Item
John Wilson, Merchant and Ship Builder
St. Andrews Herald
January 8, 1822
For Sale by John Wilson
Superior quality Jamaica spirits, green and triage Jamaica coffee, Jamaica sugars—the cargo of the Brig. Saint Andrew. Very cheap for cash. St. Andrews, July 25, 1820
Also—
Demerara Rum, sugar and molasses—the cargoes of the Brigs John and Louisa
To Let
For a term of years, the whole shipyard on Indian Point in the town of St. Andrews, together with a large and commodious Work Shop, two Blacksmith’s Shops, two saw pits with bed pieces ready for laying down three vessels with three brows on stages ready built. The known great conveniences of this place for ship building make it desirable for those persons wishing to carry on their lucrative branch of business.
Apply to John Wilson
—St. Andrews Herald, Feb 15, 1826
Standard
Sept 21, 1833
Port of St. Andrews
Vessels arrived and Cleared
Sept 9
Schooner Lively, Kennedy, Eastport, Allanshaw and Co., general cargo
Sept 10
Sloop Reform, Smith, Eastport, Curry, general cargo
Sept 11
Brig Lubec, Means, Eastport, Allenshaw and Co., staves etc.
Schooner Wm. Henry, Katch, Eastport, Wilson, staves,
Schooner Betsey, Peters, Eastport, Marter, general cargo
Brig Nelson, Tilley, Eastport, Wilson, general cargo
Sept 12
Schooner Thomas, Dennis, Yarmouth, Master, ballast
Schooner Shepherd, Baker, Bridgeport, C. B. coals
Sept 13
Schooner Lively, Kennedy, Eastport, Allanshaw and Co., general cargo
Sept 14
Schooner St. Croix, Blaney, Eastport, Simes, general cargo
Sloop Reform, Smith, Eastport, master, general cargo
Ship Isabelle, Tait, Boston, Allanshaw and Co., assorted cargo
Sept 16
Brig Nelson Village, Kenu, Liverpool vias Eastport, Rait, bread
Schooner Emily, Paul, Boston; Master, flour, meal, bread, etc.
Sept 17
Schooner Lively, Kennedy, Eastport, Parkinson, flour, meal and bread
Sept 18
Ship admiral Moorsom, Moorsom, New York; Wilson, assorted cargo
Schooner Rosalie, Crosby, Yarmouth; master, assorted cargo
Schooner Chance, Ryarson, Digby, master, staves, cordwood and eggs
Ship Christlana, Wilkie, Boston,; Allanshaw and Co., ballast
Sept 20
Schooner, Gilbert, Hopkirk, Yarmouth; master, furniture
Entered for Loading
Sept 9
Brigantine Walker, Arnold, Newfld.
Sept 14
Brig W. Fourth, Vogler, Belfast
Brig Morning Star, Revend, Belfast
Sept 16 Brig Nelso Village, Renn, Kingston, Jam.
Sept 20
Brig Nelson, Tilley Eastport
Ship Isabella, Tait, Emerara
Ship Admiral Moorsom, Demerara
Cleared
Sept 9
Schooner, Catherine, Trefry, Eastport; master
Sept 10
Schooner, British Tar, Smith, New York; P. Smith
Sept 13
Brig Friendship. J. Vogler, Demerara; Jas. Rait
Schooner Thomas Dennis, Windsor; master
Sept 14
Brig Baothers, Whitney, Torquay; Douglas
Brig Liori, Fletcher, Kingston, Jam. Wilson
Brig Erin, Thorn, Honduras; Allanshaw
Brig Wm. Nery, Hatch, Eastport; J. Wilson
Ship Sir Edward Hamilton, Lundy, Bridlington; Douglas
Sept 16
Brig Stamfordham; Ayer, Droheda; J. A. and Co.
Brig Morgian a, Hethington, Belfast; J. Douglas
Brig Lubec, means, Eastport, master.
Standard
Oct 5, 1833
The Roman Catholic Church, sometime ago erected in this town, having been found too small for the rapidly increasing congregation, is in progress of being enlarged by an addition to the Southeast end fronting on Mary Street, surmounted by a steeple and spire in just proportions and good taste. Although the belfry be not yet quite finished, the fine Bell, presented to this Church by John Wilson, Esquire, was yesterday elevated to its permanent situation, and will, no doubt blend its tones, tomorrow, with those of the Episcopal Church and Scotch Kirk.
Standard
Nov. 20/1834
Rambles and Remarks on Scenery Near SA, NB
(Part Two)
After descending a steep bank we were all at once among the bustle and activity of the extensive establishment of John Wilson, Esq. a merchant of standing in SA, whose intelligence and enterprise have blended the ocean and the waters of Chamcook for the purposes of manufacture and commerce. There is an air of precision . . . about the place, which together with the embosomed snugness of its position, tenders it an agreeable scene to the eye of a fisher.
We proceeded directly to the lake from which the stream debouches at an opening between the surrounding hills, and ere its brief course has measure the extent of a furlong, it is lost in the waters of Passamaquoddy Bay. But in that short distance the genius of enterprise has applied its current as the motive power of a series of machinery, which thousands of streams that roil their mightily length in volumes to the sea, cannot boast of. These varied and useful works consist of a number of detached erections comprising the following particulars, viz. a barley mill in full operation, and I can bear witness that it produces as fine pearl barley as can be imported from any country in the world. Here is also a grist mill, set aside particularly for the convenience of the farmers of the surrounding country. Lower down we find three saw mills, with gang saws, and circular plates for edging deals and trimming their ends; a process which enhances their quality and consequently brings a higher value in the market than can be obtained for those manufactured in the ordinary way. Every convenience has been has been studied for hauling up logs and piling the sawed lumber. Below these are a kin and Mill for making Oatmeal, and for grinding Indian corn. The lower mill is now manufacturing 2300 bushels of wheat per diem from a cargo of 15,000 bushels imported by the proprietor this season from Hamburg. The flour is of a superior quality; they pack it and make it up in barrels that might receive the banks of Genessee or Howard Street.
