The Diary of Alexander Machum Jr.

 

1845 - 1849

 

A number of years ago, while doing  research in the NB Provincial Archives, I came across a document in the Acadiansis series titled Death In The Valley by Prof. J. I. Little of Simon Fraser University in British Columbia.  The Diary of Alexander Machum Jr. 1845 - 1849 was the subtitle  and he used the year’s entries from 1847 as the basis for his article. Prof. Little is still working at Simon Fraser University and he sent me the complete diary transcription of 29 pages.

 

Alexander Machum Jr. 1819 - 1897 was the oldest son of Alexander and Mary (Carson) Machum who came from County Derry, Northern Ireland in 1819, settled on the Belleisle for five years and then moved to a land grant at  New Jerusalem in 1824.

 

The following notes were taken from “Alexander Machum, Margaret Carson, and their Descendents” published by Donald Machum in 1992.

 

Alexander Jr. lived at home on the farm and attended the local school. At 19 he started teaching at the Hampstead school with a county licence from 1839 to 1841, New Jerusalem-1842, Springfield, Kings County-1843 to 1846, and again in New Jerusalem-1847&8. He secured his Class 1 New Brunswick licence at the Training and Model School, Fredericton in the fall of 1848. He married Elizabeth (Eliza) Frances Inch on Jan. 18 1849 and established a farm and general store in New Jerusalem.  By 1871, with 6 sons and 2 daughters, “Alexander Jr. had 500 acres with 2 dwelling houses, 4 barns, a warehouse, 13 wagons, carts,  sleighs and carriages, 3 horses, 7 milk cows, 4 steers, 13 sheep and 2 swine -and no hired hands or servants.” From 1872 to 1876 he taught in Jerusalem and then to Welsford till the 1880s, Coote Hill, Hampstead and again in Jerusalem, finally retiring  in 1888 at age 69 after 38 years of teaching.

 

Notes from the four page Introduction to Death In The Valley by Prof. J. I. Little.

 

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF CAMP GAGETOWN MILITARY BASE in the early 1950s displaced some 3,000 people, but by that time a number of settlements in the thin ­soiled 11,000 hectare areas had already long been abandoned.   It was during the demolition process in the deserted hamlet of New Jerusalem that Captain Mervyn Thurgood of the 3rd Brigade, Black Watch, discovered a large quantity of old papers strewn about in the back room of what had once been a store.  From among these papers he picked out a journal whose entries date from 17 September 1845 to 23 July 1849, with the addition of notations for 15 March 1850 and 9 February 1864.  Thurgood's curiosity was sufficiently piqued for him to make a typescript copy of the volume and decipher a passage written in code, before sending the original to the University of New Brunswick History Department.  That volume has since disappeared, but Thurgood, now a retired major, brought his copy to my attention while taking one of my history courses at Simon Fraser University.  Long neglected and all-too-frequently destroyed because they were not produced by a literary, political or economic elite, such documents have great value for the writing of social history.  A heavy dependence by Canadian historians of the pre industrial era on the analysis of routinely generated sources such as manuscript census reports has resulted in a focus on social structures and material life.  These are certainly important topics in their own right, but a document such as the Machum diary can provide a direct insight into the values and beliefs of the "common man", albeit a reasonably well-educated man in this case.

......Machum's journal is not a diary in the commonly understood sense of the term, for it records no intimate thoughts, and only rarely an account of the day's occurrences.  Judging from the length of the entries, the two most significant social events in Machum's life during this period were his examination for a first-class teacher's certificate at Fredericton in November 1848 and his attendance at the first "Loyal Orange Soiree" later the same month. ..... Even if the diary is not the product of a particularly introspective mind, however, it does reveal a good deal about the lives and emotions of Machum and his community.

The most striking characteristic of this journal is its rather exclusive focus on mortality.  Eighty-three deaths are noted, often in considerable detail, during the three­ year period it covers, while 30 marriages and a single birth. receive only cursory mention. .....What is perhaps more surprising is that a total of 23 accidental deaths are recorded, including nine drownings and five cases of frostbite.   Such a preoccupation would seem more than a little morbid in today’s   society. ....Of the 50 deaths whose locales are identified, nine occurred on the broad section near the mouth of the St. John River known as Long Reach (mostly from drowning), five at Belleisle further up the same arm, four at Nerepis, and the others at it variety of locales with names such as Bull-Moose Hill, Trott Settlement and Oaknabog. ....one of the most striking features of Machum's diary is how commonly people were struck down in the prime of life by accidents and illnesses that in our era of modern medicine and advanced transportation facilities would cause little concern.

Machum was clearly far more concerned with the afterlife than with politics, but his membership in the Orange Lodge and his approving references to the emerging temperance movement illustrate how religion could foster collective action. Ironically, as the social reform movement became increasingly institutionalized, local community bonds would weaken.  One symptom would be a more personalized view of death than that displayed in Machum's diary; another would be the abandonment and destruction of marginal communities such as New Jerusalem, with almost no attempt to preserve a record of their historical existence.

 

 

The following is the complete transcript of the diary sent to me by Prof. J. I. Little

Notes in (brackets) are mine. David McKinney

 

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THE DIARY OF JAMES ALEXANDER MACHUM

 

Sept 17 1845

 

Mr. William White had his plums stolen: they broke the trees consider­ably, and daubed the sign-board all over with coal-tar: they traced the plum pits up to, or above Reid's and the shingles on which the tar was down to the big bridge.

 

Sept. 27 (1845)

 

This night Mr. King Crawford's Barn And its contents were all consumed by fire, which without any doubt, was the work of an incendiary: it was about 10 o'clock 'at night when discovered by Seth Benson ­Mr. Crawford was not at home.  He came home on Sunday evening.  And on Tuesday he got a warrant to arrest a boy named Wm.  Jones who lived with Wm..  Ketchum.  This Wm.  Ketchum and Sd Crawford were at variance, and before N A Scovil and John Henderson Esqrs., he (the boy) turned Queen's evidence, which was to this effect.  That Wm.  Ketchum and he had conspired sometime previous to set fire to his barn this fall, whenever they could get a good opportunity, of which they availed themselves in his absence, - when they knew about 10 o-clock A.M. that he was going away Ketchum said to the boy  'now, will be our chance to burn the barn tonight about 11 o'clock" - when 10 o'clock came Ketchum­ took his matches, and said to the boy "now let us go'.  Consequently they went to the barn.  And K.-gave the matches to the boy, saying, "Go thou in and set the hay-mow on fire" - the boy went in and set the mow on fire.  And K. said to the boy, "is it on fire?" the boy replied,, "Yes” He repeated his question.  'Is it well on fire?" he replied "it is”, Then said K. "Let us be off.” - They retired slowly, passing through a field.  And before they got out-of said field, they saw S. Benson running to the burning Barn - Upon this, they arrested Ketchum also.  And conveyed them both to Kingston gaol, there to await their trial - they have since been liberated because they could bring no direct proof against them the Constable having advised him that it would be better to confess which was illegal the boy has eloped.

 

Sept. 25 (1845) 

 

In Pleasant Valley a Miss Morrison ate some plums with the cores, and did not feel unwell when she retired to bed, but in the morning she laid rather longer than usual, which induced her Mother to go and see her - she went into the room.  And she was lying very quietly ­therefore she left her, not disturbing her, as she thought she was asleep. - and about 10 o'clock, she went into the room again, And, behold! she was speechless.  They got a physician immediately but he could do no good - she died shortly after - the universal opinion is that the eating of the plums was the cause.  The Doctor opened her and found nearly a quart of plum-pits in her chest.-

 

Oct. 2^nd (1845)

 

A Miss Ferly,(Perley?) near Sheffield, was invited to a wedding party and started from home, with some others, to cross the river, as well as usual; they had not gone far before one said, "Bel is fainting.  She only gave a few-gasps, and expired.  In her trunk was found another little trunk, in which were found her grave-clothes, and by a few lines, it appears they had been made some 14 or 15 years.  They also found, on a piece of paper, written these words, "O death where is thy sting? 0 grave, where is thy victory?  The sting of death is sin: and the strength of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

 

 

Sept. 27  18 45

 

At Canning, a Mr. Ramsay, aged 73 years, died in the most appalling and heart-rending manner, exclaiming, "too late! too late! fire and no water!  Fire and no water!" which were his last words uttered in this world, How dreadful!

 

Oct. 8^th (1845)

 

Miss Momima Morrell is to be buried.  Mr. A. Mercereau attends the funeral.  She died of consumption,,expiring in the full assurance of a blessed immortality beyond the confines of the tomb.

 

Oct.  8^th (1845)

 

To be buried near his father's residence on Bellisle.  Philip McKenzie who was drowned, from a wood-boat, at Indian-town on -Friday last - he was a young man -who left his father's last spring.

 

Oct. 2^nd (1845)

 

Revd.  Jas.  Smith married Edward White to Matilda Davis at 6 o'clock P.M, There were about fifty persons at it.  Mr. John Porter and Miss McFarlane stood with them - there were some person or persons who for mischief, came and carried off the gate down to Mr. Caleb Spragg’s,  also a set of horse-harness and wagon-cushions and trode them into a muddy place. They likewise cut a rope to pieces, How  degrading and mean!

 

Oct. 9^th (1845)

 

Revd.  Mr. Allen married Mr. James Nowlin to Miss Leah Gillies, at her father's, about 7 O'clock P.M. - There were about Sixty persons in attendance - He was a widower and has one child - Mr. Wm.  E. Crawford .and Miss Haywood stood with them.

 

Oct. 13^th (1845)

 

This was a training-day, but on account of the inclemency of the weather there being a very heavy rain, those who assembled were dismissed without any drill.  The horse-company dined with Wm.  Josiah Marven.

