Historical and genealogical record of the first settlers of Colchester county. Down to the present time, comp. from the most authentic sources

Front matter

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Chapter II

As the most of our readers are already aware. Governor Cornwallis arrived in Halifax in the month of June, 1749, with a fleet of ships loaded with passengers, and other things which were necessary for the settlement of a new country. These ships were bearers of nearly 3000 souls. These persons set to work with ^'igour to clear off the bushes and erect houses for themselves and families to live in, and put themselves in a way to defend themselves from the attacks of the Indians and a few French settlers who were still remaining in the place. Mr. Anthony EUiott was in this company. He was in His Majesty's service as a Soldier. It is said Mrs. Elliott was the first WOMAN that sat foot on the shore on their arrival in Halifax. After Louisbourg and Quebec were taken by the British, Mr. Elliott and a number of others were discharged from His Majesty's service. In the spring of the year 1762 he removed, Avith his family and a number of others, from Halifax to Onslow. He settled on the farm on which James Crow, Esq., now resides, at the lower end of Onslow, where he spent the remainder of his days. He died there. His wife died there in 1813. He was a grantee of the Township of Onslow. This grant is dated February 21st, 1769.

Nancy, their eldest daughter, was married to Thomas Stevens. They had four sons and one daughter. She was married again to John Read, in 1815. Mr. Read died in 1818, and she was married again to Thomas Hunt in 1822. Elizabeth, the second daughter of Mr. and ;t[rs. EUiott, was married to John Carr.

William Elliott, their only son, was born in Onslow, February 7th, 1763. His wife. Patience Miller, was born May 15th, 1770.

lo Historical and

They were married April 8th, 1791. He inherited his father's farm, where he spent the whole of his life. He died May 14th, 1842, aged 7*9 years. His wife died in July, 1846, aged 76 years. Sarah, the eldest daughter of William and Patience Elliott, was born December 28th, 1791. She was married to Enoch Stevens. They had five sons and one daughter. Mary, their second daughter, was bom May 19th, 1793. She was married to John Copeland. They removed to Canada. She died there April, 1866, aged 43 years. Isaac EUiott, their eldest son, was born February 18th, 1795. He was married to Mary Erralds, of Falmouih. They had two sons and four daughters. Phoebe, their third daughter, was born March 18th, 1798. She was married to Samuel Crowel. They had two sons. She was married again to William Rude. She removed to Boston, U. S., and was married there to Henry BreAvel. Elizabeth Elliott, their fourth daughter, was born July 25th, 1800. She was married to John Erralds. They had three sons and four daughters. Jemima Elliott, their fifth daughter, was born September 26th, 1804. She was married to Robert McLeod. They had five sons and two daughters. They removed to Pictou. William, the second son of William and Patience Elliott, was born June 28th, 1807. He was married to Jane, daughter of James and Sarah Blair, in 1835. They had five sons and two daughters. Mrs. Elliott died in 1848. He was married again to Eleanor, daughter of Samuel and Margaret Yuill, of Clifton, July 25th, 1848, Thev had three sons and three daughters. He inherited the farm that was owned by his father and his grandfather. He then exchanged his farm for another further up the Chiganois River, where he now resides. Hannah Elliott, their sixth daughter, was born December 23rd, 1809. She is living unmarried. Anthony Elliott, third and youngest son, was born July 13th, 1811. He married Isabella McKinley. They had five sons and five daughters, who now reside in New Annan.

Margaret, the fourth daughter of Anthony EUiott, Sem\, and Jemima, was born Nov. 3rd, 1773. She was married to James Good, of Shubenacadie, They had six sons and four daughters. She died January 24th, 1848, aged 83 years. Mr. Good died October 12th, 1852, aged 91 years. Mary Elliott, their third daughter, was born April 6th, 1769. She was married to William Joyce, December 1792. They had three sons and four daughters. Mr. Joyce was a Cooper by trade. He was Jail keeper in Truro for a considerable length of time. After this he built a house on the same place that Mr. Stephen

Genealogical Record. ii

Archibald now resides, near the Court House, where he spent the remainder of his da^s. On May 8th, 1833, he was riding on an ox cart loaded with hoop poles, and as he was coming down the hill, passing the house in which Mr. Robert H. Cummings now resides, the oxen turned suddenly off the road and upset the cart. It fell upon him and fractured his skull. He was taken up dead. He was 64 years old at the time. His wife died July 24th, 1834, aged 66 years.

