HISTORY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 EASTEEN TOWNSHIPS, 
 
 PROVING* OP QUEBEC,. DOMINION OP CANADA, 
 
 P 
 
 1 V I L AND 
 
 pESCRIPTIYE. 
 
 IN THREE PARTS. 
 
 By MRS. C. M. DAY. 
 
 Pontrtal : 
 
 PRINTED BY JOHN LOVELL, ST. NICHOLAS STREET. 
 1869, 
 
Entered according to Act of the Parliament of Canada, in the 
 year one thousand eight hundred and sixty- uine, by Mrs. 
 C. M. Day, in the Office of the Minister of Agriculture. 
 
preface. 
 
 An apology is due for the non-appearance of the fol- 
 lowing work at the time expected. Suffice it to say 
 that the delay in its preparation and issue, has been 
 the result of unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances. 
 
 Part First of the book contains a brief sketch of the 
 aiscovery of America ; the colonization of Canada by 
 the French ; its state up to the conquest ; a short 
 account of that event, and a reference to important 
 changes that have transpired from time to time. Also, a 
 synopsis of the civil history of Canada, including notice 
 of the several organic changes occurring in the Govern- 
 ment of the country. This has been drawn from the 
 histories extant ; from public records ; and from such 
 authenticated documents as have been issued at various 
 times ; and may therefore be considered a condensed 
 compilation rather than an original production. 
 
 Part Second contains a series of miscellaneous chap- 
 ters, very small portions of which have before been pub- 
 lished. They relate principally to the aborigines of our 
 own section ; the earliest explorations and general open** 
 
introduction. 
 
 It is well understood that Canadian authors have \ ery 
 generally failed to enlist the sympathy and encourage- 
 ment of the reading public of our country ; but the 
 reason of this indifference may not be so apparent 
 to the casual observer. Yet it is but too certain that the 
 direct effect of this has been to chill and repress the 
 growth of native talent, and to retard the much-to-be 
 desired period, when party and sectional feelings and 
 jealousies shall be merged in a broad and comprehen- 
 sive Canadian nationality. 
 
 An Introductory Essay,” prefixed to a volume of 
 
 Poems from Canadian Authors,” which was published 
 in Montreal some few years since, contains so much 
 that is sensible and just, and withal so relevant to the 
 subject under consideration, that it has been largely 
 drawn from in the preparation of a short introductory 
 chapter. 
 
 The importance of encouraging and building up a 
 literature decidedly Canadian, commends itself to the 
 intelligent and patriotic, with all the strength of con- 
 viction. A national literature is an essential element 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Vll 
 
 in the formation of a national character ; a fact con- 
 firmed by all history ; for among the nations of anti- 
 quity, the fame of poet, philosopher, hero or statesman, 
 belonged to the people : was celebrated by them in story 
 and in song ; was incorporated into the national heart, 
 and became a strong bond of national unity. So als<> 
 has it been in later ages of the world. 
 
 Foremost in the array of antagonistic influences 
 which have operated to discourage efforts at forming a 
 Canadian literature, are those arising from national 
 prejudices and religious animosities. That so many 
 elements are combined in our population, has been con- 
 sidered Canada’s greatest weakness ; as it is thought 
 thus to contain within itself the germs of disintegration 
 and disunion. Hence the necessity of a strong counter- 
 acting influence in a literature freed from the trammels 
 of partisan bigotry. 
 
 It is perfectly reasonable and natural that those who 
 come to our shores from the old world, should look back 
 with lingering afiection and veneration to the land of 
 their fathers, or dwell with tender and regretful emotion 
 on the endearing name and memories of ‘‘ Home,” or 
 yet, that they should feel a pardonable pride in its time- 
 honored institutions and associations ; but that an in- 
 tense national prejudice amounting to bitterness and 
 leading to discord and strife, should usurp thq^jplace of 
 those holier feelings, is greatly to be deplored. 
 
 And yet such is often the case. These people seem 
 to think their only duty in the land of their adoption, is 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Vlli 
 
 to point out defects, and appear not to think of having 
 assumed any obligations, or that they are at all identi- 
 fied with its interests. 
 
 Another reason of the coldness and indifference with 
 which literary effort is regarded by many among us, is 
 that the greater number of our people are necessarily 
 engaged in either commercial, mechanical, or agricul- 
 tural pursuits, and are so absorbed in business cares as 
 to possess little leisure to cultivate a taste for reading. 
 There is no question that this operates unfavorably ; 
 yet back of it lie other and still more untoward influen- 
 ces, originating in the narrow and superficial views that 
 prevail, to a great extent, respecting our intellectual 
 wants. People think that because so many books are 
 already written, further literary effort is unnecessary, 
 and to encourage it is but a waste of time and money. 
 This idea — as mistaken as it is common — completely 
 ignores the fact that in all progress and improvement, 
 books are the circulating medium through which mind 
 communicates with mind, and are not only essential as 
 records of all scientific discoveries, but of all progress 
 in the arts ; of all historical events ; and, in short, of all 
 permanent expression of thought. And as regards the 
 superfluity of books complained of, those which are 
 really unnecessary and unprofitable, would soon find 
 the proQpr level, were an understanding and judicious 
 discrimination cultivated and practiced among those 
 who purchase and read. 
 
 The equally erroneous and wide-spread impression, 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 IX 
 
 that because we may be fully supplied with books and 
 periodicals, from other countries, it is useless and absurd 
 to attempt establishing a literature of our own, may be 
 considered as already disposed of in our reference to 
 the necessity there exists for that union which gives 
 strength, and the importance of harmonizing the dis- 
 cordant elements among us. 
 
 The truth is but little realized in this world of hurry 
 and encroachment, that true merit is often far removed 
 from obtrusiveness and self-seeking ; and that real talent 
 is usually, if not always, allied with a delicacy and re- 
 finement of feeling that instinctively shrinks from con- 
 tact with coldness and distrust, wliile it seeks in other 
 walks the reward to which it is legitimately entitled, 
 leaving the field to less gifted and, perhaps, less sus- 
 ceptible minds. 
 
 These are some of the more prominent causes which 
 have prevented the due appreciation and encour- 
 agement of native talent ; and repressed the ardor 
 of Canadian Authors. But if we rightly interpret 
 the signs of the times, there is a growing conviction 
 in the minds of the observing and clear-thinking of our 
 people, that the evils to which we arc unavoidably sub- 
 jected, should find counteraction in a patriotic litera- 
 ture based on loyal sentiment and intelligent apprecia- 
 tion. Were the truth properly kept before the minds 
 of our people, accepted and adopted by them, that 
 Canadians of all origins and creeds, should merge minor 
 differences in a nationality where all might meet on 
 
X 
 
 INTRODUCTION. 
 
 common ground ; and were the pulpit, press and school- 
 room rightly enlisted in forming correct standards of 
 thought and action on this subject, we should soon witness 
 improvement in a matter that vitally concerns us as 
 a people. 
 
 An affection amounting even to enthusiasm for the 
 government and institutions of our country, is not only 
 excusable but worthy of approval. Patriotism is a sort 
 of political piety : something more than a careless assent 
 or a passive obedience to the laws of the land. It has 
 its seat in the heart rather than the head, and is an 
 elevating and ennobling principle. The real lover of his 
 country will never seek to evade his responsibilities as 
 a citizen : no considerations of personal advantage or 
 private interest will induce him to compromise his alle- 
 giance. He feels that in claiming the protection of 
 laws, he binds himself to a ready and willing submission 
 to them, and an acquiescence in whatever measures 
 the authorities may find it necessary to enforce. It may 
 not be possible always to approve legislation, and the 
 rights of opinion are assured ; yet the object we should 
 all hold sacred, is the consolidation and perpetuation of 
 our nationality, and this is high above all the means 
 used to effect it. 
 
irst. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 AX ATAL ANTIS. — PORTUGAL COI.UMBUS. — SPAIN. — SUCCESSFUL 
 
 VOYAGE OF COLUMBUS. — SUBSEQUENT HUMILIATIONS, DEATH 
 AND BURIAL. MISTAKES OF THE AGE. — SPANISH AND PORTU- 
 
 GUESE CONQUESTS. — DISCOVERIES UNDER THE AUSPICES OF 
 THE FRENCH. — CARTIER’s EXPEDITIONS. — ABANDONMENT OF 
 CANADA. — DEATH OF THE FRENCH KINO. 
 
 There is evidence that before the discovery of the 
 New World by Columbus, the ancients and early navi- 
 gators suspected the existence of land intervening 
 between the western coast of Spain and the rich 
 eastern country with which the civilized nations of 
 Europe then held commercial intercourse ; but they 
 could have had no properly conceived ideas of its loca- 
 tion, size or importance. The traditions of the Egyp- 
 tians, Carthagenians, and some of the nations of 
 northern Europe, all point to the fact that a numerous 
 and powerful people inhabited a vast island to the 
 
 / 
 
12 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 west of the Pillars of Hercules/’ as the Straits of 
 Gibraltar were then called.* 
 
 Portugal, though one of the smaller Kingdoms of 
 Europe, then held a prominent position and was a 
 leading power in the cause of discovery and explora- 
 tion. The success of their mariners had drawn the 
 attention of other nations, and numerous adventurers 
 repaired thither ; among whom was Christopher 
 Columbus who reached Lisbon in 1470. 
 
 This remarkable man, whose name is for all time 
 connected with the annals of the New World, was 
 born at Genoa, Italy, in 1435. At an early age he 
 showed a preference for a sea-faring life, and an 
 aptitude for acquiring geographical knowledge. Being 
 in humble circumstances his father could do little Tor 
 him, and at the age of fourteen we hear of young 
 Christopher as a boy mariner. Little is known of his 
 experiences as such, but that little is favorable. On 
 his arrival in Lisbon, he took service with the Portu- 
 guese King, and was thus thrown into frequent and 
 intimate relations with several of the most eminent 
 scientific men of the age, and with those navigators 
 who had taken part in the voyages and discoveries 
 which had already made Portugal famous. Living 
 thus in the society of enterprizing and aspiring spirits, 
 and fully understanding the general anxiety for a more 
 
 These traditions assume a semblance of reality when taken 
 in connection with the accounts of discoveries made in later 
 times, by explorers in Central and Southern America. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 13 
 
 direct access to India or Cathay, he had become am- 
 bitious of discovering a western route. 
 
 His first application for assistance was made to the 
 Portuguese King, who unwisely refused the necessary 
 help. He next turned his longing eyes on Spain ; and 
 in 1484, set out for Madrid to make Ferdinand and 
 Isabella, then on the united throne of Castile and 
 Arragon, the same proposals. He was for a long 
 time unsuccessful ; but during eight years of fruitless 
 solicitations, though regarded as an impracticable 
 visionary, he retained a firm confidence in tlie sound- 
 ness of his own views, and the feasibility of his plans. 
 
 Their Spanish Majesties finally gave in to the pro- 
 ject, and placed a flotilla of three small vessels at his 
 disposal, with which he sailed from Spain in August, 
 1492 ; and on the 70th day, came in sight of land. 
 This proved to be one of the group now known as the 
 Bahamas, then called Guanahani by the natives, but 
 named San Salvador by Columbus. He took posses- 
 sion of this and others, including St. Domingo and 
 Cuba, in the name of the Spanish monarchs. On his 
 return, the King and Queen received him at a Royal 
 Sitting, and for a time both rulers and people delighted 
 to do°him honor. A patent of Nobility was at once 
 made out for him and his posterity. 
 
 News of this discovery created an immense sensa 
 tion throughout Europe, and roused the emulation of 
 other nations. Columbus afterward made three voyages 
 to the New World, each time adding to his discoveries; 
 
14 
 
 history of the 
 
 but bitter disappointment and grievous humiliation 
 awaited him, when on one of them he was made a pri- 
 soner and sent back to Spain in fetters ; and thus 
 instead of the rewards and honors which were his just 
 due, he was allowed to be victimized and ruined 
 through the envy and machinations of enemies. After 
 some years of suffering through courtly neglect, po- 
 verty and bodily pain, he died at Valladolid in Spain, 
 May 20th, 1506. His body was first taken to Seville, 
 then across the Atlantic to St. Domingo, and finally 
 to Cuba, where it reposes under a monumental tomb 
 in the cathedral at Havanna. 
 
 At this period of time the idea w^as universal that 
 the new discoveries were but parts or were partaining 
 to the continent of Asia, and hence the name West 
 Indies ; an error which was not corrected till the 
 isthmus of Panama was crossed and the Pacific ocean 
 discovered in 1513. By another grave mistake never 
 likely to be corrected, the name America was given 
 to the New World, from Amerigo Vespucci, who was 
 sent by the Portuguese King to examine the new coun- 
 tries. He took a plausible and extensive, but superfi- 
 cial view of the whole, with a chart of the Brazilian 
 coast ; and thus through the presumption, skill and 
 address, of an obscure drawer of charts, the New 
 World missed taking its rightful name of Columbia. 
 
 While Columbus had been busied in prosecuting his 
 researches in the vicinity of the Mexican Gulf, other 
 Spanish and Portuguese navigators were making dis- 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 15 
 
 coveries farther South. The attention of Spain was 
 greatly given to the colonization of the West Indies, 
 and to looking out these parts which promised the most 
 ready returns in gold and silver. England was also 
 in the field, and had sent out the Cabots in search of 
 a north-west passage. As early as 1504, French sub- 
 jects had discovered the bank and island of Newfound- 
 land, but the French government claimed no interest 
 in the New World before 1523. 
 
 At this period King Francis I, gave command of 
 four vessels to V’errazani, a Florentine navigator in 
 the French service, who made thi*ee voyages ; on 
 the last of which, vessels and crews were lost. 
 
 In 1534, the attention of the French King was again 
 drawn to the subject of seeking to share with his 
 brother monarchs in their golden and territorial acqui- 
 sitions ; and to obtain a firm footing upon the main 
 land of America, an armament was equipped and placed 
 under the direction of Jacques Cartier, a skilful and 
 experienced navigator. 
 
 Cartier sailed from St. Malo in 1534, and in 20 
 days reached the coast of Newfoundland, whence 
 passing into the Gulf, he touched at some points and 
 took possession in the name of the King. He also 
 held some intercourse with the aborigines, two of 
 whom embarked and returned with him to France. 
 From these, he first learned of the great river, and 
 in May, 1535, he made a second voyage, and guided 
 by these Indians, entered the river which he named 
 
16 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 the St. Lawrence, and ascended to Stadacond, anindian 
 village then occupying the site of Quebec. Resolving 
 to winter in the country, he moored his vessels at the 
 mouth of the stream now known as the St. Charles, 
 when with canoes and several men he ascended the 
 river to liochelaga, where he found a considerable 
 Indian town. He was kindly received and hospitably 
 entertained by the natives, several of whom conducted 
 him to the top of an eminence near, which he named 
 Mount Royal ; words which time and use have com- 
 bined and modified into Montreal. 
 
 The party returned to their vessels at Stadacond to 
 pass the winter. In December, scurvy of a violent 
 kind broke out among the men, twenty-five of whom 
 died before April ; the remainder being much reduced 
 and debilitated. When too late to save the many lives 
 so valuable to him, Cartier learned of a native remedy 
 which speedily cured the survivors.* When spring 
 opened they all returned to France, taking several 
 natives with them, among whom was the Indian chief 
 Donacon^. 
 
 On his arrival in France, Cartier found his native 
 land plunged in war and distracted with both civil and 
 rehgious dissensions ; amid which troubles his presence 
 was unheeded and his projects were disregarded ; and 
 thus for a period of years, no attention was given to 
 French interests in America. 
 
 * A decoction of the epruce fir, which yieldg the well-knowa 
 Canada Balsam. 
 
Eastern townships. 
 
 17 
 
 About the year 1540, another attempt was made to 
 revive them by a person high in position and influence 
 named LaRoque, who asked and obtained the right 
 and title to govern all the newly discovered countries 
 in the King’s name ; when another expedition was sent 
 out under Cartier. He was again obliged to winter in 
 the country, but returned in the spring, taking his 
 colonists with him. On his way out to sea, he met his 
 superior with reinforcements and supplies, but nothing 
 could induce his return to Canada. 
 
 It appears that on this arrival of colonists, the 
 Indians, though not openly hostile, were yet averse to 
 'further intercourse with the strangers, and opposed to 
 their settlement in the country. This was no doubt 
 owing to a just resentment against the French for 
 having carried off their countrymen and chief ; which 
 act on the part of Cartier and his associates, was both 
 untimely and unwise, though in accordance with the 
 spirit of the age. This feeling against the French 
 was increased by the fact that, of the captives taken 
 away, all had pined and died in the stranger’s land, 
 except one little girl ; though accounts agree in saying 
 that they were humanely treated. Roberval, who had 
 been associated with LaRoque in the establishment 
 and governorship of the colony, reached his destina- 
 tion safely, but failed in his attempts to found a per- 
 manent settlement, and on the breaking out of a vrar 
 in Europe, was recalled with his colonists to France. 
 King Francis I, died in March 1547. 
 
 B 
 
18 
 
 HISTOBY OF THE 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 the aborigines 0F~N0RTH AMERICA.— divisions INTO NATIONS 
 
 and TRIBES.— personal CHARACTERISTICS.- HABITS OF LIFE. 
 —INTELLECTUAL CAPABILITIES. — PROBABLE ORIGIN. — INFLU- 
 ENCE OF CLIMATE ON THE PHYSICAL NATURE OF MAN. — 
 aborigines of CANADA. 
 
 When European settlements were first commenced in 
 America, the expanse of country between the Atlantic 
 ccean and the Mississippi river, was occupied by tribes 
 belonging to the eight great families or divisions of the 
 Indian race, viz., the Algonquins, Hurons, Sioux, 
 Cherokees, Catawbas, Uch^es, Natchez, and Mobiles. 
 These were considered substantive nations, because 
 each spoke a language not understood by the others ; 
 whereas, individuals of the different tribes belonging 
 to a nation, could understand the language of any 
 other tribe of that nation. 
 
 In person the Indians are rather tall and slender, 
 with frames indicating agility rather than strength ; 
 their faces wearing that stern expression natural to 
 such as are dependent on the chase for a subsistence, 
 and exposed to the vicissitudes of war. Their visages 
 
eastern townships. jg 
 
 are rather round than oval ; with hitrli t v 
 small b„. .„a <la» l,,e, £ ‘ 
 
 forehead; flattiel, ; thick lip,: bjk, ',S;' 
 ong, coat* hair; and board nanUng, owing to a 
 cnatom of dopdalion, which 1, hegon .“’an catitc 
 and contmned thtongh life, by the male,. S«ch m 
 the physica characteristics of the red men ; to which 
 1 may be added that their bodily senses while denizens 
 of the forest are exquisitely keen. Their complexion 
 IS a reddish brown. When first known to Europeans 
 they went almost naked in summer, but in winter were 
 clothed in skins and furs. The chiefs and warriors 
 were often grotesquely arrayed in such guise as was 
 intended to give indication of their exploits in war or 
 the chase. They were fond of painting or staining 
 their bodies with real or imagined resemblances, in 
 lively and varied colors ; being extremely partial to a 
 bright red. The hair was worn differently, many of 
 them having head tufts of colored feathers or animal’s 
 hair arranged in the most fantastic ways. A pair of 
 moccasins variously ornamented, composed the feet 
 covering. The ears and septum of the nostrils were 
 often pierced for affixing pendant objects, and brace- 
 lets of serpent’s skin or wampum were worn on the 
 h nation and tribe had their distinguish- 
 ing symbols, and_ even families had their armorials 
 or distinctive marks. 
 
 The only offensive weapons in use among them before 
 the advent of Europeans, were the arrow and toma- 
 
20 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 hawk Their defensive armour was a sort of cuirasS 
 of light wood, or a buckler of cedar wood. In times 
 of peace, the occupations of the men were chiefly 
 
 hunting and fishing; and even the labor involved in 
 
 these was put off, fill hunger forced them to take to 
 the woods for game, or the water for fish. 
 
 The ative hourgades or settlements were bemg 
 constantly broken up, as they were obliged to move 
 from place to place, as the game in the woods or the 
 fish in the streams were either killed or driven away, 
 and those parts of the wilderness had to be left to 
 recover. 
 
 Without fixity of habitation there could, of course, 
 be no governmental institutions worthy of the name, 
 and none of the stability in their communities, requisite 
 to security of life and property. 
 
 It was the unanimous opinion of those Europeans 
 who first had intercourse with these Indians, that they 
 had no religion as we understand that term ; but 
 though no religious worship existed among them, they 
 made habitual offerings to departed or unseen exist- 
 ences, and were great believers in supernatural 
 agencies. 
 
 Their medicine men pretended and were believed to 
 be able to permit or prevent rain at will ; to turn aside 
 thunderbolts ; predict events ; ensure success in any 
 undertaking; and were held in high estimation accord- 
 ingly. They also undertook to heal wounds and cure 
 diseases by the use of herbs, administered with super- 
 stitious ceremonies to enhance the curative virtues. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 21 
 
 Theii' funeral observances were of a touching cha- 
 ractcr. If a person of distinction had died, he was 
 mourned over for days, and when the time of sepulture 
 came, with peculiar and significant ceremonies the 
 body was lowered into a deep grave lined with furs, 
 covered over tenderly, and a memorial stone or other 
 mark set up, to which were aflSxed divers votive arti- 
 cles as signs of esteem for the departed. 
 
 Females among the Indians, were the men’s born 
 slaves ; and as such did all the drudgery and servile 
 work, outdoor labor included. To put hand to the 
 latter, was beneath the dignity of a savage, and not 
 only lowered his self-esteem, but degraded him in the 
 eyes of his fellows. 
 
 Although reasonable causes for going to war could 
 not often exist, hostilities among the tribes were very 
 frequent. The very mention of a coming war, raised 
 in the bosoms of the younger savages, an uncontrol- 
 lable feeling of joy. Imaginary enemies palpitating 
 and bleeding at their feet, caused a kind of sanguinary 
 intoxication. 
 
 Questions respecting the mental capabilities of the 
 red man have often been raised. Some reasoners draw 
 explanatory and unfavorable inferences from the make 
 of their skulls, the cast of their features, and even 
 their complexion; but such suggestions are hypo- 
 thetical, absurd, and unworthy of acceptance. How 
 many generations had to pass away before the barba- 
 I’ians who inundated the Roman empire, were civilized 
 
22 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 and christianized ? and yet they settled among nume- 
 rous and well policied populations, and were every where 
 surrounded with monuments of art, scientific inven- 
 tions, and all the products of genius and skill that had 
 then existed. If, instead of this, they had found a 
 wilderness to rove in, inhabited by wild animals only, 
 how soon would they have raised themselves from the 
 abyss of their degradation ? 
 
 We know that central America was once the seat 
 of civilization: the relics of cities that once stood 
 proudly on the table lands of Mexico, reveal this fact ; 
 but when and by whom they were built, and how 
 long they existed, are questions still unanswered. But 
 taking into account the evidence and probabilities in 
 the case, we must believe that the aborigines of the 
 New World had their origin in the Old ; that those of 
 North America coming from the deserts of Tartary, 
 were a people distinct from those who had reared the 
 monuments and cities on the plains of Mexico ; and 
 that the latter had been subjugated by the former, and 
 if not exterminated, by becoming assimilated with 
 them, had relapsed into barbarism. It would be im- 
 possible to conceive in reality, of a greater similitude 
 between two peoples, separated so long in time and so 
 far removed in space, than we find between the Ame- 
 rican savages and Asiatic Tartars. 
 
 At the present day, we are made aware of the 
 influence of climate upon the physical nature of man ; 
 how it modifies his manners, his morals, and even the 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 23 
 
 tendencies of his mind. For instance, the British races 
 in America retain little of the outward aspect that 
 would conclusively identify them as being in flesh, 
 blood, and bone, the same human stock that emigrated 
 there during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. 
 
 It appears that when Canada was first visited by 
 the French, the expanse of territory was divided 
 between three principal nations, viz. the Algonquins 
 who occupied the banks of the »St. Lawrence and Ot- 
 tawa rivers ; the Hurons or Wyandots who dwelt in the 
 section since known as Upper Canada ; and the Iro- 
 quois or Five Nations ^ comprising the lesser tribes of 
 Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, Senecas, and Cayugas, 
 who mostly occupied the territory now known as the 
 State of New York. 
 
 The Algonquins are said to have been somewhat 
 superior in mien and manner, to the other nations* 
 They lived entirely by the chase, and considered all 
 industrious pursuits as beneath their dignity ; looking 
 with contempt on those who drew any part of their 
 subsistence from the earth. 
 
 The Hurons were more given to agricultural pur- 
 suits, but were indolent and effeminate, having “ less 
 of the proud independence of savage life,’’ than their 
 haughty neighbors. 
 
 The Iroquois were a powerful and warlike people, 
 said to be mentally superior to the others, and to have 
 had more knowledge of the few simple arts in use 
 among the aborigines. 
 
•;i 
 
 !'■ ■ 
 
 24 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 Though not inhabiting the country immediately ad- 
 jacent to the early French settlements, they were un- 
 questionably the fiercest, most determined and vindic- 
 tive enemies encountered by the early colonists of Ca- 
 nada. By repeated encroachments this proud nation 
 had succeeded in acquiring the domination of a vast 
 territory ; but the French by resisting them and pro- 
 tecting their adversaries, suddenly stopped the former 
 in their career of conquest, and temporarily exalted the 
 latter. Both were obliged finally to succumb before 
 the over mastering power of civilization, to which their 
 brute force and cautelous strategy were occasionally 
 made subservient.* 
 
 r 
 
 
 ♦ The foregoing account of the aborigines of North America, 
 has been mostly drawn from Bell’s translation of Garneau’s His- 
 tory of Canada. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 25 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 RKNEWED EFFORTS AT COLONIZATION. — LOSS OF THE BROTHERS 
 ROBERVAL. — INDIVIDUAL ENTERPRIZES. — HENRY IV. — CHAM- 
 PLAIN’S EXPEDITION. — THE SIEUR DE MONTS. — ACADIA. — 
 
 CANADA. — Champlain’s choice of location. — summary of 
 EVENTS TILL 1663. 
 
 Two years after the death of King Francis, Roberval 
 organized another expedition to Canada, biit on the 
 voyage out, himself and brother, with all their follow- 
 ers, perished at sea ; an event which caused all projects 
 of the kind to be looked on unfavorably. 
 
 Religious dissensions were then rife in France, and 
 Admiral Coligny , who was himself a chief of the Hague- 
 nots as well as a patriotic man, resolved on founding an 
 asylum in America for his co-religionists, upon whom 
 pressed the rigors of a cruel persecution. Attempts of 
 the kind were made in different sections of the New 
 World, but through mismanagement or other cause, 
 they failed of becoming permanent settlements. An 
 establishment of the kind had existed in Florida for 
 three years, when the Spanish King sent a fleet to 
 “ fight the heretics and prevent them from establish- 
 ing their worship in America and accordingly the 
 
26 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 French protestant colony was mercilessly destroyed. 
 This act being a direct violation of treaties existing 
 between the nations, caused great indignation in 
 France ; catholics as well as protestants regarding it 
 an insult to the national honor. Under the enthus- 
 iasm born of that feeling, a private expedition was fitted 
 out to wreak a summary vengeance on the murderers. 
 The command of this was given to the chevalier Dom- 
 inique de Guorgues, himself a good catholic and an 
 officer of merit. The purpose was successfully carried 
 out, but Catherine de Medicis, who was then the real 
 sovereign of Franco (as the young King was but fifteen 
 years of age), would have sacrificed De Guorgues to the 
 resentment of the Spanish King, but for the intervention 
 of friends high in authority. In effort to palliate the 
 act, the Spaniards insinuated that an understand- 
 ing had been arrived at, that the Huguenots of Florida 
 should he exterminated ; but the young King was too 
 immature in years to be held personally responsible for 
 the policy cai'ried out in his name, and the connivance 
 of the Queen-mother, though quite probable, was 
 never clearly established. 
 
 At length the storms that had long convulsed the 
 country subsided ; Henry IV was established on the 
 throne, and brought his kingdom into order. Its in- 
 ternal affairs were regulated, commerce encouraged, 
 manufactures established, and a general state of pros- 
 perity pervaded the kingdom, opening up new resour- 
 ces, and requiring some new career for its disposable 
 energies. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 27 
 
 America was now more than ever before, fixing the 
 attention of Europeans : Spain and Portugal had ap- 
 propriated much of her territory ; England and Hol- 
 land were in the field, and France could no longer re- 
 main a spectator while her enemies and rivals were 
 actively at work in the New World. 
 
 A trading society was formed of men of rank and 
 leading merchants, and an expedition fitted out for the 
 purposes of trade and colonization combined ; the com- 
 mand of which was given to Captain Samuel Champlain, 
 a naval officer who had seen service and was in good 
 repute at Court. 
 
 He set sail in 1603, and on arriving in Canadian 
 waters, ascended the St. Lawrence as far as the Sault 
 St. Louis (Lachine rapids). On his return he gave 
 an account of his adventures, with a chart of his voy- 
 age which so pleased His Majesty that he promised 
 him patronage and encouragement. A new expedition 
 Avas planned under the superintendence of the Sieur 
 de Monts, comprising a mixed number of catholics and 
 protestants, gentlemen volunteers, soldiers, and skilled 
 artizans. They sailed from Havre de Grace in March, 
 1604, bound for Acadia (Nova Scotia), which M. de 
 Monts preferred on account of its milder climate. 
 
 Acadia was at that time the chief place of resort for 
 French traffic, and was considered the finest section of 
 French America. It certainly had good ports, a tem- 
 perate climate, and in parts, a fertile soil. The coasts 
 were frequented by different species of marine animals, 
 
28 
 
 HISTOEY OF THE 
 
 and the numerous bays and rivers abounded with a 
 variety offish. A still greater advantage was, that its 
 harbors were accessible at all seasons of the year. 
 
 The choice of a location being made, a settlement 
 was commenced, named Port Royal (now Annapolis) ; 
 but notwithstanding its auspicious beginning, the ex- 
 pectations of its patrons and friends were not realized 
 in at once rearing a flourishing establishment : indeed, 
 for many years it had but a languishing existence, as 
 influences were at work unfavorable to its interests. 
 
 The Sieur de Monts now turned his whole attention 
 to Canada, in hope of extending the French possessions 
 in America, and of finding the long sought passage to 
 India ; wliich dream was still cherished. An expedition 
 was now fitted out, one vessel of which was to traffic at 
 Tadousac ; while the other under command of Cham- 
 plain, was to land colonists and form a settlement at 
 some point on the St. Lawrence. It arrived at Sta- 
 dacond early in July, and landed at what is now known 
 as the Lower Town in Quebec, when the men at 
 once commenced the erection of cabins for temporary 
 accommodation. While some were engaged in this 
 work, others were building a fort, and others still, in 
 clearing land ; and thus the foundation of a town was 
 laid in the presence of wondering savages. * 
 
 * The derivation of the name Quebec, has been the subject 
 of discussion and dispute, but Champlain distinctly says: “ We 
 
 landed at a place which the Indians called Kibec^ in their lan- 
 guage signifying a strait ” ; and we have other authority for be- 
 lieving the name to be of native origin. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 20 
 
 Champlain found that time had wrought great 
 changes among the aborigines since Cartier’s day. 
 Their chief towns of Stadacon^ and Hochelaga had 
 passed away, and the section was in possession of an- 
 other people, more barbarous still, than those encoun- 
 tered by the first explorers of the region. They eager- 
 ly sought alliance with the French against their oppres- 
 sors the Iroquois, who occupied the wilderness to the 
 south of Lake Ontario. Actuated by a very natural 
 desire to stand well with his nearest native neighbors, 
 and expecting by securing the people of one nation as 
 allies, to subdue or awe into neutrality all others dis- 
 posed to be troublesome, Champlain consented, — per- 
 haps unwisely — and thus the colonists became involved 
 in troubles that lasted more than a century. 
 
 In 1609, he first took part with his native allies 
 against their enemies, and as these savages were then 
 entirely unacquainted with the use of fire-arms, when 
 the Iroquois saw their chiefs and warriors fall dead or 
 mortally -wounded in such a mysterious manner, they 
 the w’oods in terror. On this as on several 
 successive occasi^ , volleys of musketry decided the 
 contest in favor of Champlain’s allies. 
 
 He now for the first, witnessed their method of 
 treating their prisoners ; and shocked at their barbarity, 
 sought leave to put an end to the wretches tortures ; 
 buAhis could not be allowed till the tormentors had 
 exhausted every device of savage cruelty. 
 
 Tidings of the death of Henry IV by foul a^sassina- 
 
so 
 
 HISTORT OF THF 
 
 tion, were received with sorrow and consternation at 
 Quebec, and Champlain hastened home to attend per- 
 sonally to the interests of the colony, which he feared 
 might be jeoparded by that deplorable event. 
 
 Jealousies had risen respecting competition in traflSc, 
 the old Society giving up their projects entirely. Cham- 
 plain now sought to form a new Company, and place 
 the colony under the protection of some high personage 
 capable of assuring the favorable dispositions of the 
 Court. The Count de Soissons succeeded M. de 
 Monts as Lieutenant-general of Canada, retaining 
 Champlain as his deputy; wdien armed with a new 
 commission and invested with extraordinary powers, 
 he returned to America. Here he was occupied in at- 
 tending to the general interests of the colony, and on 
 a visit into the interior in 1613, discovered lake On- 
 tario. 
 
 Business relative to the colony of which he was act- 
 ing governor and agent, called him again to France. 
 Having succeeded in averting the threatened dissolution 
 of the association, and being confirmed in his office, he 
 again returned to Canada. 
 
 The Lieutenant-generalship of New France * had 
 
 •Early in the 17 th century, the appellation “ New France ” 
 was given to a vast region which now comprises the Hudson’s 
 Bay territory, Labrador, the provinces of Nova Scotia, New 
 Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, and a great part of the United 
 States. 
 
 About the same time the eastern peninsula (Nova Scotia) be- 
 
EASTERN TO'WNSHIPS. 
 
 31 
 
 now devolved upon the Duke de Montmorency, who 
 took a much warmer Interest in the affairs of the colony 
 than his predecessor had done. 
 
 As early as J1614, members of the order of Francis- 
 can Friars called Recollets, had been invited to Canada, 
 and four of their number arrived in 1615. They began 
 to erect a convent on the bank of the St. Charles, while 
 yet the population of Quebec did not exceed fifty souls. 
 
 About the year 1621, many of the colonists began 
 first to live on the product of their land, having subsis- 
 ted hitherto mostly upon the profits of the peltry traffic. 
 The four principal fur factories were at Tadousac, 
 Quebec, Three-Rivers, and at the Sault St. Louis. 
 
 In 1622, a solemn treaty of peace was ratified among 
 the Indian tribes, who according to their own accounts 
 had waged war for fifty years. But though the savages 
 of Canada were at peace, the Society that through its 
 agents trafficked with them, was divided and distracted 
 by conflicting views and interests among its directors 
 and shareholders. Wearied with the cares and vexa- 
 tions of his titular governorship, M. de Montmorency 
 ceded his functions to the Duke de Ventadour, in 
 1625. 
 
 The new Governor, who was an enthusiastic religion- 
 
 gan to take the name Acadia. The territorial term Canada, from 
 the native word Kanata^ was already not only the appellation of 
 the country we now inhabit, but a name that covered a much 
 larger region than the united provinces which have since borue it. 
 — Gameau. 
 

 32 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 ist, sought to make his office helpful to the conver- 
 sion of tL heathen of Canada, rather than the advance- 
 ment of the material interests of the colony. 
 
 Impatient and dissatisfied at the delays and indiffer- 
 ence of the association, Champlain entered a formal 
 protest against them, and addressed a letter to the 
 new Lieutenant-general, in which he represented in 
 lively and forcible terms, the consequences of ne- 
 
 of the Cardinal Duke de Richeheu, prime minister of 
 France, who lent his attention the more readily to the 
 patriotic representations of Champlain, that the one 
 leading idea of his powerful mind was the aggrandi- 
 zement and gloryof France, He therefore took upon 
 himself the title of “ Head superintendent of all the 
 French possessions beyond the sea ; ” hut the state of 
 the country left him little leisure to earry out his plans. 
 He however, projected a renovated association which 
 was organized in 1628, under the name of the “ Com- 
 pany of the hundred partners,” to whieh was granted 
 powers and privileges amounting to an exclusive mono- 
 poly of the colonial trade. The King made the Society 
 a present of two new stout ships, and conferred patents 
 of nobility on twelve of his chief members. They en- 
 gaged to send out during the first year, a large num. 
 her of artizans of the more useful callings, and to re- 
 inforce the colony largely, providing temporarily for 
 the wants of the settlers. The Cardinal Minister and 
 others of the nobility were members of the Company, 
 
 glecting the colony. These complaints reached the ears 
 
33 
 
 EASTERN TOTOSHIPS. 
 
 and among the colonists were nohlos, chief merchants 
 and men of substance, from the cities of France. ’ 
 
 HostiUties begun between European powers, soon 
 extended to their American colonies, and an English 
 fleet was sent to cruise in these waters. Quebec bein<r 
 then in a most defenceless state, fell into the hands of the 
 British, but was restored after three years’ possession. 
 
 Champlain was then re-appointed governor and again 
 assumed charge of the colony under the auspices of 
 the “ Company of the hundred partners.” For a time 
 the population increased rapidly, many seeking in New 
 France the tranquillity denied them at home. 
 
 In 1635, the foundation stone was laid for the col- 
 lege at Quebec. This was altogether a year of great pro- 
 mise for the colony ; but before its close, Canada suffer- 
 ed a heavy loss in the person of its governor and best 
 friend, who died on Christmas day. 
 
 Samuel Champlain was a native of Brouage in Saint- 
 onge. He had distinguished himself in the marine 
 service, and was chosen as a fit person to conduct those 
 colonizing expeditions which have made his name a 
 household word in Canada. 
 
 Thirty years of his life were devoted to his great 
 task of establishing and extending the French posses- 
 sions in America. He crossed the Atlantic fully a 
 score of times to defend the colony’s interests at Paris, 
 and has left a relation of his voyages and expeditions, 
 Avhich prove him to have been a judicious observer 
 and just narrator. 
 
 e 
 
34 
 
 history of the 
 
 In person he is said to have had a comely visage, 
 a noble and soldierly bearing, and a vigorous constitu- 
 tion which enabled him to endure the wear and tear of 
 body and mind he underwent in the accomplishment 
 of the work which was chiefly effected through liis 
 native strength of character. 
 
 The immediate successor of Champlain in office, was 
 M. de Chauteaufort, of whom little is known more than 
 the name, as he was soon replaced by M. de Mont- 
 magny. This nobleman purposed to carry out the 
 views of Champlain, but he took the reins of govern- 
 ment at a very critical time, as the Indians of Canada 
 were then engaged in a bloody and destructive war. 
 His situation was humiliating and disquieting, as with 
 small garrison and scanty stores, he could only witness 
 contending struggles. 
 
 In 1642, a foundation was laid for the settlement 
 of Montreal, by M. de Maisonneuve in his capacity 
 as agent for a company of rich and influential persons. 
 The Iroquois had now obtained fire-arms and ammu- 
 nition and learned their use from the Dutch at Man- 
 hattan (New York), and were becoming more insolent 
 and encroaching than ever, as the French were obliged 
 to confine themselves to defensive action. 
 
 The next governor was M. d’AUlebout, who how- 
 3 ver, was constrained by circumstances to remain, to 
 a great extent, a passive spectator of the tragic events 
 going on around him. 
 
 In 1651, M. de Lauzon arrived to fill the office of 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 35 
 
 governoi*. The short period of his administration was 
 marked by continued troubles with the Indians. The 
 population of the colony was sensibly diminishino' 
 through the numbers who were killed or captured by 
 the Iroquois, till at length the critical state of the 
 country was brought to the notice of the friends of 
 colonization in France, by M. de Maisonneuve. He 
 obtained a reinforcement of colonists, who arrived at 
 Montreal in 1653. They were picked men, alike fit 
 for the needs of war or peace. Events were proving 
 that the governor was too inefficient in action, and in 
 1658 he was superseded by the Viscount Voyer d’Ar- 
 genson. 
 
 At this crisis, Oanada was everywhere overrun by 
 armed barbarians : in addition to which, civil and reli- 
 gious quarrels involving questions of right and prece- 
 dence, broke out between the clergy and chief laity. * 
 
 In 1659, a royal edict was issued for harmonizing 
 the action of the civil government of the colony ; de- 
 fining the jurisdiction of the courts j and reserving 
 certain appointments to be made by the King m coun- 
 cil. 
 
 M. d’Argenson had solicited his recall before his 
 term of service had expired. Troubles with the In- 
 
 * In 1657, the Pope had constituted Canada a Vicariat-apos- 
 tolical, with AI. de Laval as its first head. He was consecrated 
 titular bishop before coming to Canada, and when in 1674, Quebec 
 was constituted a Diocese, was nominated its first bishop. — Gar-, 
 neau. 
 
36 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 dians, and angry discussions with the clergy, had filled 
 up his short administration. 
 
 In 1661, the government passed into the hands of 
 the Baron d’Avougour, a man of resolute temperament 
 and unbending character. Through his efforts, an 
 interest in the country hitherto wanting, was roused, 
 and reinforcements were sent to Quebec. A treaty 
 of peace was also ratified with the Iroquois. Unfor- 
 tunately however, differences rose between the gover- 
 nor and bishop, which finally culminated in open quar- 
 rel. The bishop was a man of inflexible temper and 
 lofty bearing; the governor was equally unyielding 
 and stood upon his official dignity, contending that the 
 civil power should be independent of the sacerdotal. 
 The dispute was referred to France ; the bishop went 
 there to justify himself, and succeeded in obtaining 
 the recall of M. d’Avougour, and the appointment of 
 M. de M6sy in his place. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 37 
 
 CHAPTER lY. ' 
 
 THE NEW GOVERNOR. — THE FEUDAL TENURE. — REFORMS. — AN IN- 
 TENDENCY. — CHURCH AND STATE. — DIVISIONS. — QUARRELS. 
 
 COMPLAINTS CARRIED TO FRANCE. — REMOVAL AND DEATH 
 
 OF M. DE MESY. — A VICEROY. — SUMMARY OF EVENTS TILL 
 
 1685. 
 
 The Chevalier de Saffray M^sy having been appoint- 
 ed to succeed Baron d’Avougour, arrived at Quebec 
 in the spring of 1663. He had been the choice of 
 M. de Laval and the Jesuits concuiTently, and was 
 charged with orders to institute several Important re- 
 forms. He came to Canada with his episcopal patron. 
 
 The Iroquois still maintained a threatening attitude, 
 the colonists being kept in a state of perpetual inquie- 
 tude. The governor showed firmness and tact in ne- 
 gotiating with these savages, and gave them to under- 
 stand that it was his determination to punish enemies 
 with whom no lasting peace could be kept. At this 
 period the population of Canada did not exceed 2,500 
 souls, sparsely distributed between Tadousac and 
 Montreal, 800 of whom were in Quebec. 
 
 The introduction of the feudal tenures into Canada, 
 
38 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 conformable to those of olden France, dates from the 
 last years of the 16th century 5 and when Richelieu 
 re-constituted the Company of a hundred partners, he 
 invested it with such powers, rights, privileges, and 
 faculties, as should be judged fitting ; all its erections 
 and creations however, being subject to royal confir- 
 mation. Parts of their territory were divided into 
 simple seigniories which were accorded to merchants, 
 military oflScers, religious corporations, &c., and were 
 apportioned into farms burdened with a yearly ground 
 rent. Territorial jurisdiction over Canada having 
 been now resumed by the King, a new system seemed 
 called for by the growing wants of the country. A 
 royal commissary had been sent out with the governor, 
 whose business was to examine into the internal affairs 
 of the country and ascertain the needs and wishes of 
 its inhabitants. His reports were by no means favor- 
 able, and a sweeping reform was determined on. 
 
 The first step was the establishment of a supreme 
 tribunal in April, 1663. It was composed of the go- 
 vernor, bishop, five councillors and an attorney-general 
 the six latter being appointed every year by the two 
 chief dignitaries conjointly. On the arrival of an In- 
 tendant, that functionary also took his seat at the coun- 
 cil board. As a law court, this council sat only as a 
 court of appeal. The Royal Intendant as chief of jus- 
 tice and police, had also his tribunal for criminal and 
 civil affairs. 
 
 Difficulties soon I’ose in the council, which were 
 
EASTERN TOAVNSHIPS. 
 
 39 
 
 followed by an entire estrangement between the 
 governor and bishop. Their actions at length became 
 invariably antagonistic : the bishop was supported by 
 the Jesuits and clergy, but the sympathies of the 
 people were with the governor and his minority. In 
 this exigency, M. de M(Jsy very imprudently resorted 
 to extreme measures which gave his enemies an advan- 
 tage ; complaints were carried to France ; the King 
 was highly incensed, and resolved to make an example 
 of this rash governor as a warning to all others. 
 
 A new viceroy was appointed for New France ; M. 
 de Courcelles was to replace De Mesy, as provincial 
 goveraor of Canada, and a new intendant w^as also sent 
 out. These were commissioned to collect evidence and 
 bring the offending functionary to trial ; but this was 
 not needed, for he sickened and died before their arrival. 
 He however, dictated a letter to M. de Tracy, the new 
 viceroy, in which he protested that in all he had done 
 he had ever in view the interests of his king and the 
 prosperity of the colony ; and confided to him as his 
 successor, the clearing up of the whole business. 
 
 In the eyes of the people of the colony, De JI6sy 
 passed for a victim of the twice triumphant bishop ; 
 his disgrace being yet more signal than that of his 
 predecessor. 
 
 The Marquis de Tracy reached Quebec in June, 
 1665, accompanied by the Carignan regiment of troops. 
 Energetic measures were taken now against the hostile 
 Iroquois. An expedition conducted by the viceroy in 
 
40 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 person, penetrated the enemy’s country, effectually 
 humbled them, and obliged them to sue for a peace 
 which lasted several years. 
 
 De Tracy returned to France in 1667, the functions 
 of government devolving on M. de Courcelles, a pru- 
 dent far-seeing man, who possessed in an eminent 
 degree, the qualities valuable in an administrator. The 
 intendant, M. Talon, was also a faithful and efficient 
 public officer. According to the spirit of their instruc- 
 tions from the penetrating home minister Colbert, 
 while showing all proper respect for the clergy, care was 
 taken that they were not allowed to overstep the 
 bounds that separate ecclesiastical from civil functions. 
 
 In 1772, the Count de Frontenac replaced M. de 
 Courcelles as governor. His reputation for talents 
 and energy had preceded him, and in addition, he was 
 shrewd, fertile in mental resources, and had an am- 
 bitious mind ; but his manners were cold and haughty, 
 and his tendencies altogether despotic. Unfortunately 
 at the outset, he came in contact with prejudices as 
 strong, and wills as unpliant as his own, and excited an 
 implacable enmity against himself. Questions of pre- 
 cedence were allowed to become a fruitful source of 
 dispute between the governor and bishop ; and not- 
 withstanding repeated and authoritative admonitions 
 from court, the quarrel rose to such a height that it 
 became necessary to recall De Frontenac. 
 
 It was during these successive administrations that 
 those discoveries were made which tended so largely 
 
eastern townships. 
 
 41 
 
 to increase the territorial possessions of New France. 
 Between the years 1635 and 1647, the countries bor- 
 ering on the western lakes, were visited by eighteen 
 Jesuit missionaries. The American historian Bancroft 
 pays a just compliment to these adventurous men, when 
 on this subject he says : The annals of missionary labor 
 are inseparably connected with the origin of all the 
 establishments of French America. Not a cape was 
 doubled, not a stream discovered, that a Jesuit did 
 not show the way.'’ It was these men who first heard 
 from the natives of the Father of waters" as they 
 called Mississippi river ; and from the same source 
 were derived ideas of the real boundaries of North 
 America, which though vague and indistinct at first, 
 gradually became clearer, and were in time, found 
 correct. 
 
 M. de la Barre, sent to supersede De Frontenac, 
 was a marine oflBcerwho had seen service in the West 
 Indies, and arrived at Quebec in 1682. The Iroquois 
 were again assuming a threatening attitude. The 
 governor wrote home complaining that the people of 
 the adjoining colonies were using unfair means to de- 
 tach the Indians from the French interest, and con- 
 stantly exciting the Iroquois against the colonists of 
 Canada. He also urged the necessity of reinforce- 
 ments of men and supplies. In response, the King 
 sent out 200 regulars, and informed M. de la Barre 
 that he had taken steps to prevent any future violation 
 of existing treaties. 
 
42 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 It would appear that a most astounding blindness 
 pervaded the councils of the French nation at that 
 period, as the repeated calls for extended emigration 
 received no practical response, though thousands upon 
 thousands of the King’s protestant subjects were seek- 
 ing leave to settle in French America, and promised 
 to live peaceably under a flag they much preferred. 
 The mystery involved in this, may find clear elucidation 
 in the history of the religious persecutions then so rife 
 in France. 
 
 The course of M. de la Barre in dealing with the 
 Iroquois, showed him plainly unequal to the emergency ; 
 as the more timid and perplexed he allowed himself to 
 appear, the more insolent and encroaching they be- 
 came. 
 
 While matters were in this critical state, the gover- 
 nor was superseded in ofiice, by the Marquis de De- 
 nonville, who arrived at Quebec in 1685. He was a 
 Colonel of Dragoons and brought with him 600 regular 
 troops ; which significant act on the part of the home 
 government, showed plainly its disapproval of the late 
 governor’s inaction. 
 
 The new governor had the reputation of being a 
 brave and eflScient oflBcer, possessed of a lofty sense of 
 honor, and of being cultivated and polished in manner. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 43 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 INDIAN TROUBLES. MASSACRE AT LACHINE. — INEFFICIENCY OF THE 
 
 GOVERNOR. RETURN OF DE FRONTENAC. — SPIRITED ACTION 
 
 OF THAT NOBLEMAN. — IMPROVED STATE OF AFFAIRS. — SUM- 
 MARY OF EVENTS TILL THE TREATY OF UTRECHT, 
 
 Time passed in preparations for war, and on the part 
 of the Iroquois, in fraudful negotiations for peace. 
 The governor was extremely averse to any attempt to 
 act against them before other reinforcements arrived 
 from France, and the perplexities of the situation were 
 greatly aggravated by the trading relations of the hos- 
 tile savages with the English colonists. The expected 
 reinforcements at length arrived, yet even then, no 
 very decisive action was taken ; the dilatory conduct 
 of the governor being very unsatisfactory to the coun- 
 try. Worse evils were in store for the later days H)f 
 the administration ; the most calamitous period known 
 to the early colonists of Canada. An unwonted quiet 
 had for a time prevailed among the tribes, which was 
 all the more dangerous as it tended to slacken prepa- 
 rations for the coming storm. 
 
 During the night of the 5th of August, 1689, amid 
 
44 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 a storm of rain and hail, 1400 Iroquois crossed lake 
 St. Louis and silently disembarked near Lachine, and 
 before daybreak, parties of them had surrounded every 
 considerable dwelling in the vicinity. The inmates 
 were buried in profound slumber, soon to become for 
 many of them, the Dreamless sleep that knows no 
 waking.” At a given signal, doors and windows w'ere 
 driven in and the victims dragged from their beds — 
 men, women and children, struggling in the hands of 
 their butchers. Such houses as could not be readily 
 forced, w’ere fired ; and as the terrified inmates w’ere 
 driven forth by smoke and flame, they met certain 
 death from beings who knew no mercy. Two hundred 
 pei'sons were burned alive, and numbers died under 
 prolonged tortures. Houses and outbuildings were 
 reduced to ashes, and crops were totally destroyed. 
 After having ravaged the whole vicinity, they crossed 
 the river, and on the opposite side continued their fear- 
 ful work. Those who escaped the destruction were 
 paralyzed by the brain-blow. The governor 'who was 
 in Montreal, seemed to lose self-command altogether. 
 It had been long evident that he exercised no proper 
 influence ; but the small use he made of the means at 
 his disposal when this crisis arrived, was most surpris- 
 ing. His incapacity on every occasion where promp- 
 titude and energy wer^^ required, gave little room for 
 doubt that had he not been soon recalled by royal 
 order, the colonists themselves would have set him 
 aside, ihe last season of his unfortunate administra- 
 
EASTEKN TOWNSIirPS. 
 
 45 
 
 tion was called the year of the massacre. In not one 
 particular, had he justified his reputation for bravery 
 and efficiency. ^ 
 
 Ilis successor was no other than the Count de Fron- 
 tenac, who landed at Quebec in 1G89. His return 
 was hailed with joy by all, by none more than those 
 who had labored to obtain his recall. 
 
 Despite the unpropitious aspect of affairs, Frontenac 
 saw that if it were possible to raise the minds of the 
 people from the apprehension and despondency into 
 which they were sunken, matters might yet be retrieved. 
 His presence and counsels were already beginning to 
 operate favorably, and a feeling of restored confidence 
 was e.xtending to the friendly natives. They were en- 
 couraged to make raids into the English colonies, in 
 which, true to their savage nature they practiced all 
 the horrors of Indian warfare. About this period the 
 town of Schenectady was destroyed by a party of 
 French and Indians, said to have been done in reprisal 
 for the massacre at Lachine. Presents were also dis- 
 tributed among such tribes as still appeared hesitating, 
 which with the news of the successful raids, gave them 
 assurance that the Frcneh were now on the winnins 
 side. 
 
 The European nations being now at war, an expe- 
 dition was planned against Quebec, and a fleet under 
 command of Sir William Phipps, appeared before that . 
 city ; but by assuming a bold and fearless attitude, and 
 making the most of scanty resources, with no little 
 
46 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 manoeuvring ^.n^jinem, and by the aid of concurrent 
 circumstances, Frontenac succeeded in creating the 
 impression that he was prepared for a formidable resis- 
 tance ; when after a few hostUe demonstrations which 
 were ’vigorously met, Sir William drew off his 
 ships. 
 
 No assistance having been sent to help against the 
 IroquoiSj they had become more bold and encroach- 
 ino- than ever. Frontenac now determined to abase 
 their pretensions and conquer a peace. He therefore 
 assembled a corps at Lachine, moved thence to Catara- 
 qui, then crossed into the enemy’s country and de- 
 stroyed two Indian cantons. 
 
 De Frontenac died November 28th, 1698, aged 77 
 years ; preserving to the last, the talent, firmness and 
 energy, that had characterized him through life. His 
 character has been variously estimated. That he had 
 great faults is certain ; but Canada owed him much. 
 
 The Chevalier de Callieres was appointed to succeed 
 him. The new governor had occupied a subordinate 
 position in the colony, and was well experienced in the 
 affairs of the country ; was also popular with the sol- 
 diers under his command, and possessed qualities which 
 rendered him very acceptable to the people, and made 
 the savages pliant to his will. The principal events 
 of his administration were the ratification of a treaty 
 of peace with the assembled deputies of the various 
 tribes, and the formation of a settlement on the site of 
 the city of Detroit. De Callieres died in May, 1703^ 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 47 
 
 and was succeeded by the Marquis de Vaudreuil 
 some time goveimor of Montreal. ’ 
 
 A war wa«s now in progress in Europe, which soon 
 extended to the American colonies, and a fleet was 
 preparing to ascend the St. Lawrence, to capture Que- 
 bec ; but the elements were now the best defenders of 
 the country, and in consequence of the dispersion of 
 the fleet by a storm, the enterprize was abandoned. 
 
 The Iroquois had now begun to waver in their fidel- 
 ity to the English, and appeared anxious to sell their 
 services to the highest bidder. One of their chiefs re- 
 marked that their independence w^as only maintained 
 by the mutual jealousy of the rival nations, and that 
 it would be impolitic to let either quite prevail over the 
 other. The English had claimed them as British sub- 
 jects ; but this had roused their jealousy, and they 
 loudly disclaimed all foreign supremacy, asserting an 
 independence in which they gloried. Their trading 
 interests inclined them to the English ; but the rehgious 
 sympathies of numbers among them were wdth the 
 French, owing to the influence the missionaries had 
 obtained over them. A favorite project with them had 
 been the formation of a confederacy, of which they 
 w’ere to take the lead, powerful enough to resist the 
 encroachments of Europeans, and avenge the wrongs 
 done to their race. 
 
 A treaty of peace was signed at Utrecht in 1713. 
 
48 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 INTERVAL OF PEACE. — FRONTIER LIMITS. — DE VAUDREUIL.— THE 
 marquis DE BEAUHARNOIS, — DISCOVERY OF THE ROCKY MOUN- 
 TAINS. — TRADERS AND EXPLORERS. — SUMMARY OF EVENTS 
 TILL THE DECLARATION OF WAR, 
 
 The treaty of Utrecht was followed by some of the 
 most peaceful years Canada had ever known. Both 
 French and English colonists, wearied of an exhausting 
 war, were now able to turn their attention and ener- 
 gies to internal improvements. At the period of which 
 w'e write, the colony was divided into three distinct 
 governments, viz, Quebec, Three Rivers and Montreal ; 
 but no regular subdivisions, civil or parochial, had been 
 properly fixed. In the years 1721-2, the whole was 
 parceled into 82 parishes j 48 being on the north side, 
 and 34 on the south side of the St. Lawrence. In the 
 year 1721, the whole estimated population of Canada 
 was only 25,000 souls, of which number 7000 were in 
 Quebec, and 3000 in Montreal. There were 62,000 
 acres of land under tillage, and 12,000 acres in grass. 
 The question of the frontier lines between the two 
 countries was becoming every year more complicated 
 
 
eastern townships. 
 
 49 
 
 and diflScuU to deal with. The former attempts to 
 settle it, had always come to nothing. By a stipula- 
 tion of the treaty of Utrecht, commissioners were ap 
 pointed for this object, who met, conferred long, and. 
 parted, leaving the matter as they found it. Disputes 
 concerning boundaries between national possessions are 
 proverbially the most difficult to terminate by any other 
 arbitrament than that of war. 
 
 De Vaudreuil died October 10th, 1725, after ruling 
 Canada 21 years. He was much and deservedly 
 esteemed in private, and his death was generally la- 
 mented. After having passed 53 years in the royal 
 service, he received the cross of St. Louis as a 
 distinguishing mark of his sovereign’s favor. He was 
 an energetic and successful public officer. 
 
 His successor in office was the Marquis de Beauhar- 
 nois, who arrived at Quebec in 1726. Among the 
 pi'incipal events that occurred during this administra- 
 tion, was the discovery of the Rocky Mountains by the 
 Messrs. V^randrye in 1743. For the purpose of con- 
 tinuing these explorations, an association was formed, 
 comprising nearly all the chief functionaries of the 
 colony, which company had its own trading projects 
 in view. This speculation was carried on at the cost of 
 the State, though the profits were divided among the 
 partners. 
 
 In the year 1715, there had appeared two published 
 memorials or reports, in which the management of 
 colonial affairs was very freely discussed and exposed ; 
 
 j) 
 
HISTOKT OP THE 
 
 50 
 
 and the chief colonial functionaries were often compro- 
 mised as being more or less directly engaged in the 
 unscrupulous speculations so rife at that period ^ or at 
 best, as being wholly indifferent to such proceedings. 
 They were made to appear as if in having no perma- 
 nent interest in the country, they only thought of enrich- 
 ing themselves while here, that they might pass hence 
 to higher stations at home. 
 
 The legitimate trade of Canada was from time to 
 time, through the monopolies of associations or the 
 rivalries of other colonists, subjected to such burdens, 
 restrictions, and consequent fluctuations, as greatly em- 
 barrassed and retarded it. Peltry was the main article 
 of export, but was at most times a strict monopoly car- 
 ried on under licenses granted to favored persons, who 
 usually sold them to inland traders. Those who held 
 them often strained every nerve to make the most they 
 could — by fair means or foul — during the time for 
 which they were given ; and to beguile the Indians to 
 accept insuflScient values for their furs, it was not un- 
 usual to ply them with liquor. The natives at length 
 became aware of the dishonesty often practiced upon 
 them, through intercourse with rival traders. * 
 
 In 1721, posting first began in the colony ; a mono- 
 poly of the posts between Montreal and Quebec having 
 
 * It is related that at a western post on one occasion, beaver 
 skins were bought for four grains of pepper each, and that as 
 much as 800 francs were realized by the sale of one pound of Ver- 
 million. No wonder at the Indian’s want of faith in Europeans I 
 
Eastern townships. 
 
 51 
 
 been granted to one person for twenty years ; the car- 
 nage of letters being charged by a table of fixed rates 
 according to distance. 
 
 As early as 1689, it had been proposed to introduce 
 negroes into the colony ; but though the institution of 
 slavery might have been legally recognized at one pe- 
 riod, it never prevailed to any great extent in Canada. 
 
 In 1755, Canadian exports were valued at 2i million 
 dollars ; its imports at 8 millions ; much of the latter 
 being supplies and munitions of war during those years 
 of hostility. Owing to systems of secret confederacy, 
 
 favoritism and intrigue, which at that period operated to 
 throw patronage into certain channels, all healthy action 
 in trade was destroyed. 
 
 During the later years of French domination in Cana- 
 da, there was great confusion in the monetary circula- 
 tion of the country ; indeed, it seemed to have become 
 almost destitute of a reliable circulating medium, and to 
 be fast sinking into insolvency ; the miserable effect of 
 purblind expedients, the legitimate fruit of unscrupulous 
 maladministration, and the inevitable precursor of revo- 
 lution and change. France and England were again at 
 war, and their respective American colonies were, of 
 course, involved in the quarrel. Their frontier relations 
 were every year becoming more difficult to adjust, and 
 long before any European aid could reach them, they 
 were engaged in hostilities. 
 
 The Marquis de la Jonquiere who had been sent out 
 to supersede M. de Beauharnois, was taken prisoner by 
 
HISTOET OF THE 
 
 52 
 
 the British, and the Count de la Gallisonicn-e who had 
 been nominated to fill his plaee, arrived at Quebee 
 in September, 1748, bringing news of approaehing 
 peaee. The treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle was signed Oe- 
 tober 7th, 1748, by whieh the territory either power had 
 acquired during the war, was mutually restored. But 
 this peace was only a truce as regarded the American 
 colonies; hostilities scarcely ceasing, so determined 
 were the rival parties to extend their frontiers to the ut- 
 most. A sharp correspondence was kept up between 
 the governors ; but this did not answer the end, each 
 party taking forcible possession of disputed grounds. A 
 general war was now imminent. Late in the year 1762 
 the Marquis Duquesne de Menvillc arrived as governor, 
 and the next year, war was declared. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 53 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 HOSTILITIES. — DE VAUDREUIL. — RELATIVE STRENGTH OF CONTEST- 
 ANTS. CANADIANS. — ^ANGLO-ASIERICANS. — BRADDOCK’s DE- 
 
 FEAT AND DEATH. — DEFEAT OF THE FRENCH UNDER BARON 
 DIESKAD. — ARRIVAL OF MONTCALM. — SUMMARY OF EVENTS 
 ATTENDING THE DOWNFALL OF FRENCH POWER IN CANADA. 
 
 A British fleet left England in January 1755, for 
 the purpose of cruising in American waters ; and a 
 French fleet sailed from Brest, in April, bearing rein- 
 forcements and warlike stores to Canada. Hostilities 
 w’ere now commencing in earnest. M. Duquesne had 
 asked to be recalled, and transferred to the marine ser- 
 vice. Ilis departure caused no regret, although he 
 had governed with success and been heedful of the 
 colony’s interests ; but his haughty bearing made him 
 unpopular, and the people looked for the appointment 
 of another in his stead. lie was succeeded in 1755, 
 by the Marquis de Vaudreuil de Cavagnol, son of the 
 Marquis de Vaudreuil, who had been governor from 
 1703 to his death in 1725. The new governor was 
 joyously greeted by the Canadians on his arrival, as 
 they regarded him the more for his being a compatriot, 
 
54 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 and had anxiously solicited the king to appoint him for 
 their chief. 
 
 The state of France at this period was anything but 
 favorable to a successful prosecution of the war in 
 America. The king at all times too indolent and in- 
 different to act with energy, was at this period under 
 the influence of a female favorite of most capricious 
 temper; and there being neither unity nor accord in 
 state councils, they underwent almost constant muta- 
 tions. Ecclesiastical dissensions, new and startling 
 innovations, the needs of war and troubles in the state 
 councils, greatly occupied the public mind ; in fine, all 
 was commotion among both moral and political idealists ; 
 and the government itself moved with uncertain and 
 hesitating step. France had allowed herself to be 
 again led into a continental war, and the defence of 
 Canada was thus left greatly to its own inhabitants. — 
 The regular force in the country , never large, in 1755 
 was augmented to a total of 2,800, under the command 
 of Baron Dieskau. The militia were armed, so that 
 there was soon ready for action, in garrison and in 
 field, an army 7000 strong, besides a force of 800 men 
 employed as escorts. 
 
 On the other hand Great Britain was in a prosper- 
 ous state. The English government habitually yielded 
 to popular inspirations, and thus observant of the national 
 instincts, might safely assure itself in advance, that 
 success would attend any enterprize undertaken in 
 obedience to the popular will. No preceding war had 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 55 
 
 been so agreeable to the people as that about to com- 
 mence ; and warlike ardor was no less manifest among 
 the people of the American colonies, who far out-num- 
 bered the inhabitants of Canada. The same difiFer- 
 ence extended to their pecuniary resources. 
 
 But though false and illiberal views prevailed in 
 France, and caused indifference to the coming struggle, 
 •the Canadians were patriotic, and though mostly cul- 
 tivators and traders, were inbued with a confident and 
 self-reliant spirit. They had all the military ardor 
 necessary to make them vigorous soldiers, especially now 
 that their homes were menaced by aliens. 
 
 On the other hand, the English colonists of America 
 had long looked for the interference of their mother 
 country in putting an effectual end to those barbarous 
 irruptions that had so frequently desolated their frontier 
 settlements ; and now that their hopes were about to be 
 realized, they welcomed war, and seconded it with 
 united energies and untiring zeal. 
 
 The British General Braddock, had been sent out 
 in command of regular forces, with instructions which 
 comprised a detailed plan of hostile operations ; the 
 first step in which was to drive the French from the 
 Ohio valley. On his arrival, a concerted plan of action 
 was agreed upon, by which four different points were 
 to be attacked at once. 
 
 According to the arrangement, he advanced to the 
 attack of Fort Duquesne, but an ambuscade was formed 
 by the French and Indians, into which the British 
 
56 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 forces fell, when a desperate struggle ensued. Out of 
 86 British oflScers, 26 were slain, and 37 wounded ; for 
 they made heroic efforts to rally and inspirit their men 
 who were all unused to the savage mode of warfare, 
 and fell back panic-stricken upon a reserve of 1000 
 men left with the baggage, artillery, &c. ; when the 
 whole force retreated in disorder. 
 
 In the heat of action, Braddock had two horses kill- 
 ed under him, and mounted a third, only to receive a 
 mortal wound. He was then carried to Fort Necessity 
 where he died on the 13th of July. He was a brave 
 and experienced oflScer, but an arrogant man ; con- 
 temning his enemy ; despising alike militia and 
 savages ; yet had the mortification of seeing his regulars 
 madly flee, while the provincials stood their ground and 
 fought bravely. Singularly enough. Col. Washington, 
 then in command of the colonial militia, was the only 
 mounted officer who escaped unhurt. 
 
 The news of this defeat spread dismay among the 
 English, and the back settlements of Virginia, Pennsyl- 
 vania, and Maryland, were forthwith abandoned. 
 
 Soon after this, a body of French, under Baron 
 Dieskau posted near lake Georga, was attacked by 
 the British under Gol. Johnson, when after a series of 
 spirited conflicts with varying success, a severe action 
 was fought, in which the French were beaten and dis- 
 persed, and their leader, who was severely wounded, 
 taken prisoner. Like the British General, Braddock, 
 this commander owed his defeat, in a great measure, to 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 57 
 
 an absi^d reliance on European discipline, an under 
 estimation of the colonial forces, and a contemptuous 
 disregard of the advice of provincial oflScers. 
 
 The most urgent demands were now made for troops, 
 supplies, &c., and it was also solicited thatachief of tried 
 bravery and miUtary experience, should be sent over to 
 take the place of Baron Dieskau. In response to this 
 appeal, the Marquis de Montcalm was sent as military 
 chief, and with him came several officers of merit, beside 
 reinforcements of men and munitions of war. At this 
 time the whole force on foot for the defence of New 
 France, from Cape Breton to Illinois, did not exceed 
 12,000 men^ and many of these were cultivators, 
 obliged to be absent in seed-time and harvest. 
 
 The preparations of Britain for the campaign of 1756, 
 were far more considerable. America, as the chief 
 field of military operations, drew to her colonies many 
 officers of distinction. Two entire regiments of regu- 
 lars were sent out, and a force raised which m all 
 amounted to 25,000 men. Nothing of importance was 
 effected, however, in this campaign. 
 
 Though still holding her own and able to keep her 
 outward foes at bay, Canada was in a critical state 
 from a scarcity of food among its inhabitants. Small- 
 pox had also broken out and extended its ravages, to 
 the native tribes. Thus threatened without, and re- 
 duced by pestilence and famine within, all joined in 
 earnestly petitioning the home government to come to 
 the rescue. Yet home politicians and favorites of the 
 
HISTOET OF THE 
 
 58 
 
 King, who profited by courtly prodigality , called out in 
 concert that Canada was an icy wilderness which cost 
 more than it was worth. An unscrupulous intendant 
 named Bigot, was guilty of peculations to an enormous 
 extent at this period ; abusing his oflSicial power, and 
 through secret agents playing an odiously dishonest 
 part in order to enrich himself i and it is said that his 
 fraudful policy had its confederates even in France. 
 
 The governors of the Anglo-American colonies met 
 at Boston in January, 1757, to concert action for the 
 year’s campaign, when an attack on Louisbourg in 
 Cape Breton, was projected. 
 
 On the 9th of August, 1757, Fort William Henry 
 near lake George, capitulated to the French and In. 
 dians ; when a large number of prisoners, — men, women, 
 and children, — were massacred by the me rciless sava- 
 ges ; an event which inflicted an indelible stain upon 
 the record of this military success. The Fort and its 
 precincts were literally converted into a place of bloody 
 and the works entirely destroyed. If the resentments 
 of the Anglo-American colonists against the French and 
 their native allies were strong before, the butchery that 
 followed the surrender of this Fort, and others similar, 
 rendered them more deep and fixed ; and a deadly 
 determination took possession of the British mind and 
 heart, to put an effectual end to these massacres. 
 
 It was therefore determined to attack concurrently, 
 Louisbourg, Carillon (Ticonderoga), and Fort Du- 
 quesne. The fii'st blow fell on Louisbourg ; the place 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 59 
 
 was bravely defended, but step by step was gained by 
 the besiegers, till the French were obliged to retire 
 within the town, and its fall only became a question of 
 time. In order to prevent or delay attack on Canada, 
 the Fort was persistently defended, so long as the 
 works were tenable 5 but the siege was closely pressed 
 by the invaders and the fortress capitulated July 20th 
 1758. ^ ' 
 
 The force sent against Fort Duquesne was equally 
 successful, as the French commandant, hopeless of suc- 
 cor, retired with his men and munitions, and burned 
 the works. The British took possession of the ruins 
 and in compliment to their great minister, gave the 
 name of Pittsburg to a locality which is now the site 
 of a flourishing city. 
 
 The attack on Carillon was not as successful how- 
 ever, as the assailants met a spirited resistance. The 
 season of repose was now come, and the invasion of 
 Canada was again postponed ; yet, left a prey to famine 
 and the sword, the consummation of its fall could not 
 long be delayed. In vain the governor wrote that if no 
 help came, they must succumb. 
 
 In April 1759, Montcalm wrote to the minister im- 
 parting his own inquietudes regarding the destiny of 
 Canada ; plainly expressing his entire want of faith in 
 both governor and intendant; and also complaining, 
 that the most unscrupulous corruption existed among 
 all classes and grades of officials. He also solicited 
 bis recall from the King. 
 
60 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 An unfortunate estrangement had grown up between 
 
 the civil and military chiefs of the colony ; owing in 
 part to a natural dissimilarity of character, and in 
 part to the evil machinations of others. The partisans 
 of either, made mutual and grave accusations against 
 the other ; one of Montcalm’s friends strongly advising 
 that De Vaudreuil should be superseded by the mili- 
 tary chief; the fact that the former was a native 
 horn Canadian, being alleged against him as a prin- 
 cipal demerit. Such differences were particularly unfor- 
 tunate at this juncture ; and efforts were made by the 
 real friends of both, to restore a good understanding 
 between the parties, with partial success. 
 
 In the meantime, the British were making vigorous 
 preparations for an attack on Canada. A corps had 
 been assigned to General Wolfe, with which he was to 
 ascend the St. Lawrence and invest Quebec. A fleet 
 of ships of the line, frigates, smaller vessels and 
 transports, were sent to convey them up the river. 
 Amherst was to force a passage by Lake Champlain ; 
 a third corps was to take Niagara and descend Lake 
 Ontario ; while a fourth was to clear that whole section 
 of every enemy to Britain. The savages foreseeing the 
 fall of French domination, and anxious to secure favor 
 in time, mostly allied themselves with the stronger 
 power. The regular force in Canada now amounted 
 to 5,300 men, and all the valid males in the colony 
 between the ages of 16 and 60, were found to number 
 15,229. All being in readiness, the governor, Mont- 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 61 
 
 calm, and De Levis, withdrew to Montreal to watch 
 the movements of the enemy, and see in what direction 
 the disposable forces were most needed. On the first 
 appearance of the hostile fleet in the St. Lawrence, 
 they returned to Quebec where all was soon in a state 
 of activity. 
 
 On the 25th of June, 1759, the British fleet reached 
 the island of Orleans ; and on the 30th, batteries were 
 erected opposite Quebec, and fire opened on the city. 
 An attempt was made on the position of Montcalm, 
 which however, was spiritedly repulsed with loss to the 
 assailants. 
 
 It was finally decided to operate from above rather 
 than below the city as the surest means of striking a 
 decisive blow ; and while active demonstrations were 
 kept up against Montcalm’s position in order to mys- 
 tify the French and cover the real design, part of the 
 forces embarked and ascended the river to Cap Rouge : 
 soldiers were landed on either bank of the flood, and 
 with their oflScers were closely inspecting the shore 
 from Quebec to that point. 
 
 Not being able to understand the enemy’s move- 
 ments and apprehensive that they threatened the ma- 
 gazines of the army,* Bougainville had been des- 
 patched to watch them in that quarter. , 
 
 Threatening demonstrations were continued against 
 
 (•) Before the enemy’s arrival, the garrison stores and govern- 
 ment archives had been removed to Three Rivers, and the army 
 magazines fixed at Montreal. 
 
62 
 
 HISTORY OP THE 
 
 V^ 
 
 Beauport, while the vessels and troops at Cap Rouge 
 neared other points to retain Bougainville in that 
 quarter 5 and having learned from deserters that a con- 
 voy of provisions were to descend the river during the 
 night of September 12th, and by the same means 
 learning the watch-word that was to be given by the 
 crews of the barges to the sentinels on shore, Wolfe 
 resolved to profit by these fortuitous circumstances, land 
 his troops at the Fuller’s Cove, and carry the adjoining 
 heights. Officers who were perfectly acquainted with 
 the French language and customs were chosen to res- 
 pond to the sentinel’s challenges, and during the ob- 
 scurity of the night, the barges with their hostile 
 freight, were allowed to pass on. 
 
 Arrived at the goal, the vanguard landed without 
 resistance; the light infantry, headed by Wolfe him- 
 self, forced the guard-house at the foot of the steep 
 pathway leading up the cliff, scaled an escarpment par- 
 tially covered with trees and brushwood, reached the 
 table-land above, surprised and dispersed the men on 
 guard, and as the day broke, an army was ranged in 
 battle order on the Plains of Abraham. A battalion 
 of Scots Highlanders took part in this enterprise and 
 contributed very materially to its success. The only 
 cannon in use had been dragged up the height with 
 ropes. 
 
 Intelligence of these movements reached Montcalm, 
 at six o’clock in the morning ; but under the impres- 
 sion that it was some detachment of no account, he 
 
Eastern townships. 03 
 
 started for the scene with only part of his men ; yet 
 when in sight of the enemy to his consternation and 
 dismay , found them ready for his reception. Through 
 a fatal precipitation, despite the advice and remon- 
 strances of his brother oflScers, and in face of the po- 
 sitive commands of the governor who had sent him 
 written orders to act on the defensive till all the forces 
 could be got together, ho resolved to commence the 
 attack at once, formed the ranks and ordered his men 
 to advance against the enemy. 
 
 Knowing that retreat would be impossible were he 
 beaten, Wolfe passed along the ranks animating his 
 men to fight well, but not to fire a gun till the enemy 
 were within twenty paces. The French advanced 
 boldly to the attack, but began firing too soon, and 
 when near enough were assailed with so deadly a dis- 
 charge that they fell into immediate confusion. Wolfe 
 chose this moment to attack in turn, and though 
 already wounded in the wrist, led on his grenadiers to 
 the charge, but had not advanced many steps when he 
 sunk to the earth mortally wounded. He was carried 
 to the rear, and his troops, in ignorance of his fall, con- 
 tinued to press their enemies, part of whom were 
 already giving way. Wolfe was dying ; but hearing 
 the cry “ They fly, they fly !” his eyes lighted with 
 their wonted fire as he eagerly asked “ Who ?” and 
 when answered “ The French,” he exclaimed “ What, 
 
64 
 
 HISTORY OF The 
 
 already ? tlien I die contentj” and falling back, expired. 
 General Monckton being also severely wounded, the 
 command fell on General Townsbend. 
 
