height of a man's
shoulder. The wind would carry away all the chaff, small
seeds and dirt, leaving the grain to be caught on a quilt
or sail spread \m the ground.*
The first settlers ground their grain by hand mills but
Wellwood Waugh, who seems to have been the leader of the
community in the ways of the progress, built about or before
1790 a little grist mill. The water power he obtained by dam-
ming a small brook which ran back of the Willow Church and
turning the course of the water across the road he had another
dam and the mill in what is now the orchard of Fleming
Waugh. Even today the course of the mill race can be
distinctly seen.
The settlers depended for physical subsistence upon
many sources. Venison of the forest and farm was the
main item. The newly cleared farms yielded, for the
first few years in particular before the fertility of the decayed
vegetation was exhausted, excellent returns. Potatoes and
all other vegetables were raised in abundance. Later on
oat meal became the one great article of food. Many of
the settlers being of Scotch descent took naturally to it.
It was easily raised and prepared and was both substantial
and cheap. Many a pioneer with a hundred weight of oat
meal has confidently faced the future. Fish, too, in those
days, were caught in greater numbers than today. The
*Later on, fanning mills came into use. They were followed by the stationary tread
mill and then by the old eight horse power. As horses were not at all numerous, it was not
•• infrequent sight to see several oxen hitched to the arms of the old eight horse power.
HISTORY OP TATAMAGOUCHE 55
late Samuel Waugh, Esq., who was a young man about
this time used to relate that salmon were so plentiful that
they at times, almost covered the bottom of the larger holes
in the rivers. Wildfowl, too, were not only more numerous,
but more easily taken. Mr. Waugh had another story. One day
in the spring, after the geese had arrived, the country was
visited by an exceptionally heavy rain and sleet storm.
Turning colder, the sleet stuck to the wings of the geese
which then became unable to fly and large numbers, thus
rendered helpless, the men killed with sticks and stones.
Of social life, the community had but little. The "barn
raising" and other similar frolics were about the only social
events which broke the monotony of their simple life. All
were proverbial for their hospitality nor was this hospitality
without its reward. In those days of few newspapers and
of little intercourse with the outside world we can well under-
stand what it meant for a family to have as a guest some
traveller from other places or an old friend of former days.
The Scotch settlers brought with them the inseparable
friends of the Scot — the bagpipes and the violin. The Swiss
portion of the population seems to have had a particular
adaptability for music so that wherever there was a gathering,
there was music also. Later on, music teachers came to
the community and singing schools nourished. But the
majority of the musicians of that day played entirely "by
ear". Every frolic invariably ended with a dance, when
to the tune of "Lord McDonald" and "Soldier's Joy" and
others, the gay and flourishing youth sought "by holding
out to tire each other down."
In those early days, many misfortunes were attributed
to the power of witches, indeed any evil occurrence vhich
was beyond human explanation was "allowed" to be the
act of some such mysterious personages. In the community
from time to time there have been various old women who
have been accused of possessing and exercising the powers
of witchcraft. Though belief in witches has long since
passed from our midst, there still remain many amusing
witch stories. It may be of interest to repeat two.
Once there lived only a few miles from the present village
of Tatamagouche, an old lady, Mrs. Mac., who was com-
monly believed to be a witch. One day in spring she visited
56 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
her neighbor Mrs. M. for tjhe purpose of purchasing two
spring pigs, but as they had all been sold, Mrs. M. was
unable to promise her any. This highly displeased Mrs. Mac.
and was also a source of worry to Mrs. M. lest she would be
the victim of Mrs. Mac's witchcraft. That nighj, when
Mrs. M. went to milk her cow, she found that the creature
had suddenly fallen away in its milk and though several
times during the next few days she endeavored to milk the
cow she did not succeed in obtaining more than half a cupful.
Mrs. M. at once knew that this was the result of Mrs. Mac's
witchcraft, who, to show her displeasure, had wished this
spell upon the cow. But, fortunately, a spell which can
be wished can also be broken. For, just as nature itself
produces remedies for the diseases which flourish in its
midst, so too does every community produce remedies to
combat the evil desires of all witches who live within its
confines. Thus it is that no community is ever left power-
less in the grasp of an evil mind. Mrs. M. was equal to
the occasion. Next morning early she turned her cow out
and watching where the animal took the first bite
of grass, she removed the sod, took it into the house
and boiled it in a pot with the little milk which the cow had
given on the previous day. While it was boiling she con-
tinued to stir it with pins, several of which she stuck in
the sod. This proved an effective remedy and that evening
the cow gave her accustomed flow of milk. Mrs. M. saved
the pins and for a time she kept several in the cuff of her
sleeve. With them about her person she felt no fear and
hw one desire was to meet the witch face to face,
but this wish was not gratified. Several days afterwards
other neighbors visited Mrs. Mac. She stated that she
had accidentally burned her feet, which were all blistered.
But such an improbable story found little credence in the
doubting minds of the honest neighbors. They had heard
not only of her spell on the cow, but as well of the triumph
of Mrs. M., which has been told and retold in every
home in the community. They "allowed" that her story
of having burned her feet was a mere fabrication, and
that the blisters were caused by the evil wish which, when
forced to leave the cow and find another resting place, finally
settled in the feet of the witch herself. After this, Mrs.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 57
Mac's reputation as a witch suffered a great loss of prestige
and soon the "wicked ceased from troubling" to pass the
last of her days in peace with all her neighbors.
Here is another story. About the same time there lived
at Tatamagouche an old sea captain who sailed his little shallop
between here and "the Island". One day he was sailing
there under a steady and favorable breeze when suddenly
in the Strait, far from land and in deep water, his vessel,
without any reason whatever suddenly stopped. An ordi-
nary mariner would have been at a loss to understand so
strange a phenomenon but this old salt was not only a master
of the waters of Harbour and Gulf, he was a master of witch-
craft as well. He knew that this plight had been wished
upon him by hite enemy, the witch. His fingers ran through
his long, white, grizzly beard, and across his weather beaten
features came a cunning, confident smile. He lashed the
wheel and then disappeared in the cabin. In a moment he
re-appeared, carrying in one hand an old musket which
many times had broken the quietness of Gouzar and brought
death to the wildfowl that ever frequent there; in the
other a rough slab on which he sketched the likeness of his
enemy the witch. Placing the slab by the mast he shot
at it "five fingers" out of his old "muzzle-loader". Scarcely
had the report died away when the vessel began to move
and soon the spray was flying from beneath her clumsy
bow and at the stern a happy sea captain wore upon his
face a smile that would not wear off. That night the little
shallop with its cargo of lumber lay at the wharf at Char-
lottetown, and in the impregnable fortress of his little cabin,
the captain, safe from all witchery, slept and snored.
******************
Morally and intellectually we believe that the settlers
of Tatamagouche compare favourably to the settlers
of the various other communities of Nova Scotia. We
would not endeavour to canonize them. They had their
faults and in all probability even more than has the present
generation. Unity did not always rest in their midst and
often might rather than right ruled among them.
Apart from the use of liquor, they could not be said to be
the subject of any vice. We should, however, remember
that then the sale of liquor was legitimate and its
58 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
use, unless to excess, was not disapproved of by the Church.
Taking them all in all, they were first class settlers. The
great majority were farmers or artisans before coming to
this country. Although farming in the well cultivated
field of Scotland was a very different matter compared with
the farming in the New World and although many costly
and amusing mistakes were made, still a farmer's a farmer
where ever he is and those who followed agriculture previous
to coming to America were bound to make the best settlers.
The poorest class of the settlers who came to Nova Scotia were
the old soldiers. After years of wandering over the face
of the earth they naturally were loath to settle in a fixed
abode. They were given free grants of land and many
came to Nova Scotia in order to hold the land rather than
for any desire either to make farmers of themselves or to
secure a home of their own. But the old soldiers who settled
at Tatamagouche were men who came here, not because of
any free grant of land, for here they either had to purchase
or rent the land from Colonel DesBarres, but, who came
rather because of the desire to obtain in the New World a home
which they could really call their own. They bought their
lots and with inexpressible difficulties conquered the wilderness.
By the side of the lonely harbour and river, far from the
rattle of musketry and the blare of trumpets, they fought
again another battle — a battle not against the armed forces
of the enemy, but rather against the awful power of Nature
which has always opposed with a silent but almost irresistible
effort every endeavour to claim new land to cultivation.
Who with truth can say that their contest in the wilderness
on the New World was one iota less heroic than their struggles
in the battle fields of the older Continent?
HON. ALEXANDER CAMPBELL
THE FOUNDER OF THE SHIPBUILDING
INDUSTRY AT TATAMAGOUCHE.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 59
CHAPTER VII
FROM THE RISE TO THE DECLINE OF THE SHIPBUILDING
INDUSTRY
have already seen that up until this date the early set-
tlers depended almost entirely for their living upon the
produce of their farms. The lumbering industry had barely
begun, it being confined for the most part to the sale of squared
pine timber which found a good market in the Old Country.
For instance, in 1802, when Waugh was in Scotland he had a
vessel load sent across. Included in this cargo were some
sticks 52 to 56 feet long and 18 inches square. This square
timber in those days was sold by the ton, so that we find
Waugh ordering "One hundred tons of square pine timber,
twenty tons of hardwood consisting of black birch and maple,
oak staves, three dozen hand spokes and twenty or thirty
pieces of yellow pine." But the middle "twenties" saw a great
change in the industrial life of the community, for it was then
that the shipbuilding industry began, an industry which
for the next fifty years was to be the main stay of the com-
munity.
The first registered ship of any description to be built
at Tatamagouche, was the "Fish Hawk", a small schooner
of 16 tons. She was built by James Chambers and launched
on the 1st of May, 1818. This was a small and modest
beginning of the industry which for the next half-century
was to mean much to the people of Tatamagouche. Closely
following Chambers in the business came Alex. McNab
of Malagash who, on November 12th of the same year
launched the "Mary" a schooner of 32 tons. For the next
four years no further ships were built here, but in 1823 the
"Dapper," 22 tons; "Nancy," 73 tons; and "Lilly," 28 tons
were built by Thomas Langille, Fred Hayman, and Murray
and Samuel Waugh respectively. These men all built for
personal use in the coasting trade.
But the real founder of the shipbuilding industry at Tatama-
gouche was the late Hon. Alexander Campbell, who was
the eldest son of William Campbell, the half-brother of
Wellwood Waugh. He was born at Pictou, and as a young
man came to Tatamagouche, first as a clerk for Mortimer
and Smith of Pictou, but in a few years he began
60 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
business for himself. No place had at that time better
natural advantages for the carrying on of this industry than
Tatamagouche. The two rivers made it particularly easy
to transport from the interior the timber necessary for the
construction of the vessels, and on the shores of rivers
and harbours were to be found many suitable sites for the yards.
Then, at that time there was plenty of labour, for in the
vicinity were many able-bodied men who failed to get the
expected returns from farming and welcomed, indeed prayed
for steady employment such as could be had in a shipyard.
Campbell selected a site for his shipyard on the west
bank of French River just above its junction with Waugh's
River. There, in 1824, he built his first vessel,* the "Eliza-
beth", a good sized schooner of 91 tons. Three years later,
with his partners, he launched the first brig to be built at
Tatamagouche. This was the "Devron" of 281 tons register
The first vessels constructed in Nova Scotia for the
English market were nearly all large ones, varying from 125
to 700 tons. As a rule, these were sold outright, the builders
seldom, if ever, retaining a share. Often the vessel
remained long unsold in the English market. In the
meanwhile, expenses accumulated so that frequently
the returns did not equal the expenditures. Campbell,
however, who had commenced on a small scale, was
always able to keep his business running and make good
profits besides. At one time, after a most successful year,
a friend of his urged him to retire from the business before
he met with the severe losses which seemed bound
to overtake all who remained long in this uncertain industry.
Campbell agreed with the wisdom of the suggestion but
added, "What will happen to the men I now employ?"
Campbell's words were only too true. The people, lured by
the prospect of steady employment, had quickly abandoned
the farms which through many sacrifices they had brought
into a state of cultivation. These soon "ran out," and it would
be years before they could be brought back to their former
degree of fertility. A sudden collaspe of the shipbuilding
industry would have brought poverty and suffering to almost
every family in the community. Years after, its gradual
*This may not be correct. At one time Campbell was building vessels below where
James Bryden now lives and it may have been that his first vessels were built there.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 61
decline was accompanied with much hardship to those who
for years had looked to it as a means of livelihood.
Campbell's first house was a log one and was situated
in what is now the field of Gordon Clark, close by the railway
cut. After his marriage he removed to his new house
where Gavin Clark now resides. He early attained a posi-
tion of great wealth and influence in Tatamagcuche. Besides
being the employer of many men, he had the local manage-
ment of the DesBarres estate, from which, as early as 1837,
he had purchased no less than 2,500 acres of the very best
land. He died in 1854 at the comparatively eaily age of
fifty-nine. A number of years before his death he had been
appointed a member of the Legislative Council and it was
on his return from attending its session at Halifax that he
was stricken with an illness which at once proved fatal.
Honest in his dealings, sound in his judgment, endowed with
great natural ability, and possessing a commanding per-
sonality, he was for years the foremost man in Tatamagouche.
Born when the struggle for a bare living was still a keen
one, education found but a small place in his boyhood days.
At an early age he was obliged to work for himself. He thus
obtained in "life's rough school" the training which fitted
him to take a most successful and prominent part in the
development of this country. Of his early days at Tata-
magouche, we know but little. A log house was the first
home of the man who subsequently was to count his dollars
in thousands, his lands in square miles and who, during his
business career of thirty years, shipped millions of feet of
lumber and built over one hundred vessels. Within fifteen
years after he came to Tatamagouche he was a wealthy man.
He became the possessor of valuable tracts of timber from
which he sold each year large quantities of lumber. From
his shipyards, in which he employed about one hundred
men, he launched annually three or four vessels. As the
years went by his wealth and influence increased. During
the "forties" he built each year five or six vessels. The
number of men whom he employed had increased to two
hundred. He was the local magnate of the community and
throughout the whole countryside his word, to a great extent
was law. The "fifties" saw his influence undiminished.
Strong physically as he was, the anxieties and the worries
62 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
of the treacherous business in which he was engaged were
making themselves felt upon his robust constitution and at
the close of the session of the Legislature in 1854 he returned
home only to be stricken with a fatal illness. It is over sixty
years since he passed away. Men of seventy-five remember
him but slightly, yet his name is as familiar as if he had
died only a score of years ago. This is because of the great
position of influence which he held and because of a strong
personality which so impressed itself upon those with whom
he came in contact that his name still lives. His likeness
shows him to have been a man possessing vigor, determina-
tion, independence and kindliness.* Indeed, it was for these
qualities that he was especially known. As a business man
he was remarkably successful. Financial crises which could
neither be foreseen nor prevented ruined many of the
shipbuilders of Nova Scotia but through them all he steadily
increased in wealth. On several occasions, particularly
in the last year of his life he suffered losses which lessened
his wealth materially but even then he died a wealthy man.
In public matters the people looked to him for leadership.
Hence his friendship and support were wooed by the politi-
cians of his day. That at times he used his position of in-
fluence in arbitrarily carrying out his wishes in public matters
there seems but little doubt. But compared with the invalu-
able services which he rendered his community and, indeed
his province, his public indiscretions are as dust in the
balance. It was his honour to be a member of the highest
branch of a Legislature which was then performing duties
fraught with the gravest responsibilities. To have been
called to sit in this body during the strenuous times of seventy
years ago and to have had a hand in the governing of this
province during one of the most momentous periods of its
history was an honour that could only come to a man of
marked ability.
Mrs. Campbell, before her marriage, was Mary Archi-
bald, a daughter of Colonel David Archibald,- who was a
grandson of David Archibald, one of the pioneer settlers of
Truro and the first to represent that district in the House of
Assembly. She died in 1894 at the advanced age of eighty-
four. She was a most remarkable woman and for years was
*"He was a true-hearted and good man; and many a youth blesses his memory for words of
encouragement and deeds of substantial kindness." — "Presbyterian Witness," Aug. 27,1859.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 63
the leader in all good works in the community. In the early
days she suffered many hardships and discomforts. On one
occasion she rode to Truro on horseback, carrying her eldest
child (Mrs. Patterson), then a mere infant, with her. She
was kind and hospitable and there are few of the old people
but can say that they have on various occasions exper-
ienced her kindness. In their family were four sons:
David, George, Archibald, and William, and four daughters:
Elizabeth (Mrs. Archibald Patterson), Margaret (Mrs
Archibald), Hannah (Mrs. John S. McLean), and Olivia
(Mrs. Howard Primrose). David and Archibald continued
in their father's business until their deaths in 1887 and 1891
respectively. Besides being leaders in the business activity
of the place, they took leading parts in all matters of public
interest. Archie was an elder in the Tatamagouche Presby-
terian congregation. George was a member of the legal
profession and until his death in 1897 practised in Truro.
William died as a young man. Of this family, the eldest,
Mrs. Patterson, alone survives, now (1917) in the ninety-
'second year of her age. For years she lived at Halifax
with Mrs. McLean, whose husband, in his life time, had been
President of the Bank of Nova Scotia.
Campbell was soon followed to Tatamagouche by
others who, like himself, engaged in the shipbuilding industry.
Among the first to join him were his two brothers, William
and James. The former had his shipyard on the east bank
of the French River, near McCully's. The ruins of his
old wharf may still be seen. About 1840 he retired from
the business and devoted himself to farming. He was
afterwards appointed Customs Collector at this port, which
position he held until a few years of his death. He was
married to Olivia, daughter of Dr. Upham of Onslow and
grand-daughter of Judge Upham of New Brunswick. They
had a family of four daughters: Mary, who was a teacher
in the public schools at Pictou; Jessie and Margaret, who
lived on the old homestead; and Bessie (Mrs. W. A.
Patterson). William Campbell died in 1878 and his wife
in 1847.
James Campbell lived where James Ramsey now resides
and continued from 1831 until 1841 as one of the ship-
builders of Tatamagouche. He died in 1855. His shipyard
64 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
was near where Bonyman's factory now stands. One
of his ships, the "Colchester", was at the time (1833) the
largest ship to be built in the county, and attracted much
attention, many coming from Truro and other places to
see her launched. Campbell represented North Colchester
in the House of Assembly for one Parliament, 1851-5. In
this closely contested election he was opposed by the late
Judge Munroe. His wife was Elizabeth Baxter. They had
three daughters: Martha (Mrs. Laird), Eliza (Mrs. Poole,)
and Lavinia (Mrs. Daniel Barclay), and two sons: William
and James A. G. William died as a young man. James
succeeded Robert Logan as Collector of Customs and held
that position till his death in 1905.
On October 27th, 1824, Colonel DesBarres died at
Poplar Grove, Halifax. We have already noted his career
till the close of the Seven Years' War in 1763. An engineer
by profession, he engaged himself for the next ten years
in preparing charts of the Nova Scotia coast, some of which
are of the greatest repute. Afterwards he extended his
labours and prepared a more extensive one of North America.
DesBarres, so it is believed, did not consider himself
amply rewarded for his many valuable services to his country.
It is true that he secured grants of enormous tracts of
land. But at that time this land as a revenue producer
was a nullity. DesBarres accordingly pressed his claims
and, in 1784, was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of
the newly formed province of Cape Breton. He, in the
meanwhile, had been living at Portsmouth, England and, on
the 16th day of November of that year, landed at Halifax
from whence he proceeded to Sydney where he remained
till 1804. His stay at Sydney was characterised by violent
quarrels with other government officials. But one thing,
which should never be forgotten, remains to his
credit. One winter the settlers of Cape Breton were in
poverty-stricken conditions. DesBarres, failing to obtain
proper relief from the government, spent large sums of his
own money in alleviating the sufferings of the people, and
at a time when his own financial standing was none too
sound. In 1805, he was appointed Governor of Prince
Edward Island, which office he held until 1813. While
holding these positions of honour, which required a large
DEBAKRE'S CHART OF TATAMAGOUCHE HARBOUR.
FREDERICK BAY
Sailing from the Eastward between Cape John and Tsle Armotte, keep nearer the Cape
on account of a Ledge extending from the Islealmist midway over; On the West side of
the Isle you have a clear Pafsage. The best Anchorage for Ships is in Harbor John in 4 &
o fathoms of Water muddy bottom. Small vefsels may run up to Tatmegoushe Harbour.
RAMSHEG HARBOUR, The Flatts which extends from both Shores, at the entrance
of this Harbour leave but a narrow Channel throught which at all times (excepting at
Slack Water) the Tides stream with great Velocity & render the Navigation into it very
unsafe, altho the depth of Water is sufficient for a Frigate up to the Anchoring Ground. To
Sail in Steer over S Westerly towards Gravois Cliff giving a proper Birth to Shoal Point
untill the N. West Arm is well open, then Steer for it keeping your lead going until! the
Beach to the N. West of Gravois Cliff bears SW by W, then Steer W S W, & then West
up through the Nariows to Anchor in o & f> Fathoms of Water mud bottom. The Colour
of the Water is the best guide, as it appears black in the Channel, and from the Mast Head
the Flatts shew very distinctly.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 65
outlay of money, with a comparatively small income, Des-
Barres was continually in need of money and determined
^iat his vast estates should furnish him the necessary amounts.
So that, as his financial difficulties increased, so did the
discontent of his Tatamagouche tenants, many of whom,
as we have already seen, left and settled in River John.
DesBarres, in order to prevent the loss of all his tenants,
began granting freehold deeds, but only in a limited number,
so that up till as late as 1820 the number of land owners
at Tatamagouche did not exceed half a score.