Each el Elliott, their fifth daughter, was born September 22nd, 1771. She was married to John Herron. They had three sons.

Eleanor, the sixth daughter of Anthony Elliott, Senr., and Jemima, was married to Richard Perry about 1798. They had three sons and four daughters. She died about 1827. .Mr. Perry died in 1855, aged 86 years.

Chapter III

Matthew Staples was another who came with Governor Cornwallis to Halifax in the year 1749. He remained in Halifax about 13 years, working at the trade of Blacksmith. He obtained a grant of 1000 acres of land, before the Township of Onslow was granted. His land was laid out adjoining the Chiganois River on the east side, north of Mr. Anthony Elliott's farm, which is now included in the Township of Onslow. He removed to this farm in 1762 (being the same spring that a number of others settled in the same neighborhood). He had his house and shop on the west side of the road, near the Chiganois River, southwest of Mr. Timothy Barnhill's house. At this place he spent the remainder of his days. He died there about the year 1771. He was married shortly after he removed to Onslow to a lady who had been married twice before. Her maiden name was Sidney Homes. She was married first to David Marshall. Elizabeth Marshall, their eldest daughter, was born in 1752. She was married to John Crowe, of Onslow, in 1776. They had five sons and two daughters. She died at Onslow May 11th, 1838, aged 86 years. Her husband died October 6th, 1825, aged 77 years. Rachel Marshall, their second daughter, was born in England in 1754. She was married to a Mr. Green. They removed to England, where they both died some time ago. Mr. Marshall died. She was married again to William Cook. Eebecca Cook, their only daughter, was married to David, the second son of the Eev. David Smith, of Londonderry. They had four sons. James Cook, their only son, died a bachelor. WilKam Cook was drowned at Port an Pique. His -tvidow was married to Matthew Staples about the year 1766.

John Staples, their eldest son, was born in 1767. He was married to Jane, daughter of John and Joanna Cutten, of Onslow, Oct. 7th, 1791. He inherited that part of his father's farm which is now owned by Messrs. Barnhills. He sold this farm about the year 1820, and removed further up the Chiganois Eiver, and settled on the farm that his son Ephraim now resides upon, where he spent the remainder of his daj's. He died July 25th, 18-55, aged 87 years. His first wife died April 3rd, 1802. He was married again to Catherine, daughter of WilHam and Mary Blair, of North Eiver, May 30th, 1803. His second wife died January, 1830, aged 48 years.

Sarah, the eldest daughter of John and Jane Staples, was born August 4th, 1792. She was married to George, son of Aaron Crow, of Onslow, January 16th 1816. They had four sons and four daughters. Mrs. Crow died January 15th, 1857.

Esther Staples, their second daughter, was born Dec. 3rd, 1793. She was married to Henry Wilson, April, 1814. They had three sons and two daught(5rs. She died April 9th, 1824.

Hannah Staples, their third daughter, was born Dec. 15th, 1795. She was married to Jabish Eude, I^Tov. 24th, 1814. They had nine sons and four daughters. Mr. Eude died Dec. 23rd, 1869, aged 76 years.

Eliz;abeth Staples, their fourth daughter, was born May 7th, 1 798. She was married to James Wilson, JSTov. 22nd, 1815. They had eight sons and five daughters. She died April 19th 1872, aged 74 years.

Eachel Staples, their fifth daughter, was bom January 4th, 1800. She was married to Aaron Crow, of Onslow, February 3rd, 1819. They had eight sons and four daughters. She died April 2nd, 1872, Aged 72 years. Mr. Crow died Dec. 23rd, 1852.

Jane, the eldest daughter of John and Catherine Staples, -was born June 8th, 1804. She was married to Joseph Crow, Dec. 28th, 1828. They had six sons and six daughters. She died April 29th, 1853, aged 49 years. Mr. Crow died January 3rd, 1868, aged 76 years.

