By Muriel M. Farquhar Davidson
The following “Extracts” are a combination of research by Lt.Col. Robert Ford Kirkpatrick, USAF (Ret’d) with 1992 research by above writer. The original entries will be marked by ** preceding the date and form of writing has been matched to the diary and original copy. The genealogical data in THE DIARY OF SIMEON PERKINS is very valuable, contains much of the history of the Proprietors who founded the Township of Liverpool, Nova Scotia in 1759. Readers will be familiar with many of the surnames listed in the entries, descendants of the first families of the Township of Liverpool and nearby areas still reside there, but often the surname spelling has changed.
The original books, contained in Volumes I, II, III, IV and V, list many of the schooners and other forms of shipping plus extensive data of weather, tides, encountered hardships and a verbal picture of life in the early days as found by the Proprietors of the Township of Liverpool. Readers are grateful these records were kept.
Volume II
1780 (Continued)
** 5 June Mon. : Mr. Michael Lee departed this life, last night between 9 & 10 o’clock. **13 July Thur.: Mr. Peter Preston Pain comes to live with me as clerk. Capt. Thomas Ross in Privateer Brig. RESOLUTION, had severe engagement near the light house, with ship VIPER. Among the killed is Mr. Raphael Wheeler, and Silas Harlow of this town and John Caldwell of this area. **17 July Mon. : Mr. Snow Parker marr. Miss Patty Knowles. ** 3 Oct. Tues.: Samuel Cornish, a young man lately lived with John Mullins, fell from a skiff and drowned. Found after 4/5 hours.
**10 Oct. Tues.: Mr. William Ford, s.o. late Theodosius Ford, marr.
Miss Abigail Murray, d.o. Mr. William Murray and Joanna (Tupper) Murray. **17 Nov. Fri. : I forgot to mention sudden death of Hannah Jordan, lately from New England and lived with Capt. Ross’ family. At a dance last Monday evening complained not well, died in the night following the next day (14/15 Nov 1780). Bur. on Thurs. (16 Nov. 1780). ** 6 Dec. Wed. : Mr. Robert McLarn (McClearn) marr. this evening to Miss Sally West, d.o. Thomas and Sarah West, b. New England Sept. 22, 1760 [d. 1849]. **21 Dec. Thur.: Capt. John Howard marr. Widow Hannah Tinkham, relict of Doc. Perez Tinkham, d.o. Capt. Theodosius Ford and wife Hannah (Burbank) Ford **30 Dec. Sat. : By Jacob Jones from the Cove (now Brooklyn, N.S.) we understand that Mr. Peleg Dexter was accidentally killed last evening bringing a back-load of wood * * * found dead on a small piece of ice.
1781
11 Jan. Thur.: Richard Kempton, Junr., died of pleurisy last night.
??12 Jan Fri. : (Prior page missing; prob. 12 Jan. Fri.)
Richard Kempton Jr’s funeral this afternoon. NOTES; – Jordan River shown on Portugese maps as “Ribera des Jardins” John Spinney was lieutenant in the militia of the Township of Argyle in 1771 – commission dated July 15, 1771.
14 Mar. Wed. : Visited Ebenezer Dexter to see his son Benjamin Dexter, b. Rochester, MA. March 23, 1758, d. Liverpool April 18/19, 1781. (Re Ebenezer Dexter, see April 1767. Ebenezer had 14 children, died Aug. 10, 1781).
**25 Mar. Sun. : Hannah Luin (poss. Lewin), d.o. John Luin, ill for a long time, died today. Bur. 26 Mar 1781. 26 Mar. Mon. : Joseph Verge looked upon as missing. 2 Apr. Mon. : Town meeting for the Poor adjourned. … Peter West, s.o. Liverpool proprietor Thomas & Sarah West, b. Liverpool Sept. 15, 1762, comes to live with Simeon Perkins at 70 shillings per month – no washing or mending. (Peter marr. Isabella, Oct. 25, 1791, d.o. James & Isabella McClearn). **11 Apr. Wed. : Capt. Elisha Hopkins misses one of his children about noon, his son John, supposed drowned. **19 Apr. Thur.: Benjamin Dexter, sick near five years, died this day or yesterday. ** 1 May Tues. : John Dogget marr. Dorcas Cole (d.o. Benjamin & Desire
(Smith) Cole — after Dogget died in 1781, she married Stephen Page, s.o. Stephen & Priscilla (Stephens) Page on Sept. 1, 1791). **10 May Thur. : The boy of Capt. Hopkins drowned some time ago is found at Sandy Cove (see 11 Apr. 1781). .. [John Hopkins, b. Liverpool Oct. 4, 1777, drowned in Mersey River April 11, 1781]. **13 July Fri. : Boy drowned out of ship MARY (Aaron Monk) found between Beach Meadows and Broad Cove. 29 July Sun. : John Doggett has small pox. The Justices and the Overseers of the Poor meet, conclude he be moved to a house at Birch Point – back in woods to prevent contamination. ** 6 Aug. Mon. : John Dogget dead – to be buried this afternoon. 10 Aug. Fri. : Ebenezer Dexter dead. Bur. 11 Aug. 1781.