 

Oct. 21^st (1845)

 

This morning there is quite a snow-storm - there are some 4 or 5 inches on the ground - wind N. & E. yesterday looked very much like snow, and was very chilly.

 

Oct. 22^nd (1845)

 

The snow still lays on, and is very cold.  Froze ice an inch thick.

 

Oct. 23^rd (1845)

 

The snow is not all off yet and continues to be very frigid.  Freezing very hard at night.

 

Oct. 24^th (1845)

 

Did not freeze so hard last night, and is very fine and warm.

 

Nov. 1,2,3,4, 18 4 5

Raining very heavy, wind variable   streams are pretty full.

Nov. 5  (1845)

At 12 o'clock very heavy squall of rain with a change of wind from E. to S. sun shining - very warm.

 

Nov. 6 (1845)

 

Fine and pleasant.   Froze none last night.  Wind W.S.W.

 

Nov. 7 (1845)

 

Chilly this morning, but no frost - Wind W. by N.

 

Nov- 8 (1845)

 

Son of Mr. John Somerville aged 9 years, was buried at the church.  Head of Bellisle, - Revd.  W.  E. Scovil preached the funeral sermon, from Psalms 89:47.  There were about 80 or 90 in attendance.

 

Nov. 10 (1845)

 

Dreamed last night that Peter Spragg (-sp?)- told me that Facker (_sp?) was dead - I started to go home, yet I thought that it was Robert Lawry who dead; I thought.  After he was buried there was bread and cakes of all description served around - after that there was a young woman, I know not whom, began to sing vain songs.  I then reproved her very solemnly for singing vain songs on such solemn occasions - then I awoke.

The above dream was dreamed on the night that Ann wrote me the note of invitation to her wedding.

 

Nov. 13 (1845)

 

Revd. Abner Mercereau married Emily Guiou   to Peter Cosman,  Elizah  Guiou and Ruth Secord stood up with them I was told there were about 40 persons present.

 

Nov. 20 (1845)

 

Revd.  John Masters married Thos. Kerr to Ann Machum at 3 of the clock P. M. - Joseph Kerr and Margaret Moore stood with them - there were about 35 at the first part, and about 20 at the infer.

 

 

Dec. 1 (1845)

 

Mr. Joshua Sidney has eloped with Mrs. Henry Wetmore who was his wife's sister-in-law: he leaving a wife and ten children, and she a husband and three children - I believe they went to the States - They went to New Orleans and got married - Since then they proceeded to Texas ­return ed to Canada having spent all his money was sending or did send some person..... confide .... Province to get some money for them.  And her father Mr. AAmmon Fowler, heard where she .... went and brought.. She had one child while she was gone.  July 1847 - Wetmore prosecuted Sidney, and he was fined in 500 pounds.

 

Dec  8. (1845 )

  

James N Fairweather was scating, with some others, and as they were scating near Isaac Wetmore's he being ahead swearing most tremendous fell in the creek which was about 15 feet deep - he got out immediately, but still continued swearing - How lamentable would have been his case, had he been precipitated into eternity uttering such imprecations, - "In the midst of life we are in death."

 

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Jan l   ( 1846 )

 

 

Thos.  J. Hewlett J.P., married John H. Dougan to Margaret Moore a her father's at 4 o'clock P.M. Eliza Inch and I stood up there were about 33 in attendance.

 

Jan. 21 (1846)

Mayes Case, after an illness of 3 months, aged 74 years, expired leaving a widow and 6 children to lament their loss - the poor people have lost a good friend

 

Feb 17th  (1846)

A woman named McKenzie was frozen to death this night in the Campbell settlement so called, her children had the hooping-cough and she went to a neighbour's to get some spirits, and got a bottle full and drank much as a cupfull of it before she left the house, and then started and got within a few rods of her own  dwelling where she fell in .a hollow place so that she could not arise.  She was found the next morning the bottle nearly empty and she lifeless - her husband was in the woods lumbering on the Salmon River - she left 3 children - Oh! the sad consequences of intemperance

 

In August last, on Gaspereau River, a woman named Langin died, who, about 15 minutes previous was in good health; She was seized with a violent bleeding at the mouth - she left a kind husband and 3 small children to lament their loss.  "In the midst of life we are in death."

 

Feb. 26  (1846)

Old Mrs. Cromwell departed this life at the advanced age of 78 yea leaving a large circle of relatives and friends by whom she was highly respected.  Funeral text John 11: 25, 26.  Rev.  W. Scovil

 

Feb. 26. (1846)

 Daniel Perkins of Bull-moose Hill is married to Miss Drury of Studholm K. Co.

  

Mar. 6 (1846)

Martha Moore, aged 13 years 5 months and 3 days, died, at my father's of consumption, her mother died the day she was born, since then

she lived with mother. Her mother, when she was about leaving this world said, "Into thy hands I commend my children, for thou canst do better for them than I could.  " He did take care of them and now has taken one of them to himself.  I have not the least doubt, for she gave very clear evidence of a happy death, saying the Lord had done all for her, he had pardoned her sins for Christ's sake, that he was round about her, she did not fear death, was sensible and spoke to the very last minute - she desired Elder Crowthite to preach her funeral sermon - which he did from 1 Cor. 15, 21, 22 & 23. verses. to a very large audience.

 

April 22.  (1846)

 Buried at Springfield Church, Robert Stewart aged 21 years - He with his brother went to the lumber woods on Sept. last, about 40 miles up the Arestook beyond the lines where they wrought, till eight days ago, when he was on a log, stream driving, he fell off and was in the water about ten minutes, but when they got him out life was extinct - his brother' with some more of the gang had to draw him some 16 miles on a handsled before they got him coffined,  then his brother and one man brought him home, a distance of 300 miles, they say - “when we go out we do not know how or when we shall come in again”.

 

April 20 (1846)

 Jacob Spragg died of typhus fever, aged 20 years, 5 mos. after an  illness of only 3 weeks - His sister was to be married on 23rd inst. bu they postponed it till the 30th expecting that he would be better - hence they have to postpone it still further.

 

April 30.  (1846)

 Mr. Anthony Davis married to Miss Mary Ann Gunter, aged 17 years.  By the Revd.  James Smith. - There were about 35 guests.

 

May 6. (1846)

 Revd.  Peter Spragg married  Mr. Thomas Wetmore to Miss Mary Spragg.  He was a widower and had one child.

 

May 16 (1846)  

The leaves are chiefly all put forth and vegetation is rapidly increasing. - This has been a remarkably fine and early spring.

 

May 21 (1846) 

It has been rather cold these few days past and this morning there was quite -a snow-storm - upon Cromwell's hill the snow was 3 or 4 inches deep.

 

June 11. (1846)          

I left Belleisle, after being there 3 years, and moved to Jerusalem where I have engaged to teach a school for 1 year.

 

July 8. (1846) 

Leonard Slip's wife departed this life in full assurance of a blessed immortality beyond the grave.  She was interred on the 10th.  Abner Mercereau preached her funeral sermon from "Write, Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord.  Yea Saith the Spirit, for they rest f rom

their labours and their works do follow them."

 

 

July 10. (1846) The wife of John Crabb Jr. died on the Long Reach and was buried on the twelfth.

 

June 29.(1846)  Mr. Simpson, Barrister, Kingston, was driving his horses and

wagon when the tong dropped, and as he was getting out to take it up his leg caught in the wheel and by the horses going on his leg was broken, and to prevent mortification it was amputated, nevertheless it caused his death a few days afterwards.

 

June 27.(1846)  Mr. John McKeel was struck by Robt.  Weldon who with his brother Wm.  Weldon were disputing with McKeel on the former part of the day and in the evening'of the same, they having heard that McKeel and Trower had gone to take up their fishing nets Robt. and Wm. went to waylay him having hims ' elf prepared some say with a stone 2-3/4 lbs. wt. others say a harrow-tooth, but however he struck him on the head and knocked him down and then jumped upon him.  And only f or a Mr. Trower who was near, would have killed him.  He lingered on till July 8th. when on account of the blow on the head, fracturing his skull, he died.  The Weldons were both incarcerated and several witnesses came and attested that they had heard them say "That they would kill the old Devil.  " They had their trial in Kingston on Thursday July 23rd.  Robert is only sentenced to one year in the penitentiary and Wm. is entirely acquitted.  How often justice is perverted, or does not take place!

 

July 11. (1846)  Revd.  Jas.Trimble being down at the Baptist Association and being come after by Lemuel Crabb and a young mi. onnell to preach Mrs. John Crabbels funeral sermon, they started in the boat to come up and coming up by the South Bay Mr. Bonnell volunteered to -get out and go and bring Mr. Trimble's horse up the Long reach (Mr.  Trimble having lef t him at South Bay) . Accordingly they set him ashore - he went and got the horse, rode him up to the ferrying place where he took tea, it then being dark, the man set him over the first part of the Nerepis Creek - having then a piece of interval to cross before he came to the second part where a Mr. Hazen kept the ferry.  But whether Bonnell called to Hazen or whether he did not is not known yet by all appearance he had attempted to ford it and by so doing he was drowned.  The horse must have got out again on the interval side where he had fed some time and then went to swim to the land from which he started in doing which he got his feet in the bridle and was found drowned.  How uncertain are all things here below, yea, even our lives!  Death comes sometimes quite unexpectedly.

  

Jul (1846)

Mr. Jas.  Wallace, formerly of Mirimichi, had engaged to worker a saw-mill, and wrought only a few  days when he had the mis­fortune to have his right hand cut off by a circular saw.  The men at the mill made him a present of about  10 pounds.  "we are daily exposed to

accidents."