Matthew, the eldest son of John and Catherine Staples, was born August 15th, 1805. He was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Saml. and Letitia Eude, IsTov. 14th, 1828. They had three sons and five daughters. He reclaimed his farm from the* forest, lying on the cross road between Debert and Chiganois Eivers, upon which he now i-esides.

Wmiam, the second son of Samuel and Catherine Staples, was born January 17th, 1807. He was married to Sarah, daughter of Samuel and Letitia Eude, Dec. 14th, 1828. They had four sons and five daughters.

John Staples, their third son, was bom April 21st, 1808. He was married to Eachel, daughter of Samuel and Letitia Eude, January, 1830. They had one son and five daughters.

Alex. Staples, their fourth son, was born April 21st, 1813. He was married to Mary Ann, daughter of Samuel and Letitia Eude, May 12th, 1842. They had three sons and eight daughters. IVIrs. Eude died April 7th, 1870. .

Ephraim Staples, their fifth son, was bom August 1st, 1815. He was married to Eachel, second daughter of ]Matthew J. and Eebecca Archibald, of Truro, July 4th, 1839. They had three sons and four daughters.

Mary Staples, their second daughter, was bom June 27th, 1811. She died 1861, aged 50 years.

Catherine Staples, their third daughter, was bom January 20th, 1820. She was married to Joseph Henderson JSTov., 1867.

James Staples, their sixth son, was born March, 1824. He was married to MatQda, daughter of William and Sarah Blair, of Onslow, , 1853. They had oije son and five daughters.

Wniiam, the second son of Matthew Staples, Senr., was born in 1769. He was married to Susan Wilson of Masstown, Dec. 20th, 1807. He inherited half of his father's farm, where he continued to reside until his death, Dec. 8th, 1854, aged 84 years. His wife died August 17th, 1862, aged 82 years.

Mary Staples, their eldest daughter, was bom Dec, 1808. She died when young.

James C, the eldest son of William and Susan Staples, Svas born Sept. 25th, 1810. He was married to Sarah, daughter of John and IsabeU Baird, of Onslow Mountain, Dec, 28th, 1841. They had four sons and three daughters.

Eliza Staples, their second daughter, was bom I^ov. 9 th, 1812, She was married to John Morrison, of Debert, July, 1835. They removed to the United States.

Mary Staples, their third daughter, was born January 4th, 1815,

Slie was married to Samuel A. Fulton, of Economy, February, 1839. They had one son.

William, the second son of William and Susan Staples, was born February 18th, 1819. He was mirried to Mary McCabe of Greenfield, March 23rd, 1848. They had one daughter. He inherits a part of what was his father's farm.

Jane Staples, their fourth daughter, was born January 4th, 1817. She was married to George Davis Sept. 12th, 1863. They removed to the United States.

Wilson Staples, their third son, was born April 19th, 1821. He was married to Margaret Ann, daughter of John and Elizabeth Deyarmond, January 7th, 1864. He inherits the homestead.

John H. Staples, their fourth son, was born August 30th, 1824. He was married to Elizabeth Rodenberry, of Boston, Mass., where they now reside.

Chapter IV

In the fall of the year 1759, about 20 men came up the Bay of Fundy from New England, to Truro and Onslow, to make preparations for a settlement. The most of these men had been in iS'ova Scotia a few years before, assisting in subduing and driving out the old French settlers, and the taking of Louisbourg. These men erected small houses on the same place that Truro Village now stands, and other parts of the neighbourhood. They returned to New England to spend the winter; and in the spring of the year 1760, they returned again to Nova Scotia with their families, and commenced the settlement of the country with that vigour and perseverance that but few of the present day possess. There was a large quantity of manure lying at the place where an old French barn had stood, on the south side of the Salmon River, at the head of the tide. This enabled them to raise potatoes the first year. In July of this year, they applied to the Governor and Council for aid to cut out a road between the several lakes lying between Fort Sackville (now Bedford) and the Shubenacadie River. The Council replied that provisions would be furnished to the men wliile employed, at the work, and that was all they could do.