**11 Aug. Sat. : Widow Zerviah (Wickwire) Knowles, once an inhabitant of this town, comes with Mr. (Jeremiah) Allen of Yarmouth, designing to abide here, has a son and daughter. (Zerviah, widow of Joshua Harding, a Liverpool proprietor, marr. Prince Knowles, s.o. Samuel Knowles of Liverpool Feb. 4, 1762.) (Mr. Allen of Manchester, MA., removed to Yarmouth 1766.). 12 Aug. Sun. : Joseph Verge arrived from Halifax. 23 Aug. Thur.: Agree with John Spinney to work at The Falls (now Milton, NS), about 2 months, at 80/ per month. ** 1 Nov. Thur.: Lieut. Donald McLeod, King’s Orange Rangers, marr. Mrs. Betsey Lee, relict of Michael Lee, by license from Halifax and by Rev. Israel Cheever.
1782
** 7 Jan. Mon. : Mr. Robert Stevenson departed this life about one or two o’clock PM. this day. In a low state since 16 Dec 1781. ** 9 Jan. Wed. : Remains of Robert Stevenson interred. 9 Jan. Wed. : Miss Jane Snow taken ill, d.o. Capt. Prince and Sarah (Atwood) Snow, b. Liverpool Nov. 9, 1762. 14 Jan. Mon. : James Mclarn (McClearn), one of three pressed by
ATALANTA, discharged from ATALANTA after several days. (James s.o.
James and Isabella McClearn, who worked to get their son released from
ATALANTA…. head of a family of 4 at Port Mouton 1787, marr. Mary
Placeway, b. Liverpool June 16, 1762; d. Kempt Nov. 9, 1846). **20 Feb. Wed. : I heard Elizabeth Nickerson, d.o. Peleg Dexter’s widow, died this morning — she was only ill with pleurisy. 2 Mar. Sat. : Richard John Uniacke, Esq., d. Mount Uniacke Oct. 11, 1830. [This notation was in a footnote — Simeon Perkins dealt with many people as he sought the betterment of the Township of Liverpool. ** 6 Apr. Sat. : I received letter from Henry Ferguson Esq., relating to Jacob Thomson and John Campbell, dec’d. Mr. Rider informs me that Capt. Daniel Cunningham of the Govt. Regt., is dead. **14 Apr. Sun. : Capt. John Howard marr. between meetings to Miss Mariah West, d.o. Capt. John West and wife, Phoebe (Freeman) West, of Liverpool, by William Johnstone Esq. (Mariah b. Liverpool Dec. 23, 1765, d. Halifax June 30, 1782). **14 Apr Sun : Ensign John Cameron of the same Corps marr. last night to Miss Lucy Godfrey, d.o. Benjamin and Bethiah Godfrey, born Chatham, Cape Cod Jan. 1, 1763 – father a Proprietor of Liverpool. **14 Apr. Sun. : Capt. Nathaniel Atkins marr. this morning to Miss Lucy Nickerson. **25 Apr. Tues.: William Foot, soldier in Orange Rangers, died yesterday of a consumption and is buried this day under arms. ** 9 June Sun. : Mr. Josiah Whittemore is dead at noon. Long time ill. **11 June Tues.: Remains of Mr. Josiah Whittemore buried this afternoon. **15 June Sat. : The DOLPHIN, * * * all well on board. Mr. Jesse Atwood and Draper, that marr. Deborah Doggett, d.o. Samuel and Deborah Doggett, came in her from Cape Negro. (Deborah b. Plymouth, MA. Aug. 8, 1758; after Draper’s death she marr. Levi Gardner). ** 5 July Fri. : Confirmation of the death of Mrs. Mariah Howard, Capt. John Howard’s wife, at Halifax, enoculated for small-pox; d.o. Capt. John West of this town. **10 Nov. Sun. : Mr. Robert Callahan marr. this evening to Mrs. Jane Stevenson by William Johnstone Esq., according to Church ceremony.
1783 **17 Jan. Fri. : My wife is delivered of a daughter, Elizabeth Perkins. 1 Feb. Sat. : My daughter Abigail is unwell with a swelling under her ear. (b. Liverpool 1776 — marr. Joshua Newton, collector of customs at Liverpool 1795). **10 Feb. Mon. : Mrs. Mary Dexter, widow of Enoch Dexter, and daughter of late Elisha Freeman, Esq., departed this life, this evening about 6 o’clock. Long declining in dropsy. **26 Feb. Wed. : James Nickerson’s wife died Tuesday night last of a consumption. (Hannah Dexter, d.o. Ebenezer and Lydia Dexter, marr. James, s.o. Eldred and Mary (Cohoon) Nickerson, Nov. 28, 1776). **27 Feb. Thur.: Thomas Christopher arrives from New England * * brings news that Thomas Mayhew (Plymouth, MA.), Mr. Thomas’s father-in-law, is dead. **12 Mar. Wed. : I hear Capt. Joseph Freeman has lost a son … Smith Freeman. I hear some days ago that he is sick of a feaver and this day hear he is dead. (b. Liverpool Aug. 15, 1779). **22 Mar. Sat. : A daughter of Samuel Dolliver, about 12, and a child of Jacob Jones both died suddenly yesterday or day before. I believe the child this Friday. Both brought to Capt. Hopkins house and burying from there. ** 4 Apr. Fri. : Samuel Freeman, Esq. died in night. ** 5 Apr. Sat. : John Liman, a soldier, King’s Orange Rangers, died
this morning. **12 Apr. Sat. : I grant ltrs. of admin. (letters of administration) to Solomon Rider, on estate of William Sutton, dec’d.