 

 

AN EFFECTUAL CURE FOR THE TOOTHACHE Take some glass, bottle glass is  the best, and put it in the fire and make it very hot and put it in some vinegar, the stronger the better.  Then take a mouthful of the vinegar thus impregnated with the poison of the glass and hold it in the mouth as long as you can, taking great care not to swallow any as it is poisoned by the glass - a mouthful may be the same manner which will prove a certain cure.

 

 

Aug. 19.  (1846)    

There was considerable of frost on low lands, which killed the potatoes and buckwheat pretty badly.

 

Aug. 15  (1846)

John Daly, who with some others were hauling in hay and he putting it away in the Barrack after the load was taken away, laid down on the hay to rest himself. the fork he laid on the hay but it slid off handle first.  After a little he slid off the hay, forgetting about the fork, and came down upon the fork which entered near his short ribs, his father and brother being there the father took hold of the fork, but could not pull it out, his brother then caught it and gave it a sudden pull which pulled the handle off, leaving the fork in his side.  He then took hold of the iron and had to give it quite a twist and hard pull before he could extricate it from his side - it having stuck in among the ribs caused it to be so hard to pull out - they got medical aid as soon as possible.  He is likely to recover.

 

Aug 23  (1846)

At Long Reach a Mr. Giggy from St. John, who came on a visit to Long Reach in a wood-boat as he jumped off the wood-boat into the scow having a gun in his hand, (supposed by the muzzle) the butt of the gun struck the bottom of the scow which caused her to discharge her contents into his breast, inching upwards, and coming out at his shoulder.  The surgeon considers his state rather dangerous though he may possibly recover.

 

At Burton, Sunbury County, a Mr. Moore went to the pasture to catch his horse to take a ride to visit some of his relations, and after he had caught him he was combing out his tail and pulling out some of the hairs, when, sad to relate, the horse kicked him so hard as to break his gall, of which he only survived a few hours.

                                                                      

 

Sept 16. 1846

Mrs. Ann, wife of Thomas Kerr, Portland, was delivered of a daughter.

 

Sept.22. (1846)

On George Lyon's road at her mother's residence, miss Mary A. Older(Elder?), aged 15 yrs., married by the Revd.  Mr. Matholomew to Mr. Killen, widower, on the farther side of Nerepis, Clones Settlement.

 

Sept 4. (1846)

 

Died at Springfield K.C., Samuel Stephen Fairweather third son of Capt.  Samuel Fairweather aged 16 years.  He was a youth of such talents as not to be equalled but by a few - he had under my tuition made a good progress in Algebra and the Mathematics.  And after that he made considerable of a proficiency in the Latin language - In short, he was a  youth of talents rare.  And was, in his circle of acquaintance, universally esteemed.  His parents' hopes and future prospects are frustrated with regard to his honour among men; but as they have a hope of his happy and blessed exchange, it will alleviate their sorrow, and, enable them to be reconciled to the wise and unerring dispensation of Divine Providence.

 

July ?

Edgar, youngest son of Capt.  S. Fairweather departed this life, aged 2 years and 10 mos. 0 may they be enabled to say with Job, 'The Lord gave, and the Lord-has taken away.  Blessed be the name of the Lord."

 

Sept. 25.(1846)

 This has been a remarkable fine haying and harvest time there has scarcely been any rain except a shower occasionally - the hay and grain crops are very bountiful and the potatoe crop is a tolerable fair crop this season - Thanks ought to be rendered to the Bountiful Benefactor of all men.

 

Oct. 14.  (1846)

A most tremendous and violent gale of wind was experienced this morning it blew all the fences made of cedar, and a good deal of the others level with the ground.  Some buildings suffered considerably from its effects.  James Polley's barn which was partly enclosed was thrown off its basis as much as 15 or 20 feet.  Richard McKrackin's barn was half enclosed and had considerable of hay and grain in it.  And it was completely wrecked and his crop scattered about for a long distance.  His loss is considerable.

 

Oct. 19. (1846)

 This morning there is considerable of snow on the ground and pretty cold.  But it all went off this day.  There was about one inch (Jerusalem).

 

Oct. 20.(1846)

Married by the Revd.  Mr. Robinson in St. John, Samuel Campbell, widower, and has four children, to Mary Wallace, both of the Parish of Hampstead, Queens County, N.B.

 

Oct. 9. (1846)

Murdered at the Head of Belleisle,  Borum, coloured man, by four person, viz.  James and John Keller, brothers, and Papists, and Alex O'Neil and his brother John, Protestants, and they are all cousins - It seems by the report current, that the four persons aforesaid were quarrelling with one Patrick Rodgers, and abusing him considerably.  When Borum standing looking on said to them that it was quite unfair that there should be four men against one - and he had no sooner said thus, than the same four turned upon Borum, thinking it, I suppose, an insult to be reprimanded by a negro.  And without anyother provocation, knocked him down, and then continued kicking him and leaping upon him till they had nearly extinguished the vital spark - he only lived a few minutes - On the 10th, Saturday, they, the perpetrators were arrested and tried before Squire Scovil and by the evidence brought forward, were convicted of wilful murder.  And on the next day they were incarcerated in Kingston jail, there to await a further trial.  The deceased was quite an aged man - he was a native of Africa and was a slave for a great many years in the West India Islands but when he was emancipated he immigrated to this Province where by his industry he had got a small farm near the Head of Belleisle The perpetrators got bail for their appearance at Court in July next They appeared at Court and through an error in the indictment, not giving the name of the murdered, they were acquitted without a trial.  And are now going about their daily avocations as boldly as if nothing amiss had been done by them.

 

Oct. 27. (1846)   

There was a very heavy wind all this from the-S.W. but no rain.

 

Oct. 29. (1846)   

There is a very cold violent snow-storm from the N.N.E. it began with rain and then turned to hail, and thence to snow - and continued snowing till there were some 6 or 7 inches, making quite fair sledding, freezing hard at night.  Ground very soft under it.

 

Oct 22.  (1846)

There were four persons drowned in the Long Reach, ivz.  Richard Hickey, Mrs. Flang, and Mr. and Mrs. Randall, all Papists, their bodies have not been found.  They were coming from St. John. and the night was dark, blowing, and rainy.

 

Oct. 31. 

Mr. Robert Loury Jr. was buried at Oak Point, Rev.  Mr. Thomas preached his funeral sermon at his father's. He was about 12 years old He died of Scarlet Rash.

 

Nov. 9.(1846)   

Son of Mr. John Davis, New Ireland, aged 13 years, died suddentlv of the enlargement of . the heart.  He ate his supper as well as usual, rose from the table and fell down a corpse.

 

Nov. 12. (1846)

Robert Letts married to Matilda Jane Mahood - She eloped in the following way, viz.  On Monday he started to go to St. John, as he said, having to go to Thomas Sterritt's and remained there during the day and got T. Sterritt to go to Mr. Mahood's that night with the horses and wagon - She, Matilda, was complaining of not being well that day, and was taking teas - and sometimes in bed and sometimes not, her sisters were working in the old house - and no person about the house but her patents who were not very well either - but she was up and down stairs and outdoors pretty often packing up her clothes and depositing them in the cellar which had an entrance from the outside so as to be ready for the vehicle when it would come she with the rest happened to go to bed pretty early - and in the night her sisters got awake and enquired of her how she was, they being all in one bed-room, but there was no reply - the question was asked thrice without any response. The sisters then rose, and examined the bed, but she was not there - They then went downstairs and sought her in all parts of the house but in vain - Their terror rose to a great height, none of them knowing what had become of Matilda - At length they returned to the chamber again to see if her habiliments were there but every article of clothing belonging to her was gone except the frock that she wore that day.  In the pocket of which they found a letter from Mr. Letts to her father begging his pardon, and craving his blessing informing them that he and she had started to St.  John and intended to be married the next day.  But they went to Oak Point and there they were detained a day and two nights during which time she passed for his sister - On Wednesday they embarked for St. John where they arrived that evening, but too late to get license to be married, however he took her to the St. John's Hotel and left her, he going to his Mother's and the next day- they were married, "Long may they live happily for contriving so ingeniously, and performing the plan so loyally and manfully. Her parents were rather unwilling to their conjugal union.

 

 Dec.11. (1846)

Died Wm. Henry, eldest son of Mr. John Jackson, aged 9 years he died of scarlet rash.

 

Dec. 11. (1846)        

A very heavy snow-storm continuing for 2 days in which time about 18 inches of snow fell, and the roads running N.E. & S.W. are all full.

 

Dec. 11 (1846)

Robert Rutter lost two children and James Boyle one this fall of or by the scarlet rash.

 

Dec 28th (1846)

FRATRICIDE - Munson Pickett of the parish of Kingston, K.C., shot his brother Seymour.  They have had considerable of contention here­tofore in consequence of their estates.  And this night Seymour, hearing that Munson had by some means got some paper or papers that he did not wish him to have went to Munson's door with an axe in his hand and was threatening to break in the door if the paper or papers were not given him.  Which being refused him by his brother, he threatening to shoot him if he broke his door - but S. enraged struck the door with the axe, thereby knocking in one pannel.  M.  told him, if he struck the door again, he most certainly would shoot him, and as soon as S. broke in another pannel M. . fired and wounded him so that he died about two hours afterwards, two large shots penetrated the abdomen which caused him to bleed inwardly - he was in no agony before he died - he made his Will and settled his business - Munson got bail to appear in July next to have his trial. he has had it and is sentenced to be hung on 29 Oct. 1847 but subsequently was transmuted to year's confinement in the Penitentiary.

 

Dec. 29.  (1846)

EXECUTED in St. John.  Mr. Redburn, cook on board a vessel, for the wilful murder of one of the sailors by stabbing him with a knife in the side, they had had some small disputation about the breakfast, and Redburn went and borrowed a knife from one of the sailors for some culinary purpose, as he thought, he went and sharpened it and takes it on and a cupful of hot greasy water in the other and came up to the murdered and threw the hot liquid on his head, at the same instant giving the knife a plunge into his side of which he died in about ten hours.  The most of the clergymen and ladies of St.  John done their utmost to get him reprieved but in vain.  He hung an hour.