 The defeated French were pressed with bayonet and 
 broadsword. Montcalm though wounded, made every 
 effort to rally the fugitives and regularize their retreat, 
 but in the vain attempt, fell mortally wounded and 
 was carried into the city. He acknowledged his fault 
 when too late to retrieve it, and regret was unavailing ; 
 
 ♦General Wolfe was born at Greenwich, England, in 1724, 
 and was 35 years of age at his death. His father was an invalid 
 general who had served with distinction. Being anxious to 
 engage in active service, young Wolfe had renounced a consider- 
 able place on the Irish staff, and took his chance of obtaining 
 promotion in the American war. His conduct at the siege of 
 Louisbourg, where he was only subordinate in command, drew 
 the attention of his superiors, and he was chosen to lead inthe ex- 
 pedition against Quebec ; a charge which required activity, dar- 
 ing, and prudence combined. His lieutenants, the Brigadiers 
 Monckton, Townahend, and Murray, all three of whom were in 
 the flower of manhood, were leaders who had studied the art 
 of war, and gained experience in action. 
 
 The news of the capitulation of Quebec, created universal joy 
 in England, chastened however, by an equally wide-spread sorrow 
 for the death of the brave and talented young general, as its 
 costly price. “ Throughout brof^d England, were illuminations 
 and songs of triumph : one country village alone was silent and 
 still: there Wolfe’s widowed mother mourned her only son.” 
 His remains were taken to England and laid beside those of his 
 father in his native place ; and a suitable monument was erected 
 to his memory in Westminster Abbey. He is described as having 
 been comely in person and pleasing in address ; and was to have 
 been married on his return to England. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 65 
 
 but whatever his errors and mistakes had been, they 
 were expiated in his death. After receiving the sacra- 
 ments of the church, and dictating a letter commending 
 the French prisoners to the generosity of their victors, 
 he died on the morning of September 14th, and was 
 buried by flambeau light the same evening, in the 
 chapel of the TJrsuline sisterhood ; his grave being 
 a trench along the wall of the edifice, made by the 
 ploughing of a bomb shell.* • 
 
 Such was the battle of the Plains of Abraham, 
 so fatal in its final results to French domination in 
 Canada. Quebec capitulated on the 18th of Sep- 
 tember, and one by one, other posts were aban- 
 doned to the enemy. Some further show of resis- 
 tance was made by the remaining troops under 
 command of De L^vis, still in hope of efiectual succor 
 from France ; but as the invading armies invested 
 Montreal, this illusion vanished, and that city capitu- 
 lated September 8th, 1760 ; and thus Canada finally 
 passed from French to British domination. De Vau- 
 
 • The Marquis de Montcalm was born near Nismes, France, 
 in 1712, being thus 47 years of age at the time of his death. He 
 was descended from a family of distinction, and had served suc- 
 cessfully in the European wars; but possessed some defects of 
 character. His personal courage and bravery were beyond 
 question ; but this could not avail against want of prudent fore- 
 sight and strategic ability. He was impulsive even to rashness ; 
 full of vivacityand heedlessness ; but not energetic or persevering. 
 He liked to live luiuriously ; but was unselfish, generous, and 
 careless of expenditure. 
 
 E 
 
66 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 dreuil sent orders to the chiefs of the French posts at 
 the westj to surrender their commands to those author- 
 ized to receive them; and by the year 1761, all 
 had been given up. Most of the privileges of the 
 people were assured to them, but the principal French 
 functionaries, and many of the prominent among the 
 people, returned to France. The possession of Canada 
 and its adjacent territories, was confirmed to Britain 
 by the treaty of Paris, signed May 16th, 1763. 
 
 When the notorious Bigot appeared at Versailles, he 
 was met with reproaches and indignities ; then arrested, 
 and after suffering a lengthy imprisonment, was tried 
 and exiled for life and his estates confiscated. Several 
 of his accomplices shared similar punishments ; the ex- 
 commissary Cadet, being fined 6,000,000 francs ! Even 
 the ex-governor did not escape imprisonment, which 
 indignity he owed as much to the criminating insinua- 
 tions of Montcalm’s partisans, as to the perfidious 
 calumnies of Bigot. lie made a dignified defence ; 
 showed that he had sacrificed not only his salary, but 
 property he had before accumulated, in order to supply 
 deficiencies toward the close of the war ; and best of 
 all, the patriotic and high-mmded De L^vis, stood 
 his finn friend. De Vaudreuil was relieved from the 
 accusations made against him, but died the next year, 
 less from old age, than vexation of spirit. 
 
 State obligations to the amount of 40,000,000 francs 
 were held by Canadians at this period, which became 
 almost valueless to the holders in the end. 
 
EASTEEN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 67 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 CAX.ADA AT THE CONQUEST. — MILITARY RULE. — QUEBEC GAZETTE. 
 — SIGNS OP THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION. — CANADIAN INTER- 
 ESTS. — LAW OF 1774. — PROVINCIAL CONGRESS. — GENERAL 
 CARLETON's AD^HNISTRATION IN CANvLDA. — THE CRISIS PRE- 
 CIPITATED. INVASION OP CANADA BY AMERICANS. — LEGIS- 
 
 LATIVE COUNCIL OF CANADA. — INDEPENDENCE OF AMERICA 
 ESTABLISHED. — SUCCESSIVE GOVERNORS OF CANADA. — LORD 
 
 DORCHESTER. PEACE. — A CONSTITUTION FOR CANADA. — 
 
 ELECTIONS APPOINTED. — SUCCESSIVHE GOVERNORS. — THE WAR 
 OF 1812. — TREATY OF GHENT AND RETURN OP PEACE. — 
 DEATH OF SIR GEORGE PREVOST. 
 
 The population of Canada at the time of the conquest 
 is estimated to have been 69,275 souls. The British 
 government proceeded to organize a regular colonial 
 administration, and the colony was dismembered. La- 
 brador, Anticosti and Magdalen Island were annexed 
 to Newfoundland ; Cape Breton and Prince Edward 
 to Nova Scotia ; the territories of the great lakes to 
 the neighboring American colonies, and a part of 
 Canada took the name of New Brunswick with a sepa- 
 rate administration. 
 
 Sir Jeffery Amherst, the first British governor 
 general, having returned to England, general Murray 
 
68 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 was appointed in his place, and in accordance with his 
 instructions, formed a new Executive Council, in which, 
 along with the governor, was vested all executive, le- 
 gislative, and judicial functions. This body was com- 
 posed of two lieutenant-governors, the chief-justice, 
 the inspector-general of customs, and eight persons 
 chosen from the leading inhabitants of the colony. 
 What remained of Canada was divided into two judi- 
 cial districts ; a court of Queen’s Bench was instituted, 
 and also of Common Pleas. The judges of these courts 
 were appointed by the Council, subject to royal con- 
 firmation. The Council itself was an appeal from de- 
 cisions of the courts, and the awards of that body were 
 liable to revision in the King’s Privy Council. 
 
 For the first few years, the government was purely 
 military, and probably more to the taste of the people 
 than that which immediately succeeded it ; self go- 
 vernment, politics and legislation, being quite out of 
 their sphere, and beyond their aspirations. It was 
 during governor Murray’s administration, that the first 
 printing press used in Canada was imported ; and No. 1 
 of the Quebec Qazette, with matter half French, 
 half English, appeared June 21st, 1764. This journal 
 started with a subscription list of only- 150 names; 
 merely noted passing events ; and was neutral in po- 
 litics. 
 
 An attempt was made to substitute the laws of 
 England, for those hitherto in use in the colony ; a 
 change extremely unpalatable and ofiensive to the 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 69 
 
 newly conquered subjects ; which repugnance was 
 openly manifested. 
 
 There were now unmistakeable signs of the Ame- 
 rican revolution looming up in the distance. Disputes 
 wrere commencing between Great Britain and her 
 old American colonies respecting the rights of imposi- 
 tion ; and even in the Imperial Parliament great diver- 
 sity of opinion existed and was expressed on the sub- 
 ject. 
 
 The American provinces w’ere opposed to being 
 taxed, and if they had before submitted to pretensions 
 they held in aversion, it was because they did not 
 think themselves strong enough to resist successfully. 
 But their strength was rapidly increasing, and when 
 a series of resolutions serving as the basis of a Stamp 
 Act, were adopted in March, 1764, all the colonies 
 entered protests against the principles thus laid down. 
 The essence of their opposition was expressed in the 
 assertions, No taxation without representation. As 
 British subjects, we assert that we are not imposable 
 except through our representatives.’’ They were also 
 loud in their complaints on other points, which they 
 considered as so many steps taken towards bringing 
 them into subserviency. Not^vithstanding this strong 
 opposition, the Imperial Legislature passed a lawr in 
 1765, extending the provisions of the Stamp Act in 
 Britain, to all its colonies. This brought the spirit of 
 contradiction to a culminating point, and roused so 
 strong an opposition that finally the obnoxious law was 
 
 
70 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 repealed ; which had the effect of softening provincial 
 hostility for a time ; but with the advent of a new 
 ministry, other troubles arose. In 1767, taxes were 
 initiated on several articles for exportation to the co- 
 lonies, and stringent measures were taken to enforce 
 submission. This project was yet more odious to the 
 Americans than the Stamp Act had been ; overt re- 
 sistance was manifested ; and a general convention 
 was proposed. The arrival of four regiments of sol- 
 diers with artillery, for a time put a stop to demons- 
 trations of opposition ; but the discontent only smoul- 
 dered. In 1770, energetic measures were taken to 
 carry out this new policy, but the ministerial agents 
 were met by a system of such spirited and concerted 
 resistance as effectually thwarted their purposes, and 
 eventually led to the separation of the colonies from 
 the mother country. 
 
 This state of things was rather favorable than other- 
 wise to’ Canadian interests, as an important concession 
 was made at this period, by the restoration of the civil 
 jurisprudence of Lower Canada. This however, was 
 done in the face of a strong and determined opposition 
 on the part of the old subjects of the King, who had 
 settled in the Province, expecting that in all cases 
 wherein they were personally concerned, the laws of 
 England were to apply. 
 
 While laws, enacted in 1774, thus tended to recon- 
 cile the Canadians to British domination, that which 
 closed the port of Boston, infuriated the southern pro- 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 71 
 
 vincials to the utmost. This act had been passed in 
 retaliation for the outrages and audacities committed 
 by the radical colonists against the ministerial agents. 
 It had become apparent that neither Old or New Eng- 
 land would bate a jot of their respective pretensions, 
 and that the sword alone must decide the quarrel. At 
 the first provincial congress which met in Philadel- 
 phia, an address was drawn up inviting the Canadians 
 to join the disaffected party ; copies of which, found 
 their way into the country ; yet the effect intended to 
 be produced by them, was to a great extent neutralized 
 by expressions used in an address previously issued, 
 which bore hardly upon the recognition of the Catholic 
 religion in Canada, and the permanent establishment 
 of French law. This, with the remembrance of old 
 antagonisms, was the means of losing Canada to the 
 new confederation. 
 
 General Carleton, now Major-General and Knight of 
 the Bath, returned to Canada in 1774, and inaugura- 
 ted a new constitution. lie formed a legislative coun- 
 cil of twenty members, eight of whom were Catholics. 
 Several Canadians were placed in office ; colonial feu- 
 dality was respected, and the seminai’ics were recogni- 
 zed. But Carle ton’s situation was a difficult one at 
 this crisis, as many, through widely different motives, 
 became American partisans. ‘‘ Liberty ” and “ Inde- 
 pendence ’’ are high sounding words, and in the present 
 case, were not without effect. However, the clergy and 
 seigniors were bound to British interests, and the ma* 
 
72 
 
 niSTOEY OF THE 
 
 jority following the lead of the superior classes, reject- 
 ed the American invitations to revolt. 
 
 In the meantime hostilities between the British and 
 their American colonists were precipitated by the casual 
 conflicts at Lexington and Concord : blood had been 
 spilt ; the Americans were arming everywhere, also 
 taking possession of forts, arsenals, and government 
 stores. The battle of Bunker Hill was fought, in which 
 the British, though twice repulsed, were finally success- - 
 ful in carrying the entrenchments of the provincials. — 
 This battle, according to the numerical forces engaged, 
 was the bloodiest and most obstinate of the whole war ; 
 and if eventually lost to the Americans, answered the 
 parliamentary slightings of their opponents, and taught 
 the British regulars to respect their courage and deter- 
 mination. 
 
 A project was now put on foot for the invasion of 
 Canada, by a combined attack ; one detachment was 
 to enter the Province by Lake Champlain, while Col. 
 Arnold was to make a descent on Quebec, by way of 
 the Kennebec and Cliaudi^re rivers. The details of 
 tliis futile attempt to take Canada, also the more suc- 
 cessful ending of American campaigns at the South, 
 the Declaration of Independence in 1776 ; and the 
 aid subsequently afforded by France in achieving that 
 independence, are all matters of common history. 
 
 ^ This independence having been established, negotia- 
 tions for peace were opened in Paris, and the memorable 
 Treaty by which Great Britain recognized that inde- 
 pendence, was signed September 3rd, 1783. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 73 
 
 General Carleton had been replaced by General 
 Haldimand, who, after a short administration, had given 
 place to Lieutenant-Governor Hamilton. The latter was 
 superseded in 1785, by Colonel Hope, who soon after 
 gave place to Sir Guy Carleton, raised to the Peerage 
 as Lord Dorchester, and re-appointed as Governor- 
 General of British North America. 
 
 A project for a constitution of Canada had been 
 submitted to Lord Dorchester which divided the coun- 
 try into two provinces : the expressed design of hich 
 separation was to put an end, if possible, to the com- 
 petition between the old French inhabitants and the 
 new’ settlers fi’om Britain and the British colonies. A 
 Council and House of Assembly w’cre proposed for each 
 division. 
 
 When the new law came into operation, Canada 
 passed under the rule of the fourth government set 
 over her during the thii'ty-one years succeeding the 
 Conquest. First, there was martial law from 1760 to 
 1763 ; military sway from the latter date to 1774 ; a 
 species of civil rule from 1774 to 1791 ; and finally, a 
 pai-tially elective system to commence in 1792. 
 
 After dividing Canada into two provinces, and ap- 
 portioning the laws and regulations which were to 
 prevail in each, the new constitution provided that all 
 public functionaries, beginning with the Governor- 
 General, should be nominated by the Crown, and bo 
 removable at royal pleasure ; and that the free exer- 
 cise of the Catholid religion with the conservation of 
 
74 
 
 HISTORY OP THE 
 
 its rights should be guaranteed permanently. In each 
 province there was to be instituted a legislative Council 
 and a legislative Assembly. An executive Council, 
 the members of which were to be of royal nomination, 
 to advise the Governor, was instituted, with the powers 
 of a court of appeal in civil matters. 
 
 In 1790, the division of the Province into three se- 
 parate districts, or departments, took place. In order 
 to visit England, Lord Dorchester transferred his func- 
 tions to Major-General Alured Clarke, who fixed the time 
 for the election of members to the Assembly, in June. 
 
 Lord Dorchester resumed the duties of his oflSce in 
 1793, and in the succeeding session of Parliament, 
 gave great attention to efibrts at equalizing the income 
 and expenditure of the Province. 
 
 In 1796, Robert Prescott, Esquire, replaced Lord 
 Dorchester as governor. Soon after his accession to 
 oflSce, difficulties arose with the council respecting the 
 management of the public lands ; which troubles were 
 the probable cause of his Excellency’s return to Eng- 
 land in 1799. He was succeeded by Robert Shore 
 Milnes, Esquire, as Lieutenant-Governor. About this 
 time, the government entered on possession of the 
 Jesuit’s estates. In 1800, an Act was passed to sanc- 
 tion the foundation of a royal institution intended to 
 promote a general system of public instruction. The 
 Protestant bishop of Quebec, himself the originator of 
 the project, was called to preside over the new insti- 
 tution. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 75 
 
 The fii-st French newspaper Le Canadien, appeared 
 at Quebec in November, 1806. 
 
 Events were now transpiring which seemed a fore- 
 cast of coming war. Preparations were made for the 
 crisis, which, however, was long delayed through the 
 eflforts of diplomatists. 
 
 At this critical juncture. Sir James Craig arrived 
 as governor, and took the oaths of oflSce in October, 
 1807. He was a military oflScer of some repute, 
 but possessed some characteristics which made bim 
 unpopular as an administrator among the people to 
 whom he was sent. Party spirit had been kept alive 
 by the frequent introduction of vexed questions and 
 angry debates upon them ; and though a certain 
 restraint was temporarily observed, adverse feelings 
 grew stronger, each contestation having a tinge of na- 
 tional jealousy. An unfortunate antagonism between 
 the Executive and the Legislative branches of the 
 government, finally led to a dissolution of parliament, 
 the suppression of Le Canadien newspaper, and the 
 arrest and imprisonment of several persons, which gave 
 great offence to the opposition. 
 
 Governor Craig was succeeded by Sir George Pre- 
 vost, a veteran oflScer of Swiss origin. His first oflScial 
 acts restored to a great extent the good feelings be- 
 tween parties ; and soon the most lively sympathy 
 sprang up between the governor and people. War 
 was now imminent between Britain and the United 
 States. 
 
76 
 
 HISTOEY OF THE 
 
 The governor made a tour of observation along the 
 frontier lines, examining the fortified posts, and noting 
 the military positions ; from which he returned satis- 
 fied with the spirit manifested by the people. Anxious 
 to stand well with the clergy. Sir George had several 
 conciliatory interviews with the Catholic bishop of 
 Quebec ; who profited by the occasion to obtain a full 
 recognition of the legal existence of Catholicism in Ca- 
 nada. 
 
 The Americans commenced the campaign of 1813, 
 by a series of operations against Upper Canada, Avhich, 
 though at first attended with varying success, termin- 
 ated in their being driven from the country. Invasions 
 from other quarters were equally abortive ; and after 
 various attacks and defeats, ravages and retaliations, 
 hostihties ceased ; and in August, 1814, British and 
 American envoys met at Ghent in the Low Countries, 
 to confer on terms of pacification. On the 22nd and 
 24th of December, two treaties were signed ; the 
 first containing commercial, the second, political sti- 
 pulations ; both of which were ratified by the respec- 
 tive governments. Bach party was to restore what- 
 ever territory had been taken during the war ; and the 
 subject of the rightful limits of Canada and New Bruns- 
 wick was referred to a mixed commission, aftenvards 
 to be constituted, for its final settlement. 
 
 Sir George Prevost had been popular as a ruler 
 among the people of Canada, and when summoned to 
 England to defend himself against accusations preferred 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 77 
 
 in consequence of the unfortunate ending of the Platts- 
 burg expedition, he carried with him their deepest 
 regrets and warmest sympathies. But before he was 
 called to meet his enemies face to face, he died from 
 the combined effects of fatigue, exposure, and a deeply 
 wounded spirit. His health, never robust, had been 
 materially affected by an overland passage from Que- 
 bec to St. John, N.B., where he embarked for Britain; 
 his death taking place shortly after his arrival in Lon- 
 don : consequently the court martial appointed to try 
 him, never met. The military reputation of the dead 
 warrior was at last cleared of the stain attempted to be 
 cast upon it, by members of his own profession. 
 
78 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 RENEWAL OF POLITICAL DISCUSSIONS AND AGITATIONS IN CANA- 
 DA. — SUCCESSIVE ADMINISTRATIONS. — DISORDERED FINAN- 
 CES. — CONTINUED ANTAGONISM OF PARTIES. — THE EARL OF 
 DALHOUSIE.— APPROACHING CRISIS.— DEPUTATIONS, ADDRESSES 
 AND COUNTER ADDRESSES SENT TO LONDON. — CANADIAN 
 AFFAIRS IN THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT. — SUCCESSI^TS ADMIN- 
 ISTRATIONS. — COURSE OF CANADIAN HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY. — 
 SESSIONS OP 1831-2. — RIOT AT MONTREAL. — CHOLERA IN 
 CANADA. — INTENSE POLITICAL FEELING. — SESSION OF 1834. 
 
 The war just terminated had, while it lasted, a calm- 
 ing effect upon the habitual discord between the ex- 
 ecutive and representative chambers. Peace having 
 come again and Prevost being gone, the old dissensions 
 began to re-appear. 
 
 General Drummond entered office as substitute pro- 
 tern for a regularly appointed governor ; and while in 
 the discharge of his official duties, his attention was 
 drawn to existing abuses, and to providing means to 
 regulate them. With these official probings, he was 
 occupied till the opening of Parliament in 1816 ; soon 
 after which, the house was dissolved by the governor 
 in virtue of an order sent from London. 
 
eastern townships. 79 
 
 At this period Sir John Coape Sherbrooke, arrived 
 as governor. His official career was begun by acts 
 which seemed to indicate sympathy with the people, 
 and augured favorably for his futui’e popularity. 
 
 In a general way , his prudent polity greatly moder- 
 ated the ardor of partisanship in the colony ; and after 
 the Parliament met, January 17th, 1817, the Assembly 
 seemed well disposed toward the executive. 
 
 He soon after demanded his recall under the plea 
 of failing health, and embarked for Europe shortly 
 after the close of the session. It was confidently 
 asserted that he was disgusted with the task he had 
 attempted ; and it is probable that he wished to avoid 
 troublesome contentions. 
 
 Instructions had been sent him to stand firm against 
 the opposition of the House, but in answer he had 
 enlarged on the embarrassments of his situation, and 
 the impossibility of carrying out such a course in the 
 present unquiet state of the popular mind. 
 
 His immediate successor was the Duke of Richmond 
 who arrived at Quebec in 1818, and at once assumed 
 his official duties; but sickened and died suddenly, 
 August 28th, 1819. 
 
 . For a time the government was administered by the 
 Hon. J ames Monk ; and afterward by Sir Peregrine 
 Maitland, until the arrival of the Earl of Dalhousie in 
 1820. Parliament had assembled in 1819, but was at 
 once dissolved by Mr. Monk ; a step which greatly in- 
 creased the agitation already existing, and from the 
 
80 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 first it was foreseen that the government would have a 
 more refractory Chamber to deal with in future. As 
 soon as the New Parliament metj the representatives 
 elected their speaker, but nothing further was effected, 
 as on the demise of King George III, an immediate 
 dissolution of both the Imperial Parliament and Cana- 
 dian Assembly followed. 
 
 Lord Dalhousie arrived during the election of 1820 ; 
 and on the meeting of the House in December, the new 
 governor’s opening address seemed to flow from the 
 heart of a man who ardently desired that good-will 
 and harmony should prevail. 
 
 Intelligence of the introduction to the House of Com- 
 mons, of a bill for the reunion of the Provinces, at once 
 awoke opposition, and was postponed for a time through 
 the influence of some distinguished Commoners. IVlien 
 news of this reached Canada, public meetings were 
 convoked among French Canadians in all parts of the 
 country to enter a protest against the measure. 
 
 On the meeting of Parliament in January, 1827, it 
 was found that the old animosities were still in force ; 
 and when the supplies were asked for, the demand was 
 met by a fiat refusal, which act brought matters to a 
 sudden issue. This was the most solemn censure that 
 a country could pass against the administration. So 
 Lord Dalhousie understood it, for the Chambers were 
 prorogued the next day. In the elections which ne- 
 cessarily followed, the Assembly gained every possible 
 advantage, and the liberal press were strong in con- 
 
eastern townships. gj 
 
 •demning the Governor’s polity. But that 
 •grew only the more firm and mwaverin<. in his on 
 ;and looked upon the opposition chiefs as so mmv'-^^^’ 
 
 Dor, and M. Papmeau was elected president of the 
 
 Zas f\ '^*?^. -f-d?o acknowledt 
 
 him as such, and immediately prorogued parliament. 
 
 The ^ intense agitation 
 
 Ihe government party prepared an addre^, thanking 
 
 andtrf measures he had taken" 
 and for stnving to put an end to the divisions thatdis- 
 
 tocted the colony. On the other hand the partisans 
 ■of the Assembly continued to agitate with ardor. Ad- 
 ■dresses were adopted for transmission to the Kin<' and 
 ^ mpend Parliament, in which the abuses of power 
 imputed to the governor were reproduced and denoun- 
 ■ced. Deputies were sent to London with petitions, to 
 which a great number of signatures were appended. 
 
 Counter addresses were also despatched from Lord 
 Dalhousie and his supporters. The governor, on his 
 pwt, dealt vigorously with defective magistrates, militia 
 officers, and the opposition press. The like agitations 
 were also disturbing Upper Canada. 
 
 After prolonged debates, the House of Commons 
 referred the Canadian petitions to a special committee 
 of its members. The report of this committee was 
 neither adopted nor yet repudiated. 
 
 (Sir James Kempt replaced Lord Dalhousie at Quebec, 
 
 F 
 
 
< 
 
 g2 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 and matters were left to pursue their old train, as no 
 permanent results followed the parliamentary debates. 
 
 The new governor had received ample instructions 
 for his guidance from the Home office. The provincial 
 legislature met near the close of the year 1828 ; M. 
 Papincau was recognised as president of the Assembly ; 
 and Sir James assured the Chambers of a lively desire 
 on the part of the Home Government to correct all 
 abuses. 
 
 In 1830, the government passed into the hands of 
 Lord Aylmer. The same course of conduct was pointed 
 out to him, yet there was augmented opposition to en- 
 counter in the Assembly, and public feeling was far from 
 being satisfied with an expression of good intentions. 
 The reforming party was growing stronger, and the 
 former assembly men in opposition had been i-(j-elected 
 by large majorities. 
 
 Several important concessions and reforms were pro- 
 posed by Lord Goderich, now presiding in the British 
 Colonial Department, yet they were met with apparent 
 distrust, and finally with open rejection by the Assem- 
 bly ; a malign influence seeming to govern its actions. 
 
 The factiousness of the opposition was further mani- 
 fested by acts as uncalled for, as pretentious and in- 
 consistent. 
 
 The parliament which assembled m 1831, had among 
 its members many younger men who had brought their 
 exaggerated ideas into the Assembly, and pushed on 
 the cliief leadei's of the debates, who rather needed 
 
eastern townships. 83 
 
 ZS’t&Zfo “• 
 
 far-seein" than IR • ^^^nment, more skilful and 
 
 necossitj, fc 
 
 .03. d.ad.a, viCa°„nt ".f 1 .“■<:" 
 
 as best described, in the words of Lord Durham • » The’ 
 
 ohatc”^ of “■o™»8% Briliah 
 
 In this state of public feeling an election took place for 
 a member for Montreal, which lasted through three 
 Sfriot struggle, accompanied by 
 
 and filed upon the crowd, killing several and woundin- 
 
 pi P*"'“ '"f"™ .n U.: 
 
 The Asiatic cholera broke out at this period for the 
 
 "'ith great mortality, 
 p 1 u ally in the cities of the Province : but terrible 
 as the visitation proved to be, it had little effect in 
 calming the political perturbations of the times.— 
 Uatheruigs were common in various parts of the Pro- 
 vince, and m some parishes particularly, matters were 
 •carried to an extent not before heard of in the country. 
 
 Too late, the leadci-s of this agitation sought to allay 
 the fury of the storm they had conjured ; for they 
 found it as impossible to restrain as to guide the cur- 
 
84 
 
 histokt of the 
 
 rent of popular feeling, ukiel. they were now obliged 
 
 to follow rather than lead. 
 
 The British party also had its meetings, in which 
 counter resolutions and addresses of sympathy were 
 moved for the governor and his supporters, as a set-off 
 for the assemblages in the parishes. ^ 
 
 The Provincial Parliament assembled January <tn, 
 1834 when it soon became apparent that neither party 
 were ’in the least inclined to abate in their respective 
 pretensions. Previous to the opening of the session, 
 Mr Stanley had replaced Lord Goderich as Secretary 
 of State for the Colonies. The new minister had be- 
 fore become inimical to the French Canadians, and was 
 by them considered a partisan of Anglification ; and 
 consequently, nothing that should emanate from him, 
 could be expected to find favor with them. 
 
 After the preparation of an exposition of grievanc es 
 and a bold avowal of political preferences by leaders 
 in the Assembly, the Governor prorogued the House ; 
 which step roused the opposition party to a state of 
 feeling indicative of incipient rebellion. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 85 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 THE CRISIS.— C.OfADUN AFFAIRS IN’ BRITAIN’. -ELECTION TROI BLES 
 IN CANADA.— APPOI.NT.MENT OF A ROYAL COMMISSION.— 
 FAILURE OP EFFORTS AT RECONlILIATION’.— Rn’TLRE WITH 
 TUL GO^TBRNOR PARLlAMEXT PROROGUED. — PREPARATION FOR 
 
 ARMED INSURRECTION — DEMONSTRATIONS FOR GOVERNMENT 
 
 MARTIAL LAW. — ARMED OPPOSITION PUT DOWN BY FORCE. 
 
 DEBATES IN THE BRITISH PAR LIAMENT.-— EARL OF DURHAM. 
 
 SIR JOHN COLBORNE. RENEWED TROUBLES. — STRINGENT MEA- 
 
 SURES. — PROPOSED UNION OF THE CANADAS. 
 
 The antagonistic courses pursued by the parties in 
 opposition, sufficiently prove that the times were criti- 
 cal. Much uncertainty pi*evailed respecting the future 
 policy of the British government, each party in Canada 
 hoping and believing that a final decision would be fa- 
 vorable to their own views and wishes. Current rumors 
 and journalistic hints, nourished the hopes of either 
 in turn. 
 
 A new election of parliament members now took 
 place, the returns of which were still more unfavor- 
 able to the government than before. The polling was 
 attended with disorders in many places. Associations 
 
HISTORY OR THE 
 
 86 
 
 iniruicJil to grcIi otliCTj "woro formed jiitidiGnowcd peti- 
 tions were preferred to the King. 
 
 Local demonstrations, fiery speeches, and efforts of 
 political journalists, all manifested an increasing vio- 
 lence and passionateness. The provincial parliament 
 opened February 21st, 1835, but its first proceeding 
 was to enter a protest against the remarks made by 
 the governor at the last prorogation, and to expunge 
 the report of his speech from the journals of the 
 House. This was a declaration of war at the outset. 
 
 Sir Robert Peel, then British minister, formally 
 announced that he was about to send out a govern- 
 ment commission of neutral colonial politics, charged to 
 examine into the circumstances of the case, and report 
 to the home authorities whatever it was needful they 
 should know. The Earl of Gosford who was appointed 
 Royal commissioner, had the reputation of being firm 
 in character, yet liberal in his opinions. Two others, 
 viz, Sir Charles Grey, and Sir James Gipps, were 
 associated with him. They arrived at Quebec in August 
 1835. The Chambers opened on the 27th of the suc- 
 ceeding October. Lord Gosford made a long address 
 to the Assembly, dwelling much on the reforms inten- 
 ded, and as his discourse breathed moderation and 
 justice, it was hoped that the threatened storm might 
 pass over. But during the debates of the session, the 
 two branches of the legislature became more alienated 
 in spirit and action than ever ; their contentions ending 
 only in the prorogation of Parliament. Commissioners 
 
EASTERN TOWNSniPS. 
 
 87 
 
 Grey and Gipp returned to England, and the report 
 of the commission was laid before the Imperial Parlia- 
 ment early at its next session. 
 
 Notwithstanding current rumors, and threatening 
 demonstrations, Lord Gosford was slow to believe that 
 serious outbreaks would occur, and regarded as ex- 
 aggerated the reports that reached him. He knew 
 that the leading aspirations of the French Canadian 
 people, were to preserve their usages and nationality, 
 which would at once have been jeopardized by the 
 annexation of their country to the United States. He 
 also believed that things would mend if the two coun- 
 cils were liberalized, and in this faith, recommended 
 the addition of seven French Canadians to the Legis- 
 lative Council, and nine more to the Executive Coun- 
 cil. The Chambers were summoned to meet on the 18th 
 of August. In his opening address, the governor re- 
 commended the Assembly to make disposition them- 
 selves for the employment of the revenue ; at the 
 same time intimating that if they did not, the home 
 government would order it to bo done for them. 
 Upon this, the majority of the members of the House, 
 wdth a fatal obstinacy, voted an address protesting 
 against the suggestions contained in the report of the 
 commissioners, wdiich being presented to the governor 
 on the 26th of August, he immediately prorogued the 
 Parliament by proclamation. 
 
 Concurrent circumstances had now convinced Lord 
 Gosford that Papineau’s partisans meant nothing less 
 
88 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 than to set up a republic. In several localities of the 
 rural districts, the people Tvere led away by agitators. 
 Opposition discourses went on unceasingly in town and 
 country. The young men of the movement party were 
 especially violent, and great efforts were made to induce 
 the humbler classes generally to join in a revolt : secret 
 associations were formed and open resistance concerted. 
 In several parishes, warhke preparations were in pro- 
 gress ; clubs were formed and secretly armed ; buUets 
 prepared but kept hidden. 
 
 The Executive Council took immediate measures to 
 quell the insurrection and cause the law to be respect- 
 ed. The authorities began to act with vigor against 
 defective magistrates and militia officers. The catholic 
 Bishops of Montreal and Quebec, issued pastoral letters 
 to their flocks, enjoining them to be on their guard 
 against evil counsels and inflammatory appeals ; and 
 i^eminding them of the duty of obedience to the powers 
 that were established. 
 
 The whole district of Montreal was put under martial 
 law, and the people in many places began to renounce 
 publicly all participation in the revolt. The insurrec- 
 tionary movements in the parishes had been summarily 
 suppressed, and some of the leaders, now sensible that 
 they had acted rashly, sought to persuade the governor 
 to call the Assembly together ; but Lord Gosford de- 
 clined to do so. Similar troubles had also been expe- 
 rienced in Upper Canada, where bodies of Canadian 
 malcontents and American sympathisers raised the 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 89 
 
 standard of revolt, but were soon defeated and dis- 
 persed. 
 
 Lord Gosford had long solicited his recall. His 
 resignation was now accepted, and Sir John Colbome 
 who had from the first of the insurrection, been in- 
 vested with command over the whole military force in 
 the two Canadas, was appointed to fill the place of 
 governor temporarily. 
 
 When the Imperial Parliament assembled. Lord 
 John Russell explained what measures had been taken 
 for the suppression of the revolt ; soon after which, a 
 bill was brought in for suspending the constitution of 
 Lower Canada. 
 
 The provisions of this bill were brought forward suc- 
 cessively, and led to discussions which lasted several 
 days ; yet the opposition was of a character not likely 
 to result in any way favorable to the radicals. Never- 
 theless several prominent members of both houses of 
 Parliament, blamed the conduct of ministers, and com- 
 mended clemency for the insurgents. Another inquest 
 was to be made on the spot, as to the state of the coun- 
 try : the Earl of Durham was chosen chief of the mis- 
 sion of inquirj^, and made immediate preparations for 
 his passage to Canada. Meanwliile, as soon as the 
 Imperial Parliament had suspended the Canadian 
 constitution, an order was sent to Sir John Colborne, 
 then administering the government, to form a special 
 council for despatch of the more pressing executive 
 business. This body, 22 in number, part of whom 
 were Canadians, met in April. 
 
90 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 The mission of the Earl of Durham so auspiciously 
 begun, was marked by acts which gave great dissatis- 
 faction to the home government, and the occasion was 
 eagerly seized to damage the credit of the cabinet 
 under whose instructions he acted. Intelligence of 
 the disapproval of his course, wounded him to the quick, 
 and he at once renounced the further prosecution of 
 his mission ; announcing his retirement in a proclama- 
 tion to the people. The government was again left in 
 charge of Sir John Colborne, Lord Durham returning 
 to England in November. 
 
 At this period, refugees from Canada in the United 
 States and the armed Americans who sympathised 
 with them, organized an invasion which was to take 
 place with a simultaneous rising of the disaffected peo- 
 ple of both Canadas. Early in November, symptoms 
 of this appeared in several of the parishes, and a corps 
 of Americans and refugees entered the province with 
 hostile intent. * Such attempts were also made in dif- 
 ferent parts of Upper Canada. The acting governor 
 who was prepared for those demonstrations, immediately 
 assembled the council, proclaimed martial law, and 
 with a sufficient armed force proceeded to the invaded 
 region. There was little resistance, most of the dis- 
 turbed districts being surrendered by the invaders on 
 the approach of troops ; and whatever opposition was 
 made, was soon suppressed. The American govern- 
 ment sent an armed force to repress frontier disorders, 
 and little was effected by the insurgents. Many arrests 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 91 
 
 
 took place, however, for participation in the revolt ; 
 several were condemned to death, and many more were 
 banished. Thirteen of the number thus condemned, 
 suffered the extreme penalty of the law. 
 
 In May, 1830, a bill was introduced into the Impe- 
 rial Parliament, providing for the union of the two 
 provinces. The project was accepted by the Upper 
 Canadian legislature ; but we need hardly say how 
 distasteful the measure was to a majority of the Lower 
 Canadians. Protests were drawn up against it in 
 the districts of Quebec and Montreal. 
 
92 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 ADMINISTRATION OF LORD SYDENHA31. — SIR CHARLES BAGOT. SIR 
 CHARLES (baron) METCALFE. — EARL CATHCART. THE EARL 
 OF ELGIN AND KINCARDINE. — SIR EDMUND HEAD. LORD 
 MONCK. — CONFEDERATION. — SIR JOHN YOUNG. 
 
 The union of the two provinces marks an era in Ca- 
 nadian annals. The law passed by the Imperial Par- 
 liament in 1840, took effect February lOth, 1841, 
 when the Right Hon, C. P. Thompson, who had been 
 in the country since 1839, was raised to the Peerage 
 as Lord Sydenham, and became sole representative of 
 the Queen in Canada * 
 
 The first united Parliament was summoned to meet 
 at Kingston in June, 1841. Several important mea- 
 sures were passed by it, relating to municipal institu- 
 tions, popular education, customs, currency, &c. The 
 
 * Notwithstaading the political troubles, in 1840 the provin- 
 cial revenue had reached the sum of JG184,000, while the expen- 
 diiure was but £143,000. In 1844, (the year nearest to the union 
 wherein a census was taken) the population of Canada East was 
 given as 697,000 souls, of whom 524,000 were of French origin, 
 the remainder being of British or foreign blood. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 93 
 
 session terminated in September under the most me- 
 lancholy circumstances, occasioned by the violent and 
 unexpected death of the Governor-General, who was 
 thrown from his horse and mortally hurt. The accident 
 took place on the 13th of that month. The deceased 
 nobleman was deeply and universally regretted. 
 
 The new constitution of United Canada as embraced 
 in the act of union, embodied several features not 
 before introduced into colonial constitutions, the mosfc 
 important of which was responsible government^ that is, 
 a government controlled by colonial ministers of the 
 crown having seats in the legislature, responsible to it 
 for their official acts and for their advice to the Gov- 
 ernor-General. Second in importance, was the conces- 
 sion to the House of Assembly, of a complete control 
 over the revenue in all its branches, and the entire 
 supervision of the expenditure of the country. This was 
 just what the great liberal party had long been con- 
 tending for ; w'hile to meet as far as possible the views 
 of the other party, guards and checks were interposed, 
 which have been gradually relaxed. Much had been 
 accomplished in a short space of time by tho late Lord 
 Sydenham towards elevating and improving the coun- 
 try. 
 
 Sir Charles Bagot was his successor in office, becom- 
 ing Governor-General of Canada in 1842. He had many 
 difficulties to contend with, arising from the smouldering 
 embers of party rivalries and passions which were some 
 times fiercely roused. By a prudent and conciliatory 
 
94 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 course however, he succeeded in calming the heats of 
 strife, and many useful measures were passed 
 by the legislature during his administration. His 
 health failing, he returned to England where he died 
 in 1843, aged 63 years. 
 
 Sir Charles Metcalfe, who had distinguished himself 
 as Governor of India and of Jamaica, succeeded Sir 
 Charles Bagot. His efforts to mitigate what he felt to 
 be the evils of mere party government, and his appoint- 
 ments to office, led to a difference between himself and 
 the members of his cabinet, who resigned office. They 
 maintained that appointments under the Crown should 
 be made chiefly with a view to strengthen the adminis- 
 tration, and upon the advice of ministers responsible to 
 Parliament. Sir Charles, on the other hand, maintain- 
 ed that the patronage of the Crown should be dispensed 
 according to merit, irrespective of party objects, and 
 for the sole benefit of the country. Other points of 
 difference arose, which widened the breach ; on an ap- 
 peal to the country, the policy of Sir Charles was sus- 
 tained by a majority of the electors, and he was shortly 
 afterward raised to the Peerage as Baron Metcalfe. 
 He was compelled to resign his office and return to 
 England, in consequence of disease, where he died of 
 a cancer in the face in 1846, aged 61 years. It was 
 during his administration that the government removed 
 to Montreal. On his return to England in 1845, Gen- 
 eral Lord Cathcart, Commander of the Forces, assum- 
 ed the reins of government, which he held till the 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 95 
 
 arrival of Ike Earl of Elgin and Kincardine, earlj i„ 
 l«i7. This period was made sadly memorable by the 
 prevalence of what was temed “ ship fever,” which had 
 been induced by famine, and had spread desolation in 
 Ireland and Scotland, driving multitudes to seek refu<-e 
 in Canada. They brought fever and death with them ; 
 and for a time pestilence was abroad in the land 
 Measures wliich were promptly taken to provide for 
 this calamity, in some degree mitigated the evil. 
 
 Lord Elgb entered heartily into liis official duties, 
 and soon public attention was drawn from the pesti- 
 lence to the political state of the countiy. He ex- 
 hibited a comprehensiveness of mind and a singleness 
 of purpose, which at once gave dignity to his admi- 
 nistration, and divested the settlement of questions 
 then agitating the public mind, of much of that petty 
 bitterness and strife which had before entered so much 
 into the political discussions of the day. Under his 
 auspices responsible government was fully carried out, 
 and every reasonable cause of complaint was removed. 
 Earely had a governor so identified himself with the 
 interests of Canada, or sought so ably and effectually 
 to promote them ; and the consequences were favorable 
 in the highest degree to the general improvement 
 and prosperity of the country. A general election 
 took place in 1848, giving a largo preponderance of 
 the reform party in the House of Assembly. The 
 governor at once surrounded himself with the chiefs of 
 that party, and measures of gi’eat utility and impor- 
 tance were passed by the legislature. 
 
96 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 One measure however, produced a sudden ebullition 
 of party violence, which for a time disturbed the gen- 
 eral harmony and brought disgrace upon the Province. 
 In 1845, a former ministry under Lord Cathcart s 
 administration, had issued a commission of inquiry into 
 the losses sustained during the rebellion, by individuals, 
 either from military necessity or from lawlessness. Their 
 
 report was hut partially acted upon at the time ; but 
 so great was the pressure brought to bear upon the 
 government by parties who had suffered those losses, 
 that in 1849, the matter came up before the governor 
 in council, and subsequently before the legislature for 
 final settlement. The measure proposed, being thought 
 too indiscriminate and liberal by the party in opposi- 
 tion to the government, warm discussions arose in the 
 house, and a violent agitation commenced throughout 
 the country. The measure however, passed both houses, 
 and was assented to by Lord Elgin in the Queen s 
 name. No sooner had he done so, than he was assailed 
 in the streets of Montreal, and as a crowning act of 
 violence, the Houses of Parliament were set fire to, 
 and with their valuable library almost totally destroyed. 
 Beside the irreparable loss of the library, and of the 
 public records, a fatal injury was inflicted upon the 
 good name and public credit of the country, and po- 
 pular violence for a time ti'iumphed. The seat of gov- 
 ernment was at once removed to Toronto. 
 
 In consequence of this ebullition. Lord Elgin tender- 
 ed his resignation ; but the Queen declined to accept 
 
Eastern townships. 
 
 9t 
 
 Srr .r 
 
 «pect of the great mass of the people for hL lS; 
 
 d splayed during an eventful crisis in their history 
 Many me.^ures of great beneht to the country hl- 
 came law dunng h.s administration, and at the pL' d 
 of his departure from Canada in 1854, the Province 
 again enjoyed peace and prosperity. Before leavin<^ 
 he procured the passage of the reciprocity treaty wUh 
 the neighboring republic; which opened a ready 
 market for surplus agricultural products, and for lar4 
 quantities of lumber. * ^ 
 
 Several important lines of railway, prominent amon<r 
 which were the Grand Trunk and Great Western 
 
 This treaty was concluded in June, 1854. between Lord 
 Elgin, Governor of Canada, and Mr. Marcy on the part of the 
 United States. Its design was to regulate commercial inter- 
 course between the two countries ; and it was to remain in force 
 ten years from the time at which it came into operation; or 
 further still, until thee.vpiration of twelve months after either of 
 the contracting parties gave notice to the other, of its wish to 
 terminate the same. 
 
 It expired on the 11th of September, 1864 , after which, either 
 Great Britain or the United States were free to give notice of 
 the termination of its provisions; to take effect twelve months 
 after the date of such notice. Of* this power the United States 
 government availed itself, and the treaty came to a final termi- 
 nation in March, 1866 . Steps have since |been taken towards 
 negotiating a new treaty, but hitherto without any successful 
 issue. 
 
 O 
 
98 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 were also projected and commenced during this admi- 
 nistration. 
 
 In the great International Exhibition which was 
 held at London in 1851, Canada made a most favorable 
 impression on the British public. 
 
 Sir Edmund Head succeeded Lord Elgin as governor 
 of Canada in 1854. His administration was a memorable 
 one in the annals of the country ; being noted for the 
 number and extent of public improvements effected ; 
 foremost among which, was the completion of the 
 Grand Trunk Railway to Riviere Du Loup, and of the 
 Victoria Bridge over the St. Lawrence river at Mont- 
 real. The Clergy Reserve, and Seigniorial Tenure 
 questions, were also finally disposed of. In 1855, and 
 in 1861, Canada again distinguished herself in the 
 great International Exhibitions. In 1856, the Legis- 
 lative Council was made a partially elective Chamber. 
 In the same year, an ocean line of steamers running 
 to Ireland and England was established. In 1858, 
 the decimal system of currency with appropriate silver 
 and copper coins, was introduced. 
 
 The closing period of Sir Edmund’s administration 
 was rendered still more memorable in 1860, by the visit 
 of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, to Canada 
 and other British North American Provinces as well as 
 to the United States. The Prince met with an enthu- 
 siastic reception wherever he went ; his presence as 
 the especial representative of his august Mother the 
 Queen, evoking feelings of the warmest enthusiasm 
 
eastern townships. 
 
 99 
 
 Kojal^ighll'e lI'ti'irirM "" 
 
 selected by Her MaiV^fv J *i ® previously 
 
 Governs JlfecSf 
 
 On the retirement of Sir Edmund IleirJ T a ir- 
 
 i- 
 
 en,ban,«.i„gZp£i.''‘’ *° »■' 
 
 ,u!!! “r “‘“SO"™ Hal tad tacn ken( 
 
 ca::rs:zi':,Zc:«r 
 
 aW«o„,.l,a.hadbce„hcMd„riag4Zdr„“Tr 
 
 It was found tbal tho taslilo majority f„u.“ai,|„; 
 Province in the legislature, was increased rather than 
 
 maW ; confederation designed ulti- 
 
 mately to embrace the whole of the British North 
 Amencan Provinces, was therefore set on foot, by which 
 each was to have the management of its own local affairs • 
 while to a general government it was designed to leave’ 
 matters common to all. An Intercolonial Kailway con- 
 necting Canada, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia 
 directly with each other, so as to afford a winter outlet 
 tor travel and commerce, has also been projected 
 It was expected by friends of the enterprise, 'that 
 should this pnnciple of confederation be applied to the 
 
HISTORT OF THE 
 
 100 
 
 different rrovinccs, an impetus would bo given to in- 
 ternal trade and foreign commerce, and a new era of 
 social and political prosperity dawn upon the colonies ; 
 and further, it was hoped that the bitter party per- 
 sonalities which had grown out of national rivalries 
 and sectional jealousies, might give place to more en- 
 larged and liberal views, and to a more enlightened 
 statesmanship, and that our public men might feel 
 that in representing parts of a great confederation, 
 their policy and acts should be dictated by a higher 
 and more dignified national standard than as yet they 
 had attained. 
 
 By Act of Imperial Parliament the Provinces of 
 Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, were con- 
 stituted one Dominion under the name of Canada; 
 which Act, according to Royal Proclamation, took effect 
 July 1st, 1867. It was provided in the Act, that the 
 new Dominion should be divided into four Provinces, 
 named, respectively, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia 
 and New Brunswick. 
 
 The part of Canada known as Upper Canada, con- 
 stitutes the Province of Ontario ; the part known as 
 Lower Canada, forms the Province of Quebec : while 
 the Provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, 
 retain the same names and limits as before the passing 
 of the Act of Confederation. 
 
 In the autumn of 1868, Sir John Young arrived in 
 Canada, to* succeed Lord Monck as governor general. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 101 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 UXIIED CAXADA. — ITS LIMITS AND BOUNDARIES. — SURFACE OF 
 
 COLXTRY. LAKE SUPERIOR. — HURON. — ERIE. — ONTARIO. 
 
 the ST. LAWRENCE AND ITS TRIBUTARIES.— EXTEN.SIVE CH\N- 
 NEL of INTER-COMMUNICATION.— EXTRACT FROM EUROPEAN 
 CORRESPONDENCE. -UPPER CANADA. - LOWER CANADA.- 
 
 COMMERCIAL FACHJTIES. — AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS. 
 
 EXPORTS AND IMPORTS. — REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE. — 
 DEBT AND ASSETS. — PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS. — CONSTITUTION 
 AND CIVIL GOVERNMENT. — EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM. — MUNICI- 
 PAIHTIES. — JUDICIARY. 
 
 The country hitherto known as Canada, comprises 
 but a small part of British America. Taking it length- 
 wise, its limits extend from the 60th to the 84th°de- 
 gree of west longitude ; and from the 42nd to the 
 o2nd parallel of north latitude. It lies in the form of a 
 parallelogram extending north-east and south-west. 
 The inhabited part of it is included in about 36,000 
 square miles ; the remainder being still in its primitive 
 state. 
 
 The northern and eastern boundaries are Hudson’s 
 Bay Territory, Labrador, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 
 New Brunswick, and a part of the State of Maine ; the 
 
102 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 southern, are the States of Newhampshire, Vermont, 
 and a part of New York, to St. Regis on the St. 
 Lawrence, about 75 miles above Montreal ; that being 
 the point where the 45th parallel of north latitude 
 strikes the river, which then constitutes the division 
 to Lake Ontario ; whence the countries are separated 
 by the chain of lakes and connecting rivers, to Lake 
 Superior at the north-west, where it must be confessed, 
 the extreme limit seems rather undefined. 
 
 The surface of this vast extent of country includes 
 every variety of scenery, from the bold and precipitous 
 mountain with its snow-capped summit, in its rugged 
 and unapproachable grandeur ; the magnificent river 
 with its thundering cataract or foaming rapid; the 
 expansive lakes within which lie beautiful and fertile 
 islands; to the extensive forest plains or cultivated 
 fields from amidst which have sprung up towns and 
 villages ; while at many points on lakes or rivers, arc 
 cities of commercial or military importance. 
 
 At the further north-west is Lake Superior, said to 
 be the largest body of fresh water in the world. It is 
 360 geographical miles in length ; resembles an irre- 
 gular crescent in form ; while its surface is 627 feet 
 above the level of the Atlantic, and its shores give in- 
 dication of having been forty or fifty feet higher. 
 Through this lake we are enabled to attain a distance 
 of 2,000 miles by water, from the mouth of the St. 
 Lawrence. Its surplus waters issue near its south- 
 eastern extremity into St. Mary’s channel, through 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 103 
 
 which they are carried more than forty miles to Lake 
 Huron. About midway are the St. Mary’s falls (Sault 
 Ste. Marie) around which a short canal has been 
 constructed, so as to admit vessels into Lake Superior. 
 
 Lake Huron is the second in succession, as well 
 as magnitude, of this great chain. It is about 
 240 miles in length, and not less than 220 in 
 breadth ; its circumference being nearly 1,000 
 miles. Its surface is only 32 feet below that of 
 Lake Superior; being thus 595 feet above the sea 
 level ; and it is equally with that lake, distinguished 
 for the clearness and brilliancy of its waters, and for 
 an extraordinary depth of 900 or 1000 feet. This 
 lake pours out its surplus waters at its southern extre- 
 mity through the river St. Clair, which stream expands 
 into a lake of the same name, about 26 miles in length, 
 by about the same in breadth. Both this lake and 
 the Detroit river which issues from it, are extremely 
 shallow. The latter flows 26 miles, when it expands 
 into Lake Erie. 
 
 Tliis body of water is about 244 miles long, and at 
 its centre, 58 miles in breadth ; its circumference 
 being estimated as somewhat less than 658 miles. Its 
 surface is said to be 565 feet above the level of the 
 ocean ; making it thirty feet lower than Lake Huron. 
 The depth seldom exceeds 27 0 feet ; which shallow- 
 ness is accounted for by the supposition that the 
 basin of the lake is becoming filled with deposits car- 
 ried down by the rivers. It is the most dangerous 
 
104 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 of the lakes to cross, being very subject to storms and 
 sudden gusts of wind, rendering the navigation at all 
 times insecure. 
 
 Here the great channel of communication changes 
 to the north-east. The Niagara river issues from 
 Lake Erie, between Fort Erie and the city of Buffalo. 
 It is about 33 miles long, steam navigation ending 
 at Chippewa nearly opposite Navy Island, where the 
 Welland river enters it. Below this point, the cur- 
 rent rapidly increases ; the roaring of the yet distant 
 and unseen Fall is heard ; a misty cloud rises and 
 hovers over the waters ; the sound grows louder ; 
 the banks rise higher ; and with swiftly concentrating 
 force, the mass of waters rush, foaming and furious, to 
 their tremendous leap, the world-renowned Falls of Nia- 
 gara. Some seven miles below this, the river again 
 becomes navigable, till it enters lake Ontario. These 
 obstructions to the passage of vessels are overcome on 
 the Canadian side, by the Welland Canal, which joins 
 Lake Erie at Port Col borne, and enters Lake Ontario 
 at Port Dalhousie. 
 
 Ontario is the last and most eastern in the chain 
 of these Inland Seas.’’ Its length is given as 172 
 miles through the centre from south-west to north- 
 east. It is 750 miles from the sea, and 234 feet 
 above it. The name Ontario,” which signifies The 
 Beautiful,” is considered peculiarly appropriate ; as 
 the surrounding scenery partakes of the calm and 
 peaceful order, rather than the striking and sublime 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 105 
 
 m nature. It lies in the midst of a highly cultivated 
 country ; and numerous cities and towns on its bays, 
 inlets and tributaries, are fast growing into importance.' 
 At its eastern e.xtremity, through the mighty stream 
 which now for the first takes the name of St. Law- 
 rence, the surplus watere of this vast connection of 
 lakes and their numberless tributaries, pour their re- 
 sistless flood, hastening “Onward to the Ocean.” After 
 a short distance the channel of the river expands and 
 takes the name of the“ Lake of the Thousand Isles 
 given in consequence of the innumerable islands of every 
 variety of size and form which arc here grouped together. 
 Passing these, with somewhat contracted channel the 
 river continues on its course till an island causes the 
 rapids oi Long-Sault^ to avoid which the Cornwall canal 
 was constructed. Past this point, the river again 
 expands to the width of five miles, and is here called 
 lake St. Francis. Below this, the channel is obstructed 
 by rapids in a degree that makes navigation difficult 
 and dangerous for some distance ; to avoid which, and 
 enable vessels to ascend as well as descend the current, 
 the Beauharnois canal has been constructed. Below 
 tills the river spreads out into Lake St. Louis. Here at 
 the point opposite where the waters of the Ottaw^a mingle 
 with those of the St. Lawence, is situated the Indian 
 village of Caughnawaga^ or “the village of the rapids.” 
 Passing this the river again contracts, when the La- 
 chine rapids, or Sauli St. Louis of Jacques Cartier 
 memory, are formed by the body of water which rushes 
 
106 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 foafiling among rocky obstructions for a distance o 
 nine miles ; to avoid which, the Lachine canal was 
 built. We now pass the city of Montreal, the com- 
 mercial metropolis of Canada ; below which, the river 
 is navigable for sea-going vessels. But about 40 miles 
 down, where it receives the waters of several large 
 rivers from the south side, it expands into Lake St. 
 Peter and becomes so shallow that it has been found 
 necessary to dredge and deepen a channel which is 
 extremely intricate at best. This lake is 25 miles in 
 length, with a breadth varying from one to ten miles. 
 Immediately below this, on the northern side, is situa- 
 ted the town of Three Rivers ; up to which the waters 
 of the great river rise and fall at the regular ebb and 
 flow of the ocean tides. Now expanding, then con- 
 tracting, and occasionally receiving the waters of some 
 considerable tributary, the mighty flood nears Quebec, 
 and flows majestically past the “ Stronghold,’’ in a 
 somewhat narrowed channel, yet with a deep strong 
 current. Twenty miles below this, the waters begin 
 to have a saline taste which naturally grows stronger 
 till they acquire the briny saltness of the ocean. At 
 Kamouraska the river is twenty miles in width, which 
 continues increasing till it reaches the island of Anti- 
 costi, where at what is usually termed its mouth, it has 
 acquired a breadth of 60 miles. 
 
 This island is 135 miles in length, by about thirty 
 miles in width at its broadest part. It has but few in- 
 habitants, little of the land being fit for cultivation ; 
 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 107 
 
 but contains two light-houses for the benefit of mariners • 
 two depfits of provisions in case of shipwreck; and a 
 permanent hunting and fishing establishment. The 
 Gulf of St. Lawrence from the coast of Nova Scotia 
 to that of Labrador, is 300 miles in width. 
 
 The northern shore of this river for more than 200 
 miles up from its mouth, is said to present nearly the 
 same primeval range of forest as when first penetrated 
 by the early French navigators : the only exceptions 
 to this, being Tadousac at the mouth of the Saguenay 
 river, and a few other unimportant settlements. Ta- 
 dousac owed its former importance to having been for 
 a long time a chief fur trading post. The southern 
 coast, however, from Gasp^ up, gives more sign of civi- 
 lization and advancement, and the further we ascend, 
 the improvement becomes more apparent. Some points 
 along the coast of the lower St. Lawrence, have more 
 recently become fashionable sea bathing resorts. 
 
 This noble and majestic river, which carries m its 
 moving flood all the surplus waters of an immense 
 extent of country, likewise bears on its surface those 
 White-winged messengers,” which take away our own 
 staples of commerce, and bring back to us the products 
 of more genial climes. Up to Quebec the largest class of 
 sea-going vessels ascend without diflBculty ; and those 
 of 3000 tons go up as far as Montreal, from which city 
 an mferior class of vessels can reach the Upper lakes, 
 by the course above described. 
 
 In magnitude and importance, the Ottawa river 
 
108 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 ranks next to the St. Lawrence. It has its sources 
 among the lakes of the north, and may safely be said 
 to exceed 500 miles in length. It was formerly the 
 great thoroughfare by which an extensive traflSc in furs 
 was carried on with the natives of those regions ; the 
 voyageurs avoiding the numerous rapids, and passing 
 from lake to river hj portage ; till according to previous 
 arrangement, they met another class of messengers 
 called couriers des hois^ whose business it was to col 
 lect and bring the furs to an appointed rendezvous. 
 
 More recently, however, the valuable timber on the 
 banks of this river and its tributaries, has drawn the 
 attention of those engaged in lumbering, and immense 
 quantities of saw-logs are eveiy year floated down 
 to the cities of the St. Lawi'ence, whence much manu- 
 factured lumber finds its way to European markets. 
 
 The channel of the Upper Ottawa is much broken 
 and obstructed by islands and rapids, among which 
 may be found many points of interest to the lovers of 
 beautiful natural scenery : yet it is hardly probable that 
 either the voyageurs of old, or the'hardy raftsmen of 
 the present day, had either time to admire, or taste to 
 appreciate them : more probably thinking of them as 
 greatly multiplying their labors and fatigues. 
 
 Near the location of the city of Ottawa, are the fa- 
 mous Chaudiere or Kettle Falls, said to be eighty feet 
 in height by about 212 feet in width. The peculiar shape 
 of the impeding rock turns the current toward the centre 
 of the river, and thus concentrates its force as it plunges 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 109 
 
 into a chasm, or kettle as it is termed, ■which has been 
 found to be of extraordinary depth. The supposition 
 that there exists a subterraneous passage beneath the 
 bed of the river, which receives part of the mass of 
 waters, is increased by the fact that half a mile lower 
 down, they come boiling up as if from the kettle. 
 
 Below this, the navigation is obstructed at points, 
 rendering it perilous except to boatmen of strength, skill 
 and experience. Sections of canal have been construct- 
 ed to avoid those dangers. Still further down, the river 
 expands into the Lake of Two Mountains,’’ so called 
 from two hills in the vicinity ; after which the channel 
 of the Ottawa is separated ; which division forms the 
 island of Montreal. The part of the river passing back 
 of that island, joins the St. Lawrence below at Repen- 
 tigny ; while far the greater volume of water enters 
 it above at Lake St. Louis. 
 
 The St. Maurice which enters the great river from 
 the nortli, is composed of two principal branches, the 
 most westerly of which has its source in a remarkable 
 chain of small lakes situated far to the north. Catar- 
 acts occur upon this river, one of which is said to be 
 150 feet in perpendicular height. The waters of the 
 St. Maurice are divided at its mouth by two small 
 islands into three distinct channels, giving it the ap- 
 pearance of Three Rivers, which is the origin of the 
 name given to the town near its junction with the St. 
 Lawrence. Much valuable timber is found on the banks 
 of the St. Maurice and its tributaries, and floated down 
 to Three Rivers. 
 
no 
 
 HISTORY 01* THE 
 
 Further down toward Quebec, but on the same side 
 of the flood, comes the Jacques Cartier River, which, 
 issuing from the distant mountains in the north, rushes 
 rapidly in with its tributary waters, as if hastening to 
 swell the mighty current. 
 
 The Saguenay river issues from Lake St. Johns, which 
 lies directly north of Quebec, and is said to be just 
 100 miles around. This lake receives the waters of 
 many large rivers and streams, hut discharges only 
 through the Saguenay ; which accounts for the extra- 
 ordinary depth of that river. Though some distance 
 north of Quebec, the climate in the vicinity of this lake 
 is said to be far preferable to that on the sea coast, 
 and the land is of excellent quality for cultivation. 
 The scenery is thought unsurpassed in any section of 
 Canada, and settlements are rapidly springing into life. 
 Ships of the largest size can ascend the Saguenay river 
 70 miles, and schooners go up to the head of tide 
 water 15 miles further, to the foot of a series of rapids 
 ten miles in length. The Saguenay flows in a south- 
 western course, till it enters the St. Lawrence at 
 Tadousac. 
 
 The chief tributaries of the St. Lawrence coming 
 from the southern side, are described elsewhere. This 
 great river with the connecting lakes thus affords im- 
 mediate and direct water communication for about 
 2,000 miles of inland coast, without reference to those 
 aflauents which come from all parts of the interior. 
 
 A European, writing on the resources of Canada and 
 
Ill 
 
 eastern townships, 
 
 their availability through these natural and improved 
 facilities for inland navigation, says : “ Their waters 
 transport the produce of the settler’s labor to distant 
 markets, and lay open to his enterprize the wide-spread 
 forests and plains, that but for them would still have 
 remained the heritage of the Indian hunter and his 
 brutal prey. Among the greatest proofs of enterprize 
 in the world are those canals by which navigation 
 is made practicable from the ocean to Lake Superior. 
 
 “ The display of the natural products of the far-reach- 
 ing lands, watered by the giant St. Lawrence and its 
 tributaries, at the great Exhibition of 1862, came to 
 the eyes of most of us with a sort of shock. It was 
 surprising, indeed, to behold such evidences of wealth 
 given by a dependency which was associated in the 
 popular mind with frost and snow, — with Niagara, 
 Labrador,and French insurrection — Moose, moccasins, 
 and Indians. 
 
 “ There we saw an exuberance and excellence of 
 growth in timber and in the cereals — in all kinds of 
 agricultural produce, combined with prodigious mineral 
 riches, showing what a future Canada may expect when 
 population and capital combined, shall disinter its ti-ea- 
 sures and develope its resources.” 
 
 Upper Canada (Ontario). 
 
 This Province is about 750 miles in length, and from 
 200 to 300 mites in width. Its surface is generally 
 undulating rather than iiiountainous,the most elevated 
 
112 
 
 HISTORY OP THE 
 
 portions boin^ tho L'lnrcntian hills, which appear at in- 
 tervals running west, and north-west, but are generally 
 mere water sheds rather-than bold prominences. The 
 magnificent chain of lakes which form the southern and 
 western boundaries of Upper Canada have a total length 
 of 1085 miles, and cover an area of more than 70,000 
 square miles. The principal rivers are the Ottawa, 
 separating it from Lower (Canada ; the Niagara, divid- 
 ing it in part from the United States ; the Grand River 
 which flows into Lake Erie ; the Trent which discharges 
 into the Bay of Quintd ; the Thames, which falls into 
 Lake St. Claire ; and the Aux Sables, Maitland, and 
 others which enter Lake Huron. 
 
 Upper Canada was originally settled mostly by the 
 United Empire Loyalists of America and their descen- 
 dants, and by emigrants from the British Isles. It 
 was constituted a distinct government under the name 
 of Upper Canada in 1791 ; the first Parliament being 
 opened at Newark (Niagara) in 1792, by Col. J. G. 
 Simcoe, the first Lieutenant Governor. The House 
 of Assembly consisted of only sixteen members, and 
 the Legislative Council of only seven. 
 
 The chief cities and towns of Upper Canada are 
 Toronto, Hamilton, Kingston, London, Brantford, 
 Belleville, and Cobourg ; while many others are fast 
 growing in population and importance. Ottawa city, 
 on the river of that name, is the seat of government of 
 the Dominion of Canada. 
 
 The climate of Upper Canada, though somewhat 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 113 
 
 inclmed to extremes both in winter and summer, is yet 
 sensibly tempered by the influence of the great lakes ; 
 and is milder than that of Lower Canada. Wheat is the 
 staple product ; and barley, oats, rye, peas, buckwheat, 
 Indian com, and the common domestic vegetables are 
 raised in abundance. Some sections also, particularly 
 the south-western parts, produce fine fruits. 
 
 Lower Canada (Quebec). 
 
 This Province is about 600 miles in length, by 
 about 300 miles in breadth. Though not strictly speak- 
 ing a mountainous country, its scenery is more imposing 
 than that of Upper Canada, on account of the ma<mi- 
 tude of its rivers, and the greater height of its moun. 
 tains. A range enters the Province from the south, 
 known here as the Notre Dame Range, and continues 
 at intervals to the lower St. Lawrence ; while on the 
 north is the Laurentian range, extending west and 
 north-west, from the Gulf of St. Lawrence into the 
 interior. Some of those mountains are from 3000 to 
 4000 feet high. 
 
 The chief rivers are described elsewhere. The 
 chief cities and towns are Quebec, the ancient capital ; 
 Montreal, the commercial metropolis ; beside which, 
 are Three Rivers, St Hyacinthe, and the towns of St. 
 Johns, Sorel, and Sherbrooke ; while others are grow- 
 ing apace. 
 
 The climate ofLower Canada is more steadily severe 
 in winter, and warmer in summer than that of Upper 
 
114 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 Canada. Spring usually opens late, but vegetation 
 grows rapidly. The agricultural products of the 
 Provinces are similar, with the exceptions that less 
 wheat is grown and less choice fruit is raised here 
 than in Upper Canada. 
 
 Commercial Facilities. 
 
 In addition to the natural advantages possessed by 
 Canada, commercial facilities have been increased by 
 the construction of numerous canals, railways and tele- 
 graph lines. Steamboats and other lake and river 
 vessels arc now numerous. The first steamboat built 
 in Lower Canada, was launched at Montreal, by the 
 Hon. John Molson, in 1809, and was named the Accom- 
 modation. On the first trip, she left Montreal on the 
 first of November, and reached Quebec, on the morn- 
 ing of the fourth the return trip occupying a week. 
 
 The first steamboat built in Upper Canada, was 
 launched at Ernesttown, in 1816, and named the 
 Frontenae. The first trip was made May 30th, 1317. 
 The postal system of Canada is now quite efficient. 
 Reciprocity arrangements exist for the free exchange 
 of natural productions with Great Britain and her 
 other North American colonies. 
 
 Agricultural Products. 
 
 In addition to the different kinds of grain and vege- 
 tables, hemp, flax, hops, tobacco, &c., are successfully 
 cultivated in many parts ; and maple sugar, Canada 
 
EASTEKX TOWNSmrs. 
 
 115 
 
 from our forests 
 
 total quantity of wheat produced yearly in united 
 Canada, IS about 30,000,000 bushels • nf Lf . u 
 35,000,000 ; rye about 15,000,000 ; barley 4 000^000^ 
 peas 15,000,000 ; buckwheat 4 000 000 T ^r ’ 
 
 corn 6 000,000;^. 20, 
 
 lSO00,0001bs,andm.pl<, sugar nearly 10 , 000,000 
 S- V^t quantites of dairy produce are also sent to 
 m^ket from Upper, and from parts of Lower Tn^ 
 occupied farms in both Provinces is 
 
 «^>out fSO,! 
 
 EaXPORxs AND Imports. 
 
 Lumber and gi-ain form the chief staple of Canadian 
 
 exports In 1863, the timber shipped%rom QueTec 
 was valued at f 10,000,000. In addition to the conve- 
 nience of having open lakes and rivers for reachin<r 
 sea-ports, shdes are constructed when there are falls 
 and rapids on rivors where timber berths e-xist. It is 
 estimated that at least 25,000 men are engaged in the 
 lumber trade of Canada. The value of exported grain 
 IS double that of the timber. In 1862, nearly 9,000,000 
 bushels of wheat alone were exported from Canada 
 at an estimated value of about $1 0,000,000. Aside 
 from these resources may bo mentioned the products 
 of the forest, the sea, the mine, ship building, and 
 domestic manufactures. The annual value of our 
 
116 
 
 history of the 
 
 exports is from $30,000,000 to $40,000,000. The 
 chief imports into Canada, are Woollens,Cottons, Silk?, 
 Iron, Tobacco, Tea, Wine, Sugar &c. Their annual 
 value is estimated at from $40,000,000 to $50,000,000, 
 The Revenue and Expenditure are about $11,250,000 
 each. The total debt of the Province about $7 6,000,- 
 000 ; total assets $77 ,000,000. 
 
 Public Improvements. 
 
 The public improvements of Canada consist of canals, 
 railroads, public buildings, harbors, light-houses, roads 
 and bridges ; the most important of which are canals 
 and rmlroads. The total length of the canals altogether 
 is 235 miles ; their cost $21,000,000. The aggregate 
 len<^th of railway is near 2000 miles ; constructed 
 at a cost of over $100,000,000. The two principal 
 lines are the Grand Trunk and Great Western. The 
 former includes the celebrated Victoria bridge over 
 the St. Lawrence: the suspension bridge over the 
 Niagara river, connects the Great Wcstera and New- 
 York Central railways. A Canadian line of mail steam- 
 ships, running to England and Ireland, from Quebec 
 in summei', and from Portland Maine) in winter, 
 has been established. The Telegraph was introduced 
 in 1847, and extends to all the principal places in the 
 country. Post-ofl5ces are also generally established, 
 and are increasing in number. A uniform postage 
 rate of five cents was introduced in 1851 ; which has 
 been reduced to three cents since the passing of the 
 Confederation Act. 
 
Eastern townships. 
 Civil Government. 
 
 m 
 
 _ In Canada, tlic system of government is monarchical 
 jn Its most popular form. The Queen is represented 
 by a Governor-General, who is aided and advised by a 
 Council styled the » Queen’s Privy Council for Cana- 
 
 pie Constitution is founded upon and is identical 
 wi tiat of England, with the single exception that 
 tlie sanctioning of any law may be reserved for the 
 supreme authority of the » Mother Country,” when- 
 ever the Governor -General thinks proper.* This pre- 
 rogative is only exercised to maintain the principal 
 of colonial dependence ; for in point of fact, the Impe- 
 rial Parliament grants the fullest liberty to the colonial 
 Assembly, and the management and enjoyment of all 
 their revenue. 
 
 The Parliament of Canada consists of the Queen, 
 an Upper House styled the Senate, and the House of 
 Commons. The Queen is represented by the Governor- 
 General, aided and advised by the Queen’s Privy 
 Council for Canada, the members of which are chosen 
 and sworn in as Privy Councillors by the Governor- 
 General, and may be removed by him. 
 
 The assemblage of laws, termed the constitution (says an 
 eminent Jurist) is distinguished from the term government in 
 this respect, viz : the constitution is the rule by which the sove- 
 reign ought to govern at all times ; and the government is the 
 machinery by which he does govern at any and at all times. 
 
118 
 
 mSTORY or THE 
 
 Senate 
 
 This body consists of seventy-two members styled 
 Senators ; twenty-four of whom are appointed by the 
 Governor-General to represent each of the three divi- 
 sions named in the constitution of the senate of Canada ; 
 viz : Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritime Provinces. 
 
 The qualifications of a Senator are as follows : lie 
 must be full thirty years of age ; a natural born or 
 legally naturalized subject of the Queen : must possess 
 lands or tenements to the value of four thousand dol- 
 lars free from all incumbrances ; and must also be a 
 resident in the Province for w^hich he is appointed. A 
 Senator holds his place during life, subject to the 
 provisions of the act, but may resign it by addressing 
 a writing to that effect, to the Governor-General. Cases 
 are also specified in which the place of a Senator be- 
 comes vacant; when the Governor-General is em- 
 powered to fill the vacancy. 
 
 Questions arising respecting qualifications, &c., are 
 heard and determined by the senate. Fifteen sena- 
 tors including the speaker are necessary to constitute 
 a meeting of the senate for the exercise of its powers. 
 
 The House of Commons consists of one hundred and 
 eighty-one members. The several Provinces are divid- 
 ed into Electoral Districts, each of which returns one 
 member to the House. Eighty-two are elected for On- 
 
 House of Commons, 
 
 .j 
 
eastern townships. JJ9 
 
 tano; sixty-five for Quebec ; nineteen for Nora Scotia- 
 and fifteen for New Brunswick. The presence of at 
 ^as twenty members are necessary to constitute a 
 meeting of the House for the exercise of its powers ; 
 the speaker elected by the House, presiding on all 
 such occasions. Questions arising are decided by a 
 majority of voices ; the speaker being entitled to a vote 
 only when the voices are equal. 
 
 Provincial Constitutions. 
 
 For each Province there is an officer styled the Lieu- 
 tenan^Governor, appointed by the Govemor-Gener- 
 a.1, and holding office during his pleasure. The Execu- 
 tive Councils of Ontario and of Quebec, are at first 
 composed of the Attorney-General, the Secretary, 
 Registrar, and Treasurer of the Province, the Commis- 
 sioner of Crown lands, and the Commissioner of Agri- 
 culture and Public Works ; and in Quebec, the SpeaLr 
 of the Legislative Council, and the Solicitor General. 
 Tlie Constitution of the Executive authority in each of 
 the Provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, s 
 are to continue as they existed at the union, till altered 
 by authority. The seat of government for Ontario, is 
 the City of Toronto ; for Quebec, the city of Quebec ; 
 for Nova Scotia, the city of Halifax ; and for New 
 Brunswick, the city of Fredericton. The Legislature 
 of Ontario consists of the Executive and of one House 
 styled the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, which is 
 composed of eighty-two members, representing the 
 several Electoral Districts. 
 
120 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 The Legislature of Quebec consists of the Execu- 
 tive and of two Houses, styled the Legislative Council 
 of Quebec, and the Legislative Assembly of Quebec. 
 The Legislative Council is composed of twenty-four 
 members, appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in the 
 Queen’s name, one of whom represents each of the 
 Electoral Divisions. These Councillors ^ hold office 
 during life, unless the Legislature otherwise provides. 
 Their qualifications are the same as those of Senators. 
 The Speaker is appointed from among the members of 
 the Council, ten of whom, including that officer, are 
 necessary to constitute a meeting for the exercise of 
 its powers. 
 
 The Legislative Assembly of Quebec is composed 
 of sixty-five members, elected to represent the sixty- 
 five Electoral Districts. 
 
 The Legislative Authority of The Parliament of 
 Canada,” extends to that class of subjects which are 
 considered of general importance ; instance, the public 
 debt and credit ; the regulation of trade and com- 
 merce ; the postal service ; such public improvements 
 as extend beyond the limits of one Province ; the 
 issue of paper money; the regulation of intercourse 
 with other countries ; bankruptcy and insolvency and 
 numerous other matters affecting the interests and 
 prosperity of the Dominion as a whole ; while to the 
 respective Provincial Legislatures are assigned matters 
 of a more local nature, or such as involve the regula- 
 tion of the internal affairs of the Province. This class 
 
kastern TowNsairs. 121 
 
 of subjects includes the raising of a revenue for pro. 
 vincial purposes ; the regulation of municipal institu- 
 lons; the supervision of educational matters; the 
 appointment of provincial ofiScers ; the management and 
 sale of the public lands belonging to the Province ; the 
 establishment and maintenance of hospitals, asylums 
 &c., with many others of like nature. 
 
 Educational System. 
 
 The earliest educational efforts in this Province were 
 confined to the Roman Catholic institutions of Quebec 
 and Montreal. A Legislative Act in 1801, establish- 
 ing a “Royal Institution” for the promotion of 
 English education, received the royal sanction in 1802, 
 but failed of accomplishing much. The next step in 
 legislation was in 180fi ; when an act was passed facili- 
 tating the establishment and endowment of elementary 
 schools, and making it lawful for the Fabnquc (that 
 is, the Roman Catholic priests and church-wardens of 
 each and any parish,) to establish one school in each 
 parish, and to increase the number in proportion to 
 the increase of the inhabitants. This, however, failed 
 of accomplishing the desired object. In 1829, another 
 step was taken in legislation by an appropriation of 
 lands for the establishing of schools; and provision 
 ivas made for the election of trustees for their mana<^e- 
 ment. This is the earliest date of the introduction of 
 the popular element into our educational system. In 
 1832, a further appropriation was made by govern- 
 
122 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 raentj and the sum of ^20 each, was granted to a limited 
 number of schools in each county. Reading, writing, 
 and arithmetic were the only branches required of the 
 teachers. 
 