**14 Apr. Mon. : Mrs. Burnaby died this day about 2 AM. Bur. 15 Apr.
1783. 16 Apr. Wed. : Capt. Joseph Freeman is taken ill. 5 May Mon. : A sloop arrives from New York, bound to Halifax. They report that 570 families of refugees are sailed from New York for this province, Port Roseway (Shelburne), I suppose. They say the cessation (of hostilities) took place the 3rd of April. 7 May Wed. : Two small schooners from Halifax with people for Roseway came in here in the night. A Colonel Campbell is one of them. **24 June Tues.: Dennis O’Brian, a soldier, in detachment of Orange Rangers going to swim below the Fort at Ballast Cove, was drowned. **20 Aug. Wed. : To see about effects of one David Sloan from Port Roseway; been missing since Wed. night last (13 Aug. 1783) supposed
drowned. ** 6 Oct. Mon. : **at the head of the Mill Brook found body of dead man naked except for woolen drawers. Supposed to be one (David) Sloan missing since evening of 13 Aug. last, and supposed drowned. ** 7 Oct. Tues.: A jury is ordered by coroner on body found yesterday. It is concluded to be body of Sloan * *. 10 Oct. Fri. : A ship with part of the English Legion (The British Legion or Tarleton’s Legion) is arrived at Port Mutton. A Capt. (Thomas) Scott and Doc. (Edward) Smith come here and get a shallop to fetch their families. (Edward Smith, Tarleton’s Legion, was one of the grantees of Port Mouton in 1784). **12 Oct. Sun. : One of Hallet Collins children died last night of measles. (Phebe). **13 Oct. Mon. : I hear that Samuel Mack, of Port Medway, dyed last Sat. A long time sick.
**16 Oct. Thur.: Mr. Hallet Collins’ youngest child dyed this evening of measles and (w)hooping cough. (Martha). **17 Oct. Fri. : Mr. John Nickerson lost a child last night and has another sick. **18 Oct. Sat. : Mr. Hallet Collins has a second child buried this day in same grave with that buried last Tuesday … b. Liverpool Nov. 2, 1782. ** 2 Nov. Sun. : Josiah Harlow, the blacksmith, arrived (from New England) with his family last night with Atwood from Shelburn. 19 Nov. : Job Huskins marr. Rebecca Turpin, d.o. Michael Turpin [Shelburne Anglican Marriages]. **27 Nov. Thur.: James MacDonald has lost a child. ** 2 Dec. Tues.: Capt. John West buried. He died Sunday morning or in the night before, 30 or 29 Nov 1783.
19 Dec. Fri. : I received an order last Wednesday from the Secretary (John Stuart) to purchase 60,000 feet boards for the settlement at Port Mouton. 20 Dec. Sat. : The sloop INDUSTRY, Joseph Freeman, master, with boards for Port Mutton, sails for that place (sold at 4 Pounds &
4.10/per M.). 29 Dec. Mon. : The ship NANCY sails this morning for Penobscot.
1784
** 1 Jan. Thur.: I get an attachment against goods and chattels or
estate of Attained Anthony Lansefield. 5 Jan. Mon. : I receive a Letter from Mr. John Stuart, agent at Port Mutton, to purchase him two casks of 20d nails for the public buildings. 8 Jan. Thur.: Capt. David Smith arrives from Shelburne or there- abouts. 9 Jan. Fri. : Capt. Joseph Freeman, with a cargo of boards (60 M.) I provided on government account, is sailed last evening for the settlers at Port Mutton.
**29 Jan. Thur.: Capt. John McAlpine is Marr. to Widow Rebecca Barss by William Johnstone, Esq. 1 Feb. Sun. : Doc. Stephen Thomas was married to Miss Barbary Ross. ** 6 Feb. Wed. : Lord Charles Montague’s remains was this day interred in St. Paul’s Church, Halifax. Died Wed, 4 Feb 1784 of a malignant sore throat. 20 Feb. Fri. : Several gentlemen go to reconoiter the woods to find the most advantageous place for a road to Port Mutton. 21 Feb. Sat. : The gentlemen of the place in general turn out to cut the road to Port Mutton, about 50 men. We cut on the further side of Beach Hill, about 3 miles from Mr. Stephen West’s wood road, and built two bridges over brooks.