 

---

 

Jan. 14.  (1847)

Died at her residence, Nerepis,  Mrs. Liticia  Mahood, aged 66 years after an illness of about 30 hours, she took her  evening repast on the evening of the 12th as heartily as usual, and before retiring to rest she took a small lunch, and was retiring to bed complaining that her feet were cold, but just as she was in the act of stepping up upon the bed, she gave a scream or two most hideous by which the family were much startled this was about 9 or ten o'clock - she was in great pain which she said was in her head - she remained so for about half an hour and then appeared to fall into a lethargy in which she remained till between 2 and 3 o'clock on the morning of the 14 when she expired without scarcely a struggle - There was a physician brought shortly after she was taken who said “it was a very violent fit of apoplexy & it was out of his power to restore her to health”.

 

Jan 16.   (1847)

Scalded to Death, youngest son of Mr. Geo.  Dunn aged a little upwards of 1 year, by a pot of boiling water being upset about his body, he survived it only 7 hours - "Dangers stand thick thro' all the ground To hurry mortals home."

 

Jan 17.  (1847)

James Johnson aged ? was frozen to death - he was at Mrs. Mahood’s funeral, and as he returned home, he called at some of the taverns and got liquor - he was  found on the morning of the 18th a few rods from Merritt's Bridge, with a bottle of liquor in his pocket.  Sad is the dire effects of inebriety!

 

Jan. 17. (1847)

A Mr. Hardenbrook was found frozen to death near Mrs. Jas.  B. Lyon's, Long Reach, he had been to St. John, and was return­ing home and most probably he got overcome with ' the fatigue and cold and sat down to rest, and fell asleep He was not addicted to intemperance, it is said.

 

Jan. 24.  (1847)

Elder Cronkhite died at Mr. Mconchie's, New Ireland, he was there about a fortnight and 3 days - his corpse was taken up the river St. John to where his friends are buried - he was aged 62 years - I have no doubt but he lived the life of the righteous, after he professed to have experienced the grace of God shed abroad in his heart, and that his end was peace.

 

February 1st.  (1847)

Wm. Brown aged 7 years died of scarlet fever - Many have been the youths that changed time for eternity by this disease this year.

 

Feb. 5th. (1847)

 Mrs. Anne Armstrong, aged 63 years, died, after a lingering illness of several months.  She has left a kind husband and a large circle of relatives to mourn their loss.

 

Feb 13th. (1847)

 Mr. Richard Redston of Bull-Moose Hill died and on the 15th his wife died also - and consequently they were both interred in one grave - they left three children.

 

Feb. 24th (1847)

Died at his residence, Jerusalem, Mr. Joseph Hoyt age 88  years - He came to this Province along with the Loyalists of 1783 after having served the King 7 years - he had to encounter all the hardships of settling in the uncultivated forests of a new Colony.  And now, has  he come to his grave at a good old age, like a shock of corn fully ripe - And we would fain hope that he  was a meet heir for that inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled,, and that fadeth not away - As none can be inheritors of it but those who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus.  Buried at Oak Point.  Rev.  J. Bartholomew preached a sermon from John.

 

Feb 26.  (1847)

Mr. James Mahood died, aged 73 years, he professed faith in the Lord Jesus and departed having a full assurance of a blessed immortality and eternal life beyond the tomb.  He selected, as a subject for a discourse on the funeral occasion 'Because man goeth to his long home and the mourners go about the streets." which was preached from by Rev.  J. Bartholomew.

 

Mar 3rd (1847)

Died in Jerusalem, James, Son of Mr. James Brown, aged years, of scarlet fever.

 

Mar 4.  (1847)

Died in Hampstead, Mrs. Sterritt, an elderly woman, was buried at Oak Point.

 

Mar. 4  (1847)

Died, Hugh Wallis's child aged 1 month - never was real well.

 

Mar. 5  (1847)

Died, Mr. Harrison’s infant son.

 

Mar. 6. (1847)

Died in Jerusalem, Joseph Jordan aged.19 years he was taken with the scarlet fever only a few days ago - he was not considered dangerously ill an this evening he wished to get up and sit by the fire, they got him out of the bed. he walked to the chair, sat down and just expired in two or three minutes "Our days are but as a shadow.'

 

Mar. 9. (1847)

Went out to Long Island and received the R. A. P. along with  J. T. French, J no Inch, G. Todd, and H. Cameron and Jno Moore.

 

Mar. 28 (1847)

Samuel Jordan (a young man) died after an illness of only two days.  The disease was Scarlet  fever and rash - "The Son of man Cometh at an hour that we think not."

 

Apl. 30 (1847)

This is a very late spring.  The snow is quite deep yet.  There are some of the knolls in the clearings that are bare - hay is pretty scarce with many.

 

Mav 15 (1847)

Mary A. Moore was brought to her father's from Mr. Connor's house. She is very ill and is not expected to recover - she is very happy and resigned in her mind, having a: hope full of immortality ­trusting alone on the merits of the Friend of penitent sinners.

 

May 30   (1847)

She still continues so only weaker  Stephen, Hannah, and William have the scarlet fever very ill. Mary Ann continued to get worse until June 12 with at 6 o'clock A. M. she departed this life in full assurance of a blessed and glorious immortality beyond the grave, she was aged 16 years. 11 mos.

 

July 7 (1847)

Married at Long Reach, Robert Douglas to Matilda Bulyea, daugter of old Mrs. James Bulyea.

 

July 8 (1847)

At the residence of her father Sarah Ann Harrison was married by Revd.  Abner Mersereau to Leveritt John Smith both of the Parish of Hampstead, Queens County.

 

Aug. 1 (1847)

Died at his residence on Friday last, John Appleby, aged 83 yrs. he had received two paralytick strokes - the last of which he got about a month ago - Rev.  J. Bartholomew attended his funeral and gave the attendants a very pathetic and affecting exhortation - He was buried on Bricker's Hill August 1st 1847.

 

Aug. 6. (1847)

Died in Jerusalem this evening at 6 o'clock Rev.  James Trimble's Father aged 71 years.  He emigrated from Ireland last season, and lived only a year after his arrival in this Province.  He was a very exemplary, inoffensive, and devout person.  His bodily sufferings, which lasted 17 days, were very severe, the principal cause of such excruciating pains as he endured was the obstruction of the urine which caused a distension of the bladder, this together with other diseases, put an end to mortal life.  In the first of his illness his faith wavered and sometimes he almost doubted his being a child of God, but as he drew nearer his last his faith was stronger, and hope brighter so that he was enabled to rejoice that his Redeemer liveth, that his warfare was nearly' accomplished, yet having nothing to trust in but the merits of a Crucified Savior - No doubt that his end was pure.

 

Aug. 8 (1847)

He was buried at Riecker's hill.  Rev.  Joseph Bartholomew preached his funeral sermon at the Methodist Chapel from Rev. 16:13 It was a very wet day, yet there were a great many attended.

 

Aug. 22 (1847)

Died in Clones Settlement Second daughter of Hugh Wilson, aged 3 or 4 years, she was buried in Mr. Jas.  Brown's burying-ground on the 24th. (this day is showry) .

 

Aug. 20.  (1847)

The potato-disease has again appeared in some places it is very bad if they are killed by the rust now, there will be very light crops as the potatoes are late, there is quite a change of air, it being quite cool, which may possibly stop the disease.  In many places the wheat is also struck with the rust - the weevil is also destroying it some places.

 

Wm. N. Stockford, aged 16 or 17 years, was drowned, while coming  from Long Island to the Main-Land, out of a scow in which they were conveying oxen and crop, there was one Mr. Crawford propelling the scow and Mr. N. S. as he was passing from one end of the scow to the other was crowded over the side thereof by the oxen - they did not find him till the next day ­about 20 hours after he was drowned.

 

Auq 24.  (1847)

A man (name unknown) who was in the horrors occasioned by inebriety, jumped overboard from one of Whitney's Steamers which ply between Fredericton and St. John. he left a wife and family in St. John to lament his untimely death.

 

Aug. 22 (1847)           

John Tully, Tailor, lost one of his children by dysentery  Sept. 1st he lost another by the same-complaint.

 

Sept. 1 (1847)

J.and R. Hutchinson and John Inch Jr. visited Geo. Darragh's Lodge - There were considerable many in attendance.

 

Aug. 12.  (1847)

John Daly was married, by Rev.  J. Bartholomew, to Ann McKinney, both of the Parish of Petersville Q.Co. - A few days after his marriage "a girl named Gray attested,' before Robt.  Golding Esq. to a case of illegitimacy against him - this will be the fourth illegitimate 'against him by the same libertine.

 

Sept. 7. (1847)

Married at Petersville, Q. C. by the Rev.  J.- Bartholomew,, e est daughter of Mr. Thos.  Megan, to Mr. Parker from the Kennebeccasis River, Kings County - (A very fine pleasant day)

 

Sept. 3. (1847)

I went to No. 4 along with C. & W. Inch there were 3 made Orangemen and one admitted on his certificate.

 

Sept. 14.  (1847)

John Tully, tailor, had a third child buried who died of dysentery.  This is 3 children he has lost in less than a month.  And he lost one last winter.