My attention was particularly attracted by a capacious Wet-Dock constructed immediately below the mills capable of containing a number of vessels in 22 feet of water, which is the depth of the channel of the inlet when the tide is out.
this is the first basin of the kind I have either seen or heard of, on this continent; and it is much to be desired that he great facilities offered to the shipping interests by this stupendous undertaking may be widely embraced, and secure to the spirited projector, a remunerating and well deserved patronage. I had the satisfaction of seeing the first vessel that had entered in the process of loading. She lay close to the mills, and received the deals directly from the piles clean and dry. . . . It may be a homely remark but I will make it that owners and masters must feel great satisfaction in the consciousness that their vessels ride in perfect safety—their boats, crews and property quite secure—light work in loading and the utmost despatch given, consequently, much expense inconvenience and delay obviated. In touching on these matters, the wrier should be better informed of their general nature then I can pretend to be, as I am indebted to the gentlemen who accompanied me for all their prominent points. Our last look was at the shipyard where several vessels had been built—the last of which was the Princess Victoria, a fine ship of 561 tons. A. Z.
Standard
Jan 22, 1835
ON Sale
The cargo of Barque Lotus, from Hamburga
Superior white and red wheat, oats, butter, peas, feef, pork, and bread Wesphalia hams, Holland and Skedam gin, claret and Champagne wines.
John Wilson
July 22nd, 1834
It is well worth the attention of our farmers to avail themselves of the opportunity, now offered, of procuring part of the above winter wheat for sowing, which the ? crop in Nova Scotia.
Standard
Dec 31/1835
H Hatch, James Rait, John Wilson, John McMaster in Quebec re railroad
Standard
March 10/1836
businesses in town: sail making - John Jarvis.
Tallow Candle making.
boot and shoemaking--Samuel Todd
Hardware and dry goods--James Street
Brick Kiln in Chamcook--John Wilson
Standard
Dec. 10, 1841
Marine Monster
An enormous Hood Seal or Seal Elephant was caught in the dock owned by John Wilson, Esq. at Chamcook [cf. early piece on rambles in SA], during last week, where it is supposed it was attracted by small fish upon which it lives. Its length is 10 feet 6 inches, girth 7 feet 9 inches, width of clippers or fins 14 inches, and has a beautiful smooth skin. This wonderful structure of nature was brought into town and exhibited and was viewed by a great number of persons. We understand it is to be stuffed, and we trust presented to Dr. Gesner for his museum.
Standard
Nov 19, 1845
Launched on Saturday last from the shipyard of Messrs. E. and J. Wilson a splendid through built ship of 773 tons, called the Sea King. She is owned by Messrs. E. and J. Wilson, and was constructed under the superintendence of Mr. George Gelly. [same yard in Chamcook mentioned in 1835 Rambles articles. Also many ships being turned out of Brandy Cove.]
Standard
Jan 14/1846
Meeting in St. Stephen to promote RR from Quebec to Passamaquoddy Bay. D. Sullivan one of the committee members, right next to Wm. Todd no less. Also G. S. Hill, MPP, James Brown, MPP, Hon. H. Hatch, Nehemiah Marks, Dr. R. Thomson, MPP, James Boyd, MPP, J. H. Whitlock, Alex Campbell, John Wilson.
Standard
February 10, 1847
Notice
The subscriber will receive tenders up to 1st of march from persons disposed to fit the rigging of athe new ship at Chamcook. The rigging to be recvied in the coil at the rigging loft as may be wanted from Messrs. J. S. and R. Jarvis’ Rope Factory; the standing rigging and stays to be wormed by the rope maker. The rigging to be fitted, and hip fitted for sea and sails bent. The rigging to be taken to the ship by the rigger from the rope loft, all the tar parceling etc found.
Also—tenders will be recived for making a complete suit of sails; Canvas twine and points found by the subscriber. John Wilson
Feb 3, 1847
Standard
May 19, 1847
Launched On Thursday last from the shipyard at Chamcook, a beautifully modeled and substantial built ship called the Alice Wilson, measuring 1020 tons new measurment. She is owned by our enterprising towsman John Wilson Esquire, and is constructed of the best materials her stem, stern post, main transom, binding streaks, aprong and windlass bit are white oak, wails, top timbers, breast hooks and knees, hackmatack. Her sealing from the kilson to the floor timber heads—pitch pine—long spruce timbers 14 inches square, bolted through the floor timbers, and clinched before planked.
She has been pronounced by competent judges to be one of the best constructed and faithfully built vessels ever launched in Charlotte and from her model, will no doubt be a fast sailer. She is commanded by Capt. John McBean.
Standard
June 22/1853
Gas. With his usual enterprise and spirit, John Wilson, Esq., has introduced gas into his mansion at Chamcook. We understand that the entire cost of the gas at Chamcook, including fitting up stove, retort, condenser, refiner, gasometer, pipers, and 14 burners, the cost of the coal, fuel, etc., used in making the gas, is about 1s. 6d. per week; less than 2 ½ d. per night while candles would cost on an average 1s. 3d. per night, besides the heat arising from gas light warms the rooms, while coat tar and coke are produced in its manufacture.