He frequently visited Tatamagouche. According to one
writer, he found it a quiet retreat when hard pressed by his
creditors. Though the following incident can hardly be
said to have any connection with the history of Tatama-
gouche, we think it well worth repeating:
"He and General Haldimand were great friends. They carried on a
lively correspondence mostly in French. There is a letter in the Haldimand
papers at Ottawa which the Colonel wrote from Tatamagouche. The Colonel
wanted a small loan which he could repay. He explains that some sort of
an adventurer whom Haldimand had sent to him with letters of introduction
had victimised him to the extent of a few hundred pounds, and impaired
his credit. So seriously were DesBarres' affairs involved that he had come
a little hastily in order to have peace. Tnere is a modern touch about
this incidental remark."*
DesBarree continued as Governor till 1813, when he removed
to Halifax, where he spent the remaining eleven years of
his life.
A strong man physically, he endured many hardships
and yet lived to be one month of one hundred and three
years of age. It is related that he celebrated to the great
amusement of his friends, his one hundredth birthday by
dancing on a round table.
"It would be difficult to say how far his troubles and services on the
battlefield shortened his life. . . Given an easy life, he might perhaps
have completed the second century, on whicii he entered with good health
and extraordinary vigour. But as he could not forget his losses and mind
his griefs no more, he was cut off at the above early age."t
He was a good and brave soldier; strange that he who never
feared any foe, often fled in terror before an angry creditor.
He possessed a fiery temper. On one occasion, when judg-
ment had been given against him in Court, he, on the
spur of the moment, insulted the Chief Justice, Jonathan
*Article in "Colchester Sun", July 31, 1893.
tlbid.
5
66 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
Belcher. For this offence he was severely reprimanded by
the Governor and Council, and forced to apologise. He
did so in an evasive way which, however, seemed to satisfy
the Court and Council.
The following is an account of his funeral taken from
the "Acadian Recorder" of November 6th, 1824:
FUNERAL OF THE LATE COL. DESBARRES.
"On Monday last, about three o'clock, p. m., the funeral procession
left his late residence. His Honour, the President, most of the members of
His Majesty's Council, the gentlemen of the Bar, the officers of the Army
and Navy, and many other respectable inhabitants attended as mourners
by invitation.
"The procession was escorted by a detachment of military and the rear
was closed by a number of carriages. On arriving at St. George's Church,
where his remains were deposited, the funeral service was impressively read
by the Rev. D. J. T. Twining, at the conclusion of which three volleys were
discharged by the troops. Although the day was very rainy, we have seldom
seen a greater attendance or more interest excited on such an occasion. Indeed
every reflecting person must have found great cause for meditation in the
departure of this venerable man from our fleeting and unsubstantial scene.
We saw him on the day before the internment, lying in state. His face was
exposed to view, and it exhibited unequivocal marks of a mind originally
cast in a strong and inflexible mould, while the hand of time appeared to
have made but a slight impression on the features. The Chart, which he pre-
pared from his own survey of this Province, will give his memory claims upon
the gratitude of the nautical world, and could only have been produced by
a man of surpiising perseverance.
We believe he was a native of Switzerland, and are informed that he held
a Captain's Commission under the great Wolfe 'at the reduction of Quebec.
He was within a month of 103 years of age."
On the death of DesBarres his son, the Honourable
Augustus W., who was a judge of the Newfoundland Bench,
took over the management of his father's estate at Tata-
magouche. We quote the following from the History of
Newfoundland by D. W. Prowse:
"The Hon. Augustus DesBarres was a most correct man. . . He was
so young when he received his first appointment as Attorney General of
Cape Breton, that, by the advice of friends he wore a pair of false whiskers
when he went to receive his commission. He was very celebrated for his
ready wit and repartee. Once, when the late Judge Hayward was quoting
Chitty to the Bench, his Lordship retorted, 'Chitty, Mr. Hayward, goodness
me, what does Mr. Chitty know about this country? He was never in
Newfoundland.' "
Augustus DesBarres, either to satisfy his own need for
money or to prevent the tenants from removing to other
places, immediately began to give freehold deeds to the
Tatamagouche tenants. Since in many cases they were
unable to pay the agreed price, mortgages were given to Des-
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 67
Barres. In the year 1828, forty-seven lots of one hundred
acres each were mortgaged back to the DesBarres estate.
But the mortgages, in the course of a few years, were released
and the owners acquired an absolute title. DesBarres, while
in Newfoundland, continued to sell the land in small lots
to suit the buyers.* Alexander Campbell was his local
agent at this place. Campbell was also a Justice of the
Peace and his name in that capacity is to be found in nearly all
the early land transactions at Tatamagouche. In 1858,
DesBarres received his pension and retired from the Bench
and returned to spend the rest of his days in England. No
longer wishing to be burdened with the worries of the Tata-
magouche estate, he, in 1859, gave full power of attorney
over these lands to Charles Twining of Halifax, who appointed
Samuel Waugh, Esquire, his local agent. By this time
the vast estate had greatly dwindled, but rents continued
to be collected and lands sold until every acre of the original
grant had passed into other hands. Today, DesBarres'
descendants do not lay claim to the title of a single acre
of land at Tatamagouche.
In 1826, John Nelson, at the age of twenty-one, settled
at Tatamagouche. His father came from the north of
Ireland to Musquodoboit, where he married an Archibald.
John Nelson married Margaret Hayman, daughter of
William Hayman and settled on Waugh's River. His
son David, who for many years has been one of the leading
merchants of the village, represented both Waugh's River
and Tatamagouche in the Municipal Council, and for six
years was Warden of the County. Three other Nelson
brothers also came to Tatamagouche: Hugh, who lived
where George Millar now resides; Robert, who removed to
Wallace; and David, who settled on the New Truro Road.
The last married Nellie Hayman, who, after his death
married Donald Cameron. His son John continued till
his death to live on his father's farm.
In the same year, the Rev. Hugh Ross, who was the
first Presbyterian minister to be settled at Tatamagouche,
took up his residence on that point of land which to this
day bears his name. -He was a native of Aberdeenshire,
Scotland, and in 1813 came to Pictou County, where his
*In 1836, the remainder of the DesBarrea property at Tatamagouche was publicly
announced for sale. Notices to that effect were published in the newspapers.
68 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
father had settled at Hopewell. His wife was Flora McKay.
He died in 1858, aged sixty-two years. His wife died in
1874, aged seventy-six. In their family were: Mary Ann
(Mrs. Walker); Margaret (Mrs. McGregor); Caroline (Mrs.
Irving); Isabella, who lived till her death a few years ago
on the old homestead; Flora (Mrs. Joseph Spinney) of the
village; Jessie McGregor, who for a number of years was a
school teacher in New Annan; Elizabeth (Mrs. Thornton);
James; John; Peter; and Alexander. Later on we shall
deal with the work of Mr. Ross as minister at Tatamagouche.
About the year 1828, John Bonyman, who was a son
of William Bonyman of Rothmase, Aberdeenshire, Scotland,
settled on the farm on the French River, now owned by his
grandson, William. John Bonyman was a magistrate and
one of the first elders in the Tatamagouche Presbyterian
congregation. He removed to Illinois. One of his sons,
James, settled on the Mill Brook, and another, John, on the
old homestead. A few years after coming to Tatamagouche,
he was joined by his brother, Edward from Banffshire, who
settled on the farm now owned by John Tattrie, on the
New Annan Road. John Bonyman, who erected the wood-
working factory in the village, and Alexander Bonyman,
merchant, were two of his sons. About 1836, a third brother,
James, settled on the farm now owned by his son, John. The
only sister to come to this country was Susan, the wife
of Robert Cooper.
James Simpson was another early settler of this district.
About 1828 he took up a farm on the hill across the river
from Cooper's where he built his house on the very bank of
the river. John Simpson is his grandson.
The census of 1827 is the first one in which Tatama-
gouche appears. In the ones previous to that time, the popula-
tion of Tatamagouche was included in the return for the dis-
trict of Colchester. Even in the year 1827, Tatamagouche is
linked up with Earltown, so that it would be nearer correct
to say that it is a return for North Colchester, rather than
for Tatamagouche alone. The following are the returns
given for that year: Population, 1104, number of acres of
land under cultivation, 2607; number of bushels of wheat,
1820; number of bushels of other grain, 3978; number of
bushels of potatoes, 37,780; number of tons of hay, 860;
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 69
number of horses, 86; number of horned cattle, 818; number
of sheep, 1113; number of swine, 788. The year 1827 was
very unfavourable to the growth of wheat and the return
may be considered not more than one-third of an average
crop.
Besides the settlers and their descendants already
mentioned, there were at Tatamagouche, in 1828-9, John
Smith, on Waugh's River, near where the late Fred Meagher,
Esquire, lived; Charles Simpson; Kenneth McDonald, trader,
who had his house in the field of Gordon Clark (where you can
still see its site) ; Dan Hurley, who settled on the Williamson
place; John Jollimore; George Stewart, on lot 80, east side;
and Samuel S. Tupper, where the late George McConnell
lived. These were all the settlers who, up till the year 1828,
had any land in this vicinity, at least as far as the records
at Truro show, but in all probability there were others who
were living here but, as yet, had acquired no interest in
any land, hence their names do not appear in the Registry
of Deeds at Truro.
About 1830, came another Scotchman, William McCully.
He first lived up the French River on the Donaldson farm
which was then owned by the Hon. Alexander Campbell.
He then lived on Ross' Point for a while, but finally removed
to New Annan. One son, William, came to Tatamagouche,
where he lived on the hill which is still known by his name.
Another son, James is still living on the old farm in New
Annan. Another son, John, also lived in New Annan.
Mary (Mrs. Kenneth McLeod) was a daughter. William, Jr.,
was a ship carpenter at Campbell's.
During the "thirties" this immigration continued. In
1832, came John Ross, a native of Rosshire, Scotland. In
the old country he had served his time as a cartwright but,
hoping to improve his condition, came to Nova Scotia and
landed at Pictou, whence he came to Tatamagouche.
In Scotland he had known the Lepper family, which
previously had settled on the French River, and on arriving
at Tatamagouche, he first visited them and then went to
work in Campbell's shipyard. He eventually became foreman
but, after building one ship for him, went to work for
Edward Kent, who had commenced shipbuilding up the
river near James Campbell's. After building two for Kent,
70 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
he returned to farm life. He bought and settled down across
the river on the lot now owned by his son, Alexander. He
was soon joined by his brothers: Alexander in 1833 and George,
William, Thomas, and Hugh in 1841. Alexander settled
at Barrachois, where his sons William and Jefferson now
reside, and the last three at Waldegrave on the farms now
owned by Ross Wetherbie, William Kennedy, and Mac Ross
respectively.
It was in or about the year 1832, that the first hotel
was opened at Tatamagouche. William McConnell was
the proprietor and his first inn was the building now known
to us all as the "Stirling Hotel", though since that date
it has suffered many changes and received many additions.
McConnell, who was a native of Galway, was a land surveyor,
and before coming to Tatamagouche lived for ten years
in New Annan. At his death he was a few years under
a hundred. His wife was also a McConnell. One daughter
was the wife of the late John Ross. When he left Tata-
magouche, he was succeeded in this hospitable business
first by Charles D. McCurdy*, then by a Copp from Pugwash,
who was here somewhere about 1848. Copp in turn gave
way to Mrs. Talbot. After she gave up the business, James
Blair, the father of Isaac Blair, took over the charge until
about the year 1860. During the next five years this business
passed through the hands of James Morrison, the Misses
Murdoch of New Annan, and Miss Rood, who, in 1865,
sold out to Archibald McKenzie from whom Timothy Mc-
Lellan, the father of the present proprietor, purchased it
in 1873.
In the early "thirties", John Hewitt came from Guys-
borough to act as foreman in the shipyards of Alex. Camp-
bell who was then building some of his vessels on the river
below James Bryden's. Hewitt built the Williamson
house which, until it was torn down a few years ago, was
the oldest house in the village. Subsequently he removed
from Tatamagouche.
In 1834, Robert Cooper, who was a native of Aberdeen-
shire, obtained from DesBarres a grant of land on the French
River where his daughter, Mary, now resides. He had
two sons: James and William, who both moved away. His
brother George settled with him on this farm.
*First lived on what is now the farm of Clias. McKeen.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 71
John Lockerbie, who was a native of Castle Douglas,
Kirkcudbright, Scotland, came to Tatamagouche in 1835
and settled on the farm now owned by his son, David. On
this property, previous to Lockerbie's arrival, were two log
houses. One, between the present house and the river, was
built by David Hayman, and the other, on the bank of the river
opposite the Pride place, by Thomas Henderson. Lockerbie
was married in Scotland to Catherine Williamson. Two
children, John and Jane (Mrs. Robert Purves), were born
there, and Margaret (Mrs. Reid), Mary (Mrs. James Bryden),
Martha Bell, Cassie (Mrs. Anderson), David, and Ninian
at Tatamagouche.
A few years afterwards came Lockerbie's brother-
law, David Williamson, who was a descendant of Alex.
Williamson*, a leading Covenanter of Sanquharf, one
of the most historic spots in Scotland and the scene
of many a conflict between the Covenanters and their op-
pressors. Williamson, his wife, and two children came out
in a ship named "Burnhope Side", which was laden with
bricks for the Citadel at Halifax. The voyage took over
two months. The first person to board the ship at Halifax
was Joseph Howe, who soundly rated all those who were
concerned with the overloading of the ship. David William-
son took up his abode in what was afterwards known as
the Williamson homestead. The sturdy independence and
unfailing hospitality which characterized the Covenanters
descended in full share to Williamson, and for his kindness
and piety he was known throughout the whole countryside.
He was an elder in the Tatamagouche Presbyterian con-
gregation. On one occasion during family worship, his
barn took fire. He left his reading and saw it burn to the
ground without being able to save it, then, returning to the
house, he took the books and finished prayers. His wife
was Mary Carruthers. She predeceased her husband twenty-
two years, he living to the good old age of eighty-six. Their
son, Alex. Williamson died in Buenos Ayres and a daughter,
Mrs. J. W. Kent, still survives.
In 1835, the Bryden brothers, William and Robert,
*This Williamson, so the writer been credibly informed, was also the progenitor of Presi-
dent Wilson of the United States.
tSanquhar, in Gaelic, means "old fort". This place has a most interesting history.
We would refer our readers to "Traditions of the Covenanters" by Rev. Robert Simpson.
Many of the common family names at Tatamagouche will be found in its pages.
72 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
came from Old Barns and settled at Tatamagouche. They
were both born at Maitland, and were descendants of Robert
Bryden, who was one of the Dumfries settlers of Pictou,*
and who subsequently settled on the Middle River, Pictou
County. William was a blacksmith and had his place
of business where Gordon Fraser now pursues the same trade.
Before purchasing what is now the Reilly property, he lived
in the old house of Alexander Campbell. His wife was
Susan Kent who, after his death, married Charles Reilly.
In their family were: James, of the village; Mary Jane
(Mrs. Irvine), who is living in the States; and Elizabeth
(Mrs. McCurdy). He died in 1842, aged thirty-four
years. Robert, his brother, was also a blacksmith,
his shop being directly across from his house in the
building now used by Thomas Bonyman for the same
purpose. He died in 1902. His wife was Christina Reilly,
who died in 1913 at the advanced age of ninety-four. In
their family were Charles, Elizabeth, James, Kate, Mary
(Mrs. Hatheway), and Robert. Of these the first, Charles,
is a Presbyterian minister and at present is connected with
the Mi.ssion Field in the Canadian West.
About the same time came Neil Ramsey, from Prince
Edward Island. He was a blacksmith by trade and had
his house and forge in what is now the garden of the Misses
Blackwood, close to the church lot and near the Back
Street. He did a great deal of the iron work for the ships
and subsequently went, in a small measure, into shipbuilding.
He afterwards removed to the Island. James Ramsey, the
present Collector of Customs, Tatamagouche, is a son.
It was in or about the year 1837, that John Millar,
of Pictou, came as a boy of thirteen years to work as a clerk
for Alexander Campbell. He was a son of Andrew Millar
of Pictou, who was a native of Edinburgh, Scotland In
the course of time he was given an interest in the busines
of his uncle, the Hon. Alex. Campbell, which now went
by the name of Campbell and Company. Subsequently
he commenced a mercantile business for himself in the
village, his shop being situated at the corner of Main
Street and the Public Lane. He built and lived his married
life in the house now owned by Miss Mclntosh. Mr. Millar,
*Canae to Pictou in 1773.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 73
until his death in 1895, was one of the most prominent men
in the village. Until its dissolution in 1868, he was Colonel
of the 6th Colchester Battalion, Nova Scotia Militia. He
was one of the representatives of Tatamagouche in the
Municipal Council and, for at least one term, was Warden
of the County. He was also a Justice of the Peace. A
business man of the old school, he introduced into whatever
matter he had on hand, those rules of punctuality which
characterised the business men of that time. In later years,
when he and Henderson Gass drove on week days from their
homes to their places of business in the village, it has been
said that they were so punctual that when they opened their
shops in the morning, it was a signal for the people to set
their watches at eight o'clock. He was married to Louisa
Patterson, a daughter of Abram Patterson of Pictou. George,
their third son, is a Presbyterian minister at Alberton,
Prince Edward Island. Alexander, their youngest son,
succeeded his father in business. He was a municipal
councillor for Tatamagouche West for one term. He is
now residing at Sydney, N. S. Another son, William, is
engaged in railway work in the American West.
In 1837, Robert Purves came from Pictou to engage
first in lumbering and subsequently in shipbuilding. He
purchased a lot from Mortimer in 1839 and began building
along the shore below where the late W. A. Patterson subse-
quently lived. He also built a vessel across the harbour on Oak
Island, which then became known as "Ship Yard" Island. His
house was erected close to where the railway now runs. After
conducting business here for a number of years, he removed
to Wallace, but he subsequently leturned to Tatamagouche,
and built that large residence known as "Oak Hall", which
remained the property of his daughter, Mary, till it was
purchased a year or so ago by E. L. W. Haskett-Smith. In
his business transactions he appeared to be most successful
and, at his death in 1872, he was considered a well-off
man. His son, Robert, was for many years the post-
master in the village. He also conducted a general store.
A daughter, Mary, lived in the old home till a few years
ago, when she removed to Sydney, where she died in the
winter of 1916. Mrs. Wallis, in England, is another daughter.
It was in or before the year 1838 that Robert D. Cutten
74 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
came from Onslow to Tatamagouche. He was by trade
both a tinsmith and sparmaker. His first shop was in what
is now the orchard of Gavin Clark. He built the house now
owned by Mrs. Robert Jollimore. He was married to Hannah
Pryde. Three of his sons, Edward, David, and William, are
now residing in the States, wheie the family removed some
time in the "sixties".
In or about the same year, John Irvine came to Tata-
magouche from Pictou to work at his trade as block-maker in
the shipyard of Alexander Campbell. His first house was built
on the west side of the main road, a little west of Mrs.
Crowe's. About this time a number of men who were
employed in the various yards built residences along
this road, so that it was commonly known as "Mechanic
Street". Subsequently Irvine built and lived in the house
now owned by Arthur Cunningham. He was accidently
killed by falling from a beam in his barn. His wife was
Maysie MacKinnon. Their family of six boys are all dead.
William died of yellow fever while on a voyage to Havana.
James moved to the Southern States where he died only
a few years ago. The other members of the family were
George, Joseph, Robert, and Washington.
By this time the shipbuilding industry had, for a place
of the population of Tatamagouche, reached almost gigantic
proportions. A hurried glance at Appendix D, which gives
a list of vessels built at Tatamagouche, will show that during
the "thirties" there were, as a rule, three or four ships, averag-
ing 200 tons each, built each year at Tatamagouche. The
years 1836-7-8-9 were extremely busy ones. "The Mersey",
a ship of 734 tons, built in 1837, was the largest one at that
time to be launched in North Colchester. The total tonnage
built here in 1837-9 amounted to somewhere around 5,500
tons.
In 1840-1 there was a serious financial depression
which had full effect in Nova Scotia. Freights were low
and there was little or no market for ships. Many
of the Nova Scotian builders went insolvent. At Tatama-
gouche though suffering seriously they managed to weather
the gale and, fn a year or,§p, conditions were again normal.
.From that date, shipbuilding in Tatamagouche, as elsewhere
in Nova Scotia, had a new lease of life, and during the follow-
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 75
ing years, the population of Tatamagouche continued to
be increased by a number who came here either to build
vessels or to work in the yards. But before dealing with
the events of these years, we may note two or three fatal
accidents which occurred in this community sometime
during the years 1830-40.
One of these took place in the year 1836 at the inn of
old William Currie. John Doull, who was one of the early
settlers at Brule, had come on horseback from Halifax,
whither he had been on business, and stopped at the inn
for his dinner. After his meal, while he was endeavouring
to unhitch his horse, it kicked him on the head, causing
almost immediate death.
Another tragic death which occurred about the same
time, possibly a few years later, was that of a man by the
name of Regan, who had previously belonged to Halifax.
He had been engaged in hauling logs and was unloading
them on the bank of Waugh's River near the small creek, a
little east of where Abe Currie now resides. He had un-
hitched one horse for the purpose of hauling the heavy
logs off the waggon, and while putting the chain around a
stick, the hook caught in his trousers at the ankle. Before
he could free himself, the horse took sudden fright, and
he was dragged helplessly on the ground. All his efforts
to loose himself or stop the horse were in vain, but his cries
attracted the attention of Murray Currie, a son of John
Currie, who immediately ran to the road in an endeavour
to stop the horse. Before he could reach the animal, a
small dog which was with him had by barking and biting
so frightened it, that all his attempts were futile. The
small brook near McCulloiigh's was then crossed by a log
bridge, on which repairs were being made, and while Regan
was dragged over it, a loose stick ran into his side. The
frightened animal continued to drag man and stick until
it was finally caught near where Archie Waugh now lives.