 In 1841, a permanent fund was erected for the es- 
 tablishment and support of the schools, and an 
 annual grant of XG0,000 voted for their continued 
 maintenance. In 1843, other changes were made, re- 
 sulting in the enactment of separate schools for Upper 
 and Lower Canada, adapted to the prevailing religious 
 elements in each section. In Quebec (Lower Canada) 
 the general local municipalities have the direct con- 
 trol of the schools, and elect commissioners for them 
 management. They are supported partly by govern- 
 ment and partly by local taxation, a monthly scholar 
 fee being laid to cover deficiencies. It is provided 
 that in communities composed of mixed religious ele- 
 ments, minorities may dissent from majorities, and on 
 going through certain prescribed forms, are entitled to 
 a proportion of the school money for the establishment 
 and support of the dissentient schools. 
 
 In 1856, the whole school system of Lower Canada 
 underwent a comprehensive revision under the direction 
 of the Hon. Dr. Chauveau, Superintendent of Educa- 
 tion for the Province. There are now three Universities 
 in Lower Canada, viz : McGill college at Montreal, 
 Laval college at Quebec city, and Bishop’s college at 
 Lennoxville : also four special schools, viz : two institu- 
 tions for Deaf Mutes ; one Agricultural school, and one 
 
eastern townships. 
 
 123 
 
 School of Arts an.l Manufactures. Besides these arc 
 eevcn Classical colleges; fifteen Industrial colleo-es- 
 SIX j-two Academies for boys and mixed ; sixty-eight for 
 girls ; one hundred and eighty-four Model schools, and 
 three-thousand five hundred and eighty-nine Primary 
 schools ; under the supervision of twenty-eight school In- 
 spectors. All of the above receive Legislative aid. 
 Phrcc Normal scliools for the training of teachers have 
 been established ; two of which (one French and Eng- 
 lish each) are at Montreal and one (French) at Quebec 
 city : the three being under the direction of the Superin- 
 tendent of Education, who divides among the colleges, 
 academies and schools, the annual legislative grants’ 
 and administers the school laws generally. 
 
 Two “Journals of Education,”— the one French 
 and the other English— are published by the Depart- 
 raent. 
 
 By the late Union Act equal powers and privileges 
 are extended to the dissentient schools in each Province, 
 and should questions arise respecting the rights of 
 minorities of the Queen’s subjects on this point, final 
 appeal is open to the Governor-General in Council ; and 
 in case of the neglect of the steps necessary to be taken 
 by the Provincial authorities, the Parliament of Canada 
 reserves the right to make and enforce remedial 
 laws. 
 
 Municipal System. 
 
 Up to the Union of the Provinces of Upper and 
 Lower Canada in 1840, there had existed no municipal 
 
124 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 system in the country. Special acts were passed for 
 incorporating cities and towns, but there were no local 
 representative bodies in the rural districts. From the 
 year 1796 till 1841, all matters relative to the opening 
 of roads, building of bridges, &c., were under the direc- 
 tion and superintendence of the Grand Voyer or his 
 deputy ; and as these officials usually lived in the cities, 
 it can be readily conceived that the opening up of a 
 road in those days was a work involving time and 
 expense. 
 
 Soon after the above named union, municipal districts 
 were established in which district councils were formed ; 
 and in addition to other powers transferred to those 
 bodies, was that hitherto vested in the Grand Voyer. 
 During the few subsequent years, other changes were 
 made, and in 1855, the present system of parish or 
 township and county councils was established. 
 
 Each parish, township, or village corporation 
 elects seven councillors, who may hold monthly or 
 quarterly sessions, choosing a mayor and secretary- 
 treasurer. 
 
 The business of this council relates to the valuation 
 and assessment of property ; the preservation of public 
 order ; the imposition of fines, and the general regula- 
 tion of the internal affairs of the municipality. 
 
 The Mayors of the different local councils within the 
 county, form a county council, which holds quarterly 
 sessions, from among their number electing a chairman 
 or Warden. A secretary-treasurer is also chosen. — 
 
L 
 
 T 
 
 EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. J25 
 
 This body has supervision of those matters within the 
 county m which more than one local council is inter- 
 ested, and also acts upon such appeals as are made by 
 the towDship, parish, or village councils. 
 
 The object sought by the repeated changes that have 
 been made in the order of municipal affairs, has been their 
 better regulation ; and as new views and improved plans 
 were presented, to adopt and incorporate them into the 
 system ; till at length it has become so thoroughly im- 
 proved as to operate to the very general satisfaction of 
 the people. 
 
 A city must contain at least 10,000 inhabitants to 
 entitle it to an act of incorporation as such ; and have a 
 mayor, aldermen, and common council men. 
 
 A town must contain 3,000 inhabitants, and have a 
 mayor and town councillors. 
 
 A village is a smaller municipal division. The mem- 
 bers of the corporation are elected once in two years 
 by the assessed rate payers. 
 
 With the extension of settlements in the country, 
 counties were formed for representation in Parliament, 
 and as inhabitants increased, have been divided as oc- 
 casion required. The counties of Lower Canada were 
 assigned their present limits by Act of Parliament in 
 1853 ; the new counties being formed for electoral 
 purposes, while the old divisions remained for conven- 
 ience in registration, till the new counties were furnished 
 with Registry offices. 
 
 Where the population is sparse, two counties are 
 
126 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 sometimes united for the return of one member. Town- 
 ships are divisions of less extent, and are formed into 
 municipalities as soon as found to contain the rcfjuired 
 number of inhabitants. 
 
 Judiciary. 
 
 From a very early period, Lower Canada has been 
 divided into districts for judicial convenience. On 
 account of the great extent of these divisions, the steady 
 increase of inhabitants within them, and the necessity 
 there existed for a more ready and efficient administra 
 tion of justice, other divisions have been made, and new 
 limits assigned the respective districts from time to 
 time. Each of these divisions comprise two or more 
 counties, and contain a court house, jail and public 
 offices. The place where these are located is called 
 the chef lieu of the district. 
 
 The superior courts of the Province are the Queen’s 
 Bench, which has one Chief Justice, and four Puisn^ 
 Judges. It hears appeals, and also gives judgment in 
 serious criminal matters. 
 
 The Superior Com-t has one Chief Justice, and 
 eighteen or more Puisn^ Judges. It gives judgment 
 in important cases, and in appeals referred from the 
 Courts below. 
 
 The third in order is the Circuit Court, the juri* 
 diction of which is limited to sums not exceeding 
 f200. The circuit at the ch^f lieu of a district, has 
 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 127 
 
 concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit com-ts in and 
 for the various counties in the same districts. 
 
 The Admiralty Court which tries maritime cases, 
 has one Judge residing at Quebec. 
 
 Commissioners’ courts having jurisdiction in sums 
 not exceeding $25, arc held in the several townships 
 and parishes, the first Monday of each month, by com- 
 missioners appointed by the Government. 
 
 Justices of the Peace are also appointed from among 
 the prominent inhabitants, and invested with the power 
 of deciding on all rural and other matters of police. 
 
 There is a final appeal in important cases, from tho 
 superior courts of Canada, to the Judicial Committee 
 of Her Majesty’s Privy Council, in England. 
 
128 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 ^i«t §wonb. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 THE ABORIGINES OF OCR OWN SECTION. — HOSTILITY TO THE 
 ENGLISH BEFORE THE CONQUEST. — USUAL ROUTES OF TRAVEL. 
 — settlement of VERMONT RETARDED. — DANGERS ATTENDING 
 IX. — A MORE EASTERN ROUTE. — FINDING OF INDIAN RELICS. 
 
 It appears that the territory now known as the 
 Eastern Townships, before the conquest was the hunt- 
 ing ground of tribes belonging to the Algonquin nation, 
 as the Abenquis, or St. Francis Indians, and the Coos- 
 sucks were known to have occupied the section lying 
 on the St. Francis and Beconcourt rivers and their 
 tributaries, with the northern parts of Vermont and 
 Newhampshire. 
 
 The absence of any town or village of Indians within 
 this section, may be accounted for from the fact that a 
 race of men subsisting entirely by the chase, required 
 a large field from which to draw even a scanty susten- 
 ance, and, notwithstanding the great extent of forest 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 129 
 
 land in North America, its aborigines were often in 
 straits from the difficulty of finding a sufficiency of 
 game for their support. 
 
 Their frequent depredations upon the frontier set- 
 tlements of the English colonists while the Euro- 
 pean nations were at war, is matter of history ; and 
 it is also well understood that in their predatory 
 excursions, their usual routes lay through Lake Cham- 
 plain ; and if the settlements to be attacked were 
 located on the Connecticut river, they passed up one 
 of the larger streams entering the lake from the east 
 as far as that was navigable for their canoes, and thence 
 by ^portage to the Connecticut or some of its largest 
 tributaries. All the streams falling into the lake being 
 known to them, there were several frequented routes ; 
 but between the navigable head waters of Otter Creek 
 which enters Lake Champlain, and those of Black 
 River which discharges into the Connecticut, was a way 
 so much frequented by these hostile parties as to be 
 called the Indian road.” 
 
 The obvious reason why no Indian villages were lo- 
 cated within the tract now known as Vermont, was the 
 near proximity of several powerful tribes, who were 
 almost invariably at war with each other. During the 
 Colonial and Indian wars, that territory was the great 
 thoroughfare through which most of these warlike ex- 
 peditions proceeded, and where hostile parties often 
 came into collision y and being situated at nearly an equal 
 distance from the English or French frontier, it might 
 
 I 
 
130 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 have been exposed to the depredations of either party, 
 as it was the frequent battle ground of their Indian 
 allies ; nor was it till after the conquest of Canada by 
 the English, Ihat any considerable settlements were 
 made. True, several points were at times occupied by 
 either, but rather as military posts than actual settle- 
 ments. 
 
 In 1T52, townships were surveyed and stockades 
 erected by the British at Coos, on the Connecticut 
 river, the object of which was to form a barrier against 
 the incursions of the St. Francis Indians in case of 
 war ; but the effort was of little avail and was finally 
 relinquished. Before the year 1754, several settle- 
 ments had begun at different points along the Connec- 
 ticut, but they were effectually checked, and some of 
 them entirely abandoned at the breaking out of the war, 
 which lasted till the conquest. 
 
 The instincts of these settlers were sharpened to 
 keenness by the dangers and vicissitudes of their man- 
 ner of life. “ There were seasons when the deer fur- 
 nished the best venison ; the bear, the richest tongue 
 and steak ; and when no lurking enemy was near to be 
 attracted by the click and report of the rifle, those 
 sounds were the sure premonitions of a repast, which, 
 but for the meagreness of its appointments, might have 
 been a feast for an epicui’e. In places where the 
 settlers risked remaining, their houses were fortified to 
 withstand the attacks of musketry. In the spring when 
 poughing was to be done and seed put into the ground, 
 
eastern townships. 
 
 131 
 
 a guard was stationed near so as to give wamin<r in 
 case of danger ; and in going to their work, the settlers 
 would as soon have left their implements of husbandry 
 at home, as their fire ai-ms, for it often proved to be the 
 case, that the same wood which surrounded their little 
 plot of ground and sheltered their dwelling, was also 
 the lurking place of their deadliest foes.”* These 
 continued depredations had the effect of arousing the 
 united strength by which the conquest of Canada was 
 finally effected, and an end put to scenes of massacre 
 and devastation. 
 
 • nistorj of Vermont. 
 
132 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 DESTRUCTION OF THE INDIAN TILLAGE OF ST. FRANCIS. — RETREAT OF 
 ROGERS’ PARTYUPTHEST. FRANCIS. — THE PURSUIT. — REPULSE 
 OF THE INDIANS WHO CONTINUE THE PURSUIT. — THEIR FINAL 
 DEFEAT AT THE LOWER FORKS. — DISPERSION AND SUFFERINGS 
 OF ROGERS’ MEN. — FINAL END OF THE EXPEDITION. 
 
 During the interval between the taking of Quebec 
 by Wolfe, and the final cessation of hostilities, a 
 large body of French troops had taken possession of 
 Isle-aux-noix at the north end of Lake Champlain ; a 
 post that commands the entrance into Canada in that 
 quarter. The forces there collected being well supplied 
 with munitions of war, made an effectual stand against 
 the entrance of the English at that point. The French 
 had still several vessels on the lake, and General 
 Amherst who at this time commanded the British 
 colonial forces at Ticonderaga and Crown Point (which 
 places the French had successively abandoned) , thought 
 it best to delay his advance till he had prepared a su- 
 perior naval force. 
 
 In the meantime he took the opportunity of carrying 
 into effect a project long before determined on, viz., 
 that of punishing the St. Francis Indians (Abenquis) 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 133 
 
 for the frequent and fearful depredations and atroci- 
 ties they had been guilty of. These Indians had always 
 been firm allies of the French, and as persistent and 
 bloody foes of the English colonists. Major Rogers, 
 a brave and experienced oflScer of the colonial force, 
 was therefore selected to command and conduct the 
 expedition which was to put an effectual end to their 
 depredations and cruelties.^ 
 
 He embarked at Crown Point with 200 men, and 
 proceeded down the lake in batteaux. On the fifth day, 
 while encamped on the east shore of the lake, a keg of 
 gunpowder was accidentally exploded, by which a cap- 
 tain and several men were severely wounded. They 
 were sent back to Crown Point with a party to attend 
 them, and with a force thus reduced to 142 men, 
 Rogers moved forward to Missisquoi Bay, where he con- 
 cealed his boats among the bushes that overhung one 
 of the inlets, and left in them provisions sufficient to 
 carry the party back to Crown Point. 
 
 Leaving two of his rangers to watch the boats, the 
 party advanced into the wilderness, but on the evening 
 of the second day, were overtaken by the trusty rangers, 
 
 ♦In one account of this affair, it is related that Rogers had been 
 driven to the verge of madness by having returned to his home after 
 an absence, to find his wife and children murdered and scalped by 
 a party of these savages; and that in his burning indignation, he 
 sought and obtained the command of an expedition that was to 
 wreak a summary vengeance on the perpetrators of that and other 
 kindred atrocities. The attacking party was composed entirely 
 of provincials accustomed to Indian warfare. 
 
iB 
 
 
 134 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 and Rogers was informed that a party of 400 French 
 and Indians, had discovered the boats and sent them 
 away with fifty men, and that the remainder were in 
 pursuit of the English. He kept this intelligence 
 a secret, but despatched a lieutenant and eight men 
 with the two rangers to Crown Point to inform General 
 Amherst of what had taken place, and request him to 
 send provisions to Coos on the Connecticut river, by 
 which route he intended to return. He then deter- 
 mined to out-march the pursuing enemy, and pushed on 
 toward St. Francis with the utmost expedition. 
 
 Rogers came in sight of the village on the evening 
 of the fourth of October, and leaving his men to 
 refresh themselves, disguised himself in an Indian 
 garb brought for the occasion, and went forward to re- 
 connoitre the town. He found the savages engaged in 
 a grand dance without apprehension of danger, and 
 returning about one o’clock, led forward his men within 
 500 yards of the village. At four o’clock the dance 
 was ended and the Indians retired to rest. 
 
 “ Having posted his men at the most favourable points, 
 at day-break they commenced the assault. The place 
 was completely surprised ; the Indian method of war- 
 fare was adopted, and wherever the savages were 
 found, without regard to age or sex, they were slain 
 without distinction and without mercy. As day-light 
 increased, the ferocity of the provincials was roused to 
 intensity, by discovering the scalps of several hundred 
 pf their countrymen suspended on poles and waving in 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 135 
 
 the air. They were determined to avenge the blood 
 of their friends, and resolved on completely destroy- 
 ing the village and its inhabitants. Of the three hun- 
 dred souls it contained at the time, two hundred were 
 slain on the spot, several were taken prisoners, and 
 some English captives were recovered. It appears 
 that most of the warriors of the tribe were absent on 
 a hunting and fishing expedition, so that comparatively 
 little resistance could be made. 
 
 The English had only one killed and six slightly 
 wounded: when having reduced the village to ashes, 
 and refreshed his men, Rogers set out on his return 
 at eight o’clock in the morning, with the retaken 
 captives, and such articles of plunder as were of value 
 and could be easily taken away.* 
 
 In order to avoid the party of Indians he knew to 
 be on his track by the way of his entrance into the 
 country, he commenced his retreat up the St, Francis 
 river, directing his course towards Coos on the Connec- 
 ticut. He was several times attacked in the rear by 
 a party of warriors who had followed in pursuit, and lost 
 several men by them ; but finally formed an ambuscade 
 on his own track, and fell upon the enemy with such 
 success as to put a stop to further annoyance. 
 
 * Tradition says that this plunder was taken from the church 
 in St. Francis, and the probability is, that if so, it consisted of 
 valuable articles which according to a very common practice in 
 those early times, had been sent from France by pious devotees, to 
 the native church. Other articles may also have been collected. 
 
136 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 In the meantime, by order of General Amherst, four 
 persons proceeded from Charlestown on the Connec- 
 ticut, up that river, in two canoes loaded with provisions. 
 They landed on a small island at the mouth of the Pas- 
 sumpsic river, where they encamped for the night ; 
 but in the morning, hearing the report of guns and 
 supposing Indians to be in the vicinity, they were so 
 terrified that they reloaded their boats and hastened 
 back to Charlestown. 
 
 Eogers at this time was encamped but a few miles 
 up the Passumpsic, and about noon reached the mouth 
 of that river. Observing fire on the island, he made a 
 raft and crossed over to it 5 but to his great surprise and 
 disappointment, no one was there, nor was any provision 
 . left. The men with him, already reduced to a state bor- 
 dering on starvation, were so disheartened by the pros- 
 pectbefore them that they gave up in despair, and before 
 the next day several of them died. Rogers now gave up 
 command, telling the men to take care of themselves. 
 Some were lost in the woods and perished miserably : 
 but the leader and several of his party, after the most 
 incredible hardships, succeeded in reaching Charles- 
 town, and after having collected and refreshed the 
 survivors of his band, proceeded with them to Crown 
 Point, where they joined General Amherst’s command 
 about the first of December. Upon examination, 
 Rogers found that his loss after leaving the ruins of St. 
 Francis, was three oflScers, and forty-six privates.” 
 
 The foregoing narrative of the destruction of St. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 137 
 
 Francis Tillage by Eogers and his party, which was 
 taken nearly verbatim from Thompson’s History of 
 Vermont,” gives but a meagre description and conveys 
 but a faint idea of the difficulties and dangers which 
 he really encountered on his retreat through the wilder- 
 ness. 
 
 The subjoined account was received from the late 
 Jesse Penney er. Esq., who, while on a professional tour 
 of exploration and survey in the townships, was accom- 
 panied by Captain St. Francis, late Chief of that tribe 
 of Indians, and one oiihofeiv survivors of the pursuing 
 party. This Captain St. Francis gave Mr. Pennoyer 
 the following relation of the affair, which was corrobor- 
 ated by a person named Bowen, son of one of Rogers’ 
 men ; and still further in its main features, by the 
 descendants of a person named Barnes, one of the re- 
 covered captives mentioned. A little discrepancy 
 exists between this and the published account respect- 
 ing the number of survivors, but at this distance of 
 time, we can do no better than to receive both, and 
 weigh probabilities. Mr. Pennoyer’s account is as fol- 
 lows. 
 
 On the morning of the fifth of October, 1759, the 
 assault took place ; 200 Indians of all ages and 
 sexes were slain ; some few taken prisoners, and a 
 number of English captives retaken ; when Rogers 
 with his party, prisoners and rescued captives, made a 
 hasty retreat up the St. Francis river. The Chief of 
 the tribe (father of the Capt. St. Francis above named) 
 
138 
 
 HISTOBY OF THE 
 
 with a number of his warriors had come in during the 
 day and immediately held a council of war, at which 
 it was decided that all present should start in pursuit the 
 next morning ; and that as many more of their warriors 
 as they could call in, should start with canoes on the 
 second day. Accordingly on the morning of the sixth, 
 about fifty warriors, each armed with a gun, tomahawk, 
 and scalping knife, started up on the north shore of the 
 river ; and on the 7th, about forty-five more, armed like 
 the others, set off in seven large canoes. These over- 
 took the party that had started the day before, at the 
 rapids in the township of Wendover, where the first 
 detachment had waited the arrival of the canoes ; and 
 at day break on the morning of the eighth, they all set 
 off together. They came up with Rogers’ men in 
 Kingsey, and in the skirmish that ensued, the Indians 
 lost several men, while only three or four of the other 
 party w^ere slightly wounded. As soon as the Indians 
 discovered any of their enemies, they fired and often 
 missed aim ; in fact, their shots seldom took effect, and 
 before they had time to reload they were shot down, 
 or if the savage was separated from his fellows, his 
 enemy quickly rushed up and dispatched him with the 
 bayonet. The Indians sustained considerable loss in 
 this manner throughout the day, though they succeeded 
 in doing but little injury to their enemies. On the 
 morning of the ninth, they held a council, at which it 
 was proposed and urged by quite a number of their 
 party, to abandon the pursuit and return. Well 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIP'S 
 
 139 
 
 would it have been r them had they done so ; but 
 the majority of them were for pushing forward to the 
 ‘ Little Forks/ (now Lennoxville) where they intend- 
 ed to give their enemies another battle. On the tenth, 
 Rogers crossed wdth his men to the opposite shore of the 
 river, near Brompton Falls, and while the Indians were 
 making the pushed on toward the ‘Big Forks,’ 
 
 (now Sherbrooke) and gained an elevated point (near 
 the present residence of Mr. Sheriff Bowen). His 
 experienced eye at once saw the strategic importance 
 of the position thus gained, and he at once determined 
 to avail himself of the advantage, to attempt the defeat 
 of his enemies, and put an effectual end to further 
 annoyance from them. 
 
 “ The river, which here makes a short tuni, on one 
 side has a high bank which was then thickly wooded ; 
 while the opposite point was low, and then covered with 
 a thin growth of stunted bushes. From this height 
 Rogers had a fair view of the river for a distance of two 
 miles down. For the purpose of deceiving and mislead- 
 ing the enemy’s scouts, he sent a small party of his men 
 on to the ‘ Little Forks,’ with instructions to build 
 fires, in a manner similar to what had been done in their 
 former camping grounds, and then return to join the 
 main body at the heights beyond the mouth of the 
 Magog. 
 
 “ In the mean time the Indian scouts passed up the 
 north shore till they saw the fires at the ‘ Little Forks,’ 
 and thinking that Rogers’ party were encamping there, 
 
140 
 
 HISTORY OP THE 
 
 returned to the falls with the intelligence. Those 
 who had completed the portage immediately set out 
 in the canoes, leaving the others to follow up the north 
 shore, expecting to find their enemies in camp at the 
 ‘ Little Forks,’ and hoping to surprise and cut of their 
 retreat. But their vigilant foe had not been idle. — 
 During this time he had posted his men in such a manner 
 that while they were out of sight themselves, they had 
 full view of the approaching canoes a long way down 
 the river, and as they came near, could tell about the 
 number of savages on board of each, by the number of 
 paddles. He then arranged for the attack by appointing 
 a certain number of men for each canoe, equal to the 
 number of paddles in each ; and detailing a man to fire 
 at each Indian separately from the first to the last, 
 gave strict orders to aim' well and not to fire till the 
 signal was given by himself. Everything was quiet 
 until about one half of the canoes had turned the point, 
 when the signal was given and the men fired with such 
 sure precision and deadly effect, that almost every 
 savage in the canoes was either killed or mortally 
 wounded. The Indians on the north shore had got a 
 little in advance of the canoes by crossing the point 
 with the intent of fording the river, but on hearing the 
 firing they hastened back to the point. By this time 
 Rogers’ men had reloaded, and being still in ambush, 
 again fired and killed several, while the others retreated 
 up to the crossing, and forded the river. The English 
 still kept on the heights, and a general and irregular 
 
141 
 
 EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 skirmish followed ; but as the savages were in the open 
 woods on the intervale below the mouth of the Mago^r 
 river, while the others were covered by the thick forest 
 on the hiU, the result was, that most of the whole Indian 
 force was either killed or badly wounded, while but few 
 of their enemies were either killed or hurt. 
 
 ‘‘ It being now near sunset, the English party crossed 
 the Magog, and proceeded up to the ‘ Little Forks,' 
 where they encamped for the night, and the next day 
 Rogers addressed his men thanking them for their 
 bravery and obedience to his orders, and for their faith- 
 fulness and perseverance from the first of the difficult 
 enterprize which had been undertaken and carried out, 
 in order to pay their savage foes in their own coin, for 
 their repeated cruelties to the colonists in former years. 
 
 This, they had now achieved by the almost entire 
 annihilation of that tribe of their enemies. 
 
 ‘‘ Then ordering the remaining prisoners to be shot, he 
 resigned his command, advising the men to divide them- 
 selves into small companies, each of which should take 
 a somewhat different route to reach the appointed rendez- 
 vous on the Connecticut river. This method he deemed 
 best, as affording to small parties a greater chance for 
 game, on which all had now to depend for food. The 
 advice was followed, some of the men going up the St. 
 Francis to the mouth of the Eaton river, others taking 
 the Massawippi or Coaticook.* After several days. 
 
 • One account says that a party started on their return by way 
 of the Magog and lake Mempbremagogj and all are agreed in 
 
142 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 Rogers and those of his command still with him, reached 
 the appointed place, but were disappointed and gi’eatly 
 disheartened at finding the still smoking brands and 
 warm embers of a camp fire, and other unmistakeable 
 evidences of the recent departure of those who had been 
 sent to their relief ; but no food was there, and the 
 fainting men, wearied, sick and starving, gave way to 
 despair. 
 
 ‘‘ But three of them with their brave leader, — himself 
 the most courageous and persevering of the whole, — 
 leaving their sick and starving comrades to gather such 
 subsistence as the forest afibrded at that inclement 
 season, went forward with what remaining strength 
 they had, in search of help. The four formed a raft 
 on which they descended the river to the first rapids, 
 where they lost their raft and barely escaped being 
 drowned. They then formed another, on which they 
 came to the second fall, which by effort almost beyond 
 their strength they succeeded in passing, and then 
 floated down the current to where they obtained relief. 
 Food was at once sent to the famishing men left behind ; 
 and persons w^ere hired to go up the river with canoes 
 and provisions, and with orders to bring in any of the 
 stragghng survivors who might have reached the river, 
 or to leave provisions at points where there was the least 
 probability that they might find their way. Having 
 
 saying that it was only after great priyation and suffering that 
 the survivors reached the confines of civilization, while many 
 perished miserably. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 143 
 
 attended to this duty, and rested and recruited the 
 remnant of his command, Rogers started on his return 
 to Crown Point, to rejoin the army under General 
 Amherst.”* 
 
 Thus ended an expedition which has been seldom 
 equalled in the wildness of its conception, the boldness 
 and daring with which it was undertaken, the skill with 
 which it was managed, or the deadly determination by 
 which it was carried out to the end. 
 
 We turn from the meditation of such barbarities, 
 connected though they be with the past in our country’s 
 annals, with unmitigated horror and disgust ; thank- 
 ful that no further recitals of the kind will be required i 
 rejoiciug that, in our day no necessity can be urged 
 in extenuation of such acts. The only approach toward 
 a justification of the course then pursued, lies in that 
 special pica. Such was the only mode of warfare 
 recognized by the Indians ; they knew no mercy ; 
 with them, clemency was cowardice, and pity was con- 
 temptible weakness. 
 
 It will be observed, that in Mr. Pennoyer’s account 
 no mention is made of the plunder spoken of by the 
 historian. Reference was made to it however, by Barnes, 
 one of the recovered captives, f He stated that when 
 
 ♦ We subsequently hear of Rogers as a “ Famous Parlizan/’ to 
 whom the commandants of the French posts in the lake country 
 were to surrender by order of M. De Vaudreull, the last French 
 Governor of Canada, 
 t So says tradition. 
 
144 
 
 HISTORY OR THE 
 
 Rogers decided to make a stand and give the Indians 
 battle , a small party, of whom himself was one, was detail- 
 ed to carry this treasure to a ^ven point on the Connec- 
 ticut river ; and that on hearing guns and being in 
 doubt as to the success of their comrades in repulsing 
 their enemies and fearful of being overtaken by the 
 savage victors, they buried the treasure in what they 
 considered a safe manner, and hastened on without 
 such wearisome incumbrance. Tradition has also 
 assigned various localities as the place of this deposit ; 
 and though search has been made by parties professing 
 to possess instructions left by the survivors of those 
 engaged in burying it, nothing approaching any des- 
 cription of this property has ever been found. The 
 more reasonable supposition is, that if ever such articles 
 were buried here, they were subsequently carried off 
 by parties who had obtained a knowledge of the locality , 
 and'' had the hardihood and shrewdness to effect the 
 removal and turn it to their own advantage. 
 
 Some years previous to the destruction of St. Francis, 
 in a descent of those Indians upon one of the frontier 
 towns of New England, among other captives they 
 brought away two young children, a boy and girl, belong- 
 ing to different families. The boy, who was the eldest of 
 the two, remembered that his family name was Gill. — 
 After the cessation of hostilities for the time being, the 
 surviving friends of the children, sought to reclaim them ; 
 but their captors had become their protectors, and being 
 attached to the httle ones, refused to ^ve them up.— 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 145 
 
 An appeal was made to the legal authorities in hope of 
 recovering them by force, but the chUdren were sud- 
 denly missing, and were kept in hiding till the parties 
 seeking them were obliged to abandon the search as 
 hopeless and return without them. They wore there- 
 fore left to grow up among their captors, who had them 
 carefully educated in the French language, and Roman 
 Catholic religion. 
 
 When of proper age, these two young people, thus 
 strangely associated, were united in marriage, and from 
 this union have sprung a numerous and highly respec- 
 table 'progeny, who in time, have become so wealthy 
 and influential, as in a great measure to supersede the 
 owners of their captive ancestors in the proprietorship 
 of the soil, and to become, in fact, the largest land- 
 holders in the vicinity. Fortunately the captive boy’s 
 name had been retained ; his posterity have honored it, 
 and risen to enjoy a high social standing in the country ; 
 one of them having represented his county in the Pro- 
 vincial Parliament. Our informant had the pleasure 
 of a personal interview with a late member of this 
 family, whom he found intelligent and cultivated, 
 affable and prepossessing. From him (Mr. Gill,) he 
 received the facts above given, and was hkewise told 
 that he (Mr. Gill) had visited the place of his ances- 
 tor’s nativity, and had instituted inquiries respecting 
 any surviving members of the family ; but up to that 
 period without other success than learning that all of 
 the kindred had long before left the place, and if any 
 
 K 
 
146 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 were still living, it was at a distance i The whereabouts 
 of these young people when the village of their captors 
 and protectors was destroyed, is not known ; but the 
 supposition is, that they were absent at school : and as 
 they were universal favorites and protegis of these 
 Indians, an event so disastrous to the tribe generally, 
 might have contributed to their material benefit and 
 worldly advancement. 
 
147 
 
 EASTERN TOWNSHIPS, 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 THE SEIOMORIES, THEIR LAND TENURE, &C.-CO.MMENCEMENT OF 
 AMERICAN REVOLUTION.— great INFLUX OF POPULATION.— 
 DIFFERENT CLASSES.— EFFECTS OP CIVIL COMMOTION-—U. 
 E. LOYALISTS.- STEPS NECESSARY TO OBTAIN GRANTS OP 
 LAND.— RELATIONS OF AGENT AND ASSOCIATE.— ERRORS OF 
 THE SYSTEM. — EMIGRATION. — PIONEER LIFE. 
 
 When the French began their settlements in Canada, 
 land was granted in extensive lots called seigniories, 
 stretching along either coast of the St Lawrence far 
 below Quebec, and above Montreal, comprehending an 
 extent of several hundred miles ; and as time progress- 
 ed, spreading along the principal rivers of Lower 
 Canada. These seigniories each contained from 100 to 
 500 square miles, and were parcelled out into lots in a 
 freehold lease to the inhabitants, as the persons to 
 whom they were granted had not the means of culti- 
 vating them. The proprietors were generally oflScers 
 of the army, gentlemen of limited means, or religious 
 communities, who were not in a state to employ work- 
 men and laborers. The portion assigned to each in- 
 habitant was three acres in breadth, and from 70 to 
 80 acres in depth, commencing on the bank of the 
 
148 
 
 history of the 
 
 river, and running back into the woods, thus forming 
 an entire and regular lot of land. 
 
 To the proprietors of seigniories, some powers as well 
 as considerable profits were attached. Their grants 
 authorized them to hold courts and sit as judges in 
 what was termed haute and hasse justice^ which inclu- 
 ded all crimes committed within their jurisdiction, 
 treasons and murders excepted. The seignior’s in- 
 come was derived from the yearly rent of his lands, 
 from lods et ventes or a fine on the disposal of property 
 held under him, and from grist mills, to the profit of 
 which he had an exclusive right. The rent paid by 
 each tenant was considerable, and those who had many 
 inhabitants on their estates, enjoyed quite a handsome 
 revenue. In the event of the sale of any of the lots of 
 his seigniory, a proprietor might claim a preference of 
 right to re-purchase it ; but this power was seldom exer- 
 cised unless with a view to prevent frauds in the dis- 
 posal of the property. The seignior had also certain 
 rights respecting timber for building mills, &c. ; and 
 tithes of all the fisheries on his domain belonged to him. 
 With these -advantages, seigniors might in time have 
 attained to a state of comparative affluence, were their 
 estates allowed to remain entire. But by the practice 
 of divisions among the different children of a family, 
 they became in a few generations reduced in circum- 
 stances. The most ample share which retains the name 
 of seigniory, was the portion of the eldest son, the other 
 partitions being denominated fiefs. In the next gener- 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 ation, these were again divided, and thus in the course 
 of a few descents, seigniors became possessed of httle 
 more than their titles. This is the condition of most 
 of those estates that have passed to the third or fourth 
 generation. 
 
 The inhabitants in like manner make divisions of 
 their small tracts of land or houses, and it is from 
 these causes that many of them are retained in a state 
 of poverty, a barrier to industry and emulation inter- 
 posed, and a spirit of litigation excited. Some of the 
 domicilated savages also held land in the right of 
 seigniors. 
 
 The townships have all been granted since the con- 
 quest of the country by the British, and are settled by 
 a mixture of English, Scotch, Irish, French Canadians, 
 and Americans, with a slight infusion of other national 
 elements in their population. The people of the town- 
 ships hold their lands by a tenure denominated “ free 
 and common soccage.’^ 
 
 A period of fifteen years had elapsed from the con- 
 quest of Canada by the English, to the breaking out 
 of the American revolution, which time had passed 
 in measurably successful efforts toward a reconcilia- 
 tion of existing differences between conquerors and 
 conquered : and when the troubles between Great 
 Britain and her older American colonies culminated in 
 open war, and attempts were made to induce the 
 Canadians to join the standard of revolt, they were 
 ineffectual. These efforts failed principally through 
 
150 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 the entire alienation of feeling caused by the old feud 
 between them, and from the distrust born of religious 
 diflFerences. 
 
 Many sought refuge in Canada, from the troubles of 
 that distracting period. Prominent and influential 
 men among those who favored the royal cause, then 
 left the country which had ceased to be to them a home. 
 Some of them were native Britons who had crossed 
 the ocean and established themselves in the colonies, 
 expecting still to enjoy the protection of their country’s 
 laws, and end their days under the sheltering influences 
 of the flag they honored and loved. But this hope proved 
 an illusion to be quickly and rudely dispelled, and the 
 alternative which remained to them was either submis- 
 sion to what was distasteful and highly offensive ; — was 
 to some an unbearable indignity ; — to return to the land 
 of their fathers, or seek an asylum in the wilds of 
 Canada. 
 
 Many foresaw the gathering tempest and wisely 
 withdrew in time to escape its fury. Others who had 
 ever been accustomed to regard the yeomanry of their 
 country in the light of dutiful and obedient subjects, 
 and to consider those who should rebel against con- 
 stituted authority as worthy of the direst punishment, 
 only brought trouble upon themselves in attempting 
 to reason with their opponents, or to coerce them into 
 submission. Warmly and sincerely attached to the 
 Royal cause, it was with mingled excitement, indig- 
 nation, and disgust, that they beheld people demand- 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 151 
 
 ing redress for wrongs which seemed to them more 
 imaginary than real, and enforcing those demands with 
 threatening manifestations. These men had vainly 
 striven to stem the tide of popular feeling, and had 
 brought suffering upon themselves and anxiety and dis- 
 tress upon their friends, by interference in the disputes 
 of that troublous time. Not only persecutions and indig- 
 nities, but arrest and close imprisonment, was often the 
 measure meted out to them in consequence of their 
 loyal principles ; yet, as is usually the case, these 
 only increased their attachment to the government of 
 their choice and in like degree prompted dislike and 
 hatred of its enemies. A short experience of life in 
 the midst of such commotions was sufficient, however, 
 to convince them that all efforts to stem the current 
 were unavailing, and desirous of avoiding like repeti- 
 tions, they withdrew, while yet there was time. 
 
 Many who had remained to share the vicissitudes of 
 war, in hope of the retrieval and ultimate triumph of 
 what they believed to be the right, were finally glad to 
 secure a safe retreat. In some cases, through the in- 
 fluence and address of friends who were favorable to 
 the popular cause, their property was saved from con- 
 fiscation and finally transferred to them in this coun- 
 try. < 
 
 But still more common were the cases when after 
 prolonged attempts to subdue a power already too 
 strong for them, they were forced to yield to inevitable 
 necessity, and resign house and lands, home and 
 
152 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 friends, wealth and station, all that men desire in this 
 life, aside from that precious boon itself. 
 
 Still another class, more cautious and less impulsive, 
 while liopeless of a successful resistance of the pre- 
 vailing powers, wisely avoided the heat of party strife, 
 and waited till the fury of the storm was spent, when 
 they quietly disposed of their effects, and transferred 
 their interests and allegiance together. Additions of 
 worthy and desirable inhabitants were made in this 
 undemonstrative manner. 
 
 But it cannot be denied that many were brought 
 in by the exigencies of the times, who could only be 
 regarded in the light of unavoidable evils, being of that 
 irresponsible, ill-regulated class that accumulates and 
 thrives amid scenes of tumult and commotion, and 
 constitutes a disturbing element in any community. 
 
 It is well understood that for many years before the 
 revolution reached a culminating point, a numerous 
 floating population representing many different nation- 
 alities, had been accumulating in those Colonies which 
 offered not only an asylum for the oppressed of all 
 grades and distinctions, but a hiding place for the 
 refugee from justice. This class of people, without 
 fixed principles, or permanent interests in the coun- 
 try, on the breaking out of the war, at once sided 
 with the party which could offer the most tempting 
 inducements. Some w^ere drawn into it by a morbid 
 taste for exciting adventure ; others may have had 
 some private pique to be gratified, or some personal 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 158 
 
 quarrel to be avenged, and but waited the opportu- 
 nity for giving vent to a long nursed wrath ; while 
 others still, who were but designing and unscrupulous 
 adventurers, rushed into the conflict with the mere 
 hope of gaining some advantage. 
 
 The associations into which such characters were 
 thrown during the long and bloody struggle which 
 preceded their advent into Canada, had anything 
 but a softening and humanizing effect, as all the 
 angry and vindictive feelings were kept fully roused : 
 and when in the course of events the scale turned 
 in favor of the popular party, the bitterness of dis- 
 appointment and the humiliation of defeat were added 
 to intensify the already over-wrought and over-master- 
 ing passions. 
 
 Such of the colonists as preferred exile to a sur- 
 render of their allegiance, were encouraged to come to 
 Canada. Numbers of them entered the British ser- 
 vice, and when the end came, settled in the country. 
 Some of character and ability had ofiSces of trust 
 and profit conferred on them, while others received 
 special grants of land in reward for service rendered, 
 or in remuneration for losses sustained. Large acces- 
 sions were thus made to the population of the country. 
 It would appear however, that up to the year 1791, 
 unless along the immediate frontier of the Province, 
 the part known as the Eastern Townships was an 
 almost unbroken wilderness. In order to facilitate its 
 
154 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 settlement, lauds were granted on conditions speci- 
 fied, to such as would locate there. 
 
 The preliminary steps to be taken in order to obtain 
 the grant of a township of land, were for a number 
 of individuals intending to become settlers, to organ- 
 ize themselves into a company called associates, and 
 select one from their number to act as their agent 
 in the transaction of the business with the govern- 
 ment. In this arrangement the agent was to bear 
 all expenses incurred in the survey of the township ; 
 to open a road to, and through it ; to erect mills 
 within it ; and to obtain the signatures of a certain 
 number of persons, pledging themselves to become 
 actual settlers on the premises. The number of asso- 
 ciates required, corresponded with the size of the tract 
 petitioned for ; forty being the usual number designated 
 for a township ten miles square. 
 
 As a first qualification, the person acting as agent 
 for the associates, was to procure a certificate from 
 some source considered reliable, to the effect that he 
 was a responsible character ; and furthermore he must 
 show his authority for acting as agent of the associates, 
 by presenting a petition for a certain tract of land desig- 
 nated ; in which petition, the peculiar claims of those 
 who preferred it, were set forth ; which claims almost 
 invariably related to embarrassments and losses suf 
 fered in consequence of the then late American rebel- 
 lion I and redress w’as asked for these grievances, in 
 the manner above related. Then followed a description 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 155 
 
 of the size and location of the tract asked for : Which 
 
 petition was referred to the land committee for consi- 
 deration.” 
 
 The power to issue Warrants of Survey” rested 
 with the Governor in Council, who for the convenience 
 of parties interested, appointed a board of commission- 
 ers at a convenient location, whose duty it was to make 
 the requisite examinations into the charactei’S of par- 
 ties presenting the petitions, to administer the neces- 
 sary oath of allegiance, and attend to the business in 
 its various details. The examinations were to be made 
 and the oaths taken, before the parties could be accepted 
 and have their names entered in the Letters Patent. 
 
 The arrangements between agents and associates 
 were personal and private agreements by contract 
 between the parties who shared equally, to the effect 
 that of the number of lots drawn by the associate, he 
 should re-convey to the agent, in consideration of the 
 expense incurred and the latter’s services in the busi- 
 ness, all received over a certain number of acres agreed 
 upon between them, on which Actual settlement 
 Svas to be made. This number was usually 200, and 
 the settler was entitled to his choice of the lots falling 
 to his share ; yet exceptions to this were very common, 
 especially if the associate had sons growing up who 
 were considered desirable acquisitions to the community 
 in process of formation, and extra inducements were 
 thought necessary, when a larger proportion of land 
 was offered ; the matter admitting of great latitude. 
 
156 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 The prosecution of the business relating to the grant 
 of a township, was often attended with serious delays 
 and great expense, as intricate and vexatious ques- 
 tions were frequently raised, to the great annoyance of 
 parties interested in bringing the matter to a speedy 
 close. 
 
 The items of expense involved in the necessary sui’- 
 veys, opening of roads, building of bridges, &c., were 
 almost constant calls upon the time and means of the 
 agent, for which he was not too well repaid by the 
 land that reverted to him, as it often proved to be of 
 a quality unfit for sale or cultivation. In this manner 
 small fortunes were often laid out, without anything 
 like adequate returns ; a statement of the items of ex- 
 pense in a single township, being suflScient to do away 
 with tlie impression that these arrangements might 
 have been a source of profit to the agent. Indeed the 
 very reverse was almost invariably the case. 
 
 Upon the reception of the petition, if all was satis- 
 factory, a warrant of survey was issued by the governor 
 to the surveyor-general, requiring that functionary, 
 ‘‘ At the proper cost and charges ’’ of the agent and 
 his associates, to make a faithful and exact survey of 
 the tract of land described in the petition. After 
 specifying the various restrictions, limitations, reserva* 
 tions, &c., which were to be made, the surveyor-general 
 was required to report to the person administering the 
 government, within six months from the date of the 
 warrant issued ; and to return that document, with a 
 
EASTERN T0WNSHIP3. 
 
 157 
 
 plot or description of the tract, annexed, specifying the 
 outlines, divisions and subdivisions, severally numbered, 
 and the reserves distinctly indicated. * 
 
 In the report ■which accompanied the returned war- 
 rant, the surveyor-general certified that he had “ Set 
 off and caused to be actually surveyed, marked, meas- 
 ured, and bounded in the field,” all the tract designa- 
 ted ; and after indicating the survey into superficial 
 acres, di-vision into ranges, and sub-division into lots, 
 these latter -with their numbers were given, with parti- 
 cular descriptions of such as were of irregular confor- 
 mation ; which were the crown and which the clergy 
 reserves ; then the lots in their respective ranges falling 
 to the agents and associates severally ; the number and 
 size of lots in the tract with the number of acres alto- 
 gether, exclusive of an allowance for highways. Par- 
 ticular care was had that the reserves were of the same 
 quality and value as the granted lands ; and moreover, 
 it appears to have been so arranged that the titles of 
 such lands as has been located upon by associates, were 
 confirmed to them. Accompanying this report, was a 
 certificate from the surveyor-general of woods, to the 
 effect that no part of the lands thus described, was in- 
 cluded in any district marked out as a reservation for 
 masting or other timber fit for naval 
 
 . In all these grants, two-sovenths of each township were re- 
 served the'alienltion; viz one-seventh for any future use 
 
 or disposition of the crown, and one-seventh for the ^ 
 
 n Protestant clergy : which reserves were systematically 
 buted through the grant. 
 
168 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 At the expiration of a given period after the oath 
 was taken, the parties again went before the board of 
 commissioners to represent the state of matters in rela- 
 tion to the fulfilment of the conditions. In very few if 
 any cases were they fully complied with, but the 
 government was lenient and compromises were effec- 
 ted. 
 
 Such steps were preparatory to granting the char- 
 ter which was a formal and wordy document, filled 
 with the details of survey ; with a reference to the 
 petition, the certificate of the surveyor-general of 
 woods, and the steps successively taken ; when it was 
 declared that the tract thus petitioned for, surveyed 
 • and described, “ Was created, erected, and constituted 
 a township, to be called, known, and distinguished by 
 the name of 
 
 ^ It was expressly stated in the charter that if the 
 grantees, their heirs or assigns, should not within one 
 year from the date of the Letters Patent, settle on the 
 premises granted to them, so many families as should 
 amount to one family for every twelve hundred acres; 
 or if they should not within three years, effectually 
 cultivate at least two acres for every hundred acres of 
 such of the lands as were capable of cultivation ; and 
 shoidd not within seven years plant and effectually 
 cultivate at least seven acres of such of the premises 
 as were capable of cultivation ; that then and in any 
 of these cases, the grant and everything therein 
 contained, should cease and be absolutely void, and 
 
mma 
 
 EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 159 
 
 the land and premises therein granted, revert to the 
 Crown. Or if any part of the grant was found to 
 be within any previous reservation made by the 
 authorities, it was -declared Null and void and 
 without effect.” Still further, it was required, that 
 within six months from the date of the Letters Pa- 
 tent, a copy should be registered in the oflSce of the 
 Provincial Registrar, at the seat of Government, in 
 default of which, the whole should revert to the Crown. 
 The following are the closing sentences entire : — 
 And we do, moreover, of Our special grace, certain 
 knowledge, and mere motion, consent and agree that 
 these Our present Letters being duly registered and 
 a docket thereof made as before directed and appointed, 
 shall be good and effectual in law, to all intents, con- 
 structions and purposes whatsoever, against Us, Our 
 Heirs and Successors, notwithstanding any mis-recitmg, 
 miS'bounding, mis-naming, or other imperfection or 
 omission, or in anywise concerning the above granted, 
 or hereby mentioned and intended to be granted, lots of 
 land and premises, or any part thereof. In testimony 
 whereof, We have caused these Our Letters to be made 
 Patent, and the great Seal of Our said Province of 
 Lower Canada to be hereunto afSxed.” 
 
 To this document were added dates and the signa- 
 tures of both the governor and his secretary. It may 
 be proper here to say that though there were excep- 
 tional cases, when townships or parts of townships were 
 granted to individuals and parties, without many 
 
160 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 of the formalities above described, the course pursued 
 was very nearly uniform throughout these townships. 
 
 Subsequent events have caused doubt as to the 
 expediency of the methods then practiced of granting 
 lands. There is evidence that at an early stage of the 
 proceedings, the evils that would inevitably follow in the 
 wake of this system, were in a measure foreseen and 
 pointed out ; and that in fact, this was at times a cause 
 of very serious disagreement between parties high in 
 official life. However well conceived it might have 
 been in some respects, it was essentially lacking in such 
 guarantee or safeguard as might have effectually pre- 
 vented the intriguing and corrupt conduct of some 
 engaged in the business ; and have secured the upright 
 and honest-minded who were acting in good faith, from 
 being defrauded and victimized by the designing and 
 unscrupulous adventurer. Much fruitless and vexatious 
 litigation might have been prevented, and the govern- 
 ment saved the trouble and expense of appointing spe- 
 cial commissions to examine into claims and correct 
 abuses which have been a standing disgrace to our 
 section of country. Many appeared to regard these 
 transactions merely in the light of a speculation ; 
 assuming all the obligations of asociates without thought 
 of ever becommg settlers on lands to which they thus 
 acquired a claim. The duplicity and intrigue often 
 practiced and sometimes brought home to guilty parties, 
 had frequently the effect of throwing suspicion and dis- 
 trust upon the innocent, and causing them to suffer 
 unjustly. 
 
Eastern townships. 
 
 161 
 
 It was during the later years of the previous con- 
 tury and the earliest years of the present, that most 
 of the settlements were made in accordance with these 
 arrangements. That party resentments were cooling 
 is eviclent from the fact that a majority of those who 
 came to this section at that time, were from the New 
 England States. As a general thing, they were men 
 of large families and limited means, and were no doubt 
 induced to take this step by the feasibility with which 
 land could be acquired. These New England men 
 were mostly of that energetic, self-reliant, and inde- 
 pendent temperament, that gave assurance of suc- 
 cess in any enterprise they might undertake. Some 
 of them had been inured to backwoods life, and thus 
 had received a training which fitted them to depend 
 on their own exertions ; yet it is more than probable 
 that new features of this life were met 'with in their 
 Canadian experiences. 
 
 In many cases the elder sons were of an age to join 
 the company of associates, and thus draw land for them- 
 selves, and in all cases there was room enough, good 
 land being both plenty and cheap. The advantages 
 thus offered answered the double purpose of drawing 
 attention to the country, and of encouraging the timid 
 approaches of those disposed to prefer a residence 
 where they would enjoy the protection of British laws. 
 
 Of the different motives that prompted our fore- 
 fathers to give up home and comfort, and enter upon 
 the severe labors and meet the perilous adventures in- 
 
 L 
 
162 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 cident to forest life in a country like this, — whether 
 prompted to the change by a spirit of ardent enter- 
 prise, restless ambition, or hope of gain — it is not our 
 province now to judge. We only know that th«y did 
 so ; and that in niany instances, delicate and tenderly 
 reared women were called to give up the enjoyments 
 of social life, and with young and rising children around 
 them, follow their hardier husbands to the comfortless 
 homes provided for them in the wilderness ; that they 
 were forced to bear their part of the self-denials and 
 privations which were invariably the lot of the early 
 settler, and that both their strength of mmd and their 
 physical energies were often tasked to the utmost in 
 caring for their families, and in those departments of 
 domestic industry where their services could be made 
 available. 
 
 The soil in these townships was fertile, as could be 
 plainly seen from the majestic trees and luxuriant 
 shrubbery with which it was covered. The woods were 
 filled with game, and excellent fish abounded in the 
 streams and lakes ; yet with all these helps to a hving, 
 those who ventured on the trial knew that for years 
 they should be subjected to the most laborious toil, and 
 though some shrank from the prospect before them, 
 few gave their decided voice against the change. 
 
 There appears to some minds a sort of fascination in 
 the incidents and perils of forest life. Cases are com- 
 mon when love of exciting adventure strengthens with 
 indulgence until it becomes a mastering passion. While 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 m 
 
 most of these men were strong in manhood and health, 
 their hearts were buoyant and hopeful of long life’ 
 successful effort, and years of enjoyment. 
 
 Of pioneer life, — that enigma to many, — one writer 
 says that Danger seems only to sharpen the spirit of 
 adventure, and attract rather than repel emigration.’’ 
 Another with something of a cynical sneer, remarks 
 that The great mystery of pioneer life is but a greed 
 for newer, wilder, and more dangerous adventures than 
 as yet had been met with while another with still 
 greater causticity, says that ‘‘ A great deal of what is 
 called the pioneer spirit, is but the working of a shift- 
 less discontent ; as when inefficient men become very 
 uncomfortable, they are quite likely to try emigration 
 as a remedy.” 
 
 Either of these sententious paragraphs may be true 
 to some extent and in some cases, yet neither of them 
 are suited to universal application. There may be 
 reasons for change foreign to those that are given 
 above ; causes known only to the parties most interest- 
 ed and most affected by it, which not only justify but 
 render it highly desirable and expedient. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 
 
 164 
 
 CHAPTER. IV. 
 
 TOURS OF EXPLORATION J CHOICE OF LOCATION, AND PREPARA- 
 TIONS FOR SETTLEMENT. — JOURNEY OF EMIGRANT FAMILY. 
 — DIFFERING ROUTES AND :METH0DS OF TRAVEL, DELAYS, 
 EXPEDIENTS, &C . — HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE. — FORAGE FOR 
 DOMESTIC ANIMALS. — KNOTVLEDGE OF MECHANICS. — MAPLE 
 SUGAR. — SEASONS OF SCARCITY. — HIGH PRICES. — SUFFERING 
 IN CONSEQUENCE. — DESTITUTION. 
 
 When the idea of coming to Canada was seriously 
 entertained, the first step to be taken was to open ne- 
 gociations with some person acting as agent for a com- 
 pany of associates in obtaining the grant of a township 
 of land. Next, the father of the family of intending 
 emigrants, usually made a tour of observation and in- 
 spection ; when if pleased with the situation and decided 
 to become a settler, he made choice of a location, and 
 some sort of preparation for moving in his family ; 
 unless some friend was already on the ground whose 
 shelter they could share while preparing a cabin of their 
 own. 
 
 These tours of exploration were usually made on 
 foot, sometimes alone, but more frequently in company 
 with one or more wdio like themselves, were looking 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 165 
 
 out the land ; and as there were then no Houses of 
 entertainment” on theii* route, it was needful that tra- 
 velers went prepared with whatever they might want 
 in the way of provisions, which in addition to the neces- 
 sary axe, gun and ammunition, witli the indispensable 
 camp-kettle, formed no slight burden : this however, 
 was divided, each bearing his share with great good 
 humor. If fire-arms and fishing tackle were taken, 
 they were depended on to furnish from the woods and 
 streams, whatever was wanting of ‘‘ fish, flesh or fowl,” 
 when only bread and seasoning articles were required 
 to be taken. The travellers w^ere guided to the tract 
 they sought, by marked treesy or as they were other- 
 wise called spotted lines : which method of pointing 
 out the way to any particular locality had been adopted 
 generally hj surveyors and those using the compass, 
 whose business called them through the woods. 
 
 Fire was indispensable, both to cook the food when 
 taken, and as a safeguard against the approaches of 
 wild beasts. In those days before the introduction of 
 the useful ‘‘ Lucifer,” fii*e material consisted of flint, 
 steel and spunk, which were carried in the pccket 
 ready for use. Unless providentially led to the covert 
 of some friendly cabin, these wayfarers were obliged 
 to pass their nights in the woods with their^ mother 
 earth for a bed, the wide spread canopy of heaven for 
 a shelter, and perhaps the sighing of the wind, the 
 rustling of the trees, the screeching of the owl, or the 
 howling of the distant wolf for a lullaby : the camp 
 
166 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 fire being depended on for keeping away the last 
 named dreaded denizens of the forest. 
 
 In addition to the fatigues of such a journey, these 
 travellers often suffered excessive annoyance from the 
 swarms of venomous insects with which these woods 
 were then infested at certain seasons of the year. The 
 largest and most troublesome of these was the moose- 
 fly, so called from its being particularly obnoxious to 
 that creature. It is said, when fully grown, to exceed 
 a honey-bee in size, and has a sting so acute that 
 horses rear, plunge, and become quite unmanageable, 
 when bitten by them. Happily they were but a short 
 lived nuisance ; but during a reign of about one month, 
 comprising the two last weeks in June, and the two 
 first in July, they were the torment alike of man and 
 beast. So much were the early settlei’s annoyed by 
 them, that they were often obliged to confine their 
 horses and cattle in darkened stables, and if it was 
 necessary for themselves to go out, to anomt such 
 parts of their persons as were exposed to be bitten 
 by the fly, with some substance distasteful to them. 
 Beside these, were smaller insects, equally numerous 
 and troublesome. Smudges which had the effect of 
 keeping them away, were made of dry touch-wood, 
 which is an excresence taken from the trunks of trees 
 growmg in damp soils, or of several pieces of cedar 
 bark firmly bound together ; either of which retains 
 fire and emits smoke without kindling into a blaze. At 
 night, the smoke of the camp-fire did good service 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 167 
 
 toward keeping away these merciless intruders, but 
 without the necessary precaution, travellers by day 
 were often nearly blinded by them. 
 
 If streams of water were to be crossed on these ex- 
 cursions, the axe was brought into use to cut down a 
 tree on which to pass over, which quickly constructed 
 bridge was left for the use of successive travellers, till 
 some flood carried it away. 
 
 The camping ground was usually chosen near some 
 stream of clear water, and while one of the party 
 lighted the Are, another perhaps was busied in gather- 
 ing hemlock boughs for their bed, while the third was 
 engaged in compounding a savory supper. Partridges 
 which were then exceedingly numerous, often made 
 the principal share in these repasts. 
 
 The camp-kettle was suspended over the fire on a shcrt 
 pole supported at either end by small crutches driven 
 into the ground, when with the aid of axo and pocket 
 knife, such articles of table furniture as were indis- 
 pensable were readily and rudely shaped from the 
 clean hard wood which grew so plentitully at hand. 
 Notwithstanding the simple appointments of the feast 
 or its lack of tasteful surroundings, hunger which is 
 said to be the best sa\ice^ quickened the appetite, and 
 novelty gave zest to the entertainment ; while the 
 bottle, which was an indispensable accompaniment of 
 such excursions, no doubt added to the general convi- 
 viaUty of the party, as each in turn boasted of the 
 share of adventure he should have to recount on bis 
 
168 
 
 HISTOKT OF THE 
 
 arrival home ; and the song and jest passed round, till 
 the invisible influences of the drowsy god were softly 
 stealing over the senses ; when stretching before the 
 fire, they resigned themselves to the arms of “ Tired 
 nature’s sweet restorer.” 
 
 The dwelling which was prepared for the emigrant 
 family was but a shanty or cabin, often not more than 
 twelve or fifteen feet square, with log walls and bark 
 roof, and without floor other than the smoothed earth ; 
 it being designed as a shelter only till a dwelling of 
 more comfortable dimensions and convenient arrange- 
 ments could be erected. Yet it answered the purpose 
 intended, and though very primitive in appearance, 
 had the double virtue of being readily and cheaply 
 constructed. It was invariably built of logs uniform 
 in size and length, laid one above another, with the 
 ends so notched as to fit into each other and thus 
 bind the whole structure firmly together. The in- 
 terstices between the logs were filled with bits of wood 
 and moss and then plastered with clay ; a space being 
 cut out for a door and window each. The roof was 
 covered with hemlock bark which was best obtained 
 for the purpose in the spring of the year when it peels 
 off readily. An opening was left in the roof for smoke 
 to pass out flat stones so placed as to keep the fire 
 from the logs ; blankets or skins hung at the door 
 and window, and the cabin was ready for occupa- 
 tion. If, as was often case, the it too small to allow 
 of a fire, or a bed within, the ground was thickly 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 169 
 
 covered with hemlock boughs as a substitute for the 
 latter, and near the cabin was a frame of poles cover- 
 ed with barks, under which was a fire-place built of 
 stones. 
 
 When the time came for the family to move in, a 
 road which had been surveyed and marked, was bush- 
 ed out along the line of entrance, so as to prepare 
 the way for the sleds which at that early period were 
 the only vehicles that could penetrate into the coun- 
 try. The mother and younger children occupied the 
 front part, leaving the back for bedding, provisions, 
 kitchen ustensils, or such small articles as were brought 
 with the family, while the men and elder boys came in 
 on foot. Winter was often chosen for these journeys, 
 as the roughness of the way was then lessened by the 
 snow which covered the ground, and streams could be 
 crossed upon the ice. Horses were sometimes used 
 at this season, especially if the location to be reached 
 was near the margin of some lake or river, on which 
 the ice afforded an easy way of transportation ; but 
 the roads into the interior were so rough in conse- 
 quence of stumps, stones and like obstructions, that the 
 patient plodding ox was oftener employed for the labor. 
 
 If the journey was made in summer, streams which 
 were too deep to be forded, were crossed by means of a 
 raft formed of light timbers firmly bound together by 
 withes. On this, the sled and loading were embarked. 
 

 170 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 whUe the oxen which had been detached from them 
 swam over.* ^ 
 
 As there were few dwellings on these routes of travel, 
 and perhaps several nights were to be passed in the 
 woods before reaching their destination, the family 
 were made as comfortable as possible in camp, and 
 the animals were turned loose to browse. If the jour- 
 ney was made in winter, the men of the party cleared 
 away the snow from a space of ground, kindled a fire 
 and gathered a quantity of hemlock boughs, which are 
 said to prevent taking cold from exposure. The largest 
 of these were set in a circle a little back of the fire 
 so as to keep out the wind, while a bed was made of the 
 small branches. This custom is said to have been de- 
 rived from the Indians and like many of their other 
 practices,was adopted by hunters, surveyors, and others 
 obliged to pass their nights in the woods. 
 
 As there was then no hay in the country, cattle were 
 left till spring, except such as drew in the sleds ; and 
 for these, a supply of forage had also to be brouo'ht in. 
 People settling in the various localities, came in from 
 different sections, by different routes and modes of 
 
 Alter the lines of road leading into the various sections bac 
 been bushed out, much of the travelling done hy parties in searcl 
 of a location was on horseback ; when if the rider was obligee 
 to camp out for a night, he turned his horse loose to browse 
 perhaps tied a small bell around his neck to help in finding him 
 
 If the streams were too high to be forded or too broad to be crossed 
 upon a fallen tree, the horse had to swim and carry his master. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 171 
 
 conveyance. Those coming to the townships near the 
 north borders of Vermont, usually came by land 
 directly to their new homes : those locating along the 
 course of the St. Francis, came up that river : while 
 many came in by way of Lake Memphremagog and the 
 rivers through which it is drained. This method of \ 
 travel, from the necessity there was of making frequent 
 portages, was fatiguing and dangerous at all seasons of | 
 the year, and distressing casualities were by no means 
 uncommon. 
 
 Those journeying in this manner were usually pro- 
 vided with a sort of tent made of blankets, which they 
 spread on a frame of poles cut and driven into the 
 ground, at any point where they chose to land and 
 pass the night. Under this, a bed of hemlock Avas 
 prepared, Avhilo a fire kindled near, at which their 
 supper and breakfast were cooked, completed the 
 arrangements for their comfort. On frequented routes, 
 a rudely constructed frame was sometimes covered 
 with boughs or bark, and left for the use of successive 
 travellers. 
 
 Much persevering and patient labor Avas necessary 
 in overcoming the serious and unforeseen obstacles 
 which were at times encountered on these journeys. 
 Such hindrances as severe storms, drifted snows, fallen 
 trees, swollen streams, &c., were by no means un- 
 usual, and in some instances, as many as fifteen or 
 twenty days elapsed before the travellers reached their 
 destmation ; during Avhich delays, it was well for them 
 
172 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 if they found occasional shelter beneath the roof of 
 some friendly cabin. Unlooked for and unthought of 
 emergencies would frequently arise to make necessary 
 a resort to ingenious and amusmg expedients.* 
 
 The household furniture in use at that period, neces- 
 sarily partook of the style and character of the dwell- 
 ing. If no table had been brought in, one was readily 
 formed by driving four small crutches into the ground 
 at proper distances, on which were 1 aid poles of the 
 length required to support the pieces of board forming 
 the leaf. Every bit of board, box, or whatever had been 
 brought from the former home, was made of great 
 account. An iron pot or kettle, and a fiying-pan were 
 indispensables ; but a tea-kettle was a luxury; and 
 many of the kitchen utensils in daily use in the family, 
 were roughly shaped by unskilled hands from the hard 
 timber which grew so plentifully near. A bedstead, 
 dignified by the name of Catamount, was also improvised 
 in a manner similar to the table. It stood in a corner 
 
 • After the more general opening of roads, women often came 
 in on horseback, a distance of one hundred miles or more, bring- 
 ing infants in their arms, with perhaps a feather bed or other bulky 
 article, bound on behind ; while the husband on another horse, 
 with perhaps one or two other children, carried the necessary pro- 
 visions and other indispensables which were to serve them till 
 
 the arrival of the lumbering ox-sled. Those coming from a dis- 
 tance often had long tent-like wagons which, as far as the roads 
 were passable for them, served the double purpose of vehicle by 
 day and lodging place at night; but on approaching the newer 
 sections, these were exchanged for sleds. The milk of cows driven 
 jn at the time, was also used bj- the way. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 ITS 
 
 of the cabin, where at a distance from the wall proper 
 for length on the one hand and width on the other, 
 crutches were driven into the ground to support poles 
 that formed the frame. Elm bark stripped into proper 
 widths was then woven around the poles something 
 after the manner of basket work, when this piece of 
 furniture was also ready for use. The space under- 
 neath was used for the storage of trunks, boxes, &c., or 
 whatever might be laid aside. Similar make-shifts 
 also supplied many another real want. 
 
 The only hay in the country at the coming of these 
 first settlers was the wild grass which grew upon the 
 
 “ Beaver meadows,” some of which were found in all 
 parts of the country. They were low, level spots of 
 land Ijdng upon some stream of running water, on 
 which these industrious little proprietors, with an 
 instinct almost amounting to human intelligence, had 
 built dams which set back the water and thus flooded 
 a space often several acres in extent, from which, for 
 their own use and convenience, they had cleared away 
 the timber. On the abandonment and destruction of 
 this dam, the land thus drained was left open, and in 
 time was covered by nature with a verdant clothing. 
 If these meadows were at any considerable distance 
 from the farm buildings of the settler, the grass was 
 cut in season and stacked on the ground, for wan tof 
 a road by which it could be taken home. Imtil land 
 ^as cleared and seeded down, which was not usually 
 tUl the third year, little could be done in the way 
 
174 
 
 UISTORY OF THR 
 
 raising stock. Between this wild grass, straw, corn- 
 stalks, prepared leaves and browse, forage was supplied 
 for the few cattle that were driven in, till the new 
 farms could be made to produce such as was needed. 
 Grains, seeds, and the smaller domestic animals and 
 fowls, were brought in with the settler’s family. 
 
 Some knowledge of the use of tools was indispen- 
 sable to the settler, who brought in with him such as 
 were in common use at the time, these being not 
 only necessary in building and furnishing their dwell- 
 ings, but in making all the implements of farm labor. 
 There was therefore almost constant use for the axe, 
 saw, auger, adze, plane and shave. ^ 
 
 In many sections of the townships, the rock or suo'ar 
 maple was found in great abundance ; indeed, in some 
 portions it was the most common timber. This was 
 an inducement to some of the early settlers who knew 
 beforehand the product of these trees in spring time, 
 and accordingly chose locations on land covered 
 with them. For many years small wooden troughs 
 roughly hewn out of almost any kind of timber, were- 
 used to receive the sap as it fell from the tree, when 
 It was gathered in buckets and boiled in kettles to the 
 consistency of syrup, then strained and cleansed be- 
 fore being boiled down to sugar. Aside from the 
 taste of the article produced, the making of su<rar is 
 by no means a Bweet or agreeable employment, °as it 
 involves an amount of hard work of such a nature as 
 to take away all romantic interest in it. A very 
 
KASTEllN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 175 
 
 short experience of sap gathering, or boiling with eyes 
 blinded by smoke, would convince a novice in the art 
 that the only sweet is the sugar made. Seasons have 
 always varied in the quantity and quality of the article 
 produced, which from the first has been made to con- 
 tribute materially toward family supplies. Improve- 
 ments in its manufacture have been made from time 
 to time. 
 
 The necessary provisions for one year were brought 
 in with the family, and when once settled in their 
 cabins, it was felt to be most important that as much 
 land as could possibly be cleared, should be prepared 
 to receive seed, as on the proper improvement .of 
 seed time, depended the harvest and much of their 
 future comfort : yet as a general thing, it was not till 
 the second or third year that grain enough was raised 
 to furnish bread for the family, and it was no unusual 
 event for this harvest to prove a failure, either through 
 the depredations of bears or destruction by frosts. 
 Those who had been thus unfortunate, or from any 
 cause had been unable to provide against such emer- 
 gency, were often obliged to go on foot thirty, forty, 
 fifty miles, or even more as the case might be, before 
 finding what they sought, and then return laden with 
 all they could bring for their destitute families. During 
 seasons of scarcity and high prices, much suffering 
 was experienced by these poor people. 
 
 Until the introduction of sheep and the raising of 
 flax, such clothing as had been brought in with the 
 
176 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 settler's family had in most cases to suffice, as there 
 were then no ready means by which the supply could 
 be renewed. We are told that in some of the more re- 
 mote sections, before wool and flax could be produced 
 and made into cloth, mothers of families were some- 
 times driven to the necessity of cutting up the blankets 
 they had prepared with great care for bedding, in 
 order to clothe their needy little ones ; and further- 
 more, that the clothing of the men had often to be 
 patched with the skins of animals, for want of cloth. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 177 
 
 CnAPTER V. 
 
 IMPROVEMENTS IN DWELLINGS, FURNITURE, AND OTHER CONVE- 
 NIENCES. — MECHANICAL LABOR. — METHOD OP CONVERTING 
 CORN INTO FOOD. — ERECTION OF 3ULLS. — OPENING OF ROADS. 
 — CLOTHING IN USE. — FEMALE EMPLOYMENTS. — SOCIAL 
 GATHERINGS.— DRINKING HABITS.— FERTILITY OF SOIL.— SUR- 
 PLUS PRODUCE WANT OF A MARKET.— EARLY PRODUCTS.— 
 
 TRADING ESTABLISHMENTS.— PUBLIC HOUSES.— VTHEELED VE- 
 HICLES.— WILD ANIMALS. 
 
 After the first year’s scanty crops had been put into 
 the ground, attention was usually given to the erection 
 of more convenient dwellings, which to a great extent 
 superseded the cabin, though years elapsed before 
 many of the poorer class of settlers had more comfort- 
 able habitations. The new buildings were necessarily 
 of the same material, and had the same covering as 
 the cabin, but were a decided improvement on the 
 score of size, being designed to correspond in this with 
 the numbers and circumstances of the families which 
 were to inhabit them. 
 
 A cavity for the cellar was made in the centre of 
 the spot chosen, and at one end was a large open chim- 
 ney which was buUt up a short way with stones and 
 
 M 
 
< 
 
 178 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 clay, to resist the action of the fire, and thence carried 
 up through the bark roof, with small split sticks cross- 
 ed at the comers and filled in with clay, when the 
 whole inside of the chimney was plastered with a thick 
 coating of the same substance, and the largest flat 
 stones that could be procured were laid around the fire- 
 place for a hearth. If the dwelling was put up before 
 the advent of a saw mill in the vicinity, the floors, 
 doors and partitions, were made of hewn planks, fast- 
 ened together by wooden pins. Hand-saws were often 
 passed lengthwise through the joints of these floors 
 while the timbers were in a fi'ozen state, in order to pi-e- 
 vent any unevenness of the sides, and of course, when 
 thawed, the natural expansion of the wood made them 
 tighter still. If in these houses there were either 
 nails, iron door latches, hinges, glass windows, or other 
 fixtures of the kind, they had been brought at great 
 trouble and expense from the older settlements. A log 
 barn and shed completed the farm buildings, as these 
 were required for storing the grain and fodder that 
 might be raised, and for sheltering the domestic ani- 
 mals and fowls. 
 
 The furniture of the new house was also an improve- 
 ment on that of the cabin, at least it had the added 
 convenience of being moveable; both the table and bed- 
 stead described in the foregoing chapter bemg firm 
 fixtures ; but as there Avere floors in the new building, 
 “ the mother of invention” prompted such change as 
 was effected in the bedstead, by having four posts of 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 179 
 
 proper height, bored near the top so that poles of the 
 right length for the sides and ends, could be mserted 
 to form the frame, when the whole was bound together 
 with bark woven as before described. The tables, 
 benches, and other articles in daily use were improved 
 accordingly, as necessity had taught these people to rely 
 on their own elforts. 
 
 Beside their bedding and a few utensils of iron and 
 earthenware, some small articles of furniture found 
 their way in with the family, most of which had been 
 kept as mementos of departed friends, or relics of by- 
 gone and better days. These were generally more 
 prized for their connection with past associations than 
 for any intrinsic value, and were cherished with a care 
 amounting almost to veneration. 
 
 The necessity of a supply of tools has already been 
 adverted to, but these articles when in constant use will 
 wear out or get broken, and this made the blacksmith 
 a most necessary adjunct to the new settlement. At 
 first, men wore mocassins of the imperfectly tanned 
 hides of animals ; but in time the shoemaker made his 
 appearance, and in addition to his legitimate calling, 
 was both saddle and hamessmaker. The saw mill called 
 in carpenters and joiners, and many of the persons 
 named as associates had more or less knowledge of 
 some one of the essential branches of mechanics. 
 
 After the people began to raise corn and before the 
 general erection of mills, an article of domestic use 
 known as the Plumping miliP was brought into 
 
180 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 requisition to convert the grain into meal. It -was 
 made of a section of log standing upright, with a cavity 
 in the top into which the corn was put. The pestle 
 was a long piece of wood rounded at the bottom, of 
 convenient size for the hand in the middle, and fastened 
 at the top to a spring-pole, so that after one stroke upon 
 the corn in the mortar, it would rebound for another. 
 When the corn was sufficiently pounded, a seive sepa- 
 rated the coarse and fine meal, the former of which 
 was made into hominy^ * and the latter into whole- 
 some coarse bread, or used in various ways known to 
 housekeepers in this countiy. . The plumping mill was 
 probably an improvement upon the Indian method of 
 pounding corn in order to convert it into food, there 
 being otherwise no way except the process known as 
 hulling, and was in use only till the erection of grist 
 mills. Settlers who lived near the lakes and streams 
 wffiich were navigable for canoes, often took their grain 
 a long distance to be ground, as in some localities there 
 w^ere no streams sufficiently large to carry mills, f 
 
 But the first practiced methods of converting grain 
 into food by pounding, boiling or sending it a long 
 distance to be ground, were found to be much too incon- 
 
 * An Indian dish made by boiling the coarse meal when sepa- 
 rated from the bran. 
 
 t At a very early period in the settlement of Bolton, Nicholas 
 Austin procured a large coffee mill, which when propelled by the 
 water of a small brook near his residence, would grind corn at 
 the rate of six bushels in twenty -four hours. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 181 
 
 vcnicnt and laborious, and a more general erection of 
 grinding mills was called for by the increasing wants 
 of the people. In the building of these, heavy iron 
 castings and mill-stones were required, and must be 
 brought from a distance. If there was no route by which 
 they could be transported at least part of the way by 
 water, all such weighty articles were usually brought 
 in on sleds in winter. In some places however, stones 
 were found in the vicinity, which by being brought into 
 something of the required shape, were made to answer 
 a purpose, and though as soon as circumstances favored 
 the change, they were replaced by others of improved 
 quality, it must be claimed for them that they did good 
 service for the early settler. Saw mills in time were 
 greatly multiplied, and then came a very decided im" 
 provement in the building line, as a well covered barn 
 in which the hay, grain, and farm stock, might be well 
 secured, was of little less importance than a comfort- 
 able dwelling. 
 
 When the first locations were made in these town- 
 ships, the roads leading to the several settlements were 
 merely bushed out, and the next step in advance was the 
 opening of cross roads from one section to another, but 
 from the nature of the soil and the imperfect manner of 
 their construction, they were in a bad state for years. 
 As regarded local convenience these early people had to 
 depend upon themselves, and any efforts to improve their 
 roads were of course voluntary ; the usual course pur- 
 
182 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 sued being to meet and tax tliemseWes so much labor 
 yearly. 
 
 Most of the clothing worn by the early settler and 
 liis family, was necessarily of home manufacture, spun, 
 woven, and made into garments by the industrious hands 
 of our grand-mothers, mothers and aunts ; for this branch 
 of work belonged exclusively to the female depart- 
 ment. To them a practical knowledge of the use of 
 hand-card, distaif, wheel and loom, was indispensable. 
 To a great extent it was their education, and pre- 
 sented a field for emulation in efibrts to excel in mak- 
 ing the various kinds of cloth, yarns, bedding, &c. 
 The winter and summer clothing were products of 
 the home farm, both of them being often finely spun, 
 woven and colored with skill and taste. The house 
 keeping and cooking departments were also under 
 their charge ; for to the domestic sphere and the care 
 of the sick, their faculties and energies were devoted. 
 Few resources or opportunities for religious instruc- 
 tion or intellectual culture were theirs to enjoy. These 
 were reserved for their children and grand-children. 
 