 

Sept. 7. (1847)

The following account of London I transcribe from a letter of Mr. Thomas Simpson's dated Aug. 4, 1845, he took the same from one of the London Journals.  London, in length is nearly 8 miles, in breadth 3 miles, and its circumference 26 miles.  It contains 8000 streets, lanes and alleys including Courts & - 65 different Squares - 246 Churches and Chapels - 207 meeting Houses for Dissenters 43 Chapels for foreigners and 6 synagogues for Jews - making 502 places of public worship The number of inhabitants during the sitting of parliament is estimated at 1,250,000 - In this vast city there are upwards of 4000 seminaries for Education - 10 Institutes for promoting the Arts and Sciences - 122 Asylums for the indigent 17 for the sick and lame - 113 dispensaries - 704 charitable Institutions - 58 Courts of Justice - 7400 professional men.   Connected with the various departments of the Law - There are 13300 vessels and ships trading to the River Thames in the course of a year - 40000 wagons going and returning to the Metropolis in the same period, including their repeated voyages - the amount of Exports and Imports to and from the River Thames is estimated at  66,811,922 (Pound) Sterling, annually - and the property floating in this vast City every year is  170,000,000 (Pound)Sterling these circumstances may be sufficient to convince us of the amazing extent and importance of the Capital of the British Empire ­Plymouth is a very large sea-port town - a Corportation sends 2 Members to Parliament, contains 40,000 inhabitants, has a strong Garrison or Citadel - lies S.W. from London 220 miles, has 5 churches - 10 chapels for different Dissenters.  Stonehouse is a large parish adjoining to Plymouth well built with fine Houses ­it contains the finest buildings in England, namely, the Royal Marine Barracks, the Royal Naval hospital for sick and wounded seamen and Marines.  The Royal Victualling Office for our navy ships, &c, which is the admiration of all Travellers - from Stonehouse you crop over a bridge where an arm of the Sea runs through which takes you into Devonport, and the dock-yard, which stands upon 72 acres of ground, where all the Men-of-War ships are Built and repaired . St. Paul's Cathedral, in London, also attracts the notice of travellers - The length of  the church from East to West is 500 feet, breadth of the body of the Church is 110 feet-- height from the pavement in the Street to the top of the Crop-over the dome 404 feet and inside the Church to the roof 356 feet high - This vast pile covers upwards of two acres of ground - The Bell in the tower weighs 11,474 pounds - when tolled will be heard 20 miles distant  the dial of the clock is 57 feet in circumference nearly 20 feet in diameter - the minute hand being 8 feet long,-

 

Sept. 19 (1847)

John Worden's wife, aged 26 years, died this morning at 6 o'clock after ten days' suffering of the most excruciating kind - On the 9th she was delivered of a daughter, Doctor Boris being there.  An on the 12th of another, stillborn, the doctor, it is said, did not know the nature of her suffering.  On the evening of the 8th when her husband left to call some neighbors in, she saw an apparition resembling a woman dressed in the same manner she then was, viz. having her night-clothes on.  As soon as she perfectly saw it, it vanished - her earnest petition during her illness was that her life might be spared.  She left an infant and a child about 18 months of age.

 

Sept. 25th (1847)

This was training Day at Nerepis, Geo.  Armstrong's.  The day passed off pretty quietly.  There was some horse-racing at Mr. Thos.  Graham's and some ebriety also.

                                                                         

 Sept. 13.  (1847)

There was a trial of a case between Robt.  Smith, plaintiff, and Noah Webb, defendant, before Joseph Perkin's, Esq. about Noah Webb running his sled against Robt.  Smith's, so the indictment was irregular or unlawful driving.  The case went against Robt.  Smith, and cost him about 6 or 7 dollars.  He then, a few days subsequent entered a suit against the Sd N. Webb for illegal driving and damages before Robert Golding Esq. which was tried on Sept. 28th when Noah Webb lost the case and had about 12 or 14 dollars cost and damages to pay.

 

Oct. 14.  (1847)

Died at her residence, Jerusalem, Elizabeth, Consert of Mr. Wm.  Harrison.  She was confined about 3 months previous and born him a son, but she caught cold some short time afterwards, from which she never recovered.  Her limbs being very much swollen, and in fact her whole frame became swollen exceedingly, she last left her husband with two small children.  It was about 5 o'clock P.M. when her spirit took its flight from its clay tenement to meet the Judge of all the earth.

 

Nov. 23. (1847)

Jeremiah Speight married to Catharine Smith, both of Petersville, by Rev.  J. Bartholomew.

 

Dec. 1. (1847)

Mr. Robert Douglas (Mountain) died, aged 76 years.  He was an universalist in his belief - he was buried on the 4th at Oak Point.  Mr. Trimble preached his funeral sermon.

 

Dec. 8. (1847)

Mr. Benjamin Clark, aged 42 years, departed this life, leaving a wife and 7 children, together with a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn their loss.  About 3 weeks ago he had a daughter, aged 15 or 16  who died of the same disease that he died of viz - typhus fever -. he was confined about 10 wks. he was a very pious an exemplary man.  And the God whom he served while in health did not forsake neither in sickness nor in the valley of the Shadow of death.  For when on the brink of Jordan. he could rejoice by faith in Christ that he was going to be forever with his heavenly Master - he died about 10 o'clock P.M. and on the morning of the same day he requested one of his spiritual brethren to read the last Chapter of James's epistle and pray with him - he did so - and he expressed what great comfort there was in that Chapter - and then he took his final farewell of his wife and children - commending them all to the Lord, and the word of his grace, telling his partner that they were parted only for a very short season the parting of him and her, it is said was very affecting Lord enable us all to ­live the life of the righteous.  That we may die in the Lord.  And they that sleep in the Lord will God bring with him.

 

   

Dec. 10.  (1847)

Andrew Dunn (Orangeman) died in Portland St. John N.B.  after a short but severe illness of 12 days. - he has left a wife and two small children to lament their irreparable loss - he was about 25 years of age, and a very healthy, robust man - the youth, the middle-aged, and the aged are alike liable to death.  "Because death has passed upon all men, for that all have sinned”

 

Dec. 13.  (1847)

There was a temperance meeting in the Methodist Chapel, at which there were the Rev.  A. Mercereau, the Rev.  J. Flinn, the Rev.  J. Trimble and quite a large company of laity - there was a good deal said in favour of total abstinence and much to the pur­pose - George Jones rose and opposed the advocates of total abstin­ence, but was ably rebutted by the Rev.  J. Flinn - the pledge was then read & 32 persons voluntarily signed the pledge to totally abstain from all intoxicating drinks except for sacramental and medicinal purposes.

 

Dec 22nd  (1847)

There was another temperance meeting when 12, joined the pledge.

 

Dec. 28, 1847

Mr. Wm.  Wheaten (Orangeman) died at his father's residence, London Settlement, Q.C., about 25 years of age, of con­sumption, and his request was that as many of his brethren as possibly could would attend his funeral -there were eight brethren went from No. 41.-   about 30 Orangemen present.  Revd.  James Smith preached his funeral sermon from Rev. 22:2 - Notwithstanding it being stormy there were a great many persons .in attendance.

 

 

---

 

Jan. 1. 1848

 

John Brown Jr. got his arm broken near the shoulder by a tree falling, a limb of which struck his arm - Hugh and he were chopping together.

 

Jan. 5. (1848)

Mr. Richard Daly was married to Miss Margaret Corbett by the Rev.  J. Bartholomew.

 

Jan.- 20.  (1848)

Mr. George A. Mahood was married to Miss Sophia Watters, by the Rev.  J. Bartholomew.

 

Jan. 17.  (1848)

Mr. .?... Lec.  School-Master died at his residence, Trott­ Settlement, leaving a wife and 4 or 5 children to mourn their loss­ although he was no help towards getting a livelihood, being pretty old and rendered a cripple by fever sores in his legs.

 

 

Jan. 19. (1848)

 Wm.  Vanwart, eldest son of Garret Vanwart, was married to a Miss Merritt, daughter of Mr. Ab.  Merritt's, Tennants Cove, Kings County.

 

 Feb. 2. 1 8 4 8

Mr. John Brown (of Oaknabog) was married by  Thos.  J. Hewlett Esq. to Betsy Ann Rathburn.  And on Thursday, Feb. 2, by the same, at Mr. Leonard Slip's (senior) James Lowry to Mary Carpenter.  She is a daughter of Widow Dollar, whom she had while in a state of celibacy.

 

 Feb. 3.  (1848)

A man was skating on the river near Mr. Jas.  B. Lyon' s who had a glass bottle in his pocket, and his skate-iron entering a crack in the ice precipitated him forcibly forward upon his face.  And the bottle being between him and the ice it broke into shivers, lacerating and cutting his abdomen most horribly, causing him to bleed profusely -"-his life is despaired of. he has again become Convalescent.

 

Feb. 3rd. (1848)

Mr. Tisdale Lyon, of Sussex, King's County, as he was driving his horses and waggon to St. John (there being no snow) something getting wrong about the harness he stopped to fix it, And while he was in the act of fixing the harness, the horses started, he fell, and the waggon wheel passed over his neck which -broke it, which caused instantaneous death.  How uncertain is life!

 

Feb. 8. (1848)

Mr. Zebulon Connor was married to a daughter of Mr. Gabriel Worden, all of Greenwich K. Co.

 

February 16 (1848)

Mr. James Golding was married to Miss Eliza Ann Dunham, both of Hamptstead by the Rev.  James A. Smith.

 

Feb. 9. (1848)

Mr. Thos.  Golding, (George and James"s father) was going to St. John,   a long with a Mr. Price, for a load of hay, and when they stopped at Mr. Elias Flewelling's to feed he, Thos.  Golding, had been drinking, an old practice, they left there and while going down the Kennebeccacis River, Price asked Golding if he was cold, who replied, he was.  Price then told him to wrap himself up in the horse blankets.  He drove on to Robinson's, where they leave the ice, when Price went to get off the load, and taking the blankets off of Golding to see how he was, Alas!  Melancholy to relate, the vital spark had fled, he was a corpse!  He was about 70 years of age.