The unfortunate man's injuries were most serious and in a
short time he died.
But the most shocking accident which ever occurred
in the community was the one that resulted in the death
of a young child of Hector Sutherland, an early settler,
who was then living on the farm now owned by George
76 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
McKay near the Mine Hole. His house was a small
log one close to which extended the primeval forest. A
short time previous to the time of the accident, there had
been a heavy wind storm which had uprooted several of
the large trees near the house. In his spare moments,
Sutherland, with the assistance of a neighbour would saw
these trqes into blocks for shingles. One day while they
were engaged at this work, the child was sent by its mother
to call them to their meal. As neither the child nor the men
returned, the mother became alarmed, and, on going to
her husband, she was surprised to learn that they had neither
seen nor heard of the child. Word was at once sent to all
the neighbours and to the village, and a search party organ-
ized. Alexander Campbell, so it is said, not only offered a
large reward for the recovery of the child, but allowed all
the men in his yards to join in the search and even sent
provisions (including a good supply of rum) to the men who
were searching in the woods. No trace of the child was found
and after a day or two the search was given up, all knowing
that by that time the child would have perished from hunger
and exposure. Some time previous, Indians had been seen
in the vicinity of the Mine Hole and it was generally
believed that they were responsible for the disappearance
of the child. A few days later, other Indians, induced by
the prospect of obtaining so large a reward, and believing
that some of their less worthy brothers had been guilty of
stealing the child, went as far east as Cape Breton in search
of the missing one, but they returned without accomplishing
anything. Several weeks after the mystery was cleared up,
but in a most ghastly manner. A quarrel between a cat
and a dog attracted the attention of the parents, who were
surprised and shocked to find the cause of the quarrel was
none other than the hand of their lost child. When going
to call them, it had climbed up on the upturned root of the
tree on which the men were working. When it had been severed
from its trunk, its weight carrying it back, had crushed the
child to death. There the body had remained unknown to
all, till the dog, discovering it, had brought it once more
to the sight of the parents.
Among others who, during the late "thirties" and the
'forties" came to Tatamagouche and who subsequently became
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 77
some of its leading citizens, we may note the following: James
McKeen, Edward Kent, Archibald Patterson, Charles Reilly,
Robert Logan, William Fraser, and Henderson and Robert
Gass.
James McKeen was a native of St. Mary's, Guysborough
County, and came to Tatamagouche to take over the tanning
business then operated by James Campbell and James Hep-
burn of Pictou. This business he conducted till shortly
before his death in 1894. He was married to Mary, a sister
of Charles Reilly. In their family were John, who was man-
ager of the Bank of Nova Scotia at Amherst, Ottawa and
Halifax, and who in 1915 was elected a controller of
the City of Halifax; James, who is a Presbyterian minister at
Orono, Ontario; Charles, who resides on the old homestead; and
Kate, Jessie, Emily (Mrs. Maxwell), Janie (Mrs. Abram H.
Patterson), Sophia (Mrs. E. D. Roach), Elizabeth (Mrs.
McGregor), Annie, and Hannah.
Edward Kent was the grandson of James Kent, who
was born in Alloa, Scotland, in 1749. His father was John
Kent who lived in Lower Stewiacke, where Edward Kent
was born in 1823. Coming to Tatamagouche, he engaged
in blacksmithing first, then in shipbuilding and other mer-
cantile business. He erected the house now owned by Dr.
Murray. In 1851, he built his first vessel, the "Little Pet",
which was launched up the river below where Abe Currie
now lives. After this, until shortly before his death in 1870,
he continued at the same business. His wife was Jessie
Williamson, who still survives. In his family were David,
of the village; James, in the States; Roach and Alex, in
California; Mary (Mrs. Ingraham); Jeanette; Florence, who
was a distinguished actress; Jessie; and Janie Bell.
Archibald Patterson was a grandson of John Patterson,
who was one of the Pictou pioneers of the "Hector" His
father was Abram Patterson, of the same place. He first
came to Tatamagouche and engaged in trading in lumber
and other business, but it was not till 1854 that he built
in his shipyards, where Bonyman's factory now stands,
his first vessel, the "MacDuff.* In 1862, Patterson was
appointed a member of the Legislative Council, a position
*In 1861-2, he built the barque "Laurette" for Lowden and Company of New York.
Her first trip was to Havana. While there yellow fever broke out among the crew and all
died including the captain, Jacob Roberts, and William Irvine, the second mate.
78 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
which he held till Confederation. In 1868 he retired from
business in Tatamagouche and moved to Halifax where he
was Inspector in the Inland Revenue Department. He was
married to Elizabeth, the eldest daughter of the Hon. Alex-
ander Campbell. Mrs. Patterson is now living in Truro.
A. C. Patterson who, till his death in 1913, was a barrister
in Truro, was a son. Mrs. J. W. Revere was a daughter.
Charles Reilly, of Irish "descent, came from Pictou to
Tatamagouche and worked for a while in Campbell's tannery.
His first house was a small one built in the front of what is now
the house lot of C. K. McLellan. For a number of years
he lived there with his sisters until they were married to
James McKeen, Robert Bryden, and James McLearn
Reilly was married to Susan Kent, the widow of William
Bryden. Subsequently he lived on the property now owned
by his daughters Misses Annie and Sarah. Here, till his
death, he carried on his trade as a butcher. He was for a
short time in the shipbuilding business and built a few
vessels on the river below where James Bryden now resides.
William Reilly, of the village, is his only surviving son.
Another son, John, died in the States only a year or so ago.
Robert Logan came to Tatamagouche from New Glasgow
and was employed for a number of years as clerk for William
Campbell. He became interested in shipbuilding and built
for a number of years on the river a little below Clark's wharf.
After retiring from business, he was appointed Collector of
Customs at this port. His wife was Mary Bryden, sister
of Robert Bryden. One son, Capt. William, died at sea from
an attack of yellow fever. Another son, Robert, and a
daughter, Anna Bell, are now living in Bridgewater, Nova
Scotia.
In 1840, William Fraser, of Pictou, built here a brig,
"James", for James Cameron of Halifax. In a few years he
became foreman for the Hon. Alex. Campbell and after Camp-
bell's death he continued to act in that capacity for the firm
till shipbuilding at Tatamagouche was of the past. He
built and lived in the house in Mechanic Street which is
now owned by C. N. Cunningham. His wife was a sister
of Mrs. Irvine. Two of his sons, Marmaduke and Howard
Primrose, met a tragic death by being drowned in the wreck
of the "Indian Chief" on the Goodwin Sands. One daughter,
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 79
Elizabeth, was married to Alexander Williamson and lived
until her death in South America. Another daughter, Alice,
is now living in Westville. Mr. Fraser was a most efficient
foreman, and some of his ships were of the finest built in
Nova Scotia. He was one of the most highly respected men
in the village and from 1860 till he removed to Pictou, was
an elder in the Tatamagouche Presbyterian congregation.
Henderson and Robert Gass were brothers, sons of
John Gass who came from Dumfries, Scotland, and settled
at Pictou in 1816. The former, a saddler by trade, came to
Tatamagouche about 1848 and took up his residence on the
street next to John Millar's. He was captain of the Lake
Road Company of the Nova Scotia Militia. His wife was
Eliza Irish. He died in the winter of 1912. Among his
children are: Mrs. James Ramsey of the village; Miss Kate
Gass, Cambridge; George, of Trenton; and William, of
Sackville.
Robert Gass was a shoe-maker and came to Tatamagouche
about the same time as — perhaps a little later than — his
brother. He died in 1894. One son, Robert, is now living
in the United States.
Later on, it may be noted, there came another Robert
Gass, who took up the Blockhouse farm and to distinguish
him from his cousin, Robert the shoe-maker, they were com-
monly called "Shoe-maker Bob" and "Blockhouse Bob".
Robert (Blockhouse) Gass was a son of Joseph Gass, who
came to Pictou from Dumfries with his brothers Robert and
John in 1816, but who removed to Cape John in 1842. Robert
Gass was twice married to sisters, Misses Perrin of River
John. Several children by his first marriage still survive.
They are: Will, in Bass River; Mrs. Till and Mrs. Elwood,
of Boston; and Mrs. McLellan in the West.
Among others, who in the early "forties" lived on Mech
anic Street, we may note William Higgins, a shoe-maker, and
James Grant, a blacksmith. Both subsequently removed
to Wallace.
Until the time of the arrival of these families, nearly
all the houses and places of business at Tatamagouche were
on the west side of French River in the vicinity of Campbell's
shipyards, and there seemed every indication that the site
of the future village would be there. From Campbell's to
80 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
Waugh's there were houses only at rare intervals and outside
the cluster of buildings at the former place, there was nothing
that could assume even the name of a hamlet. In fact, as
late as the "forties" there were only four buildings between
Wm. Campbell's and McConnelPs tavern. These were the
houses of Neil Ramsey and Mungo Heughan, the old Presby-
terian meeting house and the small shop of John Blackwood.
Alex. Campbell, however, who either owned or con-
trolled nearly all the land near the French River, was averse
to selling, and men found it difficult, if not impossible, to
obtain land from him. James Campbell and others
who owned the lots where the present village is situated,
had no such aversion. They were willing and ready
to dispose of their land. Then the shore along these
lots was well suited for shipyards, as a comparatively deep
channel ran close to the bank. It was for these reasons that
the shipbuilders and others who came in the "forties", located
where they did, alid thus, in a great measure, determined
the location of the present village.
A man named Young is said to have been the first to
erect a shop in the present village. He came here
interested in shipbuilding, and built a small store near the
site of Thomas Bonyman's forge. This store was afterwards
purchased by Robert Logan and moved down to the corner
of Main Street and New Annan Road where, enlarged and
with frequent repairs, it stands till this day, still in use as
a place of business.
One of the first tailors to come to Tatamagouche was
Mungo Heughan. He had been employed aboard a man-
of-war and, after leaving the sea, settled down for the rest
of his days at Tatamagouche. He had his shop and house
on the east corner of the present Manse property. For
years he was Superintendent of the village Sunday School;
in all probability of the first regular Sunday School to
be held here. John Heughan, who settled on the New
Annan Road, and James Heughan, of Cariboo are two of his
sons.
John McDowl, who came here in 1841 from River John,
was another tailor. He lived in the house now owned by
J. T. B. Henderson, Esq. Previous to his coming, one
Telfer, who came in the early "thirties," and who also was
ROBERT PUHVIS.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 81
a tailor, had his shop in this building. John McDowl,
the veteran engine driver is a son.
It was about this time that Stephen Rood, a ship
carpenter, settled in Tatamagouche. He built and lived
in the house now owned by Charles Brown. Charles Rood,
of New Glasgow, is a son.
It was in 1840 that the Rev. Robert Blackwood came
to Tatamagouche. He first lived in a house near where Mrs.
Crowe now resides but subsequently he removed to the
house now owned by Charles Brown. His wife was Anne
McCara, daughter of the Rev. John McCara of Scotland.
In their family were Jessie, who was the wife of Rev. Dr.
Smith of Upper Stewiacke; David who lived in Halifax; and
William who remained in Tatamagouche. The last was one
of the best known men and merchants in North Colchester.
For a time he was in public life and represented the Northern
District of Colchester in the House of Assembly from 1863 to
1867. In politics he was a strong Liberal and an opponent
of Confederation.
About the same time (1840) David Murdock and his
wife, Sara Wilson, both from Scotland, settled at what has
since been known as the Murdock farm, on Waugh's River.
The property, as we have seen, had previously been owned
by William Currie. Murdock had been a game keeper in
the estate of a Scotch nobleman, and his wife had been the
house-keeper. He came out first and then she joined him.
He met her in Truro and conveyed her over the mountain
in a cart. They had no children and the farm was given to
his nephew, David Murdock, father of the present owner
John Murdock.
One of the last families that came directly from Scot-
land to settle at Tatamagouche, was the Clark family of
Aberdeen. It would be sometime around 1842-3, when
two brothers, John and James, who were the first to come
out, arrived at Tatamagouche. They landed at Halifax,
and from there walked to Tatamagouche. Often, in later
years, they used to relate how, on a Sunday morning, when
the people were coming from the church, they reached the
village in their bare feet, and had their first meal in what
was to be their future home, at the house of Mungo Heughan.
6
82 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
John settled on the Mill Brook, near what is known as
the Peugh Bridge. At the time of the gold rush to Australia,
he, in company with his brother, went and remained for
a number of years in that colony. On his return he lived
for a year on the Robert Bell farm at Waldegrave, and then
went into business in the village. In 1871, he built the shop
now owned by J. M. Bonyman & Company. In 1860, he
was elected elder in the Tatamagouche Presbyterian con-
gregation, a position which he faithfully held until his death.
For years he was superintendent of the village Sunday
School, to which office he gave his unfaltering attention till
advancing years made it impossible for him to perform its
duties. His venerable figure and kindly word will always
be remembered by those who, as boys and girls, sat on Sun-
days beneath his charge. In August, 1901, he met a sudden
death, by being drowned while bathing in the river below
his house.
James Clark, on his return from Australia, settled on
the farm now owned by his son, Sydney, at Bayhead. He for
number of years was one of the representatives of Tatama-
gouche in the Municipal Council. He was also a Justice
of the Peace. He died in 1891.
There were four other members of this family who also
settled in Tatamagouche: George, Charles, Robert, and
William. The last three took up farms on the Mill Brook.
George early entered into business for himself in the village.
Beginning in a small way, he built up a prosperous business
and soon became the leading hardware merchant of the
village. So successful was he, that at the time of his death
he was the most influential and probably the wealthiest man
in North Colchester. In politics he was a strong Liberal
and a firm believer in the principles of Free Trade. In 1886,
and again in 1890, he was elected to represent Colchester
in the House of Assembly. He died in May, 1905.
The last settler to come directly from Scotland to
Tatamagouche was David Donaldson, of Perthshire. In
1849, he left Scotland and, after a voyage of six weeks,
landed at Pictou. He first settled at Brule, on the farm now
owned by his grandson, A. P. Semple. He built his first
log house close to the creek which ran through his
farm. At the time of his arrival, this fine property was
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 83
heavily wooded with hemlock. He appears to have been
particularly successful as a farmer. The land there is very
fertile and it is said that in a few years, he was able, one
winter to sell a ton of flour made from the wheat grown
on his own place. After remaining for seven years at Brule,
he removed to French River, near the bridge now known by
his name. At the same time there came to Tatamagouche
with Donaldson, his sons-in-law, Wm. Menzie and James
Semple. The former went first to Fox Harbour, Cumberland
County and then to the "Back Road" to River John. Sub-
sequently he came to the village to live. James Semple
remained on the farm at Brule. Six years later came a third
son-in-law, Thomas Malcolm, who settled at Brule where
his son, Robert D. Malcolm, now resides.
David Donaldson was married to Mary Hutchinson, of
Perthshire. He died in 1891, aged eighty-four, and his
'wife in 1895, aged ninety-two. Their sons were Robert,
John, and George, who removed to New Zealand and Aus-
tralia, and William and David who remained on their father's
farm. The daughters were Agnes (Mrs. Menzie), Elizabeth
(Mrs. Malcolm), Cecelia (Mrs. Semple), Jane (Mrs.
Langille) of the village, and Mary (Mrs. Wm. Langille),
French River. The last three are the only surviving members
of the family. Mrs. Menzie, being the eldest, had reached
maturity before leaving Scotland, and was the only member
of the family to speak the Scottish dialect.
Along with shipbuilding came also the sister industry,
lumbering. As we have already noted, the commencement
of this industry was the sale of square pine timber in the
Old Country. It was soon eclipsed in importance by ship-
building but, nevertheless, it continued to give employment
to many men, particularly in the winter months. At first
the lumber was manufactured entirely by hand, the large
logs being sawn into boards or other material by the laborious
efforts of two men on a whip saw. With the opening of the
English market, and the introduction of water mills, the
industry went forward in leaps and bounds. Small mills,
we have already noted, were constructed by the French, but
these were probably used for grinding grain more than for
sawing purposes. William Waugh, the son of old Wellwood
Waugh, is said to have been about the first to build a water
84 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
mill at Tatamagouche for sawing lumber. Certain it is
that he erected one at a very early date on the small stream
which is still known as the "Mill Brook". Later on
the Hon. Alex. Campbell built a small mill on the Black
Brook, just a little east of where it is now -crossed
by the road to Balfron. The remains of the old dam can
yet be seen. During the "thirties," a number of others were
constructed. William Campbell built one on the French
River on the lot now owned by James Ramsey. Abram
Patterson, of Pictou, also built a gmall mill on the Mill Brook
branch of the French River. During the subsequent years,
a dozen or so of similar mills were erected at various places
on French and Waugh's Rivers and up till the time of the
introduction of steam mills they did all the sawing.
About the early "fifties" Abram Patterson, who was now
actively engaged in the lumbering industry, came to live
at Tatamagouche. He bought the property subsequently
owned by his son, the late W. A. Patterson. Engaged with him
in this business was James Primrose of Pictou. For a time
they operated a mill at Porteous', French River. They
then commenced cutting some of the larger and better
lumber pn the mountain lots and erected a mill near Farm
Lake. They were the first to commence here the planing
and other manufacturing of lumber.
Abram Patterson was a son of John Patterson (who
came to Pictou in the "Hector") and was married to Christina,
the eldest daughter of Dr. MacGregor, the pioneer Presby-
terian minister in Pictou. One of his sons, Archie, as we
have noted, was engaged for a number of years in ship-
building at Tatmagouche. His youngest son, W. A. Patter-
son, Esq., continued in the lumber business. In 1874
he was elected as a Conservative to represent Colchester in
the Provincial House. He was a member of that House
till 1886, being re-elected in 1878 and 1882. In 1891 he was
elected to the Dominion House of Commons and sat in
that House till his retirement from political life in 1896.
He died June, 1917.
The year 1847 was a hard one for this community.
A financial depression caused the bottom to fall out of
the ship market and, consequently, there was no profitable
sale for ships of any kind. Many of the shipbuilders
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 85
of Nova Scotia lost heavily. With scarcely a mo-
ment's warning, thousands of dollars and the wealth of
years were swept away. It is said that Alexander Campbell
was the only builder on the North Shore who remained
solvent, but this is probably an exaggeration.* He, though
he suffered severely, was able to continue his business. This
depression, as the ones of '25 and '40, soon passed away
and times in a year or so were better than ever.
These years from 1825 to 1847 were crowded with many
events and crowned with much prosperity for the people of
Tatamagouche. Every year, as the log cabins decreased,
the frame dwellings increased. The settlers no longer
struggled for the necessaries of life alone, for into their
homes had already oome a few of the simplest luxuries. No
longer was it necessary to carry provisions through the
woods from Truro, or along the shore from Pictou, for a
dozen or more merchants were here with their stores full of
various goods and commodities. Labor was abundant
and wages, for those days were good. Tatamagouche was
yet to see darker days by far than those of 1825-47.
One great improvement was in the roads. When
the first settlers came here the only road, or rather
trail, was across the mountains to Truro. f If we can rely
upon the old French records, this road was then in good
condition, and in all probability its course was followed
by the subsequent settlers. To Pictou there was no path
whatever, and as late as 1793, people went to that place
by following along the shore to River John and from there
they would either strike through the woods or continue
along the shore. We have been unable to ascertain when
the road from Pictou to Tatamagouche was opened, but
in 1833, we find that the sum of £40 was granted by the
Assembly for a bridge at Currie's ^Mur dock's). The road
must have been opened a considerable time before this
date as, for a number of years, the river was forded at
that place. The first road through the village ran south of
the present main road, somewhere back of where James
Ramsey now resides. What is now commonly known as
the "Back Street" is a continuance of the old road.
The writer knows for a fact that at least one other builder, Alex. McKenzie of
River John, remained solvent.
fThis was also an old French trail, running from Tatamagouche to Chignecto. Thia
was opened by La Corne in 1746.
86 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
The first bridge across the French River was built about
the same place as the present one. The next one was placed
higher up on the bank and nearer the main river. It must
have been constructed at the early period before shipbuilding
had become of any great importance. The bridge, as then
located, did away with the long and inconvenient Camp-
bell's and McCully's Hills, but its position prevented
the launching of any large ships from Campbell's yards and
consequently it was, when being rebuilt, moved further up
the river to its former site. It was, of course, a wooden
structure. The writer has been unable to ascertain in what
year it was built but, in 1839,* the sum of £100 was granted
for the erection of a bridge over the French River and it
was, in all probability, during that year that this bridge
was built. At\he time of its construction, a petition
was presented to the Government praying that a draw
be placed in the bridge so that those who lived further up
the river would not be precluded from shipbuilding. The
petition stated that the river was navigable one mile
above the bridge for ships of twenty feet draught. We
rather fear that the then citizens of Tatamagouche were
more eager to obtain the draw than to sustain their accustomed
reputation for veracity. The present steel structure, which
is on the same site, was built sometime during the "eighties".
The first bridge at Lockerbie's was built on the site of the
present one, some time about 1840, possibly a year or so later.
In 1825 people at Tatamagouche had little intercourse
with the outside world. They were a little colony by them-
selves. In 1847 this was no longer true. Her ships sailed
to every quarter of the globe, and to her harbour came
vessels bearing the flags of a score of nations and manned
by sailors of various nationalities and speaking a dozen
different tongues. With the exceptions of Halifax, Yarmouth,
Sydney, Pictou, and possibly a few others, Tatamagouche
had as much intercourse with the outside world as any
other port in Nova Scotia. Improved roads, too, led to
more communication with nearby places.