 It was customary from the earliest formation of set- 
 tlements, for the scattered inhabitants to assemble at 
 times for the cultivation of a neighborly intercourse, 
 and the gratification of a natural desire for companion- 
 ship. Where people had so few sources of enjoyment, 
 it is probable that these gatherings were looked for- 
 ward to with pleasurable anticipations. Old people 
 who in youth shared in these merry-makings, assure us 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 183 
 
 that in those days a more hearty good feeling and a 
 more unconstrained freedom prevailed, than in later 
 years ; and that less of the unamiable and unloveable 
 spirit of envy, rivalry, or detraction, existed at that 
 time, then has since been the case. Though dancing 
 was much practiced, it is hardly probable that the 
 music whether of the fiddle or the human voice, was 
 subjected to any very close criticism. For years there 
 vrere no pubhc houses ; every man’s dwelling was 
 open to the traveller, and a cordial welcome was ex- 
 tended alike to friend or stranger. 
 
 A mutual regard and consideration for each other’s 
 comfort and convenience is said to have been cl aracter- 
 istic of society at that early day ; the people seem- 
 ing bound to each other by a community of interests 
 and sympathies as w’ell as trials. Each felt the neces- 
 sity of cherishing a spirit of mutual accommodation, as 
 this seems to have become almost universally diffused 
 among them. Many came into the country who were 
 not fully supplied with teams, farming implements, 
 mechanic’s tools, &c ; and as there was no place in this 
 section where such could be readily procured, resort 
 was had to the practice of borrowing. This system 
 which has its evils and abuses, had its origin in 
 necessity, and in time came into very general use. 
 A man would hardly feel justified in refusing to 
 lend his property if not using it himself, when his 
 neighbor was in want; and even money was often 
 regarded as valuable only in contributing to the 
 
184 
 
 HISTOKT OF THE 
 
 general convenience and comfort. He would often 
 loan it without bond or interest ; and such was the mu- 
 tual confidence, that there was no thought of fastening 
 doors at night, or of otherwise confining or secreting 
 property. And yet instances of dishonesty or theft 
 were extremely rare. When they did occur however? 
 they were regarded with unaffected horror and disgust. 
 Notwithstanding the many disagreeable peculiarities 
 which characterized life in the woods at that day, this 
 mutual confidence, common sympathy, and generous 
 feeling, made amends for much. 
 
 In the days of which we write, spirituous liquors 
 were considered essential as a beverage, and no doubt 
 the stimulant went far toward promoting the general 
 enjoyment and hilarity on their festive occasions : but 
 however the practice of drinking to excess might have 
 been indulged in at other times and places, we are as- 
 sured that such was seldom the case at these social 
 gatherings. 
 
 An examination into this subject, would reveal the 
 fact that a most astonishing quantity of whiskey was 
 manufactured and consumed by these early people. As 
 their land was new and generally very productive, 
 after the first few years the farmers raised a large sur- 
 plus of grain, which, till a market was available, was 
 mostly converted into whiskey and taken as a bever- 
 age. Distilleries became exceedingly numerous ; the 
 making and selling of this article being pursued and 
 recognized as a respectable and legitimate employment. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 185 
 
 After the introduction of taverns, selling whiskey be- 
 came the most lucrative and of course the most im" 
 portant branch of the business. Although this whiskey 
 was not then adulterated and drugged as at the pre- 
 sent day, its effects on those who became slaves to 
 their appetites, were in most respects the same- The 
 way was thus gradually but too surely prepared for 
 drunkenness, poverty, and the various forms of vice 
 w^hich often culminated in crime and its fearful penal- 
 ties. 
 
 But notwithstanding the many drawbacks and dis- 
 advantages with which these settlements had to con- 
 tend in the days of their infancy and for a period of 
 years, persevering effort was finally rewarded by a 
 measurable success. Tlie new land produced well, and 
 after the first few years of labor, grain was usually 
 plenty. In the more rapidly increasing settlements 
 there was also abundant use for the surplus produce 
 that was raised. But in the more isolated parts, many 
 trying and discouraging influences were at work, and 
 the poor settler had to struggle for a bare subsistence. 
 Though the soil might produce ever so luxuriantly, 
 there was little use in raising more grain than was 
 needed for home consumption, as for a long time there 
 was no market available for the surplus. 
 
 The game in our w’oods, the fish in our streams, and 
 the maples in our forests, being the most readily avail- 
 able natural resources of the country at that day, had 
 contributed largely to the living of the settler, till 
 
186 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 farms could be cleared and made to produce. As 
 soon however, as this was the case and a necessity was 
 felt for a market, efforts were made in many sections 
 to open winter roads that would give the people 
 that advantage once in the year at least. Those 
 living west of Lake Memphremagog sought a market 
 in Montreal by different lines of road through the 
 ^ interior, while inhabitants along the line of the St. 
 Francis and its principal tributaries found their 
 way in canoes down that river to its mouth, and 
 thence across the St. Lawrence to Three Rivers. 
 Along the rivers and streams which afforded tran- 
 sportation by canoes, this had been carried on to 
 some extent from the. first, and as the population in- 
 creased, it was pursued with enlarged and improved 
 facilities. 
 
 For several years the only available routes to Mon- 
 treal, had been either around by Missisquoi Bay and 
 St. Johns, or down some navigable river to the St. 
 Lawrence and thence up to the city. But in the 
 course of time it was ascertained that by going through 
 the wilderness to the French seigniories^ a consider- 
 able saving in the distance would be made, and winter 
 roads were opened connecting with different lines lead- 
 ing direct to Montreal. 
 
 Settlements had first been commenced in localities 
 chosen for good land and valuable timber, rather than 
 in reference to any facilities for communicating with 
 other parts ; but the necessity for such connection in 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 187 
 
 time became apparent, and the more enterprising 
 among the settle rs met and agreed upon concerted 
 action for the good of the whole. On some of these routes 
 there were few indications of settlement for many 
 miles, and a still more unpromising feature of the case, 
 was that some of the proposed routes lay through 
 sections of swamp, hitherto penetrated only by the 
 foot traveller who picked his way through on fallen 
 trees and mossy formations. Such enterprises were not 
 efifected without the most laborious toil and many dis- 
 couraging adventures. After the commencement of 
 cold weather, the streams were sufficiently frozen to 
 cross upon the ice ; but owing to the shade of heavy 
 trees, or the peculiar nature of the soil, the ice in 
 swamps w’as not so firm, and many places had to be filled 
 with logs, brushwood, &c., before a passage could be 
 effected. While engaged in this work the poor beasts 
 would often sink so deeply into the mud that their 
 drivers had to cut poles and pry them out ; but perse- 
 verence at length accomplished the task and winter 
 roads were opened. This partial success had the 
 effect of stimulating the people to further efforts 
 toward improving their condition ; an ambidon which 
 seemed to have reference to the future opening before 
 them, rather than the pressure of any existing neces- 
 
 next steps in the work, were to bridge the 
 streams and construct causeways over the swamps, when 
 ox-sleds could pass in summer to the navigable rivers, 
 
188 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 or to travelled roads in older settled sections. Those 
 who had money gave it to these enterprizes, and those 
 who had none — which was much oftener the case 
 — gave their labor. 
 
 In the two principal lines leading from the east to 
 Montreal, were two large rivers in the way ; and as 
 there were then no bridges either at St. Johns or 
 Chambly, that river (the Richelieu) was crossed by 
 means of scows ; a large flat boat formed of planks, 
 the sides being some fifteen or eighteen inches high, 
 while the ends of about the same height rise gradually, 
 to facilitate the embarkation and debarkation, and to 
 pass more readily over the surface of the water. 
 Teams could thus be ferried across without detaching 
 the animals in case they were quiet and manageable ; 
 but if otherwise, great care and pains were necessary 
 to effect a safe passage. In case of storms, travellers 
 were obliged to wait till the wind subsided before the 
 boatman dared venture upon the 'water, and often 
 whole days or even several days were spent w^aiting for 
 a change of -w^eather, as the elements could not be 
 braved, and there was no remedy. 
 
 Batteaux were necessary on the St. Lawrence, as 
 the greater depth of that river and the consequent 
 strength of the current, required differently construc- 
 ted boats ; though this as well as the scow, was mana- 
 ged by oars and setting poles. These boats were 
 more in the form of a canoe, being curved toward the 
 end so as to present nearly a point to the surface of the 
 
EASTEEN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 189 
 
 water over which they were to glide ; usually about 
 twenty-five or thirty feet in length by seven or eight in 
 width at the centre ; built of ship timbers covered with 
 boards and planks. They were brought up to the shore 
 against a projection or wharf, and strongly fastened ; 
 Avhen planks were laid so as to form a sort of bridge des- 
 cending toward the centre of the boat, over which walk 
 animals were led in and securely tied ; or whatever 
 was to comprise the loading was taken on board and 
 stowed away as compactly as possible. If very 
 bulky substances were to bo taken over, two of these 
 boats were often bound together firmly so as to pre- 
 vent rocking, when a large body of freight could be 
 carried to the opposite wharf, whence it was taken 
 by carters up to the city ; or a boat could be towed 
 up against the current by men who took the end of a 
 cable attached to it and drew up along the shore, while 
 others on board with setting poles, kept it at floating 
 distance from the bank. On returning, the current 
 favored descent to the place of crossing, when the 
 journey homeward was simply in reversed order. 
 
 In illustration of the diflSculties and labors encounter- 
 ed in getting to market at that early period, we give the 
 simple experience of two settlers living about seventy 
 miles from Montreal. This was their first effort in this 
 line. In the days of the famous ‘‘ Embargo when 
 potash commanded a high price, they started from their 
 homes with each a sled drawn by cattle, on either of 
 
 which were two barrels of potash. These they took 
 
 ✓ 
 
HISTORY OF THE 
 
 
 190 
 
 to the Yamaska river where a ferry had been estabhsh- 
 ed, whence it was carried by scows six miles to the 
 Montreal road ; thence by hired carters across the 
 Ohamhly river in scows, and from there to Longueuil ; 
 thence across the St. Lawrence in a batteau, and 
 from the landing, taken by truck-men to the inspec- 
 tion office, when after the necessary examination it 
 was ready for sale. ISrotwithstanding the labor and 
 expense of the journey, the times were so favorable 
 that they realized a very considerable profit, each 
 receiving one hundred dollars for his load. Household 
 necessaries were taken back by the same route rever- 
 sed, when after an absence of eighteen days and an 
 expense of twenty dollars each, the travellers reached 
 their homes. 
 
 Beside surplus grain and the products of wood 
 ashes, the furs of wild animals taken by hunting or 
 trapping, were carried to market. Black salts however 
 were the poor settler’s principal dependence, as 
 they bore a high price, and were always in demand. 
 It has been estimated that the product of the ashes 
 thus sold, paid for the labor of clearing the farm ; and 
 this was certainly a great help to the poor people when 
 money was scarce and resources were few. So profit- 
 able was it at particular times, that at the less busy 
 seasons of the year, men would go into the woods, fell 
 trees and burn them for the simple purpose of making 
 salts : or in cases of emergency when money was greatly 
 needed, this was the readiest and surest way to obtain it. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 191 
 
 For many years pot and pearl ashes were the staple 
 articles with which to make remittances in trade, and 
 for a long time were the principal products which could 
 be spared from sections of the country where a non- 
 producing population was rapidly multiplying. 
 
 Trading establishments on a small scale, were opened 
 at a very early day in localities which served as a sort 
 of centre where the surrounding inhabitants could ex- 
 change their potash, pork, furs, sugar, or surplus grain, 
 for salt, tea, tobacco, whiskey, or such other neces- 
 saries as were required. The goods kept in these 
 stores were not generally of a very superior quality, 
 but the prices asked for them were exceedingly high ; 
 often exorbitant. To some extent this was a necessity, 
 as an offset to the trouble and expense involved in 
 bringing them from market ; and in further palliation 
 of this apparent extortion, was the undeniable fact 
 that in order to convert this ready pay into money, 
 time and labor were both requisite. But in some cases 
 the prices asked were out of all proportion to the 
 original cost even with this just allowance ; and this 
 injustice fell upon those whose necessities obliged them 
 to supply their wants in this manner. The following 
 instance is given, not with the view of reflecting upon 
 a useful and honorable class of men, but in illustra- 
 tion of the system then pursued By some who dis- 
 graced their calling, in making ‘‘ their neighbor’s ne- 
 cessities their opportunity ; ” and further as an indi- 
 vidual case of a certain order of intelligence, by no 
 
192 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 means exceptional at that period ; and ^hich is nearly 
 always allied to, and associated with an unscrapulous 
 disregard of the rights and convenience of others. On 
 occasion of the visit of a certain country trader to 
 Montreal for the purchase of goods, the merchant with 
 whom he was transacting business, very naturally in- 
 quired what profit the other made on his goods. Only 
 three or four per cent,” was carelessly replied ; when 
 the merchant looking up with an expression of Surprise, 
 doubt, and inquiry, repeated in a tone indicative of 
 all these : Three or four per cent ! what do you 
 
 understand by three or four per cent ?” ‘‘ Only three or 
 four times as much as they cost^^ was the character- 
 istic rejoinder. 
 
 An ungenerous advantage was often taken of the 
 temporary scarcity of some article of necessary use, 
 to demand an exorbitant price for it, when the pres- 
 sure of necessity favored sale at an unreasonable rate . 
 Instances occurred when seven or eight dollars per 
 bushel were asked for salt ; and a case is related where 
 a settler was obliged to give twenty four bushels of 
 such corn as weighed sixty pounds to the bushel, for 
 just one hundred weight of nails. 
 
 Some of the men engaged in this business accumu- 
 lated wealth, while others accomplished httle or failed 
 entirely ; and at best it was attended with a great deal 
 of uncertainty and anxiety. An ashery where black 
 salts were refined and prepared for market, was usually 
 an appendage of the store. 
 
eastern townships. 
 
 lya 
 
 After a period of years, taverns or public Iiouses 
 jje generally introduced into the more thickly settled 
 ocal, ties, and on the more frequented routes of travel. 
 
 entl-H “““ P«*-porting to be houses of 
 
 enteitamment, liquor selling and its concomitants in 
 
 prominence, often to such 
 . extent that the wearied traveller failed to find the 
 quiet and repose he needed; and what was in itself 
 a reputable and legitimate calling, was thus let down 
 to the level of the common grog-shop. 
 
 The first wheeled vehicles that penetrated the coun- 
 rywere ox-carts, of course constructed with a view to 
 strength and durability, and lus far as finish was con- 
 cerned in perfect keeping with the high-ways over 
 which they were to pass. The first that penetrated to 
 a certain locality some distance north of the Province 
 me and west of Lake Memphrcmagog, was loaded with 
 iron cas mgs for a mill then in course of erection. 
 
 I he load was so heavy and the road so rough, that 
 tlie axle-tree of the cart gave way three times and was 
 on the point of the fourth break-down, when arrived at 
 Its destination ; being replaced each time by the driver 
 who carried with him both axe and auger, from the 
 liard timber which grew so plentifully by tlie way. As 
 the cart rolled on over all obstructions, the iron load 
 which was fastened on with chains, created an unusual 
 and unaccountable noise which with its echoes could 
 be heard reverberating and resounding through the 
 forest, long before the lumbering vehicle appeared in 
 
194 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 sight to explain to the astonished and expectant people 
 living along the way, the simple cause of such an 
 uproarious din. 
 
 Among the wild animals found here, the panther or 
 catamount though the largest and most ferocious, was 
 by no means the most numerous or destructive among 
 the flocks and herds of the early settlers : indeed we 
 incline to the opinion that they were occasional visit- 
 ants, rather than frequenters of these wilds. Their 
 appearance in any locality was always a signal of 
 terror, and though they may not have destroyed 
 human lives in these parts, men have been closely pur- 
 sued by them and were only saved by reaching a timely 
 covert. • 
 
 Domestic animals used to disappear in a mysterious 
 and unaccountable manner; but if killed by these 
 creatures, retreat was made by them to some far distant 
 and inaccessible spot. In some of the mountainous 
 sections, panthers of an enormous size, were seen and 
 killed. 
 
 But of all the denizens of these woods, the black 
 bear became the most destructive, as he not only killed 
 the domestic animals, but ravaged the grain fields of 
 the settler ; and became so bold and encroaching as at 
 times to break into enclosures thought secure, when 
 the destruction was often terrible ; as if the creature’s 
 bloody instincts sought revenge for not being allowed 
 his prey[at will. It often appeared as if this animal 
 required the promptings of hunger or rage to attack 
 

 Eastern townships. 195 
 
 and destroy ; at others, as if he could really discern 
 signs of alarm and distress, and even play upon the 
 fears of those who were terrified at his appearance. 
 Unless in self-defence or when they consider theiryoung 
 in danger, they are not thought particularly formid- 
 able to man ; but let their c ubs be attacked, and they 
 Mill appear to forget themselves and fight with ferocity 
 and desperation. When completely subdued and in the 
 power of their captors, they have been known to 
 possum ” or feign themselves dead ; but whatever in- 
 stmctive object prompted such cunning, could only 
 be conjectured. They finally became so bold and 
 encroaching that many expedients were devised to 
 extirpate them. At times they were caught in steel- 
 traps which were chained to logs that they might not 
 be carried away d lost; but both trap and log have 
 been dragged to a distance, while the torn up earth, 
 trees bitten and scratched, and sapplings broken off or 
 torn out by the roots, gave evidence of inconceivable 
 strength and fury. It has occurred that when thus 
 taken by the leg, and the bone of the limb was broken 
 so that the foot was only held by skin and muscle, the 
 beast would savagely gnaw these off and escape on 
 three feet, in which case his path was marked with 
 blood. 
 
 Bears often grow to an enormous size, and seem 
 to learn cunning with age, as was evident from the 
 w ays in which they would evade the efforts made to des 
 troy them. Often large domestic animals and sometimes 
 
mSTORY OF THE 
 
 
 196 
 
 colts in the pasture were killed by them ; and breaking 
 into enclosures, they would carry oflf their living, strug- 
 gling victims, clasped tightly in their arms as they 
 walked away erect. Some years since, a monster of 
 this species came out of his hiding place in the wilder- 
 ness near the township of Eaton, and for a length of 
 time evaded all efforts to kill or take him, wliile he car- 
 ried on his work of destruction. Traps were set for 
 him and guns fired at him in vain, as he was cunning 
 enough to avoid the one, and his skin seemed imper- 
 vious to the other, llis death which was finally effec- 
 ted, was a matter of public rejoicing, as his depreda- 
 tions had not been confined to one locality. Several 
 balls were lodged in him before he finally yielded, and 
 on examination of the skin, the tanner found others 
 imbedded in it, over which the wounds had hoalod, 
 showing that they must have been made some time 
 previously. 
 
 As the country became more generally settled and 
 a bounty was offered by government for killing these 
 creatures, such as escaped destruction 'were driven 
 to take refuge in remote and unfrequented regions ; 
 yet even at the present day, one occasionally strays 
 from his mountain home and finds a hiding place in the 
 vicinity of some tempting flock, among which he usually 
 succeeds in doing a deal of mischief before he can be 
 discovered and destroyed. 
 
 Wolves were also numerous in the country at parti- 
 cular seasons, and often roamed about in packs or com- 
 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 397 
 
 panics, as if seeking what they might devour,” when 
 if any unlucky creature came in their way, it was sure 
 to be attacked, and if not too formidable or fleet of 
 foot, was destroyed ; but when single, they seldom 
 attacked animals larger than sheep. Among flocks in 
 the field, they killed all they could catch, and often 
 made great havoc ; but if by any means they found 
 their way into yards, it would seem as if an instinctive 
 cowardice prompted them to hurry away as soon as 
 their hunger was appeased. For persons camping in 
 the woods, fire was considered a protection from night 
 attacks, as it is thought that they have a dread of that 
 element ; though as the early settlers had good reason 
 to know, the bears care nothing for it. 
 
 The early people had frequent occasion for learning 
 that, when together, wolves will attack men ; and like- 
 wise, to observe the peculiar sounds by which they 
 communicate with each other ; which perhaps might 
 aptly be termed howls of inquiry and response. 
 
 At some particular seasons, deer "were very numer- 
 ous in this section, and old people tell us that when 
 such was the case, their natural enemy, the wolf, fol- 
 lowed in overwhelming numbers. They are very prolific, 
 and multiplied to such an extent, that government 
 was obliged to come to the rescue and ofier a bounty 
 for their destruction. 
 
 On one occasion as a settler was out in the woods, 
 he came upon a large hollow log lying horizontally, 
 into the open end of which a beaten path led in such 
 
198 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 a way as to indicate it a frequent resort or den for 
 some wild animal. Having a gun with him, he looked 
 well to its priming, and on taking a peep into the open 
 end of the log, two glaring eye-balls met his gaze. 
 Nothing daunted, however, he took aim at them, pulled 
 the trigger, and then hastened to block up the entr ance 
 with stones and rubbish. Returning with help the next 
 day, he found all as he had left, and on cutting into 
 the log it was found that the two burning eyes which 
 had served as a mark the day before, had belonged 
 to a she-wolf which now, with one of her young, lay 
 cold and stiff in the midst of seven others still warm 
 and living. They were but partly grown and were 
 easily secured ; and the old male was soon after taken 
 in a trap. The bounty on this family of ten wolves 
 wag just one hundred dollars. 
 
 The lynx was also seen often when the country was 
 new, and was sometimes destructive to sheep, calves, 
 and other small animals, but was neither so numerous 
 or mischievous as some of the other species. 
 
 The fox seemed to regard domestic fowls and young 
 lambs as his especial prey ; and being one of the 
 plagues following civilization, multiplied as settlements, 
 and consequently his means of living, increased. Num- 
 bers, and even whole broods of turkeys or chickens 
 would often disappear in one night, which was a pretty 
 sure indication that reynard had by some means found 
 access to the roost ; and instances of cunning were 
 often exhibited which would have been amusing had 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 199 
 
 they not been so very annoying. These nightly thefts 
 were sometimes committed on a large scale as if the 
 design was to supply numerous young with food ; and 
 at other times it would seem as if instinct prompted 
 them to kill all within their reach, and bury what they 
 could not eat, as a provision against future want ; but 
 others still go to show the existence of a thievish in- 
 stinct in these creature, which can bear no relation to 
 a natural care for themselves or their young. 
 
 Besides those mentioned above, are the racoon, 
 wolverine, otter, martin, weasel, ermine, mink, skunk, 
 shrew, mole and bat, all of which belong to the order 
 Carnivora or carnivorous animals, distinguished from 
 others in having three kinds of teeth and living prin- 
 cipally on flesh. 
 
 Of the order Rodentia or gnawing animals, having 
 large incisory teeth and grinders, are the beaver, 
 muskrat, rabbit, woodchuck, rat, hedgehog, squirrel, 
 and mouse. Their food is principally vegetables, roots, 
 grain, nuts, and the bark of trees. 
 
 The ovdiQiV Ruminantia or ruminating animals having 
 cloven hoofed feet and chewing the cud, are the moose, 
 caribou, and common deer, beside domestic cattle and 
 sheep. 
 
 There is also the order Pacliydermata^ which in- 
 cludes several of our domestic quadrupeds, as the horse, 
 the ass, and the hog. 
 
 Only three of these orders are found in our country 
 in a wild state. 
 
200 
 
 UISTOKY OP THE 
 
 Watchdogs were considered indispensable among 
 the early settlers, and if they failed to keep this faith- 
 ful sentinel at his post, they were pretty sure to pay 
 the penalty of their negligence ; and even with all the 
 care and forethought possible, depredations were 
 frequent and vexatious. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 201 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 WANT OF MORAL AND INTELLECTUAL CULTURE AMONG THE 
 
 PEOPLE. CHARACTER OP A MAJORITY OF THE EARLY 
 
 SETTLERS. — SABBATH BREAKING, INDIFFERENCE, IRREVER- 
 ENCE. — FIRST TEACHERS OF RELIGION. — PARTIAL SUCCESS. 
 — EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS . — FIRST SCHOOLS AND THEIR 
 TEACHERS. — DOCTORS AND THEIR PATIENTS. — SUFFERINGS 
 AND CASUALTIES. 
 
 Op the many disadvantages which fell to the lot of 
 the early settlers in these townships, the most unhappy 
 and deplorable in its after results, was the lack of 
 moral and intellectual culture which they suffered so 
 long. Generally speaking, the class of men who com- 
 prised our earliest population were anything but reli- 
 giously inclined : indeed, it has been said, and we fear 
 with too much truth, that a really God-fearing man 
 was a very rare exception among them ; and it is pain- 
 fully evident that the w’hole train of influences to 
 which many of them had been subjected, even before 
 coming to this country, were in the highest degree un- 
 favorable to the formation of correct principles and 
 habits. 
 
202 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 It will be remembered that a part of our earliest 
 population was made up of that class who had then but 
 recently been engaged in scenes of strife and blood, 
 and though the tranquilizing influences of time had 
 operated to cool resentments, and had brought a 
 degree of order forth from the chaos of conflicting pas- 
 sions, many characters had been permanently affected 
 by the demoralizing influences long prevalent. In- 
 temperence with its attendant train of vice and misery 
 very soon found its victim here. Sabbath breaking 
 became very general, as many who in earlier life had 
 been subjected to a restraining home influence, had by 
 degrees fallen in with the prevailing practice of spend- 
 ing Sunday in idleness, or of regarding it as a season 
 of mere relaxation and amusement. Frequently it was 
 spent in reviewing the labors of the past, in forming 
 plans or laying out work for the future, or perhaps 
 some friend in another locality was to be visited, or 
 some business might be attended to in order to save 
 time ; all which practices wore common. They were 
 in part the result of circumstance, as in that day there 
 was little to interest the mind. Few books were to 
 be had, even if there had been a taste for reading them ; 
 religious woi*ship was a thing long unknown in many 
 localities, or at best was held only by some passing 
 stranger at long intervals of time ; and even then per- 
 haps was of a nature to excite the imagination and 
 emotions, rather than to enlighten the understanding 
 and regulate the life. To such as understand the 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 203 
 
 natural perversity of the human heart, it is hardly 
 matter of wonder that those who had been better 
 taught, should have yielded to surrounding influences. 
 Habits of indifference and irreverence toward the teach- 
 ers and institutions of religion, were also in part the 
 growth of false and perverse views received into the 
 mind, in efforts at self-justification for a known wrong. 
 
 At a very early day, ministers of the different re- 
 ligious denominations occasionally made their way into 
 these wilds, and among the inhabitants found some of 
 their own people. These they formed into societies 
 which first met for worship in some private dwelling, 
 but in course of time adjourned to the school house. 
 During intervals between the visits of these ministers, 
 meetings were often conducted on the Sabbath by the 
 few religiously disposed among the people ; and thus, 
 God’s holy day was kept from entire desecration. Not- 
 withstanding the active opposition of some, and the 
 stolid indifference of many others, a remnant ‘‘ who 
 feared God and worked rightousness” stood firm in 
 their allegiance to truth ; the habit of attending public 
 worship was to some extent formed, and a foundation 
 was laid for established religious services. 
 
 Little attention could be paid to the interests of edu- 
 cation in those early times, most of the instructions our 
 fathers and mothers were blessed with, having been 
 received from their mothers, unless they had friends in 
 some more favored locality, to whom they could be sent 
 for a period. A few months of schooling was all that 
 
204 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 many of them ever received. Few if any school houses 
 were built before the year 1805 ; and the first teachers 
 who were chosen from among the best instructed of 
 the people, were expected to teach little more than 
 spelling, reading, writing and arithmetic- Many of us 
 can well remember the roughly constructed, dimly 
 lighted and miserably inconvenient buildings where 
 we first learned our ABC, and how pleased we 
 were when they gave place to a better class of school 
 houses. 
 
 The Doctor was a most important acquisition to a 
 new community ; and it was sometimes the case that 
 both professions, viz, minister and doctor, were united 
 in the one person. Moreover, instances were known 
 when the duties of school -master were super-added. 
 
 Many of the more remote settlements were without 
 a resident physician for years, and if sudden sickness 
 or severe casualties occurred, much suffering often 
 ensued for want of proper medical or surgical aid. 
 When sent for to attend patients at a distance, the 
 doctor was often obliged to find his way through the 
 woods guided by marked trees ; perhaps to walk on- 
 snow-shoes over the drifts ; or to go up or down the 
 river or lake in bark canoes. After the opening of 
 lines of road, these distant visits were usually made 
 on horseback. When infectious diseases prevailed, 
 many were carried oflf, or were beyond help, before a 
 doctor could be got to them. 
 
 Instances were known when parties were lost in 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 205 
 
 the woods and never found or heard of; while the 
 i^emains of others thus lost ^vere found and identified 
 by their surviving and sorrowing friends. Persons 
 became bewildered and lost for days and even weeks, 
 during which time they were sufiering keenly from the 
 hunger which could be only partially relieved by such 
 scanty subsistence as the forest afforded. Alive to the 
 horrors of their situation, and wandering almost without 
 hope or aim, they would perhaps fall in with some 
 remembered object, or a well connected train of ideas 
 might form in the mind and lead them out of the 
 labyrinth. 
 
HISTORY OF THU 
 
 206 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 WANT OF AN EFFICIENT ADMINISTRATION OF JUSUICE. — CHANGES 
 AND IMPROVEMENTS IN THOSE AFFAIRS. RELIGIOUS MAT- 
 TERS. —RESULTS OF IRRELIGION AND INDIFFERENCE FANA- 
 TICAL THEORIES UNION MEETING HOUSES. — LINES OF SEPA- 
 RATION. RELIGIOUS CONTROVERSIES. — BETTER STATE OF 
 
 FEELING. — CHOICE OF CHURCHES. — CONDITION OF SOCIETY. 
 
 REMEDY FOR THREATENED EVILS. 
 
 A VERY serious hindrance to the moral and social 
 improvement of the early settlers in these townships was 
 the want of such an administration of law, as would have 
 proved a more eflScient “ terror to evil doers.” Among 
 the mass gathered here, comprising representatives of 
 various nations, and altogether forming a heterogeneous 
 collection which was constantly receiving recruits (from 
 south of the Province line) of the class who had “ left 
 their country for their country’s good," such restraints 
 were imperatively called for. A mere change of locality 
 could not effect a change of nature or habit, and these 
 refugees from justice there might fall into the same 
 or similar errors here. The exigencies of those times 
 demanded a more discriminating and energetic enforce- 
 
Eastern townships. 
 
 207 
 
 tnent of law against offendei’s, than circumstances then 
 favored. 
 
 Montreal and Three Rivers were not only the com- 
 mercial marts where most of these early people did their 
 trading, but were also the seats of those tribunals of 
 justice which held jurisdiction over these parts of the 
 Province ; and of course, all matters requiring judicial 
 interference must be referred to one or the other of 
 those places for adjustment. Owing to the sparsity of 
 the population, many years elapsed before a properly 
 constituted authority even in the form of a sufficient num- 
 ber of civil magistrates was furnished the country; a de- 
 ficiency which was but in part remedied by the appoint- 
 ment of militia officers to act in cases where a magis- 
 trate’s Avarrant could not be readily obtained. Thouf^h 
 a sergeant of militia could execute a warrant if issued 
 by a magistrate, or the justice could appoint special 
 constables for that purpose, these deputed powers fell 
 short of what Avas required ; and serious delays so fre- 
 (juently attended such proceedings, that the guilty 
 often escaped merited punishment. If a crime had been 
 committed, the culprit Avas to be arrested and sent to 
 jail, (in Montreal or Three Rivers, as the case might 
 be) till he Avas tried and punished, or released. In 
 matters of a purely local nature, causes of complaint 
 Avere numerous and called loudly for redress, as an 
 application to those distant tribunals involved such delay 
 and expense as instead of advancing the ends of justice, 
 seemed to retard if not defeat them. To such an ex- 
 
208 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 tent ^vas this the case, that multitudes of people chose 
 rather to suffer grievous wrong, than subject them- 
 selves to the inconveniences, annoyances, and perhaps 
 humiliations, which would be risked in an attempt 
 to seek redress by course of law. These things are 
 still fresh in the minds of our people ; yet we have now 
 reason for congratulation, that such improvements and 
 modifications have more recently been made in our 
 judiciary, as have remedied faults and supplied defi- 
 ciencies, till little is left us to wish in relation to them. 
 
 It is well known, that in earlier days, the toAvnships 
 along our southern frontiers were more or less the 
 resort of a certain class of lawless and unscrupulous 
 adventurers, who usually chose son^e isolated spot near 
 the boundary line for their scene of operations, and 
 probably had a hiding place on cither side, in order 
 the more readily to evade such officers of justice as 
 were sent to arrest them for counterfeiting or other 
 violations of law. Many traditional accounts are given 
 of the shifts and expedients to which resort was had 
 to hide the work which sought darkness rather than 
 light.” Places which were the habitual resorts of this 
 class of persons, suffered in reputation accordingl3^ ' 
 With the lapse of time, however, public sentiment 
 relative to the propriety of encouraging or allowing 
 these practices, has undergone a radical change for 
 the better ; and pursuits which, to say the least, 
 were once winked at by a certain class of the com- 
 munity, are now frowned down ; indicating the exist- 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 209 
 
 dice of a more healthy moral feeling and the prevalence 
 of more enlightened views. Such as still continue to 
 follow these practices, have been driven to seek other 
 hiding places ; and characters of questionable antece- 
 dents, find it necessary to assume at least the appear- 
 ance and profession of honesty. 
 
 Among the first, if not the very first ministers of 
 religion who followed these early settlers into this 
 
 3Ioral waste " and established tlieir worship perma- 
 nently, were the American Methodist preachers. Of 
 the same origin as many of the people, and intimately 
 acquainted with their peculiar characteristics, they 
 could all the more readily command their sympathies, 
 and accommodate themselves to their circumstances. 
 Some few of the people had been connected with these 
 societies before their coming hither ; others who had 
 in youth received religious instruction, without ques- 
 tioning whether the doctrines now taught, were in 
 consonance with what they had heard in earlier life, 
 at once united with these people. Much interest was 
 aroused by their preaching, and the fact, that in purity 
 of life, self-denial, and in devotional zeal, they were 
 singularly consistent with their profession, gave great 
 weight to their teachings. The peculiarly simple cere- 
 monies which characterized their worship ; their earnest 
 and searching appeals to the hearts and consciences of 
 their hearers, and the spirit-stirring strains of their 
 sacred melodies, had often a most thrilling effect. — 
 Many profligate characters were reformed through their 
 
 0 
 
210 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 instrumentality, -who gave after evidence of corrected ' 
 lives. 
 
 These preachers who came into the country as early 
 as 1802, commenced forming societies in some of the 
 frontier townships, and previously to the war of 1812, 
 a circuit comprising the settlements east of Lake Mem- 
 phremagog and north to Melbourne and Shipton, 
 called the St. Francis circuit, was regularly visited by 
 those connected with the New England conference; 
 while another including the townships west of that 
 lake, with the seigniory of St. Armand, and Caldwell’s 
 and Christie’s manors, named Dunham circuit, was 
 supplied from the New York conference. During the 
 war, the visits of these preachers were necessarily dis- 
 continued ; but when the political horizon was again 
 clear, they were resumed and continued, till superseded 
 by the arrival of Wesleyan missionaries from England. 
 The first of these, who came to the country about the 
 year 1821, were men of superior piety and ability, 
 some of whom have long since finished their earthly 
 career, and have left lasting monuments in the hearts 
 and affections of those to whom they ministered. The 
 names of Catterick, Squire, Lang, and others, will long 
 be remembered among the people. ° 
 
 In time this body of Christians has become numerous 
 and influential. In later years the Canada conference 
 has been formed, which now controls their general inter- 
 ests. 
 
 Representatives of other religious bodies also found 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 211 
 
 their way here at a very early period, gathering con- 
 gregations and organizing societies in connection with 
 the various denominations to which they belonged. 
 
 But it was often the case that the efforts of Chris- 
 tian ministers and teachers were met either by vio- 
 lent opposition and direct insult, or a stolid indiffer- 
 ence. Encased in an armory of self-satisfaction and 
 assumption which called sophism and perversion to its 
 aid, the latter was perhaps quite as effectual as the 
 former in silencing the arguments of reason, or appeals 
 to the heart and conscience. If such were possible, 
 it would indeed appear as certain that this class of 
 persons had really succeded in satisfying themselves 
 that they could have no conceivable interest in matters 
 thus urged upon them ; any plea on the ground of duty 
 or responsibility however forcibly represented, being 
 set aside as fitting other cases rather than theirs ; while 
 any punishment involved in an evasion or neglect of 
 these, was regarded as either visionary or parabolical. 
 In their own words “ We had no voice in our own 
 creation, and our business in this world is to please and 
 gratify ourselves.” 
 
 It could not be otherwise than sure, that such a course 
 of reasoning and conduct, communicated by precept 
 and example from parent to child, should lead to cer- 
 tain results and bear its legitimate fruits. This it has 
 done, and is still doing, as we may often see in the 
 coldness, distrust, and marked irreverence sometimes 
 manifested toward the teachers and the institutions of 
 religion. 
 
212 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 Wild and fanatical theories have at times been intro- 
 duced, and disseminated by such as give their time and 
 talent to hearing and telling things new and strange ; 
 and as there is in every community an element of weak- 
 ness equally unstable and excitable, such pei*sons were 
 more or less successful in sowing the seeds of disaffec- 
 tion and disunion. What begun in doubt and distrust, 
 grew into open estrangement and disruption, with all its 
 unhappy consequences to societies and communities. 
 Probably those engaged in this disorganizing business, 
 considered portions of our country as offering an inviting 
 field for such operations; and perhaps some of them are 
 entitled to the credit of having believed in the truth 
 and consistency of theories they advanced and urged 
 upon others ; but the event has proved, that not all 
 thus employed have been deserving of even tliis con- 
 sideration. 
 
 With the Book of Truth and the Spirit of Inspiration 
 to enlighten, restrain, and regulate us ; with the proper 
 use of our own powers of reason and conscience ; and a 
 thoroughly humbling sense of our own imbecility and 
 inefficiency, there is no danger that we become either 
 unsound in faith or unsettled in mind. In the cultiva- 
 tion of a spirit of true humility, and an understanding 
 of self in all its forms and guises, our views on subjects 
 of practical moment will become clearer, our faith 
 ‘‘established, strengthened, settled:” and we shall 
 also better appreciate the injunction, to “ hold fast a 
 form of sound words.” 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 213 
 
 Yet, notwithstanding all the untoward influences that 
 opposed the spread of truth among these early people, or 
 the evUs that grew out of any form of fanaticism’, a 
 foundation of religious society was laid, and a work 
 commenced, which in time has resulted in the perma- 
 nent establishment of churches and their auxiliai-ies. 
 
 The first houses of worship built in the country were 
 small wooden edifices, erected by the united eSbrts of 
 parties professing diflerent faiths. They were called 
 ^ Union meeting houses,” and were occupied as occa- 
 sion required by each alternately, or by such preacher 
 or lecturer as visited the locality. In process of time, 
 however, the lines of separation between the several 
 secte became more clearly defined ; preferences became 
 prejudices ; controversies were introduced begetting 
 rivalries, jealousies, and the deplorable spirit of detrac- 
 tion which is so prolific of evil. One of the results of 
 this we may see in the number and variety of sects 
 among us ; some of which, how'cver, are but distinc- 
 tions with very little diffe^'ence , 
 
 To some extent, the circumstances of former resi- 
 dences and associations may have contributed to their 
 increase ; but on the whole, it is to be regretted that 
 such prominence should have been given to mere mat- 
 ters of opinion. Between such differences and aliena- 
 tion of feeling there is but a step, and then the door is 
 open for a conflict of interests. Forbearance, modera- 
 tion, and those mutual concessions which are perfectly 
 
214 
 
 HISTORY OF THH: 
 
 consistent with decision of character, should prevail In 
 the intercourse of Christians. 
 
 As evidence of improvement in these matters, we 
 now see ministers of different creeds, meeting on terms 
 of amity and good feeling, and side by side pleading in 
 behalf of some work of benevolence or mercy, as 
 brethren of the same family and children of one 
 common Father. Distinctions and orders may never be 
 done away from among Christians, yet we await with 
 hope the time when religion shall appear freed from the 
 mists of blinding passion or the trammels of prejudice, 
 and when sectarian bigotry shall give place to an en- 
 ' lightened and comprehensive catholicity. 
 
 Tlie inhabitants of our towns and larger villages can 
 generally have their choice of churches in vrhich to 
 worship, and in the smaller country villages, some 
 Protestant church edifice is. usually found. As a rule, 
 if a man is in health, and has a disposition to attend 
 the public worship of his Maker, by a little exertion he 
 may find such as are of his owm way of thinking ; but 
 if the case be such that he cannot well have his 
 choice, let him meet with others and acommodate 
 himself to the necessity, rather than contract that 
 miserably unhappy and unsettling habit so common, of 
 regarding religious w^orship of no account. 
 
 The seeds of irreligion, long since sown among our 
 people, having taken deep root, have borne a plentiful 
 and fully matured harvest. Then, however, there was 
 apparent excuse for much of this ; now there is none ; 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 215 
 
 yet V, e hear the same self-complacent assumptions, and 
 the same cynical fault finding among them ; which is in 
 fact, but the poorly concealed effort to justify to them- 
 selves and others, what they cannot but feel to be 
 doubtful and unsatisfactory. 
 
 There is much to awaken appehension, in the insen- 
 sibility and irreverence ; in the disposition to throw off 
 restraint and regard obligation lightly, which is so de- 
 plorably prevalent at the present day ; for in these the 
 germs of insubordination and anarchy are painfully 
 evident. The pulpit, press, school-room, and social circle, 
 are the remedial agents by which these great moral 
 evils are to be eradicated, and should be of one accord in 
 forming correct views, and establishing a proper stan- 
 dard of thought and action upon this subject. 
 
216 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 rXFLUKNCES ADVERSE TO THE MATERIAL PROSPERITY OF THE 
 COUJITRY. — DIFFERENT CLASSES OF E3HG RANTS. — DESTITU- 
 TION AND SUFFERING A3I0NG THEM. — LOCATION OF THE 
 RICE FAMILY. — POOR EMIGRANT FAmLY. — IMPROVED FACILI- 
 TIES. 
 
 Prominent among the adverse influences with which 
 these early people had to contend at different periods, 
 were seasons unfavorable to the growth of grain, vege- 
 tables and grass ; when cold and frost either late in 
 spring or early in autumn, entirely cut off the crops or 
 materially injured them ; beside which, they were 
 often destroyed by wild animals. Though of course 
 all felt the consequences of these evils and were 
 obliged to submit to much that was inconvenient and 
 uncomfortable, it was among the poor class of settlers 
 and those living in the remote and newly opened sec- 
 tions, that the greatest suffering w’as experienced. At 
 one time flour was eighteen dollars per barrel, wheat 
 four dollars per bushel, and com proportionally high 
 in the markets ; which with other necessaries at cor- 
 responding prices, came hard upon them. There was 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 217 
 
 no help for it however, and the only resource for the 
 poor Was the making of black salts, which were earned 
 by some one of the circuitous and laborious routes be- 
 fore described to market, where it was exchanged for 
 breadstuflfs and other necessaries. This made the most 
 self-denying economy necessary, and resort was often 
 had to now and unheard of expedients to increase the 
 amount of eatables. During the season of wild berries 
 they were made to contribute their utmost to the 
 means of living ; and in some localities the poor people 
 were driven to the necessity of gathering the tops of 
 growing vegetables, cowslips, nettles, pig-weed, brakes, 
 and even to resort to the forest for such leaves as could 
 be boiled, beside the various kinds of wood-nuts, 
 ground-nuts, wild onions, or whatever would relieve the 
 pangs of hunger and prevent starvation. 
 
 Not only women and children, but strong-handed 
 and stout-hearted men were often reduced to a pitiable 
 state of suffering from hunger. Yet though thus re- 
 duced at times and often obliged to live without bread, 
 there are few if any records of death from immediate 
 starvation. 
 
 As has already been stated, many of these early 
 people were from New England, where some of them 
 had been inured to poverty, toil, self-reliance, and the 
 usual incidents of pioneer life ; and in consequence of 
 this training to the work, they were better fitted to 
 meet its vicissitudes and endure its hardships, than 
 the more refined and delicately nurtured, who, for 
 
218 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 reasons "which we may not seek to know, sometimes 
 found their way here when the country was new. This 
 latter class, — proud, refined, and sensitive, as they often 
 were, and all unused to depend on their own exertions, 
 — w'ere altogether out of place in the life they had 
 undertaken, and were often sufferers to an extent ut- 
 terly inconceivable to the less susceptible and more 
 practical natures of those by whom they were sur- 
 rounded. A case bearing strongly upon tliis point, is 
 related of a family of English emigrants who by some 
 misfortune had been reduced from a state of afiiuence 
 to actual poverty, and thought to hide this from the 
 world by a voluntary exile. They had come to this 
 country entirely destitute of means to live without 
 labor, yet all unused to self-denial or exertion, and as 
 unfitted as possible to enter upon the life they had in 
 view. Having moved in good society’^ at home, they 
 brought wdth them much of the natural reserve and 
 dignity of manner which is characteristic of the class 
 to which they belonged, and retained it in the little 
 intercourse with others which was unavoidable. The 
 people among whom they settled, though not wanting in 
 common understanding, had been too intently occupied 
 A>ith the cares of daily hfe, and were too much absorbed 
 n getting a living^ to pay much attention to a cul- 
 ivation of the social proprieties and amenities ; or per- 
 haps they were careless and rudely inattentive to these 
 matters, as many such people think them of little im- 
 portance. They were not slow however, in under- 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 219 
 
 
 standing the wish of their new neighbors to hold them- 
 selves aloof from intercourse with them ; and with a 
 characteristic readiness to suspect what they could not 
 understand, and condemn what they thought savored 
 of pride^ they had allowed a partition wall of coldness, 
 prejudice and distrust, to rise between themselves and 
 the new comers. This state of things had continued 
 for some time as neither showed the least sign of yield- 
 ing, when one morning Mrs. S., the wife of a farmer in 
 the vicinity, was greatly surprised by a call from the 
 English lady who asked to see her in private. The 
 interview was readily granted, when a case of destitu- 
 tion and real suffering was disclosed. The lady had 
 brought a small but beautiful and costly article from 
 her own wardrobe, which she wished to exchange for 
 potatoes, as her children wei*e crying with hunger , and 
 she had nothing to give them to eat. Their suffering 
 had induced her to break through the restraints which 
 had held her, and seek the readiest relief. The occa- 
 sion appealed directly to the sympathies of the other, 
 and the wall that had risen between them as neighbors, 
 was effectually broken down. In an after confidence, 
 the lady told Mrs. S., that when she reached home 
 with the potatoes, the famishing children would not be 
 prevailed on to wait till they vrere cooked, but fell to 
 eating them raiv. 
 
 Emigrants of the poorer and uneducated class, though 
 inured^to labor and often to want, met with so much 
 that differed from anything in their former experiences 
 
220 
 
 HISTORY OP THE 
 
 or what their minds had been made made up to expect, 
 that some gave up to the disappointment and became 
 utterly disheartened. Much suffering and complaint 
 existed not only on account of the rigors of the climate, 
 but of the scarcity of food ; yet no doubt these evils 
 were in many cases aggravated by a thriftless impro- 
 vidence and a general unfitness for the life they had 
 undertaken ; and not unfrequently the whiskey bottle 
 was the secret of extreme destitution. 
 
 In 1830, Israel Rice and family located in South 
 Ham, on a line of road then in course of construction 
 through from the townships to Quebec. It was called 
 the Craig road, from having been surveyed and com- 
 menced during Governor Craig’s administration. For 
 the accommodation of laborers on the road through an 
 extensive tract of unsettled country, temporary dwel- 
 lings or shanties were built along the line, and moved 
 from place to place as the work progressed. 
 
 Hei’e at a distance of nine miles from any perma- 
 nent neighbors on the one hand, and eighteen miles 
 on the other, the Rice family lived for thirteen years, 
 during whieh time their house was necessarily the 
 stopping place for every description of travellers. One 
 class of these were drovers who had collected cattle 
 in the townships south, and were taking them through 
 to Quebec ; but a far more numerous class were 
 emigrants who had landed at that city, and were on 
 their way either to the townships or through to the 
 United States. Much suffering existed among these 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 221 
 
 latter, many of whom were wretchedly poor. The 
 workmen in their shanties along tho way had orders 
 to supply the passing wants of the needy strangers by 
 giving them food or shelter when required ; and when 
 the different sections of the road were finished, the 
 cabins were left standing and were often used as tem- 
 porary refuges, for such of these poor wayfarers as 
 needed the shelter they afforded. 
 
 . The family inhabiting this “lodge in the wilder- 
 ness,” (as Rico’s house was in reality) were often called 
 to minister to the needs of such poor people as fell ill 
 through want and exposure, and had found shelter in the 
 cabins. Instances occurred when children were bom to 
 these strangers in circumstances of great destitution. 
 Common humanity required that they should be cared 
 for, and in warm weather, this was comparatively easy ; 
 but during the cold and sudden variations to" which 
 our climate is subject, it was a more diflScult task. 
 In a situation like that occupied by the Rice family, 
 all the evils of ignorance and inexperience on the part 
 of emigrants, were seen in their full force, and tho 
 scenes often presented were heart-sickening mdeed, 
 as poor creatures with frozen feet and festering sores, 
 hardly able to drag their weary way along, came to 
 the door seeking food and rest. Often days and 
 sometimes weeks elapsed before they could proceed 
 on their journey ; during which time the house was a 
 hospital. Some were hastened to an untimely end 
 through these sufferings ; others disabled for life ; 
 
222 
 
 HISTOEY OF THE 
 
 while the most unreasonable and unjust prejudices 
 were raised against the climate and country. 
 
 One of the many cases of peculiar suffering which 
 came to their knowledge, is related by them as having 
 excited their deepest sympathies. 
 
 About the first of March, or at that period of the 
 year when in consequence of sudden thaws, a break- 
 up of the winter road was expected and the through 
 travel for the winter had ceased, an emigrant family 
 consisting of father, mother, and six children, who had 
 arrived at Quebec the autumn before, were indueed 
 to undertake the journey through to the townships on 
 foot ; apparently in entire ignorance of the difficulties 
 and perils to be encountered at such a season. There 
 was still a great depth of snow upon the ground, and 
 for the most unfrequented part of the way, the only 
 visible track was that made by hunters and others on 
 snow-shoes. The man carried a large bundle, the 
 woman an infant about nine months old, and each of 
 the elder children had such things as they were able 
 to carry, or helped the little ones along. When the 
 snow was stiffened by frost, they made some progress, 
 but after the rising of the sun and thawing of the 
 crust, they gained ground but slowly. Up to a dis- 
 tance of twenty three miles beyond the dwelling of 
 the Rice family, there were houses at intervals along 
 the way, where the travellers had found shelter at 
 night, but the above named distance was at that 
 period a solitary wilderness. On entering this, their 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 223 
 
 progress was so slow that they were obliged to 
 camp out two nights. On the third day, the 
 elder boy arrived at Rice’s house bringing his little 
 brother on his back, when he told the family of the 
 cold and hunger of the party he had left behind, 
 and proposed to leave the little boy that he might 
 return and assist the others. In the meantime he 
 had taken off his shoes to warn his feet more readily, 
 but in trying to get them on again, found that his feet 
 were rapidly swelling, and on making the effort, was 
 unable to walk. Unfortunately there was no man on 
 the premises i Rice was away, and his eldest son 
 absent from the house, so that no one could be sent to 
 the help of the party coming in. Very soon however, 
 the emigrant father came in alone, and appeared to 
 feel so little anxiety about the others, that the family 
 were entirely deceived in the supposition that as he 
 said, “ they would soon be in.” When young Rice 
 came in from his work, tho day was far advanced, the 
 weather was becoming colder, but the expected tra- 
 vellers had not arrived ; and on hearing from his 
 mother what she knew of the case, and furthermore, 
 what she feared, (for she was already distrusting the 
 man) he proposed to go out in search of them. Taking 
 bread to feed the hungry children, and his hand-sled 
 to draw them in, accompanied by his younger brother 
 he went out to meet the wanderers. After going 
 some distance without seeing or hearing anything of 
 them, and calling without getting any answer, he cut 
 
224 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 a stick, set it in the snow directly in the path, fixed 
 the bread upon it, and returned with his little brother 
 to the house. It was now about 8 o’clock in the 
 evening, and after thoroughly warming and wrapping 
 himself up, he returned to renew his search, this time 
 accompanied by his sister, a young woman of seven- 
 teen, who fortified hei*self against the cold to help her 
 brother in his work of mercy. 
 
 Following the road about two and a half miles, they 
 came upon the objects of their search, where, wearied, 
 chilled, and unable to proceed farther, they were closely 
 huddled together under the snow-laden branches of a 
 fir-tree, where they had resolved to pass the night. 
 Tlie rescuers were guided to the spot by the cries and 
 moans of the baby which missed its accustomed nour- 
 ishment as its poor mother had been so long without 
 food. The little girl was vainly endeavoring to hush 
 ks cries, while the mother who had taken ofi* a 
 stocking and shoe, was rubbing her foot with snow to 
 take out the frost. But a little boy seven or eight 
 years old was missing from the number expected, and 
 on inquiry they learned that he was dead. 
 
 When in the early part of the day, the elder son 
 had started on for help with his little brother, Jimmy 
 (the missing boy) had started with him, leaving the 
 father, mother, and other three children together; 
 but finding the little one on his back beginning to 
 suffer from cold, and Jimmy unable to keep up with the 
 pace it was necessary he should take, the elder brother 
 

 
 EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 225 
 
 had pursuaded him to wait and go with the others, 
 promising to hurry on and return with help as soon 
 as possible ) and accordingly Jimmy had waited. By 
 this time the father had found his wife and little 
 ones too slow in their movements, and leaving them 
 to get on as they might, started at a more rapid 
 pace. He must have come up with and passed 
 Jimmy, (as the child was found directly in the path) 
 but arrived at the house alone ; and without showing 
 any real interest, or properly representing the state of 
 the others, seemed only intent on securing his own 
 comfort. When young Rice and his sister started 
 out on their errand of mercy, he refused to accompany 
 
 them, stupidly insisting that he coiddnH^ though more 
 warmly clad than the others of his family. 
 
 After this desertion by her husband, the jx)or woman 
 and her remaining little ones got on as they were able, 
 till toward evening they espied a dark object in the 
 path directly before them, which at first they thought 
 to be a bear ; but on looking more closely and seeing 
 that it did not move, the mother approached it till in 
 the gathering twilight she discerned the form of a 
 child ; and coming nearer, with a great throb of heart 
 agony, she found it to be her darling Jimmy whom till 
 
 then, she had supposed safe with his elder brother. 
 How this had occurred she had no means of knowing ; 
 for though the boy was not dead, he was in a dying 
 state ; and when in her distress she called him by 
 name, he turned his wistful but fast dimning eyes upon 
 
 p 
 
HISTORY OF THE 
 
 226 
 
 her and attempted to speak, but could articulate no 
 word. Giving the baby to the little girl, she seated 
 herself upon the snow, drew the dying boy into her 
 lap, rubbed bis Umbs, breathed into his face, and sought 
 by every means in her power ,to impart warmth and 
 produce circulation ; but he only moaned and looked 
 into her face as the life-blood oozed from bis mouth and 
 nose. In half an hour he was dead ; and the jfoor 
 Avoman was recalled from her stupor of grief to action, 
 by the cries and moans of the survivors. She drew 
 the corpse aside from the path, straightened its limbs, 
 and conscious that she could do no more, yet with the 
 great fear at her heart that some ravenous beast of 
 prey might devour the precious remains, reluctantly 
 left the body to attend to the living, and started on with 
 them. When arranging the corpse of her dead boy, 
 she heard the calls of young Rice, but thinking them 
 the cries of such wild animals as had already scented 
 their prey, she neither made nor suffered the children 
 to make any answering sound. And when they came 
 to the bread, thinking it had been poisoned and placed 
 there to destroy wild beasts, she would neither touch 
 it herself nor allow them to do so. Coming at length 
 to a cluster of fir-trees, the bent branches of Avhich 
 seemed to promise a sort of shelter from the wind, in 
 utter weariness and exhaustion, she resolved to pass 
 the night there. This Avould in all probability have 
 been her last on earth, for the event proved that help 
 had come none too soon to save her. The foot from 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 227 
 
 which she had taken the covering, had been so badl^? 
 frozen that she was unable to get on the shoe in conse- 
 quence of the swelling. But the young people wrapped 
 it carefully in their mufflers, took the little boy on the 
 hand-sled, and causing the little girl to go before 
 them, while the sister took the crying baby in her 
 arms as she supported the exhausted mother, they 
 started on their w’ay to the house. But the poor 
 woman' s remaining strength gave out ; the little girl 
 sought to lie down continually, declaring she had as 
 lief die as not; so taking the little boy on his back, 
 and driving the other child before him, young Rice left 
 the exhausted woman and baby with his sister, hastened 
 to the house, and giving the children into his mother’s 
 care, returned to the others with refreshment and 
 cordial. About midnight, all the living had been 
 brought in. 
 
 During all this time, the brutal husband and father 
 could not be prevailed on to leave his warm berth by 
 the fire, to go to the help of the others, though quite 
 able to do so, as he was neither frozen nor otherwise 
 disabled. Indeed his conduct throughout, had given evi- 
 dence of an unfeeling selfishness if nothing worse. The 
 fact that his poor boy was found dying in such a man- 
 ner, wdien it was clear that his father must have been 
 the last with him, created a strong feeling against the 
 man. Whether in order to hasten the child’s movements, 
 still his entreaties or complaints, or force him to wait and 
 go wdth his mother, a blow had been struck, which 
 
228 . EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 Under the circumstances of ■weakness took deadly effect, 
 was known only to Omniscience and to the wretched 
 man himself; but surmises all pointed to this, and the 
 suspicions thus aroused, received strong confirmation 
 from rumors respecting his antecedents, which subse 
 quently reached the country. 
 
 The next morning young Rice went out with his 
 hand-sled in search of the body of little Jimmy, which 
 he found frozen stiff, though it had escaped injury 
 from wild animals. Coming in with it^ he was met by 
 his father and others who had arrived in his absence, 
 and together they drew it to the house. 
 
 Exhausted and suffering as was the poor woman, the 
 grief of her boy’s death under such circumstances had 
 nearly driven her wild ; and till the corpse was brought 
 in, imagination was constantly picturing her darling 
 boy as torn and disfigured by beasts of the forest ; a 
 fear which was only quieted by sight of the body. That 
 was decently laid out, a sort of cofiin prepared, a grave 
 dug, and all that remained of the unfortunate emigrant 
 child was committed to the frozen earth. The mother 
 and children were sent on to a point where they re- 
 ceived the necessary assistance, but the unworthy 
 father had little favor shown him and was obliged to go 
 to work. 
 
 Yet notwithstanding the many mistakes that were 
 made and the suffering that ensued, many emigrants 
 did succeed by a course of persevering industry, and 
 have now their reward in homes they can call their 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 229 
 
 own, with all the essentials and many of the comforts 
 and conveniences of life. 
 
 At the present day, there are places where all neces- 
 sary information may be obtained respecting any par- 
 ticular section ; direct routes of transportation either 
 by water or railway to points in the vicinity of the 
 newly opened portions ; available resources near them ; 
 with which facilities and the most ordinary prudence 
 and forethought, the difficulties above recounted may 
 be entirely avoided, and should therefore be consid- 
 ered as belonging exclusively to the past, 
 
230 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 EXTENT OF TERRITORY INCLUDED WiTlI THE EASTERN TOWN- 
 SHips. — PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS. — GOLD REGIONS. — AGRI- 
 CULTURAL CAPABILITIES. — DIVISION INTO TOWNSHIPS. — CO- 
 LONIZATION ROADS. — CHIEF RIVERS. 
 
 The Eastern Townships are considered as including 
 the belt of hilly country south of the St. Lawrence, 
 extending from the southern and eastern frontiers of 
 the Province, to the Bay of Chaleurs. As hitherto 
 known, they have not embraced this north-eastern 
 extension, but as it appears to belong to them both 
 geographically and geologically, it has been found 
 convenient to include it with them.* 
 
 Unlike the level country bordering the great river, 
 this region abounds in liills and valleys, lakes and ponds, 
 rivers and streams. The ridge which enters the Pro- 
 vince from the south as a continuation of the Green 
 mountains of Vermont, appearing at intervals running 
 
 • For many items of information contained in this chapter, we 
 are indebted to a pamphlet published “ By authority of the Bureau 
 of Agriculture,” which contains a Geographical, Agricultural, 
 and Mineralogical Sketch of Canada, 
 
EASTERN- TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 281 
 
 in a direction a little east of north, is called in this 
 
 country, the Notre Dame range. In places, they attain 
 
 a mountainous height of near four thousand feet above 
 
 the sea ; and three of the principal lakes on the south 
 
 side of the range, viz, Memphremagog, Aylmer, and 
 
 St. Francis, are from 750 to 900 feet above that level. ' 
 
 South-east of Montreal these hills appear at a distance t 
 
 of fifty miles or more from the St. Lawrence, but seem 
 
 gradually to approach it, as at a point opposite Quebec, 1 1 
 
 they come within thirty miles of the river. i ! 
 
 Parts of this section have been brought into more . i 
 
 extended notice by recent developments of mineral fj 
 
 wealth, and in consequence of the great attention drawn • j 
 
 to that subject, important regulations for the sale of I 
 
 mineral land, have been made ; two gold mining dis- | 
 
 tricts erected, named the Chaudiere and St. Francis | 
 
 divisions, and an inspector appointed to each ; one | 
 
 item of his duties being to afford any requisite infor- I 
 
 mation pertaining to the business. | 
 
 Most of this region is well wooded, possesses an | 
 
 abundant soil, and when the labor of clearing a farm ! 
 
 has been accomplished, the sandy loam of which it is | 
 
 mostly composed has been found well suited to the | 
 
 production of grain and vegetables. Root crops, flax, j 
 
 hops, &c., are grown to a considerable extent. j 
 
 Though some of the townships into which the section 
 has been laid out, are tolerably well settled, and par- | 
 
 ticular localities even thickly inhabited, a large part ! 
 
 of the tract is still in a wild state. Numerous roads | 
 
— 
 
 mmmm 
 
 
 ; . 
 
 I 
 
 •• ! i; 
 i|] I' 
 
 'It 
 
 232 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 extending in different directions and connecting various 
 points where settlements are commenced, have been 
 constructed or are projected by government, with the 
 view of opening up the country and still further faci- 
 litating its settlement. 
 
 This region is watered by numerous small streams 
 and rivulets which unite to form rivers of considerable 
 magnitude ; and these, with the single exception of the 
 St. John, after flowing in a general north-west direc- 
 tion through valleys which at intervals separate the 
 hills, enter the great river at different points, and in 
 draining this large extent of country, contribute to swell 
 the mighty flood. 
 
 The Richelieu river, though not flowing directly 
 through the townships, may yet be properly mentioned 
 as the channel through which the surplus waters of 
 Lake Champlain are discharged into the St. Lawrence. 
 It is about 70 miles in length, and unlike many of 
 the rivers of Canada, flows for the most part through 
 a cultivated and populous country. Near the point 
 where it issues from the lake, is situated the American 
 Fort Montgomery ; and a little below, are the British 
 naval station and garrison of Isle-aux-noix. Navi- 
 gation is unobstructed to St. Johns, where commence 
 a series of rapids which extend twelve miles ; which 
 obstacle to navigation has been overcome by the con- 
 struction of a canal, through which the smaller class 
 of steamboats pass directly to Chambly Basin at the 
 foot of the rapids. Tliis expansion of the river is said 
 

 EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 233 
 
 to be about one and a half mile in diameter ; from 
 which, the river flows north into the St. Lawrence at 
 Sorel. 
 
 The Yamaska and St. Francis rivers, which come 
 from the southern sections of the Eastern Townships, 
 mil receive suitable attention in connection with the 
 districts which they drain. 
 
 The next coming into notice in this order is the Ni- 
 colet, consisting of two main branches, distinguished 
 respectively by the initials N. E. and S. W., both of 
 which are receiving frequent accessions to their waters. 
 The sources of the N. E. branch consist of small 
 streams and rivulets uniting in one, which after 
 winding through several townships, enters Nicolet. 
 The S. W. branch has its extreme source in the far 
 off highlands of Dudswell, whence it winds through 
 the townships into Nicolet, where at a point near La 
 Baie, it unites with the N. E. branch, when after 
 flowing together a short distance they again separate 
 and enter the St, Lawrence by two distinct channels, 
 near the lower extremity of Lake St. Peter. 
 
 The next in course is the Becancour, a large river 
 having its sources in the many small lakes and streams 
 abounding in Leeds, Ireland, Somerset, and the sur- 
 rounding townships ; when passing through Becancour, 
 with a continually augmenting volume of water, it 
 enters the St. Lawrence opposite Three Rivers. Be- 
 tween the Becancour and Chaudiere, the rivers enter- 
 ing the St. Lawrence are few and unimportant. 
 
234 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 In September 1775, Col. Benedict Arnold of the 
 American revolutionary army, received instructions to 
 take command of a body of men and effect a passage 
 through the wilderness, by proceeding up the Ken- 
 nebec river in Maine, thenoe across the highlands to 
 the head waters of the Chaudlere river, and down that 
 stream to its entrance into the St. Lawrence near 
 Quebec. The object of the expedition was to co-ope- 
 rate with the forces of General Montgomery in the 
 reduction of that city. Arnold and his men entered 
 the Province at the southern extremity of Woburn? 
 and followed up the stream which still bears his name 
 to where it enters Lake Megantic, thence down that 
 lake to the point where its surplus waters are discharged 
 through the Chaudiere. The unfortunate ending of 
 an expedition as boldly conceived as bravely carried 
 out is matter of history, and Quebec then remained 
 as it still continues a British stronghold. 
 
 Lake Megantic the chief source of the Chaudiere, 
 is a fine body of water about ten miles in length, lying 
 between the tracts known as Marston and Litchfield. 
 It has of late become a favorite resort for hunting and 
 fishing excursionists, as an excellent quality of fish are 
 taken from its waters, and the deep solitude in which it is 
 environed, affords abundance of wild game. It receives 
 the waters of Arnold stream on the south, those of 
 Spider lake from Litchfield on the east, the Megantic 
 river from Marston on the west, while its outlet, the 
 Chaudiere river, issues from the north-east, and for a 
 considerable distance flows in the same direction. Gra- 
 

 EASTERN TOWNSHIP^. 235 
 
 dually it diverges towards the north, as it does so 
 receiving the waters of many streams from the east 
 and north-east ; the largest of which are the Samson, 
 Du Loup, Gilbert and Famine. Innumerable small 
 tributaries fall into it along its entire course. It inclines 
 a little towards the west on approaching the St. Law- 
 rence, into which it falls a short distance above Quebec. 
 
 The next river in the coui’se designated, and the 
 last to be mentioned as tributary to the St. Lawrence 
 is the Etchemin, the head waters of which come from 
 Roux and Standon, and after flowing some distance and 
 diverging a little toward the south and west, constantly 
 receiving accessions to its w’aters, it finds its way 
 through other townships into the St. Lawrence oppo- 
 site Quebec. 
 
 The next and last we shall mention in this connec- 
 tion, is the river St. John, known as forming the 
 boundary for a certain distance between Canada and 
 the State of Maine. Parts of the gold region are 
 washed by this river and its Canadian tributaries. Its 
 head waters are the outlets of ponds and small streams 
 coming from the highlands on and near the boundary 
 line, and as it flows a little to the east of north, it sepa- 
 rates portions of Canadian and United States territory j 
 but turning more directly to the east, it crosses the 
 northern part of Maine, diverges to the south-east, 
 and passing through New Brunswick, empties into the 
 Bay of Fundy. In its course along the boundary and 
 through the north of Maine, it receives the waters of 
 several considerable tributaries from the Canadian side. 
 
236 
 
 HISTORY OP THE 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 ADVANTAGES OFFERED TO EMIGRANTS. — WILD LANDS. — CLASS 
 BEST ADAPTED TO THE COUNTRY. — ELEMENTS OF SUCCESS. 
 
 MISTAKES AND FAILURES BUSH LIFE EARLY SETTLERS.— 
 
 PARTIALLY IMPROVED FARMS.— EXTRACTS FROM DR. RUS- 
 SELL’ S WORK ON CANADA. g 
 
 Prominent among the advantages now offered by 
 this country as a field for emigration, may be enu- 
 merated a facility and cheapness of access ; a loyal 
 and peaceable population*; healthy climate ; liberal 
 institutions ; moderate taxation ; a free press ; free 
 schools ; fee simple of the soil which only awaits occu- 
 pation ; an abundance of fuel ; the necessaries of life 
 at a moderate cost, and access to market at the 
 larger towns and villages, or through the different 
 lines of railway which traverse the country. By 
 means of these, daily communication is had with the 
 cities they connect, or the places along their course. 
 Many localities thus favored, have additional natural 
 advantages, and require but the aid of capital and 
 energy to enable them to rise into importance as centres 
 of manufacturing or commercial business. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 237 
 
 m 
 
 The land which is still wild, is cither the property 
 of the Crown, the British American Land Company, 
 or of private individuals who have become possessed 
 of it by purchase or heirship. Millions of acres of 
 surveyed lands are always in the market in Canada, 
 and the prices are aflSxed at which settlers can acquire 
 them upon application to agents in different localities. 
 
 The class of settlers best adapted to this country 
 in its present state, are those known at home as small 
 farmers ; men w^ho do their oto work or a part of it ; 
 whose wives are also accustomed to the work of the 
 house or dairy, and think it no hardship to get up 
 at four o’clock of a summer morning and proportion- 
 ally early in winter, to sec that each department of 
 the housework is properly attended to. Such men 
 are sure to succeed unless under very exceptional 
 circumstances. 
 
 Energy, self-command, and strength to labor, are 
 the essential elements of success in a new country; 
 a want of these must involve failure, and exaggerated 
 expectations must invariably end in disappointment. 
 An emigrant coming to this country with little capital, 
 would act wisely if before purchasing land, he placed 
 his money in some savings bank and worked for wages 
 a year, thus acquiring a necessary knowledge and 
 experience of the country. Such a course is not 
 deemed degrading in Canada, and is sure to result in 
 ultimate good. It must be borne in mind that all 
 emigrants whether possessed of one hundred or one 
 
238 
 
 HISTORY or THE 
 
 thousand pounds, will fail unless they come determined 
 to labor themselves ; and it may be asserted without 
 fear of contradiction, that a man who pursues this plan, 
 will in a few years be in advance of him — no matter 
 what his capital may be — who has not taken to the 
 axe and hoe. A determination to work, carried out 
 with spirit, will in time bring with it a degree of pros- 
 perity not to be surpassed in any other part of America ; 
 and will insure comfort if not independence to every 
 prudent, sober man. 
 
 Experiences in the past have shown that those who 
 came to the country entertaining romantic ideas of 
 Life in the woods,” were most unfortunate : all such 
 were victims here, and need not have expected 
 ultimate success ; while profiting by their mistakes 
 and sufferings, those who have applied themselves 
 to labor, by energetic industry have secured inde- 
 pendent positions ; and the path by which they have 
 risen through all the intermediate stages from poverty 
 to wealth, is still open to others. 
 
 It will doubtless be news to many of our readers, 
 that an internal emigration from front to back settle- 
 ments should be constantly taking place ; yet such is 
 the fact. The forest in perspective has no terrors for 
 such men as comprised a large part of our early 
 population. There is an excitement, a species of 
 fascination about bush life, and a charm in the idea of 
 winning more wealth from the wilderness, which a 
 certain minded class of men never gets over. The 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 239 
 
 working of new land requires less labor, less capital, 
 and less knowledge of the science of farming, than the 
 subsequent cultivation of the cleared farm. 
 
 Many of our early settlers were content to sow 
 and reap, and take what the native richness of the soil 
 would give them. They knew little or nothing of 
 farming as a science. The modern improvements of 
 husbandry by which the average yield of land has been 
 doubled, were to them hidden mysteries. All they 
 looked for was immediate success, as they knew that 
 when their present farms failed them, the forest w’as 
 still open, and they well understood the process of its 
 subjugation. 
 
 It is to replace this hardy and adventurous class of 
 primitive settlers, that we require the tenant farmers 
 of the old world. We want them to take these par- 
 tially improved farms and cultivate them with skill 
 and energy. Such lands can always he had, and are 
 usually well worth the money asked for them. The 
 buildings on such properties are generally poor, but 
 they arc a beginning ; and there is too often around them 
 a store of wealth in neglected fertilizing substances 
 which, when properly applied, will go far toward 
 renovating the land. Situations convenient to mills, 
 markets, schools, churches, &c., can often be secured 
 at a moderate outlay and on easy terms.* The 
 
 • Many of the foregoing items of information were originally 
 published in the Emigration Gazette^ Canadian Farmer^ &c., 
 from which they have been condensed and prepared as they now 
 appear. 
 
240 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 subjoined extracts from Dr. W. H. Russell’s "work 
 on Canada, have been found to contain so much that is 
 true to the life, and also so applicable to the subject 
 under consideration, that they are introduced nearly 
 verbatim. 
 
 The traveller in Canada has been struck with the 
 peculiarly cheerless, dreary, and desolate appearance 
 of the settler’s log hut. With only a small patcli of 
 clearing, apparently in the midst of a densely wooded 
 tract, the aspect is lonely beyond description. For 
 weeks and perhaps months he sees no strange face, but 
 the same still wild meets his view, at morning, noon, 
 and night ; and his only hope is inh is good right arm 
 and the axe he so sturdily swings over his shoulder. 
 The first fruits of his efforts are seen in the few slender 
 blades of corn or the few hills of vegetables that spring 
 up about his hut, which seem to struggle for very ex- 
 istence against the weeds and briers that refuse to be 
 rooted out to give them place. Tall trees with black- 
 ened trunks stand out to give prominence to the deso- 
 lation of the scene, while the surrounding forest, — 
 dense, dark and still, — seems reared between him and 
 the world. ^ ***** * 
 
 A few years later, the same traveller passes the same 
 way, and perhaps but a few miles from the town or 
 city, stands a neat frame dwelling painted white ; and 
 near it, the identical log hut, now, however, used as an 
 outbuilding. The clearing has encroached on the 
 forest till what was counted by yards, now measures 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 241 
 
 acres in extent, and the stumps which were then so 
 numerous as to afford little room for the com and 
 vegetables, have almost entirely disappeared. A plen- 
 tifully filled frame bam stands on one side, and on the 
 other is a garden full of luxuriant vegetables. * * * 
 A parterre bright with autumnal-flowers, immediately 
 fronts the house, while at the rear is an orchard in 
 which the trees are loaded with ripening fruits. See 
 the man on his farm and perhaps you will discover 
 little else than the color on his cheek to distinguish him 
 from an inhabitant of the neighboring town. * * * 
 
 All this may be and has been accomplished by the re- 
 solute and persevering industry of man. The settler 
 can say honestly that his own right arm has won him 
 the battle, and can enjoy the fruit of his labor in feel- 
 ing that though the struggle has been hard and long, 
 the home he has earned well repays his toil. He had 
 not yielded to the despondency of the hour of trial, nor 
 given way to those feelings of discouragement which 
 have induced some to throw away what has been gained 
 and give up the struggle as if the diflSculties were in- 
 surmountable, but has persevered till the end was 
 gained. 
 
 He who nobly pushes back the wilderness and 
 hews out a home for himself upon the conquered 
 territory, has necessarily but a bony hand and rough 
 exterior to present to advancing civihzation. His child- 
 ren too, are timid, wild and uncouth. But a stranger 
 comes in ; buys the little improvement on the lot next 
 
 Q 
 
HISTORY OF THE 
 
 
 242 
 
 him ; has a wife with refined tastes, and children who 
 are educated. The necessities of the new comers soon 
 bring about an acquaintance with the pioneer, and their 
 families are brought into contact. They are timid and 
 awkward enough perhaps at first, but children know 
 nothing of the conventionalities of society and are gov- 
 erned by innocence in their friendships. So they play 
 together ; go to school in company ; and thus imper- 
 ceptibly to themselves are the tastes and manners of 
 the educated in some degree imparted to the uncul- 
 tivated, and in like proportion the energy and fortitude 
 of the latter, infused into their more effeminate com- 
 panions. 
 
 Manly but ill-tutored success is thus taught how to 
 enjoy its gains, while respectable poverty is instructed 
 how to better its condition. That pride occasionally 
 puts itself to inconveniences to prevent these pleasant 
 results, must be admitted ; and that the jealousy and 
 vanity of mere success sometimes views with unkind- 
 ness the manner and habit of reduced respectability, 
 — never perhaps more sensitive and exacting than when 
 it is poorest, — must also be acknowledged. But that the 
 great law of progress and the influence of free institu- 
 tions have a tendency to break down and obliterate 
 these exceptional feelings and prejudices, is patent to 
 every observer of society in this country. Where the 
 educated and refined undergo the changes incident to 
 laborious occupation, and where rude industry is also 
 changed by the success which gives it the benefit 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 243 
 
 of education, it is impossible for the two classes not 
 to meet. As the one goes down — at least in its 
 occupations — it meets the other coming up by reason 
 of its successes, and both eventually occupy the 
 same pedestal. This social problem has been often 
 wrought out in Canadian society. Pride must stoop 
 to conquer, and industry is sure to rise.” 
 
HISTORY OF THK 
 
 244 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 MINERAL RESOURCES AND THEIR DEVELOPSIENT.--^OLD MINING, 
 — SILVER AND LEAD. — COPPER.— IRON. — ^IRON PYRITES. — 
 CHROMIUM. — TITANIUM. — ANTIMONY. — ^ASBESTOS. — BUILD- 
 ING STONES. — LIMESTONES. — QUARTZ, OCHRE, &C. — MARBLES. 
 — SERPENTINES. — ROOFING SLATES. — BRICK CLAY. — PEAT. — 
 SOAP STONE. 
 
 To be wholly independent and self reliant, a country 
 must contain within itself the elements of an enduring 
 prosperity. Neither favorable climate, productive 
 soil, commercial advantages, nor yet all these com- 
 - bined, have been so powerful to attract ah extensive 
 influx of population to any country, as its mineral 
 wealth. To a gi’eat extent, England owes her proud 
 position at the present day, to her coal and iron 
 mines. 
 