 

Feb. 17. (1848)

Mr. Robert Douglas married to- Miss Hannah McOuchie by Thos.  T. Hewlett, Esq. both of the Parish of Hampstead, Queens County. They were published twice on Sabbath and once on Tuesday

night last, but the Squire would not marry them without license, as to be published legally is on three successive Sabbaths,  ­Robt. went to Gagetown and had to give 7 dollars for license.

 

Mar. 9. (1848)

Mr. Thos.  Wellington Carpenter married to Miss Elizabeth Slip, 3rd daughter of James Slip Senior. - A very rainy day.

  

March 15.  1 8 4 8

 Mr. John Inch junior and Miss Jane Porter of Long Reach, was married at her father's residence by the Revd.  Mr. Cooney, Methodist Minister.  Alex Mackinnon  jun. and Elizabeth F. Inch were attendants, and there were about 10 couples present.

 

Mar 22nd.  (1848)

Mr. Wm.  Armstrong a police-man of Portland, St. John, N.B. was married to Miss Margaret Woods of Nerepis Petersville Queens County.

 

Mar. 23.  (1848)

Mr. Thomas Graham of Nerepis was married to Miss Thompson of Carleton St. John.

 

Mar. 23. (1848)

 Mr. Samuel Vallis was married by Thos.  T. Hewlett Esq. to Miss Elizabeth Ann Lawry, both of Hampstead, Queens County.

 

Mar. 31. (1848)

Mr. Isaac T. French moved his family from Jerusalem Settlement to Carleton St. John, intending this ensuing summer to remove from thence to Canada.

 

March 8. (1848)

Mr. William Short of Hampstead, Q.C. was married to Miss Kezia Jordan  of Jordan Mountain Kings County.

 

April 5. (1848)

A Fatal Accident.  As old Mr. Crozier, of Summerhill, was chopping in the woods, being alone, a large limb- of an old poplar, fell upon him, which rendered him senseless, he, however, recovered, and was able to shout loud enough to make one of Mr. Sutton's boys bear him, who came to his assistance, and endeavoured to get him home, but failed. he then went for Mr. Jas.  Russel, who came and carry him home, he was then bled immediately, but he departed this life about 6 hours after he received the wound he was about 70 yrs. of age.

 

May 2. (1848)

Died in Jerusalem, infant, aged about 6 or 7 weeks, of Wm: Billings and was interred today at Riecker's hill.

 

June 8. (1848)

There was a boy of Mr. Thos.  Selfridge's climbing a tree for amusement, and after he had ascended to some height he came to an old limb, which projected from the trunk, upon which he seated -himself, having his legs a straddle it, - it broke - and sad to tell - the ' end of the part attached to the tree caught him in the abdomen, and ripped him so that a large part of his bowels gushed out - A man was immediately despatched for the Doctor (Doctor Peters) - who, when he came, which was about 10 or 12 hours after­wards said, that he could not do anything that would be the means of saving the boy's life, as a mortification had already taken place, neither could he, had he been present at the moment the accident occurred, have saved the boy's life, he died about 30 hours after - aged about 8 years.

 

June 12 18 4 8

 This is the District Orange Lodge Meeting for Queen's held At Gagetown at Mr. Phillips.  There were about 50 persons in attendance everything went on very harmoniously and agreeably ­there was no grievances to be laid before the 3d Lodge only Jacob Palmer had previously been expelled from No. 23 And he made his appeal to be tried over again And by the decision of a Committee who heard the statements made relative to the case  - his expulsion for 1 year was confirmed, and if his conduct should be satisfactory to the Members of the Lodge from which he was expelled, during this year then it was their option to accept or refuse him.

 

July 12  (1848)

The Orangemen of Lodge No. 41 started, with some of No.4, from Mr. Nat.  Inch's between 6 & 7 o'clock in the morning, and went out to Oakpoint where there were 6 Lodges assembled and very great concourse of spectators - Rev.  C. Milner preached a sermon to them from Ps. 133.1. "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" The discourse, to say the least of it, was not appropriate to the occasion at all; there was nothing said relative to Orangmen or Orangeism in the whole excepting at the very last he had the Book of Rules and he said 'that he had perused it and that it was ' in accordance with his mind in support­ing the Queen and the Protestant religion. he also referred to the late attempt to raise a rebellion in Ireland which he said, he thought was prevented by that body, (or Orangemen) that were located in Erin, We all left there (Oak Point) at ½  past 3, in the P.M. and came together to Edgett's, No. 41, then took the Mountain Road and arrived at the lodge room about half past 7 - We then had a sumptuous dinner.  The day was extremely fine, though pretty , warm and spent with a great deal of pleasure, harmony and decorum attended all the proceedings.  There were, I judge, about 150 to 170 Orangemen together.  And a more temperate, steady, and respect­able body of men is seldom seen.

 

Aug. 8 1848 (1848)

A Dream -  I was sleeping at Mr. Nathaniel Inch's and I dreamt that I was at Mr. Joseph Moore's and it appeared to me that the day of judgement was approaching - I thought I saw fire, as an immediate forerunner passing from East to West accompanied and followed by a great tempest.  Yet it appeared to me that (or at least the impression on my mind was) the end of all things would take place as soon as this harbinger would complete a revolution round the globe which I thought could not be long, the velocity was so great.  I felt considerably concerned and agitated about my own condition, and was earnestly engaged in      appreciation that I might be received among those who would be eternally happy. - the air was very tempestuous and the clouds and the atmosphere were all in the greatest possible commotion and nature, to all appearance, was fast receding.  Every object presented a scene of melancholy - However the time for all things to pass away did not come so soon as I expected and the air and clouds began to assume a more serene aspect and I thought I said to those then present that the end was not yet.  And I thought I then heard some voice saying that the earth would make five annual revolutions ere the final dissolution of things shall take place.  I then awoke and thought it was a dream, yet the impressions that it left upon my mind was not obliterated for many days.

                                                                              

Sept.12th. (1848)

I started from father's, this afternoon, to go to Fredericton to ­the Training and Model School. and got as far as Little River, and attended on  0. Lodge at Mr. W. Leeds.  The next night I embarked on board the Steamer F-ton, at Mr. Cases at 12 o'clock ,and got into F.-ton at half-past 8 next morning.  That evening I lodged with Mr. Weeks with whom I agreed to Lodge during my residence in Fredericton -- 10/" per week.

 

Sept.  (1848)

The potatoe crop has failed more this year, than ever it was known to fail in-any year-previous - There is scarcely 1/5 part of them fit to use, and in fact, there will, to all appearance be but few preserved fit for seed.  The grain crop, especially the oats, is tolerably good, although the Buckwheat is, in some measure, blighted.  The hay crop is very abundant.  And the season, for the most part, was very favourable to secure the hay; but the harvest weather has been very fickle, and consequently much of the grain has had to remain out a long time.

 

Sept. 16  (1848)

At the present, the weather is chilly for the season, having a little hoar-frost at night.

 

A CURE FOR DROPSY -1 oz.  Jalap; 2 'oz.  Cream of Tartar; ½  oz.­Nitre; One large table spoonful of Ginger, all mixed in 1 pint of the best Holland gin; then let stand for 24 hrs.  Take a wine­glass every night before going to bed: always shaking it well and drinking the dregs.  The above has been said to prove effectual when in first stage.

 

Sept. 30  (1848)

An affair of honour or rather dishonour came off this morning on the College-road, Fredericton.  A few lines will describe the whole affair.  There was a man named Jones, who came to Freder­icton some years ago with some regiment in which he had a commission which he sold, and married a Miss Street - A few months ago it was discovered that he and a Miss Odell were very intimate, so much so, that they were frequently discerned together in a grove belonging to her father as late as 11 or 12 o'clock at night - the result was such that she went to the States to endeavour to escape calumny; and also her brother sent a challenge  to Jones about that time which he then did not think proper to accept, but went to England, it is said, and has returned and accepted the aforesaid challenge; Jones chose his brother in law Mr. Alfred Street for his second, and Odell chose a Mr. Pennefeather for his.  They then went out to a reserve road near the King's College to discharge the contents of their pistols at one another.  Odell, I understand, fired rather the first which did not touch Jones who then fired his pistol into the air - so ended the great combat of love and dishonour.

 

Oct 14 (1848)

I walked from Fredericton to Mr. George Donald's, Pennyock, and returned on the 15th by riding to Fredericton with the Revd.  Mr. Jaffreys.

 

Oct 6 (1848)

A most melancholy accident!  Brs.  Hugh Cameron and Abbott went out this morning into the woods in the vicinity of the Oaknabog each taking his gun with him for the purpose of shooting partridges.  They went on through the woods till they came to a certain clearing where lived a farmer with whom they stood awhile conversing.  And Cameron, who had a double-barrelled percussion gun, well loaded with shot, on attempting to cross a fence near where Abbott and the farmer were standing, placed the butt of his gun, which was a short one, on a pole of the fence near the bottom, which projected a little,, having his right hand placed upon the muzzles and bearing considerable weight thereon it slipped off which brought the triggers in contact with a lower pole which together with his weight caused the caps to be so suddenly and forcibly bruised upon the tube that they ignited and sad!  Oh most sad to relate! the loaded piece was discharged, the contents passing through his right hand, thence, by taking three buttons of his vest, and tearing the bosoms of both his shirts lodging a few shots in his breast, almost the whole load of both barrels entered his throat passing out at the back of his neck.  He instantly fell a lifeless corpse!  He was interred in the cemetery near Mr. McAlpine' on Sabbath, the 8th, according to the order of the Loyal Orange Association.  Revd. Mr. Nobles preached the funeral sermon Mon. from Heb. 12.25, lst Clause, and it was considered that not less than five hundred persons were in attendance.  Oh! the uncertainty of frail mortal life! little did he expect when he left his father's  that ere he returned (which he intended to do about noon of the same day) he would be numbered among the pale nations of the dead; and have to appear in the immediate presence of Almighty God to give account for the deeds done in the body and then to receive that most decisive sentence! that will unalterably fix his state for -aye, either in infinite happiness or infinite misery and torment!  How exceedingly impor­tant it is to be always ready for the summons of Death! for it oft comes in an hour when we least expect it.