In regard to early postal service, we have little infor-
*In 1851 Rev. John Sprott visited Tatamagouche. He writes as follows: "When I first
visited Tatamagouche, thirty years ago, I crossed the French River, where the noble bridge
now stands, on a cake of floating ice for want of a canoe. On the one side it. has now a long
range of shops, and on the other the princely mansion of the Hon. Alex. Campbell, backed by
a splendid orchard and shaded by trees."
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 87
mation. Wellwood Waugh was, as we have seen, the first
courier between Truro and Tatamagouche. At that time
the only interprovincial mail coming from what is now the
Upper Provinces, was landed at Tatamagouche. The sailing
vessel "Mercury"* made regular trips to and from Quebec.
It was evidently this mail which Waugh carried as far as
Truro. Who succeeded him in this responsible duty is unknown.
After a time this method of bringing the mails from Quebec
was abandoned, and apparently they were brought all the
way by land for, we find that in 1821, the inhabitants of
Pugwash, Wallace, and Tatamagouche presented a petition
to the House of Assembly for a sum to be set aside to defray
the expense of a weekly mail service to those places from the
main post road that ran over the mountains in the vicinity
of Westchester. There is no record to show that the prayer
of this petition was ever granted, and we have never heard
of any mail route running through those places to
Tatamagouche.
About 1843, a tri-weekly mail was established between
Halifax, Pictou and various points along the northern shore
of Nova Scotia. A man by the name of Arnison drove this
mail from Pictou to Tatamagouche. Many can yet recollect
him as, driving into the village over Lockerbie's Hill, he would
announce his coming by the blowing of a horn. Subsequently,
James Blair, who came to Tatamagouche about the middle
"fifties", drove the mail from Pictou to Tatamagouche. In
Belcher's Almanac this mail, running to Pictou, Wallace
and Amherst, is said to have run tri-weekly, but those whose
memory reaches back into those years say that at that time
the mail came through Tatamagouche but once a week.
There was also a mail from Truro which at first came at irregu-
lar intervals, usually brought by a man or boy on horseback.
One of the last drivers was Tim Archibald, who drove two
horses tandem.
During the "sixties", when the "Heather Bell" was plying
between Brule and Charlottetown, mails were received here
twice a week from both Halifax and the Island.
In 1867, "Blair's Express", owned by James Blair, ran
*The vessel commenced running from Quebec to Tatamagouche about 1778 and was
used during the Revolutionary War in particular, for carrying despatches from Sorel. A
messenger was landed here and either proceeded in person over the mountain or obtained
another courier.
88 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
over the mountain to Truro. We take the following from
Belcher's Almanac of that date:
"Blair's Express, a mail waggon, leaves Truro for Tatamagouche, Wallace
and Pugwash on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, returning on the inter-
vening days."
With the opening of the railway to Pictou and the main
line through Wentworth, we received regular mails from those
places.
As far as we are aware, the first postmaster at Tatama-
gouche was Wm. McConnell, who, as we have seen, conducted
a tavern where the "Stirling Hotel" is now situated. The
writer has seen a letter bearing date 1843 addressed "c/o Wm.
McConnell, postmaster". About 1855, possibly before, John
Lombaid was appointed postmaster. Four years later the
office was moved up the road and kept by James McLearn.
In 1863, Wm. Fraser* became postmaster and, in 1866,
Isaac Blair was appointed. Three years later, Robert
Purves became postmaster, and held the position till his
death when he was succeeded by his widow. At her death,
in 1904, Dr. Johnson was appointed, f
The years following the depression of 1847 were busy
ones for the shipbuilders at Tatamagouche. The English
market was good and there arose a demand in New-
foundland for vessels of about 100 tons built especially for
seal fishing. Several who had not previously gone into the
business began at once building vessels of this type.
The year 1857 was long known, indeed to this day, as the
"big year" at Tatamagouche. In that year fourteen vessels
were on the stocks at one time. Campbells, Purves, Logan,
Kent, Patterson, Reilly, Robert Bryden, Wm. Blackwood,
and B. F. McKay all built that year. Some had two or
three. The whole shore from Lockerbie's to Ross' Point
was one busy hive of industry. One vessel was built on
the shore across from Campbell's Point, another one on
Ross' Point, two or three at Campbells', one at the mouth
of the small creek which runs through Gordon Clark's field,
three or four in the yards of Kent, Logan and Patterson, and
two up below James Bryden's, where Reilly and McLaren
were building. This was the high water mark for ship-
*The office waa, however, not moved down the road but was kept in a little shop near
where D. W. Menzie now resides.
fBesides those mentioned above, there were others who held the office of postmaster
for short times. Robert Logan and Robert Cutten were two and there may have been others.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 89
building at Tatamagouche. For a few years markets con-
tinued good and all went well. But every few years there
came a repetition of the financial crises which we have
already noted and then the entrance of steamers into the
work of ocean transportation was gradually ruining the
market for wooden sailing vessels.
On the first day of April, 1854, there occurred an unusually
heavy freshet. The exceptionally heavy snow-fall of
the winter had all remained on the ground until the
beginning of a heavy rainstorm which commenced on one
of the last days of March. Many of the bridges on Waugh's
and French Rivers were swept away, and a large jam of ice
formed fiom Patterson's wharf across to Steele's Island.
The waters, in rising, engulfed the island and flooded the
barn of John Steele which was built on thfe low slope of the
mainland near the island. All his cattle were drowned. The
following account of the storm is taken from the diary of
the Rev. Robert Black wood:
"A most fearful storm and freshet on the first of April, 1854. It melted
the snow, raised the ice, and carried before it bridges to an alarming extent
on Waugh's River. Campbell's, Murdoch's and Lockerbie's bridges were
carried away with one general sweep. The river must, with the ice, have
raised eight or ten feet. One poor man, Steele, lost thirty head of sheep, twelve
head of cattle, one horse, and his buildings, to which the freshet never rose
before."
One who, during the "fifties", entered into business at
Tatamagouche, and who was the first to erect a shop of two
stories in the village, was Stewart Kislepaugh. His was
such a peculiar character that we must give him more than
passing notice. His father had been a French soldier who
during the retreat from Moscow had served under Napoleon.
After the war, the old soldier came to Nova Scotia
and finally settled on Tatamagouche Mountain. There,
one of his neighbours was a man who, during the
same wars had fought under the banner of England,
and the old warriors rather than forget their quarrels
of the past, showed a disposition to fight them over once
again. Stewart, as a young man, came to work in the
village, first as a clerk for Robert Purves and then for James
Campbell, who ran a small store near where J. R. Ferguson
now resides. Eventually he commenced business for himself.
His shop was destroyed by fire. Stewart had just opened
a cask of turpentine and some of the contents had been spilled
90 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
on the floor. A number of men were in the store at the
time, and one of them who was smoking remarked "Stewart,
you don't know the great risk you are running with that
turpentine." He was alluding to the danger of fire. At
the same time a lighted match fell from his hands, and,
before the men could think or act, the interior of the building
burst into flames. He rebuilt, this time a building of two
stories, where the store of James Bonyman & Co. now stands.
In 1862 this shop was also destroyed by fire. Stewart was left a
poor man and, for a number of years was absent in South
America. Returning, he found himself in poverty. Gone
was all his former prosperity and, like King Lear, he was
content to live in a mere hovel. He was a man of much intelli-
gence, was well read and possessed a great deal of public
spirit. Perhaps more than anything else he was noted
for his ready wit and practical jokes. Many of his sayings
and stories are still remembered and retold, always with
appreciation. During his last years he lived in an old shop
across the road from where D. W. Menzie now resides. A
great part of his time he used in doing acts of kindness to
those whom he could in any way assist. There are many
today who regard his memory with the warmest feelings,
and think with sadness that a personality which had so
much of the finest qualities accomplished so little. "Stew-
art's" pump, which, due mainly to his labours, was pre-
served for the public, stands as his monument, and daily
recalls the memory of this peculiar but zealous citizen. He
died in the winter of 1894.
About 1850, James Blair came from North River to
take over the hotel at Tatamagouche. He also ran the
stage from Truro to Tatamagouche and Wallace. His wife
was a Miss Lyons. Isaac Blair is his son.
In 1854, William McKenzie came, as a young man,
from Pictou to act as a foreman in 'the shipyard of Archibald
Patterson. He was a man strong in body and in mind,
and in every way typical of the splendid, virile people
which at that time Nova Scotia and Pictou County in par-
ticular, seemed able to produce. As a ship foreman he had
few equals, being at all times able to hold the confidence of
his men and employers; and it has often been said that he
was able to get more work out of his men than any other
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 91
foreman of his time. In later days, when he retired from
active work, his advice was readily sought after in matters
relating to the construction of wooden ships. He died in the
winter of 1911, aged eighty-seven.
The first carriage builder to come to Tatamagouche
was John A. McCurdy, of Onslow. In the early "fifties", he
commenced business in a shop about opposite the present
Post Office. He was married to Elizabeth Bryden and lived
in the house now owned by Dr. Sedgwick. His two children
are Mrs. C. N. Cunningham of the village, and Gordon,
who is Police Inspector of the Rainy River District. About
1860, McCurdy moved back to Onslow and Alex. McLeod
commenced the same business in the shop now owned by
James Perrin.
In 1854, James McLearn came from Halifax to Tata-
magouche. He built the house now owned by Mrs. Menzie.
He engaged in shipbuilding and built a number of vessels
in the yards below where James Bryden now resides. He
also had charge of the first telegraph office to be established
in the village. His wife was a sister of Charles Reilly.
He removed, first to California, then to Halifax, where he
died.
Those who, during the subsequent years, have come
to live at Tatamagouche are so well known to the public
of today that to deal with them individually would be super-
fluous. Some are still with us; others have but recently passed
away. Of those who, during or about the years 1855-65,
came to Tatamagouche from various places in Pictou County,
we may mention: Daniel Barclay, Alexander Matheson,
and David Fraser, merchants; Alex. McLeod, carriage
builder; Andrew Urquhart and George Douglas, blacksmiths;
and D. A. Fraser, tailor. Others who, about these years,
were in business at Tatamagouche were Archibald Mingo
and Jeremiah Murphy who built what was long after known
as Clark's wharf.
Concerning those who are still alive, or who have but
recently passed away, the writer has, for obvious reasons,
forborne to make any more than passing remarks. But a
most justifiable exception may be made in the cases of Rev.
Dr. Sedgwick and the late E. D. Roach, M. D. These two
men were, as indeed one is today, for so many years the
92 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
leading and outstanding men of this community, that we are
constrained to add a few words of tribute, imperfect as they
may be, to their character and service. Both came to Tata-
magouche in the fall of 1860 as young men fresh from college
and entered with all the ardour, of early manhood into their
professional duties. Both, too, belonged to those professions
which bring their members into the /closest contact with
the people. There is not a home in this community but
has, especially in the time of sorrow and trouble, received
these men as comforters and healers of soul and body. With
the life and service of Dr. Sedgwick we shall deal in the
chapter on the Churches and their Ministers.
Dr. Roach was a native of Cumberland County where
he received his early education. After graduating from
Pennsylvania Medical College, he came to Tatamagouche
where he continued for forty years to practise his profession.
The greater part of that time he was the only medical man
residing in North Colchester. As a professional man he
in his time, stood high. Though the study of medicine had,
because of the progress of science, become almost entirely
different at the close of his practice to what it was at its
beginning, he was, nevertheless, because of his ability as a stu-
dent, able to keep well up in the study of the modern methods
and treatments. He was a man of mild temperament and
had the heart of a child. After forty years' experience with
sickness and death, he never seemed to lose his sensitiveness
to pain and sorrow, and sympathy for the sick prompted
him on many occasions to continue at work when he himself
was far from a well man. We believe that we *can say,
without fear of contradiction, that no man ever hel«,a firmer
grip on the affections of the people of Tatamagouche than
did "the old doctor". It is no disgrace to him to say he
died a poor man. Had he received all the remuneration
which he, in justice to himself, could have demanded, he
would have died wealthy. His reward was not riches but
rather to be held in grateful remembrance by those who
had experienced his skill as a physician, or had felt the
sympathy of a friend who never failed.
We have already mentioned the old Nova Scotia Militia,
and traced its course at Tatamagouche as late as 1825. We
shall now make a few further remarks upon this subject.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 93
In 1827, the militia throughout the province appears
to have been re-organized. The 2nd Battalion, Colchester
Regiment, was to be composed of men from the northern
half of the present county of Colchester. In this year the
following officers were from Tatamagouche and vicinity:
Capt. Alex. Campbell, 2nd Lieuts. Samuel Waugh and M. H.
Wilson. Two years later the following additional names
appear: 1st Lieut. Rufus McNutt, 2nd Lieuts. M. Waugh
and Charles McCurdy, and Edwin Carritte, Surgeon. In
1831, Alexander Campbell was promoted to Major and Ed-
ward Langille made 2nd Lieut. In 1833, there was
another re-organization and we find that the 3rd Battalion
of the Cblchester Regiment was made up of men from
what is now the District of Stirling. We give the officers
in full: Lt. Col. Alexander Campbell*, Major R. B. Dickson,
Captains J. McL. Dickson, D. Dewar, D. Baxter, Alex.
Conkey, Hugh Munroe, George Ross, and D. C. McCurdy;
1st Lieuts. Edw. Langille, John McKay, M. Waugh, R.
Murray, and Wm. Scott; 2nd Lieuts. John Langille, James
Campbell, David Wilson, Donald Ross and D. McKay;
Adjutant J. McL. Dickson; J. B. Davidson, Quartermaster.
In 1841, Alex. Conkey was appointed Major and the fol-
lowing 2nd Lieuts.: John Lombard, Wm. McConnell, John
Millar, John Lockerbie, Wm. Bryden, Ephrm. Langille,
Jas. Simpson, Alex McCurdy, John Nelson, John Hewitt,
Robert Purves, Robt. Byers, Q. M. Jas. Hepburn.
Although annual drill was compulsory by law, it was
not always performed. Many years the Assembly deemed
it unnecessary and it was dispensed with. During the
"fifties" the militia throughout Nova Scotia was lifeless, and
it was not until the Fenian troubles of the "sixties" that
it was revived. After the death of the Hon. Alexander
Campbell, the 3rd Battalion Colchester Regiment was without
a Colonel. Finally, in 1863, Alex. Conkey was appointed.
The period 1842-63 we can pass over as far as the militia
is concerned as unimportant. But the "sixties" brought
complications with the United States over the Civil War,
which was followed by the Fenian Raids. The Government
*The appointment of Hon. Alex. Campbell was opposed by Wm. Waugh (son of old
Wellwood Waugh) who claimed that as he (Waugh) had been Captain in the Militia since
1808 that he was entitled to the rank of Lt. Col. His claims, though presented in the form
of a petition, were overlooked.
94 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
of Nova Scotia hastened to prepare the Province as best
it could for the threatening dangers. The ihilitia was
re-organized and new officers appointed. In 1864, the militia
in this County was increased to six battalions, the sixth
being made up of men from the present electoral districts
of Tatamagouche East and West, New Annan, Waugh's
River, and Brule. The officers of this battalion in 1864
were as follows: Lt. Col. John Millar; Majors D. A. Camp-
bell and R. A. Logan; Captains Arch. Campbell, Benj. Blair,
Edw. Kent, Abram H. Patterson, Henderson Gass, Wm.
Logan; 1st Lieuts. W. A. McDonald, Geo. Waugh, John
Urquhart, Wm. Patterson and Marmaduke Fraser; 2nd
Lieuts. Washington Irving; Surgeon E. D. Roach. The
following became officers in the next year: Captains Alex.
Williamson and David Nelson; 1st Lieuts. Robert Purves,
E. L. Cutten, Wellwood Currie, Wm. Irvine, Isaac Blair
and James Bryden; ^2nd Lieuts. John Wilson, Isaac Reid
Wm. McCully, Jas. Nelson and Jas. Kennedy; Adjutant
B. Blair; Quartermaster Arch. Patterson. In 1869, the
last year the militia had drill, the following new officers
appear: Capt. W. A. Patterson; 1st Lieut. A. H. Patterson;
2nd Lieuts. Rod. Barclay, Jos. Sled, J. T. B. Henderson,
Jas. T. Johnson, J. D. Mclntosh, Hugh Harris, Geo. Nelson,
and Jas. Porteous.
During these years annual drill of five days was performed.
On the first four, each company was drilled by itself. The
last day was taken up with battalion drill.* On that day,
which was not without high excitement, all the companies
met in the village.
By the terms of Confederation in 1867, the control of
the militia passed to the Federal Government. As Fenian
Raids were over the Government decided to do away with
compulsory drill, giving, however, to all units the right to
drill if they desired. For two years the men of Tatama-
gouche continued to drill, and then they voluntarily disbanded.
It may be noted that in the spring of 1866, when the
Fenian scare was at its height, the militia men of this com-
munity, in accordance with the Proclamation issued by the
then Lieut. Governor, were under orders to prepare them-
selves to meet any emergency. Men were drafted from the
*The drill was usually held in the field back of David Campbell's house. For excitement
it rivalled the day of a launch, and as a rule ended with a fight in the evening.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 95
various companies, and did a special drill. As all the mem-
bers were, technically speaking at least, on active service,
they became eligible for the Fenian Raid bounty granted a
few years ago by the Dominion Government.
At the same time as the revival of the militia, there was
inaugurated throughout the Province a volunteer movement.
By this scheme a number of men sufficient to form a company,
volunteered to perform a certain number of days' drill annually
for three years. In 1860-61, several units were organized
throughout the Province, but it was not till '62 that the
"Stirling Rifles" was organized at Tatamagouche. The
officers were as follows: Captain David Campbell; 1st Lieut.
Wm. Blackwood; 2nd Lieuts. W. A. McDonald and Arch.
Campbell; Surgeon E. D. Roach. At the expiration of
their time of service in 1866, a grand ball was given in the
Town Hall by the officers and men. It was the social event
of the times and was attended by all the flower and beauty
of the community. The officers, for the last time, appeared
in their unfiorms.
In this democratic country there is, as a rule, a general
aversion to anything in the nature of compulsion, particu-
larly in regard to military service or drill. That was, in
all probability one of the reasons why the Government
determined to make the militia throughout Canada purely
voluntary. But still, we cannot but have regret that the
old Nova Scotia Militia, which had reached so high a degree
of proficiency was not continued throughout the Province.
Aside from the fact that it was compulsory there were no
odious features connected with it. The men enjoyed the
drill, where for a few days they could turn aside from the usual
day's routine and mingle with and become better acquainted
with their fellow men. Its physical effects were good; men
stood straighter and walked with better carriage. From a
military standpoint it, too, accomplished its purposes. By
it each man in the community became acquainted with
the rudiments of military drill. He learned to handle a
rifle and to shoot straight. If, at the outbreak of the present
war, there had been organized throughout Nova Scotia a
militia as there was in the "sixties," it would have assisted
greatly in the raising of volunteers and in the training of
96 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
the recruits. A good start would have been made long before
the outbreak of hostilities.
No sketch, however short, of the shipbuilding days at
Tatamagouche, is complete without a reference to the
loss of the "Isabella", a small vessel of 50 tons, built
in the fall of 1868 by John Millar, of the Mountain. It
was early December before the vessel was completed and
loaded with a cargo of lumber for South America. There
are many yet alive who can well recollect her as on that
December day she gaily sailed out of the harbour, and was
soon lost to view on what was to prove her first and only
voyage. From the day she sailed through the Gut of Canso,
nothing has ever been heard of either her or her crew. Heavy
storms visited the country shortly after she set sail, and
it was generally believed that she was lost off the Cape
Breton coast. There were rumours which were probably
not without foundation, that wreckage of a vessel answering
to her description had been found along that coast. On
board the vessel, besides John Millar, the owner, were Tom
Millar, his son; John Mclntosh, of Waugh's River; and
Alex. Drysdale, of the Mountain; John Toker, Jr., captain;
Hector McLean, who was mate; and Ephraim Matatall.
Another wreck was that of a brigantine* which was
built by Robert Logan in or about 1863. On her first voyage
she was loaded with merchandise for Newfoundland, and
set sail from Tatamagouche about th'e last of October. On
the night subsequent to sailing, the mate, who was unfamiliar
with the Northumberland coast, was directing the course
of the vessel and, in some way, either missed or mistook
Pictou Island light. About 4 a. m. he was surprised that
he was unable to see Cape George light and becoming
alarmed he had all the crew called on deck. They immediate-
ly "hove-to" and while each was endeavouring to catch
a glimpse of a light, they were surprised to see a high
and rocky shore loom up almost alongside the ship.
They had oversailed their course and were almost ashore
at Broad Cove, Inverness. Frantic efforts were made to
put the vessel seaward, but the heavy wind and sea made
their endeavours of no avail. As soon as it was found that noth-
ing could prevent the ship from striking, the crew lashed them-
selves to the yards and, after the vessel had struck, they
*Mary Jane (?) .
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 97
remained there till the storm in a great measure had abated.
In an endeavour to reach shore in a boat which was upturned
the mate was drowned. He was a remarkably strong man,
and it is said that he clung for twenty minutes to a rope
before he was finally carried away by the high-running sea.
Samuel Weatherbie of the village was a seaman on board
at the time. James Tattrie, Lake Road, and the late Simon
Millard were with the ship as was also the owner, Robert
Logan.