 However much may have been written or said re- 
 specting Canadian minerals and the best manner of 
 bringing them into notice, as yet there is no well 
 conceived or matured plan for effecting this object. 
 The copper mines that have been opened, unless with 
 few exceptions’, have been worked wdth but varying 
 
1 ASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 245 
 
 success ; and while local causes might have induced 
 the abandonment of some, the merely speculative 
 element may have entered too largely into the busi- 
 ness generally. Yet the history of mining in all ages 
 and all countries shows that it has ever born the same 
 characteristics, and has been attended with the same 
 or even more marked results than among us. Evi- 
 dently mining in the Eastern Townships is yet in its 
 infancy ; and though the success which has attended 
 it in some parts cannot be said to have justified the 
 investments made, it is by no means the proprietors of 
 lands who have been the losers in these transactions ; 
 for as a general thing much more money has been 
 brought into the country and left here, than has 
 been taken from it. If, as a result of the mistakes 
 that have been made, more of the real earnest work- 
 ing element succeeds to what is but imaginative and 
 speculative, the work which has been but too superficial 
 in places, will be changed in character, and if not 
 profitable to both proprietors and workers, it will be 
 abandoned and the land revert to its rightful owners. 
 
 The principal economic minerals, such as metals and 
 their ores, are found in many sections of the town- 
 ships ; and there is little doubt that with a larger 
 general experience and knowledge of their value, 
 more of them might be found to ensure fair returns 
 to the employment of capital and skilled labor. Sul- 
 phur and sulphuric acid, super-phosphate of lime, and 
 
HISTORY OF THE 
 
 7 
 
 I 
 
 246 
 
 other productions for which there is abundant material, 
 must attract very early attention.* 
 
 Gold has been shown to exist over a large extent 
 of the Eastern Townships, from near the boundary 
 line as far as Quebec, and probably farther to the 
 north-east, along the mountainous belt which stretches 
 to the extremity of the Province. It is from the 
 breaking down of the rocks of this Notre Dame Range^ 
 that have been derived the sands, clays, and gravel, 
 which make the soil of this belt of hills, and of the re- 
 gions to the east and south of them. Gold has often 
 been found in these rocks, but most attempts made to 
 work the precious metal hitherto, have been by wash- 
 ing the superficial sands and gravels. This has been 
 done with such marked success in some parts, that 
 those regions are attracting skilled labor and capital, 
 which may meet with profitable returns. 
 
 Copper. The ores of copper are widely disseminated 
 in the Eastern Townships for the most part in the form 
 of irregular beds and interstratified masses. 
 
 Though many of the workings have scarcely proved 
 remunerative, there are exceptions, and from the wide 
 diffusion of the metal in the rocks of the district, and 
 from the richness of some that have been opened, there 
 is reason to expect that many of them may become 
 sources of profit. Capitalists from New York and Bos- 
 
 *Much of this chapter has been extracted and condensed from 
 
 the pamphlet before referred to, as having been published by 
 authority of the ** Bureau of Agriculture.'' 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 247 
 
 ton have invested considerably in mining lands in this 
 region. 
 
 Lead and Silver. Small quantities of lead ore, rich in 
 silver, have also been found here. 
 
 Iron. Extensive beds of good iron ore occur in the 
 Eastern Townships. They are iron slates consisting in a 
 large part of red hematite, and under favorable cir- 
 cumstances, might be smelted with advantage. Hither- 
 to the ore has been taken to Vermont for smelting. 
 
 Iron Pyrites. This is abundant and is a material of 
 value for the manufacture of copperas, and as a source 
 of sulphur for the fabrication of sulphuric acid, or oil 
 of vitriol. This latter substance is one of great im- 
 portance to the manufacturing industry of a country, 
 for it forms the starting point in the ordinary processes 
 for the production of chlorine, bleaching powder, and 
 soda-ash. Of these, the latter is an indispensable mate- 
 rial for the manufacture of soap and of glass. Sulphuric 
 acid is moreover largely consumed in making super- 
 phosphate of lime, and for the refining of petroleum. 
 
 Chromium in the form of chromic iron ore, is 
 another substance which is found in considerable quan- 
 tities in some parts, and is valuable as the only source 
 of chromate of potash, an article now extensively used 
 in the arts for the manufacture of several pigments, 
 and in various processes of coloring an dcalico printing. 
 
 Titanium. This substance which has within a few 
 years attracted the attention of iron manufacturers for 
 its supposed beneficial influence upon iron, and has 
 

 
 248 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 also been prepared for several other uses in the arts, 
 is likewise found here. 
 
 Antimony, a metal of a grayish or silvery white, 
 is used as an ingredient in mirrors, giving them a finer 
 texture. It renders the sound of bells more clear, tin 
 is made more white, hard, and sonorous by it, and 
 printing types, are made more firm and smooth by its 
 use. It is also necessary in the fusion of metals, and 
 the casting of cannon balls. In its crude state it is 
 harmless to the human constitution, but many of its 
 preparations act violently as emetics and cathartics. 
 It is found in some sections of the Eastern Townships. 
 
 Asbestos, a stony fibrous substance found in the 
 earth, is usually of a white or grayish hue, but some- 
 times has a greenish or reddish shade. The finer 
 varieties have been wrought into gloves and cloth 
 which are incombustible. The cloth made of this ma- 
 terial was formerly used as shrouds for dead bodies, 
 and has been recommended for firemen’s clothes. As- 
 bestos is also used in the manufacture of iron safes and 
 for lamp-wicks. This substance is also common here. 
 
 Suilding Stones. East of the NotTc Dame Range 
 are quantities of granite of a superior quality for build- 
 ing purposes ; but as this material is both more costly 
 to work than the abimdant limestones and sand stones, 
 and generally more remote from the centres of con- 
 sumption, it is yet scarcely made use of. 
 
 Limestones fitted for burning, are found in great 
 abundance in some parts. The use of lime as a ferti- 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 249 
 
 lizer for many soils is well known, and for tliis purpose 
 the greater part of the limes in Canada are well fitted, 
 on account of their freedom from Magnesia. Many of 
 the limestones in the townships are susceptible of a 
 good polish, and present pleasing variations of color ; 
 Imt though well suited for internal decoration, are yet 
 scarcely known. 
 
 Quartz^ Ochres^ ^c. Quartz of the purity required 
 for glass making, and materials used for millstones, are 
 also found in the Province. Ochres of a great variety 
 of colors are likewise found ; also the sulphur of barytes 
 which is largely used by painters. 
 
 Marbles. The hills of the Eastern Townships afford 
 many marbles of considerable beauty ; white, colored, 
 and variegated ; but little has as yet been done to 
 bring them into use. 
 
 Serpentines are also found here, generally of dark 
 green veined with lighter green and white ; much 
 resembling the famous verd antique or serpentines of 
 Corsica and Cornwall ; though none of these materials 
 have been cut, except for exhibition. 
 
 Hoofing Slates. Extensive quarries of roofing slates 
 of a superior quality have been opened in the Eastern 
 Townships. Plates of large size are readily obtained. 
 
 Brick Clay is found in abundance in almost eveiy 
 section of the country, and bricks are now coming into 
 very general use for building. 
 
 Peat. Extensive bogs of this material are found in 
 some sections of the toTOships, though on account of 
 
250 
 
 BISTORT OF THE 
 
 the abundance and cheapness of wood, no systematic 
 attempts have been made to turn it to use as a fuel. 
 In the future, however, it may be of more account. 
 
 Soap-stone used for lining furnaces, and in some 
 parts for the construction of stoves ; white sand-stone 
 for the hearths of furnaces, fire clay, and moulding 
 sand, are common in many places. 
 
 Phosphate of lime. This material is abundant in the 
 country ; but in order to convert it into super-phos- 
 phate, large quantities of sulphuric acid are required ; 
 which latter material is not made in Canada, and is 
 imported only at considerable expense. As yet the value 
 of super-phosphate as a fertilizing agent is little un- 
 derstood ; but farmers are beginning to learn its impor- 
 tance ; and as there is abundant material in the coun- 
 try for the manufacture of these articles, it is desirable 
 that they should be turned to account. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 251 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 BEDFORD DISTRICT.— LOCATION OP PUBLIC OFFICES. —COURTS. — 
 PHYSICAL FEATURES OP THE DISTRICT. — YAMASKA RIVER.- 
 BROME COUNTY. — BROME. — BOLTON. — EAST FARNHAM. — 
 POTTON. — SUTTON. 
 
 The District of Bedford, constituted such by act of 
 Provincial Parliament in the year 1857 , includes the 
 counties of Brome, Missisquoi, Shefford, Iberville and 
 Rouville, the two latter of which lie entirely within the 
 French seigniories. The Court house, Jail, and Public 
 OESces for the District, are located at Nelsonville m 
 the township of Dunham. 
 
 The Court of Queen’s Bench for the district of 
 Bedford, is held at Nelsonville on the 21st of the 
 months of February and October ; continuing till the 
 business of the term is finished. The district of Bed- 
 ford cases of appeal and error, are heard and deter- 
 rained at Montreal. 
 
252 
 
 HISTORY OP THE 
 
 The terms of the Superior Court for the district of 
 Bedford, are held at Nelsonville, from the 13th to the 
 19th of the months of February, May, and October. 
 
 The district of Bedford Circuit Court is held at Nel- 
 sonville, from the 7th to the 12th of the months of 
 February, May, and October. 
 
 Many of the more common physical features of the 
 district receive the requisite attention in the sketches 
 of each township respectively ; but as the Yamaska 
 river drains the greater part of the section as a whole, 
 a notice of it has been thought proper in this connec- 
 tion. The main branches that form this river have 
 their sources within the limits of Brome and Shefford 
 counties : the streams tliRt unite to form the north 
 branch, come from Brome and Waterloo lakes ; the 
 smaller rivulets that make up the south branch, come 
 from south Brome and north Sutton; while those 
 which form the Black river, mostly have their head 
 waters in the northern townships of the district, and 
 unite with the main branch in Ely or Roxton, when 
 the stream takes a north-west course into Acton. It 
 then turns to the west and south-west through the north- 
 west part of Milton into the seigniories, and joins the 
 Yamaska at a point between the parishes of St. Damase 
 and St. Pie, about 22 miles below the village of West 
 Farnham. 
 
 The north and south branches of the Yamaska meet 
 within the limits of West Farnham, when the river con- 
 tmuing west through the village of that name, turns 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 258 
 
 north into the seigniories, and after being enlarged by 
 the waters of Black river, receives occasional tribu- 
 taries along its way, till it enters the St. Lawrence 
 about nine miles below Sorel. With the exception of 
 those waters which find their way by the north branch 
 of the Missisquoi river through northern Vermont into 
 lake Champlain, and those which discharge into the 
 same lake through Pike river, very nearly all the 
 surplus waters of the district are carried through the 
 Yamaska to the St. Lawrence. 
 
 BROME COUNTY. 
 
 This county includes the townships of Brome, Bolton, 
 East Farnham, Potton, and Sutton. Knowlton in the 
 township of Brome, is its chef-lieu. 
 
 The county circuit is held there, from the 26th to 
 the 30th of the months of January, April, and Sep- 
 tember. The county Agricultural shows are also 
 held at Knowlton. 
 
 BROME. 
 
 A tract of land lying within the district of Montreal, 
 bounded north by Shefford, east by Bolton, south by 
 Sutton, and west by Dunham and Famham, containing 
 58,460 acres and the usual allowance for highways, 
 was surveyed, divided, subdivided, erected into a 
 township named Brome, and granted August 15th 
 1797, to Asa Porter and his associates, viz, William 
 
HISTOKY OF THE 
 
 254 
 
 Porter, Henry Collins, Ezekiel Lewis, Thaddeus Hall, 
 Benjamin Crocker, Cyrus Cleveland, Samuel Gott, 
 Jonathan Ayres, Joseph Wilson, Jonas Joslin, Nicholas 
 Hall, Silas Westover, Asahel Dunning, Reuben Moore, 
 Joseph Wilson junior, William Douglas, Brewer Dodge, 
 Asa Warner, Billy Porter, Daniel Eames, Thomas 
 Tennant, Ephraim Stone, Eliphalet Perrin, Aaron 
 Porter, John Ilubbell, Lewis Hoyk, Andrew Truck, 
 John Solomon, Allen Davis, Benjamin Spencer, Elias 
 Truax, and Hezekiah Weed. 
 
 It appears however, that through some defection, 
 the associates of Porter could obtain no satisfactory 
 titles to their lands for a long period ; which fact ope- 
 rated very materially in retarding the influx of a de- 
 sirable class of settlers. It was not till the year 1827, 
 that arrangements were finally effected by which satis- 
 factory titles could be secured to the occupants of 
 lands. 
 
 The first permanent locations were made in this 
 township, during the later years of the eighteenth cen- 
 tury ; but for a long period all the difficulties and em- 
 barrassments common to the early settlements of the 
 country were felt in their full force and had their 
 usual effect. Wheeled vehicles were introduced about 
 the year 1807, but the roads were hardly passable for 
 them till a much later date, and it was only by the 
 hardest labor that the poor people could procure the 
 necessaries of life from the older settlements. 
 
 The brothers Henry and Ebenezer Collins who came 
 

 EASTDRRN TOWNSHIPS. 255 
 
 from the United States at a very early period, may be 
 considered the first settlers in the township, and lo- 
 cated in what is known as West Bronte. In 1798, 
 Isaiah Sweet from the State of New York, came to 
 the same place. The first grist mill in the township 
 was built near this in 1802. The location is on the 
 south branch of the Yamaska river, near the south-west- 
 eim corner of the township ; it being a thickly settled 
 farming section rather than a village. Beside the 
 diffusely scattered dwellings, it contains a house of 
 worship belonging to the New Connection Methodists, 
 which was built in 1857 ; a post office opened in 1852 ; 
 two stores, a tannery, woollen factory, and mills. 
 Commissioner’s Courts are held here and at Knowlton 
 alternately. The improvement of the place has not 
 been rapid. 
 
 Bronte Corners . — The name by which this locality is 
 known owes its origin to lines of road which intersect 
 at this point. The first settlements were made here 
 in 1799, by Ephraim Stone and Valentine Smith ; 
 and in 1804, the first saw-mill built in Brome was 
 erected here. A public house was opened in 1805, a 
 store in 1808; a school house was built in 1810 ; and 
 a post office was opened in 1831. A Congregational 
 church society was organized here in 1843, and a 
 church edifice subsequently erected by them. 
 
 A Church of England mission was established here 
 in 1855, and a church edifice in connection with it, was 
 built in 1859. The Methodists have also a society in 
 
rn 
 
 256 HISTORY OP THE 
 
 the vicinity. There are now two stores and a public 
 house in the place, and for many years, much of the 
 township business was done here. 
 
 Knowlton , — Settlements were commenced in the 
 near vicinity and around this place, as early as 1800 
 and the few succeeding years ; but no locations were 
 made upon the site of the village till about the year 
 1815. A saw-mill was built here in 1821, and a school 
 house in 1822, but the settlement could be hardly con- 
 sidered as successfully begun till 1834, when Col. P. 
 H. Knowlton took up his residence here. A store was 
 opened about that time, a grist-mill erected soon after, 
 and the saw-mill rebuilt. A public house and post 
 oflSce were opened about the year 1851. 
 
 Religious services had occasionally been held here 
 by the Rev. Messrs. Cotton of Dunham, and Whitwell 
 of Shefford, both clergymen of the Church of England ; 
 and in 1840, the Rev. W. Bond, travelling missionary, 
 visited the place. From this an interest was awakened 
 and an earnest effort made toward establishing a mis- 
 sion and building a church edifice in Knowlton, which 
 was finally successful, and in 1842, the Rev. W. 
 Cusack came here as resident missionary. During the 
 year the chui’ch building was finished, and opened for 
 divine service. Mr. Cusack was succeeded by the Rev. 
 J. Scott who remained till 1849, and after, by the 
 Rev. Robert Lindsay, present Incumbent. 
 
 A Wesleyan Methodist society was formed here in 
 1852, by the Rev. R. A Flanders, and a house of 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 257 
 
 worship belonging to these people was erected some 
 time subsequently. 
 
 The late Col. Knowlton was largely instrumental in 
 establishing the English Church in this place ; in found- 
 ing the high school in 1854 ; and in various other local 
 improvements tending to promote the interests of the 
 community ; beside giving his influence and efforts 
 towards such as were designed to benefit the public 
 generally, as the opening of roads, &c., and laboring 
 earnestly in behalf of judicial decentralization when 
 that question was before the country. 
 
 Knowlton as the seat of business for Brome county, 
 contains a county house in which are court and council 
 rooms, registry ofifice, &c. A company of volunteers 
 are under organization here, and a battalion drill shed 
 has also been erected. 
 
 Lines of telegraph from different points on the fron- 
 tier, viz, Mansonville in Potton, Abercorn in Sutton, 
 and Frelighsburg, in St. Armand, the latter of which 
 passes through Dunham and Nelson ville, centre in 
 Knowlton, where they connect with the line running to 
 Waterloo, and thence to St. Johns and Montreal. 
 
 The village is situated in the east part of the town- 
 sliip, about one half mile south-east from the lake, on 
 a small stream coming from Bolton called Cold Brook, 
 and is about three miles from Brome Corners. Beside 
 the buildings already mentioned, there are several 
 stores, many mechanics’ shops, and a large number of 
 private dwellings, many of which are substantial and 
 
 R 
 
C7 
 
 258 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 some even tasteful. Owing to the uneven surface of 
 the land on which Knowlton is located, there is less 
 regularity and uniformity in its general appearance 
 than might otherwise have been the case ; the ascent 
 from the stream to the vicinity of the court house, seem- 
 ing almost too abrupt for convenience. 
 
 Fulford is the name given to a settlement in the 
 north part of the township, about midway between its 
 eastern and western limits, which was commenced about 
 the year 1830. A saw-mill was built here in 1857 ; 
 a tannery in 1858 ; a grist-mill in 1863 ; and a post 
 office was opened in 1864 ; besides which are a store, 
 some mechanics’ shops, and a small collection of 
 dwellings. A Church of England mission was estab- 
 lished and a church building erected here in 1864. 
 A house of worship has also been erected by the 
 Methodists recently, who have a society here. 
 
 As early as 1803 or thereabout, some scattered 
 settlements were formed near the outlet of Brome lake, 
 but notwithstanding the advantages of the location, 
 they were not improved by the erection of mills till 
 1832. A post office opened here in 1858, is called 
 Bromere. West of the lake is a large tract of land 
 which has received the name of Brome Woods^ where 
 the scattered settlements were commenced at a much 
 later period than in many other parts of the township. 
 For a long time the settlers in this locality formed an 
 isolated community, obtaining their supplies mostly 
 from the older settlements west and south-west. A 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 2.^9 
 
 society of Baptists was formed here in 1840 ; a school 
 house was built in 1845 ; and a post office called “ Jmi 
 Hill ” w'as opened in 1853. 
 
 Clergymen of the English Church had paid occa- 
 sional missionary visits to the locality, when in 1 863, the 
 Building of a house of worship was resolved on, ground 
 given for a site, and in 1864, the church edifice was 
 erected. The mission here in connection with that at 
 Fulford, is in charge of the Rev. T. W. Fyles. 
 
 The land in Brome is generally broken and hilly, 
 and is even mountainous in the western and north-west" 
 ern parts. It is best adapted to grazing , stock raising 
 and dairy produce being the most important interests 
 of the farmer. The census of 1861, gives the munici- 
 pality a population of 3,136 inhabitants, of whom 212 
 are of French origin. There are 23 elementary schools 
 in operation in the township. The nominal valuation 
 of real estate in Brome is $509,605 ; the number of 
 legal voters 563. 
 
 Bof' iron ore has been found in various sections, 
 and in many places there are surface indications 
 of copper. The largest body of water is Brome 
 lake, which lies within the north-eastern quarter of the 
 township ; beside which is Brome pond, a smaller body 
 near the Famham line. The principal streams are the 
 outlet of this lake, which drains the northern and north- 
 western parts of the township, as it takes a north- 
 western coui-se into Shefibrd, and the south branch of 
 Yamaska river which drains the southern and south- 
 

 260 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 'western portion, as it passes into Dunham. Brome lake 
 covers a space of 2,642 acres. Its general form is 
 circular, though bays project inland at several points. 
 It has mostly a bold, rocky, and in some places a 
 densely 'wooded shore, but openings in the forest and 
 glimpses of cultivated fields meet the eye at difierent 
 points, and give variety to the prospect. Two Islands, — 
 the one a small barren rock, the other containing several 
 acres of low woodland, — named respectively Rock 
 Island and Land Island^ lie within it. Its largest 
 inlets are Cold Brook which enters it at the south about 
 one mile from Knowlton, and the Big Inlet which 
 comes from South Stukely through a corner of Bolton 
 into Brome, and enters the lake on the north-east. The 
 stage road between Waterloo and Knowlton, crosses 
 this inlet, and for some distance winds around the east 
 side of the lake, on a naturally elevated strip of land 
 of sufficient width for a road, which divides the waters 
 of the lake on the one hand from low marshy ground 
 on the other. This natural ridge of land has been an 
 object of curiosity and remark to the traveller. 
 
 A ‘‘South-east counties junction Railway” has 
 been projected, which is designed to connect with the 
 Waterloo line at some point in the west, and passing 
 through Farnham, a part of Dunham, Brome, South 
 Bolton and Potton, join the Passumpsic extension at 
 the head of Lake Memphremagog. 
 
 BOLTON. 
 
 A tract of land lying withm the district of Montreal, 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 261 
 
 bounded north by Stukely, east by Lake Memphre- 
 magog, south by Potton, and west by Brome, con- 
 taining 87,670 acres, was erected into a township 
 named Bolton, and granted August 18th 1797, to 
 Nicholas Austin and his associates, viz, Silas Pcaslee, 
 Mark Randall, Joel Frazer, Jacob Place, Joshua 
 Peevy, Peter Dils, Simon D. Wadleigh, Alexander 
 Thompson, James Taylor, Joseph Buzzell, Jeremiah 
 Page, Jeremiah Page junior, John Eastman, Joseph 
 Chandler, Samuel Page, Jonathan F. Kelly, Jonathan 
 GriflSth, Andrew Clow, John Moore, Nicholas Austin 
 junior, Wilder Page, Jacob Rosenburgh, Staffle Kats- 
 batch, Ilclmas Strauling, Ezra Freeman, Henry Grout, 
 John Brill, Caleb Grout, David Grout, Joseph Brill, 
 John Grout, William Grout, John Hunt, Joseph 
 Rickart, George Ilayncr, David Brill, Benjamin Brill, 
 William Brill, Peter Yates, Robert Manson, William 
 Manson, Henry Barhurt, Ernest Kisman, Peter Rosen- 
 burgh junior, Bamsby Lord, Richard Adams, Ben- 
 jamin Page, David Brill, Peter Wearc, Thomas Shep- 
 herd, Daniel Taylor, Moses Copp, and Roger Hib- 
 bard. 
 
 Owing to some uufortunate oversight in the arrange- 
 ments respecting the division of these lands, disputes 
 arose and resort was had to litigation which threw the 
 matter into inextricable confusion ; and as it appeared 
 impossible to effect any definite and satisfactory parti- 
 tion, such of the associates as acting in good faith had 
 moved on to the ground, located themselves on such lots 
 

 262 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 as suited their convenience. Others sold their rights 
 for what they could get, merely defining them as such 
 portions of land lying in common, or such a part of 
 the five sevenths of the township ; consequently much 
 of the land fell into the hands of absent speculators. 
 
 T he first location in Bolton was made in the east 
 part 0 f the township, by Nicholas Austin who came 
 from Newhampshire with his family and several hired 
 men in 1795, and settled on the western shore of the 
 lake, where he had previously made some preparation 
 for their reception. During the few succeeding years, 
 others chose locations in the same vicinity, it being 
 more readily accessible than parts farther into the 
 interior. Among these, were Jeremiah Page and 
 Simon D. Wadleigh, the latter of whom kept a ferry 
 for many years over the lake for the accommodation of 
 such as travelled that route. 
 
 At that time the settlements in north-eastern Ver- 
 mont were few and far between, and in consequence, 
 most of the difficulties and obstacles to be overcome by 
 the emigrants, lay in their way before they reached 
 the lake, which afforded a comparatively easy way of 
 access, either by boats in summer or on the ice in win- 
 ter. The head of the lake once gained, the worst was 
 over, unless in very exceptional cases. 
 
 Mark Randall and others settled near a locality 
 known as Peaslee’s Corners, as early as 1797 ; a short 
 distance from which, Alexander Thompson built mills. 
 Daniel Taylor from Danville Vt., also settled near this, 
 
EASTERN TOWNSmPS. 
 
 263 
 
 at an early period. James Taylor who had come 
 originally from Scotland, and landed at Ncwbuiyport 
 in Massachusetts, came to Canada about the year 17 J7. 
 His business being that of a master millwright, he was 
 employed in putting up mills in different sections of the 
 country, his family meantime remaining in Bolton. Un 
 one occasion after having built a mill at Shipton, he 
 started to follow a »poited line through the woods from 
 that township to Magog Outlet, to avoid the usual cir- 
 cuitous route. Thinking to get through in a day and 
 not wishing to burden himself unnecessarily, he started 
 with only food for that time, and without the accustom- 
 ed fire materials. A gently falling rain had turned 
 to snow which stuck and froze to the wet trees com- 
 pletely hiding the marks by which the way was indi- 
 Lted ; when becoming bewUdered, he strayed from 
 the right course, wandered about, and spent three 
 nierhtsin the woods without fire or foou or without 
 ev°en knowing where he was or whither going. Fort- 
 unately however, he came upon the Magog river some 
 distance below the lake, and followed up the stream 
 till he came to a cabin. No one was within but the 
 ashes on the hearth were warm, and these he thought 
 lessly drew over and around his feet, the coverings 
 of which were frozen too stiff to be removed In con- 
 seciuence of this imprudent act, he was hardly able to 
 reich the nearest point where help could be obtained , 
 from which he was taken to his home. A severe dl- 
 ncss, during part of which his life was despaired of, 
 
HISTORY OF THE 
 
 264 
 
 followed this exposure, and only after long and intense 
 suffering he recovered so as to walk with a staff. He 
 died at his residence in Bolton in 1846, and was buried 
 on the farm where he first settled. 
 
 Bichard Adams of Iz-ish birth, came from Henniker 
 Newhampshire, at a very early period in the history of 
 Bolton. He was an intelligent, cultivated, and kind 
 hearted man, and during the period of his active life 
 filled the office of civil magistrate, accentably per- 
 forming its duties. There being no ordained clei-y 
 in the country at the time, Mr. Adams was frequently 
 called upon to many parties, which marriages, with 
 others performed under like circumstances, were sub 
 sequently legalized by the government. By a severe 
 cold and exposure while on a journey over the then 
 wretched roads to Montreal, Mr. Adams contracted 
 disease which after a time so disabled him that he 
 could only move about with crutches ; and in the end 
 even that liberty was denied him, and he was obli<red 
 to remain a close prisoner. Yet while sufferin.^ this 
 deprivation, instead of giving himself up to useless 
 complaints and repinings, he at once reconciled himself 
 to the best possible use of his remaining physical 
 powers, and received the affliction as a discipline. 
 Still anxious to benefit his fellow creatures, he com- 
 menced teaching such of the children of the scat^ 
 teied inhabitants as could assemble at his house ; and 
 during intervals of leisure from this, though his hands 
 often shook like those of a paralytic, he busied himself 
 
EASTEllN TOWNSHIPS, 
 
 265 
 
 in carving articles from wood, and painting them with 
 various devices, showing both a remarkable skill and 
 taste. By nature religiously disposed and susceptible 
 of deep and tender feeling, ho joined hinself with the 
 early Methodists in Bolton, their preachers ever find- 
 ing a home and welcome beneath his roof. During the 
 later years of his life he was kindly cared for by a 
 daughter, an only child who had married a person 
 named Thompson, and died at Bolton in 1830, aged 
 nearly 76 years. 
 
 Another person prominent and active among the 
 early men of Bolton, was Mark Spinney, a native of 
 Portland, Maine. Losing his father at a very early 
 age, his youthful life was one of change and vicissitude. 
 At the age of fourteen, he went to sea ; a sailor’s life 
 appearing congenial to his daring and adventurous 
 spirit ; but after various shifts of fortune and many 
 unpleasant experiences, he tired of the life and aban- 
 doned it, resolving to try his fortunes in Canada. With 
 him to decide was to act ; when with a sack containing 
 provision and clothing, and an axe slung over his 
 shoulder, he started one of a company of ten, to seek a 
 home here. The agent for Bolton was known to some 
 of the party, and this determined them to seek him. 
 At the last settlement on their line of travel, they 
 supplied themselves with such provisions ^ could be 
 had, and proceeded on their way with the intention of 
 crossing the Barton river, and following down the west 
 side of the lake. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 
 
 
 
 266 
 
 Finding the river too high to be forded, they came 
 down to a point opposite the site of Newport, in search 
 of a crossing ; but as is always the case in the spring, 
 the ice had gone for some distance from either bank, 
 and even in the middle of the lake were large 
 openings, which made them fearful of attempting tL 
 passage. In this dilemma, some were for returning 
 the way they had come ; but young Spinney, though 
 secretly sharing their fears, put a bold face upon 
 the matter, and assuming a cheerfulness and courage 
 for the occasion, proceeded to form a temporary bridge 
 of such timbers and branches as could be collected 
 on which to cross the first opening, which materials 
 were to be taken forward to the second. They 
 found the ice on the middle of the lake so worn and 
 thin from the action of the current underneath, that 
 they feared to cross in company lest their added weight 
 should cause all to sink together. But the alternative 
 before them was either starvation in the wilderness or 
 possible death by drowning. Their last biscuit had long 
 before been eaten, and there was hope of relief if they 
 could sueceed hi crossing, as they could see the smoke 
 of a cabin fire on the opposite shore. It was therefore 
 arranged that they should cross singly and each take a 
 pole to try the ice before venturing upon it. Spinney 
 loosed the straps of his sack, that he might throw it off 
 if obliged to swim, cheered on the others with words of 
 hope and comfort, and while hiding the sore misgivings 
 of his oiyn heart, bravely led on and reached the oppo- 
 

 EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 267 
 
 site shore. The others came on in succession safely 
 till the last, who broke through into the water over 
 head, but was rescued by his companions ; when all 
 together repaired to the cabin in sight, where on open- 
 in” the door, the first object that met their famished 
 gale, was a large fish that had that morning been 
 taken. After refreshment and rest, they proceeded 
 
 on their way. j v • 
 
 In time Spinney became a proprietor ; and being ot 
 
 vigorous physical constitution, as well as of fearless, 
 open, independent character, and withal possessing pre- 
 sence of mind, quickness of perception, and readiness 
 of action, he was looked upon as an efficient helper m 
 case of emergency. He finally married and settled in 
 Bolton, where ho remained till his death in 1831. 
 
 John Brill, Jonathan Duboyce, David Blunt, and 
 others settled in West Bolton as early as 1800. A post 
 office has of late been opened in this vicinity for the 
 convenience of the inhabitants. 
 
 In Souf/t Bolton, settlement were not commenced till 
 about the year 1815, when Brooks Davis first located 
 here. He was followed at different periods by others. 
 Nathan Hanson opened a public house on the road 
 leading west through the mountain pass ; which house 
 is still” kept by his son-in-law and successor. Simon 
 D. Wadleigh had been for some years a resident of East 
 Bolton, but removed to the southern section of the 
 township. Joshua Pcevy was also one of the associates 
 and first settled in East Bolton, but finally changed his 
 ocation to South Bolton. 
 
268 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 Eicliarcl Holland was another prominent man among 
 the early settlers of this section of the township. He 
 was a native of Cape Ann, Massachusetts, and being 
 an orphan, was subjected to vicissitude and change? 
 In 1810 he came to Canada, and for several years 
 kept a public house on the site of the “ Camperdovm" 
 in Georgeville ; but in 1814, removed to the west 
 shore of the lake where he kept both a public house, 
 and a ferry from Bolton to Stanstead. While in this 
 place he was greatly instrumental in opening the roads 
 coming from different sections of the country, all of 
 which led to the ferry. In 1817, he removed to South 
 Bolton and built both grist and saw mills on the north 
 branch of the Missisquoi river, which mills did good 
 service for the early settlers in this region. He died 
 in June 1851, aged 76 years. 
 
 The first school house built in South Bolton, was at 
 a point known as Rexford’s Corners. A post office was 
 opened near in 1852. 
 
 Three miles north of this place is a locality known 
 as Willai'd s mills, near which, J oseph Buzzell settled 
 in 1808, where he built a saw-mill. The propei’ty has 
 since passed through different hands, and some improve- 
 ments have been made. Tliero are now a store, public 
 house, post office, grist and saw mills, tub factory, and 
 a small collection of dwellings in the place. It is called 
 Bolton Centre as it is about midway between the eastern 
 and western limits of the township, although it is south 
 of the real centre, 
 

 EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 269 
 
 The north and north-east parts of Bolton were not 
 generally settled till a much later period, but the 
 copper mines recently opened in that section have 
 given an impetus to the work. Saw mills have been 
 built in the vicinity, and in 1865, a post office was 
 opened named “ Bolton Forest.” From present indica- 
 tions the belief is but reasonable that improvements 
 here will be more rapid in the future. 
 
 Tlie progress of Bolton in the years that are past, 
 was no doubt greatly retarded by uncertainties rec- 
 pecting the validity of titles to the lands which were 
 occupied. From time to time attempts were made by 
 interested parties to ascertain their rights and secure 
 a division ; but nothing effective was accomplished 
 till 1857, when the government purchased the rights 
 of those absent proprietors, and appointed a commis- 
 sion to examine and adjust the claims of all con- 
 cerned ; so that after much annoying delay, the com- 
 plications that had grown out of these intiicate and 
 vexed questions were ended and the whole set at rest. 
 
 Some idea may be gathered of the embarrassed and 
 unsettled state of feeling in the community, from the 
 fact that though settlements were begun in East Bol- 
 ton as early as 1795, no school-house was built there 
 till 1826. A store was opened in that section in 
 1841, and a post ofiBce in 1852. 
 
 The first religious teachers in Bolton were Baptists, 
 but the early Methodist preachers visited the place and 
 formed societies here at an early day. In 1825 a 
 

 270 HISTORY OP THE 
 
 house of worship belonging to the Wesleyan Metho- 
 dists, was built near Thompson’s mills. 
 
 At present there are two church buildings at Peas- 
 lee’s Corners, both of which were erected in 1865. 
 One of them is owned by the Church of England which 
 has a mission in that locality ; the other by the New 
 Connection Methodists who also have a society there. 
 A small French church is located in the north part of 
 the township ; where they have also dissentient schools. 
 
 Till about the year 1820, the road leading west 
 between the mountains, was not considered passable 
 for wheeled vehicles, but was travelled on horseback 
 and on foot, it being the only route by which the in- 
 habitants could have intercourse with the townships 
 west of them. During severe cold or stormy weather, 
 it was particularly difficult and even dangerous to 
 attempt passing through, and on one occasion at least, 
 when a traveller insisted on making the attempt against 
 the advice of those who better understood the risk, his 
 life paid the price of his temerity. 
 
 In 1826, a united effort was made to improve the 
 Magog road ” then coming from Stanstead across 
 the lake, through South Bolton, Brome, parts of Dun- 
 ham and Farnham, and thence west to Montreal, and 
 a subscription of $1,100 was raised and worked out 
 upon it. In 1830 a government grant was made by 
 wliich it was so improved that waggons could pass 
 tolerably well over it. 
 
 Numerous small lakes or ponds are found in the 
 

 EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 2ti 
 
 northern and north-eastern section of this township, 
 the best known of which is “ Mountain pond ” or as 
 more recently called “ Ch-ford lake,^’ a small body of 
 water which will be remembered by the traveller who 
 has visited this section, as it lies at the base of Orford 
 mountain, and the stage road from Waterloo to Magog, 
 Avinds around its southern shore. The next is “ Lake 
 Dillon” better known as “iony pond.” Another called 
 the “ Enchanted pond” situated in a wild and unfre- 
 quented part of the township, is difficult of access, and 
 OAves its name to the fact that some avIio had visited 
 the locality and thought themselves able to find and 
 identify it at once, Avere obliged to confess themselves 
 bewildered and utterly unable to recognize it as the 
 same. Still another, is called Trousers leg pond, from 
 a fancied resemblance in shape, to that garment 
 spread out. These are a few of the many ponds 
 which are found within the limits of Bolton, some of 
 which lie in a section seldom frequented except by 
 hunters. 
 
 The principal stream of water is the north branch 
 of the Missisquoi river, Avhich has its extreme source 
 in a small pond lying partly in South Stukely and 
 as it takes a southern course through Bolton, re- 
 ceiving the waters of many small streams in its Avay, 
 it may be said to drain nearly the entire toAvnship ; 
 there being very few which find their Avay east into the 
 lake, or Avest into Brome. Bolton is an independent 
 municipality, Avith a population of 2,520 souls. Its 
 
272 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 assessable property is valued at $304,973. There are 
 20 elementary schools under control of the commis- 
 sioners, for the support of which, the sum of $1400 is 
 raised by yearly assessment. 
 
 Notwithstanding the reputation Bolton has acquired 
 as a rough out-of-the-way place, it contains within 
 itself the elements cf an enduring prosperity. Many 
 fine farms lie embosomed among its hills, or are ex- 
 tended ofn its elevated plains ; and if the progress of 
 its people has been slow ilr years past, a gradual but 
 effectual awakenmg to their true interests, gives hope 
 and confidence for the future. 
 
 EAST FARNHAJI. 
 
 The warrant of survey for a tract of laud lying 
 within the district of Montreal, bounded north by 
 Granby, east by Brome, south by Dunham and Stan- 
 bridge, and west by the seigniories, was issued August 
 27th-, 1798. The tract was erected into a township 
 named Farnham and granted in part to Samuel Gale, 
 Oliver Wells, Samuel Wells, Robert Wells, Richard 
 Wells, Micah Townsend, Ephraim Nash, Nathaniel 
 Cliurch, David Wells, Rueben Church, Abraham Cuy- 
 ler, Cornelius Cuyler, Jacob Glen Cuyler, John Jones, 
 James Sutherland, Alexander Schut, John Goudy jun., 
 John Mebris, Amaziah Howe, William Mathews, 
 William Sutherland, John Steele and Charles St. Ours. 
 Active among the class of persons known as U. E. 
 Loyalists was Col. Samuel AVells of Brattleborough, Vt. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 273 
 
 He was of English origin, though a native of Deerfield 
 in the Province of Massachusetts, and removed to 
 Brattleborough then in the Province of Newhampshire^ 
 while yet the population of those gi’ants was very 
 sparse. Being a person of decided character and con- 
 siderable means, his position enabled him to exercise 
 a good degree of influence so long as the autliority 
 under which he acted as judge, justice of the peace, 
 and chief militia oflBcer of the section, was recognized 
 by the people ; and when policy which governs the 
 conduct of many men, would have dictated an opposite 
 coui*se of action. Col. Wells evinced a most uncom- 
 pronnsing loyalty. Though strongly opposed to the 
 popular cause, he had yet suflScient skill and influence 
 to avert the confiscation of his property ; yet it was 
 not always possible to escape the odium attached to 
 the name of a loyalist, or the punishments often meted 
 out to such. Col. Wells’ principles were fii'mly main- 
 tained till the last of his life, and the opening sentence 
 in his will shows conclusively that his submission to 
 the ruling powers, was absolute necessity. He never 
 acknowledged the newly constituted government, but 
 passed his time in retirement till after the peace, of ’83 
 when his mortal career ended at his residence in Brat- 
 tleborough, in the 55ih year of his age. He died 
 deeply insolvent, as the firmness with which he had 
 adhered to the cause of his Koyal Master during the 
 revolutionary struggle, had subjected him to repeated 
 and severe losses. 
 
 s 
 
HISTORY OF THE 
 
 274 
 
 After the close of the war, the British government 
 granted portions of the Crown lands in Canada, to 
 reward the services and remunerate the losses of those 
 subjects who had been faithful to their allegiance; when 
 on application, the children of Colonel Wells received 
 each a grant of 1200 acres. These lands were 
 located in the township of Farnham, Lower Canada, 
 and Ephraim Nash, a son-in-law of Colonel Wells and 
 a land surveyor, was employed to measure out so 
 much of the eastern part of the township as was 
 required for the Wells family and thirteen additional 
 associates. 
 
 The exploring and surveying party consisted of 
 Ephraim Nash, Oliver Wells, Richard Wells, Robert 
 Wells, Nathaniel Church, and Samuel Wells To^vn- 
 send ; three of whom were sons, two sons-in-law, and 
 the last named, a grandson of Col. Wells. Several of 
 them chose locations on the line of road running north 
 through the eastern section of the township, which had 
 been followed by the early men of Shefford, and made 
 preparations for a removal thither; and in the few 
 succeeding yeai's, most of Col. Wells’ heirs left Brat- 
 tleborough to settle on their newly-acquired lands. 
 
 Samuel Gale, from Hampshire, England, was en- 
 gaged in the British service, and was ordered to Ame- 
 rica about the year 1770. Abundant evidence exists 
 that he was both a talented and educated person, and 
 it is also certain that he possessed a thorough practical 
 knowledge of surveying. In June 1773, he married 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 275 
 
 Rebecca, the eldest daughter of Col. Samuel Wells of 
 Brattleborough, and soon after left the army to enter 
 upon the life and duties of a civilian. But at this 
 period, turbulence and discontent were rife among the 
 Colonies. 
 
 Being warmly attached to the royal cause and zeal- 
 ous in behalf of what he deemed the right, he perhaps 
 outstepped the bounds of a calculating prudence, and 
 in his efforts in behalf of his party, drew upon himself 
 the hatred and distrust of leaders in the opposition. 
 He was repeatedly arrested and imprisoned, and part 
 of the time subjected to close confinement and per- 
 sonal discomforts if not actual suffering ; but through 
 the intervention of friends, an application made to the 
 provincial Congress was so far successful that he was 
 released on parole of honor, and after a critical exami- 
 nation of his case by the authorities, he was relieved 
 from his parole and restored to liberty. Being anxious 
 to avoid a repetition of scenes which to him and his had 
 been fraught witli sorrow and distress, he prudently 
 removed with his family to Quebec, where ho was favor- 
 ably received, given honorable employment, and in the 
 capacity of secretary, subsequently accompanied gover- 
 nor Prescott on his return to England. While in that 
 position, it is more than probable that his influence and 
 efforts greatly facilitated those arrangements by which 
 the heirs of Col. Wells received remuneration for the 
 losses their father had sustained through his loyalty. 
 Mr. Gale subsequently rejoined his family in Canada 
 
276 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 where he lived in retirement, and died at his country 
 residence in Farnham, on the 27tli of June, 1826. 
 lie left a daughter since deceased, and a son who be- 
 came an eminent lawyer and judge of King’s Bench 
 at Montreal, where he died in the spring of 1865. Tlic 
 family mansion and property in Farnham are still 
 owned by the heirs of Judge Gale, though occupied 
 by strangers. 
 
 Miciih Townsend, another of the associates of 
 Farnham, was born on Long Island, May 13th, 1749, 
 and after a preparatory course of study, at the early 
 age of fourteen years, entered college at Nassau 
 IJall, Princeton, New' Jersey. Graduating from 
 there, ho immediately commenced the study of 
 law in the city of New York. This was con- 
 tinned for a term of four years, when he was ad- 
 mitted to the practice of the law by a commission 
 under the hand and seal of the Hon. Cadwallader 
 Golden, British governor of the colony of New York. 
 Soon after his admission to the bar, he established him- 
 self in his profession at ‘‘ White Plains where he 
 remained till the commencement of the revolutionary 
 struggle, when he sought in the interior of the country 
 a residence less exposed to the disturbances of that 
 exciting period ; and finally settled in Brattleborough, 
 Vt., where in 1778, he married Mary, third daughter 
 of Col. Samuel Wells. Being no political partisan, he 
 here continued the practice of his profession success- 
 fully and profitably for twenty-four years, comprising 
 that most eventful period of American history. 
 
 

 ■ ri • 
 
 
 >.7 "*v ^ y ^ ■ ! !? V i«» c|y!Mr * 
 
 EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 277 
 
 Mr. Townsend was less distinguished as an eloquent 
 advocate^ than esteemed for his strict integrity^ elevated 
 vieivSy and the soundness of his legal judgment and 
 attainments. Ills superior education and ability in 
 drafting judicial and legislative docmnents, were rea- 
 sons why he w^as chosen to fill various important offices 
 where such qualifications were essential ; and his oflScial 
 life w’as characterized by habits of promptitude and 
 regularity, which were highly appreciated and readily 
 acknowledged. 
 
 Having resigned his office as secretary of the State 
 of Vermont, and retired from all public business, he ' 
 continued to reside in Brattleborough till the year 
 1801, when he disposed of his estate in that place, and 
 in the spring of 1802, removed to settle upon his lands 
 in Farnham, Lower Canada, where his interests had 
 been represented by his eldest son, Samuel Wells 
 Townsend. The father located upon lots No. 16 and 
 17, first range. 
 
 In this new home, subjected to the untried expe- 
 riences of backwoods life, and to many uncongenial 
 associations, he remained till 1816, when he removed 
 to St. George, (Clarenceville,) to reside w'ith his third 
 and youngest son, the Rev. Micajah Towmsend, rector 
 of that parish, where he died April 23rd, 1832, aged 
 about 83 years. 
 
 After his retirement from public business, his thoughts ^ 
 had been tuimed more to the consideration of Ins spirit- 
 ual concerns; and for the last thirty years of his life, 
 
HISTORY OF THE 
 
 1278 
 
 Ills daily practice had been to retire an hour at twilight 
 for secret meditation and prayer ; and yet his personal 
 piety which was thus sustained, and was further 
 evinced by a constant attendance on public worship 
 and communion in the Episcopal church, of which he 
 had been from his youth a member, w’as of that meek, 
 chastened and unobtrusive character which commends 
 itself more by deeds than w'ords. 
 
 Richard Wells, Charles Kathan, Gideon Bull, Oliver 
 Wells, Samuel Wells Townsend, and othei-s, first located 
 along the line of road running north. Capt. Clark 
 Hall came to Canada in 1807, and settled on a newly 
 opened line of road leading west toward the locality 
 known as Allen’s Corners. A son retains the old 
 homestead, and several others reside in the near 
 vicinity. 
 
 Alienas Corners, This place is situated at the point 
 where the road running west, intersects that leading 
 north from Cowansville to Granby, and is about three 
 miles north of the former place. Josiah Allen made 
 the first opening here about the year 1820 ; and next 
 in the vicinity was Henry Jewell, who settled about 
 the year 1821. John Hoskins, Abner Bede, Seth Bar- 
 num, Levi Vincent and others, located near the place 
 about the same time. The village contains a post-office, 
 two stores, a union chapel where the Methodists and 
 Freewill Baptists worship alternately ; a carriage manu- 
 factory ; wheelwright and furniture shop ; sash and 
 blind factory, with other smaller mechanical works, 
 and some twenty or thirty private dwellings. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 279 
 
 The only society of Friends in the Province, have a 
 meeting house about a mile from the Corners. A few 
 of these people were among the settlers who came in 
 from Newhampshire and Vermont during the earlier 
 years of the present century ; their numbers gradually 
 increasing till 1815, during which time meetings 
 were occasionally held among them by travelling 
 Friends. Their first house of worship was built in 
 1823, and in 1826 regular meetings were established 
 among them. In March 1831, their meeting house 
 w’as unfortunately burned, but the present place of 
 w’^orship, a plain, substantial unpainted building, was 
 erected near the same location in 1835. 
 
 Adarnsville^ on the road to Granby, three miles north 
 of Allen’s Comers, has mostly grown up since the year 
 1849. It has an academy ; a post ofiice, which was 
 opened in 1859 ; two stores; a large tannery, mills, 
 and tub factory, with about twenty dwellings. 
 
 Brigham a small place on the road leading to West 
 Farnham, tlu:ee and a half miles from Allen s Corners, 
 has a post office which was opened in 1860, a large 
 tannery, mills, and a small collection of dwellings. 
 
 Farnham Centre.^ one and a half mile south of Brig- 
 ham, is on the road from Cowansville to West Fam- 
 ham. The Presbyterians and Wesleyan Methodists 
 have each a house of worship here ; beside which are 
 a post office, two stores, some mechanical works, and a 
 number of scattered dwellings. 
 
 Nashwood^ is the name of a post office which was 
 
TJ 
 
 280 HISTORT OF THE 
 
 opened some years since in the north-eas 
 townsliip, on the road leading to Shefford. 
 
 The land in East Faraham is well adapted to agri- 
 cultural purposes, there being tracts of the different 
 qualities suited to each department. Corn and other 
 grains grow well, and large quantities of dairy produce 
 are taken to market annually. Hops are also cultiv- 
 ated to some extent. The Rock Maple grows here in 
 its native abundance, and many of the farmers have 
 extensive groves of the second growth^ from which 
 much good sugar is made every spring. The township 
 is watered by the main branches of the Yamaska 
 River, which pass through it. In 1855, it was separ- 
 ated into two distinct municipalities, for the better ar- 
 rangement of the local affairs of either section. The 
 nominal value of assessable property, in the eastern 
 part, for the year ending in 18GG, was $352,000 ; the 
 number of registered voters 350 ; $360 was raised by 
 the yearly assessment for schools, aside from that ap- 
 portioned to dissenters. The yearlj^ government grant, 
 was 217,74. Beside the academy are nine element- 
 ary schools under the control of commissioners. Three 
 cheese factories arc in operation. Population given 
 as 1,925. 
 
 POTTON. 
 
 A tract of land lying within the district of Montreal, 
 bounded north by Bolton, east by Lake Meraphremagog, 
 south by the Province line, and west by Sutton, after 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 281 
 
 the necessary forms, was erected into a township 
 named Potton; of which, a part containing 8,400 
 acres was granted October 31st, 1797, to Laughland 
 McLean, Captain in the eighty-fourth regiment, 
 (reduced.) On the 7th of July 1808, further grants 
 were made to Heni’y Able, Edward Brewer, Jeremiah 
 Brewer, Eleanor Brevort, Bethuel Brumley, Joseph 
 Burton, Garret Barron, James Brunson, Martin Brun- 
 son, Daniel Brunson, Leslie Bryant, Isaac Bryant, 
 William Brisbaine, Samuel Brisbaine, Ileni’y Church, 
 John Church, Reuben Garlick, Henry Hogle, John 
 Hogle, Duncan Cameron, Duncan McGregor, Henry 
 Ruiter the elder, Philip Ruiter, John Ruiter, Jacob 
 Ruiter, Henry Ruiter the younger, Abraham Savage, 
 Edmund Simpson, James Hughes, Margaret Walker, 
 Joseph James Walker, and fifty-eight others. 
 
 The first permanent location was made in Potton by 
 Moses Eldridge who came from Peacham, Vt., sometime 
 during the later years of the eighteenth century. He 
 was soon after followed by others, many of whom had 
 suffered either voluntary or compulsory exile, and had 
 been engaged in the British service. Prominent among 
 this class, was Col. Henry Ruiter, a U. E, Loyalist 
 from the province of New York, who had served in the 
 army during the revolution, and at its close, made a 
 temporary stay in the seigniory of Foucault, near the 
 outlet of Lake Champlain. Land being granted to him 
 in Potton, he removed there in 1799, and within the 
 few following years, built both grist and saw-mills in the 
 

 282 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 south-western part, which were the first erected in the 
 towaship. As early as 1798, settlements were com- 
 menced by Jacob Garland and Jonathan Heath, in a 
 locality now laiow as Meigs’ Corners. 
 
 Col. Ruiter originally owned the land where Man- 
 sonville now stands, and sold it to Joseph Chandler 
 and John Lewis. In 1803, a saw-mill was erected ^ 
 
 here, and during the several successive years, others 
 located in the place. In 1809, a building was erected 
 which long served the triple purpose of meeting, school, ' 
 
 and court house ; and was for many years the only 
 school house in Potton. 
 
 In 1811, Robert Manson purchased the property, 
 and at once built a grist mill at the place which from 
 him, took the name of Mamonville ; but the war of 
 1812 put a stop to further improvements. 
 
 It may well be imagined that on the re-awakening of 
 the passions and prejudices which had begun to slum- 
 ber, there was little to encourage religion or education, 
 and for years there was an utter destitution of all moral 
 or religious influences here. Those who know what ^ 
 
 human nature is when left to its own devices and de- 
 sires, can well conceive what must have been the case 
 in such a community, without the restraints of divine 
 precept or human law. 
 
 At an early period a winter road was opened through 
 to the northern section of the township; but for a long 
 time it was a dreary solitude which could only be pas- 
 sed by sleds, on horseback, or on foot. In 1814, to 
 

 tlASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 283 
 
 the horror and consternation of the few inhabitants, 
 the body of a murdered traveller was found in the woods 
 near this road. It was that of a stranger, and who he 
 was, whither from, where going, or how he came by 
 his death, were tales which nothing that remained 
 could tell ; secrets known only to Him who will bring to 
 light the hidden things of darkness. 
 
 It was not till about the year 1830, that this road 
 was so improved that wheeled vehicles could pass com- 
 fortably over it. The northern section of the township 
 has been settled at a much later date than parts farther 
 south and west; some of the earlier locations being 
 made about the year 1819. The first post office in • 
 Potton, was opened at a point in the north-east part, 
 now known as Knowlton’s landing, after which it was 
 removed to South Potton, but in 1845, was permanently 
 located at Mansonville. 
 
 Various religious societies have been formed from 
 time to time during the progress of settlements, both 
 the Congregationalists and Baptists organizing bodies 
 here ; which however, were considered but branches of 
 those respective churches in Troy, Vt. ; till in 1835, the 
 Baptists in Potton became a separate organization with 
 the Rev. T. Merriman as pastor. 
 
 In 1831, the New Connection Methodists were intro- 
 duced here, and have now a numerous society. In 
 1856, the Rev. J. Godden, clergyman of the church 
 of England, was sent as missionary to Potton and the 
 townships adjoining; at which time few in the section 
 
a 
 
 284 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 were acquainted with this church and its institutions. 
 Subsequently the Baptist church edifice was purchased 
 and appropriated for their use in Mansonville ; and in 
 1860, a new church building WRS erected in North 
 Potton. A customs house was established at Manson- 
 ville in 1844. There is also a house of worship here 
 belonging to the Methodists, several stores, public ^ 
 
 houses, mechanics’ shops, and some forty or fifty 
 private dwellings. 
 
 Some years since, a medicinal spring was discovered 
 in the north part of the township, near' the Bolton line, 
 which is usually known as the ‘‘ Bolton Spring.” It 
 has obtained considerable local celebrity^ its watei^s 
 being thought beneficial to certain classes of invalids. 
 
 Much of the surface of Potton is uneven and hilly, 
 though there are tracts of intervale along the margin 
 of the Missisquoi river ; more especially in the south- 
 ern and south-western parts of the township. The 
 land is generally better suited to grazing then grain- 
 growing. The forest timber is a mixture of hard and 
 soft. The Green Mountain Range,” enters from 
 Sutton, and passes diagonally through the north-west 
 part into Bolton. In the east part near the lake? 
 are also several prominent elevations, the highest 
 of which, are the ‘‘ Owl’s head” and Sugar loaf’ 
 mountains. At the foot of the latter is Sugar loaf 
 pond, a frequent resort for fishing parties. From the 
 summit of Owl’s head, those who choose to climb the 
 ascent, have opened out before them a varied and in- 
 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 285 
 
 terosting view. At their feet lies Lake Memphremagog 
 in its traiKjuil beauty; in verdant foliage and dress of 
 varied ^een appear the small islands of the lake ; 
 while on the eastern shore are eultivated fields, clust- 
 ered farm buildings, and green pastures, interspersed 
 with reaches of wood land, and occasionally a mansion 
 with its outbuildings and ornamental grounds. 
 
 Further in the distant view, appear stretches of 
 wooded plain interspersed with an occasional opening 
 in the forest, a stream or pond, and a mountain pro- 
 minence. 
 
 In the west and south, the prospect is bounded to 
 some extent by th(S Green Mountain Range ; but 
 through occasional openings are caught glimpses of 
 more distant hills, while in the extreme back-ground 
 the pale blue outlines of the mountains of Vermont and 
 New York, seem to meet the horizon ; and perhaps 
 in the intervening space the eye may catch sight of 
 a glittering spire. 
 
 The assessable property of Potton is valued at 
 $352,605. It has 425 voters. The school rates for 
 the year ending 1866, were $1,000, and the govern- 
 ment grant for the same period $224. There are 
 eighteen elementary schools under control of the com- 
 missioners. . 
 
 Indications of copper and lead are found m different 
 localities; and soap-stone is also abundant, though at 
 the present no mines or quarries are worked. The 
 population is given as 1,194. 
 
286 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 SUTTON. 
 
 The warrantor survey for a tract of land lying within 
 the district of Montreal, bounded north by Brome, east 
 by Potton, south by the Province line, and west by St. 
 Armand and Dunham, was issued March 29th, 1802, 
 by Robert Shore Milnes, Baronet, Lieutenant Gover- 
 nor of the Province of Lower Canada ; when after the 
 usual preliminary steps, it was erected into a township 
 named Sutton, and subsequently granted to a com- 
 pany of U. E. Loyalists, 170 in number. Most of 
 these grantees having served in the British anny during 
 the revolutionary contest, had found a temporary re- 
 fuge in some part of Canada, but settled upon the 
 lands granted, or as was often the case, sold their 
 claims to other parties, early in the 19th century. 
 
 The first locations were made in Sutton by Thomas 
 Spencer and Alexander Griggs, who in 1792, with 
 their families and such a stock of household goods as 
 could be carried on horseback, found their way into 
 these wilds, reared a cabin, and commenced a clearing 
 in the vicinity of the present site of Ahercorn, 
 
 In 1799, Thomas Shepherd from Newhampshire 
 came to Sutton for the purpose of building mills. Im- 
 provements were by no means rapid in those early 
 times, as no school houses were built in the township 
 till 1808. The first store at Abercorn was opened in 
 1820. In 1845, a customs house was established at the 
 place; and in 1848, a post office was opened. There 
 
 V 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 287 
 
 is a brick church edifice here belonging to the Church 
 of England, the mission being connected mth another 
 in the township. A company of volunteer infantry 
 was organized here in consequence of the border 
 troubles. Abercorn is also connected by telegraph 
 with Knowlton, and thence by way of Waterloo with 
 St. Johns and Montreal. The village is situated on 
 a branch of the Missisquoi river, somewhat over a mile 
 north of the boundary line, and some five miles south 
 from Sutton Flats, 
 
 A settlement was commenced near the latter named 
 place about the year 1797, by a Baptist minister 
 named William Marsh. He was born in Shaftsbury, 
 Vt., in 1767, and lost his father in the British service 
 sometime during the revolutionary war, by which cala- 
 mity the widow who was a person of education and re- 
 finement, had been reduced from a station of comfort 
 and respectability to poverty and depend ance ; and 
 what was still more wounding and aggravating, her 
 situation a^ the widow of a deceased loyalist failed 
 of securing to her and her helpless children, the in- 
 terest and sympathy usually accorded to those in her 
 condition of life. They remained in their old home 
 however, amidst neglect and persecution, till after the 
 close of the war, when William who was the eldest son, 
 advised and encouraged by his mother, went to Caldwell’s 
 Manor where he provided a new home for the family. 
 
 From that place, he came to Sutton in 1797. Wil- 
 liam Huntington also located here about the same time 
 
HISTORY OF THE 
 
 
 288 
 
 and subsequently built mills in the vicinity. The 
 first religious body formed in Sutton was a Bap- 
 tist Church, organized by Mr. Marsh. In 1799 
 Lorenzo Dow and other Methodist preachers visited 
 the place, and formed societies which through the 
 .changes of time, have remained to the present. There 
 are also New Connection Methodists and Adventists in 
 button. In 1845, a union meeting house was com- 
 menced, but not finished for several years. 
 
 A Church of -England mission was opened here by 
 Archdeacon Scott in 1844, at which time he held 
 service in a school-house. In 1846, a site was given 
 and steps were taken toward erecting a church edifice. 
 In I8o0, the Rev. R. Lindsay was appointed to the 
 mission, when the work received a new impulse, and 
 a substantial stone church was built , since which it 
 has been successively in charge of the Rev. Messrs. 
 Montgomery, Sykes, and Smith ; the latter of whom 
 remains to the present. 
 
 The first store opened here Avas in 1827 ; the first 
 public house in 1841 ; a grist mill was built in 1846 ; 
 and a town house erected in 1849, the upper story 
 of Avhich was fitted up for the High school opened in 
 1854. 
 
 Sutton Flats are on a level tract from Avhich the 
 land rises gradually toward the north and west, but 
 more abruptly toward the mountainous east. A stream 
 of water coming from the hills on the north-east, 
 though of inconsiderable size, forms a power that is 
 improved by the erection of machinery, 
 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 289 
 
 North Sutton, William Sowles who came from 
 Rliode Island, like many others mentioned in this work, 
 was driven into Canada by the political persecutions 
 so rife in the colonies at a certain period. After the 
 close of hostilities, he and others settled on a section 
 of land which, as was supposed, belonged to Caldwell’s 
 Manor, but which proved to be a part of Alburgh, 
 Vt. On being convinced of this mistake, some of them 
 loft their improvements to retire within the limits of 
 Canada. Joseph, son of William Sowles, came to Sut- 
 ton in the year 1799, and first located in the north- 
 western part of the township, but subsequently remo- 
 ved farther east. John Smith, another pioneer of 
 Sutton, had come from Scotland before the revolu- 
 tionary war as paymaster in the British army, and was 
 among the number who afterwards settled in Alburgh, 
 Vt., by a mistake which was not discovered till the 
 parellel of 45° was accurately defined; when with 
 others he removed to Sutton. 
 
 Qlen Sutton. This settlement w’hich lies on the 
 east side of the mountains, was commenced bv James 
 Miller, who in 1799, made his way up the Missisquoi 
 river from Richford, Vt., a route followed by the In- 
 dians who then frequented the country. A person 
 named Jones married a daughter of Miller and 
 settled near the Potton line, and during the scarcity 
 which followed the cold seasons of 1815-16, these iso- 
 lated families sufiered extreme destitution. As in time 
 
 T 
 
m 
 
 
 290 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 the settlement increased, the early Methodist preachers 
 found their way here and formed a large society. 
 
 In former years Glen Sutton has acquired— whether 
 justly or not — the unenviable reputation of being a sort 
 of hiding place for refugees from justice. Persons of 
 questionable antecedents and doubtful pursuits were 
 known to make this their abode for a length of time, 
 much to the annoyance of the respectable inhabitants ; 
 while its isolated situation near the boundary line, 
 gave a seeming probability to the unfavorable impres- 
 sions and rumors which were prevalent concerning it. 
 More recently however, a change for the better has 
 taken place, morally, socially, and intellectually, and 
 the unpleasant incubus of an evil name, is being 
 effectually removed. 
 
 The first school house was built here in 1823 ; the 
 first public house opened in 1836 ; and a' post office 
 was estabUshed in 1861. Until the year 1846, there 
 was little more than a footpath across the mountains 
 between the sections of the township ; when a grant 
 of $3,500 was obtained from government and expend- 
 ed in the construction of a road. The work was con- 
 siderably advanced, but found to be of such magnitude 
 that another grant was necessary to complete it. 
 
 The surface of the land in Sutton is greatly varied 
 by mountain and plain, hill and vale. The highest 
 elevation is called “ Round Top,” near which, but on 
 another mountain peak, is a pond or small lake cover- 
 ing an area of three or four acres, which is fed wholly 
 by springs, and is supposed to be of great depth. 
 
eastern townships. 
 
 291 
 
 The streams are the north branch of the Missisquoi 
 and its small tributaries in the south and south-eastern 
 sections ; and in the north and north-western parts of 
 the township, such rivulets as running north into Brome 
 help to form the head waters of the south branch of 
 Yamaska river. 
 
 During tho last twenty or thirty years, the material 
 improvement in Sutton has been great. The soil of 
 the township is best adapted to grazing, and stock rais- 
 ing with tho produce of the dairy are the chief sources 
 of income to the farmer. The assessable property is 
 valued at $485,000. The yearly assessment for edu- 
 cational purposes, is $2,135 ; the yearly government 
 grant $356. There are eighteen elementary schools 
 under the control of the commissioners. Two volunteer 
 companies are under organization here. There are 
 625 legal voters in Sutton ; four church edifices ; four 
 post offices ; ten stores ; two grist mills : a door, sash 
 and blind factory; two tub factories; two planing 
 mills; a sliingle machine, some smaller mechanical 
 works, and twelve saw mills, three of which have cir- 
 cular, and nine have upright saws. The census of 
 1861 gives it a population of 3,151 inhabitants.* 
 
 • Several items respecting the early settlement of this township 
 have been drawn from Thomas’ Contributions to the “ History of 
 the Eastern Townships.” 
 
292 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 CHAPTER IL 
 
 MISSLSQUOl COUNTY. — DUNHAM. — FARNHAM WEST.— STANBRLDGE. 
 — ST. ARMAND. — FOUCAULT AND NOYAN. 
 
 Missisqdoi county includes the townships of Dunham, 
 Farnham West, Stanhridge, and the seignories of St. 
 Armand, Foucault, and Noyan. Its is 
 
 Bedford in the township of Stanhridge. The Missis- 
 quoi County circuit court is held at Bedford from the 
 2nd to the 5th of the months of February, May, and 
 October. The county Agricultural Shows are also held 
 at Bedford. 
 
 nUNUAM. 
 
 A tract of land lying within the district of Montreal, 
 containing 57,252 acres, 3 roods, and 30 perches, 
 bounded north by Farnham, east by Brome and Sut- 
 ton, south by St. Armand, and west by Stanbridge, 
 was erected into a township named Dunham. The 
 petition for this grant was dated April 28th, 1795 ; the 
 warrant of survey issued August 27th of the same 
 year; and in 1796, the towmship was granted to 
 
Eastern townships. 
 
 293 
 
 Thomas Dunn and his associates, viz., Joseph Buck, 
 John Heliker, Jacob Heliker, George Saxe, Mathew 
 Hall, William Ferrand, David Ferrand, Joshua 
 Chambers, Amos Woodard, David Reychart, John 
 Clark, Thomas Best, Daniel Mills, Jeremiah Reychart, 
 Daniel Trevor, Alexander McDougall, Thomas Pell, 
 Andrew Ten Eyck, Henry Ten Eyck, Archibald 
 Henderson, Henry Hall, Elisha Dickinson, Jacob 
 Best sen., George Way more, Abraham Lampman, 
 John Mills, Stephen Jenner, Jacob Best jun., Adam 
 Deal, Frederick Streit, Samuel Mills, Philip Ruiter, 
 and Jacob Ruiter. 
 
 It is said that Dunham was the first township erected 
 in Lower Canada. Among the earliest inhabitants if 
 not the very first to locate within its limits, was 
 Andrew Ten Eyck from New Jersey, wdio settled in 
 the south-western part of the tract, in 1793. He 
 was a U. E. Loyalist, and came to Canada as the 
 forerunner of a numerous influx of the same class of 
 settlers. Johnathan Hart located in the south part 
 of the township in 1795. 
 
 Among the earliest families in Dunham, was that 
 of Joseph Baker,who with his wife and several young 
 children came from Petersham, Mass., in 1799. They 
 came as far as Georgia, Vt., in a large canvass covered 
 waggon drawn by four oxen ; when on account of the 
 distance betw’cen houses in some stages of their journey, 
 they were obliged to pass the night in their movable 
 tent, while the oxen were turned loose. At Georgia, 
 
294 
 
 HISTORY OF THF 
 
 tliey were obliged to change their waggon for a sled, 
 which manner of travelling from that place to Dun- 
 ham, occupied three days. In March 1799, George 
 Shufelt and Henry Church settled in Dunham, and 
 about the same time Capt. Jacob Ruiter, John Church 
 and Isaac Gleason, located here. 
 
 The first settlers on the site of the village of Dun- 
 ham, were Jacob Ilelliker, Amos Hawley, Gideon 
 Hawley, Lemuel Hawley, Abraham Lampman, and 
 John Wagner ; all of whom located here about the 
 year 1795. Mills were built on the south branch of 
 the Yamaska river, in the north-eastern section of the 
 township, within the few succeeding years ; and in 
 1804, a winter road was opened through to the 
 French seigniories by way of West Farnham, which 
 was finally extended past Mount Johnson to the 
 Chambly river. Ox-carts were first used here about 
 the year 1802. 
 
 The township which is partly hilly and partly level, 
 is situated in the section where the mountainous 
 regions seem to descend to a comparative level with 
 the plains in the vicinity of the St. Lawrence. The 
 different qualities of land arc found here in all their 
 variety, as parts are excellent for grain, while other 
 sections are better suited to grazing and for dairy 
 produce. 
 
 The largest collective body of water is Selby lake, 
 so called from a resident near its shore, but better 
 known as Dunham pond, which covers about 600 
 

 EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 295 
 
 acres. The largest stream is the south branch of 
 Yamaska river which enters the north-east part of 
 the township from Bromc ; beside which, are others 
 of smaller size running different ways into other 
 townships. 
 
 Tne earliest religious teachers here were American 
 Methodists. Their first preachers were Hezekiah 
 Wooster and Lorenzo Dow. Societies were formed, 
 and in 1813, a chapel was built by these people on 
 lot number 13 in the sixth range. 
 
 The Rev. C. C. Cotton of the Church of England, 
 was the first clergyman who settled in the township, 
 and continued to reside here for a period of more 
 than forty years. He was a native of England, and 
 when in Ws 25th year was ordained and subsequently 
 sent out as a missionary to Canada. In 1821, a church 
 edifice was built and opened for Divine service, and in 
 the same year Dunham was erected into a Protestant 
 parish. In consequence of failing health Mr. Cotton 
 was assisted for a short period by the Rev. H. Evans, 
 lie was soon removed by death however, and in 
 1846, the Rev. J. Scott then incumbent of Brome, 
 commenced holding service in Dunham each alternate 
 Sunday, about which time steps were taken for the 
 erection of a more suitable and convenient church 
 edifice which was finished and opened for Divine 
 service in 1849. Mr. Cotton died in 1846, aged 73 
 years, and was succeeded in the incumbency by Mr. 
 J. Scott. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 
 
 m 
 
 296 
 
 Joseph Scott, D.D., archdeacon of the diocese of 
 Montreal, was a native of Yorkshire, England, and 
 with his father’s family emigrated to the United States 
 in 1817. He was educated at Burlington, Vt., and in 
 1840, came to Canada. Three years afterwards he 
 was ordained and sent to Brome, where he resided 
 till he succeeded to the rectorship of Dunham. He 
 remained here till his death in August 1865. The 
 Rev. J. Godden has succeeded to the incumbency. 
 The church in Dunham has of late undergone repairs, 
 having been greatly improved and beautified by the 
 addition of a stained glass chancel window. 
 
 In 1842 the Roman Catholic Bishop of Montreal 
 while on a visit to Dunham, marked out the site of a 
 church which was built in 1843, and named the church 
 of the Holy (^ross. 
 
 Within a few years the Methodist chapel in the 
 sixth range, has been superseded by a more substan- 
 tial building in a more convenient location. 
 
 A stone building for an academy was erected in 1840. 
 A company of volunteer infantry was organized in 
 1866. The telegraph line from Frelighsburg to 
 Knowlton, and thence to Montreal, passes through 
 Dunham. 
 
 The village long known as Dunham Flat, incorporated 
 January 1st, 1867, as Dunham, includes the half of lots 
 No. 10, 11, and 12, in the sixth range, and the corres- 
 ponding number of half lots in the seventh range. Its 
 location in the midst of a rich farming section of country. 
 
 V 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 297 
 
 IS favorable to its material growth and prosperity . It 
 lies a little south of the centre of the township, the 
 principal street running north and south. The assessable 
 property of the village is valued at 2,000. It has 
 fifty voters. Within the corporation are two churches, 
 an academy, post ofiice, five stores, two tanneries, two 
 public houses, many mechanics’ shops, and some fifty 
 or more private dwellings. 
 
 Outside the village corporation, the assessable pro- 
 perty of the township is valued at $828,800. There 
 are also 568 voters. Two grist mills, eight saw mills, 
 and several cheese factories are in operation within the 
 township. The amount of tax levied for educational 
 purposes, township and village included, is $1,257.50; 
 and the govemment grant is $406.16. There are 
 twenty-five districts where schools are in operation 
 eight months in the year. 
 
 Nehonville. Capt. Jacob Ruiter settled in this part 
 of Dunham, late in, the eighteenth century, and built 
 the mills on the south branch of the Yamaska, which 
 were long known as Ruitcr’s mills, though in the 
 changes of time, they have given place to others owned 
 by different proprietors. Being an enthusiastic ad- 
 mirer of the hero of Trafalgar, Capt. Ruiter gave the 
 name of Nelsonville to the settlement he had founded ; 
 but for some cause, when in 1839 a post office was 
 established here, it received the name of Cowans- 
 ville. 
 
 In 1852, a Congregational society was organized 
 
298 
 
 HISTORY OP THE 
 
 liere by the Rev. iNIr. Connor, and a meeting-house was 
 erected soon after. His successors in the pastorate 
 have been the Rev. Messrs. Miles, Rathay, and for a 
 period the pulpit was supplied by a theological student 
 from Canada West. In October, 1856, the Rev. A. 
 DuflF became pastor of the churches at Cowansville 
 and Brome, remaining such for a period of years. He 
 was succeeded by the Rev. J. A. Farrer, who re- 
 mained till 1866, when the pulpit Avas again tempo- 
 rarily supplied by a student of the Congregational 
 College of British North America. In May, 1866, the 
 Rev. C. P. Watson, formerly of London, C. W., became 
 pastor, and divides his services between Cowansville, 
 Brome and Dunham. 
 
 About the year 1854, the Rev. J. C. Davidson be- 
 came a resident of the place, and the Missisquoi High 
 School opened under his supervision, was located at a 
 point between the extremes of Nelsonville. In 1860, 
 Trinity Church Avas consecrated, and about the same 
 period a brick building was erected for the use of the 
 Female Academy. A Wesleyan Methodist church 
 edifice was dedicated here in 1865. Thus the part of 
 NelsonAdlle called CowansAulle, contains three church 
 buildings, a female academy, post office, several stores, 
 public houses, mills, a woollen factory and other me- 
 chanical Avorks, beside some thirty or more private 
 dwellings. There is also an extensive tannery at a 
 locality called Freeport, one and a half mile beloAv 
 Cowansville. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 299 
 
 The small village upon the same stream nearly two 
 miles above, was formerly called Church ville from 
 John Church who at an carfy day opened a store 
 and public house at that point ; but as the property 
 changed hands, the place in time came to be called 
 Sweetsburg, and in 1854, a post-office was opened 
 here under that name. 
 
 Nelsonvillc being the chef •lieu for the district of 
 Bedford, the Court House, Jail, and Public Offices are 
 located in Sweetsburg, by which means many profes- 
 sional gentlemen and other inhabitants are drawn to 
 the vicinity. The board for the examination of teachers 
 and the granting of diplomas for elementary schools, 
 meets here and at Waterloo alternately. An English 
 church edifice stands a little below the court house, 
 beside which, are the post-office, several stores, a print- 
 ing office from which issues a weekly paper, two public 
 houses, several mechanics’ shops, and some twenty-five 
 or thirty private dwellings. 
 
 The two villages of Cowansville and Sweetsburg are 
 of necessity merged in the common name of Nelson- 
 ville in all legal documents ; and the probabilities are 
 that at no distant day the space intervening between 
 them will be taken up in sites for dwellings and public 
 buildings, and the sections form one town. 
 
 Eaet Dunham. Settlements were commenced in 
 this part of the township as early as 1797, when Solo- 
 mon Squire chose a location here, and others soon set- 
 tled around him. 
 
HISTORY OF THE 
 
 
 300 
 
 In 1824, the New Connection Methodists formed a 
 society here, and in 1857, the Wesleyan Methodists 
 built a house of worship in the vicinity. Two steam 
 saw mills are in operation here, and in 1862, a post 
 oflSce named East Dunham, was opened. Many sub- 
 stantial farmers reside in this section of the township, 
 among whom the modern improvements in agriculture 
 are being generally introduced. A cheese factory has 
 of late gone into operation among them. The popu- 
 lation of Dunham is given as 3,903. 
 
 FAllNHAM WEST. 
 
 The warrant of survey for Farnham was issued 
 August 27th, 1798, soon after which the tract' was 
 erected into a township, and in part granted to the 
 heirs of Col. Samuel Wells and thirteen additional 
 associates. These grants lay in the eastern part of 
 the township, and many openings were made there, 
 while yet the tract now known as West Farnham 
 remained an unbroken wilderness. An extensive grant 
 of this wild land Avas made to George Allsopp, Esq., 
 for goveimment service ; but years elapsed before it 
 was claimed by the heirs of the grantee ; and in the 
 meantime several families of settlers had located upon 
 different parts of it ; mostly how’ever, in the vicinity 
 of the Yamaska river which here affords many valu- 
 able mill sites. 
 
 William Cook, from Rhode Island, built a saw mill 
 here in 1817 ; and nearly the same time, Isaac Gibbs 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 301 
 
 located about one mile east of the present site of the 
 village. J. Higgins settled on what is now known as 
 Higgins’ Ml, and Capt. Buck chose a location near the 
 forks of Yamaska river. The fact that these lands 
 were owned for a series of years by non-resident pro- 
 prietors, operated very unfavorably toward their per- 
 manent settlement ; as in consequence of there being 
 no one to look after the interests of the real owners, 
 much valuable timber was taken from the premises by 
 irresponsible parties. 
 
