THE DIARY OF SIMEON PERKINS
(Extracts)
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.1800
**11 Jan Sat : I am sorry to understand that Sarah Slocombe, a daughter of late Capt. Robert Slocombe, a single woman, was this day
delivered of a child. **15 Jan Wed : About 9 o’clock, I heard by my children that Mr. Newton had been to see him (Deacon Samuel Hunt, Esq.) and that he died in the evening, while he was there. Funeral 17 Jan 1800.
23 Jan Thurs : Still loading the GOOD FORTUNE. My man (Peter) Spear-
water has worked every day. The NETASHKWEN sails again for Boston. 4 Feb Tues : Rains. 12 Feb Wed : I agreed with Job Huskins to sell him a piece of land … 3/4 of an acre … thirty Dollars. (Married Rebecca Turpin in Shelburne on Nov 15, 1783 – before moving to Liverpool). **14 Feb Fri : Josiah Whittimore comes from Blueberry (now West Berlin, NS) with some hay in a boat with Abel Chadsey and in breaking ice to get to Mr. John Robert’s wharf, he was striking with a hand spike, and the ice giving way, perhaps easier than he had expected, he fell from the bow * * * etc., but the body is not found. **19 Feb Wed : I hear Mr. Thomas Bennet departed this life this morning about six o’clock * * *. **20 Feb Thur : Remains of Mr. Thomas Bennet buryed, corps carried to meeting house. Mr. Payzant preached from Ecceastes (sic) 18.8 * * Freemasons walked as mourners. **24 Feb Mon : My birthday, * * 66th year. 4 Mar Tues : John McLean of the westerly side of Port Jolly applies to me on the subject of a difference between him and Alexander McDonald about some land or Commons — I gave him a line to Findlay McIntosh, John Richardson & John McLean, Jr. requesting them to view the place. [Findlay – St. Catharines River; John McLean – Port Hebert 1787] [Note: Findlay gr.gr.gr.grandfather of Muriel M. Davidson] ** 8 Mar Sat : I hear Medad Tupper died last night of a consumption * * * his life has not been very exemplary, but God is merciful to the chiefest of sinners * * many are called at the 11th hour. Funeral 9 Mar 1800, Mr. Payzant spoke hopefully of the deceased. ** 3 Apr Thur : * * William Johnstone, Esq., died last evening. Funeral 4 Apr 1800. Magistrates were pall bearers. ** 6 Apr Sun : Mrs. Ruth Collins, widow of Stephen Collins and daughter of Rev. Israel Cheever, dec’d, died this morning. **14 Apr Mon : James Spearwater has served out his time (indenture) and is going home to Little Harbour. James Trask of Yarmouth to live with me * *. (Believe he meant Peter Spearwater, previously stated]. **25 Apr Fri : * * Willis Herbert has lost his son, I think his name is Tom. **20 May Tues : Body of Josiah Whittimore, accidentally drowned 14 Feb (1800) was this day discovered floating in the eddy tide up ye river by my wharf * * body was buryed. ** 1 June Sun : GOOD FORTUNE appears in sight with her colors half mast * * Samuel Smith is dead * * . ** 8 June Sun : I receive a letter from * * Saint John, NB., informs me that James Hopkins arrived there from Turk’s Island * * sickened and died the 17th May, last. **20 June Fri : Isabell West, wife of Peter West, departed this life some time in the night.
**22 July Tues : I agree with John Richardson’s son (sic) Robert
Lavender to work about a month * * . ** 3 Aug Sun : A child of Walter C. Manning buryed. **10 Aug Sun : One Mr. Chace Wiggins, a mason plaisterer, he is originally from Portsmouth, & has been at Wiscasset, was married last week to Mariah McLeod. They appeared at meeting this day.
**10 Sept Wed : Anniversary of marriage with present wife, 10 Sept.
1775, 25 years ago. Since, I have two sons and six daughters — all
alive, two of them now at Norwich (Conn.) viz: Elizabeth and Simeon
Leonard. ** 5 Oct Sun : Stephen Snow arrives from Chester, brings the mellancholla news of death of John Freeman, master of ship NELSON, at Jamaica. **26 Oct Sun : Last evening departed this life Mr. George Scott, (the) taylor, he has resided in this town eight or ten years. **28 Oct Tues : Funeral of Mr. George Scott is attended from his house * * * . **14 Nov Fri : * * * I found a boy, Matthew Strickland, son of John Strickland, grandson of Thomas West, snapping or firing a pistol * * where was a box that held some loose powder * * the explosion was very great * * he was taken out * * alive * * survived to about sunset, or a little after * then died, no person but the boy * * * was hurt. Buryed 16 Nov 1800.