But the wreck which aroused the greatest interest
at Tatamagouche, and indeed no small amount of interest
throughout all shipping circles, was the loss on the Goodwin
Sands of the "Indian Chief" in the winter of 1880. She
was not a Tatamagouche vessel, but was built and owned
at Yarmouth. Marmaduke Fraser, son of William Eraser,
was captain of this vessel at the time she was lost,
and with him as second mate was his brother, Howard
Primrose, and it was the loss of these two young men which
has made the story of the wreck of the "Indian Chief" a
familiar one in every Tatamagouche home.
The "Indian Chief" a ship of 1238 tons register, sailed
from London on a Sunday afternoon bound with a general
cargo for Yokohama. For the first few days thick weather
was encountered but all went well. Early on Wednesday
morning, there arose a sudden squall accompanied with rain,
and in the confusion which followed, the ship struck the
sands. She was made of soft wood and it was feared that
she would at once go to pieces. Fires were kindled and rockets
were sent up. "But all the while the wind was graduallly
sweeping up into a gale and oh! the cold, good Lord, the
bitter cold of that wind!*" At daybreak a lifeboat was
sighted, but it was soon forced to give up the attempt to
reach the stranded vessel. Through the day the ship slowly
went to pieces and believing that it was only a matter of
time till she would break up, the Captain ordered three
boats to be launched. They were immediately engulfed and the
sailors drowned. Finally all climbed to the top of the masts as
a last place of refuge. There they stayed till daybreak,
when a life boat rescued those who were still alive. Captain
Fraser had died from exposure and cold several hours before
*Quotation from account written by W. Clark Russell in English newspaper.
98 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
the rescue but Howard, his brother, was still living. He
was taken on board the lifeboat where he died half an hour
later. He was the hero of the wreck. During the long
hours on the masts he sheltered his brother as best he could
and continually strove to keep up the courage and hope of
all those who were aboard.- The first mate, who was rescued
speaking of him said: "Near him (the captain) wa§ his
brother, a stout-built, handsome young fellow, twenty-two
years old, as fine a specimen of the English sailor as ever I
was shipmate with. -He was calling about him cheerfully,
bidding us not be down-hearted and telling us to look sharply
around us for the lifeboats. He helped several of the be-
numbed men to lash themselves saying encouraging things
to them as he made them fast."* Marmaduke and Howard
Fraser surely were two men who in the sternest test the
sea could give, lived up to the best traditions of the British
sailor.
In December, 1867, an American schooner of 100 tons
was burned in the channel of the river near Steele's island.
She had been loaded with copper ore at Patterson's wharf,
and grounded in the channel near the island, and
before she could be floated the river was frozen across.
One night, not long afterwards, she was burned to
the water's edge. The first intimation which the people
of the village had of the fire was when they awoke the next
morning and saw on the island several tents which the
crew, using the sails, had made to protect themselves from
the cold of the night. No satisfactory explanation of the
origin of the fire was ever given, and it was generally believed
that the crew, in order to escape spending the winter in
the vessel, had deliberately set her on fire. For some years
after, some of her timbers could still be seen at low tide.
These, however, were removed at the time of the dredging
operations. Only a few years ago some of the copper, which
had been half-smelted by the fire, was recovered from the
bottom of the channel by the Stirling Mining Company which
had taken over the interests of the old company. Two bells,
which were afterwards purchased by the school sections of
Barrachois and Tatamagouche were saved from the wreck.
The Tatamagouche one continued to be used till the time
of the building of the new school house.
*A notation from account written by W. Clark Ruasel in English newspaper.
THE BUILDING OF THE "McCLURE," 1900.
TOI.PEDOEO IN MEDITEKRANKAN. JUNE, 1917.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 99
By 1870, shipbuilding had lost its place as the leading
industry of the community, and at the end of another ten
years it could no longer be called an industry at all.
Some of the last ships built by D. and Arch. Camp-
bell were the largest to be launched at Tatamagouche.
The "Jumna", "Edith Carmichael", and "Minnie Car-
michael" were vessels of some 800 to 1000 tons. They
were built in Campbells' yards and were so large that their
bowsprits extended over the highway that runs near the
yards. The building of these ships, practically brought
to an .end the shipbuilding industry at Tatamagouche.
Subsequently small coasting vessels were built. In 1900 and
1904, Capt. Alex. Weatherbie built the "McClure"* and the
" Unity", three masted schooners of about 200 tons each.
The decline of this industry at Tatamagouche was due,
of course, to the loss of the market for wooden sailing vessels,
their place in the work of ocean transportation being gradu-
ally taken by iron and steam craft. The rather premature
close of this industry at Tatamagouche may have been
accelerated by various local conditions, but its final close
was inevitable. At River John, for instance, they continued
to build ships for another ten years, though a good portion
of the ship timber was obtained in the vicinity of this place.
Still, it was only ten years till shipbuilding at River John met
the same fate.
We may, however, before concluding this chapter, add
a few other general observations upon the shipbuilding
i ndustry as carried on at Tatamagouche.
The vessels constructed varied in size from the small
"Jane Ann" of 7 tons to the "Jumna" of 1000 tons. They
were used, according to their size and build, for coasting,
intercolonial and foreign trade. A number were built for
fishing purposes, the "Newfoundlanders", for instance.
The majority were built for sale in the open market but many,
notably the larger ones, were built under contract for persons
in the Old Country or elsewhere. The foremen, as a rule,
did the designing, though when building under contract,
the specifications and drafts were generally sent out by the
buyers. The five classes of vessels so common in those
days — schooner, brigantine, brig, barque, and full-rigged-
*Torpedoed in the Mediterranean, June. 1917.
100 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
ship — were all built at Tatamagouche. The ship market
during those years was so fluctuating and uncertain that the
greatest variance is to be found in the sums realised for like
ships at different periods. There was no gradual and well
ordered fall and rise in the prices, but, as we have seen, with
scarcely any apparent reason or warning, the bottom fell
out of the ship market and vessels frequently sold
for amounts that did not cover their expenses across
the Atlantic. More than one Nova Scotian shipbuilder
has been ruined because of expenses which have accumulated
around a vessel lying unsold in Liverpool, or other foreign
ports. It may, however, be interesting to note the actual
values which were placed upon a few of the many vessels
constructed here. In 1834, Wm. Campbell built a schooner
"Thomas Mahoney" of 94 tons. She was contracted for
persons in England and was to be built for the most part
of black birch and to be fully rigged. For this ship Camp-
bell received £475 or roughly, $2,000. The Customs returns
for 1863 placed the value of the "Staffa", a barque of 309
tons at $12,300; of the "Gertrude" brigantine of 133 tons,
at $5,300; and of the "Glen Tilt", barque of 323 tons, at
$13,000. In 1865, the "Lillie M.', a barque of 349 tons,
was valued at $14,960. These, being Customs returns,
do not exactly represent what the owners received, but
they fairly well indicate the value of ships built at that time.
Considering the large number of ships which were built
here, it is rather surprising how few shares in them were
ever retained by Tatamagouche people. There were, of
course, exceptions, but, as a rule, the builders seemed
desirous of selling their vessels outright; and it was
rarely that they retained any substantial interest. Another
peculiar fact is that, while Tatamagouche was a leading
shipbuilding port, it cannot be said to have been the home
of many sailors. Some of her sons, it is true, have followed
the sea, but, considering the large number of ships were were
constructed and for the first time manned here, the number
is surprisingly few. Indeed, it seems that when a vessel
was launched and sold that as far as the people of Tata-
magouche were concerned was the end of her.
Although this industry conferred few, if indeed any,
permanent benefits upon this place and community,
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 101
still for fifty years it made Tatamagouche a busy
hive of industry. From sunrise to dusk the shores from
Campbell's to Lockerbie's heard the music of the singing
saws and the continual din of hammer, axe and adze. In
the evenings the small village presented a busy scene, men
in groups gathered in the stores, or along the streets, mingling
with sailors from the ships, or farmers from the surrounding
districts. Rum, which was sold as a staple article by all
the local merchants, was plentiful as water and tended in a
great degree to make the evenings merrier and the nights
more hideous.
But those days are gone, never, save in story, to return.
And after all, who would call them back? Theirs was a false
and transient prosperity, which before it was born was
doomed by science to an early death. Shipbuilding, with
all its charms and alluring possibilities, never can, as an
industry, have the same solid and dependable value to a com-
munity as has agriculture. For, while the one produces
only that commerce may be expedited, the other brings
forth from the earth those products which are indispensable
to life itself. If all else should fail, agriculture must and
will go on.
102 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
CHAPTER VIII
THE CHURCHES AND THEIR MINISTERS
''PHE first service conducted at Tatamagouche by a Min-
ister of the Gospel was in the year 1775. It was then
that this community was spiritually uplifted by a visit of
the Rev. James Bennet,* an itinerant missionary of the Church
of England. On the occasion of his visit he administered
the Lord's Supper to twenty-eight communicants. This
was only three years after the arrival of the first permanent
settlers so that this number would include about all the
adult persons then living in the community. Fifteen years
afterwards, Mr. Bennet again visited Tatamagouche. Re-
turning to Pictou, he lost his way and was forced to spend
the night in the woods.
The first settlers, as we have already seen, were intensely
religious and, though they did not have a regular minister
stationed in their midst, they nevertheless held meetings of
their own, and thus kept alive the strong religious principles
for which they were known. In 1793, the coming of the New
Lights among the people at Tatamagouche and River John
caused such serious unrest, that John Langille and George
Patriquin of the latter place sent for Dr. MacGregor of Pictou,
who immediately answered their call. After his visit to
River John, he proceeded to Tatamagouche. At the time,
there were only fourteen families in the settlement, three
Scotch and the others Swiss. All were Protestants, the Scotch
of course, being Presbyterian, and the Swiss Lutheran, though
they nearly all, if not all, became members of the Presby-
terian Church. Dr. MacGregor found that the little settle-
ment had in no wise neglected the spiritual side of life. In
their weekly prayer meetings a Mr. Kelley took an active
part.
"Kelley was an intelligent, able and industrious man to whom they all
became much attached, and through whom they obtained instruction in the
elementary branches of education. This Mr. Kelley, however, set out for
Truro, but never returned. Afterwards his body was found near a pond where
he had perished from cold and hunger, after having erected a slight shelter
and made a fire. His loss proved a great injury to the moral and religious
improvement of the people. "f
*Mr. Bennet resided at Fort Edward (Windsor).
tMemoirs of Dr. MacGregor, page 263.
REV. ROBERT BLACKWOOD.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 103
While at Tatamagouche, people from far and near, some
even from Wallace, came to converse with Dr. MacGregor
at the house of Wellwood Waugh, where he lodged during
his short stay. The weather was stormy, which prevented
him from doing much travelling. On Sunday he preached
at the house of James Bigney which, as we have seen, stood
near the east bank of the French River. So many gathered
that the small house could not contain them and "when par-
ents held up children to be baptized they had go into the
open air to find standing room."*
A few years later Dr. MacGregor again visited Tata-
magouche, River John, and Wallace. This time he came
around by the shore from Pictou to River John and then
through the woods to Tatamagouche. In the following years
he paid several other visits to this place while on his way
to Wallace where a number of Scottish families had settled.
The first minister to hold regular services at Tatama-
gouche was the Rev. John Mitchell, who was born in the spring
of 1765 at Newcastle-on-Tyne, England, where his father
carried on the business of a flour merchant. He left school
after receiving the ordinary common school education, and
began to learn the rope-making trade. Spending his spare
hours in either idleness or wickedness, his life at first was
anything but a Christian one. On a Sunday, while out
rowing, he was saved from drowning by what he believed to
be the intervention of Divine Power. After this he became
a regular attendant at church services, but at the same time
he did not entirely forsake his evil ways. One day, when
on the race track, to which he frequently resorted, he seemed
to come to a fuller realisation of his sins, and then and there
determined to give his life to the ministry.
"The next day", to use his own words, "when others were going to
see the races, I went out to the fields to pray, read and meditate. The Bible
became precious to me, prayer my delight, and divine C3nte.nplation exceeding-
ly sweet to my soul."
He decided to become a minister and in the long way which
led to his entry into that profession, he never faltered.
Preaching in the day time, his spare hours were no longer
given to idleness but rather to study, so that by 1795 he had
obtained sufficient education to enter Horton Academy.
*Memoirs of Dr. MacGregor, page 263.
104 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
When he completed his course at that institution, he was sent
by the London Missionary Society to America. Leaving
London on March 17th, 1800, he arrived at Quebec ten weeks
later. He first received a call from Montreal, but preferred
to go to New Carlisle, which was a poor, struggling congre-
gation, for, to use his own words, "The cries of the poor on
the Bay are more pressing than the cry of the rich in
Montreal."
In 1803, Mitchell made a tour of the coast from Bay of
Chaleur to Canso. On May 5th he preached at River John
and then proceeded to Tatamagouche, Wallace and other
places. In the same year to the great regret of the people
of New Carlisle, he left them to take up his work at Amherst.
When, in 1808, that congregation had so increased in wealth
and number that it was well able to support a minister of
its own, he bade it farewell to take up the more arduous
duties of attending to the spiritual needs of River John and
Tatamagouche. He resided at the former place and removed
his family there in the following year. He held regular
monthly services at Tatamagouche; in the winter they would
meet in the larger houses and during the summer in the
new frame barn of Wellwood Waugh.
Waugh was his right-hand man at Tatamagouche;
besides being a regular attendant, he aided his minister
financially as well. The difficulty of providing funds to pay the
minister his promised salary is not confined to the present
day. Frequently in addition to paying his full share, Waugh
advanced money for the congregation. On his books
you frequently find this entry: "To sum lente for paying
the minister." The little congregation suffered greatly
because of the need of a regular place of worship. The houses
were all too small as well as inconvenient, and lacked
the inspiration which a regular place of worship will in
time possess. At various times, encouraged by their minister,
the people endeavoured to erect a meeting house,
but without success. Differences that could not, or would
not be reconciled, arose, and the project was abandoned.
At length, in 1820, Waugh, who was now not only advanced
in age, but also in the material things of this world, under-
took, with the aid of his sons, to build the church. The
following is what he himself says about this matter:
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 105
"This settlement being favoured with the preaching of the Gospei, the
inhabitants thereof concluded, as a duty indispensable and necessary, to pre-
pare a place of public worship. Meetings were held and plans were arranged
to carry the same into effect. Their resolution in this was short lived, because
incoherently dividing in their opinion concerning matters of small importance,
they soon desisted from their imaginary ideas, which seemed rather to frustrate
than to propogate the gospel among them. Measures were again adopted
for the same purpose by a contracted number of individuals but with little
better success; having erected a frame adjacent to the place where the meeting
house now stands, dissensions analogous to the former arose, and instead
of coalescing with and supporting each other, they disunited and irresolutely
desisted from the work.
"Having by these polemical controversies which were alloyed with no
inconsiderable mixture of prejudice and opposition (a character unbecoming
to professors of Christianity) overturned the whole system of their former
resolutions, a purpose more circumscribed than the former now takes place,
the aforementioned Waugh with his sons Thomas, William and Wellwood*,
independent of others, begins and carries into effect the putting up of a meeting
house, a delineation of which we have in the following piece of poetry: —
"Altho. in number few we be
Thy Promise is to two or three,
We'rt only four here as we stand
We beg thy counsel and direct
And also be Thou the architect.
We'll go to work with heart and hand,
A house will build at Thy command.
No sacrifice property we desire to have
But free-will offering from all friends we crave.
On the apostle's doctrine and Christ alone
We lay the foundation and build thereon;
And from all dangers keep us free,
From Popery and from prelacy.
We pray for a blessing by Thy grace
On him who labours in word and doctrine in this place;
Let him and us preserved be
Until this house be dedicated a church to Thee.
All jarring contests we will putraise,
And turn them to Thy glorious praise,
Thy promise is, and cannot fail,
Against Thy Church the gates of Hell shall not prevail.
The ten commandments our guides shall be
But cannot keep one of them perfectly
The Westminster Confession of Faith shall be our guide,
And all the doctrines as they do stand
Covenants as they were sworn to with uplifted hands."
"It is recommended that the members of the congregation would nominate
and appoint two or three of their members to be chosen annually for the
purpose of inspecting and for keeping in repair the meeting house and what-
ever emolument may accrue from the letting of seats to be appropriated to
the use of the minister, and that a minute book and register may be kept by
them. It is a common thing that where a place of common worship is, the
burying ground also is public, but here it is to be observed that it was deter-
mined by the proprietors of the meeting house that whoever contributed
to the aid of the same should have a right to and privilege of occupying a
*Waugh*3 other son, Alexander, had died previously.
106 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
part of the burying ground, but those who did not, were to be excluded from
any claim thereto. Therefore let it be known that from henceforth none
may claim or have a privilege there but their proprietors, thereof, their
families or those to whom they may grant permission.
Tatamagouche, August, 1820.
Contributions etc., Alex McNab, a bell."
Thus it came to pass that in August, 1820, the
place of worship which has since been known as the "Willow
Church" was opened for service. Disregarding the small
Catholic Chapel, which was built by the French during
their short stayyit was the first church of any denomination
to be erected in North Colchester. We are at least safe
in saying that it was the first church erected by a Protes-
tant denomination in this community. It was the inten-
tion of the builders that pews should be placed therein,
but this plan was never carried out and for many years the
worshippers were obliged, while their souls received spiritual
refreshment, to get from the wooden benches what comfort
they could for their physical bodies. In the interior at one
end, stood the high pulpit which for years was so character-
istic of Presbyterian churches. Doubtless it, too, had the
usual wide swinging doors. Before this commanding pulpit,
from which old and young, through the succeeding years,
eagerly heard the Divine message, sat the precentors,
who in the absence of any musical instrument led the con-
gregation in singing Psalms of David in the Scottish version —
hymns in those days being debarred. Aaron Crowe, of
the Mountain, who had been a music master in Halifax, was
one of the precentors. Who can ever think of this old
church and not imagine that he hears them singing still,
the blending of the voices of men and women and even of
little children as they poured forth into such verses as these:
"The Lord's my shepherd, I'll not want,
He makes me down to lie
In pastures green: he leadeth me,
The quiet waters by."
or again:
"I to the hills will lift mine eyes
From whence doth come mine aid"?
Gone are all the singers, but the words they sang live immortal.
This old Willow Church was built a little to the east of
the present one, which was erected some time in the "fifties."51
*At the time of the resignation of the Rev . Robert Blackwood from the Tatama-
gouche Presbyterian congregation, the Willow Church portion of the congregation supported
him and it was then that the present church was built.
REV. HUGH Ross
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 107
In the August gale the church suffered serious loss, its roof
being carried away by the hurricane.
In the "Presbyterian Witness" of August 27th, 1859,
we find the following comment upon the erection of the new
church:
"The Willow Church (the old church is referred to) is gone, and so are
the congregation that sat in it, the minister who preached in it, and the very
willows that so beautifully surrounded and overshadowed it. Why, oh why
was the woodsman's axe permitted to fell those venerable and charming trees?
Surely this was an act of vandalism. The stumps are here among the graves
but the willows that were wont at morn and even to weep over the dead
are gone. The only consolation is that an elegant new church has succeeded
the old one, and that the Gospel is still preached here faithfully to an increasing
congregation."
The writer of the above quotation had great veneration
for the old church which, he says, was "fragrant with the
memory of good old Wellwood Waugh and all the fathers
of the hamlet." He is perhaps a little severe in his attack
upon those who destroyed the willows. There were, in all
probability, practical reasons for such an "act of vandalism".
About 1822, Mr. Mitchell began monthly services in
New Annan. We have already seen that that community was
first settled in 1815 by John Bell who, in 1822, was joined by
Wm. Byers, Thomas Swan, James McGeorge and Wm.
Scott. These men, though few in number were accus-
tomed to hold weekly prayer meetings either in their
own houses or in the school house. The old people of
New Annan often used to tell how on a Sabbath that their
Pastor was not to preach there, they would skate on the
ice to Tatamagouche and even to River John, attend two
services and return home the same day. Owing to the increase
of settlers these communities had so grown in wealth and
numbers that by 1826 Tatamagouche and New Annan felt
strong enough to themselves support a minister and in that
year they extended a call to Rev. Hugh Ross. Mr. Mitchell
continued to labour in River John till death claimed him
in 1841.
"Mr. Mitchell was above the ordinary size, well formed, and sinewy; of
a fair complexion and cheerful countenance. Although he made no pre-
tensions to extent of learning, lie was acute and possessed of a respectable
share of general information. He was a good man, and his memory is much
and justly revered."
As we have already noted in an earlier chapter, Mr.
Ross was a native of Invernesshire, and in 1813 came with
108 HISTORY OT TATAMAGOUCHE
his father to Nova Scotia, where he remained for a number
of years in the mercantile business in Halifax. He then
joined his father who had settled at or near Hopewell in
Pictou County. In 1820, Divinity Hall was opened in con-
nection with Pictou Academy. Dr. McCullough was the
first professor of Theology. Four years later, Mr. Ross,
with five others, completed the prescribed course and was
licensed and ordained to preach the Gospel. These six
men, it may be noted, were the first fruits of this institution
which was itself the first Presbyterian Theological School
in Canada. After his ordination, Mr. Ross laboured as
an evangelist in Cape Breton until in 1826 he received and
accepted a call to the congregation of Tatamagouche and
New Annan.
There is no roll in existence of those who were elders
and communicants at the time of the induction of Mr.
Ross, but they included nearly all, if not all, of the
adult members of the community for all, irrespective of
their former religious beliefs, attached themselves to the
Presbyterian Church. In the handwriting of Mr. Ross,
still legible, is the roll of those who became members
during the subsequent years. This will be found in Appendix
B. We find in 1831, the following elders in this congrega-
tion: James Munroe, New Annan; Alex. Sherar, Tatama-
gouche Mountain; James Leaper, New Annan; Duncan Dewar,
Dewar's River; Edward Langille, John Currie, and John
Bonyman.