 These lands were first occupied by the heirs, in the 
 persons of three grandsons of George Allsopp, viz., 
 George Carleton Allsopp, John Bonfield Allsopp, and 
 John Charles Allsopp. Tliey did not locate here per- 
 manently however, till after the year 1840, since which, 
 the land has been mostly sold to other proprietors. 
 
 In January 1827, John Bowker, a young man from 
 St. Armand, located upon the site of the present vil- 
 lage, at winch time there were but three log houses on 
 the pi’cmiscs, and few indications of settlement for a 
 distance of seven miles toward St. Cesaire. At first, 
 these settlers were obliged to carry their grain to 
 Stanbridge for grinding, till in 1834, a run of stones 
 was placed in the saw-mill for this purpose ; the first 
 grist mill being built about the year 1840. 
 
 The first public road through the place was the 
 continuation of the Stanstead line which was finally 
 carried past Mt. Johnson to the Chambly river, whence 
 there were frequented routes to Montreal. For many 
 
HISTORY OF THE 
 
 ’ 'll;) 
 
 1 'I 
 
 302 
 
 years nearly all the travel on this line was done in the 
 winter, as on account of the peculiar nature of the soil, 
 travel in summer over the imperfectly constructed road, 
 was particularly diflScult, not to say dangerous or imprac- 
 ticable. In 1830, however, a government grant was 
 obtained and expended in such improvements as made 
 it more passable. In 1855, the township was separ- * 
 
 ated into two municipalities. 
 
 The surface of the land is decidedly level, much of 
 the timber originally standing being pine. The most ] 
 
 valuable of this however, had been taken off while yet 
 there was no one to look after the interests of the ^ 
 
 absent proprietors. Here as well as in many other 
 parts of the section, the soil requires a peculiar system ;i 
 
 of culture, including drainage, &c ; and is better suited ^ 
 
 to the production of grain and vegetables, than for V 
 
 grazing. In the south-west part, are still considerable 
 tracts of unsettled land, which has been purchased t 
 
 by individuals for the hemlock timber standing upon it. ; 
 
 The one great advantage of West Farnham lies in ■ 
 
 its extensive and valuable water power. Outside the | 
 
 village corporation, the assessable property is valued at 3 
 
 $164,947 ; there are also 270 voters. For the support 
 of six Protestant dissentient schools in the village and 
 township, the sum of $400 is raised by assessment ; 
 beside the government grant which varies from $70 
 to $80. 
 
 The village was incorporated January 1st, 1862. It 
 is about one and a half mile in length from east to 
 

 EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 303 
 
 west, by about three fourths of a mile from north to 
 south. There are fully sixty feet of fall in the river 
 in its course through the corporation. Its assessable 
 property is valued at $69,026 : it contains 225 legal 
 voters and not less than 200 heads of families. There 
 are three churches, some dozen stores, a post oflSce, 
 railway station, several public houses, three grist and 
 three saw-mills, a woollen factory, two furniture shops, 
 a manufactory for musical instruments, two cooper 
 factories, many small mechanics’ shops, and some 300 
 dwellings, most of which are small. The great majority 
 of inhabitants in West Famham arc French Canadians. 
 
 The municipality of West Farnham and a portion of 
 East Farnham have been erected into a parish for 
 ecclesiastical and educational purposes, under the name 
 of St. Romuald de Famham, which includes six French 
 schools, viz : one superior school for both boys and 
 girls, which is located at the village of West Farnham ; 
 and five elementary schools in different parts of the 
 parish. The Roman Catholics have a large church 
 built of stone and covered with tin, standing in a pro- 
 minent location on the north side of the river. The 
 Rev. E. Springer, Cur^, has an assistant. 
 
 The Church of England mission was opened in this 
 place, in occasional services performed by the Rev. T. 
 Johnson, and the Rev. J. Jones. The latter undertook 
 a very successful collecting tour in England where he 
 raised funds for the erection of a church and parsonage, 
 and to found a partial endowment of about £600, 
 
304 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 which is the oldest endowment fund in the Diocese. 
 In January 1847, the land on which the church and 
 parsonage stand, was deeded to the church by James 
 Allsopp, Esquire, son of the original grantee. 
 
 In September 1848, the Hon. A. T. Galt, repre- 
 senting the British American Laud Company, pre- 
 sented fifty acres of land to the mission. The first 
 resident clergyman here, was the Rev. William Jones, 
 who commenced his ministry in 1847, and remained 
 ten years, w'hen he was succeeded by the Rev. A. C. 
 Scarth who remained but two years. In 1859, the 
 Rev. T. W. Mussen who is present incumbent, com- 
 menced his duties here, since which time various im- 
 provements have been made in the buildings and 
 grounds. The church edifice which is of wood painted 
 white, now has a fine bell of 700 lbs. weight ; a costly 
 Harmonium ; and in the chancel, a rich stained glass 
 window has recently been placed to the memory of the 
 late John C. Allsopp, Esquire. 
 
 The first Wesleyan Methodist society was formed 
 here in 1842, by the Rev. Mr. Hutchinson, and soon 
 after, the present house of worship was erected. The 
 station has been successively connected with the Dun- 
 ham and St. Armand circuits, but is now an independ- 
 ent mission. The Presbyterians hold occasional ser- 
 vices in the school house here. The population of 
 West Farnham is given as 2,530, 
 
Eastern townships. 
 
 305 
 
 STANBRIDGE. 
 
 Under the hand and seal of Sir Robert Shore Milnes, 
 a warrant was issued for the survey of a tract of 
 land in the district of Montreal, bounded north by 
 Farnham, east by Dunham, south by St. Armand, and 
 west by the seigniories, bearing date of May 7th, 1801 ; 
 w hen after the preliminary forms it was erected into a 
 to^vnship named Stanbridge, September 1st of the 
 same year, and granted to Hugh Finlay and his as- 
 sociates, viz, John Cutting, Hannah Kellar, Clark Rey- 
 nolds, Edward Martindale, Solomon Dunham, Adam 
 Schoolcraft, John Bockus, Willard Smith, David Par- 
 tolo, Caleb Tree, James Martindale, Mathew Kemble, 
 John Bomhow^er, Luke Hitchcock, Jacob Bomhower, 
 GriflSn Reynolds, Benjamin Reynolds, Frederick 
 Whaler, Thomas Wrightman, Mathew Saxe, Joseph 
 Smith, John Ruiter the younger, Stephen Lampman, 
 Adam Clapper the elder, Moses Westover the elder, 
 Peter Cutler, Peter Rosenburgh, Adam Clapper the 
 younger, Henry Clapper, Peter Krans, Michael 
 Lampman, Christopher Cartright, John Hogle the 
 elder, Philip Kruller, John Ferguson the younger, 
 Frederick Kemmerman, Almond Cartright and Thos. 
 Douglas. 
 
 From what has transpired respecting the proprietor- 
 ship of land in Stanbridge, it w^ould appear that com- 
 paratively few of these grantees made ‘‘Actual settle- 
 
HISTORY OF THE 
 
 
 ,1 
 
 306 
 
 merit” upon the lands drawn; and that consequently 
 many tracts reverted to the Crown. 
 
 The first locations in this township w’ere made as 
 early as 1797, when Nathan Andrews came in from 
 Rhode Island and settled here. The same year Caleb 
 Tree with his family came from Williamstown, Mass. 
 These two pioneers settled near the site of Stanbridge 
 village. The latter left a large family, some of whom 
 retain the old homestead. About the year 1800, 
 William Wilson from Waterbury, Vt., became owner 
 of the lot on which is situated the mill privilege and 
 where the main part of the village now stands, when he 
 built both grist and saw-mills, and put up the frame of 
 a building which was long kept as a public house. The 
 first country store was opened here by Ebenezer Hart, 
 about the year 1810. Ebenezer Martin built the first 
 tannery here in 1808. In March 1820, John Baker 
 from Barre, Vt., started the wool carding and cloth 
 dressing business ; and being a skillful mechanic, not 
 only made the machinery required in his own works, 
 but also for other establishments of the same kind ; no 
 small undertaking when considered in connection 
 with the fact that then it was exceedingly diSicult to 
 obtain the necessary materials and tools for such work. 
 
 The early settlers of Stanbridge had their share of 
 the difficulties incident to pioneer life ; particularly 
 during cold and unproductive seasons. Some who are 
 now living, remember that as boys they used to be 
 sent on horseback to Saxe’s mills in Highgate, Vt.,for 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 30T 
 
 Virginia corn (brought there by boats on the lake) 
 for which they had to pay three and a half or four 
 dollars per bushel ; and then to convey it through the 
 woods over wretched roads, one bushel at a time. 
 
 Before reaching Stanbridge, the mountain range 
 which comes from the south into Canada, seems to 
 have melted into a plain , as the land in the township 
 is level, generally soft timbered, some portions low and 
 marshy, and altogether better suited to the production 
 of grain and vegetables than for grazing. The most 
 considerable stream of water is Pike river, wdiich enters 
 at the south-east from St. Armand. This stream is so 
 called from the kind of fish found most plentiful in its 
 waters ; and it appears that the Indian and French- 
 man as well as the English speaking settler, had each 
 a name for it significant of this fiict. Frequent rapids 
 occur in its, circuitous course through the township, 
 which afford numerous mill sites, many of which have 
 been improved by the erection of machinery. Grout 
 Creek coming north from St. Armand, falls into Pike 
 river at Bedford. 
 
 The assessable property of Stanbridge is valued at 
 $1,066,920. This may appear a high figure compared 
 with the valuation of property in other townships ; but 
 can no doubt be satisfactarily explained to the inquirer. 
 One fact which will of itself throw light upon this point 
 has already been mentioned ; viz : the existence of 
 numerous valuable mill privileges along the course of 
 Pike river. The number of legal voters is 787. An 
 
History of the: 
 
 308 
 
 assessment of two mills on the dollar is levied on the 
 rateable property for the support of schools. The 
 government grant averages from $400 to $425 per year. 
 Beside tw’O academies, are twenty-one elementary 
 schools under control of the commissioners, and also 
 several dissentient schools, as a proportion of the inha- 
 bitants arc French Canadians. A Roman Catholic 
 parish named Notre Dame des Anges ” has been 
 formed in Stanbridge for ecclesiastical purposes. 
 There are in all eight post oflSces in the township, 
 which will be indicated in their respective localities ; 
 also five grist mills, five tanneries, and fifteen or more 
 saw-mills. 
 
 Bedford. Before the war of 1812, little had been 
 accomplished toward efibeting the general settlement 
 of this part of the township ; yet some few openings 
 had been made in the wilderness, and a grist-mill 
 built on Pike river at this place. This however, was 
 carried off by a flood, and was not rebuilt till 1815. 
 At that early day the standing forests in Stanbridge 
 were valuable or would have been so, had there 
 been a market available for the timber. In 1820, a 
 large tract was destroyed by a fire which had been 
 accidentally ignited, and spread north from St. 
 Armand. 
 
 The village of Bedford is by no means compactly 
 built, the buildings being scattered principally along 
 the left bank of the stream which is here quite rapd. 
 
 As Bedford is the chef -lieu of Missisquoi County, 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 309 
 
 the building containing court and council rooms, regis- 
 try office, &c., is located here. There is an English 
 church which was erected about the year 1832. The 
 first missionary hero was the Rev. Mr. Robertson ; 
 two others subsequently officiating for a short period 
 each ; when in 1842, the Rev. James Jones took 
 charge and continued to reside here till 1834, at 
 which time he was succeeded by the Rev. G. Slack, 
 present incumbent. 
 
 A post office, several stores, an academy, public 
 houses, mills, tanneries, a number and variety of ma- 
 nufacturing establishments, and some eighty dwellings, 
 help to make up the village. 
 
 Taking Bedford as a centre, about four miles to the 
 east is Stanbridge village^ near which the first loca- 
 tions in the township were made. In December 1834, 
 a weekly Newspaper called the Missisquoi PobV^ 
 was started here and published three or four years, 
 and a post office was opened in 1836. The Wesleyan 
 Methodists have a society and house of worship here, 
 which was built in 1861. A two story brick building 
 for an academy was erected in 1854, since which the 
 school has been in successful operation. 
 
 The first Episcopal church ^\hich was built here in 
 1829, was taken down in 1860, to be rebuilt, enlarged 
 and improved ; and when entirely completed, will 
 present both externally and internally, a fine specimen 
 of church architecture. The Rev. John Constantine 
 is incumbent. Stanbridge village also contains a 
 
mSTORY OR THE 
 
 310 
 
 banking and exchange office, three stores, two public 
 houses, a tannery, grist-mill, the never-failing smaller 
 mechanics’ shops, and some forty inhabited dwellings. 
 
 Bicehurg is a small but thriving place, one and a 
 half mile down the stream from Stanbridge village, and 
 about three miles a little north of east from Bedford. 
 The first opening in the forest was made here in 17 99, by 
 Jacob Seagel,many of whose descendants are now living 
 in the township. About the year 1814, George Saxe 
 built the first saw-mill in the place ; and the first 
 oat-mill in Lower Canada, w'as built here in 1827. A 
 foundry was established here about thirty years ago by 
 II. W. Rice, which has been in successful operation 
 since, and more recently important additions have been 
 made to the works by Messrs. M. & C. A. Rice. The 
 Messrs. Lambkins have extensive shops and the best 
 of machinery for preparing house-building materials, 
 and are also largely engaged in the manufacture of 
 furniture of every variety of style and finish. There 
 are also mills and a cooper-factory in the placi^. A 
 post office was opened here some years since. 
 
 Two miles Avest of Bedford is Mystic^ or Stanbridge 
 Centre ; and five miles a little to the east of north, is 
 North Stanbridge. 
 
 Stanbridge Station is situated two miles west of 
 Bedford, in the midst of an open and cultivated sec- 
 tion of country, its general appearance indicating 
 a village in its incipient stages. Beside the railway 
 station, it has a post office, several stores, a public 
 house, and some ten or twelve dwellings. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 311 
 
 Malmakon. Large tracts of land in Stanbridge 
 were at one time owned by F. A. Des Rivieres, Esquire, 
 (a French gentleman, as the name indicates) from 
 whom it descended to his sons, Messrs. F. W. and 
 Henri Dos Rivic^res, who were natives of Canada, and 
 came to reside on their property in the western part 
 of the township in 1841. The first saw-mill was built 
 here in 1842, and a grist-mill the year succeeding. 
 A Roman Catholic church was erected near the place 
 in 1845. The location is on a rapid on Pike river, 
 and beside the family mansion which stands a little 
 apart from the other buildings, the church and mills, 
 is a collection of laborers’ cottages. At a short dis- 
 tance is a station of the Junction railway between St. 
 Johns and the Vermont Central, known generally as 
 Des Rivieres station, in which building a post office 
 named Malmalson was opened in 1863. 
 
 Pike River Villaye is located on the western boun- 
 dary of the township, where settlements were commen- 
 ced as early as 1816, by persons named Larkins, Til- 
 ley, and Blakesly. The village now contains a Wes- 
 leyan Methodist church edifice, built in 1848 ; a post 
 office opened in 1836 ; two school-houses (French 
 and English), a gi‘ist-mill built in 1858 ; a saw-mill put 
 up in 1836 ; several stores and mechanics’ shops, and 
 some sixty or more dwellings, most of which are small. 
 Large quantities of grain, lumber, &c., are collected 
 and taken from this place, as vessels of 300 tons can come 
 up from the lake. From this point the river flows south 
 
HISTORY OF THE 
 
 :7 
 
 812 
 
 into Missisquoi Bay, an arm of Lake Champlain. The 
 population of Stanbridge is given as 5,277. 
 
 ST. ARMANI). 
 
 A tract of land six leagues in length, along the 
 Missisquoi River and Lake Champlain, by three lea- 
 gues in width from north to south, was granted In fief 
 and seigniory, with all the rights and perquisites 
 appertaining,” by the French governor La Gallisoni^re 
 and the Intendent Bigot, to the Sieur Nicholas Ren(5 
 Lavesseur, Sept. 23rd, 1748, which grant was ratified 
 by the king of France in 1749. 
 
 After the conquest of Canada by the English, this 
 seignoiry by purchase or otherwise, came into the poss- 
 ession of the Hon. Thomas Dunn, sometime president of 
 the council, and as such, for a short period acting ad- 
 ministrator of the government ; after which he became 
 a Judge of the Court of King’s Bench at Quebec. 
 
 From him the tract -was called Dunn’s Patent,” 
 and long known as such. The lands in this seigniory 
 w^ere disposed of in lots by deeds, the parties coming 
 into possession agreeing to pay a certain sum with 
 interest within a specified time, and also a yearly 
 rent of one shilling for every hundred acres ; by 
 which arrangement, the lands were released from 
 every other seigniorial claim. However, on the defi- 
 nite settlement of the boundary question by taking 
 the 45° of latitude as the line of separation, it was found 
 hat nearly two-thirds of the original grant lay south 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 313 
 
 of that parallel, and consequently within the territory 
 of the United States. Subsequently a tract four miles 
 square was annexed to the east end of the seigniory, 
 the lots in which were ceded to purchasers in the 
 same manner. 
 
 The first permanent settlement made in St. Armand 
 was in the autumn of 1784 ; when a party of United 
 Empire Loyalists, most of whom had been in the Brit- 
 ish service during the revolutionary war,chose locations 
 near Missisquoi Bay. Many of them were of German 
 origin, and had left their homes on the Hudson or 
 elsewhere, to share the fortunes of the Royal cause. 
 Their land was purchased of Mr. Dunn on very favor- 
 able terms. The distance to St. Johns was twenty 
 miles through the wilderness, or over fifty miles around 
 by the lake and river ; and before they could raise 
 enough grain for their families, they had often to go 
 this distance, or to Burlington, Vt., for the necessaries 
 of life. 
 
 The names of the first party of settlers were, John 
 Ruiter, Alexander Taylor, Christjohn Wehr, Harmo- 
 nas Best, Adam Deal, Lewis Streit, Christjohn Ilay- 
 ner, Conrad Best, Alexander Hyatt, Gilbert Hyatt, 
 John Saxe, Jacob Barr, John Mock, Philip Luke, 
 Joseph Smith, Garret Sixby, James Anderson, Fred- 
 erick Hayner, and Peter Miller.* Several of these 
 
 * For this and several other items respecting the early settle- 
 ment of St. Armand, we are indebted to Thomas’ Contributions 
 to the Sistory of the Eastern Townships.” 
 
UISTORY OF THE 
 
 
 314 
 
 men afterwards removed to other sections of the town- 
 sliips, becoming agents or associates. 
 
 Many of them however, located permanently near 
 the Bay, at which point the settlement increased ra- 
 pidly. The locality soon assumed the appearance and 
 characteristics of a village, while the aspect of the sur- 
 rounding country was fast changing from a solitary 
 wilderness to cultivated fields and green pastures. 
 
 The first religious meetings here, were held by the 
 eccentric Lorenzo Dow, about the year 1787. 
 
 In 1804, the Rev. C. C. Cotton, of the Church of 
 England, came to reside here and remained four years. 
 In 1808, the Rev. Dr. Stewart was sent out to the mis- 
 sion by the Society for the propogation of the Gospel in 
 Foreign Parts, and located at St. Armand East. lie was 
 of a noble family but gave up the advantages and enjoy- 
 ments of birth, station, and wealth, to become a pioneer 
 of the church among the early settlers of these town- 
 ships. Upon his arrival at the field of his newly assumed 
 labors, services were held in a school-house till a church 
 building could be erected. Here he remained useful, 
 respected, and beloved, till in 1815, he returned to 
 England. His visit to that country was but temporary 
 however, as within a few years from that time, he came 
 back to Canada ; in 1826 he was consecrated Bishop 
 of Quebec, and died in 1837. 
 
 All accounts agree in bearing testimony to the exalted 
 character of this good man who has been deservedly call- 
 ed “ the model of a Christian gentleman.’’ Our respect 
 
'O 
 
 EASTERN TOWNSniPS. 315 
 
 and reverence arc greatly increased when we consider 
 the social and worldly advantages he voluntarily relin- 
 quished, and the nature of the duties as willingly 
 assumed ; as well as other sacrifices he made for the per- 
 manent establishment of the church of his affections, 
 and the amount of his public and private charities. — 
 
 The memory of the Just is blessed.” 
 
 In 1811, a church edifice was erected about one 
 mile north-east from Missisquoi Bay, in order to accom- 
 modate the settlement which was rapidly extending in 
 that quarter. This mission with that in the eastern 
 part of the seigniory, was for many years in charge 
 of Dr. Stewart, and subsequently of his successor Mr. 
 Reid, till in 1834, the seigniory was divided into two 
 ecclesiastical parishes, known respectively as St. Ar- 
 mand East, and St. Armand West, when the Rev. R. 
 Whitwell was appointed rector of the latter named parish. 
 
 Methodist societies were formed in St. Armand West 
 at an early day, and a house of worship was built by 
 them at the Bay in 1819. These people have since 
 become numerous. 
 
 Many of the early inhabitants of St. Armand were 
 of that class who had suffered exile for their loyalty, 
 and later events have gone to show satisfactorily, that 
 a large infusion of the old element still exists among 
 their descendants. 
 
 ST. ARMAND WEST. 
 
 As already stated, the first locations were made in 
 
316 
 
 EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 this section of the seigniory, and for many years the 
 village springing up on the north-east shore of the Bay, 
 was a centre of trade and business for the settlements 
 forming around, as supplies could be brought here 
 by boats on the lake. The first store was opened in 
 1800. John Ruiter and Alexander Taylor, two of the 
 company of U. E. Loyalists before mentioned, were 
 the first proprietors of the land on which the village 
 was built. 
 
 This place has been from time to time the scene 
 of considerable excitement from border troubles, in 
 consequence of its proximity to the frontier. During 
 the war of 1812, an attack was made on it by a 
 body of armed Americans, when a number of pri- 
 soners were taken by them. Much excitement and 
 apprehension were also felt at the time of the rebellion 
 of ’37 and ’38, when a company of volunteers were 
 stationed here. The fears of the people were not 
 realized however, to any great extent. 
 
 The Rev. R. Whitwell, fii*st rector of St. Armand 
 West, was of English birth, and came to Canada in 
 1821. He was first appointed to the new mission at 
 Shefibrd, where he remained till 1826, when he remov- 
 ed to St. Armand West, and continued in charge 
 till, in 1855, increasing bodily infirmities obliged him 
 to resign. In 1856, he was succeeded by the Rev. 
 C. A. Wetherall, and two years later by the Rev. H. 
 Montgomery, present incumbent of the parish. Mr. 
 Whitwell died in 1864, in the 78th year of his age, 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 317 
 
 This village was Incorporated in 1846, as^P/a'Kps- 
 hurg^ so named in honor of Col. Philip Riiiter. At 
 diflFerent periods two weekly newspapers have been 
 published here, named respectively the Gleaner^'^^ 
 and the ^^Missuquoi iVezt’S,” the latter of which is still 
 continued in St. Johns, with the title somewhat 
 changed. Of the recent invasion of our frontier by the 
 Army of Ireland f all our readers have heard ; on 
 which occasion, though this village escaped a visitation ^ 
 the minds of the people were intensely excited. 
 
 SL Armand Station^ on the St. Johns and Vermont 
 Junction Railway, was formerly known as Moore’s 
 Comers. It is situated but a short distance from 
 Philipsburg, and was made memorable in the rebel- 
 lion by a night skirmish between a company of 
 volunteer militia, and a party of rebels and sympa- 
 thisers, in which the, rebels retreated across the Pro- 
 vince line, leaving one dead, two wounded, and three 
 prisoners in the hands of the victors. 
 
 Though small at present, the place will increase in 
 size, as the railway necessarily brings in considerable 
 business. A post office was opened here in 1865. 
 
 Pigeon Hill is the name given to a locality in St. 
 Armand West, near which George Titemore settled in 
 1788 ; soon after which, Henry Grout settled in the 
 near vicinity. In 1791, Adam Sager located here, 
 soon after and was joined by his father and three 
 brothers, who purchased the lots on which the village 
 now stands. The place was long known as Sagers- 
 
HISTORY OF THE 
 
 318 
 
 field, but in consequence of the numbers of pigeons 
 frequenting it, the name was changed to Pigeon Hill, 
 which difference can hardly be termed an improvement. 
 A school-house was built here in 1803, a public house 
 opened about the same time, and in 1804, a Methodist 
 society was formed by the Rev. Thomas Best of 
 Ilighgate, Vt. A store was opened in 1810 ; a house 
 of worship erected by the Methodists in 1823 ; and a 
 post office established in 1851. 
 
 While Mr. Whitwell was rector of the parish, he held 
 frequent services in this place, but no church edifice 
 was erected during his ministrations. Subsequently 
 however, one has been built, in which weekly services 
 are held. A society of Adventists have also a meeting 
 house here. 
 
 In the summer of 1866, Pigeon Hill received a visit 
 from the Amiy of Ireland, tmA suffered from its 
 depredations in common with several neighboring 
 localities. The population of St. Armand West is 
 given as 1,328. 
 
 We learn that as early as 1789, Simpson Jenne J 
 
 who had served in the British army during the revolu- i 
 
 tionary war, settled on land about two miles east of the 
 site of Frelighsburg. This family ■were then seven i 
 
 miles from other inhabitants, and for months saw no 
 human faces but those of each other. Jeremiah *; 
 
 Spencer settled on an adjoining lot, and among other < 
 
 ST. ARMAND EAST. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS, 
 
 319 
 
 early settlers, were 'William Ayer, and Daniel Chand- 
 ler. In 1790, John Gibson built a log dwelling near 
 the present site of the mill, soon after which a person 
 named Owens built a gi-ist-mill. This he sold to indivi- 
 duals named Conroy and Yumans, by whom the mill 
 was enlarged and improved, and a saw-mill built ad- 
 joining. The-e parties sold the premises to Abram 
 Freligh who also purchased a considerable tract of land 
 in the vicinity, and from this proprietor the village has 
 derived its name. A public house was opened in 1797, 
 and a store in 1801. Elijah Kemp who located here 
 in 1797, was a prominent man among the early settlers. 
 
 In 1808, the Rev. Dr. Stewart came as missionary 
 to St. Armand, and soon after a church edifice was 
 erected in this place. On his return to England in 
 1815, he was succeeded by the Rev. James Reid, who 
 in a great degree, partook of the character of his pre- 
 decessor, and, like him had a deep hold upon the con- 
 fidence and respect ef the people. Religious meetings 
 were also held m those early times by both Methodists 
 and Baptists in the place. The registry office for the 
 county of Missisquoi, was located here for several 
 years, and in 1838, a weekly paper called the “ Mi»s- 
 isquoi Standard," was commenced and continued for 
 several years. 
 
 Several designations have at different periods been 
 giv'cn to this locality. First it was called “ Conroy s 
 Mills then the derisive appellation of “ Slab City" 
 seemed to cling to it for a long time ; but the name 
 
320 
 
 IIISTOKY OP THE 
 
 y which it was incorporated January 1st, 1867, 
 is Frelighshurg. The corporation includes over 372 
 acres of land, and beside the parish church, it contains 
 a parish hall, customs-house, academy, post office, five 
 general stores, a public house, mechanics’ shops, and 
 some fifty or more inhabited houses. 
 
 Abbott's Corners. The earliest settlements were 
 made here about the year 1797, by the Rev. Jedediah 
 Hibbard, Dr. James Abbott, and othera. In 1799, a 
 Baptist society was organized, of which Mr. Hibbard 
 was pastor, and a house of worship was erected, but 
 every vestige of this has long since disappeared ; the 
 Baptist church edifice now standing, having been built 
 in 1841. Mr. Hibbard’s successors have been the 
 Rev. Messrs. Galusha and Smith. As early as 1800, a 
 Methodist society was formed here, which also has a 
 house of worship built in 1841. A post office was 
 opened here in 1852. The place which was formerly of 
 more local importance than at present, is situated about 
 two miles south-east of Frelighsburg, on an airy and 
 pleasant elevation. The inhabitants are generally 
 able and substantial farmers. 
 
 St.Armand Centre. This place was fomerly known 
 as Cook s Corners,” so called from an early settler 
 of that name. John Titemore settled a short distance 
 south of this in 1788, and tw'o years after, a person 
 named Perry located in the near vicinity. In 1792, 
 John Toof and four sons from the state of New York, 
 came to the place, from which the tide of emigration 
 
EASTEEN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 321 
 
 flowed steadily in. A public house was opened here 
 in 1811. Properly speaking, this is a thickly settled 
 farming locality rather than a village, with a few me- 
 chanics’ shops and dwellings situated around a point 
 whore roads from different parts of the country inter- 
 sect. Fine farms abound here on which arc extensive 
 groves of the sugar maple. 
 
 Lagrange, is a collection of buildings on Pike river, 
 about one and a half mile north-west from Frclighs- 
 burg. The first proprietor of tho place, was Philip 
 Luke, who at the opening of tho revolutionary war, 
 loft his home in Albany and went to New York, where 
 he enlisted in the British army and was commissioned 
 a lieutenant. At the close of the war he came to 
 Canada, and was one of the company who first settled 
 at Missisquoi Bay, but afterward purchased the land 
 on which these mills now stand. In 1796, Abraham 
 Lagrange purchased the property of Luke and built 
 mills hero, smce which, other works have been added. 
 In 1865, a post ofiBce was opened here for the conve- 
 nience of the inhabitants. This place also received a 
 visit from a detachment of the “ Brotherhood of Fe- 
 nians,” which was attended with the usual demon- 
 strations. 
 
 North Pinnacle. In 1796, a settlement was com- 
 menced north of the Pinnacle, a prominent elevation 
 in the eastern part of the parish. The first settler 
 here was Reuben Dodge ; the second, a person named 
 Holiday who built a saw-mill, and during the earlier 
 
 V 
 
322 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 years of the present century, several others located 
 here. Tliis portion of the seigniory lying nearest the 
 township of Sutton, is considerably broken and hilly. 
 A post office was opened here in 1865. 
 
 In the parish of St. Armand East, the asssessable 
 property is valued at $547,340. It has 259 voters. 
 The amount of asssesment for educational purposes 
 is $756.22 ; the annual government grant $216,32. 
 There are ten school districts within the parish, beside 
 the High school at Frelighsburg. The local assessment 
 with the government grant, form a fund sufficient for 
 the support of the schools in the more populous districts 
 during the scholastic year of eight months ; and in the 
 smaller districts a monthly fee or scholar tax covers 
 deficiencies. 
 
 There are in all four church edifices in the parish ; 
 four post offices ; two grist mills and four saw-mills. A 
 volunteer infantry company is under organization here. 
 Frelighsburg received a prolonged visit from the ‘‘ Amy 
 of Ireland’’ in the summer of 1866, and remained six 
 days in the hands of the invaders, during which time the 
 hotel and store keepers were the principal sufferers. 
 Private losj3 has, however, been made up from the 
 public chest. 
 
 The interests of the people in this seigniory are 
 essentially agricultural, and modern improvements re- 
 specting tillage, stock raising, and dairy conveniences 
 are being generally adopted. The western parts are 
 level and in some sections even swampy; in which 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 323 
 
 districts the cedar was formerly abundant. So much 
 of the land has been improved that comparatively 
 little of the original forest is left standing, unless 
 it is the soft timber on swampy grounds, or the sugar 
 orchards which abound in St. Armand East. 
 
 The well known Pinnacle in the extreme east is the 
 highest land, from the top of which is an extended 
 prospect. Near and around it are formed the head 
 waters of Pike river which receives the waters of many 
 small rivulets in its course through the eastern parish, 
 among which is the outlet of Dunham pond. Pike 
 river in the east, and Grout Creek in the west arc 
 the largest streams in the seigniory. The population 
 of St. Armand East is given as 1,825, of whom 279 are 
 of French origin. 
 
 FOUCAULT AND NOYAN. 
 
 The seigniory of Foucault as originally granted by 
 M. de Bcauharnois, April 3rd, 1733, to the Sieur 
 Foucault, fronted on the Chambly river (now Richelieu,) 
 and extended from the boundary of the seigniory of 
 Noyan, two leagues along the river and lake, and in 
 depth just to Missisquoi Bay. 'J^o grant from the 
 French governor was subsequently ratified by the King 
 of France. It appears however, that nothing had been 
 effected toward the settlement of this tract, up to the 
 conquest of Canada by the English, after which it be- 
 came the property of General John Caldwell, and from 
 him was named Caldwell’s Manor. 
 
824 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 During the revolutionary war, numbers of the class 
 of persons known as U. E. Loyalists, found a tempo- 
 rary refuge in Canada, and at its close, many settled 
 on lands known to have been included in the original 
 grant of the seigniory. But when the boundary limits 
 were clearly defined, part of the tract thus granted, 
 was found to lie south of the 45th parallel, and accord- 
 ing to the terms of the treaty, within United States 
 territory ; and consequently many who had settled 
 there, sought other locations. At present Foucault 
 consists of a strip of land about three miles in width, 
 extending along the boundary line from the Richelieu 
 river on the west, to Missisquoi Bay on the east, in 
 which the lands are held by the seigniorial tenure. 
 
 Noyan was granted by M de Beauharnois, April 
 2nd, 1733, to the Sieur Chavoy de Noyan, captain 
 of a company of marines in the country ; and extended 
 in front two leagues along the Chambly river, by three 
 leagues in depth ; and included the islands in its vici- 
 nity. The ratification of this grant bears date of July 
 8th, 1743. After the conquest it became the property 
 of Gabriel Christie, Esquire, and from him was called 
 Christie’s Manor. At present Noyan is bounded north 
 by other seigniories, east by Stanbridge, south by 
 Foucault, and west by the Richelieu river. The 
 southern part of the seigniory in common with Foucault, 
 was settled mostly by families of English, Scotch, Irish, 
 or German origin, who had been driven from their 
 homes by the political persecutions then so rife in the 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 32.5 
 
 colonies. Isaac Sails -who came in before the Declar- 
 ation of Independence, settled near the site of the 
 English Church in Clarenccville. Peter Hawley 
 settled in a locality now known as Beech Ridge ; and 
 farther west was the place chosen by Colonel Henry 
 Ruiter, afterward a pioneer settler in Potton. There 
 were also the Derricks, the Youngs, and others, the 
 descendants of whom still occupy the same lands. 
 In those early times, the country was covered with a 
 vigorous growth .of forest timber, which included a mix- 
 ture of hard and soft wood, and the land when cleared 
 was extremely productive. Large crops of grain and 
 vegetables were raised, as the cultivation of the soil 
 was almost the sole occupation of the people. The 
 reputation of the land for fertility had been the chief 
 reason why the section was so rapidly settled. Its sur- 
 face is generally level, ivhat little is waste lying in 
 swamps. 
 
 It may well be imagined that among those who 
 had then so lately been subjected to all the hardening 
 and demoralizing influences such a war as that of the 
 revolution must inevitably bring in its train, a low stan- 
 dard of morals and piety would prevail ; and whatever 
 religious sympathies these people had, were from early 
 association, in favor of a Presbyterian form of worship 
 and church government. In 1810, some of the most 
 religiously disposed among them, resolved on erecting 
 a house of worship on Caldwell’s Manor, and obtaining 
 the services of a resident minister of the Presbyterian 
 
326 
 
 HISTORY OP THE 
 
 order. The next year a wooden frame was put up and 
 covered, but further work on it was suspended by the 
 war of 1812. After peace was assured, a deputation 
 was sent to the Presbytery at Albany, to learn the 
 terms on which a minister could be obtained, but the 
 conditions were considered too hard, and further ne- 
 gotiations ceased. 
 
 The Episcopal Church was then but little known in 
 the northern part of the United States, and up to the 
 year 1809, only two of its clergy had visited these 
 seigniories ; but after the arrival of Dr. Stewart as 
 missionary at St. Armand, he occasionally visited and 
 instructed these destitute people. By his singularly 
 earnest, consistent, and self-denying efforts to benefit 
 his fellow creatures, he won their respect and confi- 
 dence, thus obtaining a strong influence over them. 
 
 On the failure of their attempts to procure a Presby- 
 terian minister, he promised to see them supplied with 
 a clergyman on conditions within their reach ; wliich 
 proposal w'as considered and accepted ; and in May 
 1815, the Rev. Micajah Townsend was ordained and 
 licensed to administer the Gospel; and having been 
 accepted a missionary by the Society for the Propaga- 
 tion of tlie Gospel in Foreign Parts, was appointed to 
 exercise his sacred calling in Caldwell’s and Christie’s 
 Manors. 
 
 On the 11th of June, 1815, he entered on his new 
 duties, and held his first morning service in a school 
 house at Christie’s Manor (Clarenceville), and his first 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 327 
 
 evenin" service at Caldwell’s Manor (St. Thomas). 
 In 18^, a new church was built at Christie’s Manor ; 
 and in 1822, the two seigniories of Foucault and Noyan 
 were erected by Letters Patent into two ecclesiastical 
 parishes, named respectively St. George and bt. 
 Thomas ; the division between them being quite incm- 
 pendent of the seigniorial limits. Subsequently the 
 parish of St. George was separated into the parishes of 
 SL George de Ilenryville, which comprises the north- 
 ern part and is principally settled by French Cana- 
 dians, and St. George de Clarenceville, which includes 
 the southern part, where the inhabitants are mostly 
 English-speaking Protestants. Each of these parishes 
 recnilates its own municipal affairs. 
 
 In 1843, a new brick church building was commen- 
 ced at the village of Ilenryville, in the most northern 
 of these parishes, for the accommodation of the i'rotest- 
 ant inhabitants there and in the vicinity, but was not 
 finished and consecrated till 1851, when it received 
 
 the name of St. Mark’s Church. 
 
 The old parish church in St. Thomas having become 
 too dilapidated for use, anew brick edifice was erected 
 in 1858, two miles farther north. . j 
 
 With occasional help, Mr. Townsend has officiated 
 in both these parishes, and even held services at stated 
 periods in Ilenryville ; but within a few years e 
 infirmities of age and failing health have rendered the 
 help of a permanent assistant necessary. J une iun, 
 1865, he completed the 50th year of his ministry, at 
 
328 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 which time the church in Clarenceville was re-opened 
 after a thorough repairing ; when he preached the same 
 sermon he had delivered on his first arrival among 
 the people. 
 
 This unusual event was further celebrated on the fol- 
 lowing Wednesday, by a fUe in the rectory grounds, 
 when in addition to a pic-nic, luncheon, and other 
 appropriate festivities, was added the formal pre- 
 sentation of an elegant and costly testimonial to the 
 rector from his parishioners, commemorative of his 
 services among them for a period of fifty years. 
 The articles presented were a beautiful silver Epergne 
 and Plateau ; on the latter of which, were engraved 
 appropriate inscriptions. The rector in returning his 
 acknowledgments to the donors, and reverting to the 
 more prominent events of their fifty years of intimate 
 intercourse, stated that during his ministrations in 
 the parishes, there had been 2,266 baptisms, 320 
 marriages, 751 burials, 730 confirmations, and notwith- 
 standing deaths and removals, there remained 120 
 communicants. 
 
 At a very early day in the history of these seignior- 
 ies, American Methodist preachers from the northern 
 conference crossed the line into Canada, and occasion- 
 ally visited these parts, where they met with some 
 success in forming societies ; and when in 1821, they 
 were entirely superseded by the English Wesleyan 
 missionaries, this section of country was included in the 
 first formed circuits. The Methoists are now numer- 
 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 329 
 
 ous here, and have a neat brick church edifice in 
 Clarenceville, which name has been given to an inde- 
 pendent station. 
 
 In the course of time the forests here have been 
 gradually receding, until most of the timber left stand- 
 ing is in the swampy districts. The land has justified 
 its reputation for productiveness, but of late years the 
 farmers are becoming convinced that soil which has 
 been so long under cultivation as to become exhausted, 
 requires not only the application of fertilizing agencies, 
 but calls for a radical change in farming operations 
 generally ; consequently more stock is kept, and less 
 extent of ground sowed to grain than was formerly the 
 case. A cheese factory has been recently built about 
 one mile from the village of Clarenceville. 
 
 Beside the English and Wesleyan church edifices, 
 an academy, customs house, post oflSce, stores, a pub- 
 lic house, mechanics’ shops, and some thirty or forty 
 inhabited dwellings comprise the village. There are 
 also post offices at St. Thomas, and at the locahy 
 known as Nutt’s Corners. The streams of water m 
 these seigniories are very insignificant. The popula- 
 tion of St. George is given at 1,761 ; and that of St. 
 Thomas as 811. 
 
330 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 SHEFFORD COUNTY. — ELY. — GRANBY. — MILTON. — ROITON.-r-gHKF- 
 FORD — 8TUKELY. 
 
 Shefford County includes the to^vnships of Ely, 
 Granby, Milton, Roxton, Shefford and Stukely, Wa- 
 terloo, in the township of Shefford, is its chef -lieu. The 
 Circuit Court for this county is held at Waterloo from 
 the 21st to the 25th of the months of January, April, 
 and September. The county agricultural shows are 
 also held here. 
 
 ELY. 
 
 Under the hand and seal of Sir Robert Shore Milnes, 
 lieutenant governor, &c., a warrant was issued for the 
 survey of a tract of land lying w^ithin the district of 
 Montreal, bounded north by Acton, north-east by Mel- 
 bourne, east by Brompton, south by Stukely,and west 
 by Roxton ; which after the usual preliminaries and 
 subdivision into 296 lots, was erected November 13th, 
 1802, into a township named Ely; one fourth part of 
 which was gi’anted to Amos Lay the younger and his 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 331 
 
 associates, viz, Peter Brewer, Ozro Hamilton, Enoch 
 Hoskins, Amos Lay the elder, Timothy Mills, John 
 Strong the younger, Chauncy Smith, Ella Smith, and 
 Timothy Woodford. 
 
 The first locations in Ely were made some time 
 about the commencement of the 19th century ; but 
 owing to certain local causes, the settlement failed of 
 making that rapid advancement which characterized 
 many localities. Of the names prominent among the 
 early settlers of this township are those of Amos Lay, 
 agent, Nathan Darby, Silas Woodard, William Wood- 
 ard, Daniel Oliver, Jewett Putney, Isaac Westover, 
 and persons named Wright, Wales, and Collins. 
 
 At one time during the earlier days of Ely, a party 
 consisting of five persons, viz, Peter Cramer, Andrew 
 Auringer, a man named Trenholme, and two of 
 Cramer’s sons who were then but boys, were out on a 
 surveying tour in the township. Having given up work 
 for the night, some of them thoughtlessly set fire to a 
 dry pine tree which stood near the camping ground, 
 after which they all laid themselves down and went to 
 sleep. The tree continued burning and as the trunk 
 proved to be hollow, it gave way and fell upon the 
 prostrate forms of the men, in such a manner that 
 Trenholme was instantly killed, the elder Cramer mor- 
 tally hurt, and Auringer badly bruised and disabled. 
 The two boys escaped unharmed, but had to go five 
 miles before they could obtain help. Their father was 
 still alive on their return to the scene of disaster, but 
 
HISTORY OF THE 
 
 832 
 
 died soon after being taken to his home. Auringer had 
 no bones broken, and recovered in time. 
 
 The surface of the land in Ely is generally level or 
 nearly so ; the soil being considered of good quality for 
 farming purposes ; whatever is unfit for cultivation 
 lying mostly in swamps. The woodland contains a 
 mixture of hard and soft timber ; much of the former 
 being the rock maple, from which quantities of sugar 
 are made each spring. 
 
 The principal streams of water are the east branch 
 of Black river which comes from North Stukely, and 
 the tributaries it receives in its course north, then west 
 into Roxtoh. Some smaller streams flow north into Mel- 
 bourne. In 1861, the northern and southern parts of 
 the township were separated for school purposes ; and 
 in 1864, for local municipal convenience. 
 
 South Ely. Most, if not all of the early settlers of 
 the township, located in the southern section, in which 
 is now a fast increasing majority of French Canadian 
 inhabitants. It has three post offices, viz, Valcourt, 
 South Ely, and Boscobel. A Catholic church is located 
 at Valcourt ; a Church of England mission was estab- 
 lished at Boscobel in 1863, and steps have been taken 
 for the erection of a church edifice. Different sects of 
 Protestants meet for worship in the various school- 
 houses. There are mills in South Ely, and minera 
 indications abound, but no mines are worked at present. 
 
 North Ely. In 1 830, Ira Bartlett came from Bethel, 
 Vt., and located his family at North Ely, where for 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 333 
 
 three ycai’S they lived at a distance of ten miles from 
 neighbors, during which time they were subjected to 
 almost inconceivable inconveniences and privations. 
 The next settlers in the locality wore Irish emigrants ; 
 a class of inhabitants since become quite numerous. 
 
 The taxable property in North Ely is $72,460 ; the 
 number of legal voters 163. The yearly assessment of 
 $400 raised for schools, with the government grant of 
 $78.00, and the usual scholar fee, amount to about 
 $800.00 yearly, for the support of eight elementary 
 schools. The post office at wliich a mail arrives 
 twice per week, is called Bethel, and is situated about 
 five miles from the Grand Trunk Railway station m 
 
 Durham. . 
 
 The land in North Ely is of good settling quality ; 
 roads are opening up and improving rapidly. There 
 is one church here ; also three stores ; and three saw 
 mills are in operation in the settlement. The popula- 
 tion of Ely altogether is given as 1,784. 
 
 GRANBY. 
 
 The tract of land in the district of Montreal, bound- 
 ed north by MUton, east by SheSbrd, south by Earn- 
 ham, and west by the French seigniories, contaimng 
 261 lots with the usual allowance for highways, was 
 erected into a township named Granby, by Letters 
 Patent, bearing date of January 8th, 1803 ; and fina y 
 
 granted to the officers and privates of Canadian militia, 
 
 and the widows and orphans of such as were deceased. 
 The grantees were ninety-five in number. 
 
334 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 Some few locations had been made in Granby pre- 
 vious to the war of 1812, as we find that Roswell Spald- 
 ing, son of John Spalding one of the associates of 
 Shefibrd who had settled near the mountain, came to 
 Granby in 1809, and fixed his habitation about two 
 miles east from the site of the village. Simon Door 
 located nearly the same time about one mile from that 
 point, in the same dii’ection. Several families from 
 Vermont, named Horner, settled upon the site of the 
 village. Jonathan Herrick settled near that place 
 about the year 1812. 
 
 After the close of that war, parts of the wild land 
 in the township were given to soldiers who had been 
 discharged from the British service ; and while some 
 few may have settled upon their grants, and others 
 disposed of their claims for a reasonable consideration, 
 the great majority sold them for some paltry price, 
 and thus certain parties accumulated large tracts. 
 
 Richard Frost who had come to Canada from New- 
 hampshire early in the 19th century and settled at 
 Shefford, was engaged in the government service 
 during the war, at which time he resided in Sorel. In 
 1818 he returned to Shefford and opened a public 
 house and store at Frost Village. In the meantime, he 
 received a grant of five hundred acres of land in Granby, 
 and purchased from the agent of an absent proprietor 
 named Me Waters, the tract on which the village of 
 Granby now stands. At the time of this purchase, the 
 only frame building on the premises was a barn, which 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 335 
 
 with three log dwellings, a grist-mill the stones of 
 which were taken from the neighboring mountain, and 
 a saw-mill constructed in the most primitive manner, 
 included the extent of improvements within the limits 
 of the present corporation. 
 
 In 1825, Mr. Frost came to reside in Granby, and 
 in 1826, a post ofBce was opened here on the direct 
 line of weekly mails sent from Chambly to Stanstead. 
 About the year 1830, a person named Douglas pur- 
 chased a site and built a mill on the premises. 
 
 Of the timber originally standing, pine and tamarac 
 were the most valuable for exportation, and in the early 
 days of settlement, so soon as roads could be made 
 passable, large quantities of lumber were taken to the 
 river at St. Pie, and thence down the Yamaska and 
 St. Lawrence to the Quebec market ; yet such was 
 the time and expense involved in this labor, that little 
 profit remained to the settler after all his toil. 
 
 The stream on which the village of Granby is located, 
 comes from Shefford in the east, and on entering the 
 corporation commences a series of rapids by a gradual 
 descent into a vaUey, in the course of which there occur 
 some sixty or seventy feet of fall, affording numerous 
 sites for industrial works. The railway station is located 
 upon the left bank of the stream, which is crossed by 
 three bridges at different points, as the principal street 
 is situated“on the right side, and is considerably eleva- 
 ted above the water. 
 
 The lower or more northerly section of the village, 
 
HISTORY OF THE 
 
 336 
 
 is chiefly inhabited by French Canadians, and here 
 stands the Roman Catholic church, the first house of 
 worship erected in the place. As a great improvement 
 upon country villages generally, the principal street 
 here is macadamized. Both the French and English 
 languages are necessarily spoken to some extent. 
 
 Within the corporation are four church buildings, 
 a distributing post office, a printing office whence 
 issues a weekly newspaper, ten or twelve stores, an 
 academy, a hall for courts, lectures, and public meet- 
 ings, two grist-nulls, four saw-mills, three tanneries, 
 two carriage shops, two furniture shops, many smaller 
 mechanical works, three public houses, and some hun- 
 dred and twenty-five private dwellings. The assess- 
 able property of the village is valued at $113,140. 
 There are two common schools (one French and 
 one English) in the place. 
 
 The Church of England mission in Granby was es- 
 tablished in 1843, and the church edifice erected about 
 the same time. The first resident missionary was the 
 Rev. G. Slack, who was succeeded in turn by the Rev. 
 T. Machin, and the Rev. W. Jones, present incum- 
 bent. 
 
 The mission includes a part of North Sheffbrd, where 
 a substantial stone edifice called St. Peter’s Church was 
 erected some few years since, and also the south part 
 of the township of Roxton. 
 
 The Congregational church in Granby, was organ- 
 ized in March, 1833. The first minister was the Rev., 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 337 
 
 James Dougherty, who has been succeeded in turn by 
 the Rev. Messrs. Glede, Chapin, Fox, Gibb, Lanca- 
 shire, McLeod, Bucher, and Howell, the latter of 
 • whom is present pastor. 
 
 Wesleyan Methodism was introduced into Granby 
 in 1822, by the Rev. Thomas Catterick, who formed a 
 small class, and till the year 1867, it continued to 
 form a part of Shefford Circuit; but at that period 
 through the efforts of the Rev. R. A. Flanders, a church 
 edifice was erected, and in 1864, a parsonage was 
 purchased, and all claim renounced to the mission 
 fund ; since which, Granby has been an independent 
 circuit. The number of church members is 124. The 
 stationed minister is assisted occasionally by the 
 Rev. E. S. Ingalls, retired Wesleyan missionary, 
 residing in the place. Weekly services are held in the 
 church at Granby village, and semi-monthly services 
 in several other localities. Increasing congregations 
 require the erection of additional houses of worship to 
 accommodate the inhabitants of the different sections, 
 and steps have been taken to meet that want. 
 
 The surface of the land in Granby is usually level, and 
 whatever is unfit for cultivation, lies mostly in swamps 
 an d morasses. Its agricultural capabilities and pro- 
 ducts, are similar to those of West Famham and 
 Stanbridge. Some tracts were hard timbered, and 
 those parts where the rock maple grew most abun- 
 dant, were generally chosen by the early settlers for 
 location, in preference to the soft-wooded portions. 
 
 w 
 
338 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 Since tlie construction of the railway, the timber left 
 standing, which is mostly hemlock, finds an easy 
 avenue to market, and a I’eady sale. 
 
 The most considerable stream of water in Granby is 
 that on which the village is situated, viz, the outlet of 
 Waterloo pond, which enters the township from Shef- 
 ford, and after passing through the village, turns to 
 the south-west into Farnham. There is also the 
 outlet of Roxton pond, which enters the north-eastern 
 section of the township, and after several turnings, re- 
 enters Milton, and passes Avest into the seigniories. — 
 The small village of Mawcook, in the north of Granby, 
 is located on this stream at a point where about the 
 year 1833, John Darrel built mills and commenced 
 business. The place now has a post office named 
 Mawcook, a store, grist-mill, five saw-mills, and a col- 
 lection of dwellings. 
 
 There are two slate quarries within the township, one 
 of which is situated three miles west of the village of 
 Granby ; the company to which it belongs having been 
 incorporated in the summer of 1867. It has complete 
 machinery for marbleizing the slate, and also for pre- 
 paring ic for flooring. The other quarry is three miles 
 south of the village. This slate is for roofing. The 
 company has been but recently organized, and there- 
 fore their works are not in as complete operation ; 
 but their prospects are fair, and the slate appears of 
 superior quality. 
 
 In a good farming district in the south of Granby, 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 339 
 
 a store and post otEce have been opened, and public 
 ■worship is held each Sabbath. 
 
 The S. S. & C. R. R. enters the township from the 
 seigniories, and approaches the village from the south- 
 west, after which it diverges to the south-east, and 
 passing around Shefford Mountain, has its terminus at 
 Waterloo. 
 
 Outside the village corporation, the amount of 
 assessable property in Granby is §288,219 ; the number 
 of legal voters 309. For the year ending in June 
 1866, §1,014.78 were raised for schools, aside from 
 the government grant of §185. Beside several French 
 dissentient schools, there are thirteen English ele- 
 mentary schools in operation. The census of 1861, 
 gives Granby a population of 2,511 inhabitants, 996 
 of whom are French Canadians. 
 
 MILTON. 
 
 The tract of land lying within the district of Mon- 
 treal, bounded north and west by the seigniories, east 
 by Roxton, and south by Granby, surveyed, divided 
 into ranges, and subdivided into two hundred and four 
 lots, was erected by Letters Patent into a township 
 named Milton, January 29th, 1803 ; and subsequently 
 granted to officers and privates of Canadian militia, and 
 the widows and orphans of such as were deceased. — 
 These grantees were eighty-one in number. 
 
 With the exception of the locality known as Milton 
 Corners, where is a considerable settlement of English- 
 
HISTORY OF THE 
 
 I 
 
 340 
 
 speaking Protestants, most of the inhabitants of the 
 township are French Canadians ^ and for local conven- 
 ience it has been separated into two distinct municipali- 
 ties, named respectively, St. Cecile de Milton, and St. 
 Valerian de Mlton. 
 
 In surface of land, quality of forest timber, agricul- 
 tural capabilities, products, &c., Milton much resembles 
 Granby, Stanbridge, and the seigmories near. The 
 largest stream is Black river, which flows through the 
 north-west part into the seigniories. In the south is 
 the outlet of Roxton pond, which after passing into 
 Granby, re-enters Milton, whence it flows west. 
 
 A Church of England mission was established at 
 Milton Corners in June 1843, by the Rev. G. Slack, 
 at that time residing in Granby, and was connected 
 with the mission at that place, till in the spring of 
 1851, Mr. Slack removed to Milton, where he remained 
 in charge till 1864. The mission was subsequently 
 served by the Rev. F. Robinson of Abbottsford, till 
 the appointment of the Rev. A. 0. Taylor, who is 
 in charge at the present time. There are also English 
 schools and a post oflSce in this section. 
 
 In St. Cecile de Milton, $692,28 altogether, were 
 raised for educational purposes in 1866 ; the yearly 
 grant for the same period, being $250,86. In St. 
 Valerain, the amount raised by assessment was 
 $379,10; the government grant being $106,40. The 
 population of Milton altogether is given as 2,790. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 341 
 
 ROXTON. 
 
 Under the hand and seal of Robert Shore Mllnes, 
 Baronet, lieutenant-governor, &c., a warrant was issued 
 for the survey of a tract of land lying within the dis- 
 trict of Montreal, bounded north by Acton, east by 
 Ely, south by Shefford, and west by Milton, which being 
 subdivided into three hundred and twenty-eight lots, 
 was erected into a township named Roxton, by Letters 
 Patent dated January 8th, 1803, and in part granted 
 to Elizabeth Ruiter widow of the late John Ruiter, 
 Philip Ruiter, Hannah Ruiter, Jacob Ruiter, John 
 Ruiter, Ilermanicus Ruiter, Catherine Ruiter, all 
 children of the late John Ruiter ; John Kobatch, Eliza 
 Ross Conroy, Jean Shirley Conroy, Cornelia Conroy, 
 Mary Ann Conroy, Margaret Pell, James Kerr, 
 Margaret Kerr, James Hastings Kerr, Jane Helen 
 Kerr, Margaret Kerr the younger, Magdalen Kerr, 
 Christian Wehr the younger, Sarah Morris, Anne 
 Morris wife of Samuel Sansum, Robert Hunter Morris, 
 Lewis Genevray, David Alexander Grant, Duncan 
 Fisher, Etienne Dechambault, Gilbert Miller, Mary 
 Platt, John Platt, George Platt, Anne Platt, and John 
 Robb. 
 
 Notwithstanding this grant, few permanent, settle- 
 ments were made in the township before the year 1834, 
 when James Savage, Alanson Ball, Benjamin Kilborne, 
 Rufus Kempton, and A. Sanbome, located in the 
 southern part ; since which the settlement has greatly 
 
342 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 increased. The post office in this section receives a 
 tri-weekly mail. 
 
 Most of the inhabitants of the more northerly parts 
 are French Canadians. 
 
 The incorporated village of Roxton Falls on the 
 Black river in the north-eastern part of the township, 
 is six miles from the Grand Trunk station at Acton, 
 and receives a daily mail from that point, Avith wliich 
 it is connected by stage. There is a Roman Catholic 
 church in the place ; also a large and convenient 
 school-house where the Protestant community meet for 
 worship ; and several stores, mills, two large tanneries, 
 public-houses, and mechanics’ shops, beside a large 
 number of dwellings. Considerable lumber is manu- 
 factured here. 
 
 In many parts of Roxton the land is uneven and 
 rough, yet there are no very prominent elevations. 
 Roxton pond, in the south-east corner, is the largest 
 body of water, and discharges through a stream run- 
 ning south-west. The main branch of Black river which 
 enters Roxton from Ely, may be considered the chief 
 stream, and runs in a general north west-course, receiv- 
 ing several tributaries coming from different parts of 
 the township. 
 
 The agricultural capabilities of Roxton are about on 
 an equality with other townships around, as when well 
 cultivated the land produces abundantly. The French 
 Canadian population is multiplying rapidly, and already 
 forms a large majority. During the year 1866, the 
 
eastern townships. 
 
 343 
 
 sum of $1,102,80 altogether, was levied for educa- 
 tional purposes, aside from the government grant of 
 $360,94. The census of 1861, gives Roxton a popu 
 tion of 3,438 inliabitants. 
 
 SIIErFORD. 
 
 \ tract within the district of Montreal, hounded 
 north by Roxton, east by Stukely, south by Brome 
 and west by Granby, after the usual form, was erected 
 into a township named Shefford, by Letters Paten 
 dated February lOth, 1801, and m part granted to 
 John Savage and his associates, viz, John Savage the 
 youn<rer, Ilezekiah Wood, John Allen, Simon Gnggs, 
 Lhatd Power,, John Sawgo Iho son of Edward 
 Savage, Peter Savage, Ezekiel Lewis, Henry Hardie, 
 Anthony Cutler, Isaac Kinneson, Solomon Kmneson, 
 Malcolm McFarland, Peter Hayes, Edward Grave^ 
 Henry Powers, Alexander Douglas, Silas Lews, John 
 Lockhart Wiseman, James Bell, John Mock, Tmo J 
 Hoskins, William Moffit, Thaddeus 
 rencc, Isaac Lawrence the younger, Elyah Law rcnw, 
 James Berry, Abraham Kinneson, John 
 Hatchback, John Mock the younger, Joseph Mock, 
 William Bell, John Bell, and Samuel Bell. 
 
 Most, if not all of the above named associates became 
 hona fide settlers in the township, and many of them 
 loft nlerous descendants here. The first permanent 
 resident of the tract was Capt. John Savage, himse 
 the agent of the associates, and as such peisonally 
 
HISTORY OF THE 
 
 344. 
 
 interested in carrying out the conditions on which the 
 grant was to be made. In the spring of 1793, ho 
 pioneered the way with compass and axe — the former 
 to indicate the right course, the latter to mark the 
 trees, — and was followed by men who cleared away the 
 forest underwood, in order to admit the passage of ox- 
 sleds on which were brought the household goods and 
 provisions, while the family came on behind. They 
 settled in the south-western portion of the tract. The 
 second inhabitant was a person named Towner, who 
 however, remained but a short time. 
 
 The third on the ground was Isaac Lawrence, who 
 came in from Hinesburg,Vt., in the winter of 1794. He 
 had previously chosen a location farther into the inte- 
 rior of the tract, near the body of water since known 
 as Waterloo pond ; but on his arrival with his family, 
 shared the shelter of Towner, till a cabin of his own 
 ^ could be prepared. Two of his elder sons were among 
 the associates of Shefford, and a third followed them 
 to Canada soon after ; three younger were still at home, 
 and eventually the whole six settled permanently in 
 Sheflford, Stukely and Brome. Several of this family 
 lived to an advanced age arid left numerous descend- 
 ants, now however, widely scattered. 
 
 The associates of the township mostly located on 
 their lands during the later years of the 18th century, 
 but improvements were slow. In 1797, a winter road 
 was opened from Shefford through Granby to the Black 
 river at St. Pie ; and by October of the next year, 
 

 EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 345 
 
 streams were bridged and causeways constructed so 
 that ox-sleds could pass to that point in summer. 
 
 At an early period several families named Frost 
 settled in the south-east part of the township, from 
 whom the settlement in that locality received the name 
 of “ Frost Village.” 
 
 When the settlements were so far advanced as to 
 make it necessary that a way of communication should 
 be opened between Montreal and the townships east, and 
 a route was chosen from Magog Outlet, through Stuke- 
 ly, Shefford, Granby, &c., to Chambly, Frost Village 
 became a sort of centre for the retail trade of the sec 
 tion, and several business and professional men located 
 here. 
 
 Prominent among these was Dr. Stephen Sewell 
 Foster, bom at Oakham, Mass., November 22nd, 
 February 7th, 1813, he married Sally Belknap of 
 Dummei-ston, Vt., and in 1817, settled to the practice 
 of his profession in Newfane, Vt., where he remained 
 till in 1822 he came to Canada with his wife and four 
 children. His fii-st location was at Frost Village, 
 but after a residence here of one year, he removed 
 to the locality where is now situated the thriving vil- 
 lage of Waterloo, at the time when there were but 
 tw°o dwellings in the place, one of which is still stand- 
 in" and in use for a printing and other offices. There 
 were also mills, cloth-dressing works, and a black- 
 smith’s shop. After a short residence there however, 
 the Doctor returned to Frost Village, and settled upon 
 
346 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 the farm, until recently occupied by his second son 
 the Hon. Asa Belknap Foster. 
 
 His license to practice his profession, had been re- 
 ceived from the Vermont Medical Society, but after 
 coming to this country he attended lectures at Quebec, 
 and obtained license to practice in Canada. Under the 
 Earl of Dalhousie, he was appointed surgeon to Col. 
 Jones’ battalion. After the establishment of McGill 
 college he attended lectures there for a period, and on 
 the foi’mation of the College of Physicions and Surgeons, 
 was elected one of its governors, which position he 
 held till in 1866, failing health obliged him to resign. 
 He also held the office of justice of the peace and 
 commissioner for the trial of small causes, when there 
 was no other court in the Eastern Townships. In 1841, 
 he was elected to the Provincial Parliament from 
 Shefford County, and being re-elected, was a member 
 of that body for seven years. 
 
 At the time Dr. Foster settled in Frost Village, 
 there was no other physician for many miles around, 
 his practice extending from Yaraaska Mountain to 
 Missisquoi Bay ; and it was no uncommon thing for 
 him to be called to attend patients in Stanstead, or 
 even in Derby and Coventry, Vt. At such times he 
 went by bridle paths through the forest to the outlet of 
 Lake Memphremagog, (six miles intervening between 
 dwellings at places on the way ;) and thence up the 
 lake in a log canoe. On other occasions he was guided 
 by nothing more definite than marked trees ; sometimes ' 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 347 
 
 seeing the wolves cross the path before him, and often 
 hearinc' them howl in the woods on either hand. 
 
 In the practice of his profession under such circum- 
 stances, he was often brought in contact with scenes 
 which excited his warmest sympathies, and had fre- 
 quent occasion for the exercise of a benevolent and 
 kindly feeling, which was manifested m ways peculiar 
 to himself, and which won upon the hearts of the people 
 among whom he lived and practised so long, and estab- 
 lishecf a claim upon their lasting esteem and gratitude. 
 In October 1857, he removed to Knowlton in Brome, 
 with the double view of retiring from the active prac- 
 tice of his profession, and of being near his eldest son 
 Capt. Hiram S. Foster, of that place. 
 
 It must have been a source of extreme satisfaction 
 to Dr. and Mrs. Foster in their declining years, to 
 witness their success in rearing a family, several of 
 whom occupy high official positions in the country. 
 Still more must they have found their happiness in the 
 filial love and attention manifested toward themselves, 
 and in the fraternal and sisterly affection existing 
 among their children-traits of character both ennobling 
 and refining — strengthened and cultivated by frequent 
 meetings and annual family gatherings. 
 
 On the evening of February 7th, 1863, the “ Golden 
 ' Wedding ” or Fiftieth Anniversary of their mar- 
 ria<re was celebrated at the residence of their son 
 Samuel W. Foster Esq., advocate, at Knowlton Brome. 
 Feburay 7th, 1813, they were married at Brattle- 
 
348 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 borough, Vt. Their deccndants now living are eleven 
 children, all married, and twenty-five grand-children. 
 
 At seven o’clock on the evening in question, family 
 relatives and intimate friends assembled, and after 
 prayer by the Rev. Robert Lindsay, at eight o’clock 
 the company sat down to an elegantly prepared dinner. 
 
 The repast ended, brief addresses were made by C. • 
 
 Dunkin,Esq., M.P.P., the Rev. R. Lindsay, and Dr. 
 
 Barber, congratulating the venerable couple who were 
 the honored guests of the occasion, on their safe arrival 
 at that hour and place, after a long and prosperous 
 journey, with so few marks of age ; also upon their 
 success in life, and above all, upoH the multiplied 
 evidences of filial afiection with which they were sur- 
 rounded in their declining years. The speakers also 
 congratulated the children and grand-children on the 
 heritage they had received in the teachings, examples 
 and good name of their parents. 
 
 S. W. Foster then addressed a few words to the 
 friends assembled ; when on behalf of all present and 
 absent, he responded in suitable acknowledgments to 
 the above named addresses and congratulations. 
 
 In the course of the evening, presents of gold and 
 silver had passed from the hands of children and grand- 
 children to the venerable pair, and the wish was oft 
 repeated that they might live long to enjoy the affec- 
 tionate esteem of their friends, and the health and 
 happiness which follows a life of sobriety and useful- 
 ness, 
 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 349 
 
 Though subjected to the increasing infirmities of 
 age, and gradually yielding to their power, Dr. Foster 
 lived till in the fall of 1868, a more rapid decay 
 of the vital forces indicated that the end was near, 
 and after a confinement to his room for five weeks, 
 during which time, though suffering severely, he was 
 soothed by the affectionate attentions of his chddren, 
 all of whom were with him more or less, he died at his 
 residence in Knowlton, December 29th, 1868, and was 
 
 buried January 1st, 1869. looc 
 
 Sometime between the yeara 1821 and 18-5, 
 through the efforts of Richard Frost, Samuel Willard, 
 and David Wood of Frost Village, and John Wetherbee 
 of Magog Outlet, a weekly post was estabUshed be- 
 tween°Chambly and Stanstead, which was carried on 
 horseback in summer, and usually in a single sleigh in 
 winter; about which time the post office was opened 
 at this point. Previously, the nearest post had been 
 either at Stanstead, Missisquoi Bay, or at Chambly. 
 Owin<» to local causes the Frost Village of the present 
 is noUhriving as formerly ; its prosperity seeming to 
 have become generally absorbed in that of Waterloo. 
 The academy and public offices formerly located here, 
 have been transferred to that place, and most of the 
 prominent inhabitants have left for other localities. A 
 small but neat stone church edifice belonging to the 
 Chureh of England, built in 1852 and consecrated 
 early the next year ; a Methodist chapel, one or two 
 stores, a post office, public house, tannery, some few 
 
HISTORY OF THE 
 
 
 360 
 
 mechanics’ shops and a number of dwellings now com- 
 prise the village ; but among many of the buildings 
 the work of decay is going rapidly on. 
 
 West Shefford, otherwise called Sheflford plain, is in 
 the south-west part of the township where the first 
 locations were made in 1793. For a time, inhabitants 
 increased here rapidly, the situation being pleasant and 
 favorable. It lies on a main branch of the Yamaska 
 river, a few miles below the point where the stream 
 issues from Brome lake. A church edifice belonging 
 to the Church of England, built about the year 1821 ; 
 a Roman Catholic church quite new ; a public hall 
 built in 1863 ; two stores, a post office, some few 
 mechanics’ shops, and a considerable number of private 
 dwellings, comprise the village. Progress here has 
 been slow. 
 
 The body of water long known as Waterloo pond 
 received its name while yet the bustling, thriving vil- 
 lage now situated near its bank and along its outlet, 
 was in its incipient stages ; and imagination must 
 furnish reasons why the name of a world-renowned 
 European battlefield which decided the fate of an em- 
 pire, should have been chosen to designate a then 
 obscure locality in the midst of a wild and uncultivated 
 region of country. 
 
 It appears that the first mills were built on the 
 outlet of this pond by a person named Lewis ; and that 
 subsequently they passed through different hands, till 
 about the year 1822 the premises were purchased by 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 351 
 
 Hezekiah Robinson, machinery introduced and put in 
 operation, and a business commenced which, conducted 
 by energy and perseverance laid the foundation of a 
 permanent prosperity. 
 
 Within the few succeeding years, several other 
 families located in the vicinity, among whom were 
 those of Adolphus Rennet, Samuel Brown, Calvin 
 Richardson, Daniel Taylor, Dr. Sewell Foster, and the 
 Rev. R. Whitwell. Messi-s. Lyman and Child opened 
 the first store in the place. In 1825, Charles Allen 
 commenced work here as a blacksmith, and a few 
 years later began making iron-castings; which business 
 was conducted on a small scale at first, but has been 
 enlarged at various times, and has gradually grown to 
 its present extensive proportions. 
 
 Waterloo which is now the principal village in 
 Shefford, and the chef-lieu of the county, was incor- 
 porated January 1st, 1867. The corporation covers 
 several lots and parts of lots in the third and fourth 
 ranges of the township, and contains within its limits 
 fou° church buildings ; an academy ; a county house ; 
 a post office opened in 1836 ; a branch of the Eastern 
 Township’s Bank; a registry office; ten or more 
 general stores ; a printing office whence issues a weekly 
 newspaper ; four public houses ; two clothing stores ; a 
 hardware store and tin shop ; two furniture shops ; 
 extensive iron works ; a large tannery giving employ- 
 ment to many hands ; a door, sash, and blind factory ; 
 two planing mills I a wholesale and several retaU gro- 
 
a 
 
 < 
 
 362 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 ceries ; two jewellers’ shops ; a drug store ; numerous 
 smaller trading establishments ; many mechanics’ shops ; 
 and 300 or more inhabited dwellings. Among these 
 are found the usual representatives of the various 
 professions. 
 
 The post office, court house, bank, printing office, 
 registry office, mills, many private offices, and several of 
 the principal business establishments and important 
 industrial works, are located at the older or lower sec- 
 tion of the village ; also many convenient and tasteful 
 private residences. Yet Waterloo owes its more recent 
 rapid growth and to a great extent its business import- 
 ance, to its situation as the terminus of the S.S. & C. 
 R.R. The uf-per section of the village where are 
 located the railway station and offices, has literally 
 sprung into existence within the last few years as the 
 direct effect of railway enterprize ; and in consequence, 
 the buildings in the immediate vicinity are all new or 
 nearly so : that locality wearing the air of bustling 
 activity pertaining to such generally. Many comfort- 
 able and substantial private dwellings have also been 
 built around the square, while on the rising grounds at 
 a short distance, are still more in wliich elegance and 
 convenience are combined, while some display superior 
 wealth and taste. 
 
 These two sections are connected by two principal 
 thoroughfares, the sites on which are being rapidly 
 taken up for public buildings, private dwellings, or 
 mechanics’ shops. The academy is located on one of 
 them, about midway between the two extremes. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 363 
 
 The place has daily communication by railway with 
 
 Montreal and the intermediate points; by stage with 
 
 Knowlton in Brome, and during the season of summer 
 travel, with the steamboat terminus at Magog. Also 
 tri-weekly connection by stage with Stanstead and 
 other places on the east ; Melbourne and others north , 
 Nelsonville, &c., south ; beside which, it is the centre 
 point of a perfect net work of roads by which i is con- 
 Lctcd with the neighboring localities. A telegrap 
 line connects it by way of Knowlton with several pjj 
 on the frontier, and in another chrection with St. Johns 
 The Church of England Mission in Shefiford was 
 opened about the year 1821, through the mauence and 
 eLts of the Rev. Dr. Stewart, who, true to his calling 
 as pioneer and patron of the church in these townships, 
 contributed generously toward its establishment. The 
 Rev. R. Whitwell was appointed to the ^ 
 
 divided his services between East and West Sh . 
 Ilis successors here have been in turn the 
 Salmon Balfour, Whitten and Lindsay ; the latter of 
 p«nt kcumbont of W.tol<K> ond Fro,t VU- 
 lage ; West Shefford being now a separate mission 
 charge of the Rev. A. Whitten. 
 
 Since the construction of the railway an 
 seS increase of population in Waterloo, the place 
 of worship hitherto in use here, has beenfound entme y 
 L smaU to accommodate the congregations assemblmg 
 OB SuBd.^-, beside which, it “ ^ 
 
 from what is now a central point of the village. Br 
 
 X 
 
354 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 parations have therefore been made for the erection of 
 an edifice that shall combine the modem improvements 
 in church architecture with more comfortable dimen- 
 sions, more convenient arrangements, and a more suit- 
 able location. The work on the new church has al- 
 ready progressed to some extent, and is to be finished 
 the ensuing season. 
 
 A convenient church building nearly new, belonging 
 to the Wesleyan Methodists, was unfortunately burned 
 here in the winter of 1868, but has been rebuilt on an 
 enlarged and improved plan. 
 
 The Adventists have also a house of worship in 
 Waterloo, but have at present no settled minister here. 
 The Roman Catholic church here was built in 1864. 
 
 It may not be improper in this connection to speak 
 of the probable future of Waterloo, considered in refer- 
 ence to its advantages in being located at a point 
 which may eventually prove to be of more interest and 
 importance than is now apparent , but which will be 
 clearly seen when improvements that have been pro- 
 jected and are already in contemplation, shall have 
 been carried to a successful completion. 
 
 About two miles a little east of north from Water- 
 loo, is a locality named Warden, which was settled to 
 some extent, at a very early period in the history of 
 the township. It was at first known as Mock’s mills,, 
 from John Mock, one of the associates of Shefibrd, 
 who commenced the erection of a grist mill here in the 
 fall of 1795 ; it being the first mill of the kind built in 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 355 
 
 the township. The place has since been knoiin as 
 Knowlton’s Falls, but more recently as arden. A 
 neat brick church building belonging to the W esleyan 
 Methodists, occupies a conspicuous location here ; beside 
 which, are two stores, a post office, public 
 chanics’ shops, mUls, and a collection of inhabited 
 
 ’‘’‘Cfrfaceottbcland in Slrford is broken »d 
 hUly in sections, though the only prominent elevation 
 is the well known Shefford Mountain in the western 
 
 part. Most of the grains grow well here; vegetables 
 produce luxuriantly ; and many parts afford excellent 
 facilities for the raising of stock and for the produce 
 
 pond or lake as it is more recenUy termed, 
 is the largest body of water in the township ^d 
 most considerable stream running any length m it, i 
 Thfolt of that pond. This at “ 
 course, then turning west, passes into Gianby. ibe 
 outlet of Brome lako enters the south-w-est corner of 
 Shefford, when crossing a point of Granby, i 
 hito Fariiham. The S.S. & C.R.U. enters from Gran- 
 by fnd passing around south of the mountain, has its 
 
 l"i:mii Jat Waterloo, f-ight 
 
 allv nass UP as far as Frost village, the tracK Dein„ 
 laid thus far. Two companies of volunteer infan ry 
 
 are under organization in Sheffoid. 
 
 ThL are Wttar tea church bmldmge, an aca- 
 demy! a Sol acU and l«nty-f.«r echeol tom 
 
66 
 
 HISTORY 01' THE 
 
 in the township. The total amount levied for educa* 
 tional purposes in 1866, was 12,392,61 ; the govern- 
 ment grant for the same year being $419, 64. The 
 nominal value of assessable property is $515,000 ; the 
 number of legal voters 659. The census of 1861 
 gives a population of 3,712. 
 
 STUKELY. 
 
 Under the hand and seal of Robert Shore Milnes, 
 Esquire, Lieutenant Governor, &c., a warrant dated 
 May 10th, 1800, was issued for the survey of a tract 
 of land lying within the district of Montreal, bounded 
 north by Ely, east by Orford, south by Bolton, and 
 west by Sheflford. As originally surveyed, the tract 
 contained 62,914 superficial acres of land, which was 
 erected into a township named Stukely, by Letters 
 Patent bearing date of November 3rd, 1800, and in 
 part granted to Samuel Willard and his associates, 
 viz, Josiah Arms, Houghton Dickinson, Luke Knowl- 
 ton the younger, Jonathan Doming, Frederick Hawes, 
 Henry Lawrence, Thomas King, Reuben Partridge, 
 David Partridge, Joseph Gleason, James Bacon, 
 Silas Knowlton, John Morse, John Rutter, Erastus 
 Lawrence, Joel Dickinson, Luke B. Osgoode, Artemas 
 Stevens, Lemuel Stevens, Luther Sargent, John 
 Arms, Roswell Sargent, John Osgoode, John Hol- 
 brook, and Samuel Page. 
 
 Samuel Willard, agent for these associates was born 
 in Petersham, colony of Mass., in December 1766. 
 
eastern TOWNSIUrS. 
 
