Item

The St. Andrews Herald

The First Newspaper

Beacon

Feb. 3, 1910

History of Journalism in St. Andrews

Read Before the Canadian Literature Club by R. E. Armstrong

Feb. 3 and Feb. 10, 1910

The sum of accessible information with regard to the early history of St. Andrews is of so meager a character as to afford little material for the historian. The late Joseph W. Lawrence of St. John, of whom I have many kindly recollections, in his Footprints says that the St. Andrews Herald was the first paper published here. It appeared in the year 1819, 36 years after the first settlement of the Loyalist refugees in St. Andrews.

                  It seems a little strange to us in these days of modern journalism and "hustleism," if I may be permitted to coin a word - that a town of such promise and prominence should have existed so long without a local paper to give voice to the ambitions of its people, more particularly as many of the first residents were men of culture and refinement, and were accustomed to newspapers in the homes that they abandoned in the United States. It is not the way that towns are built and boomed now-a-days.

                  But it should be remembered that the conditions which prevailed then were vastly different from what they are today. The early journalists of St. Andrews labored under many disadvantages. The country was young. Coin was scarce. There were few roads in the province. They could not call to their aid, as can the journalists of today, such scientific and mechanical agencies as the locomotive, the steamship, the telegraph, the ocean cable, the telephone, the wireless message, the bicycle, the automobile - and may I also say the aeroplane. Most of these were unknown, scarcely dreamed of, 90 years ago.

                  They had no typewriters to expedite the work in their sanctums. Shorthand was not in the general use that it is today. Everything had to be written by the slow, laborious hand process. Ninety years ago the method of setting up type had changed little from what it was in Gutenberg's time. Indeed, the linotypes, the monolines, and the other typesetting and typecasting machines, which are employed in the larger printing offices, have only been perfected within the last twenty- five years. Stereotyping was unknown 90 years ago in general newspaper work. The printing presses were of the most primitive character, usually a Washington hand-press or an Army press, from which not more than 200 or 400 copies could be produced in half a day, and that usually by the expenditure of a good deal of perspiration and profanity. Today the printing presses print editions up to 400 pages or more, turning them out folded and complete at the rate of 10,000 or 60,000 per hour. What perfection will be reached in the printer's art during the next 90 years I would not attempt to predict.

                  Ninety years ago, the postal accommodations at St. Andrews were very incomplete. Mails were few and far between. They came here very irregularly, an occasional mercantile craft or man-of-war bringing a batch of letters from the old world. Under these conditions can you wonder that the town was so long without a paper!

                  Concerning the first paper Mr. Lawrence says:

                  "The St. Andrews Herald was the property of a Company. Its editor, John Cochran, early retired and was succeeded by David Howe, brother of the Hon. Joseph Howe. In 1822, Peter Stubs, a merchant of St. Andrews, purchased the Herald. His foreman was John H. Storey. In 1831 he sold it to his son John; the paper shortly after was discontinued. From 1820 to 1827 Mr. Stubs was one of the members for Charlotte County. In 1832 he returned to Scotland and died in 1840 in his 57th year.

                  Mr. D. Russell Jack, editor of Acadiensis, to whom I am indebted for information, says that David Howe removed to Halifax, and is buried in the old historic graveyard there.

                  A few copies of the Herald are still preserved. One of these, of date April 24, 1821, has been in my possession for several years. It was called the St. Andrews Herald and Commercial Advertiser. This paper is No. 29, vol. II, which would make the first issue about October 29, 1819. It is a four-page paper, four columns to the page, the column measure being a little wider than that which now prevails. In length each page is 15 inches. Under the heading it is announced that the paper is "Printed and Published by Howe and Storey every Tuesday morning." The subscription price is "15 shillings per annum."

                  At the head of the first column is the customary publisher's announcement, as follows:

                  "St. Andrews Herald, Printed at No. 5, south side of the Market Wharf, where Subscriptions, Communications, Advertisements, or Job Work of any kind will be thankfully received and promptly attended to."

                  "Communications and Orders for Printing of any kind, arriving through the Post Office, must be post-paid; otherwise they will not be attended to."

                  The early publisher did not consider it any part of his duty to mirror the doings of the townsfolk or to devote any part of his paper to chronicling local happenings. He had no editorial opinions on any subject or if he had he did not give expression to them. Indeed, were it not for the few local advertisements the reader would scarcely know that there were any inhabitants in the town. It was regarded then as little short of impertinence to make mention of the movements of people, the only persons who were thought worthy of mention being some prominent official or someone of unusual importance. Today, the newspapers have reached the other extreme.