When Mr. Ross came to Tatamagouche there was but
one place of worship, the Willow Church, which, as we have
seen, was erected in 1820. The need of a house of worship
in a more central part of his congregation was a real one, and
Mr. Ross' first endeavours were to meet this need. He was
successful and a church was erected* in the north-east corne
of the lot now used as the village cemetery.
Mr. Ross' duties were, to say the least, most arduous. His
congregation was scattered and extended from the Head of the
*Exaot date unknown.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 109
Bay* to Waugh's River, while in the interior it included all
the districts of New Annan and Tatamagouche Mountain,
districts which were being rapidly populated by people who
expected and desired regular religious services. Mr. Ross,
too, encountered difficulties which, thanks to sane legislation,
do not exist today to the same degree as they did then.
Liquor was openly sold, not in contravention of the laws of
the land, but rather under their protection. This of itself was a
great hindrance to the moral and spiritual development of
the community and added greatly to the many burdens of
the minister.
It was Mr. Ross who, in 1830, preached the funeral
sermon of the late Dr. MacGregor. The manuscript of this
sermon is still preserved, now in the possession of Peter
A. MacGregor, New Glasgow, who is a grandson of the
late Dr. MacGregor.
"It is written on two sides of a small sheet of paper about four by six
inches, and in exceedingly small hand, with very close lines, yet clear and dis-
tinct to good sharp eyes. . . This unique manuscript was given to Mr
MacGregor by a daughter of the author. Either he must have had exceedingly
keen eyesight, or else he did not use liis manuscript in the delivery of tiiis
sermon, "f
It may be noted that this was the usual way for Mr. Ross
to prepare his sermons, a number of which are extant.
In 1840, differences arose between minister and congre-
gation— differences which at length became so serious that
Mr. Ross considering the interest of all concerned, tendered
his resignation. He then joined the Synod of the Church
of Scotland and became pastor of the congregation of George-
town and Murray Harbour in Prince Edward Island. Sub-
sequently when he relinquished this charge he rejoined
the Synod of Nova Scotia.
Having completed his active ministry, Mr. Ross returned
to spend the evening of his life at his old home in Tatama-
*The first church service held at Bay Head was in a little log school house. When the
congregation grew larger, services were held by Rev. Hugh Ross of Tatamagouche in a barn
owned by Wm. Dobson. A threshing floor with a table and chair furnished the convenience
for the parson, hay mows as seats for the people. They did not have money at the time to
go ahead and build a church; they did so by hard labour. The people united as one family
from Clark's Point (at that time J. P. Mclntosh's) to McClure's, decided to have a church
built. They called a meeting formed a committee consisting of Geo. Johnson, James Johnson,
Wellwood Johnson, Dr. McDonald, W. Dobson, D. Cunningham, Jacob Spinney and several
others. The meeting resolved that every man should throw off his coat. They then went
to the forest with axes and adzes, hewed a frame and built a church — a union church. The
same church stands today — a union church — a united people." — An Old Timer, "Colchester
Sun," Nov. 16, 1916.
f'Presbyterian Witness."
110 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
gouche, where he was welcomed by those who had been his
firm friends during the days of his ministry there. He died
suddenly of heart disease on the 1st day of December, 1858.
It has been said of him that "he was a man of good talents,
of kindly disposition, and was a clear and forcible preacher
of the Gospel both in English and in Gaelic."
In 1840, a call was extended to the Rev. Robt. Black-
wood, who was the pastor at Shubenacadie. Mr. Blackwood
accepted the call and was duly inducted into the charge of
the congregation. Mr. Blackwood was a native of Kinross,
Scotland, and left that country with the intention of settling
in the State of Ohio. When he reached Halifax he was
persuaded that there was as much need for him in Nova
Scotia as in Ohio. So he remained, and in October of 1816,
was settled as pastor of the wide spread congregation of
Nine Mile River, Gay's River and Shubenacadie. There
he continued to labor for twenty-four years.
The call from Tatamagouche to Mr. Blackwood, with
the original signatures, is still preserved. A copy will be
found in Appendix C. There are no records to show who
were the elders and communicants at the time of Mr. Black-
wood's induction, but eleven years later, in 1851, we find that
the following were members of the united session of Tata-
magouche and New Annan: Edward Langille, David William-
son, John Currie, James Hingley, John Nelson, and George
Shearer for Tatamagouche, and Robert Byers, Gavin Bell,
and Irvine Bell for New Annan.
Mr. Blackwood, before coming to Nova Scotia, had ac^
quired some knowledge and experience in the medical pro-
fession, or perhaps, more correctly speaking, in the admin-
istering of drugs, and so during the course of his ministry
he frequently brought bodily as well as spiritual relie/f to the
sufferer. At times he kept a diary, in which you will find
such items as these:
"Jan. 18th, 1841. Mr. , suffering from a severe cold, bled and
gave a second dose of medicine.
Jan. 23rd, 1841. Man from Purvis' cook house was bled and received
two doses of medicine.
"1st February. Mr. Hugh a sore thumb for a long time." etc. etc.
As a rule Mr. Blackwood prepared his sermons by writing
them in full. He wrote a fine, clear hand which the student
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 111
of today will experience little difficulty in reading. He
kept a collection of all his sermons with the date of delivery,
etc.
Both Mr. Ross and Mr. Black wood received but a
small remuneration for their services. Scarcely ever was their
salary paid in full and during the later year of their
ministries at Tatamagouche their income fell far short of the
promised amount. Nor was the stipend as a rule paid in cash.
In the books for both of these reverend gentlemen items such
as these form the majority: "By cod fish." "By 50 Ibs.
oat meal." "By two days' ploughing." "By 20 Ibs. butter."
"By days teaching children." It is not difficult to guess
that John Currie was credited with the last item.
In 1852) Mr. Blackwood resigned his charge at Tatama-
gouche but continued to minister to the New Annan and
Willow Church portions of the congregation. He then
removed from his old home, near where Mrs. Crowe now
lives, to the house now occupied by Charles Brown. He
died on December 12th, 1857, in the seventy-third year of
his age and the forty-third of his ministry. We quote
the following from the "Presbyterian Witness" of the same
year:
"It is said that he was a man of much mental energy; that his memory
was remarkably retentive; that he delivered his discourses with a natural
eloquence which rendered them peculiarly impressive and that he was chari-
table and liberal in his views, drawing together men of very different sects,
so that it was not uncommon to see sitting under his ministry Baptists,
Methodists and Roman Catholics, as well as Presbyterians."
Of those who sat in the Tatamagouche congregation during
the ministry of the Rev. Robert Blackwood there are but
few alive today, but these still remember the eloquence
and power of this man and are willing witnesses to the veracity
of the above quotation.
Mr. Blackwood was succeeded by the Rev. James Byers
who, on May 31st, 1853, was inducted into the charge of
the Tatamagouche portion of the congregation, which now
included the village proper, French River, Brule, and that
portion of New Annan which had not separated itself from
the Tatamagouche congregation at the time of the resigna-
tion of Mr. Blackwood. The Willow Church portion, as
we have seen, had united with New Annan.
112 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
R. L. Byersj, George H. Oliver and J. Irvine Bell repre-
sented as elders the New Annan section of the Tatamagouche
congregation.
In 1858, after the death of Mr. Blackwood, upon petition
of Murray Waugh, John Nelson and others, the Willow
Church section was once more united to Tatamagouche
congregation to which it is still attached.
In 1854, during the ministry of Mr. Byers, the present
village church was erected, though since that time it has
been enlarged and improved. It was in that year that the
name "Sharon Church" was first adopted. John Irvine,
William Fraser, and Archibald Patterson werte the first
trustees, and the following signed the constitution: John
Irvine, M. Heughen, D. A. Campbell, John McConnell,
Robert Logan, John Millar, Robt. Bryden, David Gilmore,
Hugh McNutt, Wm. Fraser, James Talbot, Edward Kent,
James McKeen, Chas. Reilly, John Heughen, Stewart Kis-
lepaugh, David Tattrie, Wellwood Hutchison, Arch. Patter-
son, John Lombard, Wm. Campbell, Robert McLeod, John
Dumphy, James Tattrie, Geo. Lombard, Michael Tucker,
James Marshall, Arch Campbell, James McBurnie, Jas.
Blair, James Chambers, Geo. Patriquin, Robt. McLeod,
David Langille, Jas. Weatherbie, John Bonyman, Henderson
Gass, Mary Campbell, John Gould, Roderick McDonald,
. P. Mclntosh. Of these, all have passed away, Henderson
Gass, who died in the winter of 1912, being the last survivin
signatory.
To cover a portion of the expense of building the church,
the pews were ordered to be "sold at auction at an upset
price to be put thereon". Besides the auction price, the
holder of the pew was obliged to pay a yearly rent, and in
cases in which the arrears in rent exceeded the purchase
price, the trustees were empowered to take possession of
such pew and dispose of it in any way they saw fit. The
cost of this building amounted to somewhere around
£580. One contribution in particular should be mentioned.
Messrs. Millar, Houghton & Co., of Liverpool, England,
for whom Hon. Alex. Campbell had built a number
of ships, generously donated a bell which was valued at
£40 sterling. This is the same bell which through the
succeeding years has done such faithful service, and today,
REV. DK. SEDGWICK
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 113
although fifty years have elapsed, remains in good condition
and continues to call the people of Tatamagouche to their
house of worship.
In 1859, Mr. Byers resigned his charge at Tatamagouche
and moved to Clifton, Colchester County, where he con-
tinued in his work of the ministry. He was a man of the
finest type, gentlemanly in his ways and Christian in his
character. While not gifted as a speaker to the same degree
as his predecessor, he was nevertheless a sound preacher,
holding the confidence, respect and regard of a community
which consisted of peoples of different creeds and character.
It was not the wish of his people that he should leave them;
only their inability at the time to pay him the proper stipend
obliged him to sever his connection with the congregation.
"Mr. Byers was a graduate of our West River Seminary and also a student
at Princeton. His first pastorate was at Shelburne, where he laboured seven
years, travelling over a widely extended field. The people to whom he min-
istered were deeply attached to him and when leaving they said of him that
for compactness of composition and graceful beauties of style, he had no
superior in the church. He died 21st May, 1877."*
Shortly after the resignation of Mr. Byers, a call was
extended to the then Thomas Sedgwick, licentiate, who was
born in Aberdeen, Scotland. His father was Dr. Robert
Sedgwick, minister at Musquodoboit. After coming to Nova
Scotia, he completed his theological course at the West
River Seminary and on September 19th, 1860, was ordained
and inducted into the charge of the Presbyterian congre-
gation at Tatamagouche, a charge which he faithfully per-
formed for forty-nine years till on October 31st, 1909, he
preached his farewell sermon and brought to a close his active
connection with the congregation.
At the time of the induction of Dr. Sedgwick, that
portion of the New Annan district which had remained with
the Tatamagouche congregation at the time of the resignation
of Mr. Blackwood, decided to unite with the New Annan
congregation, and from that time the separation of Tata-
magouche and New Annan as a congregation has been
complete. This still left a large field for Dr. Sedgwick.
Besides the two services which he regularly conducted each
Sunday in the village church, he, as a rule, held a service
*Kxtractfrom Article on Tatamagouche Congregation by Rev. A. B. Dickie, in "Presby-
terian Witness", Aug. 1913.
114 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
at one of the following places: Willow Church, Waugh's
River, Tatamagouche Mountain, The Falls, and latterly
at Balfron. Besides attending to these services and the
various other duties of a pastor of so large a congregation,
Dr. Sedgwick took an active part in attending to the interests
of the Presbyterian Church as a whole. He was Moderator
of Synod in 1885 and in 1893 was moderator of the General
Assembly and has been clerk of Synod since 1886.
That Dr. Sedgwick was most successful in the discharge
of his duties goes without saying. His difficulties were not
always light ones. The community saw many dark and
changing days but through them all the congregation increased
in membership and in financial strength. At the beginning
of his ministry only one hundred and twenty-five names
were on the church roll; at the close the membership had
increased to three hundred and sixty-eight, notwithstanding
the fact that in the meanwhile the community had not
increased in population. Various causes may have con-
tributed to bring this about, but no small share of the credit
must go to the man who, during that time, had in the con-
gregation the chief post of responsibility.
In addition to his professional duties, Dr. Sedgwick took
a prominent and leading place in any work for the welfare
of the community. For a number of years he was a school
commissioner and even after resigning that position, his
interest in the school children never failed. During the
course of his regular visits to the schools, he always sought
to impress upon the children a better and broader sense
of patriotism.
In no part of this small work has the writer felt so keenly
his inability to do full justice to his subject as he does when
dealing with the ministry of the Rev. Dr. Sedgwick If
it were to be told in full it might well fill the entire pages of
this small volume. Only one who has lived and sat in the
congregation for the last fifty years could do justice to such
a theme, and unfortunately there is scarcely such a person
alive today.
We believe that, with one or two exceptions, it is the
longest ministry in the history of the Presbyterian Church
in Canada. At its close it was a different congregation — save
in name — to the one to which he had ministered forty-nine
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 115
years before. Not one who was present at the induction
service of 1860 was present when, on October 31st, 1909,
Dr. Sedgwick delivered his farewell sermon. Of the one
hundred and twenty-five members of the congregation at
the commencement of his ministry only seventeen were
still alive. They were as follows: Mrs. James Semple,
Miss Isabella Ross*, Mrs. James McKeen*, Mrs. Robert
Bryden*, Miss Margaret Bentley*, Mrs. William Blackwood*,
Mrs. David Fraser*, Mrs. David Williamson*, Mrs. William
Donaldson, Mrs. George Reid, Mrs. Archibald Patterson,
Mrs. J. S. McLean*, Mrs. John Millar*, Mrs. Edward Kent,
Mrs. Sutherland, Mrs. McLearn*, and Miss Mary Hutchin-
son, and of these the last seven had ceased to have active
connection with the congregation. It is to be noted that
there was not a surviving male member either at Tata-
magouche or elsewhere.
At the time of Dr. Sedgwick's induction, there were
only three elders: John Currie, John Nelson, and James
Hingley. In the autumn of 1860, Archibald Patterson,
William Fraser, James Langille and John Clark were elected
as elders. We may note the following who subsequently
were elected elders: Wm. Blackwood, Arch. Mingo, Archibald
Campbell, Wm. Donaldson, John Ross, David Donaldson,
David Malcolm, Alex. Sutherland, Frederick Meagher, Daniel
Urquhart, David Chambers, John Chambers, Wm. Kennedy,
Amos McLellan, Alex. Millar, John J. Clark, Daniel McKay,
and E. C. McLellan. This, however, may not be an exhaust-
ive liet:
Sunday and Monday, the 2nd and 3rd October, 1910*
were days that long will be remembered at Tatamagouche, for
on these days were held the Jubilee services which celebrated
Dr. Sedgwick's connection of fifty years with this congregation.
On Sunday, special services conducted by Rev. Dr. Forrest,
Rev. Clarence McKinnon, and Rev. George Millar were
held and on Monday evening there was the concluding service.
Rev. Dr. Forrest occupied the chair. An address from the
Presbytery of Wallace was read by Rev. Mr. Fitzpatrick
of New Annan, and one from the congregation by R. D.
Malcolm. These were accompanied by a gift of $500
to Dr. Sedgwick, and a gold brooch to Mrs. Sedgwick.
*Sinc« deceased.
116 HISTORY- OF TATAMAGOUCHE
The Address of the Committee appointed to represent the
Maritime Provinces was read by Dr. John McMillan.
"It referred to the high esteem in which Dr. Sedgwick was held by his
brother clergymen, to his kindness of heart, gentleness of manner, and un-
wavering faith in the old Gospel; to his strong sense of honour and duty,
ability as a preacher, and earnest and untiring devotion to the interests of
the church and its work."
This address was accompanied by a further gift of $300.00
from his friends in the Synod.
"Dr. Sedgwick made a dignified, humble and touching reply, expressing
his heartfelt appreciation of the kind words and gifts of his friends. One
thing in the address expressed the exact truth — the most kindly and generous
appreciation in word and gift of the character and work of his dear wife."*
Other addresses were by W. A. Patterson, who welcomed the
visiting friends, Hon. B. F. Pearson, Judge Patterson, W. D.
Hill and others.
Though no longer actively connected with the congre-
gation, Dr. Sedgwick is still residing in Tatamagouche and
continues to give his congregation of the past that advice and
those words of wisdom which can only come from one whose
sound judgment has been coupled with years of experience.
The least we can say of him is that now, even perhaps in
a greater degree than ever, he holds the respect, admiration
and affection of those with whom he has been acquainted.
The people of Tatamagouche, like the people of every
other small village, have on divers occasions been rent
asunder by controversies and divisions whi h for a time
formed breaches which seemed almost ir eparable. But
among the various religious denominations at Tatama-
gouche such controversiesis and disputes are happily removed.
Ever since the day that old Wellwood Waugh unfurled the
banner of his mother church, the Presbyterians have been
in overwhelming preponderance, for, as we have already
seen, they were able as early as 1826 to obtain and have resid-
ing in their midst a premanent minister. At his church and
that of his successors all denominations have attended and
have been welcomed.
In 1867 the Episcopalians felt themselves strong enough
to erect a church where they could carry on their own form
tQuotations are fromareport of the Jubilee Servicesin the "Presbyterian Witnegs," October
8. 1910.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 117
of worship. In their endeavour they had nothing but the
best wishes from their Presbyterian friends. In the erection
of this church at Tatamagouche, the name of Mrs. Irvine
stands out most prominently. She it was who, most inde-
fatigable in her efforts, finally saw partial success crown
her endeavours.*
Before this time they had had occasional visits from the
Rev. Charles Elliot, who became Rector at Pictou in 1834,
and in whose first parish was embraced the whole of the North
Shore from Pugwash to Stellarton. In 1865, he retired
from active work and returned to England, where he died a
few years later. Rev. Mr. Kaulbach succeeded Mr. Elliot
as Episcopal Minister at River John, and after the com-
pletion of the church at Tatamagouche, held regular services
there. After four years' service, Mr. Kaulbach removed to
Truro. He was afterwards appointed an Archdeacon. He
died in March, 1913.
Rev. J. L. Downing succeeded Mr. Kaulbach and as
part of his work he continued to hold services at Tata-
magouche, during the last years in summer months only.
Unfortunately, the congregation became weaker rather
than stronger. Death removed many of the older members
who had been most active in the work of the congregation.
Many moved away and none came to fill their places. Others
allied themselves with the Presbyterian Church. William
Buckler was one of the most active supporters and a most
faithful attendant. After his death in 1900 no more services
were held. Mr. Downing continued for thirty-seven years
as Rector at River John. He died April, 1912.
In Tatamagouche there were always a small number
who favoured the doctrines of John Wesley; but it has not
been more than thirty years -since they have had a place of
worship of their own. The late Alex Bonyman was one
of the leading members of this congregation, which
is a part of the River John circuit. Twice a month
services are held here by the minister stationed in that
circuit. The ministers with their year of appointment are
* "Alter much consultation about ways aud means, it was determined to build a rhurch
at Tatamaeouche to accommodate 175 worshipi-ers. Through the exertions of friends at
Charlottetown, Pictou, Halifax, Truro, and i.unenhura:, and the hard work of the people
in the Mission itself, two successful bazaars were held and the church was beaun in 1866.
It was finished and ready lor consecration in March, 18P7." — " History of St. John's Church,"
Truro, N. 8., by Rev J. A. Kaulbach.
118 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
as follows: 1891, Rev. Wm. Nightingale; 1893, James B. Heal;
1895, Donald Farquhar; 1899, Charles M. Mack; 1903,
C. H. C. McLaren; 1905, Hibbert R. Baker; 1909, Dr. G. J.
Bond; 1911, H. B. Townsend; 1914, Ernest Ploughman.
For a number of years, Rev. Robert McCunn, of River
John, held services at Tatamagouche for those who were
members and adherents of the Established Church of Scot-
land. No church was ever built, but regular services were
held in the Town Hall. At the time of the union, the members
of this church at Tatamagouche wisely decided to join the
congregation of Dr. Sedgwick, in which they became loyal
and useful members. Among those who were active in
support of the Established Church at this place we may
note: Robert Purves ST., William McKenzie, Alex.
McLeod, Andrew Urquhart and George Douglas. These,
all came to Tatamagouche from various places in Pictou
County. Mr. McCunn, after the union, continued
to minister to the congregation in River John, which for
some time did not enter the union. He died in 1895. Mr.
McCunn was an able preacher. His ability as a
student was far above the average and his course at college
was a most distinguished one. It has been said of him:
"To his own congregation he was loyal; to other people
ever charitable and ready to be helpful."*
*S>ee "Kiver John and Its People", by Rev. G. Lawson Gordon.
ALONG THE SHORE, TATAMAGOTJCHE, N. S.
TATAMAGOUCHE RIVER AND HARBOR
(1) Ross' POINT; (2) WETHERBIE'S POINT: (3) MALA GASH; (4) STEEI.E'S
ISLAND, (5) OLD BTTRY ING-GROUND.
HISTORY OP TATAMAGOUCHE 119
CHAPTER IX
1870-1917
TN the preceding chapters have been briefly recorded the
most important events in Tatamagouche up until
the decline of the shipbuilding industry. To bring this short
sketch to a close, nothing remains but to note a few of the
many changes and events since that time.