**15 Nov Sat : A child of Thomas Parker that died on Thursday was buryed to-day. **25 Nov Tues : The Widw. Mary (Drew) Collins * * a little after six o’clock * dyed in a fit, I understand, she has left one son Joseph. Buryed 27 Nov 1800 from chapel, sermon Mr. Oliphant. **27 Nov Thur : * * in pursuit of young man Clark (lately from Bay of Fundy) that went away from Doc. Woodbury’s in night of 25th * * in night went out of the house * * they followed his tracks in a little snow to the river where, they expect * * he was drowned. I hear Stephen Morine’s son Daniel was drowned a day or two ago among the islands * * . ** 1 Dec Mon : (Relates finding of Clark — see above — by two black men along Nictaux River, 14 miles past Port Medway River). 7 Dec Sun : Matthew Johnson Drew, s.o. Lemuel & Mary (Park) Drew, was born at Liverpool. (Married Jan 26, 1825 Mary Ann Huskins — sea captain & merchant, died Jan 29, 1880). [See The Huskins Family, Pg. 3, by Muriel M. Farquhar Davidson]. ** 8 Dec Mon : James Dick calls on me towards evening and informs me that Timothy Bryant dies this afternoon, supported by the town for some time, he died in convulsion fits, as I understand. Buryed 10 Dec 1800, in common burying ground. **15 Dec Mon : I am informed that Enoch Godfrey died last night of the small-pox. **11 Dec Tues : John Hume, a lad that lived with Mr. Newton, was lost overboard out of the prize FABIUS.1801
** 1 Jan Thur : Mr. Manning’s sister-in-law Theressa Church is
married last night by John Thomas, Esq., to one Mr. Hicks of Anna-
polis. (Findlay Hicks). ** 3 Jan Sat : Thomas Whittimore, son of late Josiah Whittimore, died this morning of small-pox at Mr. John Robert’s small house at ye S. E. end of the Fish Lots, back of his house; his mother is now a distressed widow, her other son is on a man-of-war and she has only two or three small children. **11 Jan Sun : I hear Miss Catherine Doggett is married this evening to a Capt. (Peleg) Little, of Annapolis, the master of the schooner belonging to Mr. Hicks that has late married Miss Tharessa Church, of a sudden they put in here for a harbour & have been sometime wind blown & taken two of our ladies to wife. (See also 1 Jan 1801). (Catherine, d.o. Samuel & Deborah (Foster) Doggett, Liverpool, died 11 March 1814, in her 63rd year). **15 Jan Thur : Mr. James Taylor departed this life this morning at 0615, * * Mr. Stephen Collins arrives from Petit River with Miss Sally Park, he is, or to be, married to her. (By John Thomas, Esq., 20 Jan 1801). **17 Jan Sat : Funeral of Mr. James Taylor. Mr. Payzant preached a sermon at the house from Job 33. **18 Jan Sun : * * they found (anchored between White Point and the Black Rocks near Port Mouton) a ship belonging * * from Jamaica, 57 days out commanded by Capt. Barry who dyed on his passage, the first of this month; they bring news that Mr. James Nickerson, one of the men impressed by the ship ——– was dead * * * . **21 Jan Wed : I am informed that the wife of Ebenezer McLeod died last night, or this morning.
**22 Jan Thur : The Annapolis schooner that has layn here a long time & married two wives (see 1 and 11 Jan 1801) sailed this morning with the two wives. [The two wives married sailors of the schooner!]. ** 1 Feb Sun : Thomas Pelham, aged 47, died of a consumption, in the night. Bur. 2 Feb 1801.
2 Feb Mon : David Smith’s house is said to be engaged for Innocu-
lation. (David, s.o. David & Catherine Smith, of Virginia, married Anna, d.o. Jacob & Anna Peach, Liverpool, Aug 20, 1791–was a mariner)
**17 Feb Wed : In the afternoon I hear Joseph Godfrey died, some
time since noon. **22 Feb Sun : Mrs. McDonald’s child dies & buryed. **23 Feb Mon : Stephen Snow arrives from Halifax, and has brought 7 of our people that had been released from the King’s ships, viz: Judah Simmons, Martin Peach, Zoh(eth) Harlow, Cornelius Knowles, William Drabble, John Maxfield & Michael Bower. He also brings the melancholla news of the following persons belonging here: Joseph Bangs Jr., George Blowers, Charles West, Josiah Whittimore, George Hardy & James Nickerson (see also 18 Jan 1801 for Nickerson) and Shubael Nickerson, John Reynolds of Barrington, David Corning of Yarmouth, Cornelius O’Neal & William Clark strangers.
**24 Feb Tues : My birthday, enter 67th year. William Ford’s son
(Charles) a lad of 12, died last night, or this morning. Benj.
Freeman’s daughter died this day. **26 Feb Thur : Jonas Smith’s son Nathaniel * * died this day, makes five dead after innoculations. ** 2 Mar Mon : I hear Norman McKenzie’s wife is dead, makes six dead after innoculation.