**11 Mar. Thur.: Benjamin Holmes, Jr., died last evening. Buried 12
Mar 1784. 13 Mar. Sat. : I take a ride with Mrs. Perkins to Beach Hill on the Port Mouton Road. (In recent years, the word “Old” preceded the name,
known as Old Port Mouton Road). 24 Mar. Wed. : Capt. McPherson and Andrew Coulter of Port Mouton call on me. (Coulter had been a cornet in British Legion, head of family of 4 at Port “Moutoin” in 1787). 30 Mar. Tues.: I ship sundry goods by Robert Mclarn (McClearn) for George Strahan and Evan Shaw at Port Mouton. ** 4 Apr. Sun. : Nathan Tupper, Esq., * * fell backwards on ground * * and was no more. Laid out at Mrs. West’s. Buried 5 April 1784. ** 7 Apr. Wed. : Theodosius Ford, Jr., departed this life at about 2/3 o’clock, in his 20th year, born Liverpool July 18, 1764 – son of late Theodosius Ford and Hannah (Burbank) Ford. Buried Apr. 8, 1784.
23 Apr. Fri. : Mr. Bangs’ daughter Sally taken very ill. (Sarah,
b. Feb. 26, 1767). Mrs. Callehan is delivered of a son (William,
d. Sept. 17, 1784). **25 Apr. Sun. : Ephraim Hunt is published to Mary Kempton. (d.o. Richard & Fear (Curtis) Kempton, b. Dec. 21, 1764 – d. Dec. 28, 1846). **13 May Thur. : Milton Foster is marr. to Phebe Tucker. (Phoebe, d.o. James & Rhoda (French) Tucker, b. Liverpool Sept. 29, 1762). **16 May Sun. : (Benjamin) Fowler found hanging on a tree by his silk handkerchief. Missing since 14 May 1784. (Soldier in the Battn. of King’s Orange Rangers, buried by the road leading to Moose Harbour). **28 May Fri. : Perez Tinkham, only child of the late Doc. Perez Tinkham and Hannah (Ford) Tinkham, found drowned at dusk near Mr. Joseph Tinkham’s wharf. Missing 1 1/2 – 2 hrs. 31 May Mon. : Mr. Jones goes to Port Mutton to take some of the people to Chedebucto. 1 June Tues.: John Hopkins returns from Port Mouton – he and Jones have agreed with Capt. Keats to take the people from Port Mutton (Mouton) at about 20 Pounds cash for the trip. 2 June Wed. : Capt. Joseph Barss arrives from Antigua with rum, sugar and cotton. ** 4 June Fri. : Daughter of Joseph Bangs died this day. Taken sick yesterday. Over 2 yrs. old. 5 June Sat. : Capt. Joseph Freeman is arrived last night from Passamaquoddy. (Many Port Mouton settlers taken there after the fire). **22 June Tues.: I hear that Frank (hired man) dyed about 1 or 2 this morning. **29 June Tues.: A child of the late John Mullins which stayed at Capt. Joseph Freeman’s died this day of throat distemper. ** 4 July Sun. : Samuel Thorn, a Legion (soldier) is marr. to Rebecca Barss, d.o. Jonathan & Ruth (Eldridge) Barss, by William Johnstone, Esq. (Thorne was from Dutchess County, New York, with Tarleton’s Legion; Rebecca was born Liverpool April 7, 1771).
5 July Mon. : Had a special session at Mrs. Snow’s to regulate a ferry across the river. Mr. McAlpine undertakes it at 4d a head. **10 July Sat. : Mr. John Thomas has his family arrive from Plymouth, with Capt. Elisha Hopkins. 24 July Sat. : The wife of Mr. Barnabas (Martha) Freeman died this day about 3 PM., of lingering bilious disorder. Bur. July 26, 1784.
2 Aug. Mon. : Capt. Barss arrives from Penobscot with boards. **10 Aug. Tues.: William Murray lost a son this morning in his 9th year. (John, b. Liverpool July 3, 1776). **25 Aug. Wed. : Mr. Samuel Battles, one of the first settlers here, came to my house today. He has been gone about 17 yrs. and lives in Plymouth. (Native of Plymouth, an original proprietor, returned due to symptons of American side – d. Plymouth 1812). **10 Sept. Fri.: Cristy, a Legion at Port Mouton drowned a day or two ago wading the Creek at Little Port Jolly. (John Christie, Tarleton’s Legion, received Port Mouton grant of land 1784). **18 Sept. Sat.: Mr. Robert Callahan’s child dyed last night. A son. ** 3 Oct. Sun. : My daughter Abigail’s birthday: enters 9th yr. My daughter-in-law (step-daughter) Ruth Headley published to Mr. Elkanah Freeman by Mr. William Johnstone Esq. 6 Oct. Wed. : (Joseph) Verge is arrived from New England, and I hear Joseph Doggett came with him, and reports that Capt. David Smith was very sick. **21 Oct. Thur.: My dau.-in-law Ruth Headley, this evening marr. Mr. Elkanah Freeman, son of late Elisha Freeman, dec’d. and his wife, now Mrs. Drew, with the Church of England ceremony being used. **24 Nov. Wed. : * * Mr. Edmond Darrow, being on board fell overboard and was drowned. Body found some 2 1/2 hrs. afterwards. From New London with family at Stratford. Buried in the Burying Ground 25 Nov 1784. ** 9 Dec. Thur.: James Morton marr. Lucy Gorham, d.o. Jabez Gorham, b. Liverpool Sept. 2, 1762, by Samuel Hunt, Esq. with Church of England ceremony. **13 Dec. Mon. : Body of Sarah Woods, d.o. Joseph Woods at Beach Meadows who dyed last Fri. night interred this afternoon. (Sarah was b. Liverpool Aug. 5, 1765).