Standard
July 6/1864
SA Businesses
Shipyard--Chamcook. E. and J. Wilson. 1837
Dimock and Wilson Ship Chandlery and Co. Oct 1843. Constant Dimock and John Wilson.
Shipwrights, E and J Wilson. Nov 1845
Brick Yard, Chamcook. April 1854
Thomas O’ Dell and Eliza Turner. Take over from E. and J. Wilson
Standard
March 4, 1868
Obituary of James H. Storey, 80 years old.
The melancholy duty devolved upon us to recording the death of an old and respected inhabitant, the oldest printer and publisher in New Brunswick, perhaps in the Dominion. On Thursday last the 27th ult., Mr. James H. Storey, departed this life in his 80th year, respected by all who knew him, and deservedly regretted by numerous friends.
Mr. Storey was a native of Halifax, NS, and served his apprenticeship in the office of the late John Howe, Esq., grandfather of the Post Master of Saint John. He in course of time became foreman of the office (then the Royal Gazette) and had as his pupils he late Mr. Pierce, and the Hon. Joseph Howe, whom he used familiarly to speak of as “little Joseph.” On the “Herald’s being established in this town, b the “association,” as the publishers termed themselves, he was sent for to take charge of the office, with the late David Howe as editor. His establishment afterwards fell into their hands and “Howe and Storey” were publishers. In a few years they sold the office to the late Peter Stubs, who with his son John afterwards continued the paper until 1830, during which period Mr. Storey was employed in the office, and also held the office of Clerk of all Saint Church. Mr. Storey’s religious views having changed, he read his recantation and became a devoted member of the Roman Catholic Church. He afterwards worked in the Courant, Standard, Charlotte Gazette and Provincialist offices, was considered a very correct compositor, and good foreman.
During Mr. Howe’s visit here some years ago to lecture upon the “Union of the Colonies and Intercolonial Railway,” he enquired for his old friend, “Jimmy Storey.” and said I will call at your office and see him. Next day in company with the late Sheriff, John Wilson and H. Hatch, he fulfilled his promise, and enquired of him if he was still at the case.” Mr. Storey did not remember him, but when his name was mentioned, asked “are you little Joseph?” Mr. H. replied I am and turning to the gentlemen who accompanied hi, observed—“To this man more than any other am I indebted for whatever position or knowledge I possess, he was my father’s foreman, and my old master, and impressed upon me the necessity of reading and study.” On taking leave he generously dropped a couple of Sovereigns into his hand.
His declining health for the past two years prevented his working, a d at his leisure moments he wrote some articles upon local matters. His protest against the Liquor Law was a lengthy and well written document, and we set up and published by him.
Pilot
May 30/1878
Jottings on the Street. No.1
Standing at the upper end of the town, and just where Harriet Street coyly touches Water Street, we look away down Water Street, taking into view as best we can its length and its breadth. One mile long it is said to be, by actual measurement. The statement is accepted.
Here, at our starting point, a look in the opposite direction sees a dilapidated building—grim and war-like-looking, even in its antiquity. It bears the name of “Block House.” “It cants its head towards”—well, the East. Whatever service it may have rendered in the past—it promises none in the present or the future. Now, on each side of the Street, here at the Harriet Junction, are private residences. Those on the water side at not so cozy-looking as their opposites—neither have they fine garden plots as have the others. A few rods bring us to a vacant water lot—and here, some 40 years ago, James Rait, Esq., carried on a great trade as Merchant and Shipbuilder. The buildings were capacious, and in keeping with his very extensive business. Those were the times when grumbling over “hard times” were at a discount. The wail of “no work” was drowned by the busy hum of business on the shore, and the cheery “yo-heave-ho,” of the gallant tars in the harbor. Farmers, too, rattling along the streets with the rural products, found ready prices.
The wharves presented a lively scene, and prosperity smiled upon St. Andrews.
A sigh of regret escaped many a lip when the active business man, James Rait, left St. Andrews for Jamaica. His enterprise was not confined to the town of SA, only; it was felt in the Parish of Pennfield; and “Rait’s Mills” at Beaver Harbor will always be a household word. Nor there alone—out in the Bay on Grand Manan, his enterprise extended itself, as did also that of John Wilson, Esq., of Chamcook; (of whom we will have something to say hereafter) and many an old “saw long” can yet be seen imbedded in the island soil, that escaped the teeth of the . . . ill saw. Those whose memories can carry them back 40 years or more, may remember Mr. Rait as being in personal appearance of splendid physique—tall and portly—pleasing expression of features, and engaging in his manners, the true type of a gentleman-merchant; he was calculated to win esteem, and he did. He died on the island of Jamaica in the year 1842, where his remains are interred.
One can hardly pass along from this vacant lot, the former site of “Rait’s Store,” without a brief delay, as the feeling spontaneously wells up to moralise on the brevity of life—its shifting scenes—its vicissitudes—its joys, its sorrows, it entrees and its exits!
Standard
July 21/1880
A Retrospect
It is rapidly approaching a half century since the Standard was first issued. At that time St. Andrews carried on a large trade with great Britain, and the West Indies, the Port owning upwards of eleven thousand tons of shipping, carrying ton timber to Great Britain, and boards, shingles, house frames and cattle, to the West Indies, and return cargoes dry goods, iron, coal, salt and ships fittings from Britain, and rum sugar, molasses mahogany and tropical fruit from the West Indies.