** 3 Mar Tues : Mrs. McDonald has lost another child by innoculation.
** 4 Mar Wed : A schooner, Spoonagle from Lunenburg * * reports that Nathan Freeman who was landed from West Indies, two or three weeks ago, is dead of small-pox. ** 6 Mar Fri : Willis Herbert, black man, has a young child dies last night of small-pox. ** 7 Mar Sat : I hear Jabez Freeman at The Falls (Milton) died last night about sun set, he was under innoculation by Dr. Woodbury. **13 Mar Fri : John Gorham lost a child some time in the night; buryed this day. Mr. Freeman departed at 3 o’clock this morning. I go and advise where to dig the grave. The coffin is making, we conclude to bring the corps down to the burying ground this afternoon while tide is up and have burying at 1/2 past 2 o’clock * * Mr. Oliphant and funeral service at grave * * wife being far advanced in her pregnancy and a family of small children, 7 daughters & 1 son, the son is now under the small pox. (Elkanah Freeman). **14 Mar Sat : Snow Parker’s child dyed this afternoon. Buryed 15 Mar 1801. **17 Mar Tues : William Chadsey, son of Abel Chadsey, about 21 years old, dyed this day of small-pox * * this made 12 by innoculation and 3 in the natural way. Buryed evening 18 Mar 1801. **19 Mar Thur : Silvanus Morton’s wife dyed. Casey is digging the grave * three deaths of adults since last Sunday, she lately laying in * * not dye of small-pox. Buryed 20 Nov 1801. **25 Mar Wed : John Roberts, carpenter, lost a child in the night under innoculation, makes 13 under that operation. James Dolliver * * was taken again in fits, or death pangs and soon expired, this 14 by innoculation. He was only surviving son of Samuel Dolliver, his eldest son Samuel having been lost at sea with James Slocombe in Capt. Parker’s schooner BLACK SNAKE, coming from Fayal in Dec. 1779. Bur. 26 Mar 1801. .. Old Mrs. Mitchell, John Mitchell’s widow died last week at Port Medway. She was mother to Mr. Hallet Collins’ first wife Rhoda. (If such be correct, then she was Rhoda ( ) Peek, widow of Daniel Peek, of Haddam, Conn., see Page 55 of Liverpool, NS., Vital Records when she married Mitchell). **29 Mar Sun : Thomas Millard’s wife under the small-pox has miscarried. **31 Mar Tues : I grant administration to James Rogers on goods of Joseph Bangs, Jr., dec’d. He dyed at Jamaica. A report is propagated that his widow has not behaved as she ought, since he went from home, is said to be pregnant.
** 2 Apr Thur : Job Huskins has lost a child in the night, with
small-pox. Thomas Murray has lost a twin child. ** 4 Apr Sat : A black woman, Jane, that some time ago lived with Thomas Phelon, died this morning with small-pox at old Toney Lyals. **11 Apr Sat : Eunice Smith, daughter of Stephen Smith, Jr., died this morning about 3 o’clock, buryed in afternoon; small-pox. **26 Apr Sun : A mullato child of Jaine Mingo, who died a little while ago of the small-pox, died this day of the small-pox at Anthony Lyals. ** 1 May Fri : Mr. Post’s shallop * * she overset, Mrs. Gardner, mother to Mrs. Rogers and Mrs. Thomas, was on board and unfortunately drowned * * *. Funeral 3 May 1801.
**13 May Wed : Doc. Woodbury, who has resided here for some time,
has put his baggage on board Capt. Hicks for Annapolis and goes with wife through the Nictaux road. His two sons * * were to set off this day. **15 May Fri : I grant letters of administration to John Roberts on estate of Thomas Roberts, dec’d. **11 June Thur : At evening William Gardiner, a son of Benoni Gardiner of Port Mouton Island, who had been an adopted son to Richard Thomas, is missing and supposed drowned as he was fishing on Mr. Kirk’s wharf in forenoon and has not been seen since. Body found 12 June and buryed 13 June 1801. ** 1 July Wed : William Harrington informs me that his brother, Thomas Harrington, that was impressed on board ship UNITE is got home, that John Gardner was discharged the same time he was, and has gone
by way of Charlestown, South Carolina, on wages. He also reported that Robert Millard, Jr., is drowned * * in liquor and in a rage at being detained aboard ship, he jumped overboard. ** 7 July Tues : A child of John McDonald of Port Jolly which died at John McKenzie’s Sunday night last, is buryed.
**17 Aug Mon : * * we soon learn that Bartlett Bradford, Esq., * *
died aboard MELLONE at sea on Monday the 13th, he got into St. Mar-
garet’s Bay * * they buryed the remains on other side near Mr.
Croucher’s * his wife * * seems to wish to have the body sent for * *
**23 Aug Sun : Between 9 & 10 o’clock the boat arrives from St.
Margaret’s Bay with the late Capt. Bradford’s corps. **14 Sept : Mr. Lemuel Drew, aged about 78, died about 12 o’clock in the night, he had been a mere ediot for a year or two and some time ago fell out of his door, which hurt him and no doubt hastened his death. Buryed 15 Sept 1801. **29 Nov Sun : Margary Cummins, daughter of James Cummins * * died this morning about 4 o’clock * * 15 years old. Funeral 30 Nov 1801. ** 1 Dec Tues : Edward Collins, a son of Hallet Collins, Esq., about 6 years of age last May, has been missing since yesterday about noon, and is supposed to be drowned or lost in the woods * * . **11 Dec Fri : I hear that Lodowick Harrington, who went from here two or three weeks ago for the Bay of Fundy, was lost overboard near Capersue (Cape Forchu) struck over by the main boom. (Confirmed 13 Dec 1801, but location given as near Isle au Haut in Minas Basin). **16 Dec Wed : The bells toll, I hear it for a son of Paul Collins, 5 or 6 years old (Paul Parker Collins). Buryed 17 Dec 1801.