1785
** 3 Jan. Mon. : Lathrop Freeman, a Lieutenant of Militia, s.o. late Elisha Freeman, Esq., dyed this day of a consumption. Bur. 5 Jan. 1785. **10 Jan. Mon. : I ride in a slay to see Mrs. Freeman, my dau.-in-law. She recently been brought to bead of a dau. (Former Ruth Headley). **20 Feb. Sun. : My wife safely delivered of a dau. at 4 o’clock. (*). **12 Mar. Sat. : I call my dau. Eunice; concluded to-day on the name. ** 3 Apr. Sun. : Zenas Waterman, blacksmith, s.o. Ichabod & Hannah (Rogers) Waterman, published to Eunice Dean, Capt. Bradford’s dau.-in-law, b. Liverpool July 16, 1766. 11 July Mon. : Doc. Edward Smith appointed Deputy Naval Officer.
19 July Tues.: David Snow is gone to Sandy Cove to work for me. (He
was s.o. Capt. Prince & Sarah (Atwood) Snow, b. Liverpool Mar. 25, 1771, became a seaman, died at sea 1797). **31 July Sun. : Some Plymouth people report that Whittemore’s dau. Pain died suddenly, lately. ( Mehitable Whitmore, d.o. Josiah & Mary Whitmore, marr. Stephen Pain Sept. 8, 1761, father a Liverpool proprietor). ** 8 Aug. Mon. : Bathsheba Holmes, d.o. Benj. & Rebecca Holmes, has been missing since yesterday forenoon. Some consider her drowned or lost in woods. She has always appeared under witted, or distracted. (Bathsheba b. Liverpool July 25, 1768, her father a Liverpool proprietor, supposed to have drowned Aug. 7, 1785). ** 4 Oct. Tues.: Ralph Clint marr. last night to Margaret (Peggy) Tucker, d.o. late James Tucker and Rhoda (French) Tucker, b. Canso, NS Aug. 24, 1767. (James and Rhoda Tucker marr. Liverpool Mar. 22, 1762). 4 Oct. Tues.: This day one Margaret Robertson, one of the convicts lately from Scotland, brought before courts. (One of a group of Scottish people set ashore at Port Joli, because they were Scottish). ** 2 Nov. Wed. : Simeon Freeman was marr. last night to Experience Ford, d.o. late Theodosius Ford. (Born Liverpool Mar. 5, 1768, died there April 11, 1808). 11 Nov. Fri. : Margaret Robertson sentenced to receive 25 stripes on her naked back.
1786
** 3 Jan. Tues.: Michael Hayes, a Legion (Tarleton’s) of Port Mouton, is in our goal being charged with murder of Elenor, his wife, on evening of 24 Dec. last, examined by Samuel Hunt and John Thomas, Esq. ** 6 Mar. Mon. : Mrs. Godfrey, wife of Benjamin Godfrey, dyed this day of a lingering illness, having been a long time sick. ** 7 Mar. Tues.: Attend funeral of Mrs. Godfrey. **10 Apr. Mon. : Peter Preston Pain missing more than a week; set out for Port Medway and not been heard of. **16 Apr. Sun. : Nath’l Cohoon comes from Port Medway, reports he found body of Peter Preston Pain near path leading to Port Medway about 1 1/2 miles this side of that place. 20 Apr. Fri. : Donald Shaw, a convict highlander living with Donald McLeod, accused of having goods not his. 21 Apr. Sat.: Trial – found guilty. Sentence – 39 stripes on his naked back and to be jailed not exceeding 30 days, and pay costs. Mr. Tinkham, sheriff, gave him 20 stripes, Ephraim Hunt 19. Goods found to be Simeon Perkins’s. 22 Apr. Sun. : Value of goods 8 Pounds at retail price. 25 Apr. Wed. : Donald Shaw ordered to depart town – left for Shelburne. 23 Apr. Mon. : Andrew Balfour was also accused of stealing with Donald Shaw – both Scottish people set ashore at Port Joli autumn of 1785. **30 May Tues. : David Ball’s child died this day at George Briggs’s home. **15 June Thur.: Humphrey McDonald marr. Miss Drucy Drew. (Drusilla, d.o. Lemuel and Mary ( Freeman, nee West) Drew, b. Liverpool July 20, 1768. Husband, Humphrey McDonald, s.o. James and Elspbeth McDonald. He was lost at sea in the brig LADY WENTWORTH on a trip to New York in December 1798). **22 June Thur.: Samuel Douglass, that has marr. the Widow Wheeler, calls me to make out proper papers for him to recover the estate of her late husband.