On July 12th, 1761, it was enacted, that-Cobeqiiicl be included in the County of Halifax. On August 7th, 1761, the Council directed writs to be issued for the election of members to represent the Townships of Onslow and Truro in the General Assembly of the Province, but we cannot ascertain that any election took place until the year 1765, when James Brenton, Esq., was returned to represent Onslow, and Charles Morris, Jr., to represent Truro. Mr. Morris, being returned for Kings County at the same time, accepted the latter, and Truro was unrepresented until 1766. On June 5th, 1766, David Archibald, Esq., took his seat in the Assembly to represent Truro.

These first settlers endured a considerable amount of hardship for the first few years. In the fall of the year 1760 all the women excepting one returned to New England to spend the winter. In the Spring of the year 1761 they returned to Truro and Onslow with a considerable number of other settlers. On October 9th, 1761, Colonel Alexander Mc]N"utt, Agent of the British Government, arrived in Halifax with upwards of three hundred settlers from the North of Ireland ; they were landed on the 15th of October, on what is now called McNab's Island ; they remained about Halifax during the following winter, and endured a considerable amount of hardship. They were sent out by the British Government, and scantUy supplied with provisions. In the Spring of the year, 1762 some of them went to Horton, some to Windsor, some to Londonderry, some to Onslow, and others to Truro. On April 17th, 1762, Governor Belcher recommended to the House of Assembly to aid the inhabitants of Truro and Onslow, with provisions and seed grain, as they were very much in need of both. The house declared it impossible on account of the heavy debt that was on the Province. More settlers continued to arrive in Nova Scotia, and the fertile intervals of Truro and Onslow attracted their attention ; also the valuable marsh and upland lying on the two sides of Cobequid Bay.

In the year 1763 there were sixty families in Truro, and in 1765 there were about seventy. This year they obtained a grant from Government of the whole of the Township of Truro in one grant. It contains about eighty thousand acres of land. There is no reserve in this grant of mines or minerals. It is granted to about seventy persons, in " Eights." Some having but half a Eight, some one Eight, some a Eight and a half, and others two Eights. This Grant is signed by Governor Wilmot, dated October 31st, 1765.

Alexander Miller (grandfather of the writer) was one of these grantees. He Wcos the youngest son of Alexander MiEer who emigrated from Belfast, Ireland, with his wife and several children, ahout the year 1718. He settled first in Saco, Maine. A few years after he purchased a large tract of land near what is now Portland, Maine, where he settled and continued the remainder of his life. About the year 1740 he loaded a vessel with hoards and sailed in her for Boston to dispose of the cargo. The vessel was last seen near Wood Island ; it was supposed that all on hoard were lost. After this the family removed to Londonderry, New Hampshire. Alexander Miller, Senior, had four sons and one daughter. About, this daughter we have not been able to ascertain anything.

James, the eldest son of Alexander Miller, Senior, was born in Belfast, Ireland, in the year 1712. He was brought by his parents to JSTcAv England, when he was six years old. He married Mary Alexander, for a second wife. They removed to Belfast, Maine5 and arrived there May 20tli, 1770. He was the first settler in that •City. One of the principal streets is called Miller Street. He died there in the year 1794, aged 82 years.

James, the eldest son of James Miller and Mary Alexander, was married to Betsey Nismoth, of Belfast, Me. They had five sons and two daughters. He occupied lot No. 38 (now known as the Frothingham Place) for a term of years. He then removed with his family to the Western Country, where a number of his descendants still reside. He died there in the year 1840. His wife died about the year 1849.

Robert, another son of James Miller, Senr., occupied lot No. 37. He resided on High Street in the City of Belfast, U. S. He was one of the most respected in that city. He died a bachelor, in the year 1827.

Alexander, the third and youngest son of Jariies MiUer, died when he was young.