**17 Dec Thur : Nelly, wife of Benjamin Field, a black man, died of a
consumption. Buryed 18 Dec 1801, near their house. **22 Dec Tues : * * Rebecca Freeman, John Freeman’s widow, was near lying in * * it is said John Dexter is supposed to be the father. **23 Dec Wed : * * Mrs. Whittimore, now Mrs. Holmes, to dig up the body of her son Thomas, & buryed it near his father’s grave. 1802**28 Jan Thur : Walter C. Manning lost a son on Monday morning the
25th, about 7 years old. **29 Jan Fri : I am informed that Elisha Kinney died night before last and that John Dolliver’s wife (Desire), at Port Medway, died last night. She was a daughter of William Cohoon, Jr. ** 3 Feb Wed : Mr. Simon Fraser lost a child (Frederick) night before last. It is buryed this day. Mr. George Collins had a child died last night. (Isabell). **11 Feb Thur : Thomas Freeman lost an infant child; died this morning or in the night. **14 Feb Sun : Wife of Capt. Joseph Freeman (#2 Margaret McIntire) died this afternoon of a consumption, she has been declining all winter. Buryed 17 Feb 1802. Desiah Atkins, I hear, is dead of the same disorder yesterday or the day before (latter at Port Medway, NS). Very wet walking. **17 Feb Wed : Stephen Smith, Jr., lost a child this evening. **24 Feb Wed : John Smith, carpenter, here from Chester, some years ago, died of a feaver this morning, poor distressed family left behind. My birthday – enter 68th year. **25 Feb Thur : Body of John Smith buryed. **27 Feb Fri : James Simcox, a laborer at Mr. Crane’s * * fell into the water * * was drowned * * it is said (they) drank too freely. **28 Feb Sun : The wife of Mr. James McLannan (McClearn) died this morning. Buryed 2 Mar 1802. 8 Mar Mon : Cold morning. Old Mrs. Whittemore died this morning, buryed Thursday, March 11. 15 Apr Thurs : Mr. James N. Bent, who died last Thursday morning, is buryed.
20 Apr Tues : I hear Thomas Murray is very sick. 21 May Fri : Fine pleasant day, wind westerly. Capt. Doane, in the Brig NELSON, sails for Quebec, and has left his men in jail. Capt. James Harlow, in the Schnr. LILY, arrived from New London, 11 days passage. Benja Cole, in Capt. Gardner’s schooner, sails for Labrador on a fishing voyage. 27 May Thurs : John Thomas, Esq., goes to Port Metway to marry William Lewis to Widow Hannah Dolliver, Junr. (d.o. Lodowick Smith, widow of deceased Saml. Dolliver, lost with James Slocombe in the BLACK HAWK. 29 May Sat : I hear that Elijah Minard, Junr. died this morning. (buried May 30). 30 May Sun : Funeral of James Dolliver was attended after the
afternoon service was over. (New Light Meeting House). 1 June Tues : Mr. Thomas Gardner, at the Herring Cove, died this day. He was far advanced in years, I suppose 72 or 73 (bur. June 3). 3 June Thurs: Capt. Rice sails for Halifax. Capt. Enos Collins sails for Windsor and Baltimore with Plaister of Paris. A schooner arrived from Alexandria and Baltimore, loaded with corn, bread and flour. 5 June Sat : Col. Freeman sails for Margt. Bay to carry on the mackerel fishing. I conclude this day to begin framing my sawmill next Tuesday. William Ford, master workman, George Hammett, Thomas Power and Charles Murray are engaged to begin on that day. 9 June Wed : Capt. Snow Parker’s new brig. TRUSTY, built by Jacob Randal, Thomas Parker, master, sails for the West Indies, loaded with fish, boards and timber. 12 June Sat : The body of James Simcox, drowned the 26th of February last, is found this day floating near Mr. Kirk’s wharf. 13 June Sun : My daughter, Betsey, seems to be in a very weak state. The Brig. ROVER goes for Port Metway.
17 June Thurs: Mr. Kirk made up a medicine for Betsey. 18 June Fri : Betsey took her medicine last night — rested better than she has before.
26 June Sat : Jesse Atwood & James Doggett arrived from Halifax last evening and say the Ship NYMPH is sold for 850 Pounds. 29 June Tues : My family have one more sick. The boy Isaac (Ampson) complains of a sore throat and is broke out (with measles). (Isaac was s.o. Thankful Huskins and husband). 14 July Wed : Revnd. Mr. Black, John Thomas, Esq., & Mr. (Simon) Fraser go to Port Mutton on Horseback. 15 July Thurs: The Trustees of the Methodist Chapel meet, & have conversation about enlarging the House. 17 July Sat : Mr. (William) Ford has got the measles, & all his family. 25 July Sun : The bell tolls, & counts 30 for the age — the funeral of Mrs. Samuel Freeman would be at 3 o’clock at the (Meeting) House. 2 Aug Mon : (Wm.) Ford & Miles begin to work on ye Sawmill again. 3 Aug Tues : Mr. Brown, the carpenter, gave me an estimate for making an addition to the Chapel of 20 feet. The whole expense, except glass, glazing, paint & painting, 245 Pounds. 8 Aug Sun : Mrs. Heater died last evening. Mary Freeman goes to the Falls to be company for Dorcas (d.o. John & Dorcas (Nickerson) Heater, b. Argyle 28 Feb 1785, mar. 15 July 1807 Ebenezer Hill, s.o. Joshua & Margaret (Coombs) Hill of Bath, Maine…The bell tolls – for Mrs. Robert Pringle at Herring Cove. 9 Aug Mon : Two funerals attended this day — Mrs. Heater & Mrs. Pringle. (Descendants of double funeral at New Light Meeting House). 14 Aug Sat : Ichbd. Dogget’s wife is very sick, a relapse after the measles. 17 Aug Tues : Gracie McKay, d.o. Neil McKay, died this morning — about break of day. (Buried Wed., Aug. 18). 29 Aug Sun : The funeral of Robert Harlow would be attended at the chapel at 2 o’clock. [Note from M.M. Davidson: Robert Harlow was her gr.gr.gr.grandfather – descent through dau. Jane and Joseph Ford]. Many entries of deaths caused by flu, measles, fevers —
greatest loss in many years — as recorded by Simeon Perkins. 12 Nov Fri : Ephraim Hunt died this evening — only surviving son of Samuel Hunt, Esq., deceased. 13 Nov Sat : Jacob Randal lost a child. 5 Dec Sun : Mr. Power, a gentleman from Newfoundland, is married to Mrs. Susannah Taylor, Widow of Mr. James Taylor, deceased, by John Thomas, Esq.
