Item
Standard
Jan 3/1855
Patriotic Fund started for widows and orphans of Crimean War.
St. Andrews Standard
Jan 3, 1855
Imperial Customs
. . . We have the pleasure in stating that our popular controller [of customs], Mr. Grant, has been placed on the retired list by the Lords of the Treasury, on full pay, after having completed fifty years in the service. For the last quarter of a century, Mr. Grant has been stationed in this country, first as warehouse keeper at this port, afterwards as Collector at St. Andrews, and finally as Controller at this port; in addition to which he was frequently employed to act as Surveyor General at other ports, on special service. Mr. Grant has retired to his residence at St. Andrews, where we wish him long life and happiness, in which we feel confident we are joined by every member of the mercantile community who may have had occasion to do business with him. Messrs. William Ellman and William Smith, the other Imperial Officers stationed at this port, have been placed on the compensation list of the department, with retiring allowances for life, in proportion to their length of service.--Courier
Standard
April 4, 1855
Death of John Wilson, Esq.
It is at all times a melancholy office, whether the career be adorned with exalted and self-sacrificing virtues, or remarkable only for a spirit of worldliness; to have to announce the departure from among us of one, with whose presence, long years have made us familiar; but it is nevertheless a duty which all must from time to time fulfill for their fellow mortals, until the unsparing scythe of the Angel of Death, shall have gathered in the whole harvest to the threshing floor of our Lord; and though on all occasions the same solemn warning of the uncertainty of life should be taken home to our hearts, it is more particularly when the blow is sudden and unexpected, and the position of the departed has been a prominent one, the attention is awakened, and the mind is instinctively turned within itself, and wonders on the lesson of the instability of all earthly things.
It is with such feeling, that we record the sudden decease of John Wilson, Esq., of Chamcook, who for so many years has held such a leading position in this County.
Well; peace to his ashes—for though we have felt it our duty to oppose him in many of his public acts we feel constrained to say, that he leaves a blank which it will be difficult to fill. He was a man of whom it may be justly said, that he possessed a perseverance which was baffled by no obstacles, and an industry that nothing could tire or overcome; and although during the whole course of his proceedings he ever attempted to carry out his own opinions and would go great lengths (as witness his frivolous action for libel against ourselves) in his desire to thwart those who had the independence to oppose him; it is due to him to admit that he was always ready to afford his personal services and to take the lead in any public enterprise; and that even for our Railroad—that great sheet anchor of all the hopes of prosperity for the town, respecting the management of which he has latterly been so misjudging, he has, to quote Capt. Robinson's words, "in the early days of its formation performed services which money could not repay."
As an individual, Mr. Wilson practiced the most unbounded and generous hospitality; his doors were ever open to the wayfarer, and he dispensed the bounties of his table to every stranger as freely as to the invited guest; and we feel persuaded that all those who differed, as well as those who agreed with him in public business, will do him the justice to say, that the death of a man possessing his abilities and industry, most at all time be a great loss, and more particularly so, in a new country and small community like this.
Standard
April 11, 1855
Steamboat Wharf
We are pleased to notice, that public attention has at length been aroused on the subject of having a pier erected for the accommodation of passengers to and from the Steamers; the present miserable accommodation, or as our friend "Civis" expresses it, "the entire absence of any accommodation," for this purpose has long and seriously been felt, not only by the inhabitants of this place, but also by visitors, many of whom, we learn, have, when the steamer arrived, at low water, preferred proceeding to Calais or Eastport, rather than land in the mud and run the risk of breaking their necks on the slip. We are creditably informed that the Capt. Of the steamer "Queen," has said that he will not call here when the tide is out, but land the passengers at Joe's Point, nearly a mile from the Town, thereby subjecting them to the inconvenience of walking that distance, or the expense of paying for a conveyance to bring themselves and luggage to the hotels; we cannot find fault with the Captain should he do so, and therefore urge upon our townsmen, to take decided action tin the matter at once, as no time should be lost, get up a requisition calling a public meeting; let the subject be calmly and fairly discussed—decide upon a suitable site—open a subscription paper, and raise an amount equivalent to the Legislative grant, passed for the purpose, vis., 300 pounds—several persons have expressed themselves willing to subscribe liberally—Capt. Mitchener has stated that he will give 25 pounds towards the erection of such a Wharf, and no doubt, if it is required, 100 pounds can be borrowed by the Magistrates for the purpose; then let tenders be issued for the material and building. It is an old adage "what is everybody's business is nobody's" we therefore suggest that our friend Mr. J. H. Whitlock or some other public-spirited inhabitants take the matter energetically in hand, and there need by no fear of lack of success. Then with respect to the most eligible site—we have conversed with several on that point, and it appears to be the prevailing opinion, that the Market Wharf is not only the most central place but best adapted for a steamboat landing; besides it is public property. Another and most powerful reason is, we understand that Mr. Thompson, our Railroad Manager, suggested some time ago, that the Railroad should be built from the Point along the head of the wharves, as far as the Market Wharf, with a turn table on each of them, for the purpose of loading and unloading freight, and it is very probably that this suggestion will be carried out before many months elapse; would it not then be a decided advantage and benefit to have the terminus so central, and at the same time increase very materially the value of the wharves and landed property through which it would pass. It is to be hoped that the subject will receive the serious consideration of the people, all of whom are interested. We have not space to enlarge upon the matter this week and conduce with the desire that ere our next number is issued, a public meeting will be convened, and that it will be decided to erect a Steamboat Wharf without delay.