The greatest change is undoubtedly found in the indus-
trial life of the village and community. Then, shipbuilding
was the main industry of the place. Farming, of course,
was carried on but there were only a few who devoted all
their time and efforts to this industry. The farms, as a
rule, were neglected and yielded but poor returns to the
half-hearted efforts of the men who were primarily inter-
ested in the shipbuilding and lumber industries. The entrance
of steamers as a real factor in the commercial world soon de-
stroyed the English market for wooden sailing vessels. About
the same time the Newfoundland market for fishing vessels
failed, so that by the "eighties" no ships were built at Tata-
magouche for foreign markets. A few small ones for local
coasting were the only product of the shipyards of that date.
The depletion of this industry had for a while a dis-
astrous affect upon the place. Men for the first time found
that they were unable to obtain remunerative employment.
Numbers at once left to obtain work in the United States and
elsewhere. Others, mostly those who were older and who
could not well leave, returned to farming. From this for
years they were able to make but a poor living. The farms
had "run out" and while there was as yet no home market
for farm produce, the American market was closed by a high
tariff. Prices were low and nearly all the pay for
produce was taken in goods from the stores of the local
merchants. Cash prices were the exception rather than
the rule. Those were the days when, to use the rather verna-
cular expression, "You couldn't pick up a dollar in every
cow track."
The lumber industry had also declined. The first settlers
in their mad haste to clear and cultivate the land, looked
upon the forest as their natural enemy and attacked it, as
120 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
has been said, with "fire and sword". Valuable timber
land was, only too often, by laborious effort converted into
farms which were to prove valueless for agricultural purposes.
The lumbermen showed but little better discretion. It never
seemed to occur to them that the forests, vast as they then
were, would eventually be exhausted. The result was that
by the ''nineties" the stock of original timber had become
scarce, and now practically all that is cut is second growth.
Of late years the market for timber has so increased, and
prices have so advanced, that though the quality of the
timber is inferior to that of thirty or forty years ago, the
total value of an average year's cut is probably greater.
During the last few years lumber shipments from Tatama-
gouche have been abnormally large.
In the early days all the lumber was sawn by small
water mills. Later on the stationary steam mill came into
use. D. and Arch. Campbell, about 1870, had a steam
mill* erected on the bank of the French River near their
shipyards. This continued to give employment to a number
of men until it was finally closed down at the death of Archi-
bald Campbell in 1891. John Bonyman & Sons are yet
operating a small saw mill iii connection with their wood-
working factory. The only other attempt at sawing in
the village was by Joseph and Arch. Langille, of New Annan,
who, in 1897, erected and for a year operated a small
mill on the shore adjacent to Patterson's wharf. David
Malcolm also ran this mill for a year. Today nearly all
the lumbering is done by portable steam mills which, in
winter time can be moved into lots that have a good second
growth. The Maple Leaf Lumber Company are the largest
shippers from this place. Wm. Swan & Sons make yearly
shipments of over a million feet.
In the old days, the lumber was rafted out of the harbour
and loaded in barques and other large vessels which were
unable to come further than the bar. Market was found
chiefly in the Old Country, but occasional cargoes were sent
to the West Indies and South America. After the openin ;
of the railway, lumber was shipped either to Pugwash or
Pictou, and there loaded upon steamers or vessels bound
for the Old Country. The only lumber shipped directly
*Also a grist mill.
•'•>.
W. A. PATTERSON
MEMBER PROVIXCIAL PARLIAMENT 1874-86
MEMBER HOUSE OF COMMONS 1891-fi
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 121
from the wharves was in small vessels which were able to
sail up the river. This was for the Prince Edward Island
market. This trade still continues.
It has been in agriculture that the greatest progress has
been made. The fertile valleys of the French and Waugh's
Rivers and the undulated slopes of the harbours of Tata-
magouche, Brule and Barrachois, now form one of the most
prosperous farming communities in Nova Scotia. But it
was not without discouraging days that the farmers reached
the prosperity of today. The decline of shipbuilding, as
we have seen, forced men from necessity to return to their
farms and in the majority of cases it was only after years
of unprofitable labour that the farms were worked into better
shape. With the development of the coal mining and the
various other industries throughout Nova Scotia, particularly
in Cape Breton, Pictou, and Cumberland Counties, came a
ready and convenient market for farm produce. The building
of the railway in the year 1890 was a great boon to the
farmers, as it was the means of permitting them to market
their produce whenever and in whatever manner they chose.
Previous to this time, the merchants or farmers before they
could make shipments, were obliged to wait until a vessel
was ready to sail, or until there was enough produce to bear
the expense of an eighteen mile drive to Wentworth, the
nearest railway station. Improved methods and the latest
implements have also been introduced into the farming of
this community. As long as the good markets keep up, and
the farmers continue to give their undivided attention to
this industry, there is every prospect that it will continue
to be in the future, as in the present, the basic industry
of this community
Then there has been a great change both in the business
men and in the business methods. Such names as Campbell,
Purvis, Blackwood, Logan, Millar, once so common here
that it might be said that they were synonymous with the
name Tatamagouche itself, have all passed away from the
mercantile life of the village. In fact not one male of these
names is today residing at Tatamagouche. In the days
of shipbuilding, the credit system in Tatamagouche, as
elsewhere throughout Nova Scotia, was carried to the extreme
limit. The builders themselves often sold their vessels
122 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
on credit. In the meantime their employees obtained goods
out of the store, which nearly every shipbuilder ran as
part of his business. Often the men would, so to speak,
"over-draw their account" and become indebted to their
employers. Next year, to square the account, they would
be given employment. In some cases this went on
from year to year. The result was that the employee
became discouraged with the prospect of being always
in debt and failed to put his best endeavours into his
work. The credit system as it was then carried on was
unprofitable to both employee and employer. While this
system has not by any means ceased, it is not carried on
to such an extent as before. Farmers and merchants now
receive cash for all their products, while the labourers in the
lumber woods or elsewhere receive monthly wages, so that
now cash prices, which were once the exception, are the
rule.
Then in the professional life of this little village there
has been almost a complete change. Only the venerable Dr.
Sedgwick, who came here in the autumn of 1860, still remains.
Since that time he was the only minister permanently
residing in Tatamagouche until in 1906 when Rev. Wm.
Forbes came here as one of the pastors of the Presbyterian
congregation, and four years later, on the retirement of
Dr. Sedgwick, assumed the full pastoral charge of that con-
gregation.
In the medical profession* there have been many changes.
Dr. E. D. Roach, through failing health, was forced to
give up his practice in the spring of 1901. Dr. D. M. John-
son and Dr. J. W. Clark practiced here till their deaths in
1907 and 1913 respectively. The former was a graduate
of the Nova Scotia Medical College, and the latter of McGill
with a post-graduate course at Edinburgh. Dr. E. B. Roach
practised here from 1901 till 1906, when he removed to
*Tae first me.iical man to come to Tatamagouche was an Englishman, Dr. _Edward
Garnie of Truro. He never resided at Tatamagouche, but was ia the habit of making fort-
nightly visits. He would leave medicines and instructions with Mrs. Campbell, who saw
that they were properly administered. In 1829, we find his name as surgeon in one of the
local Militia units. Young Dr. Anderson, of Pictou, after Carrite's time, came to Tatama-
irouche and lived in the old Williamson house. About 1840, came Charles Creed, M. D., from
Halifax. He lived first in the house now owned by Mrs. Spinney, but subsequently moved
across the French River. He removed to Pugwash. Then came a Dr. Henry Kirkwopd of
Pictou, and Dr. Marshall. The latter, who was a son of Judge Marshall, Sydney, continued
at Tatamagouche for some time. He lived at Mrs. Irvine s where he died in 1860 at the early
age of thirty-four. During the "seventies" and "eighties" other medical men made short
stays. They were Drs. McLean, Baxter, Kent, and Creelman.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 123
Halifax. Dr. Dan Murray succeeded him, and in 1914 took
into partnership with him Dr. C. L. Gass, one of our own
Tatamagouche boys.
We have only had one member of the legal profession
at Tatamagouche. J. J. McKay, a graduate of Dalhousie
Law School, lived and had an office here from 1900 till his
death in 1911.
Of the early school teachers we have already noted
Robert McBurnie and John Currie. The first school house
in the village was situated in the field of Wm. Campbell near
McCully's Hill.. John Currie taught here for a number of
years. Afterwards he had school in his brother's house at
McCullough's. This school was attended by all the youth
of the village. His last school was held on week days in
the Willow Church. When the old schoolhouse on McCully's
Hill had fulfilled its days of usefulness, a new one was built with
two rooms. This was the one which, till only a few years
ago, did service as the public school. As a rule two teachers
were employed. The site for this building was given by Alex,
and Wm. Campbell who used this means to prevent it from
being moved further up the road. It is impossible to give
a complete list of those who during the succeeding years
have instructed in this building the youth at Tatamagouche,
but among those who subsequently have entered one pro-
fession or another, we may note: the late Alex. McKay,
who was supervisor of Halifax Schools; Dr. Collie, of River
John; W. M. Ferguson, barrister, of Truro; Rev. George
Millar, of Alberton; Rev. Wm. Cunningham; Rev. Wm.
McKay; Dr. Lawson; W. A. Brittain, Ph. D.; Dr. Dan
Murray; H. S. Patterson, barrister, of Calgary; H. W. Menzie,
barrister, of Lethbridge; and Robert S. Campbell, barrister,
Swift Current, Alberta. The new building was built in
the summer of 1912, but not without controversies which
we are happy to pass over.
Of the many events which have happened at Tatama-
gouche during these years 1870-1916, the most important and far
reaching in its consequences, was the opening of the Oxford
and Pictou Branch of the Intercolonial Railway. This branch
running through the village, at length gave it railway facili-
ties. The project was first undertaken in 1883 by a company
known as the Great European Railway Company. The concern
124 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
was most unfortunate and after no small outlay it was forced
in July of the same year, to abandon the undertaking. The
Federal Government, in 1889, took over the scheme with the
intention of utilising the branch as a short line from Moncton
to Sydney. Unfortunately, heavy grades and poor construction
work destroyed the original purpose and the branch is
now fulfilling only its secondary object of supplying rail
communication to the people living along its route. It may
be said, however, that of late years the original project of
using this branch as a short line to Sydney has been once more
revived, and we believe was only prevented by the outbreak
of the present war. The first train to pass over the line was
in July, 1890.
Of the many benefits and conveniences accruing to
Tatamagouche because of rail communication with the
outside world, we shall say nothing. They are surely self-
evident.
In 1883, the village was visited by a fire which
destroyed four of the largest shops, which were situated in
Main Street, just west of the Public Lane. The fire com-
menced during the night in the shop owned by Jeremiah
Murphy and then occupied by a man by the name of Asa
Slack. It quickly spread on the one side to the shops of
David Fraser, then occupied by J. W. Cassidy, and of John
Millar, and on the other to the shop belonging to the estate
of Alex. Matheson. All four shops were totally destroyed.
The exact cause of the fire was never ascertained, but at the
time and afterwards there was a suspicion that it was of
incendiary nature. The shop of Stewart Kislepaugh, which
was next to Matheson's narrowly escaped. George Clark's
store was also in danger. John Millar was the only one to
rebuild.
During a night of May, 1905, the village was visited by
another fire. Shortly after midnight, fire was observed in
a shed at the rear of the shop of George Clark. Alarm was
given, but before any number of the citizens could gather
it was seen that the shop was doomed. The general store
of David Nelson was the next to catch, and was soon a prey
to the flames. In the meanwhile, the fire had spread to the
shop formerly owned by John Millar and then owned by
Alex. Fraser. It too was burned to the ground. The office
GKORGE CLARK
MEMBER PROVINCIAL PARLIAMENT 1S80-94
HISTORY OF TATAJHAGOUCHE 125
of the late Dr. Roach, which was adjacent to Nelson's store,
was the other building to be destroyed. The night was one
of almost perfect calm; what little wind there was being off
the village. Only this prevented greater destruction. The
origin of this fire has never been ascertained.
During these changing years, there have been many
other events of interest and importance which can well
demand further time and space, but we shall be content to
add merely a word or more on the Tatamagouche of today.
Snugly situated on the banks of the river, it is in every
way a typical Nova Scotian village. It has its dozen stores,
forges, churches, a school, town hall, hotel and all those
other buildings which are to be found in a village of like
population. Its people are prosperous, but not overburdened
with the riches of this life. As Longfellow said of the village
of Grand Pre, we may say of the village of Tatamagouche:
"There the richest was poor, and the poorest lived in abund-
ance." Real luxury and real poverty are both strangers to
our people.
For natural beauty, the village of Tatamagouche
takes second place to none in Nova Scotia, but when we
link up to this beauty, the historic associations of the past,
surely its charms are enhanced many fold. In storm or calm,
how can we look upon the waters of the harbours and rivers
and yet close our minds to the memory of the stirring deeds
which happened upon their bosom, and of the brave men
who toiled along their shores. /oluntarily, or involuntarily,
we think of the stealthy Indians who silently drove
their canoes through the water as they sped on their errand
of cruelty; of the Acadian farmers who dyked the shores,
felled the trees, and turned the sod; of the strong men who
preferred the hardships and the dangers of the wilderness,
to the bigotry and tyranny of Church and State; and of
those pioneers from whose lips our hills and shores first
heard the accents of Scotland, and who fostered here anew
the traditions and glories of their native land.
For those who were born and spent their childhood days
here, Tatamagouche has its double charm. To them every
turn of the brook, every hill, road and lane, every foot of
the shore, recalls incidents of the care-free days when, in
the healthy atmosphere of old Tatamagouche they grew to
126 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
manhood or to womanhood. To them earth can never nearer
approach heaven, than when in the delightful days of summer
along its shores, they drink in the soft, saline breezes fresh
from the broad Gulf of St. Lawrence, or when, wandering on
the sunny hill slopes they catch the intoxicating odour of the
clovered fields.
Of the future the writer will say nothing save to express
the wish that in the years to come we, as a community, shall
not in any way prove unworthy of the men and women whose
quiet heroisms made possible our present life of plenty and
comfort.
APPENDICES
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE 131
APPENDIX A
THE DEsBARRES GRANT
August 25, 1765. To all whom these presents shall
come, Grettings. Know ye that I, Montague Wilmont,
Esquire Captain General and Governor in Chief in and over
His Majesty's Province of Nova Scotia or Acadie and its
dependencies, vice Admiral of the same etc. By virtue of
the power and authority to me given by his present Majesty
King George the third and under the great seal of Great Britain
and pursuant to the order of His Majesty in Council Dated the
llth day of July 1764 have Given, Granted and Confirmed
unto Joseph Frederick Wallet DesBarres, Esq., his heirs and
assigns a Tract of land situate, lying and being beginning
at the Eastermost Point of a Creek in the river or Har-
bour John, thence Running South 480 chains on un-
granted lands, thence west 15° north 480 chains on
ungranted lands, thence north 12° West, 530 chains on un-
granted lands to a point on a stream near the head of Tata-
magouche Bay thence back as the shore runs to the before
mentioned boundaries, containing in the whole by estimation,
twenty thousand acres with allowance for roads etc. accord-
ing to the plan hereto annexed, with all and all manner
of minerals unopened, excepting mines of gold silver and
coals* to have and to hold said granted premises with all
privileges, profits, commodities, and appurtenances there unto
belonging unto the said Joseph Frederick Wallets DesBarres,
his heirs, assigns forever yeilding and paying by the said
grantee his heirs and assigns which by the acceptance hereof
he binds and obliges himself his heirs, executors and assigns
to pay to His Majesty George the third his hei4rs and suc-
cessors or to the Commander in Chief of the said province
for the time being or to any person lawfully authorized to
*It is to be noted that copper is not reserved to the Crown. This is an unusual provision
as in nearly all other grants the Crown reserved all copper ores. We do not think that this
provision in DesBarres's grant was the result of chance. He was evidently aware of the indic-
ations of copper on Waugh's and French Rivers and saw to it that this unusual provision was
inserted in the grant. The result of it is seen very plainly during recent years. Land owners
on the DesBarres grant having acquired the rights of the original grantee have sold their rights
in copper mines to some of the various companies which at one time or another during the last
forty years have been working the mines. Owners of land granted by the Crowu under the
ordinary provisions acquired no rights in the copper and have found that the companies by ob-
taining a lease from the Crown were at liberty to remove all the copper ore from the premises.
132 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
receive the same for his Majesty's use, a free yearly quit
rent of one shillingf — fathing per acre for one half of the
granted premises within five years from the date hereof the
whole to be payable within ten years from the date of the
grant and so to continue yearly here after forever and the
said grantee binds and obliges himself, his heirs and assigns
annually to plant five acres of the said land with hempf
and to keep a like quantity of acres planted during the suc-
cessive years and the Grant here by made is upon this further
condition that if said grantee shall not settle the said grant
of land with Protestant settlers in the proportion of one
person for every two hundred acres within ten years from
the date herein then this grant is to revert to the Crown,
and the Governor.
APPENDIX B
COMMUNICANTS TATAMAGOUCHE PRESBYTERIAN
CONGREGATION 1828.
Irving Bell George Stewart
William Byers, Sen Hugh McDonald
Mrs. John McKeen Mrs. (Rev.) Hugh Ross
Donald Mclntosh Mrs. James McConnel
Mrs. Donald Mclntosh Mrs. John Bell, Sen.
Mrs. Angus Kennedy Mrs. Newcombe (Wallace)
Mrs. Dewer, Sen. Mrs. Lyons (Wallace)
Mrs. Duncan Dewar Mrs. Baxter, Sen.
Mrs. Alex. Dewar Mrs. John Currie
Barbara Waugh James McConnel
Sarah Waugh Mrs. George Langille
Mrs. Chambers, Sen. John Richards
Edward Langille Simon Matatall
Frederick Hyndman Mary Byers
Mrs. Tom Waugh James Bell
Mrs. William Cuirie William Bell
Jeremiah Murphy Mrs. Francais Wilson
Alexander Dewar Mrs. Alex. Shearer
David Baxter Mrs. William Waugh
Gavin Bell Mrs. Samuel Waugh
Mary Currie John Byers
George Tattrie Mrs. William Byers, Sen.
Mrs. George Tattrie Mrs. George McKay
George Smith George McKay
Mrs. Wm. Hyndman Enock Stevens
Mrs. James Munroe Mrs. Wm. McConnel
John Hingly Mrs. Alex. Campbell, Esq.
Mrs. Gavin Bell John Biggar
Mrs. George Stewart Mrs. John Biggar
tThese provisions were never fulfilled.
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
133
APPENDIX B— Continued.
Helen Waugh
Mr. Mitchell
John Johnston
Mrs. John Johnston
Miss Drysdale
Robert Byers
John McKeen, Jun.
Robert Bell
William Waugh, Sen.
Ann Kennedy
Mrs. Bonyman
John McCombie
Robert Stevens
Janet Bell
Mrs. Stewart McConnel
Mr. Forsyth
Mrs. John Henderson
Mrs. John Wilson
Mrs. David Wilson
Jane McCombie
Mary McKay
Lavinia Drysdale
Mary McGeorge
Beaty Swan
Robert Nelson
Mrs. Robert Nelson
Margaret McKeen
Susana McKeen
Mrs David Tattrie
Mrs. Mitchell
Miss Mitchell
1831
t Susan Patterson
' James Munroe
Edward Langille
John Bonyman
John Currie
Duncan Dewar
James Leaper
Alex. Sherar
James McGeorge
Mrs. John Oliver
Mrs. David Baxter
Christopher Carruthers
Mrs. Christopher Carruthers
Sam. Waugh
1833
Sarah (?) Graham
Ephraim Mattatall (Lake)
George Langille
Mrs. George Langille
John Langille
1835
Mrs. Jeremiah Murphy
Mrs. William Dumphy
Mrs John Oliver, Sen.
Edward Bonyman
Cooper
Mr. Forsyth, Sen. (Wallace)
Mr. Sloan [?j (Wallace)
APPENDIX C
CALL EXTENDED TO RE\T. ROBERT BLACKWOOD
Tatamagouche, Nov. 4th, 1»40.
We whose names are subscribed, Elders and members
of the united Presbyterian Congregation of Tatamagouche
and New Annan with others who adhere to the Westminster
Confession of Faith as received by the Church of Scotland
and the Presbyterian Church of Nova Scotia, taking into
serious consideration our destitute situation through want
of a fixed Pastor to whom we can with confidence commit
the orevsight and inspection of our souls being fully apprised
134 HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
by good information and out own experience of the piety,
prudence, literature and other ministerial endowments and
qualifications of you the Rev. Robert Blackwood at present
a memberof the Reverend the Presbytery of Truro and the
suitableness of the gifts bestowed upon you by the Head of
the Church for our edification. We do hereby invite, entreat
and Call you to come over to us and to help us by taking the
charge and oversight of our souls and discharging the various
duties of the ministerial office among us. And we do hereby
promise you all due subjection and encouragement in the
Lord. And we also bind and oblige ourselves to afford you all
necessary support and subsistence according to you sta-
tion and rank in society. And we also humbly desire and
entreat the Rev. Presbytery of Pictou to whom we present
this our Call to sustain the same and to take the requisite
steps with all proper expedition in order to the settlement of
the said Reverend Robert Blackwood among us as soon as-
possible.
John Currie • John Langille
John Bonyman David Langille
Edward Langille John McKeen
A. Campbell John Lockerbie
Samuel Wetherbie William McConnel
James Campbell George Cooper
James Hepburn John Ross
Robert Cooper James Drysdale, Jun.