 357 
 
 »rs:s:sHE'r; 
 
 nr*a::;rt£-~r>rK; 
 
 during the exciting period of the American revolution, 
 
 and at an early ago Samuel exhibited an 
 
 and strength of character that recommended him to 
 the confidence of their political friends 
 
 When of proper age, he established himse 
 ness at Neivfane, Vt., ivherc he married and remained 
 for a time, but came to reside permanently m Canada 
 about the year 1800 . Ilor. be 
 into active life as agent for the associates of Stukely 
 and after a residence of more than thirty years in the 
 country, most of which time he was an efficient pubhe 
 serv J, died at his farm in this township, October 
 
 Soutbera Vetmonl, 
 
 , j„a to tract tor the purpoao of ob<K,amg locotoa, 
 
 and in tbe autumn of Uiat year, Si “ .j. 
 
 John Whitney came on as pioneer settlers- y 
 were soon a Jrward followed by others who all located 
 
 M dCaline was laid out through 
 
 the forest to Magog outlet, leading around the north 
 ride of Mountain pond (Orford lake), up a narrow and 
 dangerl ascentVtwcen a ridge of Orford mountain 
 
358 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 and the deep water at its base. Notwithstanding the 
 government aid that has been received and expended, 
 and the improvements made from time to time upon 
 this road, it was found impossible to overcome the 
 natural obstructions presented, or prevent the serious 
 and even fatal accidents that occurred there. Many 
 years since, a person named Wadleigh who was travel- 
 ling east from Hatley, lost his life at this pass, and 
 more recently others have lost their teams over the 
 precipice. To avoid the dangers of this route, another 
 line of road has since been opened, which leads around 
 the south side of the pond, and is now the main trav- 
 elled line from Waterloo east, the old road having been 
 abandoned except by people living along its course. 
 
 In 1886, Henry Lawrence who had been one of the 
 associates and early settlers of Stukely, left his location 
 in the southern part of the township, and purchased a 
 tract of land containing a water power, in the northern 
 and unsettled portion, situated on the east branch of 
 Black river. Here he built a saw mill and factory for 
 cooper ware, for which the forest around afforded an 
 abundant supply of material ; and from this may be 
 reckoned the commencement of settlements in North 
 Stukely, which have since increased rapidly ; most of 
 the inhabitants being French Canadians. 
 
 A few years since, for the better regulation of their 
 internal affairs, the township w^as divided into two 
 distinct municipalities known as North Stukely and 
 South Stukely. 
 

 eastern townships. 
 
 359 
 
 
 c ,//. <^tukelu Most of the settlers of this section 
 
 Sme. ik* »' ‘'■'. r72 
 
 vet the only mountainoue elevations are a par o 
 ?rf.rd ,Z in the —h-oast. There are strong in- 
 
 yet Wtherto 
 
 S:ia.erial ter ‘1.-— "X” ' 
 
 £5S:iSrS=s 
 
 running different Avays intersect each other, 
 church, and a school house stand on the rising 
 nTgreat distance, but the dwellings are very diffusely 
 
 ■ “i"”' England Missi» .hieh ansj^ed 
 
 c The WeXan Mei^^ als° 
 
 societies here, which meet for worship in the sch 
 houses in different localities. 
 
860 
 
 HISTORY OP THE 
 
 There is no large stream of water in South Stukely , 
 the most considerable bemg formed by small rivulets 
 coming from swamps, or such as are the outlets of 
 small ponds. One of these streams finds its way into 
 Brome lake under the name of the Big Inlet ; another 
 passes through Frost Village and discharges into 
 Waterloo lake. The northern branch of Missisquoi 
 river has also its extreme source in a small pond which 
 lies partly in Stukely. 
 
 The assessable property in South Stukely amounts 
 to f 132,093. There are 142 legal voters. In the 
 year 1866, the total amount levied for educational 
 purposes was $463,60 ; the government grant for the 
 same year being $80,94. 
 
 North Stukely, In the small village called Lawrence- 
 ville from its original founder and proprietor, are now 
 a post oflSce, two stores, excellent mills, several me- 
 chanics’ shops, and some eighteen or twenty inhabited 
 dwellings; also an English dissentient school. In 
 other sections of the municipality where the inhabi- 
 tants are exclusively French Canadian, are small settle- 
 ments or villages where are found the invariable 
 eglise^ magazin^ and auherge. For the year 1866, 
 the amount levied for educational purposes in North 
 Stukely, in all amounted to $1,778 ; aside from which 
 was the government grant of $237,86. 
 
 A tri-weekly stage passes through this section to 
 Ely and Melbourne, returning next day. Indications 
 of various minerals are found in difierent parts of the 
 
eastern townships. 
 
 361 
 
 municipality; serpentines, slates, &c., also abound. 
 The land in this section of the township though some- 
 what rough andstoney, is yet free from mountameous 
 elevations ; and though the labor of clearing a farm is 
 considerable, when once the work is eftected, the land 
 is very productive. The eastern or mam branch ot 
 Black river, has its extreme sources in smaU streams 
 in this vicinity, which uniting in one, passes into Ely. 
 
 The population of the township of Stukely alto- 
 gether, is ffven by the census cf 1861, as 2,3-0 in- 
 habitants. 
 
362 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 ST. FRANCIS DISTRICT. — COURTS OF THE DISTRICT. — LAKE ST. 
 FRANCIS. — RIVER ST. FRANCIS. — TOWN OF SHERBROOKE. 
 
 In the third year of George IV, the Inferior 
 District” of St. Francis was established. In the third 
 of William IV, this was called the District of St. 
 Francis. As at present constituted, this district com- 
 prises the counties of Compton, Richmond, Stanstead, 
 and Wolfe. The Court House, Jail, and Public 
 Offices for the District are located at the town of Sher- 
 brooke. 
 
 The Queen’s Bench meets on the first of the months 
 of April and October. 
 
 The terms of the Superior Court are held from the 
 20th to the 26th of the months of February, May, and 
 October ; and from the 21st to the 26th of December. 
 
 Superior EnquUes^ from the 28th to the end of the 
 months of January, February, March, April, May, 
 June, September, October, November, and December. 
 
 The Circuit Court for the District of St. Francis is 
 held from the 10th to the 16th of the month of 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 363 
 
 February; from the 11th to the 16th of May J and 
 from the 10th to the 16th of the months of October and 
 December. 
 
 Unquetes, Sherbrooke, from the 21st to the 23rd of 
 January; April 9th; June 25th and 26th; and from 
 
 the 9th to the 11th November. 
 
 Lake St. Francis, a body of water some fifteen miles 
 in lenf'th, lies between the townships of Price, Ad- 
 
 stock, Lambton, and Coleraine, to the north and north- 
 east of the district bearing that name ; and about forty 
 miles north-east from Sherbrooke. Its only tnbutanes 
 are the small streams coming from the townships 
 around. The section of country around this lake and 
 the streams falling into it, have been much frequented 
 by lumbermen ; immense numbers of saw logs being 
 every year floated down to be manufactured and sent 
 to market. The St. Francis River issues from the 
 north-western extremity of this lake, an^d ta es a 
 south-western course, flowing rapuRy about seven 
 miles, when occurs the Bull Head Fall, over w ic 
 saw lot's and timber are driven, though canoes are 
 taken “around. Just below this, the river expands 
 into Lake Aylmer, near which point is the mouth of 
 Black Creek, the head waters of which arc but one mile 
 from others which flow in another direction into the 
 Nicolet and Becancour rivers. Lake Aylmer is twelve 
 miles in length including the bays at either end, with a 
 greatly varying breadth. Its southern « 
 
 called Bull Frog Bay, one mile below which, a dam 
 
364 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 has been built across the river, by which the water is 
 raised eight feet for the purpose of giving a supply for 
 driving lumber over the rapids below. One mile still 
 lower down, the river again expands into Lake Louise 
 nearly three miles in length by about the same width. 
 From this it continues in a south-west course till about 
 three miles below it is joined by the Salmon river from 
 the south-east. After this commence a series of 
 rapids known as the two mile falls, when the river en- 
 ters Dudswell, where it is crossed by ferries at two 
 points. Three miles below the “ Basirij^ and within 
 the township of Westbury is the mouth of Eaton river, 
 near which are sections of rapids ; when passing through 
 a comer of Eaton, the St. Francis enters Ascot, and on 
 approaching the centre of that township and receiving 
 the waters of the Massawippi at Lennoxville, it turns to 
 the north-west and at Sherbrooke is joined by the tur- 
 bulent Magog. Below this it forms the division be- 
 tween Ascot and Orford, and other townships along 
 its entire course. 
 
 Sherbrooke and Lennox ville, or as they were form- 
 erly called the Upper and Lower Forks^ from a very 
 early day were centres of trade for the country around, 
 where the settler could exchange his salts, furs, &c., 
 for the most needful articles ; which trade was carried 
 on under great disadvantages at first ; but after it was 
 found that the St. Francis could be made available to 
 reach market at Three Rivers, a new impetus was given 
 it. The first idea of this was taken from the Indians 
 
 — - — - 
 
iastkrn townships. 
 
 365 
 
 who frequented these parts on their hunting and fish 
 ing expeditions, and for a time their paths and por-- 
 tages were followed by the boatmen in their birch bark 
 and log canoes ; but the business soon increased to 
 such an extent that larger boats were required. A 
 person named Elim Warner was interested in build- 
 ing the first large boat that descended this river, which 
 w^s about sixty feet in length, built of pine timbers and 
 planks, and was designed to cariy about six tons. 
 The launching of this, was an era in the lives of 
 these backwoodsmen, and created almost as much 
 excitement and interest among them, as the launching 
 of a steamboat does at the present day. 
 
 At that time there was only a narrow path around 
 the falls at Brompton, but Warner cut out a road by 
 which the boat was taken around on a sort of truck 
 fomed by boring short sections of log to serve as 
 wheels. This boat was the conveyance to Lake St. 
 Peters, when batteaux were used for crossing to market. 
 
 In many places, portages were unavoidable, and in 
 others where the current was strong and the channel 
 somewhat obstructed, slow progress was made by 
 “ doubling the rapids."* For a time it was deemed 
 
 • This ambiguous phrase in common use among boatmen upon 
 rivers, simply means the landing and leaving part of he 
 
 freight on shore, thus lightening the boat before descending the 
 current with the remainder, which is then taken out at a point 
 
 below, when the empty boat is taken back for the res ; and 
 when that also is safely down, all is again taken on board, till the 
 next rapid makes it necessary to repeat the process. 
 
366 
 
 filSTORT OF THE 
 
 necessary to draw the boat as well as freight around 
 i\iQ portages, but the men finally risked the descent 
 in many places with the empty boat, leaving the freight 
 to be carried around to the foot of the rapid. On the 
 return voyage, skilful and experienced hands could 
 ascend most of the rapids with empty boats by the 
 aid of setting poles, leaving the freight to be taken up 
 in the usual manner. 
 
 During the war of 1812, most of the supplies for 
 the settlers in this region were obtained in this way, 
 as for a certain period no communication was allowed 
 with the neighboring states. By means of boats in 
 summer, and on the ice in winter, this river was a 
 highway as far as the St. Lawrence, when the journey 
 was extended to Montreal, Quebec, or Three Rivers, as 
 the case might be. 
 
 Casualties involving loss of life often occured upon 
 this river, and almost every fall or rapid along its 
 course was known by some local appellation given by 
 the boatmen in consequence of such occurrences. Thus 
 a rapid where a Dutchman was accidentally drowned, 
 was afterward known among them as the Dutchman's 
 chute; and another where a person named Cony lost 
 his life, was known as Cony*s chute. 
 
 One of the most melancholy and aflSictive of these 
 casualties occurred in the year 1815, when two 
 valuable lives were lost at Brompton Falls. Three 
 persons named respectively French, Hurd, and Lebour- 
 veau, were on an expedition down the St. Francis. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 367 
 
 At the falls the freight was removed, and the three 
 men remained to pass down with the boat. Unfor- 
 tunately it struck a rock and capsized, when French 
 sunk at once ; Ilurd was seen to strike out for the 
 shore, and being an expert swimmer, hope was enter- 
 tained by those on the bank that he might be saved, 
 but from some cause, he too sunk and was drowned. 
 Lebourveau at first sprung upon a rock to which he 
 continued clinging as he saw his companions drowning, 
 but could neither save them, nor yet help himself till 
 a rope was thrown from the shore, which he fastened 
 around his waist, when plunging into the boiling cur- 
 rent he at first disappeared, but was finally drawn to 
 land. 
 
 At another point where stands a small island in the 
 midst of furious rapids, by the capsizing of a boat 
 above, a young lad had escaped with his life to find 
 himself a solitary prisoner where “ none had ever been 
 befox'e,^’ as the island was considered inaccessible. 
 Every expedient that had been devised by his friends 
 and neighbors to get him oflF, or send him food, had 
 proved unavailing. The days passed on and death 
 from starvation seemed his inevitable fate. Ilis fidends 
 were nearly frantic at the thought of his perishing thus 
 before their eyes, yet were powerless to save or help 
 him. Tliis came to the knowledge of a crew of ex- 
 perienced boatmen who were making the portage^ and 
 on understanding the case, they determined to attempt 
 a rescue. Their large boat was anchored out in the 
 
868 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 river, some distance above the island ; a light sklflP to 
 which were attached ropes, was secured to it by strong 
 cables, and then floated down the current ; when after 
 repeated trials and failures, it was borne within reach 
 of the despairing boy- Securing himself in it by the 
 ropes, he was drawn up through the seething waters to 
 the large boat, and thus restored to his frenzied 
 parents. 
 
 When the banks of the St. Francis are full, the river 
 appears large, but during the warm season the water 
 is often so low that parts of its rocky bed become quite 
 dry. At such times navigation is of course out of the 
 question ; and is very dangerous also when the water 
 is too high, for at such times the rocks are covered 
 and hidden from view. 
 
 This river may be said to drain nearly the whole 
 district, as with the exception of a very few small 
 streams in the north, which unite to form the head 
 waters of the Nicolet and Becancour rivers ; some few 
 others of little importance which find their way into 
 lake Megantic ; and those few from Hereford which 
 flow south into the Connecticut ; all, large and small, 
 fall more or less directly into the St. Francis. 
 
 Tlie Salmon river from the south-east, brings the 
 waters of numerous smaller tributaries in its course 
 through several townships, and enters the St. Francis 
 in Weedon. Nearly the same may be said of the 
 Baton river which falls into the St. Francis in West- 
 bury. Two other streams named respectively the 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 369 
 
 Salmon and Moe’s rivers, have their extreme sources 
 in the far off townships of Hereford and Clifton, and 
 after flowing in a north-west course through Compton 
 into Ascot, unite their waters, which as Salmon river 
 enters the Massawippi a short distance above its mouth. 
 Still farther west, but running nearly parallel with 
 those two last named streams, is the Coaticook, which 
 has its source beyond the boundary line, and passing 
 through Barford and a part of Barnston, enters Comp- 
 ton and flowing through that township into Ascot, joins 
 the Massawippi and contributes to swell the volume of 
 water carried by that stream into the St. Francis at 
 Lennoxville. 
 
 Next comes the Magog river, which is the outlet of 
 Lake Memphremagog, a body of water some thirty 
 miles in length, with a varying breadth of from less 
 than one mile to three miles or more. This stream 
 takes a north-east course and discharges into the St. 
 Francis at Sherbrooke. Numerous other smaller trib- 
 utaries fall into it at different points along its course, 
 till it enters Lake St. Peter about sixty-five miles below 
 Montreal. The Indian Village of St. Francis is situ- 
 ated very near its mouth. 
 
 SHERBROOKE. 
 
 This place, which was incorporated a town in 1852, 
 is situated at the junction of the St. Francis and Magog 
 rivers, a point long ago known as the Lower or Big 
 ForTitP It lies on the Grand Trunk Railway, 101 
 
 T 
 
370 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 miles from Montreal. The limits of the to^vn extend 
 nearly three miles from east to west, by about two and 
 a half miles from north to south. The part which 
 lies on the east side of the Magog, was formerly in- 
 cluded in the township of Ascot, while the portion 
 west of that stream was taken from Orford. For elec- 
 toral purposes these two townships are connected with 
 Sherbrooke ; their agricultural shows are also held 
 here and at Lennoxville alternately ; but otherwise 
 they are included with Compton County. 
 
 Much uncertainty has been expressed respecting 
 the date of the first openings made in the forest at this 
 point ; some insisting that locations were made here 
 during the later years of the eighteenth century ; 
 others contending that they could not have been made 
 before the year 1803 ; and others still, affix even a 
 later date for them ; yet these differences may be set 
 aside by the fact that David Moe who at an early date 
 located just outside the limits of the present town, built 
 the first frame barn that was put up in the settlement, 
 on a board of which building, the date 1800 was 
 engraved ; showing the barn to have been built that 
 year. Such being the case, a saw mill must have been 
 in operation previously. 
 
 It appears that the very first location was made in 
 the vicinity by Samuel Terry, at a point opposite 
 the mouth of Magog river. The first grist mill 
 was put up by Gilbert Hyatt on the Ascot side of that 
 stream; near which, the fii-st carding and clothing 
 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 871 
 
 works were soon after built by Jonathan Parker. The 
 first saw mill in the place was built by Jonathan Ball, 
 on the Orford side of the Magog. Tlie attention of 
 many was drawn to this point by the water power 
 which presented so many advantages for the introduce 
 tion of labor saving machinery. 
 
 C. F. II. Goodhue who became a very prominent 
 man here, conmenced the manufacture of axes, an 
 article then much in demand ; his assistants in the 
 business being Jonathan Silsbee and George Alger, the 
 two first blacksmiths in the place. William R. Willard 
 built the first tannery ; Albert Burchard was the first 
 shoemaker ; Felix Ward opened the fii*st public house ; 
 and many who had previously chosen other locations, 
 left them to settle here. 
 
 During the first quarter of the 19th century, the 
 settlement at the Lower Forks” assumed the pro- 
 portions and characteristics of an active thriving vil- 
 lage ; many mechanical works having gone into oper- 
 ation here in those years. 
 
 In 1833, the British American Land Company ob- 
 tained their charter from the Imperial Government, 
 when they organized, and went into operation the next 
 year. Their chartered capital was £300,000; a cer- 
 tain portion of which, — perhaps one-third — was reserv- 
 ed for the colonists, but far the greater part was taken 
 up by capitalists at home. A temporary office was 
 opened at Montreal, after which it was removed to 
 Lennoxville where it remained some time, but was 
 
HISTOKY OF THE 
 
 372 
 
 finally changed to Sherbrooke where the head ofiBce 
 was permanently established. This company purchased 
 land on the east side of the Magog, from C. F. H. 
 Goodhue, Esq. ; and on the west side, from the lion. 
 W. B. Felton ; also the water power on that stream 
 along which, m a little more than one half mile, the 
 descent is one hundred and fourteen feet comprising 
 an almost continuous succession of water privileges, 
 many of wliich have been sold or leased, while many 
 others are still in the market. Several large and im- 
 portant manufacturing establishments, and a great 
 variety of mechanical works have been erected along 
 the line of this descent, and there is abundant room 
 for others. Among the principal of these, are the 
 woollen factories; a paper mill; an extensive iron 
 foundry ; carding and clothing works ; axe and scythe 
 factory; wheel wright and carriage shop; furniture 
 shop ; grist mill ; door, sash, and blind factory ; match 
 factory &c. 
 
 Like the city of Quebec, Sherbrooke has its Upper, 
 and its Lower town ; not however, separated as in that 
 ancient capital, by w'alls and gates : no part is over- 
 shadowed by rocky prominences crowned with battle- 
 ments and bristling with cannon : on the contrary, the 
 surroundings of Sherbrooke are essentially indicative 
 of the peaceful pursuits of industry. 
 
 Most of the manufacturing works and many me- 
 chanics’ shops are situated in the Upper Town ; and 
 many of the numerous dwellings in that section have 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 373 
 
 been built for the convenience of operatives and laborers. 
 There are however, a better class of houses which are 
 generally occupied by the families of proprietors and 
 overseers. 
 
 The stores, banks, public and private oflSces, and 
 indeed nearly all the business places, are situated along 
 the main streets of the Lmver Town. The Court 
 House stands in an elevated position at the head of a 
 cross street, and near it, is the Jail. Another promi- 
 nent public building is the Town Hall which contains the 
 registry oflSce, council rooms, &c. ; and also the office 
 of the Sherbrooke Gazette. The Eastern Townships 
 Bank is located here ; beside which, is an agency of 
 the City Bank of Montreal. Three weekly newspapers 
 are printed here. There are five churches, about thirty 
 stores -of all kinds, numerous private offices, seven 
 public houses, three bakeries, and many tradesmen’s 
 and mechanics’ shops in the toTO. The two sections are 
 united by two principal thoroughfares, the nature of 
 the ground forbidding regularity in the arrangements 
 of the streets. 
 
 St. Peter’s Church in Sherbrooke, in connection 
 with the Church of England, was founded in 1823. 
 The first clergyman was the Rev. Mr. Lefevre, sent 
 out as missionary by the S.P.G.F.P. He was followed 
 in succession by the Rev. Messrs. Parkyn, Doolittle, 
 Wait, Hellmuth, and Reid, the latter of whom is pre- 
 sent incumbent. The church edifice substantially built 
 of brick, was erected in 1844; and was enlarged in 
 
374 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 1864, so as to contain about five hundred sittings. It 
 is well attended by a large and attentive congregation? 
 among whom are upward of one hundred communicants. 
 
 The congregational church of Sherbrooke was 
 organized December 27th, 1835. There were 29 
 original members. The subscription for the old church 
 building, bears date of January 4th, 1837. The Rev. 
 James Robertson originally from Scotland, was instal- 
 led pastor over this church in 1837, and remained such 
 till his decease in September 1861. Mr. Robertson 
 was a man of eminent piety, and a thorough biblical 
 scholar. He was succeeded by the Rev. A. Duff in 
 1862, who remains to the present time. The subscrip- 
 tion to the present church building bears date of April 
 21st, 1851. Church members, about one hundred in 
 number. 
 
 In October 1864, a body was organized in Sher- 
 brooke by the Rev. Joseph Evans, as belonging to the 
 Presbyterian church of Canada in connection with 
 the Church of Scotland, (better known as the Kirk,) 
 which has been an important and successful work. A 
 sabbath school has also been established in connection 
 with this branch of Christian worship, and several ne- 
 glected localities have been visited in addition to the 
 regularly administered church services. 
 
 There is also a Wesleyan Methodist society who 
 have a church edifice in Sherbrooke. The Roman 
 CathoUc church and nunnery both occupy a prominent 
 situation near the steep descent into the Lower Town. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 3Y5 
 
 For the year 1866, the sum of f2,100 in all, was 
 levied in Sherbrooke for educational purposes ; the 
 government grant for the same period being $386,20. 
 Beside the nunnery and academy , is a school that has 
 been supported in part by tho colonial church society ; 
 also five elementary, and several private schools. 
 
 The Grand Trunk Railway Station is a large edifice 
 built of brick, containing the necessary offices : a rail- 
 way bridge also crosses the Magog near its mouth. A 
 covered bridge spans the St. Francis leading into Ascot. 
 Most of the better class of dwellings are of bnck, 
 or of wood painted white ; and while many of them 
 are substantial, comfortable, and convenient, some are 
 
 even tasteful and elegant. • • j 
 
 That the people of Sherbrooke are public spmted 
 and loyal, is evident from the readiness with which 
 several volunteer companies were raised here during 
 the Fenian excitement in the summer of 1866. 
 
 As evidence of the healthfulness of the place, it 
 has been asserted that the only cases of contagious 
 disease known hero, have been brought from other parts. 
 
 From the rising grounds around Sherbrooke, many 
 points are presented which are calculated to attract 
 and interest the lovers of beautiful lapdscape. Po- 
 pulation 5,899.* 
 
 • A wooden railway connecting some point on the Grand 
 Trunk near Sherbrooke, with the townships to tho north-east, 
 has been projected. 
 
376 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 COMPTON COUNTY. — ASCOT. — AUCKLAND. — BURY. — COMPTON. — 
 CLIFTON. — CLINTON.— CHESHAM. — DITTON. — EATON. — HAMP- 
 DEN. — HEREFORD. — LINGWICK. — MARSTON. — NEWPORT. — 
 ORFORD. — WHITTON. — WINSLOW. — WESTBURY. — WOBURN. 
 
 Compton county includes the above named town- 
 ships and tracts. Cookshire in the township of Eaton 
 is its chef -lieu. The annual agricultural shows for this 
 county are held alternately at Compton and Eaton, as 
 the inhabitants of those townships are largely interest- 
 ed in farming operations generally. The Circuit 
 Court for Compton county is held at Cookshire, from 
 the 8th to the 11th of the months of January, June, 
 and November. 
 
 ASCOT. 
 
 A tract of land in the district of Three Rivers, 
 bounded north by Stoke, east by Eaton, south by 
 Compton, and west by Orford, subdivided into 288 
 lots of the usual dimensions, was erected into a town- 
 ship named Ascot, March 5th, 1803 ; parts of which 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 377 
 
 were granted to Gilbert Hyatt and his associates, viz, 
 David Moc, John Newton, Benijah Benedict, Moses 
 Knapp, James Lohdell, J oseph Hyatt, Abraham Hyatt, 
 Cornelius Hyatt, Jacob Hyatt, Isaac Hyatt, Francis 
 Wilcox, Abraham Vontine, Thomas Merihew, John 
 Mcrihew, Clement Wilcox, Samuel Dorman, John 
 Wilcox, Joseph Wilcox, Thomas Wilcox, Ebenezer 
 Donnan, Thomas Lohdell, Ebenezef Lobdell, Elam 
 Austin Moe, Jonathan Ball, Joseph Moe, Samuel 
 Beckham, John Ward, Bildad Hubbard, and Israel 
 Hubbard. 
 
 About the year 1796, Gilbert Hyatt with several 
 brothers who had previously come into Canada from 
 Arlington, Vt., in consequence of political troubles, 
 located themselves upon the tract above named, and 
 took the preliminary steps toward obtaining the grant 
 of a township ; but in consequence of a failure on their 
 part of the conditions, only portions were secured. 
 
 At this period, parties of Indians frequented the 
 vicinity, as the section had been included in their hunt- 
 ing and fishing grounds. They were remnants of the 
 St. Francis and other tribes that had become greatly 
 reduced in numbers during the wars that preceded the 
 final conquest of Canada. While the men were away 
 hunting, the women were making baskets, moccasins, 
 &c., which they sold to the settlers for provisions or 
 whatever they could get. 
 
 The first pearl ashery built at the Upper Forks, 
 (Lcnnoxville) was owned by the Messrs. Dorman, 
 
378 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 father and son. C. F. II. Goodhue became a promi- 
 nent man here and an extensive proprietor of lands. John 
 Beman was also one of the early traders ; and George 
 Barnard, Jonathan Ball, Benjamin Stone, Calvin 
 Moulton, James Blodget, Ezekiel Elliott, and Elim 
 Warner were among the early men. Dr. Moses Nicolls 
 was a prominent physician here at a very early day. 
 
 The surface df this township though somewhat hilly 
 in parts, is yet free from mountainous elevations, and 
 the land is very generally settled. The principal 
 rivers and streams have already been described as the 
 St. Francis, Massawippi, Salmon and Coaticook. 
 
 The Grand Trunk Railway passes through the 
 township and has a station at Lennoxville. The value 
 of assessable property in Ascot for the year 1866 was 
 $640,000. The University of Bishop’s College is 
 located here, and connected with it is a large and im- 
 portant grammar school. There are also 19 elemen- 
 tary schools under control of the commissioners. In 
 1866, the sum of $1,097,10 in all, was levied for 
 educational purposes ; aside from the government 
 grant of $248,70. Two volunteer companies are under 
 organization here. 
 
 Indications of copper are very plentiful in this 
 region, and mines have been opened in different local- 
 ities and worked with varying success. Gold has also 
 been found near, both in the rock and in alluvial dig- 
 gings. 
 
 Lennoxville, in the township of Ascot, is situated at 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 379 
 
 the junction of the St. Francis and Massawippi rivers, 
 both of which are crossed at this point by coiivemeiit 
 covered bridges. The village contains an English 
 church edifice built of brick ; a Wesleyan Metho- 
 dist chapel ; and religious services are held at stated 
 times in the Town Hall by a minister of the congrega- 
 tional church: also a post office, several stores, a 
 number of private offices, two large public houses, 
 and many mechanics’ shops. The most important of the 
 industrial works are those for smelting the copper 
 found in the vicinity. There arc also a large number 
 of inhabited dwellings, the better class of which are 
 
 mostly of brick. e 
 
 The University of Bishop’s College, the buildings ot 
 which are also of brick, stands on a beautiful rise of 
 ground overlooking the junction of the St. Francis and 
 Massawippi rivers. It was founded twenty-three years 
 since, and consists of two distinct departments, viz., 
 the college and school, which though situated on the 
 same grounds, arc under different management as re- 
 gards instruction and discipline. 
 
 In some respects however, the arrangements are 
 common, as aU meals are taken together, and on Sun- 
 day, all assemble for worship in the college chapel. 
 
 The Rev. Hr. Nicolls of Oxford, is the first princi- 
 pal and presides over the college. There are also pro- 
 fessors of Classics, Mathematics, Divinity and French, 
 in all of which it is designed to give a first class edu- 
 cation. Many of the clergymen in this country were 
 
380 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 educated here ; some have gone to England, and some 
 to the United States. The Protestant Bishops of 
 Lower Canada have the principal control of the insti- 
 tution, as they appoint its trustees and the other 
 members of its corporation. 
 
 The college building has both a library and museum. 
 The convocation for granting degrees is held in the 
 month of June annually, and is a season of interest to 
 the friends of the college, as it draws many visitors 
 from the cities and country around. 
 
 The school is managed by a rector assisted by 
 a sub-rector and three other masters. The first 
 rector was the present Bishop of Quebec, the 
 Right Rev. Dr. Williams, who was succeeded 
 by the Rev. professor Irving M.A., of Cambridge 
 England ; but on the sudden decease of that 
 lamented gentleman, the rectorship was temporarily 
 filled by the principal of the college, in addition to his 
 other duties. The school has an extensive patronage, 
 pupils coming from various parts of Canada and 
 the United States ; part of whom live in the school 
 boarding house under the care of the sub-rector, as- 
 sisted by the junior masters and a matron ; the othei*s 
 in private boarding houses in the village, or with their 
 friends. 
 
 The instruction in the school comprises a thorough 
 course in classics and mathematics, English, French, 
 and German, ancient and modern history, book-keep- 
 ing, drawing, singing, &c. There is a drill master and 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 381 
 
 a shed in which the boys are drilled and practiced in 
 gymnastic exercises. The grounds around the college 
 and school, in all some 300 acres, furnish ample play- 
 grounds, and the boys are well practiced in cricket and 
 the manly exercises. Their field sports form no unin- 
 teresting part of the annual celebrations connected 
 with the commencement. There is an excellent bath- 
 ing place in the grounds, and the boys are speedily 
 taught to swim: also a volunteer rifle corps among 
 them officered by the masters, which on different oc- 
 casions has earned for itself considerable credit.* 
 
 Huntingville. This is a small village within the 
 township of Ascot, situated on the Salmon river, a 
 short distance above its mouth. It contains some fif- 
 teen or twenty inhabited dwellings, a Universalist 
 house of worship, a store, post office, mills and several 
 mechanics’ shops. The name was taken from families 
 named Hunting who settled in the vicinity at an early 
 day. 
 
 There is also a post office and a small collection of 
 buildings at Ascot Corners, near the point where the 
 St. Francis enters the township. The population of 
 Ascot is ^ven as 2,200 souls. 
 
 AUCKLAND. 
 
 A tract within the district of Three Rivers, bounded 
 
 ^ The above account of Bishop’s College, has been condensed 
 from a historical sketch of that institution, which was prepared by 
 the Rev. Dr. Nicolls. 
 
382 
 
 HISTORY OF TUE 
 
 north by Newport, cast by the Province line, south by 
 Hereford, and west by Clifton, containing 61,717 
 acres of land, was erected into a township named 
 Auckland, and in part granted April 3rd 1806, to 
 Floury Dcchambault, Gilette Dechambault, Joseph 
 Montarville, Louis Dechambault, Charlotte Decham- 
 bault, Elizabeth widow of Dr. John Gould, George 
 King and Elizabeth King, children of Godfrey King 
 deceased, Nicholas Andrews, Samuel Andrews, and 
 twenty-five others. It docs not appear however, that 
 it was settled to any extent till a more recent date, the 
 lands probably reverting to the Crown. 
 
 The northern parts of this township are httle settled 
 as yet, though the land there is said to be of good 
 quality. The southern part though somewhat uneven 
 and rough, has been selected as the site of a settlement. 
 The people have already chosen a location for a church ; 
 a burying ground has been consecrated ; a post office 
 opened named St. Malo ; and a saw mill is in operation 
 on a branch of Hall’s stream. The choice of this sec- 
 tion in preference to the other, was probably made on 
 account of the cheapness of the land, and likewise 
 because it was more readily accessible from Hereford 
 Gore, where was already a settlement of French Cana- 
 dians. Auckland is connected with Newport, Ditton and 
 Clinton for municipal purposes, and steps have been 
 taken to open schools. 
 
 In the northern and western sections, Auckland is 
 watered by small streams which compose the head 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 383 
 
 waters of Eaton and Clifton rivers, both of winch take 
 anorth-wcst course ; but in the more southerly parts 
 tliese all flow south-east, and arc carried through Hall s 
 stream into Connecticut river. 
 
 Though sections of the township are hilly and stoney , 
 there appear no elevations worthy of note. Mam hnes 
 of road have been opened both from the north and 
 west, which will advance the settlement of the town- 
 ship. The population is given as 403, mostly French 
 
 Canadians. 
 
 BURT. 
 
 The tract lying within the district of Three Rivers, 
 bounded north-east by Lingwick, south-east by Hamp- 
 den, south by Newport, and north-west by Dudswell, 
 was erected into a township named Bury, March 15th, 
 1803 ; one fourth of which was granted to Calvin May 
 and his associates, viz., John Abell, Asa Abell, Ben- 
 iamin Akin, John Leach, Samuel Laflin, Nathan Pratt, 
 Jehiel Smith, James Torrance, and Samuel Whitcomb. 
 
 It would appear however, that these grantees had 
 either suffered their lands to revert to the Crown, or 
 disposed of their claims to the British American Land 
 Company, as we find that something over thirty years 
 aero. Bury was the property of that company, and was 
 settled by Enghsh emigrants of the poorer classes, who 
 
 came out under its auspices. , . .i t 
 
 On finding things so different from what they had 
 been accustomed to, and so Entirely at variance with 
 
384 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 all their pre-conceived ideas, many of this class of 
 settlers become utterly disheartened, gave up in des- 
 pair and left the place in search of other homes. 
 Others, however, possessing more self-reliance and 
 energy of character, remained; and after years of 
 laborious toil and patient waiting, have secured home 
 and comfort as their reward. Many who left their 
 native land as day laborers, and w’ho in remai nin g 
 there had no hope of ever becoming other than such, 
 are now independent proprietors of farms, with their 
 sons and daughters settled around, like themselves, 
 owners of the soil on which they live. 
 
 The British American Land Company did much 
 toward opening up the country and preparing the way 
 for these settlers; encouragmg them by buildin" 
 churches, establishing schools, constructing roads, &c.° 
 for their convenience ; a work which has proved of 
 lasting benefit. 
 
 The land in Bury is generally of an excellent qualify, 
 and in a state of nature furnishes a sufficiency of both 
 hard and soft timber ; the former perhaps prevailing 
 in quantity. In some sections there are hills, a few 
 of which even approach the precipitous ; but there are 
 no mountainous elevations, and few if any rocky led- 
 ges. Extensive wooded plains are varied with fine 
 pastures, fertile fields, and rich meadows producintr 
 abundantly. ° 
 
 Good wheat has been grown here ; and excellent 
 horses and cattle are raised. Quantities of maple 
 
EASTEKN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 385 
 
 sugar are also made each spring. No very large 
 dairies are kept as yet, but it is probable that with such 
 a superior quality of land, Bury may yet equal if not 
 outdo her sister townships of elder birth, in this im- 
 portant branch of farming business. 
 
 She has contributed her quota to the volunteer force 
 of the country by the organization of an infantry com- 
 pany, and several young men of the township are 
 members of the Cookshire cavalry company. 
 
 The total amount levied for educational purposes in 
 1866, was $875,23 ; the government grant for the 
 same period being $111,80. Beside the Model school, 
 are five elementary schools. The village of Robinson, 
 which lies in a valley partly encircled with hills and 
 risin*’’ grounds, contains a small church or chapel, one 
 of three originally built by the British American 
 Land Company, in as many different sections of 
 the township ; but a new church edifice, more in 
 accordance with the needs of a growing commumty 
 has been more recently erected, and was opened 
 for divine service in July, 1862; the building for- 
 merly used as a place of worship being now occupied 
 by the Model school. The clergyman residing here 
 officiates alternately in the different churches. The 
 Wesleyan Methodists have also a church building here. 
 There arc likewise a town hall, store, post office, public 
 house, a number of private dwellings and several 
 mechanics’ shops. At a short distance from the vil- 
 lage, are mills in operation. Accessions which are 
 
 z 
 
386 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 made to the community in this place from time to time, 
 indicate a steady improvement. 
 
 Excellent roads diverge from this point in various 
 directions. A little north of east from Robinson, is 
 the Victoria road leading through Bury and a corner 
 of Lingwick into Hampden. On this road about four 
 miles above Robinson, stands one of the small churches 
 above mentioned. The country around seems toler- 
 ably well settled, the land productive, and the farm 
 buildings substantial. 
 
 Another principal line leading from Robinson to 
 Lingwick, crosses the small stream on which the mills 
 are located, and further on, takes a north-eastern 
 course through Lingwick to Winslow. 
 
 Passing this in another direction, is a small pond or 
 lake formed by an artificial embankment and supplied 
 with water by a small brook. It covers a considerable 
 space of ground, and is said to abound with fish. The 
 waste water finds escape through a sluice in the side. 
 On a rise of ground at the right of this pond stands 
 St. John’s church, one of the small wooden structures 
 erected by the British American Land Company. The 
 scenery around is delightful, there being some few farm 
 houses near ; just enough to give it signs of life, and 
 yet not enough to detract from its appearance of quiet 
 and repose. The locality is called De Courtnayville, 
 from a former proprietor. 
 
 Further on between the tenth and eleventh ranges 
 of the township, a road turns abruptly to the north- 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 38t 
 
 east, through a valley in which a fine brook of water 
 runs nearly parallel with the road. The land rises on 
 either side rather abruptly at first, though reaching 
 back is a sort of e.xtended plain which is said to be 
 level and productive. A post office called Brookbury 
 was opened here some years since for the convemence 
 of the inhabitants of the range, which local appel- 
 lation has heretofore been given to the place. Fur- 
 ther on, a road turns to the north-west and after pas- 
 sing through a section in which there are few indica- 
 tions of settlement, it enters the township of Duds- 
 well. Population of Bury given in 1861, as 989 souls. 
 
 COMPTON. 
 
 This tract formerly within the district of Montreal, 
 bounded north by Ascot, east by Clifton, south by Bar- 
 ford and Barnston, and west by Hatley, was erected 
 into a township named Compton and granted August 
 31st, 1802, to Jesse Pennoyer, Nathaniel Coffin, Joseph 
 Kilborne, and their associates, viz., John McCarty, 
 Ephraim Stone, Addi Vincent, Stephen Vincent, John 
 Lockwood, Isaac Farwell, Oliver Barker, David 
 Jewett, Samuel Woodard, Silas Woodard, Matthew 
 Hall the younger. Page Bull, Abner Eldridge, Samuel 
 Hall, Nathan Lobdcll, Ebenezer Smith, Tyler Spaf- 
 
 ford and Thomas Parker. t i • r 
 
 Compton has no mountainous elevations. Its duet 
 streams are the Salmon river which crosses the north- 
 east comer ; Moe’s river which enters it at the south- 
 
388 
 
 HISTORt OP THE 
 
 east ; and the Coaticook ■which also comes from the 
 south-east. These streams though at a considerable 
 distance from each other, take a north-west direction 
 and run nearly parallel through Coinpton, though 
 they gradually near each other as they enter Ascot, 
 and the two first named, unite before reaching the Mas- 
 sawippi. 
 
 The Coaticook has its sources in two small ponds 
 south of the Province line, the outlets of which unite 
 in the township of Barford, and by other tributaries a 
 considerable volume of water is accumulated. In its 
 course through Barford there are occasional rapids 
 and other impediments ; and just below Coaticook vil- 
 lage, is a fall as the stream descends into a deep gorge 
 or chasm. After this, occasional rapids occur ; but as 
 the river passes into Compton, it is marked by a pecu. 
 liar freedom from those rocky obstructions which form 
 so common a feature in the scenery of this country, yet 
 its channel is remarkably crooked and winding. Con- 
 siderable intervale lies along its margin, which is easily 
 cultivated and very productive, but subject to sudden 
 and destructive inundations. 
 
 Compton is a rich agricultural township, and since 
 the opening of the Grand Trunk Railway through it, 
 has rapidly advanced in its material interests. The 
 traveller through its main lines of road, is impressed 
 with the air of thrift and comfort apparent. The land 
 . which appears to be mostly improved, lies rather high, 
 and though originally to a great extent hard timbered. 
 
eastern townships. 
 
 389 
 
 is comparatively free from stones. There are no exten- 
 sive swamps, and very little waste land. Abundant 
 maple trees indicate that quantities of sugar are ma- 
 nufactured here. A cheese factory is in operation in 
 
 the township. . , j * 
 
 The taxable property of Compton is valued a 
 $468,636 . An academy is in operation here, ^d 
 there are also twenty-three elementary schools. For 
 the year 1866, the sum of $2,678,32 was levied for 
 educational purposes ; the government grant for the 
 
 same period being $340 ,62. _ _ 
 
 Compton Centre is a pleasant village cmitaining 
 Roman Catholic, English, and Wesleyan Methodis 
 church buildings ; an academy, post office, several 
 stores, two public houses, the usual mechamcs shops, 
 and some forty or fifty dwellings, many of which are 
 painted white. The Grand Trunk Railway station is 
 
 about one mile from the village. 
 
 The Rev. Dr. Stewart when missionary at Hatley , 
 was the first Episcopal clergyman who visited Comp- 
 ton ; his successors, the Rev. Messrs. Johnson and 
 Jackson officiating there at regular periods Under 
 the superintendence of Mr. Jackson, a church build- 
 ing was commenced, to complete which, the S^P.G.h . 
 P .ranted the sum of £125. February 18th 1840, 
 the Rev C. V. Reid was licensed as missionary to 
 Compton, and entered upon his eharge in the month of 
 March following. His successors have been the Rev. 
 Messrs. Allen, Richmond, and Kemp ; the latter of 
 'whom is present incumbent. 
 
390 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 Moe^ 8 Uiver Mills. About two miles east from 
 Compton Centre, are Moe’s river mills, situated at a 
 point where the channel of the stream is much ob- 
 structed by rocks, giving it a rapid and turbulent 
 appearance. Beside the mills here, are a post office, 
 stx)re, mechanics’ shops, and some dozen or more dwel- 
 lings. No church building has yet been erected, but 
 a society of Freewill Baptists meet for worship in the 
 school house. 
 
 Waterville is a small village in the north-west part 
 of Compton, containing an English church building ; a 
 Grand Trunk Railway Station; post oflSce, stores, 
 mills, mechanics’ shops, and some twenty-five or thirty 
 dwellings. It is situated on the Coaticook river, some 
 seven miles from Lennoxville, and in the vicinity of the 
 newly opened copper mines. The first mills in Comp- 
 ton were built near this place. An extensive iron 
 foundry was unfortunately burned here in 1866. The 
 population of Compton is given as 3,013 souls. 
 
 CLIFTON. 
 
 A tract of land in the district of Montreal, bounded 
 north by Eaton, east by Auckland, south by Hereford 
 and Barford, and west by Compton, was erected into 
 a township named Clifton, July 13th, 1799 ; and in 
 part granted July 3rd, 1808, to Charles Blake, Daniel 
 Cameron, Alexander Cameron, Duncan Cameron, John 
 Cross the elder, John Cross the younger, Ann Hall the 
 widow of Conrad Barnet, Mary Barnet the daughter 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 391 
 
 of Conrad Barnet, Isaac Lemington Hall, Mary Cath- 
 erine Christy Hall, and Ann Blake Hall. 
 
 It appears that few if any of these grantees settled 
 upL the lands thus granted, but probably sold them to 
 Xr parties. The township is as yet sparsely m- 
 
 habited i the - 
 
 ^;!SXponl.'a«b of .bieb cover, 
 
 Ze>. lie .ilhir. to Wt,-, the tormev bemg m he 
 Set part, and the latter, a f'" 
 centre of Clifton. Around these ponds, the 
 aSaX, aside from rrhich, the s«mp. are . no 
 great ejtent. Though bUly in some sections, i 
 mostly suitable for cultivation or pasturage. 
 
 We pond receives the ,aters of man, smll 
 streams and discharges through Salmon nver. er 
 rarsim, flowing in the 
 
 form Eaton and Moe’s rivers. Roads hav 7 
 
 been opened through the unsettled portionsof the town 
 
 '’mre are two post offices in Clifton 5 that at East 
 
 ClifL beinfr on the road leading through to Hereford, 
 
 S»dahalf miles south fnim Sa^-*" 
 
 Eaton Near this post office, a chur 
 
 toSng to the Wcslejan Methodist, ha, recenll, been 
 
 "xto other post office cidled Marfaville is >“a“^“ 
 Ihe north-western part of the township, where are also 
 
392 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 mills and a school house. Public worship is held here 
 alternately by the Methodists and Baptists. The land 
 in this section is of much the same quality as in 
 East Clifton. This settlement was formerly reached 
 through Compton on the west, but new lines of road 
 have more recently been opened in the township, 
 bridges built, &c., connecting the different sections. 
 The south-west part of Clifton is principally settled by 
 French Canadians who already have a parish for eccle- 
 siastical purposes ; have opened separate schools ; and 
 have taken steps to secure to themselves the rights of 
 a distinct municipality. 
 
 Five elementary schools are still under the control 
 of the commissioners, and others are required to meet 
 the growing wants of the people. For the year 1866, 
 $390 were levied for educational purposes, and for the 
 same period the government grant was $61,50 ; in ad- 
 dition to which, $30 have been received annually from 
 the supplementary fund for the aid of poor municipal- 
 ities. 
 
 There are a grist mill and seven saw mills in the 
 township ; three of the latter grind provender for ani- 
 mals, and two of them have bolts attached. 
 
 Most of the lumber, has been used for local pur- 
 poses. The population of Clifton is given as 544 
 souls. 
 
 CLINTON. 
 
 A tract lying originally within the district of Que- 
 bec, bounded north by Marston, Lake Megantic and a 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 393 
 
 part of Spalding, east by some unsettled portion of 
 country, south by the tract called Woburn, and west 
 bv the tract known as Chesham ; was erected into a 
 township named Clinton, May 21st, 1803 ; and in part 
 granted to Frederick Holland and his associates, viz., 
 Louis Deguise, Augustin Robitaille, Joseph Larue, 
 Louis Joseph Roux the younger, Joseph Martin the 
 elder, Joseph Tapin, Charles Tapin, Joseph Vezina, 
 and Pierre Dclisle the younger. 
 
 This is a small irregularly shaped township of land, 
 containing but four ranges of unequal length, and is 
 said to be entirely uninhabited. The land which had 
 been granted in former years to associates or private 
 individuals, had either reverted to the Crown, or has 
 been sold for taxes to non-residents by the authorities 
 of Newport, to which municipality Clinton is attached. 
 This land is said to be well timbered and of good quality. 
 
 Arnold river coming from Woburn on the south, 
 which enters Lake Megantic in Clinton, is the principal 
 stream of water ; others from the south-west bemg 
 very inconsiderable. 
 
 CHESHAM. 
 
 This tract is not yet erected into a township and 
 though the outlines are dehned on the “ap of dis- 
 trictfvery little is known of its interior. It has Mars- 
 ton on the north, Clinton and Woburn east, the province 
 line south, and Ditton west. Small streams coming 
 from it fall into the Arnold on the east, while others 
 
394 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 flow west and help to form the head waters of Salmon 
 river. Saddle mountain is in the south-east part of 
 the tract. 
 
 DITTON. 
 
 This tract originally lying within the district of Three 
 Rivers, bounded north by Hampden, east by Chesham, 
 south by Emberton Gore, and west by Newport, con- 
 taining 380 lots of the usual dimensions, was consti- 
 tuted a township named Ditton, in May 1803, and in 
 part granted to Minard Harris Yeomans and his asso- 
 ciates, viz, Stephen Bigelow, Anson Br adley, David 
 Bradley, Christopher Babity, Alexander Brimmer, 
 William Chamberlain, — Eastman, Andrew Henry, 
 Obadiah Jones, Edmund Lamb, Joseph Laret, Charles 
 Lewis, David Morrow, Reuben Ross, Thomas Sha- 
 druck, and Ziba Tuttle. 
 
 Notwithstanding these grants, no settlements were 
 made at the time indicated. We are left to infer that 
 the true reason why so many granted lands in this sec- 
 tion were left to revert to the Crown, was on account of 
 their distance from any inhabited section, and the dif- 
 ficulty of access to them. Though the land here is 
 said to be of an excellent quality, it has had till very 
 recently, few if any permanent settlers. The newly 
 opened gold fields in Ditton are investing the town- 
 ship with an exciting interest, and what is of most ac- 
 count is the reality that gold has been found in suflS- 
 cient quantities to yield handsome returns to those 
 
eastern townships. 
 
 395 
 
 employod in mining. Iho companj have 
 hands at work, and saw mills have been 
 vicinitv The mines are located in the south part of 
 the township on the Ditton river, which s^mm m 
 formed of two main branches coming from Emberton 
 Gore on the south. United in one, it runs north tiU it 
 falls into Salmon river near the centre 
 
 This latter named stream is formed of different 
 branches which have their source in Chesham and uni e 
 ^ithm the limits of Ditton, the most 
 comes from among and around ^ 
 
 tains The Ditton which is a noisy rapid stream, is 
 much obstructed at its entrance into the Salmon, by 
 driftwood and rubbish ; yet the water separating mto 
 many channels ffnds its way through ^ ^hese «- 
 ciesind finally unites in one Y J 
 lar,deep andsluggish stream. At 
 upon itself and comes agam so near its own chame 
 as to form a bow or bend of nearly half a mde 
 a tree growing on this narrow isthmus extending 
 roots tf either bank. Before leaving Ditton, the Sal- 
 mon becomes more straight and rapid, and parries a 
 considerable volume of water through other townsh p 
 into the St. Francis in Weedon. The Megantic mourn 
 tains are in the north-east part Ditton is mcluded 
 the municipality of Newport, Auckland, &c. 
 
 EATON. 
 
 This tract which originally lay within the district of 
 
396 
 
 HISTORY OP THE 
 
 Three Rivers, is bounded north by Westbury, east by 
 Newport, south by Clifton, and west by Ascot, and 
 contains 64,685 acres and three roods in superfices. It 
 was constituted a township named Eaton, December 
 4th 1800 ; and was in part granted to Josiah Sawyer 
 and his associates, viz, Israel Bailey, Orsemus Bailey, 
 Amos Hawley, Ward Bailey the younger, John Perry, 
 John Cook, Royal Lamed, Samuel Hugh, John 
 French, Levi French, Luther French, Timothy Bailey, 
 Abner Osgoode, Waltham Baldwin, Benjamin Bishop, 
 Jesse Cooper, Abner Powis, Samuel Beech, Jabez 
 Baldwin, John Gordon, Charles Cutler, Royal Cutler, 
 James Lucas, Philip Gordon, William McAllister, 
 Abel Bennet, George Kimpel, Calvin Rice, Charles 
 Lathrop, Abthorp Caswell, and Peter Green Sawyer. 
 
 Captain Josiah Sawyer, from whom the village of 
 Sawyerzville in Eaton takes it name, settled in this 
 place at a very early day. It is situated on the Eaton 
 river, at a point where the Eaton, Newport, and Clifton 
 roads meet, and here were erected the first mills. The 
 place also contains a house of worship belonging to the 
 Wesleyan Methodists, a post office, two stores, a public 
 house, several mechanics’ shops, and some eighteen or 
 twenty dwellings*. 
 
 Cookshire^ so named from John Cook one of the 
 associates who settled in this vicinity, is a diflfuse vil- 
 lage or rather thickly settled farming section, lying 
 within the north-east quarter of the township. It 
 contains a church edifice belonging to the English 
 
EASTERN TOWSrSHIfS. 
 
 397 
 
 church, which was built some years since, of which the 
 
 Rev. Parkyn is incumbent; also 
 
 to the Wesleyan Methodists, opened m 18b-, an 
 academy, two stores, a post office, public Imuse several 
 mechanics’ shops, and a goodly number of dwelhngs. 
 
 In summer, the place has a delightfully cool and 
 rcfreshin<» appearance, as from the rising groun 
 may be seen the white farm houses 
 of outbuildings, in pleasing contrast with the beautiful 
 green of the trees, pastures, and fields ; and occ^io_^ 
 allv a flittering spire pointing hcavem\ar 
 
 :l Cions » t-f “ 
 
 by prominent mountains. Of these, the Stoke Mou - 
 tL^s are on the north-west; the Megantic on the east, 
 hills on the south ; whUe still further in 
 the distance, are the pale blue outlines of prominen 
 
 neaks, bevond the Province line. 
 
 ^ Earn Corners is a small compactly hudt village, 
 situated nearly midway between Sawyersville and 
 Cookshire. A Congregational 
 
 here in 1835, and a meeting house dedicated in F • 
 isw The ko,. E. G. Sherrill instalM paa- 
 
 L in 1838, »hich position ho still n.^ Nombor 
 
 ot ohnret, nnmbors 75 1 sabbath school, SO sc Was 
 and ten teachers. There is also a Roman Catholm 
 chapel in the village, an academy, a post office to 
 which a daily mail is brought, several stores, a public 
 house, mechanics’ shops, and some twenty-five 
 thirty dwellings. The village presents a neat appear- 
 
398 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 ance, as many of the buildings are painted white. The 
 Eaton river winds its way among the meadows and 
 cultivated grounds within a short distance ; and ex- 
 cellent roads from different parts of the township 
 intersect here, rendering it a sort of centre for a fine 
 farming section. 
 
 The land in Eaton is considered of good quality 
 for farming purposes ; and aside from some thousands 
 of acres owned by the B.- A. L. Company, and some 
 few wild lots which belong to private individuals, is 
 generally settled upon. There are no mountainous 
 elevations. The principal streams are the Eaton 
 river, entering at the south-east, and the North river 
 coming from the east, which unite above Cookshire. 
 
 There are two academies and fifteen elementary 
 schools in the township. For the year 1866, the 
 sum of $1,253,52 altogether, was levied for educa- 
 tional purposes ; the government grant for the same 
 period being $215,36. There are also about 400 
 voters in Eaton. 
 
 Six post oflSces have been opened in different sec- 
 tions for the convenience of the scattered inhabi- 
 tants. A daily stage from Sherbrooke and Lennoxville 
 through Cookshire to Bury connects at Birchton with 
 the line running through Eaton Comers to Sawyers- 
 ville ; from which latter point, a weekly route is open 
 through Clifton to Hereford. The other points where 
 post oflSces have been established are at localities named 
 Bulwer and Johnsville. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 399 
 
 Of the seven church buildings in Eaton, two are 
 at Cookshire ; two at Eaton Comers ; one at Sawyers- 
 ville ; one belonging to the Wesleyan Methodists a,t 
 a locality named Bulwer ; and a Baptist church is 
 located at a point near Newport called Grove Hill, of 
 which church the Rev. A. Gillis is pastor. 
 
 Few of our townships could furnish as many ex- 
 amples of the permanent and successful settler as 
 Eaton ; a class that necessarily combined energy, in- 
 dustry, and sobriety. Among the associates was 
 Mr. John French who in 1797 with his two elder 
 sons, penetrated the wilderness on foot, guided by 
 marked trees, for the purpose of choosing a location for 
 settlement. This done, the remainder of the family 
 moved on in time. They had all been raised in habits 
 of industry and made to feel the necessity of accom- 
 modating themselves to any emergency that might 
 arise : to which practical and energetic rearing, their 
 success in afterlife was mainly due. There were also 
 families here named Bailey, Pope, Cook, Hodge, 
 Al<^er and others, whose descendants remain among 
 the°prominent inhabitants of Eaton ; and in some cases 
 occupy the same farms on which their fathers first 
 
 There are now four regular grist mills, and fourteen 
 saw mills in the township ; several of the latter having 
 arrangements for grinding the coarser grams; also a 
 shop where furniture is manufactured ; and likewise 
 machinery for making shingles, laths, clap boards, &c. ; 
 
400 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 most of the lumber made here being used in the vici- 
 nity. The census of 1861, gives Eaton a population 
 of 1,905. 
 
 HAMPDEN. 
 
 This tract of land though considered a township and 
 to some extent inhabited, is not constituted such 
 however, by Letters Patent. It is of irregular shape 
 and has a comer of Whitton on the north-east, Marston 
 east, Litton south, and parts of Lingwick and Bury 
 on the north-west. The Salmon river flows through it 
 into Lingwick, beside which, are smaller streams tribu- 
 tary to it, chief among which are Otter Brook corn- 
 ins from the west of Marston, and Mountain Brook 
 having its source in the hilly sections of the Megantic 
 mountains. The settlements are mostly in the northern 
 part near Whitton, with which municipality they are 
 connected. The census of 1861, gives it a population 
 of 103 inhabitants. 
 
 HEREFORD. 
 
 The tract within the district of Three Rivers bound- 
 ed north by Clifton, east and south by the province line 
 and west by Barford, subdivided into 308 lots, was 
 erected into a township named Hereford, and in part 
 granted Nov. 6th, 1800, to James Rankin and his 
 associates, viz, Adam Kohlop, Samuel Pangbourne, 
 Ephraim Wheeler, Reuben Brunson, Henry Casgrove, 
 
eastern townships. 
 
 401 
 
 X T • 1 11« William Taylor, John Vanvliet, Theo- 
 James Liddle, 'V J Town, Joseph 
 
 to Stevens. Snmiel Dan- 
 
 Weeks, Darnel '^‘‘yen. ^ Eckraim Wheeler 
 
 f„rd,Z.rasWh,«, f Hen,, 
 
 the elder, James bears, 
 
 Adams and Wm. g t settlers of Hereford 
 
 “tSlSnUy than el.^ntly 
 ■were of that cias -without 
 
 termed squatters, w o ^nder peculiar and 
 
 right or title; ^erh their descendants 
 
 embarrassing circumstanc , o ^nd many of them 
 
 ofthepresentdayareloyd^^^^^^ 
 
 the real owners of g ^ either suffered 
 
 r^rpC - 
 
 ”ttn, el ‘V.S ^ - SX “X 
 
 minent elevations eiiio Leach’s Stream 
 
 Mts. Hall’s ?. JdischLrge into Connecticut 
 
 IX^IS^nte »«rc«mthen,rth.rn 
 MaStltion at a disUnc, front tho great centres 
 
402 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 of action and iiLprovment in our own country ; the 
 inhabitants being thus throTO into immediate contact 
 with, and in a great measure dependent upon a people 
 whose views, interests, and prejudices, are alike opposed 
 to our government and institutions. The fact that nearly 
 all the trade and general business of the township has 
 been drawn to the other side of the line, has fostered and 
 increased this state of dependence, and at the same 
 time has had a tendency to suppress interest in the 
 affairs of our own country. 
 
 Of late, however, there are growing indications of a 
 disposition to break away from the untoward influences 
 which have almost inperceptibly settled upon the in- 
 habitants of Hereford, and signs appear of an awaken- 
 ing to a subject of such vital concern. 
 
 The amount of assessable property in Hereford is 
 valued at $128,158,00 ; there are 148 voters ; for the 
 year 1866 the sum of $1,012,82 altogether, were 
 levied for educational purposes ; the government grant 
 for the same period being $41,38. There are ten 
 school districts in the township. 
 
 What is termed the village of Hereford is in the 
 southern part, near which, a new Episcopal church has 
 been erected. A post oflSce was opened here in 1849, 
 beside which, are a customs house, store, and a 
 number of dwellings ; a saw mill is also in operation, 
 to which is attached a run of stones for grinding the 
 coarser grains. At Hall’s stream or East Hereford, is 
 a post-ofl5ce and store, the former of which was opened 
 
eastern townships. 
 
 403 
 
 in 1850 ; also a store on the new government road m 
 
 West Hereford. . . tt <• i r> 
 
 To the north-east of the township, is Hereford Gore, 
 
 it being what remained of the tract called Drayton, 
 after the boundary line was run. - , • 
 
 The commissioners engaged in this work, after leaving 
 Hall’s Stream, took as the line of separation, the 
 hei<^ht of land which divides the waters running north 
 into the tributaries of the St. Lawrence, from those 
 which flow south into the Connecticut river. It seems 
 to have been a treaty stipulation that no water should 
 be crossed till arriving at a certain point ; and it is 
 even said that in some instances where no water was 
 to be seen on , the surface of the ground, resort was 
 had to digging in order to decide the matter, ibis 
 explanation gives us to understand why the boundary 
 line after leaving the 45th parallel, is so crooked and 
 irregular. South of Ditton, is what remained ot the 
 tract called Emberton, now known as Emberton Gore. 
 
 Hereford Gore has a considerable population of 
 French Canadians, who have there the parish o 
 Venan, with a church, post-office and store, at a loca- 
 Uty called Paquetteville. For municipal and school 
 purposes they are connected with the township of 
 
 ^^Turint the war of 1812, some border difficulties 
 occurred%ostly relating to smuggling, and one man 
 was shot wliile engaged in the unlawful work At a later 
 
 date have been the Indian Stream difficulties, which 
 
404 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 grew out of the disputes concerning the boundary 
 line. At a particular location on Indian Stream one 
 of the head branches of Connecticut river, was a settle- 
 ment very near the boundary, formed of persons from 
 either side, led there by interest or convenience. Such 
 as came from Canada, still considered themselves as 
 Canadian subjects ; while those who had come from 
 the American side, as strenuously insisted on being 
 Avithin the limits of the state of Newhampshire ; 
 each party retaining in full their national and social 
 prejudices. Being at such a distance from the courts 
 of law which had nominal jurisdiction on either side, the 
 matter had been in a measure compromised by a sort 
 of tacit understanding that for the time being, the 
 ground Avas neutral territory. A voluntary associa- 
 tion had framed rules regulating their internal affairs, 
 and chosen a prominent person from among theii* 
 number to act as magistrate or umpii’c among them. 
 The population of the place came in time to receive 
 large accessions of an ill-regulated and undesirable 
 class of inhabitants, many of whom were counterfeiters 
 or other refugees from justice. This state of things 
 was not to continue. Such an asylum for unscru- 
 pulous characters as the settlement had become, 
 could not long be tolerated. The arrest of criminals 
 by oflScers sent from either side, and their delivery 
 to those claiming them, was the signal for the opposi- 
 tion and rebellion of fiery spirits among the other 
 party ; till at length such a state of feeling prevailed 
 
■EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 405 
 
 as bid defiance to all efforts at control. rrc,ad,ces 
 crew into bitter animosities ; disputes led to violence 
 and blows ; blood was spilt ; and the quarrel which 
 became general, was only suppressed by the arrival ot 
 an armed force sent by the Newhampshirc authorities. 
 Soon after this, the boundary question was finally 
 determined. 
 
 The last census gives Hereford a population ot dtiU, 
 no doubt greatly increased since. 
 
 LISGW’IOK. 
 
 This tract which was within the district of Three 
 Rivers, is bounded north-east by Stratford and Winslow, 
 south-east by Hampden, south-west by Bury, anc 
 north-west by Weedon; and was erected into a town- 
 ship named Lingwick, and in part granted March < th 
 1807 to William Vandelvendon, Joseph Anger, Au- 
 gustin Larue, Bierre Delisle the younger, Antoine 
 Trudelle, Joachim Delisle the younger, Jean Baptiste 
 Vdsina the younger, Michel Tapin, Louis Vidal the 
 younger, and Augustin Vdsiiia the younger. 
 
 For some cause however, there appear to have been 
 no permanent settlements made here till a more recent 
 date. The unsettled portions of the township belong 
 to the British American Land Company. Salmon nver 
 enters Lingwick from Hampden, and flowing through 
 the south and west parts of the township, turns north 
 
 into Weedon. In the unsettled portions, are two lakes 
 
 of some size, named respectively Moffatt s and Magill 
 
406 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 lakes, and on the north-east boundtry is the small lake 
 Mclver ; besides ^Yhich are small streams tributary to 
 the Salmon. In another part is a mountainous eleva- 
 tion, near which is an extensive swamp. The great- 
 est part of the land is said to be of good quality, and 
 for pasturage is not excelled in the Eastern Townships. 
 
 The adult inhabitants of Lingwick, are nearly all 
 natives of the island of Lewds on the coast of Scotland, 
 the first of whom came to Canada in 1841. They have 
 had accessions to their numbers in 1849, and at sub- 
 sequent periods. 
 
 The assessable property in Lingwick is valued at 
 $95,774,00 ; the number of voters is 119. For 1866, 
 the sum of $486,16 altogether, was levied for schools ; 
 the government grant for the year being $63,76. 
 There are five school districts in the township. 
 
 The only post office in Lingwick is at the village of 
 Gould. The Presbyterian (Free) church was built here 
 in 1845. Nine-tenths of the inhabitants of the town- 
 ship worship in this church. Their minister is the Rev. 
 John Milloy. 
 
 There is also an Episcopalian church in the vicinity 
 of Gould, built in 1861. They have no resident clergy- 
 man here, the incumbent of Bury holding service at 
 stated periods. There are two stores in Gould ; a 
 public house, mills, several mechanics’ shops, and a 
 collection of dwellings. 
 
 The early settlers here had their full share of the 
 privations and inconveniences of pioneer life, as for 
 
p 
 
 EASTEBH TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 40t 
 
 bushed out. This was every year becoming ^ " 
 at leiK^th it was found dangerous to attemp ge =, 
 
 there has been a wonderful improvement, and no 
 
 Lre are excellent roads through Bury, Lmgwick, an 
 
 « tabW .» Uke St. Fr».», .«a 
 
 “ tl«« yea- ef 1848-49-50, man, ^ 
 
 liefttho fat aettM hero, left tlieii ™P'“ae““ents and 
 took land in Winslow, where it could be had S’’ J 
 e terms In consequence of this, the p 
 
 “y SWieltfaboon teurded, ten emjant, 
 Lviuir come into the section since the year 1849. 
 
 The census of 1861 gives Lingwick a population 
 
 564 souls. 
 
 MARSTON . 
 
 This tract though general!, considered a township 
 
 ss indicated on the map ot the district, .s 
 
 h A atinh Tk hasWhittononthe north,Lake oieoa 
 
 Teast ChcA^ ““ft 
 
 !..t The tod though somewhat rough, ts comparat • 
 :lie^!lfth the e'ceprioa ot the »,nth-wes. part, 
 into which the Megantic hills extend. 
 
 The prmcipal stream of water is the egan ic n , 
 
 
408 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 which has its source among those hills, and receiving 
 mnay small tributaries by the way, flows north-east 
 into Victoria Bay, on the west side of Lake Megantic. 
 Though not large, this stream would carry such mills 
 as might be built upon it. There are other small streams, 
 some falling directly into the lake, while others in the 
 west and north-west of Marston, which are the outlets 
 of small lakes in that region, find their way to Salmon 
 liver in Hampden. The largest of these is Otter Brook 
 which issues from Otter lake in Marston. This tract 
 is connected with Whitton for municipal purposes, the 
 last census giving it 100 inhabitants. 
 
 NEWPORT. 
 
 Under the hand and seal of Robert Shore Milnes, 
 Baronet, Lieutenant Governor, &c., a warrant was 
 issued for the survey of a tract of land in the district 
 of Three Rivers, bounded north by Bury, east by 
 Ditton, south by Auckland and west by Eaton ; which 
 when subdivided into 308 lots beside the allowance for 
 highways, was erected into a township named New- 
 port, July 1st, 1801. One-fourth of this township was 
 granted to Edmund Heard and his associates, viz, 
 Samuel Hurd, Longley Willard, Edmund Heard the 
 younger, Nathaniel Beaman the younger, Peter True- 
 man, John Squires, William Heard, William Hudson, 
 Elisha Hudson and Caleb Sturtevant. 
 
 From records in existence relative to the first settle- 
 ment of this township, the following has been gleaned. A 
 
EASTERK TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 400 
 
 person named Williams had taken the first steps toward 
 securing to himself and associates the grant of- a town- 
 shipof land. In 179.3, Edmund Heard one of Williams’ 
 associates, with another person named Sawyer, pene- 
 trated the wilderness and arrived at a locality in 
 the tract, now known as Pleasant Mil. Here they 
 chose sites on which to locate, twenty-five miles dis- 
 tant from any inhabitants on the south, and seventy 
 miles from the French settlements on the north. With- 
 in the two succeeding years, these two pioneers had 
 moved their families to the new homes they had pro- 
 vided, and were soon after followed by several others 
 of Williams’ associates. 
 
 That person stUl failed of making his appearance 
 and in 1797, Edmund Heard petitioned that the grant 
 might be made to himself and his associates, comprising 
 such heads of families as had already located on the 
 tract as Williams’ associates. This petition was- con- 
 sidered and finally granted ; as with the single excep- 
 tion of numbers, terms and conditions were fulfilled to 
 the letter. The community thus thrown together, had 
 at an early day organized themselves into a body winch 
 met regularly for the transaction of any business affect- 
 ing the interests of the settlement. The manner in 
 which the records above referred to were kept up to the 
 year 1814, indicates that the first settlers of Newport 
 were an order-loving and efficient class of men. After 
 the erection of the township, nearly the same system 
 •was pursued. 
 
410 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 The war of 1812, affected this infant township un- 
 favorably, as many of the settlers left for parts where 
 the hard times were felt less than here. With the 
 return of peace, however, many of them came back, 
 but untoward influences seemed to settle upon New- 
 port like an incubus. In 1815, Captain Samuel Hurd 
 who had been one of the most active and public spirited 
 men in the settlement from the first, was unfortunately 
 drowned at Brompton Falls. This melancholy event 
 cast a gloom over the minds of the people of Newport, 
 who now realized how much they had depended on 
 him, and over the prospects of the settlement of which 
 he had been a ruling spirit. 
 
 The settlements in this township are principally in 
 the west and south-western parts, though a few fami- 
 lies have located in the north, near the Bury line. In 
 the north-eastern quarter, there is a section of swampy 
 land, but most of the other parts are suitable for cultiva- 
 tion. Much of the wild land is the property of the 
 British American Land Company. Roads have been 
 opened quite through to Ditton on the east, and to 
 Auckland on the south. 
 
 For the year 1866, $451,27 altogether, were levied 
 for schools, and for the same year, the Government 
 grant was $45,56, beside which, some further assist- 
 ance is received from the Supplementary Fund in 
 aid of Poor Municipalities.” There are five district 
 schools in the township. 
 
 Many of the members of the Baptist Church in Eaton 
 
EASTER'S TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 411 
 
 are residents of Newport; and also those of a Freewill 
 Baptist Church, the members of which worsbp m the 
 same house each alternate Sabbath. The es eyan 
 Methodists hold service in the school houses at state 
 
 times. The Eaton river passes through the south-west par 
 
 of the township, and the North river flows through from 
 Ditton into Eaton. There are other small streams tn- 
 butary to these. Four saw mills are m operation, m 
 one of which are shingle, lath, and planing machines, 
 and also a run of stones for grinding provender for ani- 
 mals. The population of Newport is given as 40<J. 
 
 ORFORD. 
 
 This tract which originally lay in the district of 
 Montreal, is bounded north by Brompton, east by the 
 rivers St. Francis and Magog which separate it from 
 Ascot, south by Magog, and west by Stukely. After 
 being surveyed, divided and subdivided into 3(9 lots, 
 it was erected into a township named Orford, May 5th 
 1801, and granted to Luke Knowlton andjns «s«o- 
 
 ciates, viz., Benjamin Searle, Consider Shattuck, Sa- 
 muel Shattuck, Seth Shattuck, Benjamin Remington, 
 Seth Hoskins, Stephen Kimball, John McNamara, 
 Sylvanus Holbrook, Daniel Cheney, Samuel Dickin- 
 son, Calvin Cook, John Stewart, Daniel Frazer and 
 
 John Plummer the younger. . , , . ^ 
 
 Orford is a large township divided into eighteen 
 ranges, which from the ii-regularities of tlie eastern 
 boundary are of difi'erent lengths, and many of the lots 
 are consequently of unequal dimensions. 
 
412 
 
 niSTOEY OF THE 
 
 Much of this tract is rough and hilly, the highest 
 mountain in the townships lying partly in Orford, 
 from the summit of which is an extended and varied 
 prospect. This whole region abounds in small lakes and 
 ponds, numbers of which may be seen from the moun- 
 tain top. The principal streams are the outlets of 
 these lakes, many of which discharge into Brompton 
 lake, and thence into the St. Francis in Melbourne. 
 Cherry river which has its sources in small ponds in the 
 west of Orford, nms south into Lake Memphremagog. 
 
 One main line of road runs directly west through the 
 township, another leads from Sherbrooke to Magog. A 
 slate quarry has been opened about four miles from 
 Sherbrooke. For the year 1866, $413,60 were levied 
 for school purposes, the government grant being 
 $81.96. It is an independent municipality with a po- 
 pulation of about 900 souls. 
 
 WIIITTON. 
 
 A tract of land lying within the district of St. Fran- 
 cis, bounded north-east by Gayhurst, east by Spalding, 
 south by Marston, south-west by Hampden, and north- 
 west by Winslow, containing 73,600 acres of land, was 
 erected into a township named Whitton, March 4th, 
 1863. This townsliip is of very irregular shape. The 
 little Megantic mountains lie in the north part. The 
 principal stream is the ChaudiSre, which separates it 
 from Spalding on the east, and several tributaries of 
 that river. There are also small lakes within the town- 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. • 
 
 413 
 
 ship tho principal of which are the Three mile, Moose, 
 andMuskrat lakes, the outlets of which discharge into 
 the Chaudi^re. In the western part are the head waters 
 of the Felton river which flows into Winslow, and thence 
 
 into Lake St. Francis. ^ _ 
 
 Whitton, Marston, and Hampden are united in one 
 municipality, the inhabitants of which are mostly French 
 Canadians. The population of Whitton is given as 509 
 souls, the probabiUties being that it has largely increas- 
 ed since the census was taken. 
 
 WINSLOW. 
 
 This tract which lies in the district of St. Francis, is 
 bounded north-east by Price and Aylmer, south-east 
 by Whitton, south-west by Lingwick, and north-west 
 by Stratford, and contains about 73,000 acres of Ian . 
 It was erected into a township named Winslow, Apri 
 19th 1851, and has been subsequently divided into 
 two distinct municipalities, viz.. North and South Wm- 
 
 Soiith Winslow. The south-western section of the 
 township was first settled in 1852 by Scotch emigrants, 
 among whom their native Gaelic is much spoken. They 
 have a church of their own persuasion, where service is 
 
 held in that tongue. , . a 
 
 There are 18,130 acres of land assessed in South 
 Winslow ; 180 legal voters ; and for the year 1866, the 
 sum of^270,23 was levied for schools ; the government 
 grant for that period being $102,18. There are here 
 
414 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 six school districts, one Presbyterian Church, a post 
 office named Stornoway, four stores, two public houses, 
 two grist mills, four saw mills, and one turning mill. 
 
 North Winslow, The north-eastern section of the 
 township is inhabited principally by French Canadians 
 who have a settlement and post office here called St. 
 Romaine. In 1866, the sum of $371 was levied here 
 for schools, the government grant being $80,62 for 
 . that year. 
 
 The Felton river coming from Whitton is the princi- 
 pal stream. Its western tributaries are Mill Brook 
 from Mclver lake, and the outlets of Trout lake and 
 other small bodies of water. On the east, the princi- 
 pal branch of the Felton is Indian river, which has its 
 source among the Little Megantic hills in the north of 
 Whitton. 
 
 The stage road from Sherbrooke through Eaton, 
 Bury, and Lingwick, is continued into Winslow where 
 it intersects with lines leading to Lambton and other 
 places. The census of. 1861 gives Winslow a popula- 
 tion of 1,617. souls. 
 
 WESTBURY. 
 
 This tract of land originally within the district of 
 Three Rivers, is bounded north-east by Bury and Duds- 
 well, south by Eaton, and north-west by Stoke, and 
 contains 16,396 acres of land. It was erected into a 
 township named AVestbury and in part granted Au- 
 gust 13th, 1804, to Henry Caldwell, his heirs and 
 assigns. 
 
41 ^ 
 
 eastern townships. 
 
 This is a small triangular shaped township, the ram 
 
 j in+a in which are of unequal length and of m 
 
 SaTdimensions. With the exception of in the 
 
 ^ tti past the soil is considered of good quah y. 
 
 r direcuy through tho touuBb.p, and 
 
 St. jjrancis j 
 
 = Str 
 
 C .rrc»l. Such ot Uud « j not 
 
 upon, is now the property of the Bntisn a 
 
 ,1; Jilip m tba “b”"' 
 
 ofo^S tbo St. Fraocis but by terry, at .ea, 
 III rye"r it i, both d»cul. and uuaato to otabo 
 
 ‘"cStol c»»» f'« 
 
 ■to of Westbury ; one among which is a wantof 
 
 prosperity ot J resnectin" the location of 
 
 harmony among the^P^P^^^ 
 
 ^ ^Suiting the interests of the two sections. Agam, 
 
 as they are few unaided the necessary 
 
 • Further atm, iong 
 
 tSns a wtomed them to dependence «„ them 
 
 nStas m other townships, for accommodations want- 
 
416 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 ing in their oivti. However, among the more energetic 
 of these people, improvements are in contemplation 
 which may to some extent, remedy existing evils. 
 