Her merchants were men of capacity, enterprise and energy—one of them owning forty sail of vessels, among them ships, barques and brigs; only one small vessel, a schooner was registered here, it being the port of registry and entry for this County. There are no such merchants now as Scott, Rait, Wilson, Allanshaw and McMaster, Ker, Douglas and Campbell, Scott and Jack, Wyer, Babcock and Son, and others. At that period the C. C. Bank was doing a large business and was the only money institution in the Province with the exception of the Bank of New Brunswick at St. John. Business was brisk, money abundant, no lack of employment. The trade of St. Andrews was second only to that of St. John, indeed in commercial standing it was almost on a par.
At hat time, the Standard was ushered into the world and was welcomed by its contemporaries the St. John Courier, Observer, City Gazette, Watchman, Chronicle, and Colonist, all which papers have long since been discontinued, and their proprietors have gone the way of all flesh, the Standard alone is left; a perusal of its files would furnish a history of the County for the last fifty years. In its prospectus it was announced that the
Standard will be conducted on liberal principles. The affairs of New Brunswick demand peculiar attention and will be discussed with firmness and fairness. The vindication of liberty will not e allowed to degenerate into licentiousness; but an undaunted maintenance of political rights will be carried the whole length allowed by the constitution.
How we have adhered to those principles we leaved our readers to judge.
It has ever been our aim to advocate the interests of the town and province to the best of our ability, and were instrumental in past years of advancing the prosperity and commercial status of St. Andrews by urging the formation of a company to build and purchase vessels for the carrying trade of the port, which were afterwards known as “Company vessels.” The building of the steam mill which gave employment to a large number of men, in the manufacture of lumber. And last but not least, as stated in our edition last week, the Standard was the first and for some time the sole newspaper which advocated the construction of railways in the British Provinces, and ultimately succeeded in its efforts, resulting I the formation of the St. Andrew and Quebec Railroad Company which commenced the first section of the line to Woodstock, which was afterwards completed to that place by the N. B. an C Railway company. It also lent its aid to establish branches to the main line, and railways in all parts of the Province, and other enterprises to develop its resources and increase its prosperity. It also maintained and defended the people’s justice.
In politics it had decided views, and supported new government which it believed administered the affairs of the Province for its welfare. It studiously avoided attack on private character, and invariably treated those with whom it differed with respect, always discussing questions on their merits, and eliminating unpleasant and disrespectful remarks to those with those views it did not coincide.
It is a pleasure to be able to record that when our contemporaries differed with us, they treated us wit marked respect, for which we felt grateful. During our half century of editorial life we would have been more than mortal, had we not committed errors, knowing well that perfection is not attainable on earth, the errors were those of the head, not the heart. But “to err is human, to forgive divine.” When alluding to the Press, we know no party; and from a lengthened experience, we assert that the people of NB have just reason to be proud of their Press, which for enterprise, ability and sturdy independence is not surpassed. It is probably that in the large cities of the United States and Canada, with dense populations, and enormous wealth and business, they may possess journals of greater circulation and wealth; but for ability, tact, and journalism the Provincial Press is their equal.
To conclude—in a lengthy review of the “Past and Present,” and wishing our readers “a very happy new year” it was added, “we do not know what is in the womb of futurity, it may, or may not be, the last time we will have the privilege through these columns of extending our annual greeting.” It was our endeavor “to swallow a sun beam” that we might look at the bright side of the picture. Well, we did so, but—we cannot say that word, which calls up memories dear to us, and our readers will pardon the omission.
St. Croix Courier
Nov 25/1880
Obituary
By the death of Mr. Robert Townshend, at Chamcook, on Sunday last, one of the old landmarks of the town and parish of St. Andrews has passed away. The father of the deceased who was a shipwright, came to Saint John , NB, from England about sixty three years ago, where he went to work at his trade,; he sent home for his wife and family with whom, shortly after hey arrived, he went to Indian island, Charlotte county, where he built him a residence and engaged in shipbuilding, from Indian island he removed to SA, and established a shipyard at the Point, and built a residence now standing on the corner of Water and Ernest Streets. [vacant yard Salty Towers; see 1878 map] the deceased, Robert Townshend, got a contract to finish a vessel on the stocks at Chamcook, this led to his taking contracts to build ships for the late John Wilson, Esq., he associated with himself, his brother John, who under the firm of Robert and John Townshend, carried on an extensive shipbuilding operations at Chamcook for a number of years, principally under contract for Mr. Wilson. They bought themselves farms and built residences and settled down at Chamcook, in which they have resided for forty years, and where Mr. John Townshend still lives. The deceased. Mr. R. Townshend was held in high estimation by his friends and neighbors, was a man of fine social qualities, genial and kind hearted. An aged widow, two sons and two daughters survive him.