 

Oct.20 (1848)

Died at Rushagonish, Martha, wife of Mr. Thos.  Jones, leaving a family of 2 children.  She had been lately confined. - She was daughter of John and Nancy Hutchinson of Jerusalem, and was a pious youth.

 

Nov.- 6th (1848)

At a Loyal Orange Soiree held in the Lodge Room in Fredericton at which there were 102 persons present.  Mr. Geo.  Anderson presided.  The tables presented a most sumptuous appear­ance, having all-sorts of cakes, pies, tarts, &c. that were necessary to gratify the sight and satisfy the palate - After all had received tea and the tables &c were removed, the Revd.  Mr. Tupper, Baptist Minister and Orange Br. was called upon to address the assembly upon the occasion of the present Convention, which he did by slightly touching upon the great deliverance from the gun­powder plot on Nov. 5, 1605, the good that Orangeism has done in this Province,and then in warm and pathetic language, expressed the delight and satisfaction which he enjoyed by belonging to such an honourable and praiseworthy Institution, also that belonging to the Orange Association did not retard or embarrass him, in the discharge of his ministerial functions or duties, that there was nothing in the cause of orangeism to lead any person's mind from the principles of religion, and concluded by sincerely hoping that the ranks of Orangemen may still continue to rapidly increase with God-fearing men.  The next that spoke was.Jas. Taylor Esq.  M.P.P. who expatiated at some length upon the present disturbed state of affairs in Europe and the corruptions, cruelties, and superstitions of the Papal Church; And then concluded by referring to the great amount of good done by Orangeism in the Province of N.B. in sur­pressing rioting Papists in different sections of the same.

The following persons were successively called upon to speak, which they did, but advanced nothing of very great importance, or that was very amusing,, except some laughable anecdotes that were related.  Their names were Brothers Harding, Wilson, Kindred, and one from Nova Scotia, name unknown.  Then there were several-Constitutional songs sung, and about 11 o'clock, the meeting was dismissed when many went away, as well as myself; but a great many stayed and had fiddling and dancing which, I understood, they kept up till 4 o'clock in the morning -: thus, the first Soiree at which I was ever present, passed off, and that most pleasantly too - N.B. The tables were set and furnished by Br.  Francis Cheney, Confectioner, for which he received 1/6 a-piece - About 10 o'clock the dessert came on, which consisted of apples, raisins, and different kinds of nuts.

 

Nov. 9 (1848)

There was a snow-storm to-day, and the ground in Fredericton was covered to the depth of about 4 or 5 inches, which made a very good sleighing.  The air is also pretty cold.

 

Nov. 13 (1848)

 

The river at Fredericton was frozen over so that on the 14th persons walked over upon it and for 5 or 6 days the weather was very cold indeed for the season.  And now, the 22nd inst. it is still frozen so that the people cross in safety.  Above Fredericton, about 6 or 7 miles, there were a man and boy drowned at the same place and time on the 18th inst.  Steam-boats, however can get up as far as the Oromocto as yet.

 

Nov.20 (1848)

The following persons attending the Training and Model School, F’ton viz., Messrs.. Isa Wallace,  Jas.  Dixon, Wm.Johnson, Jonas Clarkson, Jno.  Cutten, Wm.  King, Duncan McDougal, Donald Livingstone, Thos.  O'Kane, and myself, assembled in Mr. d'Avray's (Principal of the Training and Model School) for to submit to the necessary examination to obtain a first class Certificate.  The questions were written, by Mr. d'Avray on a sheet of paper and handed to us, the aforesaid teachers, for us to solve on paper and then present the same to him.  There were a great many questions.  The commencement was to define a right, an acute, and an obtuse angle, a parallelogram, a rhombus, a rhomboid, an oblong, and a trapezium; Then followed several propositions, viz. 2nd, 3rd, llth, 29th, 34th and 46th of the lst Book of Euclid, which had to be described and demonstrated, then followed 6 questions in Algebra producing simple equations, then to name and define the general properties of bodies.  To define a syllogism and give an example, To explain the cause of high water on the side of the earth. to the moon.  That is, why there are two tides in 24 hours in every ocean at the same place.  And lastly to describe a tra­veller's route from Gibralter to Paris, thence to Antwerp, thence to Vienna, thence to Geneva, thence to Copenhagen, thence to Rome, thence to Athens, and thence to St. Petersburg.

The Teachers' names and whence they came, who attended the Training School commencing on the 14th Sept. and continuing 10 weeks are as follows, together with the certificates recd. from Marshall d'Avray Esq.

 

Mr. John Cutten Woodstock, Carleton, Recd. 2nd Class Certificate

Mr. Duncan McDougal, Woodstock, Carleton, Recd  2nd Class Certificate                   

Mr. Thomas O'Kane, Fredericton,York                                    Recd. 2nd Class Certificate (recommended for 1st)      

Mr. John McNamara Fredericton York Recd. 2nd Class Certificate

Mr. Jonas Clarkson    Fredericton, York    Recd. 2nd Class Certificate (recommended for lst)

Mr. James Morris,  Fredericton York Recd. 3rd Class Certificate

Mr. Alexander McLean, Gagetown Queens Recd 2nd Class Certificate

Mr. John O'Mar,      Gagetown Queens      Recd. 1st Class Certificate                    

Mr. Alexander Machum, Hampstead     Recd 2nd Class Certificate (recommended for 1st)                         

Mr. William Johnson, Studholm, Kings Recd 2nd Class Certificate (recommended for 1st)

Mr Thos.M. McLachlan, Norton,Kings Recd. lst Class Certificate

Mr.Donald Livingstone, Charlotte, Recd 2nd Class Certificate (recommendation for 1st)

Mr. Isaiah Wallace,, Albert Recd 2nd Class Certificate (recommendation for 1st)

Mr. William Russell, Northumberland Recd. 2nd Class Certificate (recommendations for 1st)

Mr. Thomas O'Corcoran,  Westmorland Recd. 2nd Class Certificate

Mr. Thomas King,  Westmorland    Recd   2nd Class Certificate (recommendation for 1^st)

Mr.Joseph Dixon,   Westmorland      2nd Class with recommendation

Mr. Alex. Mitchell,  Northumberland   Had not finished when I left        

Mr. George Johnson, Fredericton, York      Recd. 2nd Class Certificate

Mr. Luke Byron , Fredericton York    had not finished when I left                    

Mr.  Robert Graham, Fredericton York  had not finished when I left

 

---

THE DIARY OF JAMES ALEXANDER MACHUM 1849, 1850, 1864

 

Jan.7 1849

 Mr. Wm.  Burgess sen. aged 70 years, departed this life about 1 o'clock this evening - he will be buried in the burying ground on Mr. Sharp's place on the -10th inst at 11 o'clock A.M. Sermon preached by the Revd.  Robert Temple.

 

Jan.18 (1849)

At Half past 4 o'clock P.M. Elizabeth F. Inch and I were joined in the bonds of wedlock at her father's, by the Revd.  Christopher Milner - My Brother James and Miss Sarah Ann Porter being our attendants - There were about 60 persons in attendance.  The day was clear and cold.  On the 19th an exceeding cold day we, with a company of about 35 persons assembled at my father's where we remained till -the 21st Sabbath - when we went to her father's.

 

Jan. 31 (1849)

A Mr. Johnson who lived about 6 miles from Gagetown towards Nerepis went to St. John in the morning and at the same time sent two boys - the youngest being 10 years old - who were poorly clad ­with a hand-sled to Mr. Redstone's Mill - a distance of 11 miles, for 35 lbs.  Buckwheat flour.  The day was very cold. - They got to Mr. Redstone’s, got the flour  and returned as far as a Mr. Miller's on the Gagetown Road where they went in and warmed themselves not having got any food from their leaving home - they left there and went some distance towards the Oaknabog bridge when the youngest began to get weary and faint and complained of being very hungry - he soon became unable to pursue his journey, when the elder brother undertook to get him and the flour both along ­but finding both more than he could convey at once - he would draw his brother a certain distance - then leave him and go back after the flour.  Thus for a short time endeavoured to get homewards, but his brother, getting much overcome with hunger, fatigue and cold, began to perish in his hands notwithstanding all his exertions to prevent it - he then left the flour and started with his brother, and for some distance made all the haste possible by carrying him, but finding that he could not succeed in reaching a house before - to all appearance, he would be frozen to death, he laid him down upon the snow and then ran as fast as he could to the nearest house,  Mr. Brigg's - when Mr. B. started and went back along the road till he came to the frozen boy                                                                                                                                        

who was so stiff that Mr. B. could not carry him in his arms but had to carry him on his shoulder like a billet of wood he took him to Mr. Waggoner's where his mother had arrived in search of them and the boy being placed on his mother's lap gave two or three gasps and expired - Oh the anguish of heart the poor mother must have experienced!  What troubles, trials, vexa­tions, disquietudes, privations and distresses poverty brings upon its victims!  This circumstance ought to be enough to draw forth sympathy from the breast of every humane and rational being.  And to teach them that they should never neglect to give some nourishment to travellers, if in their power.

 

Feb. 15  (1849)

Moved into my own house - a beautiful day - I brought my trunks & moveables over from father's on Saturday 10th this being Thursday.

 

Feb. 17  (1849)

Old Mr. Daly, aged 75 departed this life - he was buried

at the Nerepis Church - the Revd.  James Sullivan preached the funeral  sermon.