Standard
April 18, 1855
Amateur theatre
The last performance for the season, is to take place on Wednesday next, the 25th inst., on which occasion a most attractive bill will be presented, viz., the admirable Comedy of Charles II, or the Merry Monarch. To conclude with the most tragic Tragedy of all tragic Tragedies, written for the 1st April, entitled, Rumfuskin, or the King of the North Pole. We wish the threatre was larger, as we have no doubt it would be filled to overflowing by the many who justly appreciate the efforts of the Amateurs, who have expended so much time for the gratification and amusement of their townsmen. It is admitted by all who have had the pleasure of witnessing their performances during the winter, that the parts were well sustained, and as this will be the last performance for the season, those who have not witnessed to see historical displays, should embrace the present opportunity.
Standard
April 25/1855
R. Storr's store, corner King and Water, destroyed by fire. Upper rooms occupied by Mr. Andrews as barrister's office; store adjoining in same bldg. by Edward Stinson, as confectionary. Michael Fauls lives next door; Mr. Daley works there as tailor. This goes as well. Bradford's Hotel just saved. G. F. Campbell opposite fire.
Bathing House—As the season is rapidly approaching, when persons from various parts of the province will visit St. Andrews—would it not be well for some enterprising person to erect a Bathing House, on some one of the many eligible sites near the Town? Such an establishment having separate rooms, for warm and cold, salt and fresh, shower and swimming baths—might be erected at a cheap rate, either by one person, or a joint stock company, and it is admitted would be well patronized.
Standard
May 9/1855
M. S. Hannah and T. Turner O'Dell commissioner for building steamboat landing.
St. Andrews Standard
June 6, 1855
Summer Arrangement between Saint John and St. Andrews
From 1st June until 1st November
The subscriber having become contractor for the conveyance of Her Majesty's Mails between Saint John and St. Andrews, would inform his friends and the public generally that his coach will leave the Saint John Hotel, Saint John, every evening, Sundays excepted, at 5 o'clock, and St. Andrews, John Bradford's, every morning, Mondays excepted, after the arrival of the American mail. Persons wishing to travel by this June will find good horses, and comfortable coaches, careful, sober and obliging drivers, and all they can well expect from the proprietor.
Stage Fare as follows;
All the way through either way, 15s. Way fares from Saint John to Musquash 5s. From Musquash to Lepreaux, 3s.4d. From McGowan's to Pennfield, 3s.9d. From Pennfield to Saint George, is 4d. From George to St. Andrews, 6s.
Returning:
From St. Andrews to St. George 6s.3d. From Saint George to Pennfield 1s.4d. From Pennfield to McGowan's, 3s.9d. From McGowan's to Lepreaux 4s.8d. From Lepreaux to Musquash 3s.4d. From Musquash to Saint John, 5s. or 4d per mile.
N.B. Books kept at Saint John Hotel, Saint John, and at J. Bradford's, St. Andrews. Where persons can enter their names and receive any information respecting the line and rely upon being called for.