** 4 July Tues.: Mr. Thomas Christopher marr. Miss Mary (Peggy) Parker, d.o. Mr. Benj. & Mary Parker, b. Dec. 7, 1766. 5 July Wed. : By desire of Mr. Jos. Taylor, I go with him in the SPRINGBIRD to reconoiter the river and country of Port Mutton to advise him about setting a sawmill at the Great Falls, on the Great River. ( Now known as Broad River, and for many years there was a sawmill at present Summerville Centre, but this may not have been the location discussed at that time). 10 July Mon. : Michael Hayes, who received sentence of death May 25th for murdering his wife Elenor, executed on the Common Land, back of the Meeting House. **12 July Tues.: My wife at 10 o’clock evening is delivered of a dau.; our 6th child and 5th dau. Have not yet named the child. (Mary). 21 July Fri. : Mr. Jos. Taylor has concluded to build the sawmill at Port Mutton, and agreed yesterday with Mr. Joseph Bangs as head workman. **18 Aug. Fri. : John McAlpine’s child William buried this day; died Wednesday night. Suppose worms was cause. (S.o. John & Rebecca (Barss) McAlpine, b. Liverpool Nov. 11, 1784, d. Aug. 16, 1786). **20 Aug. Sun. : Sacrament administered and Capt. Hopkins’s child christened by Mr. Garretson, name is William.
22 Aug. Tues.: Mr. Charles Taylor comes from their place at Port Mouton (head of an establishment of 10 at Port Mouton in 1787). 25 Aug. Fri. : The ANN arrives from Port Mutton with hay from Dogget’s Island (Port Mouton Island). **27 Aug. Sun. : My dau.-in-law (step-dau. Ruth Headley), wife of Elkanah Freeman, delivered of a dau. … Wife of William Grierson also delivered of a dau. (Betsey, d. Liverpool Sept. 23, 1802).
** 3 Sept. Sun.: Joseph Burnaby expired about sunset. Bur. 4 Sep. 1786
** 9 Oct. Mon. : Mr. William Mayhew, of Plymouth, brother to Mrs.
Thomas and Mrs. John Trible, formerly inhabitant of this town, arrived here last night from Plymouth. **19 Oct. Thur.: Solomon Reder arrives. Lately from Boston, last from Margaret’s Bay. **22 Nov. Wed. : News from LeHave that Mr. James McQueen, of this place, who went to Lunenburg some days ago in his boat, with two sons, small boys, are cast away and all perished in going into Folly. ** 3 Dec. Sun. : A lad belonging to Joseph Trible came here from Plymouth; was set on shore on Western Head this morning. … Jacob Brown published to Sarah McLarn, John McLarn’s dau. (McClearn) [John & Nancy McClearn]. **17 Dec. Sun. : Wm. Buchanan reports that Friday last, on his way to Port Mouton, he found the body of Mr. William White. (Set out from Liverpool for Port Mouton a week earlier and had been missing).
1787 **21 Jan. Sun. : DOLPHIN arrived this evening, sailed from (Jamaica?) lost one man before they left the island (Daniel McKenziee), in Windward Passage lost lad (Michael), and on 29 Dec. (1786) the master, Capt. Joseph Freeman died of a feaver. **27 Jan. Sat. : Capt. Ephraim Dean taken suddenly ill — supposed apoplectic fit. Lived until about 1 o’clock, then expired. Bur. 29 Jan 1787 from the Meeting House. 30 Jan. Tues.: We got Mr. George Mitchell to run the (wood lot) line but does not agree with old marks by 4 or 5 rods. (George Mitchell marr. Elizabeth, d.o. Samuel & Desire (Cohoon) Mack, on Aug. 9, 1787; built his house at Black Point; died April 21, 1791). 7 Feb. Wed. : Capt. Benajah Collins has sold his schooner DOLPHIN. **20 Mar. Tues.: He (?) is to give me house and land he bought from Capt. Prince Snow’s estate. 26 Mar. Mon. : The ANN, Abner Doggett, master, sails for Port Mouton to get hay and sand. 30 Mar. Fri. : Mr. Taylor’s mill at Broad River got agoing yesterday. 1 May Tues. : Death of Nath’l Backus, Esq. at Norwich. 22 June Fri. : Catherine Sinclair obtained a grant of land at Port Mouton in 1784. (Records show she also purchased land granted to Andrew Hagen, Tarleton’s Legion, when he moved to Hunt’s Point).
**30 June Sat. : Towards night Samuel Hunt, Esq., told me Thomas Pierce, the caulker, was dead. ** 6 July Fri. : The late Thomas Pearce’s sons come to me to advise about father’s estate. ** 5 Aug. Sun. : I publish intention of Marriage between Mr. George Mitchell and Miss Elizabeth Mack. … (See Jan. 30, 1787). ** 9 Aug. Thur.: Attended the marriage (*). **23 Aug. Thur.: Capt. James Gorham marr. this evening to Miss Jedidah Tracy, sister of the spouse of Benajah Collins, Esq., by Wm. John- stone, Esq. **25 Aug. Sat. : I hear that Silvanus Morton had two children drown this day in the mill pond. Girl about 8 and a boy 4 or 5. (Sarah, b. Liverpool June 30, 1779; Sylvanus, b. Liverpool May 3, 1782).