Pilot
Dec. 16, 1886
Reminiscences of Old St. Andrews
A Paper Found Among the Effects of the late John Campbell,, Dated June, 1876
The Bay Pilot’s publication of the names of the several streets in St. Andrews {where?} reminds one of the old time boys of the Shire Town, of its appearance as far back as his recollection dates, say nearly seventy years ago. Water Street at that time was pretty well dotted with buildings, while the other parallel streets had but few houses, and the streets at right angles were but little improved beyond Queen Street. Taking the easterly side of Water street at the corner of Harriet, was the residence of Peter Stubs, Esq., who at the time carried on mercantile business in the old red store at the corner of Adolphus and Water street one the west side. The next buildings in the street were between Mary and Adolphus streets, vis: Springate’s, Goldsmith’s White and Shaw; crossing Adolphus street, Mrs. Garnett occupied a house on the corner, Mr. Campbell, a residence in the centre of the block, approached by a carriage way, and Miss McKenzie resided on the corner of Elizabeth Street; diagonally opposite was the residence of John Wilson,, Esq., passing down Water street was the several buildings occupied by McGrath, Patterson the watchmaker, Muir, Parkinson, with Mrs. Strang’s house on the corner, in which C. Scott had his office and store fronting Edward Street,; crossing Edward Street on the east side was Mrs. Mowatt’s residence, George Mowatt’s store, the Parker House, owned I think b Nicholas Johnson, Dr. McStay’s, McEleary’s, Mrs. Berry and Berrys corner; on the opposite side of the street, in front of the Mrs. Mowatt’s, was Coroner McLaughlan, Mrs. Johnston, John A. Young, Getty, Wiliard, Southwick, and Sharples on the corner below. William street was Merrill’s Bakery, standing some short distance back from Water Street, then Mrs. Campbell’s, a small building occupied afterward by Campbell and McKena, the Episcopal Church, Mr. Henderson’s or the Whitlock house, Rankins P. Keleher, and Jere’h Currier on the corner of King Str. On the opposite side of Water street in the same block was Happy Corner, Boyd and Boyle’s store, Mrs. Boyd’s afterward, Mrs. R. Wilson’s Boarding House, Capt. A Strahan and Daniel McMaster on the corner; below McMaster’s corner on King street, was the large store of Richard Hasluck.
The old Market House stood near the water on the south side of King Street, and the old Jail on the east side of Water street, passing up King street on your right was Ordway’s Hall, Capt. Pauls and Sheriff Andrews, and on the left Johnson’s Sadlery. Mr. Hatch’s office, and the residence of Mr. Barber with Mr. Stymest’s residence on the corner of Queen street, and his tannery on the opposite corner, above this there were no buildings excepting the Grammar School and Mr. Wm. Boyds. The residences of Dr. Frye, Col. Hatch, Mr. Willard, Mr. Ames and Mr. D. D. Morrison, being subsequently erected; returning to and passing still down Water street on the left was the residence of (old) Mr. Wyer on the east side [future railway hotel?] ; Mrs. McPhail’s and Hannah and Lambert’s on the west. The old Pagan store stood on the corner of William street, then came Capt. John Mowatt’s, Mrs. Harvey’s, etc, and on the opposite side the residence of John Campbell, Esq, who afterwards resided where the Post Master now lives, and his building was occupied by Mr. Quinn the blacksmith.
Below William street was Mr. Hatch’s residence, Houbtman’s Furrier shop and still further down (but my memory fails me here,) were the several residences of the Thompson’s, Paul’s, Meloney’s, Stinson’s, Treadwell’s, segee, Ross, and if I mistake not the lower building was the residence of Capt. Peter Smith, who with his son met the melancholy fate of so many of our St. Andrews men, “who went down to the sea” in ships. The writer can speak feelingly on this subject, 3 of his younger brothers finding their resting places beneath the ocean waves.
But to return to the good old town, taking Queen and Harriet street as a starting point, we have the old Pound at the head of the former, and vacant lots till you reach R. Surye’s house on the corner of Adolphus street, Mr. Dunn’s residence on the diagonal corner, Trimle on the east and Capt. James McMaster on the west side of Queen street on the corner of Elizabeth street; Mr. H. O’Hara, Collector Campbell, S. Watts, occupying residence on the east side of Queen street, and Mr. James Berry on the corner of Queen and William, a private boarding house occupied the opposite corner, and the Madras School house standing between it and the Merrill house on Water street; Mrs. Curry and Mrs. Putnam lives on the east side of Queen street below King, and Capt. Raison and Major Wyer on the next block;; Mr. Pagan resided on the corner of Queen and Frederick streets; Mrs. Jas. Clarke resided on Edward street above Queen up toward the barracks Mr. Cassillis occupied the house afterward owned by L. Donaldson, Esq., and Mr. William Hatch resided near Harriet and Augusta streets. Mrs. McRea and James Clark lived on the corner of Harriet and Parr streets. Mr. Crozier on Mary street, R. Haddock, etc., on Carlton street, Mr. Thomas Whitlock, and Mr. Doucettt somewhere eon Carlton, or Princess streets, and Mr. D. W. Jack, W. Kerr and John Aymar on Montague street between Sophia and Princess; Capt. George P. McMaster on Parr street and Mrs. Keltie and Mrs. Chandler on Frederick Street.
The R. C. church, Greenock Church, the old Charlotte County Bank, the Douglas and Wilson brick cottages, Dr. Ally’s residence, the large buildings in front of the Episcopal church were all erected at later periods.
These reminiscences bring up many sad and painful memories. How many of the old families have wholly passed away, while so man others are scattered to all parts of the habitable globe. Among the old familiar names such as Stubs, Garnett, Strang, Scott, Rait, Sharples, McLaughlan, Alanshaw, McMaster, Hasluck, Willard, Monroe, Aimes, Stymast, Dunn, Southwick, Walton, Clarke, Boyd, Johnson, Wilson, Gilchrist, Rodgers, Todd, Miller, Jones, Kerr, Douglas, none are now to be found amongst your townsmen.