St. Andrews Herald

August 1, 1820

For Sale

A single pew on the West Isle of the St. Andrews Church, belonging to the subscriber, if not disposed of by private sale, will be sold at public auction, on the 1st of June next to the highest bidder. - John Merrill, March 11, 1820

Notice to Emigrants

The undersigned having been appointed to His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, with the advice of His Majesty's Council, a Committee for Charlotte County, to enquire into the characters, testimonials and claims of all such Emigrants as may arrive at or come into this County from the Mother Country, and to recommend and report such as wish to become settlers in the same to His Excellency for location tickets, if they may, after due enquiry, think eligible, they therefore give notice, that they will pay immediate attention to any applications made to them for the above purposes.

 - Hugh Mackay

 - John Campbell

 - Peter Stubs

Christopher Scott, and Co.

Have received their Spring Goods from London, Bristol, Liverpool, and Greenock - which, with their former Stock, makes a very general assortment, consisting of:

                  East India silks and cottons

                  Congo, souchong and hyson teas

                  Woolens

                  Printed and plain cottons

                  Irish and Scotch linens

                  Sailcloth and twines

                  Cordage

                  Anchors, 8 to 14 cwt.

                  Cham cables

                  English and Swedish iron, assorted sizes

                  Spikes and nails

                  Copper bolts and spikes

                  Hardware

                  Earthenware

                  Paints and oils

                  Fishing lines and hooks

                  Glass 7 x 9, 8 x 10, 10 x 12

                  Port and Tenerife wines

                  Brandy and Gin

                  Barley and oatmeal

                   - St. Andrews, May 29, 1820

By the June Packet, arrived at Halifax, we have received English papers to the 12th of that month, and have transcribed some of the most interesting articles. The arrival of the Queen appears to attract the attention of Government, and possibly may interfere with its arrangements and perplex its deliberations; it is to be hoped, however, that the inquiry now pending may lead to satisfactory results.

On Thursday last, John Barton Morris, sailmaker, of London, and Ebenezer P. Paine, late of St. Stephen, shoemaker, were severally sentenced to receive thirty-nine lashes for stealing sundry articles from the store of Mr. G. Hunter, of St. Stephen, under the value of 20 shillings. The sentence was the next day carried into execution in front of the Gaol Yard.

                  Also, yesterday, John Dunn and James Hazen, were publicly whipped: the former, for stealing some articles of clothing from William McLeod; the latter for stealing three pair of earrings from Terence McKenny.

                  Morris, Paine, Dunn and Hazen are to leave the County in five days from the time of receiving their punishment.

Naval Intelligence

Arrived

July 25

Sch. Matilda, Trefry, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia; Molasses, etc. - said Master

Sch. Trial, Crosby, Halifax; sugar, etc. - said Master

Brig Union, Armstrong, Belfast, 46 days, 135 passengers - said Master

July 26

Brig Ardent, Pattison, Londonderry, 50 days, 300 passengers - H. Hutchings

Brig Ann, Cocking, Newfoundland, 500 seal skins - R. Pagan and Co.

Cleared

July 27

Sch. Matilda, Trefry, Halifax; lumber - said Master

Sch. Three Daughters, McMaster, Barbados; fish and lumber – D. McMaster

Ship Cleveland, Mackey, Liverpool; timber, etc. - said Master

Ship Lady Ann, Cram, Newfoundland; lumber, etc. - R. Pagan and Co.

Just Published, and for Sale at this Office

A Sermon, preached on St. John's Day, before the Brethren of Eastern Star, and Orphan's Friend Lodges, in the Parish Church of St. Andrews, New Brunswick, by the Rev. Jerome Alley, A. B., Rector of said Church. Published at the request of Eastern Star and Orphan's Friend Lodge.

House of Commons, June 6

Duties on Timber

Sir, I commoved for an account of all timber, cut within the American line, floated down the rapids for Canada, etc., for the purpose of re-exportation, from the year 1818 to 1820. The object he had in view in moving for this account was to show that instead of benefitting our own Colonies, by excluding the Baltic timber, we were in fact giving all the benefit of the supposed monopoly to the United States. He was a friend to the shipping interest; but he would not support any system that conferred a benefit on one country, which we denied to another, while we ourselves were losers.

The Assize of Bread

Set by a special session of the Peace, held at St. Andrews, on Monday the fifth instant, is as follows:

                  The sixpenny loaf to weigh 2 lbs. 5 oz. 0 dr.

                  The sixpenny rye loaf to weigh 3 lbs. 2 oz. 0 dr.

And other loaves in proportion.