Danford Patriquin Eliva
John Patriquin Jane McDougal
Ephraim Mattatall Olivia Campbell
George Waugh Mary Campbell
Edward Bonyman Margaret Upham
William Bryden Jane McConnell
James Bonyman Elizabeth McConnell
William Lombard Susanna Bryden
William Campbell Alex. Sherar
Murray Waugh Matthew Henderson
James Hingley David Hurley
Donald Waugh Melvin Grassie
George Henderson Thomas Slade
James Drysdale John Johnson
John Nelson Katherine Johnson
Levi Mattatall Wellwood Johnson
George Tattrie John Henderson
James Chambers Mary Henderson
James Simpson John Richards
Charles D. McCurdy William Hayndman
Eben William Mattatall
George Patriquin Thomas Henderson
George Mattatall John Hingley
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHB
135
APPENDIX C—Contined.
Daniel McGregor
David Hayndman
Hugh Nelson
Robert Nelson
Jeremiah Murphy
David Hayndman
David Cameron
John Hayndman
Mitchell Murray
Simon Cameron
John Megher
Wetherbie
John Hewitt
George Smith
David Howard
Edward Tattrie
John Tattrie
Lewis Tattrie
George Tattrie Jun.
Alex. Mattatall
Robert Kerr
Charles Adams
Robert Cutten
James
John Lombard
Joseph Reid
Peter Mattatall
William Wetherbie
From New Annan
Jas. McGeorge
Christopher Carruthers
Wm. Aitcheson
William Scott
Robt. Bell
Irving Bell
George Langille
Ephraim Tattrie
Christopher Langille
John Langille, Jun.
John Scott
Mary Scott
William Byers, Jun.
Mary McConnell
William Byers, Sr.
Josephine Byers
John Byers
Robert L. Byers
Peter Little
John H. Wetherbie
E. F. Wetherbie
Anthony Elliot
Philip Vincent
Enock Stevens
Sarah Stevens
Thomas Stevens
Samuel Whidden
Gavin Bell
Duncan
William Carruthers
Mary Bell
William Holiday
John Swan
James Pugh
Walter Byers
Christopher Byers
James Bell
Alex. McCurdy
Names are spelled as they appear in the original Call. Names in blank
are not leginle.
136
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
APPENDIX D
VESSELS BUILT AT TATAMAGOUCHE, N. S. FBOM
1818 TO 1917.
This list is not claimed to be complete. It is complied
from the register at Halifax till 1840. In that year Pictou
was made a port of registry and from then on practically
all the vessels built at Tatamagouche were registered there.
Those registered elsewhere will not appear in the following
list as the register at Pictou was the only one to be searched.
1818
Mary Schooner. ... 32 Alex McNabb
Fish Hawke Schooner 16 Jas. Chambers
1823
Dapper Schooner. ... 22 Thos. Langille
Nancy Schooner 73 Fred Hayman
Lilly. Schooner 28 Murray S. Waugh
1824
Elizabeth Schooner 91 A. Campbell, Mortimer Smith.
1826
Devron Brig 281 A. Campbell, Mortimer Smith.
Indian Schooner. ... 34. .. .Isaac Langille
1827
Mary Brig 133. . * .A. Campbell, Mortimer Smith.
1829
Margaret Schooner. ... 55. .. .Alex. & Fred. Hayman
Susan Schooner .... 52 Eph. Matatall
1830
Elizabeth Schooner .... 29 .... Henry Dwyer
1831
Martha Brig 271 .... Jas. Campbell
1832
Mary Elizabeth Schooner. ... 96. .. .Jas. Campbell
1833
Colchester Barque 418. . . .Jas. Campbell
Moose Schooner .... 72 .... Robt. Chambers
Catherine Schooner .... 39 .... Wm. Campbell
Greyhound Schooner .... 32. .. .Jas. Chambers
1834
John Millar Barque 119. .. .Alex. Campbell
Antelope Schooner .... 99 .... Jas. Purvis
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
137
1835
Colchester
. . Barque ....
.. 562..
. . Alex. Campbell
Thomas Maloney. . .
.Schooner. .
. 96..
. . Win. Campbell
Catherine
.Schooner. .
. . 14. .
. . Peter Millard
1836
Olivia
• Brig
.. 133..
. . Wm. Campbell
Industry
Brig
. . 145..
. . Alex. Campbell
Sarah
. Schooner . .
. . 24. .
. . Alex. Campbell
Sir Colin Campbell. .
.Ship
.. 518..
. . Alex. Campbell
1837
Mersey
. .Ship
. . 734. .
. . Alex. Campbell
Enterprise
. . Barque ....
.. 449..
. Alex. Campbell
Francis Laws
.Barque. . . .
. . 325..
. .Alex. Campbell
Isabella
.Brig
. . 260. .
. . Robt. Chambers
1838
Jane Archibald
..Brig
. . 174. .
. .Jas. Campbell
Amitv
..Brig
. . 151. .
. . Alex. Campbell
Hercules
. . Brig
.. 295..
. .Wm. Campbell
Commerce
. . Barque ....
. . 369..
. . Alex. Campbell
Trusty
Biig
.. 169..
. .Wm. Campbell
Mary Campbell
.Ship
.. 415..
. .Alex. Campbell
1839
Wanderer
..Brig
.. 176..
. .John Miller
Thetis
. . Schooner . .
.. 7..
. Isaac Langille
Brenton Haliburtgn .
..Ship
. . 522 ..
. .Alex. Campbell
Vigilant
..Brig
. . 178..
. . Alex. Campbell
Neptune
. . Ship
. . 484. .
. .Wm. Campbell
Eagle
.-Brig
. . 320. .
. .Robt. Purvis
Margaret Millar.
. Barque ....
. . 500. .
. . Alex. Campbell
Rambler
..Brig
. . 193..
. Alex. Campbell
1840
James
..Brig
.. 197..
. .Wm. Fraser
Jane Ann
. . Schooner . .
7..
. .Thos. Langille
Bridget
. . Schooner . .
.. 55..
. . Alex. Campbell
Favourite
. . Barque ....
. . 529..
. . Jas. Purvis
Sterling
. . Barque ....
.. 368..
. . Alex. Campbell
Britannic
..Brig
.. 219..
. . Alex. Campbell
Jessie
. . Barque ....
. . 573 ..
. . Wm. Campbell
Velocity
..Brig
. . 237 ..
. .Wm. Campbell
Acadia
. . Barque . . . .
.. 369..
. . Alex. Campbell
Columbia
. . Barque ....
. . 375..
. . Alex. Campbell
Francis Lawson ....
. .Ship
. . 539..
. . Alex. Campbell
Eliza Allan
. .Brig
. . 200. .
. .Robt. Purvis
Caledonia
.-Brig
. . 204. .
. . Alex. Campbell
1841
Jessie
. . Barque
.. 573..
. . Alex. Campbell
Leander
. . Ship
. . 733..
. . Alex. & Wm. Campbell
Mersey
. . Barque
. . 462 ..
. .Alex. Campbell
Davenport
Elizabeth
Barque . . . .
. .Schooner. .
. . 546..
. . 115..
. ,\\ in. Campbell
. . Alex. Campbell
Albion
..Brig
. . 260. .
. .Alex. Campbell
Margaret
. .Schooner. .
.. 111..
. Alex. Campbell
Jane
. . Barque
. . 508 ..
. . Robt. Purvis
HISTORY OP TATAMAGOUCHE
1842
Wanderer Schooner .... 119 Alex. Campbell
Fanny Brig 164 Robt. Purvis
Arab Schooner .... 117 . . Alex. Campbell . .
Trident Barque 354 Wm. Campbell
Herione Barque 373 Alex. & Jas. Campbell
1843
Tartar Schooner. ... 85 Alex. Campbell
Reliance Barque 478. . . .Alex. Campbell
Liberty Brigantine. . . 194. . . .Alex. Campbell
Amity Schooner .... 82 .... Alex. Campbell
Acope Schooner .... 63 .... Alex. Campbell
1844
Sisters Schooner .... 43 .... Campbell & Millar
Triton Schooner .... 94 .... Campbell & Millar
Sarah Schooner .... 25 ... .Alex. Ross
1845
Dove Schooner .... 26 .... John Oliver
Trial Schooner .... 28 Alex. Campbell
Ferronia Brig 109 Alex. Campbell
Gleanor Schooner .... 79 .... Alex. Campbell
Recovery Barque 400. . . .Alex. Campbell
Growler Brig 106 Alex. Campbell
1846
Courier Brig 134. . . .Alex. Campbell
Crion Brig 130 Alex. Campbell
Tyre Brig 109 Alex. Campbell
Messenger Barque 330. . . .Alex. Campbell
Lady Harvey Brig 145. . . .Alex. Campbell
J. Cumber Brig 1 17 .... Alex. Campbell
1847
Sterling Schooner .... 58 .... Alex. Campbell
Emblem Brig 162 Alex. Campbell
Inconstant Barque 517. . . .Alex. Campbell
Hannah Brigantine . . . 149 .... Alex. Campbell
Aurora Brig 161 .... Alex. Campbell
Margaret Brig 148 .... Alex. Campbell
1848
Standard Barque 359. . . .Alex. Campbell
Vine Brig 164 Alex. Campbell
Wm. Molesworth Barque 468 .... Alex. Campbell
1849
Elizabeth Schooner .... 109 .... Alex. Campbell
St. Lawrence "... Barque 362 .... Alex. Campbell
Goojetat Brig 190. . . .Alex. Campbell
Woodman Barque 440. . . .Alex. Campbell
1850
Castina Brigantine. . . . 135. . . .Alex. Campbell
Hyades Brig 218 Alex. Campbell
Jessie Brigantine . . . 167 .... Alex. Campbell
Meteor Schooner .... 86 .... Alex. Campbell
Transit Brig 195 Alex. Campbell
Petrol Brigantine. . . 142. . . .Alex. Campbell
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
139
1851
Daring Brigantine. . . 131 Alex. Campbell
Delegate Brig 248 Alex. Campbell
Argentinus Barque 542 Alex. Campbell
Harriet Brigantine ... 101 Alex. Campbell
Cm-lew Schooner .... 51 .... Isaac Langille
1852
Victor Brigantine. . . 133 Alex. Campbell
Little Pet Brigantine ... 60 Edward Kent
Historia Barque 453 Alex. Campbell
Hunter Brigantine . . . 136 .... Alex. Campbell
Laurel Schooner .... 88 .... Alex. Campbell
Oerona Brigantine. . . 146. . . .Arch. Campbell
1853
Sovereign Schooner. ... 44. .. .Geo. Matatall
Warbler Brig 156. . . .Campbell & Millar
Crybress Barque 405 .... Campbell & Millar
Trial Schooner 28. .. .Geo. Millard
Revivial Barque 452 .... Campbell & Millar
Archibald Brig 226 Campbell & Millar
1854
Alecto Barque 272 Campbell & Millar
Fortuna Brig 356. . . .John Millar
Sterling Clipper Brigantine. . . 112. .. .Edward Kent
Lily Dale Brigantine ... 93 Robert Logan
Harmony Barque 457 .... Campbell & Millar
Reward Brigantine . . . 144 .... Campbell & Millar
McDuff Barque 374. . . .Arch. Patterson
1855
Ice King Brigantine . . . 100 .... Robert Logan
Arabel Brig 234 D. & A. Campbell
Dash Brigantine . . . 100 .... Edward Kent
Nautilus Brigantine. . . 101. . . .Jas. McLearn
Sir John Campbell .... Brigantine . . . 142 .... John Mockler
A. G. Archibald Barque 381 D. A A. Campbell
Black Agnes Schooner .... 58 .... Robert Purvis
Roe Brigantine ... 106 .... Jas. McLearn
1856
Olivia Barque 279. . . .Arch. Patterson
Sarah Jane Schooner .... 23 .... Hugh Hingley
Sygnet Brigantine . . . 170 .... D. & A. Campbell
Metor Flag Brigantine . . . 134 .... Robert Logan
Argo Brigantine. . . 114. .. .Jas. McLearn
Pioneer Brigantine. . . 190. . . .Edward Kent
Rescue Brigantine. . . 110. . . .Wm. Blackwood
Amateur Barque 239. . . .A. Campbell
Prima Donna Brig 125 .... Robert Logan
1857
Glide Birg 187 J. Millar & D. A. Campbell
Lilian Brig 258 ... Arch. Patterson
Anenome Brigantine. . . 170. . . .D. & A. Campbell
Advance Brigantine . . . 154 ... Arch . Campbell
Commissiary Brigantine . . . 143 .... Robert Logan
140
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
Gem Brigantine. . . 168. . . . Jas. McLearn
Martin I. Wilkens. . . .Brigantine. . . 184. . . .John Mockler
Kitty Clyde Brigantine. . . 129 Edward Kent
Rover's Bride Brigantine. . . 153. . . .Jas. Purvis
Reindeer Brigantine. . . 147. . . .Wm. Blackwood
Holly Hock Brigantine. . . 152 Chas. Reilly
Thomas Wright Brigantine. . . 144 B. F. McKay
Oriental Brigantine. . . 132. . . .Arch. Patterson
Success Brigantine. . . 122. . . .Arch. Campbell
1858
Princess Schooner. ... 80. .. .Arch. Patterson
Jessie Brown Brig 113 .... Robert Logan
Sneezer Brig 128 .... Arch. Campbell
Havelock Brigantine. . . 110. .. .Edward Kent
Kate Schooner. . . . 50. . . .D. A. Campbell
1859
Rose Bud Schooner. ... 28. .. .John Langille
Lovely Mary Schooner .... 38. .. .Robt. Logan
Ranger Schooner. ... 24. .. .Peter Matatall
Francais. Brigantine. . . 133 .... D. & A. Camp*bell
Mary Joyce Schooner. ... 60. . . .B. F. McKay.
Sun Burst Brigantine. . . 222. . . .John Mockler
Sarah Ann Brigantine . . 143. . . .Chas. Reilly
Lord Clyde Brigantine. . . 134. . . .Robt. Logan
S. May Schooner. ... 54. . . .D. & A. Campbell
1860
Rosalie Schooner. ... 46. .. .Robt. Logan
Elsie Schooner .... 55 .... D. & A. Campbell
Mary Jane Schooner. ... 50. .. .Chas. Reilly
May Jane Schooner. ... 67. . . .D. & A. Campbell
John Bull Brigantine. . . 136. . . .Edward Kent
Renfrew Brigantine. . . 124. . . .Robt. Logan
1861
Tangier Brigantine, . . 131 . . . .Chas. Reilly
Undaunted Brigantine. . 166. . . .Edward Kent
Tersina Brig 244. . . .Arch. Campbell
Glentiret Brigantine. . 158. . . .Robt. Logan
1862
Rising Sun Schooner .... 40 .... Neil Ramsey
Dunbar Castle Schooner. ... 113. .. .Robt. Purvis
Bella Mary Barque 261 D. & A. Campbell
Ariel Brigantine. . . 143. . . .Edward Kent
Anna Bell Brigantine. . . 153. . . .Robt. Logan
Clansman Barque 467 .... D. & A. Campbell
Volunteer Brigantine . . . 157 . . . .Chas. Reilly
Mary Jane Brigantine . . . 144 .... Robt. Logan
1863
Glen Roy Barque 334 D, & A. Campbell
Ariadne Barque 375 .... Edward Kent
Laureate Barque 370. . . .Arch. Patterson
Example Brigantine . . . 183 .... Robt. Purvis
Staffa Barque 309 D. & A. Campbell
Gertrude Brigantine. . . 133. .. .Chas. Reilly
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
141
Glen Tilt Barque 323 D. & A. Campbell
Cabot Brigantine. . . 126. . . .Robt. Purvis
Bessie Brigantine. . . 143. . . .Edward Kent
1864
Rosetta Brigantine ... 291 .... Arch. Patterson
Harold Schooner. ... 85. .. .Wm. Buckler
Sir R. G. McDonnell. . Ship 613 .... D. & A. Campbell
Bertha Brigantine . . . 257 .... Robt. Logan
Maud Brigantine ... 168 .... Edward Kent
Elsey Brigantine ... 158 .... Robert Purvis
Clara Jane Schooner .... 69. . . .D. & A. Campbell
Excelsior Brigantine . . . 128 Robt. Bryden
Susan Brigantine ... 134 .... Chas. Reilly
Glencairn Barque 351. . . .D. & A. Campbell
Harmony Schooner. . . . 85. . . .D. & A. Campbell
1865
Lillie M Barque 349 Arch. Campbell
Dundanah Schooner .... 71 .... Chas. Reilly
King of Tyre Barque 259 .... Robt. Logan
Fanny Lewis Barque 402 Robt. Purvis
Esk Brigantine . . . 167 Edward Kent •
Rose M Barque 366 D. & A. Campbell
1866
Delta Brigantine . . . 153 .... Edward Kent
No Name Brigantine. . . 218 D. & A. Campbell
Anna Bell Schooner. ... 30 Jer. & Ad. Embree
Secret Brigantine ... 117 Robt. Purvis
1867
Glennivis Barque 391 D. & A. Campbell
1868
Janet Forbes Barque 412. ... D. & A. Campbell
1869
Olivia Schooner .... 40. . . . Wm. Buckler
Geo. Walker Barque 414 D. & A. Campbell
Glenrallock Barque 587. . . .D. & A. Campbell
Isabella* Schooner 50 Millar & Rettie
1870
Wenonal Barque 669 D. & A. Campbell
Wahsatch Barque 480 D. & A. Campbell
1871
Maggie Schooner .... 20. ... Saml. Chambers
Two Sisters Schooner .... 58 .... Murphy, Mingo & Ramsey
1872
G. A. Pryke Brigantine . . . 128 .... Murphy, Mingo & Ramsey
Jumma Ship 1000 D. & A. Campbell
Ocean Lily Schooner .... 113 .... D. Redmond
1873
Trial Schooner. ... 52 Murphy, Mingo & Ramsey
*This was the Millar vessel which was lost with all on board. She is given here as
built in '69. From sources that are most reliable the writer has learned that she was
built and wrecked in the late fall of '68. It is not understood why she was not registered
till '69.
142
HISTORY OF TATAMAQOUCHE
Phenora Schooner . . .
Ashantee Barque
Sterling Brigantine . .
Susan King Schooner . . .
Maud Brigantine . .
Edith Carmichael Barque
1874
. 36.
700.
. 347.
1875
24.
. 239.
. .Jas., Jno. & D. Chambers
..D. & A.Campbell
. .D. Redmond
. .Hugh McPherson
. .D. Redmond
. . D. & A. Campbell
John T. Ives Brigantine.
James Semple Schooner. .
Promenader. . . .Schooner. .
1876
. 371.
. 63.
92.
Minnie Carmichael . . . Barque .
. .D. & A. Campbell
. . Roberts
. .D. Redmond
. .D. & A. Campbell
1877
. 900.
1878
Etta Schooner .... 107 .... Jas. Semple et al
Lairg Schooner .... 99 .... Alex. Matheson
1879
Ceteway Schooner .... 20. ... Ant. McBurnie
1880
Lady Francklin Schooner .... 77 .... Alex. Wetherbie
Margaret Ann Schooner. ... 53. .. .Wm. Buckler
1881
Jagc Schooner .... 28 .... Chas. Reid
1887
Athlete Schooner 53. .. .Alex. Wetherbie
1890
Florence C Schooner .... 98 .... J. W. Cassidy
1900
McClure Schr (tern).. . 190 Alex. Wetherbie
1904
Unity Schr (tern). . . 248 Alex. Wetherbie
1909
Al;ce Matatall Schooner 16 Hugh Matatall
1917
Haael W . . Schooner . . 33 Alex. Wetherbie. •
HISTORY OF TATAMAGOUCHE
143
APPENDIX E
MILITIA ROLL IST COMPANY SRD BATTALION COLCHESTER
MILITIA.
Commanding Officer: Wm. Campbell, Esq., 1841.
Sergeants
Geo. Patriquin
Privates
John Shannon
Wm. Peirce
Solomon Waugh
John Wilson
Gavin Currie
Chas. ReiUy
Daniel McLelland
Jas. McKeen
Thps. Heuchan
Neil Ramsey
Geo. Morrison
Jas. Waugh
Jas. Brown
Chas. Cutten
Robt. McConnell
Wm. Smith
Alex Lyons
Daniel Waugh
Welwood Waugh
John Pride
Robt. Blackwood
Stewart McConnell
Joseph McDonald
Wm. Fraser
Thos. Roberts
John Martial
Matthew Carrol
William Roberts
David Cunninghan
Aaron
Daniel Hurley
John Huddon
Daniel McDonald
John Simpson
John Suliyan
Joseph Spinney
John Mclntosh
Jos. Ryan
David McConnell
Stephen Rood
Hugh
George Waugh
Jas. Johnston
Henry Roberts
John Millard
Wm. Henderson
Daniel Henderson
Roderick McDonald Sr.
Roderick McDonald Jr.
Duncan McDonald
Levi Graci
Thos Slade
John Millar
Robert Joice
Morris Spinney
Jacob Spinney
Welwood Johnston
Geo. Johnston
Absolem Cole
Wm. Write
Robert Bryden
Michael Forrister
Wm. Ryan
Jas. Grant
John McDougal
David Fulton
Wm. Higgins
Chas. Higgins
Chas. Adams
John Irvine
Joseph Davis
Hector Fraser
Robert Cuttin
Jas. Chaimbers
Daniel Cassidy
Jas. McBurney
Michael White
Jas. Brown
Robert Smith
Peter Wetherby
David Matatal Jr.
Peter Matatal
Robt. McCollum
Wm. Dumphy
Daniel Chambers
Geo. B. Johnston
The above names are spelled as they appeared in the original muster roll.
Names in blank are not legible.
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