David, another son of James Miller, Senior, was married to Mary Boyes, of Londonderry, N. H. They had two sons and five daughters. They resided in the house that stands on the farm now known as the Griffin Farm in Northport, Maine. Samuel B., son of David Miller, lived a bachelor, and died May, 1842. Captain James Miller, the other son of David, was born at Northport, Maine, December 16th, 1787. Early in life he chose the occupation of a sailor. His sound liealth and strong body admirably fitted him for his calling. Many an incident in his history from boyhood to old age, very definitely indicate the man, as he was Avell known to be, most active and robust. One day, when he was quite a boy, he was returning home from Belfast, he cut a limb of a wiUow tree for a walking stick, at the J^ismith place, now the Eeed Farm ; when he arrived home, he stuck do^vn his walking staff into the soft ground ; it took root, and grew to be a large tree, under the shade of which many weary travellers between Belfast and Camden have rested. During the years that he followed the sea, he sailed with many of the residents of Northport and Belfast, Maine. Gradually he advanced from the boy before the mast to the master mariner, coasting along our shores to the Provinces, West Indies and Europe. As an instance of his presence of mind and courage, the like of which very few men excel, may be known by what he did when about 22 years of age. He was on a voyage to England, and they had rough weather. In the English Channel a man fell overboard, February 21st, 1809 ; quick as thought James Miller passed a loose end of a rope around his body, and jumped over the railing of the ship after the man ; he grasped him and both were dragged by the rope on board the ship again.

He might have been identified by the mark of that rope for some time after. He was married February 23rd, 1830, and occupied the Robert MiUer house on High Street, corner of Miller Street, being a joint owner with his brother, of that and other property. Having left the sea his attention was directed to the cultivation, improvement, and sale of land and other property in the city. Several of the streets were projected by him. He and his brother erected a store on the site of the present Post Office. He always felt an interest in all the maritime affairs of the day, and he was owner of several vessels. He built Commercial Street Wharf, which he disposed of to Sanford, of the Independent Line of Steamers. He lost his wife, May 1st, 1861 (a Christian woman). After that time he appeared greatly saddened and seemed to grow old much faster than in former year. As he had no children of his own, he has been very kind to the children of others — a father to the fatherless — giving good advice to all, which he was able to do from his long experience with his fellow men He was charitable to the poor, no one ever left his house hungry or in distress if it was in his power to relieve them. Although he was strong and vigorous, yet the strong man was brought do^vn. In January, 1871, he took a bad cold, and from that time he gradually failed in health. On July 6th, 1872, the once strong man was worn down, and quietly passed to rest on the. morning of that day, being eighty-four years and six months old. The 2 name of Captain James Miller wOl ever be remembered by those who knew him, for his kindness, patience, and charitable labours.

The foregoing are extracts from the obituary notice in the Progressive Age, paper, of Belfast, Me., July 26th, 1872.

Samuel, the second son of Alexander Miller, Senior, was married to Margaret Turner of Londonderry, N. H. They had two sons, and ten daughters. They settled in Petersborough, N. H., where they spent the remainder of their lives.

Joseph, another son of Alexander Miller, Senior, settled in SulUvan, Maine, where he left a numerous posterity.

Alexander, the fourth and youngest son of Alexander MiUer, Senr., was born in New England in the year 1725. He was mamed to Nancy Anderson, of New England, about the year 1749. He was one of the first company that came to Truro in the fall of the year 1759, and came again with their families in the Spring of the year 1760. It may here be observed that his aged mother, who had been long a widow, and in a poor state of health, would not consent to stay in New England with any of her sons, but came to Nova Scotia with her youngest son, Alexander, as her attachment was strong towards him. She died about eight or ten days after they arrived in Truro, and was the first person who was interred in the Truro Cemetery, the exact spot being now unknown. It is said that when they erected the Church, eight years after, it was found necessary to place it over the grave. Alexander Miller's house lot was on the west side of the Parade. He built his first house on the same place where the Court House now stands, and lived in it fifteen years. He buUt his next house on his front wood lot, near the place that Mr. John L. Doggett now resides. At this time it was considered quite a distance in the woods. At this place he spent the remainder of his days, and died April 9th, 1791, aged 66 years. His widow died March 28th 1807. It was he and his brother-in-law, Captain John Morrison, (grandfather of Thomas F. Morrison, M.P.P.) who built the first mill which was started in Truro after it was settled by the British.