**26 Aug. Sun. : Two drowned children buryed, both in one coffin, Mr.
Jessop attended. ** 3 Sept. Mon.: Mr. Donald McLeod assisting Mr. Lemuel Drew in raising a small fraim * * fell upon him * * instantly killed. ** 4 Sept. Tues.: Remains of Lieut. Donald McLeod are buryed. Mr. Jessop preached at the Meeting House on the occasion. ** 6 Sept. Thur.: Sam Hunt, Esq., sets off for Port Medway to marry Alexander Stevenson, school master, to Miss (Mary) Smith, d.o. Jonathan Smith.
** 9 Sept. Sun.: Doc. Edward Smith marr. by Wm. Johnstone, Esq. to
Mariah Porter. **11 Oct. Thur.: Mr. Benjamin Parker marr. this evening to Miss Polly Burbanks, d.o. Mr. Timothy & Lydia (Crowell) Burbanks.
**23 Oct. Tues.: Settle Sam Freeman’s estate, also Joseph Freeman, Esq. estate. Appoint guardians for the children except 3 young ones — mother should take them. **24 Oct. Wed. : Rebecca (Nickerson) Freeman, widow of Sheriff Joseph Freeman, Esq., took guardianship for son Thomas, b. April 15, 1775; 2 daus: Rebecca, b. July 27, 1777 and Mercy, b. March 19, 1783.
**30 Oct. Tues.: Israel Kinsman, shot say the 19th inst., at sea by
Othenel Rust, died about sunset at Mrs. Desire Collins’s. Bur. 31 Oct.
1787. ** 8 Nov. Thur.: John Fraser, a French lad, that served his time with Joseph Tinkham, Esq., is marr. to (Bertha) Dexter, d.o. late Ebenezer
Dexter and Lydia (Ryder) Dexter. **29 Nov. Thur.: William Puttam is marr. to Miss Experience Luin by Wm. Johnstone, Esq. (Experience b. 1770; second husband, Joseph Woods, marr. Sept. 6, 1792). **16 Dec. Sun. : Mrs. Callahan delivered of a son (George William Callahan). **20 Dec. Thur.: Mr. Jacob Mitchell, a ships carpenter that came here from Boston last winter, is this evening marr. to Miss Lydia Bangs, 2nd d.o. Mr. Joseph (& Thankful) Bangs, by Samuel Hunt, Esq. (Lydia b. March 26, 1769).
1788
**16 Jan. Wed.: I see in the Halifax papers of 1 Jan that Capt. Joseph
Salter, s.o. late Malachy Salter, Esq., was lately drowned, by being
thrown overboard by the buoy rope coming to anchor Halifax harbour. **24 Jan. Thur.: Mr. Prince Snow marr. by Samuel Hunt, Esq., to Sarah Bangs, eldest d.o. Mr. Joseph Bangs. … Mr. Ebenezer McLeod, 2nd s.o. Mr. John McLeod, is marr. by Wm. Johnstone, Esq., to Miss Dorcas Gardner, d.o. Mr. Thomas Gardner. **25 Jan. Fri. : Mrs. Cornelius Knowles departed this life about 1 or 2 o’clock this morning; lingering illness. Bur. 26 Jan. 1788.
**27 Jan. Sun. : At evening, Mr. Joseph Freeman, s.o. late Capt. Joseph Freeman marr. by Wm. Johnstone, Esq., to Elizabeth McLarn, youngest d.o. widow Isabella McLarn (McClearn). **11 May Sun. : The old widow Collins (I believe her name Abigail), mother to Benajah Collins, Esq., (belief was correct, she was Abigail, nee Crowell) departed this life this morning. Bur. 12 May 1788. **20 May Tues.: My wife was delivered of a son about 4 o’clock AM. (Simeon Leonard). ** 3 June Tues.: Doc. Edward Smith & family go passengers in his way to England. He was surgeon in the (British) Legion & resided here ever since the core (corps) came to the province. Miss Catherine Doggett, d.o. late Samuel Doggett, is gone with the doctor’s family as a companion to his wife. **29 June Sun. : Hughey, one of Joseph Taylor’s men, drowned in the Mill Pond Friday night, 27 June 1788.
**12 July Sun. : John Duncan at work for Mr. Taylor was drowned a few
days ago by going over the dam. ** 1 Aug. Fri. : I hear Peter Collins is dead. Peter Collins is buryed. ** 5 Sept. Fri.: Coroner’s jury set on body of Spencer, late of Cape Cod, brought in here dead yesterday. His body intered this evening in our burying ground. **25 Sept. Thur.: A boat is cast away near White Point. One man is found on the shore. **26 Sept. Fri. : The man that is found (25 Sept.) is John Paul. **30 Sept. Tues.: The other man, Doherty, lost in boat at White Point is found; a Shelburn vessel. ** 8 Oct. Wed. : Wife of Mr. Hallet Collins departed this life last night; she was delivered of a son in the evening and died about 1/2 past 10 o’clock. Bur. 10 Oct. 1788. Child is well. **21 Oct. Tues. : Towards night I hear Jacob Peach’s son Martin and Peter Leonard’s son were drowned at Western Head.