30 Dec Thurs : The Brig TRUSTY, Thomas Parker, master, arrives from
Domonica. Markets there for lumber dull. 24 dollars Fish…He brings a
rumour that there is likely to be war with France.1803
(In Original Extracts, there were no entries for 1803)
1 Jan Sat : A pleasant, clear day. We have a sermon on the
occasion of New Year by the Reverend Mr. Thomas Olivant (?Oliphant). 18 Jan Tues : Pritty cold & some ice in the river. Mr. Simon
Fraser lost an infant child. I send some wood in my cart to the sick
Widw. McDonald. My boy, Isaac (Ampson) began to go to school to Mr.
Stevenson. 19 Jan Wed : I git a Writ of Trespass against Job Huskins for cutting wood in my pasture. Layed the damage at Fifty Pounds.
28 Jan Fri : I execute a Deed of the piece of land I sold to Job
Huskins long ago. He has paid for it & built a house on it. (Land Book
Folio 10 for description). 4 Feb Fri : Mr. James McLannan (McClearn) was married last evening to the Widw. Elizabeth Roberts, widow of Mr. Thomas Roberts. McLannan’s wife died the 28th of last February.
6 Feb Sun : John Peach and the wife of Josiah Smith both dyed
last night. 7 Feb Mon : John Smith buryed. 8 Feb Tues : The remains of Josiah Smith’s wife buryed — grand- daughter of Revd. Mr. (Israel) Cheever and daughter of Mr. Stephen Collins, deceased. 20 Feb Sun : I wrote a line to Mr. John Roberts on the subject of our being annexed to Shelburne. 24 Feb Thurs : This is my Birthday, I enter my Sixty Ninth year. 16 Mar Wed : My hand is very much swelled. Mr. Kirk advises to wash it with vinegar & wormwood. 17 Mar Thurs : We poultice my hand with flax seed & Indian meal. 25 Apr Mon : Doc. Webster makes an Ointment for my Hand of Medaria Wine, Sweet Oil & earth worms, to be used frequently & dried (hand) by the fire. (Further outdated treatments were described through May). 29 May Sun : There is a large fire in the woods towards Port Mutton. It is said to be in Beach Hill and from that to White Point on the sea side. 30 May Mon : (Fire progressed eastward across his wood lots to the Mill Pond, now on the road this side of Beach Hill and appears to be well by Western Head).
20 June Mon : Mr. Benjamin Holmes & Mr. William Ford view my kitchen chimney — the chimney is to be taken down and a new chimney built.
9 July Sun : My daughters, Lucy and Elizabeth, go for Port Mutton
on a visit in Robert McLean’s boat with Mrs. McLarren. 14 Aug Sun : Capt. Joseph Freeman is married this evening by John Thomas, Esq., to Miss Experience Parker. 15 Aug Mon : Begin to paint the roof of my house red.
16 Aug Tues : I hear of the death of Mrs. Harris, Nathan Harris’ wife — daughter of Warren Godfrey. 10 Sept Sat : Anniversary of my marriage — 1775. 7 Oct Fri : Peter Spearwater brings me a Yoak of Oxen, which I agreed with him for sometime ago, to work at the sawmill.
8 Oct Sat : Peter Spearwater concludes to let me have the oxen. I gave him an Order on Messrs. Alex. and Robert Barry for 12 Pounds towards the Salt I supplied them for (William) Pride, which, if it answers, is towards the oxen. He drives them to the Falls & says Mr. (John) Heater likes them. 12 Oct Wed : Foggy morning. Clears off pleasant & warm. Caulking the HOPE. Finish one side. 6 Nov Sun : Amos Brown, the soldier that deserted from Mr. Green, is taken up at Port Mutton & returned by James Ker. He was taken by Capt. (Gamaliel) Stuart, as I am informed. 12 Dec Mon : Mr. Stevenson has an auction of the real estate of the late Josiah Whittimore, deceased. 27 Dec Tues : Sermon by Mr. Simon Fraser is in the evening. The Trustees of the Chapel stop to confer on the subject of a Sunday School for the Poor. 28 Dec Wed : Pleasant winter weather. Getting wood from my pasture. 6 Loads. 30 Dec Fri : Mr. Little brought a stove from Halifax for the Chapel.