This Mill was buUt at the same place the MiUs now stand near the house of Mr. John McClure. The French had some kind of a Mill at the same place ; there was a miUstone found in the bottom of the brook. The writer has now in his possession a copy of an interesting letter written by Alexander Miller to his brother James, who resided then in Belfast, Province of Maine, ated at Truro, June 24th, 1786. He states in this letter how well he had prospered in worldly things since he settled in Truto. That lie was now owner of 1650 acres of good land, 31 head of cattle, 3 horses, and 14 sheep ; and that his son Isaac had 500 acres of land, and Samuel had 250 acres ; and that his son Samuel had helped to kill eleven moose the winter before. His son James had not returned home having been absent more than eight years. He had a letter from him, dated at Cork, Ireland, May 9th, 1785. He informed him by this letter that he was married to a woman in Cork, and that he was bound for Holland as first mate of a brig. Alexander MiUer sympathized with his brother James on account of the suffermgs ■of him and family during the time of the American Revolution. He states to him the critical situation that he was placed in at one time in Truro between the two parties. For entertaining some of his American friends, he and his two sons had to take to the woods and remain there until the soldiers went off. He also states that the winter before the snow was three feet deep along the side of the Bay, and back about ten miles it was five feet deep, and that it went off that Spring •with the heat of the sun. The grain that had been sowed about six "weeks before the date of the letter was but then coming through the ground. He and his wife join in thanking God for His many mercies. This letter contains a great deal more about family affairs that might t)e interesting to connections, but which we do not copy.

Isaac, the eldest son of Alexander and Nancy Miller, was born in New England in the year 1750, and was brought by his parents to Nova Scotia when he was ten years old. He was married to Elizabeth, 'daughter of Adam and Janet Dickey, Dec. 12th 1781. He settled on what was his father's land, and built his house on the east side of the Mdl Brook, in the field that is now owned by Mr. William Sutherland. He owned all the interval and meadow Ij'ing on both sides of this brook, with a considerable upland. In the fall of the year 1809, ^here were quite a number of Indians encamped on his farm, on the \ipland, west of the interval, now called the Indian Hill. Some of the Indians had borrowed an axe from him. One evening, a little hefore sunset, he unyoked his team from the plough in his interval, and walked up the hill to the Indian's camp to see about his axe, as he had not heard any noise of the Indians during the day. When he approached the camps, all was stillness. Almost the first thing he saw was his axe, lying outside the door covered with blood. He went into the camp, and there he found an Indian lying with a cloth spread •over him. When he removed the cloth, he was very much astonished at seeing the head nearly severed from the body, which had evidently been done with Ixis axe. He was so struck witk awe, that he left the place in haste to give notice to the neighbours. It appeared that all the Indians, except this one and his squaw, had left the day before. His squaw was suspected for committing the fatal deed. It was said that her attachment was stronger to another Indian than it was towards her husbandr She was pursued by a constable and a number of others, and taken prisoner at Stewiacke, brought back to jail, and was tried in the court at Truro. The verdict of the jury was, not guilty, as there was no positive proof of her guilt. The late George S, Dickey waS' one of the men who went after her. She was taken from among a large number of Indians ; but there was no resistance offered by them towards the company that took her. Mr. Miller sold out his farm in Truro in the spring of the year 1816. He removed with his family to Lower Stewiacke, and purchased a farm from WiUiam Pollock, Senr., and his son Samuel, being the same farm that Mr. John Teas and son now reside upon, north of the raiboad station, and on the north side of the Elver, He died there Jfov. 4th, 1825, aged 75 years. His wife died in Truro December 20th 1803, aged 40 yeara

Mary Miller, tlieir eldest daughter, was born Nov. 7th 1 782. She was married to Samuel, the youngest son of James and Mary Dunlap, February 11th, 1813. They had three sons and four daughters. She died January 12th, 1861, aged 78 years. Mr, Dunlap died March 2nd, 1850, aged 68 years,

James Miller, their eldest son, was born , 1784. He died

when young.

Janet Dickey Miller, their second daughter, was born August 8th, 1785. She was married to WiUiam Frieze, of Maitland, Jan'y 14th, 1809. They had five sons and four daiighters. She died Dec. 25th, 1844, aged 59 years. Mr. Frieze died January 14th, 1843, aged 68 years.