In the foregoing I have mentioned the names of several parties formerly residing or doing business on Water Street between Edward and William streets, it may not therefore be out of place to remark the numbers of their descendants who have found their way to this coat. Beginning with Coroner McLaughlan, who removed to, and resided in Boston for several years before his death, one of the first and most esteemed acquaintances that I met in Sand Francisco, was his eldest daughter, who is now residing with her husband, one of the elders of the church with which I have associated at Oakland. The youngest daughter of Mrs. Sharples, married to a prominent lawyer in this city also resides here, a son and widowed daughter of Mr. Willard, Capt. Gordon Berry and two brothers, three grandsons of Mr. Willard, three grandchildren of Dr. McStay, and all the large family of the late John A. Young, either reside in the city or on the coast, while a gentleman who will be remembered as having served his apprenticeship in the same block, Mr. Joshua Lyle, resides with his family in a magnificent residence on Vantes Avenue; his eldest son and son-in-law being among the few lucky ones who participated the Flood and O’Brien in the great “bonanza” mines. The lower pat of the town is well represented here from the old standard families of Stinson, Maloney, Treadwell, O’Neill, and many others too numerous to mention, but I have already trespassed too much upon your columns.
“All the persons, mentioned in the foregoing letter, including the writer thereof, have joined the great majority, and of the number the following only are represented in the town by lineal descendants bearing the names, Shaw, Campbell, Muir, Mowatt, McStay, W/hitlock McMaster, Paul, Andrews, Hatch, Frye, Wyer, Hannah, Harvey, Quinn, Meloney, Stinson, Treadwell, Ross, Smith, Clarke and Haddock.—Ed. Bay Pilot.”
Pilot
March 3, 1887
Death of George S. Grimmer. Long article. Purchased house in Chamcook of John Wilson.
Beacon
Feb. 4/1892
The Oldest Physician
Dr. S. T. Gove of SA, talks with the Beacon
Dr. Samuel Gove, of SA, is without doubt the oldest practicing physician in NB
On Friday last the Beacon surprised Dr. Gove in his study and drew from him a few facts relative to his life history.
. . . Asked in what state he found Saint Andrews when he first came here, he said that he found a population of 3000 in the town proper, several square rigged loading in the harbour, and several new ships on the stocks. The principal merchants were Jas. Rait, Allanshaw and McMaster, and the Wilsons. The West India trade of the pot, owing to the English government having thrown open West India ports to the United States, had even then begun to decline.
Beacon
Feb 11, 1892
Scraps of History
Gleaned from the Old Sessions Records of Charlotte
. . .
TOO MANY TAVERNS
In 1828 the sessions resolved that there were too many tavern licenses in St. Andrews, and a committee composed of John Campbell, Peter Stubs and John Wilson, was appointed to recommend who should retain licenses and the rate they should pay. It was subsequently ordered that no tavern license be granted without a recommendation from the magistrates residing in the parish in which the tavern is situated.
COURT AND GAOL AGAIN
Beacon
Sept 22/1892
St. Andrews, 1822
Saint Andrews Herald and Commercial Advertiser, Printed and Published by Howe and Storey, Every Thursday Morning
The paper is dated January 1, 1822, four pages 10 ½ x 18 inches, four columns to the page. The publishers announce that a letter box is placed at the lower door of the building, where communications may be deposited. Respecting which secrecy will be observed. Terms of subscription three dollars per annum. Amongst the advertisements published is one of a yoke of oxen for sale on a liberal credit and payment received in merchantable pine limber, application to be made to John Gilbert Seelye, Magaguadavic or Nehemiah Marks, St. Stephen. The cargo of the brig St. Andrews, just arrived from Demeram, rum and molasses, for cash or lumber, by John Wilson, who also advertises that he wants to purchase two town lots, in an eligible situation for building. W. C. McStay notifies all that have opened accounts with him in the years 1819 and 1820 to settle immediately or the will be sued without discrimination.
Beacon
Dec 19/1895
A little bit of history
Mr. George a. Boardman remembers when he first used to visit it sixty years back. (1836)
Then there were no steamboats on the river and I used to go by way of Robbinston, and cross the ferry by Joe’s Point. A tall man they used to call Long John was ferryman. He was afterwards drowned in crossing. My employer sold lumber to the merchants of Sa, and I used to go down and sell an collect about every month in the busy season and can say that those old merchants of that day very a very superior set of men, such as the McMaster’s, Pagans, Raits, Stranges, Scott, Dunns, Wilsons, Hatch, Allenshaws, Campbells, Jacks, Streets, Whitlock, and others. the most of my business was with James Raite, and I used to think him an ideal merchant. He was an Englishman but came from Jamaica. His wife was a Miss Watt and her brother took a farm near the present Watt Junction, it being named after him. Mr. Raite took a hand in the wild speculations of 1836. He bought a large field in Calais on the road to Milltown, paid down a part of the high price and it was abandoned and sold for taxes. I know you cannot spare me space to go into a biographical history of those men as I should like, but I must say a few words of John Wilson, who was a very energetic and enterprising merchant. It was through his perseverance and push that the railroad from St. Andrews to Woodstock was built, about he earliest road in the province. St. Andrews at that time was a busy, thriving, driving, town. the stores and warehouses were large and well filled, there were nice wharves along the shore, and the harbor was full of large vessels loading for foreign ports.