 - Harris Hatch, Clerk of the Peace

Stolen last night, from alongside the wharf of Mr. J. Wilson

A schooner rigged boat, belonging to the subscriber, called The Eastport and Saint Andrews Packet, burthen about 10 tons, bottom painted green, bright varnish sides, and green washboards - has a cuddy forward, and a trunk abaft, open amidships.

                  Also stolen, a small yawl boat.

                  Whoever may give such information as will lead to the recovery of the boats and conviction of the thief or thieves, shall be handsomely rewarded.

 - E. B. Tuttle

Went Adrift From St. Andrews Island, on Thursday Night Last

A small reach boat, 12 foot keel. Whoever may have picked up said boat and will leave her either at the Island or at the Market Wharf, St. Andrews, shall be handsomely rewarded.

 - James Maloney

Entertainment

Charles Riely informs the Public that he has moved into the house formerly occupied by Joseph Shaw in this town, where he now keeps Entertainment and Lodging, with good attendance, and hopes to give general satisfaction.

                  The advantages attending this place as a House of Entertainment are probably not surpassed by any in the town; the house is spacious and commodious and the situation pleasant and salubrious, and his stables for horses large and convenient.

For Sale by John Wilson

Superior quality spirits; best green and Triage Jamaica coffee; Jamaica Sugars, the cargo of the brig Saint Andrew.

                  Also, Demerara rum, Sugar and Molasses, the cargoes of the Brigs John and Louisa.

Samuel Topliff

Offers for sale, at Robbinston, 30 lbs. superfine, 20 ditto middlings, and 10 do. of rye flour; 20 bbls. ship bread, 30 bushels beans, first quality, 20 bbls. clear, 30 ditto of bone middlings pork, with 15 bbls. heads, 20 bbls. And 10 half-barrels mess beef, 2 hhds. best Boston bacon, 20 bbls. Pitch, 30 ditto, tar 10 ditto., rosin, bright and black varnish, in bbls. or by the retail, all of which will be sold as low as at any store in Eastport.

St. Andrews Herald

Aug. 15, 1820

The Trustees of the Parish School have determined to introduce the Madras system of Education on the particular recommendation of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, whose unremitted exertions for the promotion of useful knowledge cannot be sufficiently appreciated. The schools in Saint John and Fredericton, under his Excellency's especial patronage, have succeeded beyond the most sanguine expectations.

The Settlement of Grand Manan

Has very much increased within these few years. The Rev. Jerome Alley, Rector of this Parish, lately visited that distant part of his mission, where he preached on the 30th inst., to a most attentive congregation of at least 200 people on that day; he baptized 23 children and 4 adults, we are informed. Had the day been favourable, the number of applicants for baptism would have been at least 50 more. We understand, however, with pleasure, that Mr. Alley intends to pay another visit to this Island, by the latter end of next month.

                  The situation of Grand Manan calls loudly for spiritual relief; its population at present exceeds 500 souls, without the benefit of a resident clergyman; we are happy however to hear that the greatest anxiety prevails amongst the inhabitants on this important subject, and that they intend to exert all their means to erect a church during the ensuing spring. We sincerely hope that the Legislature will be pleased to afford some aid towards so very interesting an object.

Female Education

Mrs. Howe [possibly the wife of David Howe, second owner of the Herald] respectfully acquaints her friends and the inhabitants of St. Andrews in general, that she intends commencing a school on the 1st of September next, in which she proposes the instruction of pupils in the following branches of female education, viz. -

                  The English and French languages, sacred and modern geography, composition and parsing, reading, writing, and arithmetic, painting, drawing, embroidering, tambouring, working upon muslins, plain sewing and marking.

                  The utmost attention will be shewn as well to the morals as to the improvement of such pupils as may be entrusted to her care; and by exerting her best endeavours to give general satisfaction, she hopes to merit the patronage now solicited.

Notice

The subscribers respectfully inform the public, that they have commenced the Tin-Ware Manufacturing Business, in the store No. 3, south door, Market Wharf, where the public can be accommodated with anything in their line of business at the lowest cash prices, and sheet-iron and lead work executed at the shortest notice.

                  Wanted: old copper, brass and pewter, in exchange for ware.

 - Ames and Webb

St. Andrews Herald

Sept. 23, 1821

Communication

"Warren Hatheway, Esq., was arraigned on an indictment at the last Circuit Court held in St. Andrews for Charlotte County, for assaulting and beating Gradus Johnston, Constable of the West Isles, while in the execution of his office, and rescuing a prisoner who was in his custody, and as he had previously been bail for said Johnston, for the sum of eleven pounds, and had taken him out of Gaol and sent him to the Labrador on a fishing voyage, he being a material witness, the Officer for the Crown was not ready for trial, and the offender, being a Magistrate, he was recognized only in the sum of ten pounds for his appearance at the next Circuit Court."