 

        Feb. 27  (1849)

At 1/2 past 11 o'clock P.M. a fire broke out in King Street St. John and burnt until 5 o'clock next morning consuming all the buildings from a store on the King's Square known now as Ansley's flour store to King Street and then down King Street till Germain ­Street where its progress was stayed at the brick building belonging to Mr. Moses Vernon.  It was supposed to originate from a bad chimney or stove pipe.

 

There is a rumour, said to be true, that a man  from Mill Stream or Sussex Vale was returning from  St.  John with his horse and sled having 2 barrels of flour with him and was, arrested by two men who maltreated and abused him and then, after tying him fast to a tree (a very cold day) conveyed with the two barrels of flour leaving the horse and sled in the road and it was not till several hours afterwards that he was discovered, almost perished, yet having just strength enough to relate the circumstances of him being in that position, and on him being brought to the fire, he survived only a few minutes.

 

Mar. 13 (1849)

Another destructive and calamitous conflargration took place this night in York Point.  It is said that not less than 150 houses were consumed, turning about 800 families out of house and home.  The part burned was the filthiest place in the Province of N.B. and chiefly inhabited by Papists.

  

Mar. 17 1849

Died at his own residence, Nerepis, about 9 o'clock  A.M. Mr. George Armstrong age 72 years leaving a large circle of relations and friends to lament their loss.  The Revd.-C. Milne  attended the funeral, and read a sermon upon the the 30^th chapter of Job, the 23 ver.  "For I know that thou wilt bring me to death and to the  house appointed for all living" There were a great attendance, some say not less than 300 - there were 28 teams affording conveyance from the house of mourning to the cemetery at Mr. Thos. Graham's - Buried on Monday, Mar. 19th,. 1849.

 

Mar. 17  (1849)

Died at her father's residence, New Ireland, Mary, eldest daughter of Mr  John Matthews, aged about 15 years -

 

May 18  (1849)

Died at his father's residence - below Isaac McKeells, eldest son of Mr. Jas.  Smith a young man - about two months ago he had  a fit of sickness occasioned it was thought by exposure to wet and cold together with oppressive labour - causing a spitting of blood, but he seemed to recover and got quite smart, till of late he took a swelling in the throat  which broke, and as he was pacing the floor he asked for a draught of water which he drank and he had no sooner swallowed it, washing downwards some of the pus of the swelling than he fell on the f loor a corpse.  How un­certain is the life of man.

 

May 19 (1849)

Mr. Peatman Sen., Long Reach, Departed this life, about 3 weeks previous he and his daughter, a young girl, came out to Jerusalem in a waggon and as they were returning, beyond Andrew Hamilton's, the horse, becoming frightened by some part of the harness, giving away, thereby letting the carriage run against him, ran off, and the old man, losing his balance, fell out with his head upon some stone, mangling and bruising him most dreadfully - the young woman made out to keep in the waggon and the horse was stopped before he went far.  Dr. Peters attended him.  I heard that his skull was fractured considerably

 

June 15.  (1849)

 There has been and still is a very great drought, the atmosphere is uncommonly full of smoke being at sometimes so that persons half a mile distant cannot be discerned.  On the eve of the 16th there was a little shower which cleared the air of the smoke and cooled the earth - July 20th the drought is still very great.  The earth parched up causing the grass to be very short. On the 21st a little rain.

 

June 13.  (1849)

Father had a house raised the dimensions of which are 36 by 26 and a kitchen at one end 18 by 16 feet - Mr. Robert Letts has agreed to do all the carpenter work of the same,

 

June 16. (1849)

Mr. Archibald Crawford Sen. died of dropsy.  He lived without being married.

 

July 12.

Orange Lodges Nos. 4, 41 & 99, met at the Methodist Chapel, Jerusalem to whom the Revd.  James Taylor preached a most excellent and appropriate discourse from Psalms 60.4 "Thous hast given a banner to  them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth." After which a collection of 7/6 was taken for Mr. T  No. 41 then escorted Nos. 4 & 99 to Polley's school­house on their way home and then returned to Mr. N. Inch's and took dinner.  After dinner part of No. 41 went to Mrs. Holder's in respect of her son who had gone to Canada, and she not being home but at Mrs. Thos.  Harrison's, they went up there and walked twice round his house and then went down to the school-house and separated, after having spend the day (which was very warm and pleasant) in a very pleasant and agreeable manner.  A great number of the brethren met in St. John and when going from Indian Town to St.John through York Point they were attacked by the Papists with stones and brick-bats on the street in front of two houses in which were a crowd of Papists with fire arms which they used, as well as they could, endeavouring to destroy the Orangemen, but thanks be to Providence, without much effect, only wounding two or three whereas there were large numbers of them, the Papists, killed and wounded - the Orangemen having noticed their intention to attack them, before they left Indian Town procured all the weapons of defence they could.  They came off victorious as, providentially, they always do.  There were only three Orangemen wounded by balls one of whom was considered dangerous.  Whereas, the most authentic account received, estimate the number of Papists killed besides a great many wounded to be at least 30 - The protecting arm of Omnipotence is exhibited, most clearly, in the preservation of the Orangemen in this instance.  Thanks be to the Great I Am.

 

Sept.19  (1849)

Mr. John Short, after an illness of only one week departed this life, aged 85 years, in the blessed hope of a glorious immortality - Seven years ago the 10th May last his first wife died aged 81 years since that time he (the deceased) married a widow Weldon, but they not living very agreeably for a while after marriage separated, and did not live together again.

 

Nov. 22  (1849)

 Elizabeth, wife of Mr. Wm.  R ed,(Reid?) Schoolteacher, departed this life after an illness of only a fortnight of three weeks (dysentery).  She was sensible to the very last minute and died without a struggle in full assurance of a glorious and blessed immortality.  She was interred at Little River, the Rev.  B. Merritt  preached on the occasion from Rev. 14.13. "And I heard a voice from heaven saying, Write, blessed are the dead that die in the Lord.  Yea, thus saith the Spirit for they rest from their labours and their works do follow them."

 

1849 (1849)

July 23 A son of Mr. Robt.  Bulyea, aged about 13 years, was kicked by a horse, yesterday evening, in the bowels, of which he expired this morning.  How uncertain is our mortal existence!

                                                                                          

(The diagram didn’t come out in the photocopy)

The above diagram is a representation of circles and their position with regard to the Sun, on, Aug. 23rd 1849 at about 1 o'clock, P.M. as near as the eye could discern, as also their comparative magnitudes as near as I could judge.  The circle of which the Sun was the centre was very brilliant, more so than any of the others: inside this circle appeared an ellipse.  The circle whose circumference cut the sun ought I think be a little larger, say half an inch in radius, than I deem they would pretty nearly, represent their apparent or relative magnitudes.

It was truly the most singular appearance that I ever beheld. It was magnificently grand, showing very evidently the great wisdom of omnipotence.

The cause of circles being seen about luminaries is owing to the state of the atmosphere which is sometimes rare and sometimes dense.

                     

Mar. 15 1850

Mrs. Mary Hoyt, relict, died at her son-in-law's  S.  Short, Long Reach, after but a few hours illness - She was buried at Oak Point,  Revd.  J. Bartholomew preached the funeral sermon.

 

At the time of the greatest scarcity during the Siege of Derry horse-flesh was sold for 1/8 per lb.; a quarter of a dog, fattened by the bodies of the slain Irish (beseigers) for 5/6, a dog's head 2/6, a cat 4/6, a rat 1/0 a mouse 6, Greaves by the lb. 1/0 Tallow 4/0 - Salted hides 1/0 and other things in proportion, their drink was water mixed with ginger and aniseseeds.

 

 Feb 9 1864

 

Jas.  W. Hutchinson died aged 16 yrs. on the 10th.  Isabella aged 2 yrs, on the 12th, Mary Jane,aged 9 yrs, on the 16th, Sarah Ann aged 11 yrs. all of scarlet fever and rash.  By the same disease Robt.  Brittain had 3 died the eldest of whom was about 5 years. By the same disease.  Wm. Wallis had 1 died aged about 9 yrs.

Feb. 26 (1864)  

By the same disease John Inch's Eliza aged about 6 yrs.

Feb 25 (1864)

Of dyptheria Mrs. John Kennedy aged 26 yrs, left one child

Mar.   (1864)

Died of Scarlet -Fever Charles, 3rd son of John Inch, aged about 4 yrs.

Apr.  15  (1864)

Old Mrs. Holder died aged 96 3/4 years.

Apl. 20 (1864)

Richard Folley (Polley?)died aged 84 years - he died rejoicing in hope of eternal glory.

Apl. 19 (1864)

Wm. McCutcheon married, to Sidney Boyle  by Revd.  Theophilus Richey

It had been very cold for about a month past wind most from

N. to E.

May 10  (1864)

Sam Machum's son William Jas. died of scarlet fever, aged 14 months, 20 days

May 11         

Sam Machum's son Samuel Alfred died of scarlet fever, aged, 39 months, 7 days  (both buried in one grave)

May 12 (1864)

George Lyon Sen. and his son William were both buried in one grave - on the 6th inst. they were both hurt at a raising by a bent falling backwards upon them

May 19 (1864)

Mrs. Hannah Jackson died, aged 84 years

May 17 (1864)          

A Mr. Botsford Vail of Kingston K.C. was killed by lightning and was found by his wife sitting under a bush.

 

These two verses I composed and sent to be inserted after the death

of Sam's two children:

 

In life's early morn He called them away

From sin and temptation  forever they're freed

Mourn not, ye bereaved, for Jesus has said,

"of such is my Kingdom, I for them did bleed.”

 

Let us all then prepare our God for to meet,

Repent of our sins, and believe in his Son;

Then parents and children shall each other greet

In the Kingdom of glory, no more for to part.  (A. M.)