VOLUME V
1804
1 Jan Sun : New Year’s Day. The New Stove seems to answer very well in the Chapel — the heat extends to the Gallery. 3 Jan Tues : Pleasant winter weather grows hazy towards Night. 8 Jan Sun : A Brigantine is on shore at the mouth of Port Jolly Harbour where she got on Monday last. The men of Port Jolly were all at the wreck and none had returned. 20 Jan Fri : Robert Lavender comes from Port Hebere & reports that Capt. Gardner’s schooner is drove on shore there on a sand flat. (Son of Robert & Susanna Lavender, probably from South Carolina, Loyalists, went to Shelburne with family of five. After living at Port Hebere and Liverpool — shipwright. On Dec. 8, 1802, married Ann Barbara, d.o. Lewis & Jane (Snow) Allen). 23 Jan Mon : I have my black ox killed. He is good beef. The four quarters weigh 526. **25 Jan Wed : I am informed, this morning, that a very melan- cholla accident happened last evening, * * Miss Abigail Cheever, youngest daughter of Rev’d. Israel Cheever, who lives at Dean’s Point*, * * returning a little before 9 o’clock * * Miss Polly Harlow, walking together on the ice, they both fell into the water and Miss Cheever drowned * * . (Polly Harlow saved). (* Dean’s Point, N. side of Liverpool Harbour, named after Capt. Ephraim Dean — later known as Bristol). ** 6 Feb Mon : This morning at 8 o’clock departed this life Capt. Thomas West, near 80 years of age. * * Funeral at chapel, 7 Feb 1804.
8 Feb Wed : Wind S.W. & warm. Looks a little like snow in the
evening. **13 Feb Mon : I hear, Utley Esq., of Yarmouth, lately died suddenly, and that Elisha Dolliver’s daughter, an ediot, is dead. she
was upwards of 20 years of age and an ediot from birth. **16 Feb Thur : This evening my son John Perkins is married to Miss Elizabeth Thomas, 2nd daughter of John Thomas, Esq. * *; my son is in his 26th year and his spouse in her 19th year. (See THOMAS FAMILIES OF PLYMOUTH COUNTY, Mass., page 249 and forward for data on this Thomas group.) 18 Feb Sat : Considerable snow has fallen & much drifted. Wind North and the Snow pritty much Over. 19 Feb Sun : The Brig TRITON sails for Port Hebert. **25 Feb Sat : Yesterday was my birthday *. 28 Feb Tues : We begin to ship codfish for Boston by the THETIS, Capt. Job Harrington, 6 hhd. & 50 quintals loose. ** 1 Mar Thur : A black woman, Harry Biskirk’s widow, a pauper, boarded with Benjamin Parker, died this day. ** 6 Mar Tues : Dower set off to Rebecca Freeman, John Freeman’s widow, by petition from Joseph Freeman & the widow, as the estate is not divided.
** 7 Mar Wed : Mr. Oliver Prentice departed this life at 10
o’clock at night. ** 8 Mar Thur : John Lock of Jones Harbor was married last night to Mary Harlow, Josiah Harlow’s daughter, by John Thomas, Esq. Mr. Lock informs me that two of Thomas Hayden’s sons, William and Josiah, were some days ago coming from Shelburne in an open boat, a snow storm came on and they were missing * * . **10 Mar Sat : Benj. Cole, Jr., * * fell a pine tree * * either a limb of that tree or some other broke off and fell upon his head, which caused instant death * * funeral 11 Mar 1804. ** 3 Apr Tues : (An entry re: finding the body of unnamed, supposed deserter, drowned and caught in a salmon net at The Falls (Milton,NS) and buryed). **12 Apr Thur : I sign a paper concerning the late Jabez Freeman estate. **21 Apr Sat : I received from Mr. Walter an old grant of a right in this Township by Gov. Lawrence, to Rev’d. John Brown, dated 8 May 1760, his lots in consequence of his absence have been recorded to other people * * , it was not known he had a grant. (This probably Reb. Bruin Domcas Comingo, called John Brown).
**26 Apr Thur : John Dolliver is married to Miss Harriet Kirk, at Mr. Kirk’s, by John Thomas, Esq. 11 May Fri : Jonathan Smith arrived with Potatoes from Petit river (Petite Riviere). 14 May Mon : One vessel had arrived with salt from Liverpool which was sold at auction at 18/6 to 21/.
**15 May Tues : Mr. James Cummins, with his family, is gone to reside at New York, or some place adjacent. **20 May Sun : This morning I miss our boy Isaac Ampson, and under- stand Mr. John McLean misses his boy Hunter * * I expect they are gone towards Shelburne as Mr. McLean’s boy has a mother there. **24 May Thur : This morning body of Abigail Cheevers who was drowned by falling through the ice on the evening of 24th of last January * * was found. Body buryed this day. **26 May Sat : Neal Stuart of Port Jolly came to town and brought with him my boy Isaac Ampson & John McLean’s boy Hunter. (See 20 May 1804). 29 May Tues : The Schooner ALEXANDER, Josiah Smith, master, sailed for Salmon & Codfish to Labrador. 12 June Tues : Very pleasant morning. Nature looks smiling & every- thing in the fields & Gardens looks promising. **18 June Mon : A child of Stephen Smith 3rd died this morning, it is said he had been enoculated, lately, with kine pox. 21 June Thurs: John Thomas, Esq., informs me that Mr. Calkin has commenced an action against him for the repairs of the New Light Meeting House and has included a private debt so as to be secure respecting the cost. He has sued John Roberts & Elisha Hopkins, Esq. for their proportion. **29 June Fri : Michael Creamer arrives from Shelburne in a boat with his wife and child * * . ** 6 July Fri : (Reports near drowning of son John at St. John’s, Newfoundland, whereat a Capt. Stevens of Chester, NS, did drown). **10 July Tues : Mr. Benjamin Knaut is married to Miss Lucy Collins, daughter of Hallet Collins, Esq., by John Thomas, Esq., this evening. 14 July Sat : We heave out one side of the ELIZA, find the worms have taken the Birch plank and have eaten in about half an inch in some places all to a honey comb. **21 July Sat : Peter West, in a fit of intoxication, inlisted himself with Sgt. Paterson of N.S. Reg’t. * * * he was discharged. My boy Isaac (Ampson) gone cook of Brig. HOPE, in room of John’s (Perkins) boy, Thomas West, who is to remain with me. **31 July Tues : Yesterday, the Widow Thankful Cahoon, of Port Medway, made complaint on oath against Thomas Caton * * and ravished her. * * constable Jonathan Phillips to Port Medway & people there told Phillips that woman was mistaken in the man, that was one Michael Shockersey. ** 1 Aug Wed : Mrs. Cahoon, I understand by Mr. Newton, insists that Thomas Catoon was the man that made an assault on her.