 - "A Friend to Justice"

West Isles, 15 Sept. 1821

In answer to the above libel, the subscriber will inform his "Friend to Justice" that he holds the humble acknowledgement of the above Gradus Johnston, stating that he had no cause for such complaint, and asking forgiveness for so doing; also said Johnston publicly declares that Gilbert Ruggles, Esquire, who published the above, was the person who seduced him, the said Johnston, to make such an improper complaint.

 - W. Hatheway

Strachan and Garnett

Offer for Sale

Cod and scale fish of superior quality, 60 bbls., mackerel, 30 do., herrings on moderate terms, and will shortly have ready for market a quantity of smoked herrings.

On Sale by the Subscriber

Flat and round iron, assorted cordage, from ½ to 4 inch, Holland gin, Cognac, Brandy, Shrub, Old Rum, French wine in casks, Superior old Madeira wine by the Pipe, quarter cask, or gallon.

 - Ker and Douglas

New Tavern

The subscriber begs leave to inform his friends and the public, that he has taken that commodious and pleasantly situated house on King Street, recently occupied by H. Swymmer, Esq. (nearly opposite the Ordway's Hotel) where may be had boarding, lodging, and stabling for horses. Those who may call upon him will be thankfully received, and every exertion on his part will be made to give general satisfaction. Please call and see.

 - Adam Dickey

Valuable Real Estate

At Sheriff sale, on Thursday, the 25th day of October next, at eleven o'clock, on the premises, that well known farm in the Parish of Saint David, now in possession of John Crafts, attached by virtue of a writ of Fieri Facias, at the suit of Jarid Betts. The farm that is now offered for sale, is handsomely situated in a central situation, is under a good state of improvement, cuts from sixty to seventy tons of hay, and has a sufficient quantity of arable and pasture land; there are on the premises an excellent two story house, a convenient well of water, barns and out-house in good repair, and is, all things considered, a most desirable situation.

 - Elisha Andrews, Sheriff of Charlotte

Water

Excellent fresh water may be had at the watering place of the subscriber, at twenty cents per cask. Spouts and other conveniences will be furnished to convey the water into the boats without landing the casks. N.B.: No water will be delivered on Sundays for less than double the price above.

 - John Brewer, Robbinston

The subscriber hereby informs the public that he has fitted up a large and commodious auction and commission store in the new building nearly in front of his dwelling house, where he will receive goods of every description intended to be sold either at Vendue or Private sale, on Commission, free of storage. His Notary Public's Office, and that of Surveyor, and deputy Registrar of Probates and Wills, are in the southeastern end of the same, where Memorials, Deeds, Leases, and other writings, will be executed on moderate terms. He takes this opportunity of requiring all indebted to the Probate Office, to make payment without further delay.

 - Colin Campbell

The Lord Nelson Packet now sails regularly between St. Andrews and Eastport - and has excellent accommodations. Passengers and freight will be taken on moderate terms and every exertion made to given general satisfaction.

 - Thomas Bibber

St. Andrews Herald

Dec. 25, 1821

No. 12, Vol. III

To be Sold

One yoke of good oxen; a liberal credit will be given on good security and payment received in merchantable pine lumber at market cash price. Apply at this office to Mr. John Gilbert Seeley, Magaguadavic or Mr. Nehemiah Marks, St. Stephen.

The subscriber notifies all those who have open accounts with him in the years 1819 and 1820, to settle the same immediately, or they will be sued without discrimination.

 - W. C. McStay

N.B. In future, all accounts will be rendered for payment at the expiration of six months.

Charlotte County Agricultural and Emigrant Society

The anniversary of the above Society will be celebrated by a dinner at MacFarlane's, in St. Andrews, on Tuesday the 3rd day of January next. Tickets may be had by applying to any of the stewards, on or before Saturday the 5th day of January.

 - John Strang, Harris Hatch, Peter Stubs, Stewards

N.B. Dinner is on the table at half past 4 o'clock.

St. Andrews, Dec. 24, 1821

Died

On the night of the 6th inst. at St. Andrews, Mr. Joseph Maloney, aged 45. His death was occasioned, it is supposed, by accidently falling over a log of wood, partly covered with snow, upon a small stump of a tree sticking out of the ground.