Beacon
Aug 28/1902
Reminiscences of Bye-Gone Days
For the Beacon
. . . I realize that when a man emigrates from the place of his birth he always in a retrospective view, sees it and every body and thing about as he had been accustomed to see it. It is always the same dear old home to him, regardless of its humbleness. Nature seems to place in the heart of man a love for the humble, old home that no amount of prosperity or riches in another sphere can obliterate, hence so many remember in their last will and testament a fond recollection of their old home. A I read the columns of the home paper it makes me sad to see how few names in it I recognize, I too forget how time passes, forget it is 48 years since I left and that great changes in the population have taken place, to see there is not he name of Wilson, Hatch, or Street in the town,--and so many that moved in the same circle—Col. David and Mrs. Mowatt, David W. And Mrs. Jack. Col. And Mrs. Wyer, Thomas Wyer, Mrs. Wiggin, the Hon. B. R. Stevenson, and his brother, Fletcher, all have passed to their reward. They were a goodly lot of ladies and gentlemen, who would add grace and dignity to any condition of life, and a community should be much the better for their having been of it.
--J. M., Boston, 1902
Beacon
History of Journalism in St. Andrews
Paper Read Before Canadian Lit. Club by R. E. Armstrong
Feb 3 and Feb 10, 1910
A second copy of the St. Andrews Herald is before me, bearing date March 16, 1824. . . . Among the items of news appears the following: “We understand that Chevalier Jouet, Esq., of St. Mary’s, in the County of York has been appointed by His Honor the President, Deputy Collector at West Isles, in place of R. E. Armstrong Esq., appointed Surveyor and Searcher of His Majesty’s Customs at Saint John, and that George Pigeon Bliss, Esquire, of Fredericton, has been appointed his Majesty’s Receiver General.”
Local news was still an absent quantity in the weekly newspaper, but it is noticeable, that there is a slight growth in local advertising. One advertisement states that “one shilling per bushel will be paid for all good hardwood Ashes, delivered at Mr. Samuel Connick’s at Waweig.” James Parkinson advertises a Chemical Embrocation and Opodeldoc. Dr. McStay announces the receipt of a supply of fresh Vaccine Virus. He states that he will vaccinate adults and children at his shop on the Wednesday of each week, free of charge. Maxwell Rankin has a Sleigh to let. Samuel Watts advertises “Ladies real and Roan Morocco Dress and Walking Shoes, etc. Patrick Kelliher acquaints the public with the fact that he has fitted up a commodious sleight ot run between St. Andrews and Saint John. Colin Campbell, Thomas Wyer and John Wilson, commissioners of beacons, advertise for tenders for hemlock logs with which to erect a pier or beacon on the Sand Bar to the eastward of St. Andrews harbor. Thomas Bibbar announces that “the Lord Nelson Packet now sails regularly between St. Andrews and Eastport.” John Kimball, Eastport, advertises staples and domestic good. James Parkinson says he has for sale, “Rum, gin, brandy, port and white wine, gunpowder, tea, coffee, chocolate, stream loom shirtings, sheetings, shoes and boots, women’s shawls, men’s and boys’ morocco caps,” etc.
Beacon
Sept 26/1912
Reminiscences of Old St. Andrews
(Written by the late R. Melville Jack and Read Before the Canadian Literature Club, St. Andrews)
. . . One of the oldest persons I can recollect was Mr. Ker, originally of the firm of Ker, Douglass and Campbell, who did a large business in St. Andrews in the old days. I remember him at 90 years of age with long, thick, black hair and not a gray hair, in his head. Squire Wilson, who lived at Chamcook, is another of the old stock that I can remember well. He had a beautiful brick cottage about where Mr. Grimmer’s house now stands and a fine park in which were several deer. He built many ships, both at Chamcook and St. Andrews. There were two brothers, Edward and Joseph Wilson, who lived in the brick cottage now occupied by Mr. Everett. Among others I recall were Dimock and Wilson, who did quite a large business; Mr. Turner, the founder of the Odell business; Mr. Trenholm, who had quite a large orchard where we used to steal apples; old Joe, a negro who lived in an old ship’s cabin at the head of the town, and made splendid spruce beer; the Pottery on the brook that crosses the Joe’s point road just above the town. Flower pots were their principal product but they made clay marbles and we cold get a lot for a copper (no cents in those days). Then there was a broom factory, where Joe Handy’s place is, opposite Kennedy’s hotel and aback of that a racquet court. In those days the market wharf had shops and stores its entire length, but a great fire carried them off.
St. Croix Courier
April 1, 1943
Shiretown Items
Chamcook of Other Days
A century ago, the village of Chamcook was a thriving ship-building centre, had two or three saw-mills, a grist mill and a paper mill. The prosperity of Chamcook at that time was chiefly owing to the enterprise of one man, John Wilson, after whose death at the age of 70 years on April 1st, 1855, the place began gradually to decline. The following extract from Mr. Wilson’s obituary in the St. Andrews paper shows the important position he held in the community and how his loss would affect its prosperity.
“Mr. Wilso has been engaged in mercantile and other pursuits in this county for more than 30 years and such was the diversity of his business transaactions, embracing almost every occupation incident to the country, that he kept a great number of men in constant employ. As a merchant he had few equals, well acquainted with markets of the world, entirely familiar with the trade and resources of the province, energetic and temperate, always active and persevering, he seldom undertook a work that he did not complete. He devoted the whole powers of his mind to the construction of the St. Andrews-quebec Railroad.”
Mr. Wilson operated several sawmills on Chamcook stream as well as a grist-ill, where wheat flour, buckwheat and oatmeal were manufactured. Also, and most interesting of all, he owned and operated a paper mill, near the present site of Rankin’s sawmill. On this paper was printed the St. Andrews Herald, and the following advertisement appears in the issue of Feb. 5th. 1827, “Wanted,--an apprentice to the paper-making business. Apply to the mill at Chamcook or the Herald office.” Mr. Wilson built a beautiful stone house on the site now occupied by the Grimer residence. This house was destroyed by fire in 1882. The present generation will remember the grist mill which tumbled down and was removed just a few year ago. It was used for many years by Davideson Grimmer.