**25 Oct. Sat. : Infant son of Benajah Collins, Esq., died this
morning. (Benajah, b. Liverpool, Sept. 7, 1788). 11 Nov. Tues. : Seth Huskins found guilty by the Inferior Court of Common Pleas — fined 10 shillings and costs. **25 Nov. Tues. : Yesterday, Prince Snow’s wife, Sarah (Bangs) Snow, delivered of a son, Prince William Snow. …Last evening a child of
Jacob Mitchell’s died at Mr. Bangs’ house — it was his grandchild.
1789
**15 Jan. Thur.: Demands on estate of Michael Turpin, dec’d. 11 Mar. Wed. : Benajah Collins, Esq. is getting ready to go to Halifax to attend the General Assembly as Member for Queens County. **29 Mar. Sun. : Mr. Hallet Collins published to Miss Patty Freeman; Thomas Kempton to Elizabeth Dogget; Israel Cole to Lois Dogget. (Lois b. Liverpool Jan. 17, 1770, d.o. Samuel & Deborah (Foster) Doggett, marr. Israel Cole, s.o. Benj. & Desire Cole, b. Liverpool Jan. 18, 1766 on Nov. 11, 1789). **24 May Sun.: (At Halifax) James Pilton fell overboard and was drowned. He belonged to Brig. MINERVA. ** 4 June Thur.: Mr. Jos. Freeman’s wife said to be dying. Mrs. Freeman is dead. (Elizabeth McClearn, 1st w.o. Col. Jos. Freeman). ** 6 June Sat. : Joseph Freeman’s dec’d wife is buryed. **11 June Thur.: Hallet Collins’ girl, about 4 yrs. old, having had measles, has a feaver set in which proved mortal. (Second one by name Phebe (Phoebe), b. Liverpool March 21, 1784). 14 June Sun. : Joseph Woods, Junr., comes from Port Mouton. (S.o. Joseph & Sarah (Curtis) Woods, b. Liverpool March 22, 1769. On Sept. 6, 1792 he marr. Bethia, d.o. Ebenezer & Lydia Dexter. Fisherman, seaman and privateersman. During War of 1812 he shipped in a privateer and never returned). 15 June Mon. : Jasper Leslie and others have agreed to load the SPRINGBANK. (Jasper was a member of Tarleton’s Legion, obtained grant of land at Port Mouton in 1784 — drew Lot #9, on Great River, now known as Broad River — progenitor of the widespread LESLIE family). **19 June Fri. : Robert Pringle marr. Miss (Mary) Woods, d.o. Joseph & Sarah Woods, Liverpool. **21 June Sun. : Mr. Stephen Snow, s.o. Prince & Sarah (Atwood) Snow, published to Miss Janet More, d.o. Alexander & Janet More of Rothie- marchus, Scotland, Clyde River and Liverpool. ** 5 July Sun. : A child of Joseph Bangs scalded some time ago died this morning. (Betsey, b. April 15, 1788). **26 Oct. Mon. : Doc. Miller tells me Joseph Dogget, b. Liverpool June 21, 1767, s.o. late John Doggett, Esq., and Abigail (House) Doggett, is near his end * * * In the evening I hear he is dead. 26 Oct. Mon. : Doc. A. Timothy Miller, at Liverpool from October 1789 to May 1790, left because some people refused to pay for inoculations. 17 Nov. Tues.: Minard Van Horne begins to work on my vessel building. (s.o. Richard & Patty Van Horne, marr. at Liverpool Dec. 31, 1788 to Susanna, d.o. Robert & Jane (West) Harlow, family from Newark, NJ). **24 Nov. Tues.: I am informed by Peter West that news is come from Port Medway that Mr. Lodowick Smith missing since last Sunday evening. Went for LeHave alone in his boat. Heard from LeHave, no news of him. **11 Dec. Sat. : Capt. Hopkins is arrived and had the misfortune to lose two men overboard: John Middleton; Stephen Mack. **12 Dec. Sat. : Peter Jackson, a black man who has a wife and children, drowned. **15 Dec. Tues.: John Hopkins fell in the fire, or on the hearth before the fire * * terribly burned. A son of Capt. Elisha Hopkins, he continued till between 7 & 8 o’clock in the evening when he expired. Funeral 16 Dec. 1789. 26 Dec. Sat. : George, s.o. Benajah & Susanna (Tracy) Collins, born East Haddam, Conn. Jan. 17, 1771, marr. Lydia, d.o. Joseph & Elizabeth Barss on Jan. 20, 1794. George was a seaman, then merchant in the Township of Liverpool.
(Above note given as of this date in the footnotes).