**15 Aug Wed : Diana Moc, Lovelace Moc’s wife, comes to me bloody and several wounds on her head which she said she received from Sipeo Buxton * * . George McDonald’s wife swears the peace of him, and he is had before Mr. Justice Newton * * . **10 Sept Mon : Anniversary of my second marriage 29 years ago. **11 Sept Tues : Barnabas Harlow is married to the Widow Nancy Harlow. **14 Sept Fri : Andrew Little was married to Patience Smith, last evening, which makes much talk & is surprising to some people as it is
said she was engaged to William Dunlop, Port Medway. 18 Sept Tues : Joseph Barss, Esq. has a ship launched at Herring Cove, built by Isaac Dexter, Esq. 20 Sept Thurs: Robert Freeman arrived from St. Margaret’s Bay last evening, in James Knowles’ schooner loaded with mackerell bound for Philadelphia. ** 7 Oct Sun : I understand Doc. Hefferman was married last night to Rebecca Freeman, widow of John Freeman, by Rev. Israel Cheever … it is said he has a wife at Manchester. **11 Oct Thur : Capt. Cameron sailed early this morning. Stephen Snow & family are gone with him. I suppose they are designed for New York as his wife’s father lives in the country to the westward of the North river & and had invited them to come there. **30 Oct Tues : John More in HARLEQUIN sails for Shelburne and Capersue (Forchu). Doc. Hefferman with his new married wife are gone passengers (see 7 Oct 1804 entry). ** 4 Nov Sun : * * he brings Thomas Caton, the man charged by Thankful Cahoon with committing a rape on her body * * *. (Discharged 13 Nov 1804, as a grand jury found no bill).
**24 Nov Sat : Robert Freeman, in schooner SPEEDWELL, has brought the Revd. William Sutcliffe, and his wife, a Methodist preacher from England * * *. ** 4 Dec Tues : I grant probate of Norman McKinnon’s will to Robert
Huston, there was but one witness, James McLarren (McClearn) of Port
Mouton; I hesitated about having but one, but Mr. Huston told me that Colin Campbell, Esq., who is Judge of Probate in Shelburne, said it was legal. (Robert Huston, a Loyalist settler at Shelburne, moved to Liverpool in 1796. He was a member of the Grand Jury and an Overseer of the Poor at Liverpool). * * My son John’s wife safely delivered of a son (Joshua Newton Perkins — Ref: 30 Jan 1805 entry). 10 Dec Mon : There is an auction of Cheese, Syder, apples, and oats, part of the cargo of the Schr. MARGERY. **13 Dec Thur : Mr. Jabez Gorham died this day; he was upwards of 80 years of age, had been sick some time.1805
1 Jan Tues : New Year’s Day. Mr. Sutcliffe preaches – he kept school at Hunt’s Point. (Named after Samuel Hunt, one of the original proprietors of Liverpool Township, granted to him in 1788). ** 2 Jan Wed : This evening my 2nd daughter, Lucy, is married to Mr. Daniel Bishop by John Thomas, Esq. **17 Jan Thur : At evening we get news from the Brig. that Capt. Godfrey (Alexander) & John Little, a son of Peleg Little are dead. Godfrey buried ashore and Little at sea. 23 Jan Wed : Cold weather and no business doing as there is no snow for sleading or hauling logs. ** 6 Feb Wed : This morning departed this life, Patience Little, wife of Mr. Andrew Little. She was daughter of late Mr. Lodowick (Smith) and married to Mr. Little the 13th of September last. Buryed 9 Feb 1805.
**24 Feb Sun : My birthday, enter my 71st year. I was born on
24 Feb 1735, O.S. (The calendar year was changed about September, 1752
adding 11 days to previously written dates — hence, the “O.S.”). **26 Feb Tues : We hear a melancholly report that the dwelling house of John Tullis at Sable River was consumed by fire last Saturday night and two of his wife’s children (Godfrey) and a daughter of Mr. Alexson, servant girl (Ruth) were consumed in the fire. Mr. Tullis, his wife and infant escaped.