--John Winters, Saint John, May, 1855
To be Sold
On the 20th day of June next, at public auction, on the premises, if not previously disposed of at private sale, all that well known Steam Sawmill, situate at the Pagan Wharf, in St. Andrews. The engine is about forty horsepower, and drives two gangs, with the necessary edging and trimmings saws, is in good order. Apply at the C. C. Bank.
St. Andrews Standard
June 13, 1855
Lieut. Governor Manners-Sutton visits St. Andrews and is presented with an address by the inhabitants of the town, noting the general decline of business in the town and praying not to be forgotten in the provincial accounts.
. . . "We regret that since vessels have entered and cleared our ports, the trade and commerce of this town has seriously declined, and that our harbour no longer presents the busy scenes it used to do in former years, but we beg your Excellency not to consider us so selfish as to envy the greater advantages given to the other ports, we only deplore, that obstacles should be opposed to our exertions to revive our former trade by the construction of the Railroad to Woodstock, as that great work will (we feel satisfied) when completed, add consequence and renewed prosperity to the town, as well as encourage emigration to and increase the trade of the province in general. . . .
Manners-Sutton also visited St. Stephen and Milltown, not to mention the St. Andrews Jail and Scotch Church, courthouse, etc., then took a tour up the railway line, now suspended, and had a breakfast at the junction 25 miles from town.
Standard
June 20/1855
Fire at Mr. Storey's, corner Elizabeth and Queen, formerly M. Norris.
Steamboat and RR to and from Portland, Boston and Saint John, twice a week. Touching at Eastport. Steamer Admiral. Nequasset connecting St. Andrews and Calais with Eastport. Tickets to Saint John, Portland, Boston and Mtl. R. Storr, St. Andrews Agent.
Standard
July 4/1855
Wharf and land purchased for steamboat wharf.
St. Andrews Standard
Aug 22, 1855
Public Auction
Sale of Plant and Materials
[the railroad is no longer under construction; major disputes of late have halted the project]
Recently used in the construction of the St. Andrews and Quebec Railroad
On Thursday, the 6th September, at 12 o'clock, will be sold at public auction at the railroad depot, St. Andrews, New Brunswick, all the plant and materials of Messrs. Sykes and Company, contractors, taken under execution,
Consisting of a steam saw mill, a locomotive engine, 310 tons T rails,, earth wagons, timber trucks, dobbin carts, timber carriages, plate layers' lorries, wheelbarrows, picks of all sorts, wagon iron, axes and wheels, barrels and coils of patent fuze, iron, steel, blacksmith's tools in sets, and a variety of articles used in the construction of rail roads, valued at L8,000 sterling, and also all buildings, and erections on the line, and at the depot, the property of the said firm.
Standard
Sept 5/1855
Public Landing being erected. Dull economic times in St. George and St. Stephen. Calais looking good. Complaints about government's lack of initiative re St. Andrews/Q RR. RR as not yet been sold but on the ropes.
Standard
Oct 3/1855
Mass emigration from New Brunswick west and to western states. RR's a must.
The Crimean War exerted a profound impact on the colonies and British Empire. Not like WWI, but significant.
Standard
Dec 19, 1855
Died
On the 18th inst., after an illness of a few days, arising from a fall, Mr. David Watson, aged 36 years, third son of the late Alexander Watson, deservedly regretted by a large circle of friends.
Standard
Dec 26/1855
Queen has given assent to prohibitory Liquor Bill for New Brunswick. Editorial.
We have the melancholy duty, this day, to announce the death of Dugald Blair, Esq., M. D., after a brief illness, on Sunday morning last 23rd inst., at his residence St. Stephen, in the 40th year of his age. Dr. Blair was a native of Glasgow, Scotland, came to this country sixteen years ago, and settled at St. Stephen, where he enjoyed an extensive practice and was universally beloved and respected. In him the community have lost an esteemed member of society, --the poor, a friend indeed, -- who was kind, attentive, and obliging, every ready to respond to the call of the afflicted. His death is deeply lamented by a large circle of relatives and friends; and we sincerely condole with his amiable partner and her two children, in their severe bereavement. The lateness of the hour at which the unexpected and melancholy tidings were received, prevented the Masonic Fraternity in St. Andrews, from paying the last tributes of respect to the remains of one, who held an exalted position among them, and who possessed their confidence and esteem.