Distressing Loss of the Sloop Newcastle

The following particulars relative to the loss of the sloop Newcastle, William Parker, of Clam Cove, Master, from Saint John, have been communicated to us. She left Saint John on Thursday night with 40 puncheons of rum on board. She struck on Black Rock, near Casco Bay Island, at 6 o'clock in the evening, beat over that ledge and went on the eastern point of Casco Bay Island, and went to pieces. The Captain, two seamen, and one passenger were washed overboard and drowned. The passenger's name was Paul Giles, formerly of Belfast. The cook and one passenger were saved by going from the rigging onto the high rocks at one o'clock at night. About fifteen puncheons of the rum have been picked up in different points of the bay. The sloop belonged to Mr. Joshua Huston, of Saint John.

Mrs. Powell and daughter propose to visit St. Andrews in the spring and teach the polite art of dancing if a sufficient number of pupils should offer, for six months only. Terms, one pound entrance, and two pounds per quarter. Instructions twice a week. Such ladies as are inclined to subscribe will please leave their name with Mrs. Howe.

The public are respectfully informed, that a sleigh will run between here and Saint John during the winter season, to commence tomorrow. Passengers will be taken on reasonable terms, and every exertion made to give general satisfaction.

 - Kelleher and Rankin

Dec. 17, 1821

500 Tons Pine Timber

For sale by the subscriber, for cash or good bills of exchange, on delivery. Also, 100,000 cedar shingles, and 25,000 merchantable pine boards, at four months credit. The whole to be delivered at the Ledge, or at St. Stephen.

 - John Dewolfe

St. Stephen, Dec. 3

Wanted, a smart, active lad of good character, about 14 years of age, apprentice to the shoemaking business. Enquire at this office.

150 Dollars Reward

Whereas a horse belonging to the subscriber was, on the 3rd day of October, instant, in a field occupied by Mr. James Parkinson, in this town, most inhumanly cut in the withers, in the daytime, with a sharp instrument, by some person or persons, whereby the horse is greatly injured, the above reward will be paid to any person who will give such information as will lead to the conviction of the offender or offenders. Perhaps nothing in the whole catalogue of human crimes deserves a more severe punishment than the above atrocious offence, when we consider it particularly operating against a noble and useful animal, without the means or power of defending itself and perhaps intended as an act of revenge against the owner. It is to be hoped the above sum will be sufficient to bring to light the abandoned perpetrator to meet the just and appropriate reward for his malignity.

 - Edward DeWolfe

St. Andrews Herald

January 8, 1822

At this season when our beaux and belles are amusing themselves in riding through the streets in sleighs, it may not be amiss to caution the drivers to keep constantly the left-hand side of the road, in order to prevent accident.

"The Rule of the Road is a paradox quite,

In driving a sleigh or a carriage along;

If you keep to the left you are sure to be right,

And if you go right, you go wrong."

On Saturday morning last, about three o'clock, the brig Robert, of Londonderry, Nova Scotia, lying at the wharf of D. McMaster, Esq., was discovered to be on fire. The alarm was immediately given, and the Firewards, Military and inhabitants, repaired quickly to the vessel. The most judicious measures were adopted and carried into execution with spirit and promptitude, notwithstanding the extreme severity of the weather. We are happy to state their exertions were crowned with success, the fire being kept under until the rise of the tide, which completely extinguished it. The vessel has sustained less damage than was at first imagined. The fire was occasioned, it is supposed, by some defect in the hearth of the fireplace. Where all deserved praise, it may seem superfluous to particularize, yet we cannot help remarking that Capt. Jones, Lieut. Barker, and the troops at this Post, deserve the thanks of the community for their unwearied exertions on the occasion.

St. Andrews Herald

February 21, 1825

To Travellers

The great road from Fredericton to St. Andrews being now well broke for two horses abreast through the new route by Maryland, Rushigoannes, the North Branch of the Oromocto and Shin Creek - persons travelling that way are hereby advised to have their sleighs constructed in such a manner that the shafts will skit from side to side if they drive a single horse.

 - Royal Gazette

His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor having been pleased to give his sanction to raising a Troop of Cavalry in the District of the First Battalion of the Charlotte County Militia; such young and active Men as are desirous to enroll themselves herein, and furnish a good Horse, and the requisite Arms, Uniform, etc., are required to forward their names to the subscriber within one month from this date. The Corps will then be called together, the regulations for the government thereof prepared and subscribed for the approbation of His Excellency, the Uniform and Arms determined on, and all the necessary steps taken to render the Troop efficient and respectable with as little delay as possible.

                  By Order of the Lieut. Colonel Commanding, Robert S. Mowat, Adjutant 1st Batt.

St. Andrews Herald

Feb. 15, 1826

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 workshop, 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 shipbuilding make it desirable for those persons wishing to carry on this lucrative branch of business.

 - Apply to John Wilson