5 Mar Tues : I gave militia protection to George Peach and David
Smith, seamen. (Peach s.o. Jacob Peach, in Liverpool when a census was
taken in 1787). **26 Mar Tues : I hear the wife of Nicholas Peterson died last night, or towards morning. ** 4 Apr Thur : I forgot to mention two marriages that took place Monday evening (1 April 1805) viz: Michael Waters married to Widw. Sarah Snow Jr., and one Dean, a stranger, Bos’n of Esq. Barss’s ship BRILLIANT to Elizabeth Dolliver, widow of James Dolliver. Both married by John Thomas, Esq. **10 Apr Wed : The wife of Capt. Joseph Freeman is delivered of a son. (Snow Parker Freeman). **24 Apr Wed : My son-in-law, Daniel L. Bishop, my daughter Lucy, wife, embarked on Jonathan Smith’s boat for Port Medway with their household furniture in order to commence housekeeping there. ** 5 May Sun : * * Rebecca McCumber baptized by Mr. Sutcliffe. (She came to Liverpool from Freetown, Mass. with her father, Joshua Boomer. Married Richard Bartholomew Mulhall, as his second wife, died Nov 16, 1868, age 81…first wife was Hepzibeth, d.o. Jesse Atwood). **14 June Fri : William Murray died this morning about 8 o’clock, aged near 82 years, sick nearly four weeks. Buryed 15 June 1805, Mr. Payzant preached at the Meeting House. **23 June Sun : My son’s son is christened by the name of Joshua Newton (Perkins). **17 July Wed : A man by name of Leonard West, he is of Lunenburg and has been to West Indies in the PARKER fell ( while trying to cross from one mast to another) shoulder either broke or dislocated. ** 6 Aug Tues : There is news that James Dogget lately died in Boston; it comes by a LaHave man & is said Ferguson told it here. ** 9 Aug Fri : * * William Atwood was pressed on board a man-of-war. **12 Aug Mon : * * Capt. Gardner arrived from Boston, he confirms the news of John Dogget’s death.
**11 Sept Wed : Michael Creamer, who has been some time at work in the States, is come with Capt. Barss * * For several days much said about inhabitants of Port Mouton going off to the States * * I under- stand 23 souls went off in one boat, viz: Stines; Hilker; Peter Post; Daniel Post; —– Post; Reubin Harlow & Thomas Cook Jr., & their familys * * several others are about going. **26 Sept Sat : James McLeod has absconded in the night, he went away, so it is said, with one Vaughn of Quaco in New Brunswick. **28 Sept Sat : Benjamin Collins, who was captured * * by Spaniards with 10/11 more, arrived from Halifax, he brings news of the death of Thomas Burnaby and that Michael Waters & John Verge are on board a man-of-war. Prince Snow, who was pressed by the cutter WHITING and put aboard CLEOPATRA, is arrived. ** 6 Oct Sun : Last night at about 11 o’clock my daughter Lucy Bishop was safely delivered of a son * *. **25 Oct Fri : * * schooner ACTIVE * * mate Charles Riley & a son of Ceasar, black man, died in the passage, off Bermuda. **17 Oct Sun : The Brig. LYLLY, Thomas Barker, master, comes in from the West Indies * * when they were nearly up to the Fort, Capt. Parker fell overboard and was drowned * * it was his birthday. (Obviously Barker in this entry was actually Parker). ** 3 Nov Sun : Mr. Payzant preaches a funeral sermon on occasion of sudden death of Capt. Thomas Parker. ** 4 Nov Mon : My son-in-law D. L. Bishop had his son Christened at my house, his name is Henry Young (Bishop). ** 8 Nov Fri : I hear that Capt. Jabez (sic) formerly of this town, and some years ago moved to Halifax, is dead. (Is JABEZ surname?)
**17 Nov Sun : John Thomas, Esq., goes to Port Medway to marry Mr.
Abdiel Kirk to Miss Hamilton of Halifax, who came there a few days ago.
**28 Nov Thur : * * last Friday (actually Saturday) evening George Gracie, Esq., and Capt. Davis being passengers in Duncan Nichols’ schooner coming through the Ragged Islands (Lockeport, NS, area) by some accident fell overboard and were drowned. **11 Dec Wed : George Peach, a son of Jacob Peach, died in the night, or in the morning * * of a consumption. Buryed 12 Dec 1805.1806
** 6 Jan Mon : I hear Mrs. Dorcas Page, wife of Stephen Page, Jr., is dead. She went to Boston where her husband was, some time ago, in my Brig., she was then in a sickly condition. **20 Jan Mon : * * Mr. Timothy Burbank * dies this morning about break of day * * to Port Medway Mills (now Mill Village) to advise Mr. William Mack & his wife of her father Burbank. Funeral 22 Jan 1806. **23 Jan Thur : I hear Joseph Brown’s wife died last evening, she was taken sick last Monday. Buryed 25 Jan 1806 from New Light Meeting House, Mr. Payzant preached, Romans V/12. 26 Jan Sun : Cloudy & warm. The sun comes out at times. The snow is fast decaying. 29 Jan Wed : Col. William Freeman and his lady made us a visit. 4 Feb Tues : Employed settling the company of Perkins Bishop & Co. accounts. **24 Feb Mon : My birthday, have completed 71 years.
* * * * *
NOTE: The book ran from 5 March 1806 to 30 November 1809, and had
not been located through 7 August 1983, when Robert Ford Kirkpatrick typed the original “EXTRACTS”.* * * * *
1809
** 5 Dec Tues : * * Killy, the mate of the schooner where Jordan
committed the murder, has been apprehended at Newfoundland & is brought to Halifax for tryal. ** 7 Dec Thur : John Tupper died this morning, 6 o’clock. Buryed 10 o’clock, 10 Dec 1809. **11 Dec Mon : Stephen Harrington was married last evening to Betsey Morris. **15 Dec Fri : Joshua Chadsey was married last evening at his father’s house to Miss Olive Strickland.