The two story building still standing on the Glebe road over the Chamcook stream was the Dimick and Wilson store, and no doubt at one time did a thriving busienss. There was a brickyard at Chamcook at one time, but whether during Mr Wilson’s residence there or at a later period, is not now known. It wa situated outside the dock gates adjacent to the shipyard. Its location can be easily found today by the bricks scattered around. But the most important industry carried on in Mr. Wilson’s time was ship-building. At an early date the inenr harbour at chamcook was coverted into a dock from which the tide could be shut out. A dam with gates was built, the remains of which can still be seen at half-tide. A flume was constructed which carried the water from the milll stream outside the dock gates. There were two sets of these, out and inner, and the gates were controleld b water pressure. Many ships were repaired in this dock. It is known to have been in operation in 1842 as a bill for repairs on the structure is still ixistence.
Closely associated with John Wilson in the ship-building industry was John Townshend and his four sons. The Townshends had been operating a yard at St. Andrews near Indian Point and were brought to Chamcook by Wilson to finish a dhip on the stocks there. They remaiend there and carried on an extensive business for many years, chiefly under contract with Wilson. At a later date wo of the sons were business partners, and Charles Short, when a young man, was employed by them and later became their master builder. Short in 1854 built the Homeward Bound, a ship of 594 tons, at Digdeguash. For some years William Townshend and Charles Short were partners, during which period they built the Lady Milton. The account with Dimick and Wilson re the building of this ship is still in existence.
Another record in an old time book says that Townshend and Short commenced work on the new ship, Even Star, Sept. 4th, 1855, at Indian Point. The Townshends operated three yards in Chamcook. There were two sets of blocks on what is known as the Public Landing, where the Pristman cottage now stands. William built on the east side of the stream, these two yards beign inside the dock. A third yeard was situated on the west side of the harbour jiust outside the dock. People still living can remember the remains of the old bed logs in these locations. I have a list of some of the ships built at Chamcook which I shall send in next week.
St. Croix Courier
April 8/1943
Shiretown Items
Old Ships
Following is a list of old ship’s authentic records of which are still in existence, most of them having been built at Chamcook and St. Andrews.
Princess Victoria, ship, 561 tons. Built at St. Andrews, 1832, by J. Townshend.
Wilson, ship, 565 tons. Built at Chamcook, 1837, by J. R. Townshend. Sold Grenock.
Coronet, ship, 870 tons. Built at Chamcook by John Wilson, 1839. Sold Dublin, 1847.
Provincialist, ship, 880 tons. Built 1839 at Chamcook by Ed. Wilson.
John Moore, ship, 730 tons. Built at Chamcook 1841. Sold Liverpool, 1842.
William Bayard, ship, 802 tons. Built 1844 at Chamcook by John Wilson.
Alice Wilson, ship, 990 tons. Built 1847 at Chamcook, by John Wilson. Sold Liverpool.
Strang, bark, 418 tons. Built 1848 at St. Andrews, by J. and R. Townshend. Townshends and Steven Jarvis owners.
Silecia, bark, 844 tons. Built at St. Andrews, 1848, by J. Wilson. Owners Joseph and Edward Wilson
Cornelia, ship, 703 tons. Built at St. Andrews 1849, by J. and R. Townshend. Owners Robert Rankine and Townshends.
Isabella Stuart, ship, 643 tons. Built 1845 at Brandy Cove, by J. and R. Townshend.
Rienzl, ship, 912 tons. Built at St. Andrews, 1854, by J. and R. Townshend. Owner Robert Rankine, Dublin. Hail, Dublin 1868.
Lady of the lake, bark, 458 tons. Built at Chamcook by Townshends, 1840 Sailed many years between St. Andrews and Great Britain with Thomas Smith, Master.
Loodianah, ship, 915 tons. Built 1846 at St. Andrews by E. and J. Wilson, also owners.
Black Swan, ship, 896 tons. Built 1855, at St. Andrews by John Wilson (his last ship).
Anaconda, bark, 169 tons, Built 1856 at Chamcook. Thomas B. Wilson, owner.
Lammergier, ship, 703 tons. Built 1857 at St. Andrews by Bradford. Thomas Wilson owner.
Eldorado, ship, 977 tons. Built 1846 at St. George, by William Townshend and John Billings. Owned by Daniel Gilmore. Lloyds agent stated the Eldorado was one of the best colonial ships he had ever inspected (record in old time-book).
Virginia, brig, 193 tons. Built at St. Andrews 1856, by William Townshend. Hector MacKenzie owner.
Robert Ross, schooner, 128 tons. Built 1873 at St. Andrews by Townshends (their last ship).
Nell Gwyn, ship, 938 tons. Launched Nov. 27th, 1856. Owner Ed. Wilson.
Nellie Townshend, bark, 399 tons. Built at Chamcook. Launched Aug. 18th, 1864. Owner James W. Street.
Lady Milton, 903 tons. Built at St. Andrews 1856 by William Townshend and Charles short. Owners Ed. Wilson, St. Andrew and Joseph Wilson, Liverpool. Sold to Henry Barton, Liverpool, Feb. 1857.
Chimaera, brig, 205 tons. Built at Chamcook, 1859, by William Townshend. Owner Jas. W. Street.
Black Duck, 253 tons. Built 1856. Owner Robert Townshend, sold to George W. Houghton, Liverpool.