 Tliough formerly connected with Ascot for munici- 
 pal purposes, Westbury is now an independent rnunici- 
 pality, containing about 70 voters. In 1866, the sum 
 of $329,38 in all, was levied for schools ; the govern- 
 ment grant for that year, being $33,58. There are five 
 elementary schools within the township- 
 
 indications of copper ai’e found on lots 9 and 10 in 
 the fourth range of Westbury ; also a quarry where 
 excellent roofing slate abounds, on lot 9 in the tliird 
 range. The census of 1861 gives the population as 
 29 5 ouls. 
 
 WOBURN. 
 
 The tract of land indicated on the map of the dis- 
 trict of St. Francis by this name, has not yet been 
 erected a township ; but is still in a state of nature, 
 with few signs of survey, and none whatever of settle- 
 ment. It has the Province line as its boundary on three 
 sides ; owing its peninsular form to the fact that the 
 waters within its limits flow north through the Arnold 
 river mto Lake Megantic. It was by following down 
 this stream to the lake, that Col. Benedict Arnold and 
 his command entered the Province, on occasion of the 
 memorable expedition against Quebec in 1775. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 417 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 RICHMOND COUNTY. — BROMPTON. — CLEVELAND,—" MELBOURNE,— 
 SHIPTON. — STOKE. — WINDSOR, 
 
 Richmond County contains tlie townships of Brompton, 
 Cleveland, Melbourne, Shipton, Stoke and Windsor. 
 Its chef -lieu is Richmond in the township of Cleveland. 
 The circuit court for Richmond county, is held at Rich- 
 mond from the 1st to the 5th of the months of March, 
 July, and November : also at Danville in the township 
 of Shipton, from the 14th to the 18th of the months of 
 January, April, and September. 
 
 BROMPTON. 
 
 A tract of land lying within the district of Three 
 Rivers, bounded north by Melbourne, part of which is 
 inserted in it at a right angle, north-east by the St. 
 Francis which separates it from Windsor and Stoke, 
 south by Orford, and west by Ely, was erected a to\vn- 
 ship named Brompton, November 27th, 1801. 
 
 Parts of this township were granted to Wilham Bar- 
 nard and his associates, viz., Samuel Barnard the 
 younger, Samuel Childs, David Arms, Enoch Rice, 
 
418 
 
 HISSORY OP THE 
 
 Levi Rice, Jonathan Rice, Samuel Hayford, Barnabas 
 Wilcox, Samuel Bishop, Joseph Pierce, Roswell Bart- 
 lett, Ephraim Kee, Ephraim Knapp the younger, 
 William Wakefield, J edediah Caswell, Ira David Hyde, 
 Stewart Kee, Samuel Terry, Miles Dorman, Wyman 
 Wakefield, John Wakefield, David Steele, Elijah Har- 
 wood, Oliver Sherman, Lehbeus Sherman, Ozias Cas- 
 well, Ebenezer Kee, Nahum Ward, Jairus Bonney, 
 Thomas Bartlett, and Ephraim Knapp. 
 
 Settlements were commenced in this tract near the 
 Little Brompton Falls on the St. Francis, as early as 
 1797, by Ozias Caswell, Samuel Pearce, Samuel Bis- 
 hop^ Jedediah Caswell, and several others. Some year 
 or two after the opening was made on the river, a local- 
 ity farther into the interior of the tract, since known 
 as Wakefield Hill, was settled by several persons of that 
 name, two men named Harrington, and one named 
 Martin. 
 
 Among the early settlers was a widow and her sev- 
 eral sons, named Heustin. One of these, a youth of 
 rather a weak mind, was lost in the woods of Brompton, 
 no trace of him being ever found. A person named 
 Wakefield from the interior settlement, was also lost 
 while trying to find liis way through the woods to the 
 river during a severe snow storm, and though persever- 
 ing search was made, nothing could be found to give 
 assurance of his death, or indicate the fate he had met. 
 The probable solution of the mystery concerning him, 
 is, that becoming bewildered by the blinding snow, he 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 419 
 
 wandered to the river, fell through some opening in the 
 ice, and was carried away by the current. In later 
 years, parts of human skeletons have been found in the 
 Tvoods of Brompton, but nothing was left by which 
 the remains could be identified. 
 
 Including Brompton gore, this township is a large 
 irregularly shaped tract. There are no very prominent 
 elevations, and though there are hills in some sections, 
 much of the land is level, and some even wet and 
 swampy. 
 
 Brompton lake lies partly within its limits and partly 
 in Orford ; its outlet being the largest stream in the 
 township through which it flows north into the St. 
 Francis at Melbourne. The next in size is Kee Brook 
 which also comes from some of the numerous lakes in 
 Orford, and enters the St. Francis near the railroad 
 bridge about one mile below Brompton Falls. The 
 only road through from tliis part of Brompton to Mel- 
 bourne, is laid out so as to pass the Rockland slate 
 quarry. 
 
 The gore or augmentation of Brompton, which lies 
 to the south-west of the southern angle of Melbourne, 
 is connected with that township for municipal and 
 school purposes, such an arrangement being more con- 
 venient for the inhabitants, on account of the distance 
 between the two sections. 
 
 Brompton Falls on the St. Francis, are six miles 
 below Sherbrooke. Here is located the largest lum- 
 bering establishment in this re^on, giving employment 
 
420 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 to many hands. The main building which contams 
 several mills, is 333 feet in length, by about 73 feet 
 in width, and is painted white. In the sawing depart- 
 ment there are three separate gangs ; one of which 
 contains 26 saws and cuts up two logs at a time ; the 
 other two have fifteen saws each, and take but one log 
 at a time. Immense numbers of saw logs are every 
 year driven down from the head waters of the St. 
 Francis, sawed up in this establishment, and prepared 
 for market in the shape of boards of various widths 
 and thickness ; clap-boards, sugar boxes, shingles, 
 laths, barrel staves, heads, &c. ; most of which are 
 taken on the cars direct to Portland, and thence 
 shipped to South America or other foreign part. 
 There is also a planing machine here. 
 
 The village of Brompton Falls consists mostly of 
 laborers’ cottages, with however, some few dwellings of 
 more convenient size ; a Roman •Catholic chapel; a 
 post oflBice and railway station ; and in the absence of 
 any Protestant house of worship, a large and conven- 
 ient school house supplies the want, where ministers of 
 the different denominations hold occcasional or stated 
 services. 
 
 This township contains assessable property valued 
 at $108,629 ; also 106 voters ; and has five elemen- 
 tary schools. For the year 1866, the sum of $831,82 
 in all, was levied for school purposes ; the government 
 grant for that year bemg $81,74. A post office has 
 also been opened on lot 18 third range. The popula- 
 tion including the gore, is given as 1,168. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 421 
 
 CLEVELAND. 
 
 The township of Shipton was erected and granted 
 December 4th, 1801. It originally included fifteen 
 ranges ; but the seven ranges lying nearest the St. 
 Francis river were set oflf and erected into a distinct 
 township named Cleveland, in 1855. (For account 
 of early settlement, quality of land, &c., see Shipton.) 
 
 The only considerable body of water in Cleveland 
 is Spooner pond, so called from a settler in the near 
 vicinity. It is situated in the most northerly part of 
 the township, on the height of land between the St. 
 Francis and Nicole t rivers ; is oval in shape ; one mile 
 in length by about one-fourth of a mile in width ; and 
 is fed wholly by springs. It lies higher than the sur- 
 rounding country, as springs issuing from the ground 
 250 yards from its banks, flow in other directions. The 
 water is shallow near its shores, but gradually deepens 
 toward the centre.* It discharges through a small 
 stream into the St. Francis at Kingsey. Excellent 
 fish are abundant in this pond, and as its surroundings 
 are pleasant, it has became a favorite resort for the 
 disciples of Walton. 
 
 The St. Francis copper mine has been worked here 
 to some extent and with partial success, but operations 
 on it are now suspended. 
 
 The assessable property in Cleveland is valued at 
 $185,000. For 1866, the sum of $1,615,20 in all, 
 was levied for schools ; the governement grant for the 
 year being $216,60, 
 
422 
 
 '/TVS 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 A. 
 
 Richmond is the only village in its^ limits. It was 
 incorporated in 1862 ; its present assessable property 
 is valued at $92,000. Here are located the railway 
 buildings at the junction of the Quebec and Portland 
 lines. This station is 76 miles from Montreal, 96 
 miles from Quebec city, and 221 miles from Portland. 
 The Court House and public offices for Richmond 
 county are also located here, and beside a post office at 
 the upper section of the village, is another near the 
 station some distance down the river. There are six 
 or more principal stores ; a printing office whence is- 
 sues a weekly paper ; an iron foundry ; four public 
 houses ; many small trading and mechanics’ shops ; 
 and some 86 private dwellings. 
 
 The bridge across the St. Francis river connecting 
 the townships of Shipton and Melbourne, was 
 built in 1841 at a cost of about $20,000 ; and has 
 been a means of facilitating intercourse between the 
 two sections, as well as a groat convenience to the 
 public at large. 
 
 Of the churches in Richmond, St. Anne’s, (English) 
 was the first erected. Previous to the year 1830, there 
 had been no resident clergyman in Shipton, but the 
 Right Rev. Dr. Stewart, Archdeacon Mountain, and 
 others occasionally visited and instructed the people, 
 at which times service was held in the school house. 
 The church edifice was consecrated in 1830, when the 
 Rev. C. B. Fleming took charge of the mission. He 
 remained 17 years, and was succeeded by the Rev. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 423 
 
 Dr. Falloon who held the incumbency till his death in 
 1862; since which, the Rev. Messrs. Gay, and Roe, 
 have in turn succeeded to the charge ; the latter of 
 whom remains to the present. The congregation 
 worshipping here, assemble from both sides of the 
 river. 
 
 A Roman Catholic church building, situated near 
 the railway station, was the second built in the village, 
 and has now a large congregation, as many of the in- 
 habitants are of that faith. 
 
 The third belonged to the Free Scotch (or Chalmers) 
 church, the congregation of which was formed shortly 
 after the disruption of the Presbyterian church of 
 Scotland. It has at present 105 communicants, eight 
 of whom are elders, an order peculiar to that body ; 
 being a number of lay-men possessing a sort of balanc- 
 ing power between the clergy and people. In con- 
 nection with tills congregation are three stations where 
 service is held periodically for the benefit of the scat- 
 tered inhabitants. The church building in Richmond 
 stands on an elevation near the Court House. The 
 present minister is the Rev. J. McKay. 
 
 St. Francis college is also located here. The charter 
 for this institution was obtained in 1855, when a pre- 
 paratory school was opened. The buildings were finished 
 in 1856, sinc^ which time the college has been in suc- 
 cessful operation. It is unsectarian in religion, though 
 evangelical in its influence. It is designed to prepare 
 young men for the higher departments of teaching and 
 
424 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 the learned professions; while the preparatory depart- 
 ment is training the young in the earlier stages of their 
 education. The favorableness of its location, and the 
 eflScient character of the instruction given, commend 
 it to the approval and patronage of the public. The 
 population of Cleveland is given as 1,450 souls. 
 
 MELBOURNE. 
 
 A tract of land lying within the district of Three 
 Rivers, bounded north-east by the St. Francis river, 
 south-east by Brompton, south-west by Brompton Gore 
 and Ely, and north-west by Durham, was erected into 
 a township named Melbourne, April 3rd, 1805, and 
 granted to Henry Caldwell and John Davidson the 
 elder, and their associates, viz., Edward Bowen, Geo. 
 Hamilton, John Caldwell, Jane Caldwell, Martin Can- 
 non, John Davidson, John Hennesy, Matthew Lamon, 
 Thomas Adolphus Simpson, Henry Donaldson, James 
 Donaldson, Peter Donaldson, John Donaldson the 
 younger, Hugh Donaldson, David Donaldson, John 
 Ellison, George Gallup, John Gibson the elder, John 
 Gibson the younger, Peter Hunt, Augustin Hibbert, 
 Willard Hill, Thomas Lancaster, John Miller, Archi- 
 bald Miller, Daniel Miller, Daniel Mudget, Oliver M. 
 Pearce, Andrew Patterson the younger, Jonathan 
 Stickney , J ohn Stickney , J ohn Stimpson, Daniel Stimp- 
 son, Ephraim Stimpson, Joseph Stimpson and James 
 Stimpson. 
 
 The first locations were made in Melbourne in 1799 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 425 
 
 and the few succeeding years, and were attended with 
 the usual diflSculties and reverses. The early people 
 here, however, enjoyed one advantage over those in 
 the interior sections, in having the river to serve as a 
 highway to and from the older settlements, while yet 
 there were no roads passable through the wilderness. 
 
 About the year 1816, a Union Church building was 
 erected in Melbourne by the united efforts of the scat- 
 tered inhabitants. It was located on the main line of 
 road leading toward Montreal, at a point intersected 
 by other lines, and was the only house of worship in 
 the township till 1838. 
 
 The land in Melbourne is mostly high and rolling, 
 much of it having been originally covered with hard 
 wood. The largest stream of water is the creek which 
 flows north from Brompton lake, beside which there are 
 others suflSciently large to carry mills. 
 
 The amount of taxable property is $200,000. In 
 1866, $1,163,68 in all, were levied for schools, the 
 government grant for the year being $233,56. There 
 are nmeteen school districts. 
 
 Three slate quarries have been opened in dificrent 
 sections of the township, the most important of which 
 is the Melbourne quarry, located some five miles above 
 the St. Francis bridge, and about one mile back from 
 the river. A large number of hands are employed 
 upon these works. The slate is pronounced by com- 
 petent judges to be of excellent quality, and a ready 
 market is found for all that can be made. The Rock- 
 
426 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 land and Albert quarries which have been more recent- 
 ly opened, are situated in other sections of the to\vn- 
 ship. Many of the workmen in these quarries are from 
 Wales. 
 
 There is abundant proof of the existence of mineral 
 deposits in the earth within the limits of Melbbunie, 
 not only in surface indications, but in the fact that sur- 
 veyors have found the operations of the compass ser- 
 iously interfered with from this cause. Colored mar. 
 bles, serpentines. Asbestos, &c., have also been found 
 here. 
 
 Melbourne Lower Village^ so called from being situ- 
 ated on the river below the bridge, was incorporated 
 in 1861. It extends over 600 acres of land, and has 
 assessable property valued at $44,000; also two 
 churches, a post oflSce, three stores, a public house, 
 mechanics’ shops and some sixty dwellings. 
 
 Melbourne Upper Village^ so called from being lo- 
 cated above the bridge, is not incorporated. It has 
 two church buildings, stores, offices, a public house, 
 and some twenty-five or thirty dwellings. 
 
 The people in this locality were mostly Presbyte- 
 • rians by preference, and in 1839, the Rev. J. McMo- 
 ran was sent by the Presbytery of Quebec, to reside 
 in the place. Soon after this, a church building was 
 commenced, but not finished tiU 1842. Mr. McMoran 
 remained till the disruption of the Scotch Church, 
 which extended to Canada. The Rev. Messrs. McFar- 
 land, Clarihue, and a student of Queen’s College, 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 427 
 
 Kingston, have successively filled the pulpit, but only 
 for a short time each. The next was the Rev. J. Sieve- 
 right, who remained five years and extended his labors to 
 Windsor and Brompton gore. In June 1861, the Rev. 
 T. G. Smith came to preside over this church, and 
 not only oflSciated regularly in the above named places, 
 but had a fourth service at a locality near Rockland 
 slate quarry where a small house of worship has been 
 built. Sabbath schools are also held in these places 
 to gather in the young. 
 
 The Congregational Church at Melbourne was organiz- 
 ed about the year 1837, and a place of worship built 
 in the lower village soon after. Their pulpit has been 
 successively filled by the Rev, Messrs. Dunkerly, An- 
 derson, Bayne, and Frink. 
 
 The congregations worshipping in these churches 
 assemble from both sides of the river. A house of 
 worship belonging to the Wesleyan Methodists stands 
 on a prominent point a short distance above the bridge. 
 
 The Adventists have also a place of worship at the 
 lower village. 
 
 Companies of volunteer infantry are under organiza- 
 tion both in Melbourne and Richmond. 
 
 There are many pleasant locations on the bank of 
 the St. Francis in this township. After leaving the 
 river, the stage road to Waterloo leads over what ap- 
 pears a continuously rising ground to Melbourne ridge, 
 where in a well settled farming section, are a Wes- 
 leyan Methodist chapel, a store and post office. It 
 
a 
 
 
 428 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 then enters Brompton gore where stands a small house 
 of worship belonging to a congregation of the Presby- 
 terian Church of Canada in connection with the Church 
 of Scotland, and a little further on is another, be- 
 longing to the Canada Presbyterian or Free Church. 
 This locality bears indication of having been but re- 
 cently settled. 
 
 Taken altogether, it is evident tliat the Scotch ele- 
 ment greatly predominates among the inhabitants of this 
 immediate vieinity. The population of Melbourne is 
 given as 1,621. 
 
 SIIIPXON. 
 
 A tract of land lying within the district of Three 
 Rivers, bounded north-east by Tingwick, south-east by 
 Windsor, south-west by the St. Praneis river which 
 separated it from Melbourne, and north-west by King- 
 sey, was erected into a township named Shipton, and 
 granted December 4th, 1801, to Elmer Cushing and 
 his associates, viz, George Barnard, Elijah Hastings, 
 Henry Barnard, Job Wetherel, Stephen Barnard, Lot 
 Wetherel, Job Cushmg, John Lester, Joseph Hicks, 
 John Hicks, John Brockus, James Doying, Daniel 
 Doying, John P. Cushing, James Barnard, Nathaniel 
 Fessenden, J. B. LaBont4, Amherst Steward, Jona- 
 than Steele, William Dustin, Benjamin Leet, Ephraim 
 Magoun, Charles Clarke, Thomas Hill, Joseph Keyser, 
 Ephraim Magoun the younger, John Robinson, Theo- 
 dore Barnard, Thomas Ellison, Benjamin Moulton, Jo- 
 
EASTERIT TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 429 
 
 sepli Perkins, David Leviston, Abner Rice, WDliam 
 Rumlet, Jonathan Smith, Timothy Chamberlin, Da- 
 niel Blunt, Robert Green, Ephraim Blunt the younger, 
 Amos Cutting, John Martin, Joseph Gamelin, John 
 McLure, John Oakes, James Tobyne, and Baptiste 
 McLure. 
 
 The first parties who entered the tract to survey 
 and explore it were George Barnard, Prentice Cush- 
 ing, John Brockus, Joseph Kilbum, and a company 
 of workmen, who all came in on foot through the path- 
 less wilds, bringing axes and surveying instruments, 
 guns, ammunition, and provisions. They traced the out- 
 lines and made such divisions as were necessary to 
 give the associates opportunity for location, which 
 partial survey took place in 1797. 
 
 Elmer Cushing, the agent, settled on lot 16 in the 
 fourteenth range. May 24th, 1798 ; and within the few 
 succeeding years, many othei’S chose locations in the 
 vicinity, most of whom were from the New England 
 States. At that time there were no roads or settle- 
 ments for fifty miles to the north, and the nearest on 
 the south, was one just commencing at Ascot about 
 thirty miles distant. 
 
 The first road leading through Shipton was a line 
 from the Little Forks in Ascot, to the French settle- 
 ments, which was opened in 1802. The next was 
 from the present site of Richmond to that of Danville, 
 as settlements extended in that direction. The first 
 mills were built by Elmer Cushing in 1802 ; part of 
 
430 
 
 flISTORY OF THU 
 
 tbe necessary irons for whicli were brought through 
 Lake Champlain, down the Richelieu and St. Law'rence, 
 and up the St. Francis; the remainder being obtained 
 from a distant township, and brought to Shipton on a 
 hand sleigh. 
 
 The surface of Shipton is somewhat hilly; the most 
 prominent elevation being the Pinnacle, said to rise 
 300 feet above the surrounding country. The soil is 
 favorable for agricultural purposes, grain and vegeta- 
 bles growing well, though it is said to be best adapted to 
 grazing. The Nicolet river which runs through the 
 north-east part is the largest stream of water, though 
 there are others of sufficient size to carry mills. 
 
 The present township of Shipton, comprises only the 
 first eight ranges originally belonging to it. The first 
 mills built within its present limits, were near the site 
 of Danville, and in 1812, a mill was built in that place. 
 
 The amount of taxable property in Shipton is 
 $267,687 ; the number of legal voters 363. In 1866, 
 the sum of $2,806,45 in all, including the village of 
 Danville, was levied for school purposes; the gov- 
 ernment grant for the same period being $302,06. 
 There are twenty school districts within the township 
 and village. There are also three grist mills, ten saw 
 mills, an iron foundry, tannery, two carding and 
 clothing shops in the township, and some three miles 
 east of Danville, a slate quarry has been opened where 
 school and roofing slates are prepared for market. 
 There are indications of the existence of mineral 
 
EASTERN TOWSHIPS. 
 
 431 
 
 deposits in various localities of the township ; yet no 
 efficient efforts have as yet been made to bring them 
 into notice. The British American Land Company 
 have lands for sale here. 
 
 At Castlebar, 2i miles north-east of Danville, a 
 post office and store have been opened ; and also a 
 post office at Dennison’s mills, six miles in a south- 
 westerly direction. The Grand Trunk railway leading 
 to Quebec, passes entirely through this township, and 
 has a station at Danville. 
 
 The village of Danville which was incorporated in 
 1860, is just one mile square, and contains assessable 
 property to the amount of $70,355 ; and has seventy- 
 six legal voters. There are five churches, one aca- 
 demy, nine general stores, two public houses, a tin 
 shop and hardware store, mills, tannery, iron foun- 
 dry, furniture and carriage shops, and other mecha- 
 nical works, beside a large collection of dwellings. The 
 stream of water which furnishes moving power for 
 these industrial works is rather small, but has a reser- 
 voir formed by an artificial embankment, which contains 
 a reserve in case of need. 
 
 Occasional services had been held in the north-east- 
 ern part of Shipton by clergymen of the Church of 
 England, before the arrival here of the Rev. Mr. 
 Lonsdell in 1843 ; and after his departure in 1847, 
 the Rev. Messrs. Fleming and Lloyd at times visited 
 and instructed the destitute people. In 1857, the 
 Rev. M. M. Fothergill who was employed as travelling 
 

 432 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 missionary in that part of the Eastern Townships in- 
 cluded within the Diocese of Quebec, visited Danville 
 at intervals, and did much toward awakening an inter- 
 est in behalf of the church in the place. Steps were 
 taken which resulted in the permanent establishment 
 of a mission and the erection of a church edifice 
 here ; of which mission Mr. Fothergill was ap- 
 pointed to the charge. He remained five years, and 
 was succeeded by the Rev. G. J. McGill, and two 
 years later, by the Rev. H. J. Retry. 
 
 There is also a congregational church here, which 
 body was first organized in 1882, and a meeting house 
 subsequently erected. The Rev. A. J. Parker is pas- 
 tor. The Wesleyan Methodists and Adventists have 
 each houses of worship here also ; beside which, there 
 is one belonging to the Roman Catholics. 
 
 The population of Shipton is given as 2,132. 
 
 STOKE. 
 
 This tract which originally lay within the district 
 of Three Rivers, is bounded north-east by Dudswell, 
 south-east by part of Dudswell and Westbury, south- 
 west by Ascot and the St. Francis river which sepa- 
 rates it from Brompton, and north-west by Windsor. 
 It contains 70,984 acres of land, and was erected into 
 a township named Stoke, Feb. 13th, 1802 ; and in part 
 granted to Jane Cowan and her associates, viz., James 
 Cowan, George Cowan, Gideon Alexander, William 
 Woodworth, William Woodworth the younger, Gershom 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 433 
 
 Wooclwortli, Lot Woodworth, Samuel Lathrop, Jona- 
 than Wood, Edmund Honsinger, John Campbell, Elijah 
 Smoad, Henry Welch, John Dewar, James Taylor, 
 and twenty-six others. 
 
 Notwithstanding this grant, no permanent settlements 
 were effected in Stoke till a much later date, and even 
 at the present time, it is but sparsely inhabited. 
 
 An elevated range or ridge of hills called Stoke 
 mountains runs nearly through the township in a north- 
 easterly and south-westerly course, rendering those 
 parts rather rough ; though in other sections the land 
 is said to be of excellent quality and well adapted to 
 farming purposes. A considerable body of water called 
 Stoke pond lies within its limits, the outlet of which 
 is one of the principal streams in the township, and 
 helps to form the head waters of Windsor Brook which 
 has its extreme source in the tract. The other streams 
 in Stoke are but insignificant, and either fall directly 
 into Stoke pond, or the St. Francis river. 
 
 Considerable improvement has been made within 
 this township during the few later years, as five ele- 
 mentary schools are now in operation here. The popu- 
 lation is given by the census of 1861, as less than one 
 hundred ; but must have increased rapidly since that 
 period. 
 
 WINDSOR. 
 
 A tract of land lying within the district of Three 
 . Rivers, bounded north-east by Wotton, south-east by 
 
 CO 
 
434 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 Stoke, south-west by the St. Francis river which sepa- 
 rates it from Brompton, and north-west by Shipton and 
 Cleveland, was erected into a township named Wind- 
 sor, July 14th 1802. Certain parts of this township 
 were subsequently granted to oflScers and privates of 
 Canadian militia, and to the widows and orphans of 
 such as were deceased. These grantees were 130 in 
 number. 
 
 The township was originally divided into fifteen 
 ranges ; but as the grantees were altogether French, 
 the first six of these ranges were set oflT for their use, 
 and now form a separate municipalily, the inhabitants 
 of which, have a church, post ofiSce, and schools of their 
 own, and manage their internal affau-s. This part of 
 the township is called “ St. George de Windsor,” and 
 is more compactly settled than the other section. In 
 1866, f423 were levied here for schools ; the govern- 
 ment grant for that year bemg $70,10. 
 
 In English Windsor, the first settlements were made 
 by a few emigrants from the New England states who 
 located themselves along the course of the St. Francis 
 for convenience. The first who settled here perma- 
 nently was Capt. Josiah Brown who came in about the 
 year 1800, and located on lot 12 in the twelfth range. 
 
 Soon after Capt. Brown, came Peter Frye, Nathaniel 
 Webster, John Thomas, Nathaniel Caswell, Moses 
 Baily, Ebenezer Moore, and others. The first mills 
 here were built in 1803. 
 
 On one occasion Capt. Brown in company with a 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS, 
 
 435 
 
 party of Indians had gone out hunting for the purpose 
 of supplying his family with Moose meat, a very com- 
 mon article of diet in those days. After some success, 
 and the failure of their stock of bread, the company 
 separated, and he started on his return home, drawing 
 an Indian sled loaded with the fruits of his expedition. 
 It was intensely cold ; considerable snow lay upon the 
 ground, and in stepping upon ice ho thought firm, he 
 broke through and became partially wet, which added 
 greatly to his discomfort. His strength gave way so 
 that he was obliged to abandon his load and hurry for- 
 ward lest it should fail him entirely, when on coming 
 to a deserted cabin he attempted to open the door, but 
 his stifiened fingers were unable to undo the fastening 
 and he was obliged to go on. Crossmg the river, he 
 approached his own house ; yet was too thoroughly 
 chilled to utter a sound, and as it was dusk, was not 
 recognized by a person who had seen him approach, 
 and thought that his walk and look indicated bewil- 
 derment and hesitation. The outer door was unlatched 
 so that he entered without effort, but no one was there 
 and he remained standing without power to lift the 
 latch of the inner door or make an audible sound, till 
 the person who had seen him approach, and wonder- 
 ing why he did not come in, opened the door and re- 
 cognized him. It was fast growing dark, and the 
 stupor stealing over both mental and physical powers, 
 had so changed the man that his own wife had not 
 known him. His mouth was open, and ice had formed 
 
436 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 upon his face ; and though a long confinement to a sick 
 room part of which time he was delirious followed this 
 exposure, by proper care and good nursing, both hands 
 and feet were preserved, the nails only coming off. 
 
 Though the surface of the land here is somewhat 
 broken and rough in sections, there are no very high 
 hills, and aside from some few swampy districts, it is 
 generally suitable for clearing and cultivation. The 
 wild land is mostly owned by individual non-residents ; 
 yet since it was found that the best quality of soil lies 
 back from the St. Francis, many Scotch emigrants 
 have located in the interior. 
 
 The only stream of any magnitude is the “ Brook,’’ 
 one branch of which comes from Stoke, the other being 
 the outlet of a pond in St. George de Windsor. 
 These two branches uniting, form the stream or brook 
 on which, for more than a mile up from its mouth, there 
 are numerous mill sites, some of which have been 
 improved. Some few years since, works were erected 
 here for reducing wood to a pulp used in the manu- 
 facture of paper, which was to supply the paper mill at 
 Sherbrooke. 
 
 The amount of assessable property in English Wind- 
 sor is about $85,000 ; the number of voters including 
 non-residents owning property here, 144. In 1866, 
 the sum of $658,20 in all, was levied for school pur- 
 poses ; the government grant for the same period being 
 $61,84. There are five elementary schools in opera- 
 tion. A public school of higher grade is much desired, 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 437 
 
 which want has hitherto been supplied by select pri- 
 vate schools. 
 
 There arc five Or six stores in Windsor ; a post oflice, 
 railway station^ and several mills. A. house of worship 
 belonging to the Presbyterians is located about two and 
 a half miles below W^indsor mills^ where a clergyman 
 from Melbourne holds service once in two weeks, and 
 religious meetings are held in a school house near that 
 point, each intervenmg Sabbath. The Methodist mis- 
 sionaries on Melbourne circuit hold meetings in school 
 houses near the mills and on the opposite side of the 
 river, each Sabbath alternately ; and it is in contempla- 
 tion to build a church edifice at the mills. 
 
 About one mile back from where Windsor Brook falls 
 into the St. Francis, powder mills have been built and 
 are in successful operation. The powder made here is 
 in general use for mining purposes, and the works will 
 probably be enlarged in time. 
 
 But far the most important of the industrial works 
 erected here, is the new paper mill, which forms a ma- 
 nufactory complete in itself. As the pulp mill above 
 mentioned was designed to supply the paper mill at 
 Sherbrooke, another of the same kind is included in the 
 new establishment. One of the principal buildings is 
 175 feet in length by about 88 in width, and is three 
 stories high ; another is 128 feet in length, by 60 in 
 width ; one is 90 by 60 feet ; another 60 by 40 ; and others 
 still of smaller dimensions. One of the tall chimneys 
 is about 90 feet in height ; the other about 70 feet. These 
 buildings are of brick, and are so connected as to form 
 
438 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 one complete establishment worked by steam. A largo 
 number ofhands find employment here. 
 
 This is the only place in Canada where pulp is made 
 of wood, to be used in the manufacture of paper. The 
 kinds of wood most in use, are basswood and poplar. 
 The pulp thus made is mixed with about one fifth of 
 rags or other fibrous material, and manufactured into 
 excellent paper. That made in Sherbrooke is ah-eady 
 used extensively in the newspaper establishments of 
 our country. 
 
 Isolated as Windsor had long been before the con- 
 structionof the railway, frequent and familiar intercourse 
 had been kept up with the settlement opposite, till 
 from habit and constant association the people of both 
 sections had come to consider themselves members of 
 the same community. 
 
 It is now in contemplation to unite the two localities 
 by a bridge over the St. Francis, which will serve as 
 an additional bond of union. 
 
 For some distance above the mills, along the course 
 of the St. Francis there are a series of rapids, known as 
 the “ Little Brompton Falls,” which offer sites for the 
 erection of mills to a great extent. Taken altogether this 
 situation is said to be umivalled in the Eastern Town- 
 ships for manufacturing purposes. The rocky banks of 
 the river afford a firm foundation ; there is sufficient fall ; 
 the flats along the margin are high enough to be safe 
 from harm by inundation, and the contemplated bridge 
 between Brompton and Windsor, would bring such 
 'Storks near railway station at the latter place. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 439 
 
 About the year 1848, considerable excitement was 
 caused by the disappearance of a young woman about 
 16 years of age, named Sarah Campbell, belonging 
 here. She had been out with a party of others on a 
 fishing excursion up the “ Brook.” Logs lay over the 
 branches at different points, on one of which the party 
 crossed on their way to the fishing ground. As night 
 approached, they started on their return home, when 
 instead of keeping with the others, this girl took as 
 she thought a shorter way to the high road, intending 
 to reach it before them. On their arriving at the point, 
 not finding her there, they very naturally supposed that 
 she would soon overtake them, and kept on their way. 
 Having often been over the ground, she fancied herself 
 familiar with the various windings and crossings of the 
 brook, and supposed she took the right path ; but either 
 in her haste to get soonest to the highroad, or that she 
 was too confident of being in the right way and neglected 
 proper examination of the ground, she got bewildered 
 and went far astray. The falling darkness overtook her 
 thus wandering farther and farther from the right 
 course ; but having the dog with her, she felt a sort of 
 assurance of protection, and composedly prepared her^ 
 self a couch of hemlock boughs on which to sleep. 
 As it was in the month of September, and the nights 
 were chilly, she had rather an uncomfortable lodging. 
 
 In the meantime, her companions of the previous 
 afternoon had gone to their homes without suspecting 
 that anytliing was wrong, and it was not till her own 
 family found that night failed of bringing her home 
 

 440 HISTORY OP THE 
 
 that any alarm was felt. But when she was missed, 
 it was already dark. A party was sent out and repaired 
 to the point where she was last seen, when they made 
 the usual demonstrations but to no purpose, and after 
 a prolonged search, returned unsuccessful. A much 
 larger party took to the woods next day, regularly 
 prepared to penetrate the forest fastnesses, and fur- 
 nished with organized signals ; but the day wore on 
 in fruitless efforts, and night compelled their return, 
 only bringing with them tidings of their want of success. 
 Each day the effort was renewed but with the same 
 results ; still there was the one sad answer to all inqui- 
 ries ; all the while the interest and excitement becoming 
 deeper and more intense. 
 
 On the 18th day, the dog came home, when the 
 last hope of finding its young mistress alive, died in 
 the minds of her friends ; and consequently the search 
 was given up as hopeless. 
 
 But on the 21st day, to the astonishment of all, she 
 found her way out of the labyrinth, in which a bewil- 
 dered imagination had involved her, and arrived at the 
 house of a neighbor in so reduced and miserable a state, 
 as to be unable to reach her home. During all this 
 time her living had been principally wild fruits. Those 
 in search of her had been looking too far away, as it 
 was thought, she could not at any time have wandered 
 more than ten miles from the point where she went 
 
 astray. The population of Windsor is given altogether 
 as 1,167. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 441 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 STANSTEAD COTJNTY. — BARNfiTON. — BARFORD. — HATLEY. — MAOOO. 
 — STANSTEAD. 
 
 This County comprises the townships of Barnston, 
 Barford, Hatley, Magog, and Stanstead. Its chef- 
 lieu is Stanstead Plain. The circuit court for Stan- 
 stead county is held at Stanstead Plain, from the 1st 
 to the 4th of the months of February, J une, September 
 and December. The agricultural shows are also held at 
 Stanstead Plain. 
 
 BARNSTON. 
 
 January 1st, 1801, a warrant was issued by Robert 
 Shore Milnes, Esquire, Lieutenant-governor, &c., for 
 the survey of a tract of land lying within the district of 
 Montreal, bounded north by Hatley and Compton, east 
 by Barford, south by the Province line, and west by 
 Stanstead. The tract containing 04,500 acres of land, 
 was erected into a township named Barnston, and in 
 part granted to Robert Lester and Robert Morrogh, 
 and their associates, viz., James Shepherd, Joseph 
 Bartlett, Joseph Bartlett the younger, Clement Drew, 
 Elihu Buttolph, William Kent, Abraham Cocklin, 
 
 DD 
 
442 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 Isaac Hellican, Edward Hogan, Stephen Lampman, 
 John McCarty, Abraham Kelliker, Jacob Mantle, 
 Joseph Dolph, Matthew Morehouse, Asahel Porter, 
 Jonathan Hart, and Jacob Brown. 
 
 Prominent among the early settlers of Barnston, are 
 the names of men not found in the recorded list of as- 
 sociates, viz, those of Baldwin, Wheeler, Cleveland, 
 Cameron, Billows, Cutting, Hollister, Mosher, Hill, 
 and Norton, beside many others. 
 
 Sections of this township are hilly and rough, the 
 highest elevation being Barnston Pinnacle in the south ; 
 beside which, is a range of hills called Barnston moun- 
 tains. 
 
 The largest body of water in its limits is Baldwin’s 
 pond, lying between the mountains in the southern part, 
 and the most considerable stream flowing any distance 
 in Barnston, is the outlet of that pond, called Negro 
 river or Burroughs’ stream ; which, though by no 
 means a river in magnitude, is yet suflSciently large 
 to carry mills at several points in its course through 
 the township into Stanstead. The Coaticook river en- 
 ters the north-east corner, whence it passes into Comp- 
 ton. 
 
 The Grand Trunk railway enters Barnston from 
 Compton, and has a station at Coaticook. It crosses 
 the Province line near the division between Barnston 
 and Barford, and has another station at the Boundary. 
 
 Much of the land in Barnston is of exellent quality 
 for agricultural purposes. Most of the timber originally 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 443 
 
 Standing was hard, and a great deal of maple sugar is 
 made here. Particular localities in this township have 
 home their share of the obloquy usually falling to the 
 lot of frontier settlements ; but here, as elsewhere, 
 pursuits which were dishonorable in themselves and 
 demoralizing in their tendencies, and which found en- 
 couragement in cupidity or indolence, are no longer 
 tolerated but frowned down by an improved public 
 feeling. 
 
 Coaticook, This village is located in the north-east 
 corner of Barnston on the Coaticook river which at 
 that point affords numerous sites for the erection of in- 
 dustrial works. These constitute the principal business 
 importance of the place, and have been the great stimu- 
 lant to its rapid advancement, as it has been mostly the 
 growth of the last twelve or fourteen years. This place 
 has daily communication with Montreal by the Grand 
 Trunk, and with Stanstead and other points by stage ; 
 beside which excellent roads connect it with the differ- 
 ent localities around. It is 122 miles by railway from 
 Montreal. It was incorporated in the year 1863 ; and 
 has a population of about 1,200 souls ; is a port of en- 
 try ; has four church buildings ; a parochial school in 
 connection with the Church of England, and two ele- 
 mentary schools. In 1866, the sum of f 334,80 in all, 
 was levied for educational purposes, the government 
 grant for the same year being $79,24. It has also 
 seven stores ; a post office ; a town hall and lock-up 
 house ; three public houses ; mills ; extensive works for 
 
444 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 the manufacture of a great variety of agricultural Im- 
 plements and for the making of various articles of 
 domestic utility; also an iron foundry; two carriage 
 shops ; a carding mill, &c. A volunteer infantry com- 
 pany is under organization here. 
 
 The village of Barmton Corners is about four miles 
 from Coaticook on the stage road leading to Stanstead. 
 It contains a Calvinist Baptist church ; one belonging 
 to the Wesleyan Methodists ; a post oflSce ;town house, 
 an academy, stores, public house, a variety of 
 mechanics’ shops, and some twenty -five or thirty dwell- 
 ings. Baldwin! s Mills are five miles south from 
 Baniston Corners. Here are mills and a variety of 
 mechanical works. At Wafs MillSj four and a half 
 miles west of the Comers, are two stores, a post oflSce, 
 tannery, carding mill, furniture and blacksmiths’ shops; 
 and at Libbee’s mills, six miles west of the Comers, are 
 a grist and saw mill each, a store and mechanics’ 
 shops. 
 
 A Baptist church was organized in Baniston as 
 early as 1810 ; but was disbanded after some years, 
 and the body at present under organization was formed 
 in 1833. Their ministers have been successively the 
 Rev. Messrs. Powell, Mitchel, Baldwin, House, Green, 
 Campbell, Ferguson, and the Rev. R. Nott, present 
 pastor. Their house of worship is at Barnston Corners. 
 
 Freewill Baptist ministers visited this section as 
 early as 1806 ; but the church now in existence was 
 not organized till 1830. The Rev. Messrs. Moulton, 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 445 
 
 Harvey, and T. P. Moulton, have been their ministers 
 successively. Their house of worship is at Coaticook. 
 
 Till within a very few years, Bamston has been con- 
 nected with other townships in a circuit belonging to 
 the Wesleyan Methodist conference ; but at present, 
 only the Cornel's and Coaticook are connected ; in each 
 of which places is a house of worship. The minister 
 resides at Coaticook. 
 
 No Episcopal clergyman had resided in this vicinity 
 till 1862, when the Rev. John Foster was sent to Coati- 
 cook. As the result of his labors, a convenient church 
 edifice has been erected in that village, and also a 
 school house built of brick, for the school designed to 
 train the young in the principles of the church. 
 
 The population of Barnston is given altogether as 
 3,098 souls. 
 
 BARFORD. 
 
 A tract of land lying in the district of Montreal, 
 bounded north by Compton and Clifton, east by Here- 
 ford, south by the Province line, and west by Barns- 
 ton, was erected into a township named Barford, 
 April 15th 1802, and granted to a company of 52 in- 
 dividuals. 
 
 The first permanent settlements in this township 
 were made along the course of the Coaticook river, 
 mostly by families who had emigrated from the New 
 England states, among whom were those named 
 Lyman, Hollister, Drew, Childs, and Straw, 
 
446 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 The land in this township is of uniform good quality, 
 though back from the Coaticook it becomes somewhat 
 rough and hilly. Its agricultural properties and pro- 
 ducts are similar to those of the neighboring townships. 
 
 Two small streams which are the outlets of ponds 
 south of the line, unite within this township to form 
 Coaticook river, which runs north nearly through it, 
 when it diverges a little to the west and enters the 
 corner of Barnston, passing thence into Compton. In 
 several places along its course before reaching Coati- 
 cook village, the channel of the stream is broken by 
 rocky obstructions ; but after passing the deep gorge 
 below that place, it gradually loses the characteristics 
 of a rapid stream. 
 
 The amount of taxable property in Barford, is il56.- 
 538 ; the rate payers 196 in number. There are six 
 elementary schools under the control of the commis- 
 sioners ; in one of which, the French language is 
 taught. In 1866, the sum of $636,00 in all, was levied 
 for schools ; the government grant for that year being 
 $79,14. There is also help from the supplementary 
 aid fund, to the amount of $30 yearly. 
 
 There are two Baptist church organizations in Bar- 
 ford, the first of which was formed in 1837, the 
 second in 1863. The Rev. Joseph Chandler is pastor 
 of the former, and the Rev. Alvin Parker, of the lat- 
 ter. As yet, they meet for worship in school houses. 
 There is also a society of Freewill Baptists in another 
 part of the township. It has been in contemplation to 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 447 
 
 build a house of worship for such of the scattered in- 
 habitants as prefer the doctrines and mode of worship 
 of the Church of England. 
 
 HATLEY. 
 
 The tract lying within the district of Montreal, 
 bounded north by Ascot, cast by Compton, south by 
 Barns ton and Stanstcad, and west by Magog and the 
 little Magog lake and river of that name, containing 348 
 lots, was erected into a township named Hatley, and in 
 part granted March 25th, 1803, to Henry Cull and 
 Ebenezer Hovey and their associates, viz, Job Chadsey, 
 Joseph Fish, Samuel Fish, William Taylor, Joseph 
 Ives, Emos Mix, Samuel Rexford, Benjamin Rexford, 
 Isaac Rexford, Joel Hall Ives, Chester Hovey, Abiel 
 Abbott the elder, Stephen Burch, Chauncy Haycock, 
 Jonas Martin, Reuben Martin, Daniel Green, Peter D. 
 Blanchard, Abiel Abbott the younger, Reuben Sim- 
 mons, Paul Hitchcock, Jesse Wadleigh, Asa Daggett, 
 Amasa Merriraan, David Chamberlain, John Abbott, 
 Providence Williams, Martin Adams, Harvey Clarke, 
 Joseph Davies, Edmund Boyden, Japhet Le Barron, 
 and Eli Ives. 
 
 Captain Ebenezer Hovey settled in the western part 
 of the tract in 1793, and was soon after followed by 
 other pioneers. Lake Massawippi was first discovered 
 by Captain Hovey, as with a party of explorers, he was 
 out examining that section of the tract. Thus enoraged 
 they came suddenly upon the opening in the forest 
 
448 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 where is situated this fine body of water. It is nine 
 miles in length, with a varying breadth, and extends 
 mainly north and south, though the northern end 
 diverges to the east, while the southern end turns to 
 the west, giving the lake something of the form of the 
 letter S. Varieties of excellent fish abound here. 
 The largest streams are the Tomfobia which comes from 
 the south and enters the lake at the south-east, and 
 the Massawippi river through which the surplus waters 
 aro taken in a north-east course into Ascot where it is 
 joined by the Coaticook, then by the Salmon, all con- 
 tributing to swell the volume of water which enters the 
 St. Francis at Lennoxville. 
 
 Lake Massawippi presents a natural obstacle to inter- 
 communication between the two sections of the town- 
 ship. The part lying east of the lake is generally 
 level or undulating, wliile that on the west is hilly 
 and even mountainous. In the immediate vicinity of 
 the lake is a range called the Massawippi hills rising 
 boldly from the water ; and in the south-west corner 
 of the township, are the Bunker hills extending from 
 Stanstead. Seven of the original western ranges of 
 Hatley were set off toward forming the township of 
 Magog. The population of the western section is still 
 sparse ; but the several localities east of the lake, 
 are more thickly settled. The land in this section is 
 excellent for farming purposes, and evidences of the 
 prosperity of its mhabitants, are abundant. 
 
 The stage road from Wate^rloo to Stanstead leads 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 449 
 
 around the south-western end of Lake Massawippi, 
 where the ledge of mountains approaches so near the 
 water as not to leave room for a carriage way between 
 them ; and for about one mile, it winds through a pass 
 which has been mostly blasted from the over-reaching 
 rock, or built out from the stoney base, in a found- 
 ation of the necessary width. 
 
 The surveyed route of the ‘‘ Massawippi valley 
 railroad” runs north from the Province line till it 
 strikes the Tomfobia river in Stanstead ; then follows 
 that stream till near its entrance into the lake ; when 
 passing up the east side to the outlet, it follows down 
 the Massawippi river, and connects with the Grand 
 Trunk at some point near Lennoxville. 
 
 For the year 1866, the assessed value of property 
 in Hatley was 8456,234 ; the number of qualified 
 voters 432 ; the assessment for municipal purposes 
 8599 ; and for the poor 8320. For the same year 
 81,361,50 in all, were levied for school purposes; the 
 government grant being 8257,08. There are fourteen 
 school districts in the township. 
 
 Charleston or East Hatley contains two church 
 buildings, an academy, post office, three stores, a 
 public house, a variety of mechanical works, and some 
 thirty or forty dwellings. It is an exceedingly pleasant 
 village, situated in the midst of a fine farming section. 
 
 Massawippi Village is also east of the lake but 
 much nearer it than Charleston. It contains one house 
 of worship, a post office, three stores, a public house, 
 

 m 
 
 450 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 mills, and mechanical works, with twenty-five or thirty 
 inhabited houses. 
 
 North Hatley at the outlet of the lake, has a post 
 oflSce, store, and small collection of dwellings. Such 
 Indian relics as hatchets, arrow points, &c., found in 
 recent excavations in this vicinity, give evidence that 
 the place was frequented by the Indians before the 
 advent of the whites. This settlement was not com- 
 menced till about the year 1820. 
 
 The first religious body organized in Hatley was a 
 small society of Freewill Baptists. 
 
 Many of the early settlers had been connected with 
 this people at their former homes, and were visited 
 by some of their preachers at an early day. They 
 are now numerous here. Their ministers have been 
 successively, the Rev. Messrs. Boody, Smith, Moulton, 
 Tyler, Abiel Moulton, Parks, Young and Hurd ; the 
 two latter of whom still reside in the to^vnship. The 
 house of worship at Massawippi is occupied alternately 
 by the Freewill Baptists and Wesleyan Methodists ; 
 and another on Hatley East road^ by Freewill Baptists 
 and Adventists. 
 
 At a very early period Hatley was visited by the 
 American Methodist preachers ; but in 1821, the so- 
 cieties were transferred to the charge of Wesleyan 
 missionaries, and for years it was included with other 
 townships in a circuit. Recently, however, it has 
 become a separate station. 
 
 About the year 1817, a mission of the Church of 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 451 
 
 England was establislied here, chiefly through the 
 instrumentality of the Rev. Dr. Stewart. The clergy 
 men here have been successively the Rev. Messrs. 
 Johnson, Jackson, and Burrage ; the last named being 
 present incumbent. 
 
 The population of Hatley is given as 2,274. 
 
 MAGOG, 
 
 This towmship is bounded north by Orford, east by 
 Hatley, south by Stanstead, and west by Bolton and 
 Lake Memphremagog. It was fonned of the seven 
 western ranges of the original township of Hatley, 
 united to the nine eastern ranges of the township of 
 Bolton as at first constituted ; and thus the early 
 history of Magog is simply that of those parts of tho 
 townships of which it was formed. 
 
 Capt. Ebenezer Hovey, one of the agents and gran- 
 tees of the township of Hatley, first located on the east 
 side of the outlet, near the point of its issue from the 
 lake. 
 
 Lake Memphremagog is about thirty miles in length, 
 one-third of which is south of the Province line. Three 
 rivers each about thirty miles long, are its chief 
 tributaries ; viz., the Clyde, Black and Barton rivers, 
 all of which enter the lake on the Vermont side. The 
 principal place contiguous to it south of the boundary, 
 is Newport at the head of Steamboat navigation ; which 
 is a port of entry and derives added importance from 
 being situated on the extension of the Connecticut and 
 
452 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 Passumpsic river railroad. Taken altogether, these 
 advantages render it a sort of centre for commercial 
 intercourse between the countries. Four townships, viz., 
 Stanstead, Magog, Bolton and Potton, lie along the 
 border of the lake in Canada. 
 
 The Mountain House, situated by the lake side at 
 the foot of Owl’s Head mountain, is about twelve 
 miles below Newport, and five miles above the ferry 
 between George ville in Stanstead, and Knol ton’s 
 landing in Potton. Steamboats plying up and down 
 this lake, land regularly at this point for the con- 
 venience of arriving and departing guests ; and a 
 post oflBce has been opened here, as the house is much 
 frequented during the season of summer h’avel, and 
 has became a favourite resort for lovers of quiet, par- 
 ties fond of boating, or those wishing to ascend the 
 mountain, from the top of which is a view much ad- 
 mired by lovers of natural scenery. 
 
 The northern end of this lake is entirely within the 
 township of Magog. The outlet takes a north-east 
 course, its channel somewhat obstructed by rapids, 
 till at a distance of about four miles from its source, 
 it expands into the little Magog lake which is about 
 five miles in length. The river again contracts at a 
 point about midway between its source and mouth, 
 and flows in the same course with only an occasional 
 rapid suitable for a mill site, till it reaches the Upper 
 Town in Sherbrooke. 
 
 The surface of the land in Magog is somewhat rough, 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 453 
 
 and seems to promise when more fully cleared, better 
 for the general purposes of grazing than for the pro- 
 duction of the finer grains. The village situated at the 
 point where the river issues from the lake, contains a 
 Roman Catholic church, a Union Protestant church 
 building, a post oflSce which was opened at an early 
 day, several stores, two pubhc houses, a variety of 
 mechanical and manufacturing works, and some thirty 
 or forty private dwellings. A company of volunteer 
 infantry are also under organization here. 
 
 The place is principally important as the terminus of 
 steamboat navigation on ^the lake, and is also on the 
 direct stage route between Stanstead and Waterloo ; 
 and while the steamboat makes its regular trips, is con- 
 nected by daily stage with Sherbrooke and Waterloo. 
 Lines of public road from various directions centre 
 here. 
 
 The assessable property in the township is valued at 
 $177,930. For the year 186G, the sum of $1,147,20 
 in all, was levied for educational purposes ; the govern- 
 ment grant being $119,72. One grist mill and three 
 saw mills are in operation here. Population given as 
 1,059 souls. 
 
 STANSTEAD. 
 
 A tract of land lying within the district of Montreal, 
 bounded north by Hatley and Magog, east by Barns- 
 ton, south by the Province line, and west by lake Mem- 
 phremagog, containing 77,870 superficial acres, was 
 
454 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 erected into a township named Stanstead, September 
 27th, 1800, and in part granted to Isaac Ogden and 
 his associates, viz., George Hogle, Abraham Friolt the 
 younger, Amos Hawley, Benoni Grant, Ebenezer 
 Clarke, John Hogle, Samuel Filer, Philip Derrick, 
 Johnson Taplin, Israel Wood, Thomas Filer, Joseph 
 Friolt, Charles Kilborne, Andrew Patterson, Abraham 
 Friolt the elder, John Curtis, Lyman Brunson, Henry 
 Emerick, Abraham Sails, Ephraim Hawley, Alexander 
 Ferguson, Crosby Towner, Andrew Young and Con- 
 rad Derrick. 
 
 The first permanent location in Stanstead was made 
 by Johnson Taplin who settled at the Plains in March 
 1796, soon after which. Captain Moses Copp settled at 
 Copp’s ferry, now known as George ville. Among 
 those prominent in the early days of Stanstead were 
 persons named Lee, Morrill, Hubbard, Nash, Hibbard, 
 Mansur, Rogers, Young, Ruiter, Bodwell, Magovor, 
 Peaslee, and many others whose names do not appear 
 in the list of recorded associates. Dr. Isaac Whicher 
 also came here to reside at an early period. 
 
 The land in this township is of a superior quality for 
 agricultural purposes ; farming in its various branches 
 being the ruling interest of the people. Much of the 
 surface lies in elervated plains, there being apparently 
 little waste land. Ip the north-west is a range called 
 Bunker hills, extending into Hatley and Magog. 
 
 The largest stream of water is the Tomfobia, which 
 comes from Holland, Vermont, but an insignificant 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 455 
 
 stream ; yet by constant additions from small rivulets, 
 accumulates sufficient water to carry mills. It at first 
 runs in a western coui-se, then turns south to the Pro- 
 vince line at Rock Island, thence flows west nearly to 
 Bebee Plain, when it turns to the north and finds its 
 way into Massawippi lake in Hatley. Its largest tri- 
 butary is Negro or Burroughs’ Stream, which comes 
 from Barnston and passes through the north-east 
 comer of Stanstead into Hatley. Near the line be- 
 tween these two townships, a very remarkable fall, or 
 rather succession of falls occur on this stream, the 
 small volume of water carried over the precipice alone 
 preventing its being classed with cataracts of the first 
 magnitude. 
 
 In the north-west of Stanstead is Lovering Pond, 
 which reaches into Magog. This discharges into Fitch 
 Bay, an arm of lake Memphremagog, which extends 
 some distance in a north-easterly direction into the in- 
 terior. At places it is so narrow as to appear a mere 
 stream, or rather its general appearance is that of a 
 succession of small ponds connected by small streams. 
 Above these narrows it is called Fitch Bay, but below 
 them, is known as East Bay. 
 
 Stanstead is very generally settled, a perfect net 
 work of roads which intersect at numerous points con- 
 necting the different localities. Mineral indications 
 exist in parts, and a valuable granite quarry has been 
 opened and worked to some extent. In 1866, the no- 
 minal valuation of property was $884,100 ; the number 
 
456 
 
 history of the 
 
 of legal voters 715 ; the assessment for municipal pur- 
 poses $1,400 ; and $4,278 in all, were levied for educa- 
 tional purposes, the government grant being $579,69. 
 There are in all ten church buildmgs, thii'ty-two school 
 districts, six grist mills, twelve saw mills, one woollen 
 factory and a great variety of manufacturing and 
 mechanical works in the township. A cheese factory 
 has recently gone into operation here. 
 
 Stamtead Plain was incorporated as a village in 
 the year 1857, and contains five church buildings, eight 
 or ten stores, a distributing post oflSce which was 
 opened about the year 1817, a custom house, an aca- 
 demy and district school, three public houses, a great 
 many mechanics’ shops, and some eighty private dwell- 
 ings. The county business is done here. A branch 
 of the Eastern Townships bank is also in operation 
 here. The county agricultural fair grounds, and Cry- 
 stal lake cemetery grounds are in the vicinity, and 
 within the corporation are the usual numbers of offices 
 belonging to gentlemen of the different professions. A 
 volunteer infantry company is also under organization 
 here. 
 
 Daily stages connect the village with the terminus 
 of the Passumpsic Railroad, with the Grand Tnink 
 at Coaticook, and with other points ; beside which are 
 two lines of tri-weekly stages arriving and departing. 
 It is also expected that when constructed, the Massa- 
 wippi Valley road will approach within a short distance 
 of the village. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 457 
 
 In some respects, Stanstead Plain is unrivalled, as 
 it is without doubt the most regularly laid out of any 
 village in the Eastern Townships. Its location is both 
 healthful and pleasant, in the midst of a rich agricul- 
 tural section. It has but one principal street extending 
 in a direction nearly north and south, not so compactly 
 built but that ample room is left for gardens and orna- 
 mental grounds on a small scale. Many of the dwel- 
 lings more recently erected, combine elegance with 
 convenience. 
 
 Roch Island, This village is situated one mile 
 south of Stanstead Plain, and contains six general 
 stores, two family groceries, a post oflSce, public house, 
 one flouring mill, an iron foundry, two boot and shoe 
 factories, a chair factory, a printing oflSce whence issues 
 a weekly newspaper, planing machines, and other me- 
 chanical works. The locality is separated from Derby 
 line in Vermont, only by the stream which is crossed 
 by bridges at different points. 
 
 Georgeville^ twelve miles north-west of Stanstead 
 Plain, is on the eastern shore of lake Memphrema- 
 gog, and contains two church buildings, a post office, 
 academy, three stores, a custom house, two public 
 houses and a collection of some thirty or more dwellings. 
 
 Fitch Bay^ situated at the head of the bay of that 
 name, seven miles north-west of Stanstead Plain, has 
 one church building, a post office, two stores, a grist 
 and saw mill each, a cabinet shop and other mechanical 
 works, and a collection o*f houses. 
 
 KE 
 

 
 458 HISTOKY OF THE 
 
 Behee Plain^ two miles south-east from Stanstead 
 Plain, has one church building, a post office, two stores, 
 a custom house and small collection of dwellings. 
 
 Griffin^a CornerSj four miles west of Stanstead 
 Plain, has one church building, a public house and a 
 town hall for meetings of local council, school commis- 
 sioners, &c. 
 
 At Cassvilley six miles north of Stanstead Plain, is 
 a house of worship, an academy, and some few private 
 dwellings. 
 
 The fact that the early settlers of the township came 
 from different sections, and were unlike in their religi- 
 ous views and training, accounts to some extent for the 
 number and variety of religious sects among them. 
 
 The Roman Catholic church edifice occupies a pro- 
 minent location in the village of Stanstead Plain. 
 
 The early American Methodist preachers were the first 
 to penetrate these wilds in their visits to the settlers. 
 In 1821, they were superseded by the Wesleyan Metho- 
 dist missionaries, and at present the Canada conference 
 controls the interests of this body. The house of worship 
 in use for many years by the congregation of Methodists 
 in Stanstead, has been found too small and inconvenient, 
 and a new edifice has been built, exceeding in conve- 
 nience of arrangement, taste and finish, anything of 
 the kind in the place. 
 
 Congregationalists , — The pioneer minister of this 
 order was the Rev. James Hobart. The first society 
 was organized in 1816. Among the early ministers 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 459 
 
 were the Rev. Messrs. Osgood and Rankin. The 
 church building now in use was erected about the year 
 1830, during the pastorate of the Rev. Mr. Rankin, 
 who has been succeeded in turn by the Rev. Messrs. 
 Gibb, Hall, Sabin, Hay, McDonald, and Rogers, the 
 last of whom is present pastor. 
 
 The first clergyman of the Church of England sent 
 to tliis settlement^ was the Rev. Richard Knagg who 
 remained three years. The next attempt to revive the 
 interests of the Church here, was made by the Rev. 
 PI. Burrage of Hatley, who visited the place in 1840. 
 A small church was organized, who met for worship in 
 a place temporarily provided, and soon after, the colo- 
 nial missionary society sent the Rev. \V. L. Thompson 
 to Stanstead. Through his efibrts aided by friends of 
 the enterprise, a convenient church edifice was erected, 
 and the chui'ch has become a permanent institution. 
 Mr. Thompson has been succeeded in turn by the Rev. 
 H. Darnell and the Rev. A. A. Allen, present incum- 
 bent. 
 
 The sect called Adventists were introduced here in 
 1838, by the Rev. W. Miller who has been succeeded 
 at difierent periods by the Messrs. Litch, Himes, 
 Greene, Hutchinson and Orrock. 
 
 The house of worship at Fitch Bay belongs to the 
 Congregational Church and society. It was dedicated 
 October 21st, 1866 ; the Rev. L. P. Adams, pastor. Of 
 the two church edifices in George ville, one belongs to the 
 Church of England, the Rev. J. Thornloe, incumbent ; 
 
460 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 the other to the Wesleyan Methodists. Union houses 
 have been built in other localities, that at Cassville being 
 occupied by the Methodists and Freewill Baptists al- 
 ternately. 
 
 Population of Stanstead given ^s 4,847 souls. 
 
 
 
 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 461 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 WOLFE COUNTY.— DCDSWELt..— HAM.— SOUTH HAM.— STRATFORD 
 
 AND OARTHBY. — ST, CAMILLE. — WEEDON,— WOTTON. 
 
 WOLFSTOWN. 
 
 This county contains the townships of Dudswell, 
 Ham, South Ham, Stratford and Garthby, St. Camille, 
 Weedon, Wotton and Wolfstown. The chef-lieu is 
 South Ham. At present it is connected with Richmond 
 county for electoral purposes. 
 
 DUDSWELL. 
 
 A tract of land lying within the district of Three 
 Rivers, bounded north-east by Weedon, south-east by 
 Bury, south-west by Stoke, and north-west by St. Ca- 
 mille, was erected into a township named Dudswell, 
 May 13th, 1805. One-fourth of this was granted to 
 the heirs of John Bishop, Napthali Bishop, Barnabas 
 Barnum, Ebenezer Bamum, Jehiel Barnum, Stephen 
 Barnum, Richard Bamum, Thomas Farlan, David Fer- 
 riss and Champion Smith. 
 
 •John Bishop who had enlisted in the American revo- 
 
462 
 
 HISTORY OP THE 
 
 lutlonary army, was taken prisoner by the British, and 
 as such carried to Quebec. It appears that during 
 this lengthened captivity, his uniform good conduct and 
 obliging behavior, so far won upon the good will of 
 those in charge of the prison, that as a mark of appro- 
 bation and particular favor, he was granted access to 
 books, and was likewise assisted in the study of mathe- 
 matics for which he had a decided taste. Naturally 
 gifted with quick perceptions and a retentive memory, 
 and being withal of an observant and inquiring nature, 
 he readily "saw that in patiently resigning himself to 
 the necessities of his situation, and improving his pow- 
 ers and opportunities to the utmost of his ability, he 
 was fitting himself to meet any emergency that might 
 arise. 
 
 By these means he acquired a knowledge of the 
 science of surveying, which after his return home, was 
 turned to practical account. He followed this profes- 
 sion several years in Vermont, during which time he 
 married and settled in life, but at length decided on a 
 removal to Canada. 
 
 Having formed valuable acquaintances with parties 
 in Quebec during his compulsory sojourn in that city, 
 he visited it again, this time voluntarily, and was highly 
 favored in meeting with friends who were able and will- 
 ing to forward his wishes and plans. He therefore took 
 the preliminary steps toward obtaining for himself and 
 associates the grant of a township of land. Next, he 
 visited the tract designated, made some necessary pre- 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 463 
 
 paration for a removal thither, and returned to V ermont. 
 In October 1800, he brought his wife and seven children 
 — the latter all under fifteen years of age — to the new 
 home provided for them in the wilderness of Dudswell. 
 
 A widowed sister named Chaffee, and her son, accom- 
 panied the family, these being the first permanent resi- 
 dents of the tract. Owing to the wretched state of the 
 roads, their waggon was left at Derby, Vermont, and the 
 remainder of the journey made on horseback through 
 ways almost impassable from the mud, till they reached 
 the Little Forks. Here there were a few log dwellings, 
 and from this point, the line was indicated by marked 
 trees alone. Their progress was necessarily slow, eight 
 or ten miles being considered a day’s journey of this 
 manner of travelling. Several families of associates 
 came on to the ground soon after this. 
 
 Business connected with the settlement of which he 
 was the head and founder, required Mr. Bishop to be 
 frequently from home ; during which journeys he was 
 often a sufferer from fatigue and exposure. On one 
 of them made in the month of March, he was taken 
 sick and lay ill at the house of a friend about 14 miles 
 from home, till the following June, when, anxious as he 
 said, to reach his home to die, he was carefully con- 
 veyed to the river St. Francis, and brought in an Indian 
 bark canoe to within a short distance of the home to 
 which he was with difficulty removed, and from which 
 he never again ventured, though he lived till August. 
 
 This distressing calamity fell with overwhelming 
 
464 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 force upon the helpless family he left behind ; and the 
 sad event had the unhappy effect of deranging the 
 entire plans for the settlement so auspiciously begun. 
 Much of Mr. Bishop’s success in obtaining the reqmred 
 number of associates, had been owing to his personal 
 popularity as a man of energy, ability, and integrity, 
 qualities that gave him great hifluence. Unfortunately 
 his death took place at a time when the stability of the 
 settlement was by no means assured ; just at the cri- 
 tical period that required the assistance of his soundness 
 of judgment and decision of character. 
 
 The conditions by which the charter of the township 
 was to be obtained, had not to any great extent been 
 complied with, yet several families had moved on to the 
 premises in good faith, and many others had pledged 
 themselves to do the same. But now that the leader 
 in whom all confided, was gone, the latter declined 
 further action in the matter. 
 
 In this doubtful state of the business, Napthali Bis- 
 hop, abrother of the deceased, came forward to assume 
 charge of his late relative’s affairs ; and after much 
 embarrassment and delay, succeeded in obtaining a grant 
 of one quarter of the township, by wliich means, titles to 
 the lands that had been settled upon, were confirmed to 
 the occupants. 
 
 In some portions of Dudswell,the land seems gently 
 undulating and quite free from stones, while other 
 sections are rough and hilly. To the north-west com- 
 mence those elevated grounds, which after a gradual 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 465 
 
 rise backward from the St. Francis, terminate in the 
 Stoke mountains. Bishop’s pond, west of the centre 
 of the township, is something over a mile in length, 
 by less than half that width. It is fed mostly by 
 springs as only a few small rivulets find their way 
 into it. Willard pond, farther to the north-east, is 
 nearly of the same size, their outlets uniting to form a 
 stream sufiiciently large to carry mills. The St. Francis 
 river flows directly through Dudswell, and is crossed 
 by ferries at difierent points. 
 
 For the year 1866, the sum of ®697,11, in all, was 
 levied for school purposes , the government grant for 
 the year being $82,18. There are an academy and 
 nine elementary schools in the township. 
 
 Marbleton, a small village north of the centre of 
 Dudswell, contains an English Church ; two stores ; a 
 post office, public house, mills, and a variety of mechani- 
 cal works ; beside a collection of dwellings. Within a 
 short distance are other mills. The place received its 
 name from the quantities of marble that abound in its 
 vicinity. Several varieties are found here \ some white, 
 some nearly black, but the greater part of a greyish 
 hue, or veined and clouded with difierent shades of the 
 same color. Some effort has been made toward open- 
 ing and working a quarry in the village ; but like many 
 other enterprizes undertaken without adequate means 
 or encouragent, it fell through. An excellent quality 
 of lime is manufactured here, for wliich material is 
 abundant. 
 
 FP 
 
HISTORY OF THE 
 
 466 
 
 Atapoint where the stage road from Sherbrooke 
 is intersected by the line coming from the ferry at East 
 Dudswell, another post office called “ Dudswell Cor- 
 ners ” is located. The academy is in the same vicinity, 
 also a public house ; the section around being a rather 
 thickly settled farming locality. The Methodist chapel, 
 a neatly painted wooden structure, stands on the opposite 
 side of Bishop’s pond. 
 
 On the south-east side of the St. Francis is a settle- 
 ment now known as East Dudswell, though formerly 
 called Pequod, yet with what propriety, the ima^na- 
 tion must conceive. There are still considerable tracts 
 of unsettled land in the townsWp. 
 
 The population is given as 669 English speaking 
 inhabitants and 65 French Canadians. 
 
 HAM. 
 
 A tract of land lying within the district of Three 
 Rivers, bounded north-east by Wolfestown, south-east 
 by South Ham, south-west by Wotton, and north- 
 west by Tingwick, was erected into a township named 
 Ham, July 29, 1807. It appears, however, that little 
 if anytliing had been done toward its settlement till a 
 later date, as the census of 1861 gives it a population 
 of only 606 French Canadians, and four English speak- 
 ing inhabitants. It is a distinct municipality, and for 
 the year 1866, the sum of $360,80, was levied for 
 schools ; the government grant being $68,96. Mineral 
 indications exist within its limits, and mines have been 
 

 
 EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 467 
 
 worked to some extent. The nearest approach to a 
 village in the township, is a small settlement containing 
 a Roman Catholic chapel, a store, post office, and mills. 
 A weekly mail arrives from Arthabaska station, 21 
 miles distant. 
 
 SOUTH HAM. 
 
 For many years this tract was known as the aug~ 
 mentation of Ham ; during which period it was but 
 a dreary solitude, broken upon only by the sound of 
 the hunter’s gun or the laborer’s voice, as the line 
 known as ‘^Craig’s road” wasbeing constmeted directly 
 tlirough it, connecting the townships south, with Quebec. 
 In 1830, Israel Rice settled on this road within the 
 augmentation, where for many years his house was a 
 resort for all descriptions of travelers. 
 
 Later, however, other English speaking families have 
 located here, and in November 1857, the tract was 
 erected into a township named South Ham, which is 
 not only a distinct municipality containing 114 English 
 speaking, and 109 French Canadian inhabitants, but 
 is also the chef -lieu for Wolfe County. In the year 
 1866, the sum of $154,00 was levied here for schools ; 
 the government grant being $25,22. A mine of anti- 
 mony has been opened in this township. 
 
 STRATFORD AND GARTHBY. 
 
 A tract in the district of St. Francis, bounded north- 
 east by Price, south-east by Winslow, south-west by 
 
 
468 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 Lingwick and Weedon, and north-west by Lake Ayl- 
 mer and the river St. Francis which separate it from 
 Garthby, containing 51,000 acres of land, was erected 
 into a township named Stratford, April 3rd, 1856. 
 
 Another tract in the same district,bounded north-east 
 by Coleraine, south-east by Lake Aylmer and the St. 
 Francis river which separate it from Stratford, south- 
 west by Weedon and South Ham, and north-west 
 by Wolfestown, containing 46,000 acres of land, was 
 erected a township named Garthby, May 25th, 1855. 
 
 These two townships are situated in a rough and 
 hilly section of country, and are as yet but sparsely 
 settled. They are united in one municipality ; and for 
 the year 1866 the sum of $63,00 was levied for 
 schools; the government grant being $31,08. The 
 population of Stratford is given as 413 souls ; that of 
 Garthby as 275. 
 
 ST. CAMILLE. 
 
 This is a small municipality formed from part of the 
 original township of Wotton. It contains a Roman 
 Catholic church, a post oflSce and two stores, and weekly 
 mails arrive here. For 1866, the sum of $139,00 was 
 levied for schools ; the government grant being $54,94. 
 Its population is given as 479 French, and 7 English 
 speaking inhabitants. 
 
 WEEDON. 
 
 A tract lying within the district of Three Rivers, 
 bounded north-east by Garthby and Stratford, south- 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 469 
 
 
 east; by LIngwick, south-west by Dudswell and north- 
 west by South Ham, containing 64,032 acres of land, 
 was erected into a township named Weedon, February 
 28th, 1822 ; and granted to Louis Gugy, Augustin 
 Gagnon, Michel St. Pierre, Joseph Germain, John 
 Monroe, Margaret widow of Francois Lemaihe, Fs(][., 
 Elizabeth and Margaret daughters of Francois Le- 
 maihe, Mary Algers, and Charles Patterson. 
 
 The St. Francis river enters this township from lake 
 Aylmer, and flowing some distance, expands into lake 
 Louise. Again contracting, it receives the waters of 
 Salmon river, and passes into Dudswell. Many other 
 small streams and outlets of ponds also enter the St. 
 Francis in Weedon. The inhabitants are almost ex- 
 clusively French Canadians, and have a church, post 
 office and schools. The sum levied for their support in 
 1866, was $934,46, the government grant being $91, 
 46. Tlie stage road from Sherbrooke through Duds- 
 well and Weedon, is continued on to the north-east. 
 The census of 1861, gives it a population of 809 inha- 
 bitants. 
 
 WOTTON. 
 
 A tract lying in the district of St. Francis, bounded 
 north-east by Ham, south-east by St. Camille, south- 
 west by St. George de Windsor, and north-west by 
 Shipton and Tingwick, containing 47,600 acres of land, 
 was erected into a township named Wotton, June 2nd, 
 1849. This is an independent municipality, with a 
 
470 
 
 niSTOKY OF THE 
 
 population of 1,504 French Canadians and 29 English 
 speaking inhabitants. 
 
 For the year 1866, the sum of 8561,92 was levied 
 for schools; 8173,32 being received from government. 
 There are here a Roman Catholic church ; also stores, 
 mills, and a post oflSce where a mail is received twice 
 per week. Wotton is about ten miles east of Danville 
 in Shipton, and 27 miles nortli from Sherbrooke. 
 
 WOLFESTOWN. 
 
 The tract in the district of Three Rivers, bounded 
 north-east by Ireland, south-east by Garthby, south-west 
 by Ham, and north-west by Chester and Halifax, was 
 erected into a township named Wolfestown, and in part 
 granted August 14th, 1802, to Nicholas Montour and 
 his associates, viz., William Walsh, John Murphy, 
 Luke Gaul, Pierce Kief, Mathew Reagan, Dennis 
 Daly, Michael Broderick, and Timothy Lynch. 
 
 This township is the most northern in Wolfe Coun- 
 ty, or in the district of St. Francis. The nearest 
 railway station is at Somerset on the Quebec road, 
 twenty-two miles distant ; from which, a weekly mail 
 is brought here. A French church, stores, mills, &c., 
 go to make up the settlement. In 1866, the sum of 
 8597,21, was levied for schools ; the government grant 
 being 8140,18. 
 
 Parts of this township are said to contain excellent 
 agricultural land. It is an independent municipality 
 as regards the management of its internal affairs, with 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 471 
 
 the exception that fov local municipal convenience, the 
 tenth and eleventh ranges are united with Ham. 
 
 The last census gives it a population of 354 English 
 speaking, and 1,118 French Canadian inhabitants. 
 
472 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 In the foreg(»ing pages we have considered these 
 townships as when covered by primitive forests and the 
 deep silence of nature was unbroken save by the hun- 
 ter’s gun or his victim’s death-cry : have noted the 
 earliest efforts made to plant the standard of civilization 
 in these wilds, and marked the gradual disappearance of 
 the forest beneath the vigorous arm of the settler : 
 have recounted the labors, perils, and privations through 
 which our forefathers struggled to gain subsistence and 
 build up homes for themselves and families here ; and 
 have reviewed the well earned success that has finally 
 crowned their efforts. 
 
 It has already been seen that most of our early set- 
 tlers were men of limited means. In far off sections 
 we hear of villages and towns springing into sudden 
 wealth and prosperity from the influx of foreign capital ; 
 but here, unless in very exceptional cases, the people 
 have been forced to depend on their own exertions. 
 Before an enterprize requiring capital could be entered 
 upon, the capital itself was to be created ; and before 
 this could be effected, it was often necessary to over- 
 come many counteracting influences of which our people 
 know full well. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 473 
 
 L 
 
 i 
 
 I 
 
 Justice to oui’selves requires that we take into 
 account the fact that our own section is younger than 
 some parts of the country, or than many portions of 
 the adjacent republic ; and that till a very recent 
 period of years, its condition has been unfavorable to 
 progress in such pursuits as tend to advance and en- 
 rich a people speedily. Commerce was long confined 
 to the cities ; manufactures were in their infancy if in 
 existence at all; and our agricultral products were 
 limited in kind and quantity. 
 
 Now, however, affairs wear a changed aspect. The 
 work of improvement has been slow to our impatient 
 wishes, but in comparing the present of to-day, with the 
 past of thirty and forty years, the change is surprising. 
 Both material interests and educational improvements 
 have made rapid advancement, and we have now 
 arrived at the point which promises well for our future 
 if we but prove true to our best and highest interests, and 
 the moral improvement of our people keeps pace with 
 their intellectual culture and material prosperity. 
 
 Our greatest danger in this age of progression— of 
 becoming quickly rich — of unparallelled vicissitude, is 
 that during the bustle in which we necessarily move 
 and have our being,” we become so absorbed in the 
 strife that our moral perceptions are obscured, and in 
 prospect of immediate present acquirement and en- 
 joyment, we lose sight of the legitimate ends and 
 aims of life. 
 
 A people may become highly civilized, may advance 
 in wealth, learning, and the arts ; may possess culti- 
 
 GG 
 
 
474 
 
 HISTORY OF THE 
 
 vated and refined tastes, and even pay an exacting 
 attention to the conventionalities of life, and yet be 
 sadly -wanting in that moral element which has its foun- 
 dation only in Christian principle, and which in fact, is 
 more conducive to the permanent prosperity of a nation, 
 f^han would be all the wealth of the Indies or the learn- 
 ing of the schools. 
 
 Not by any means would we be misapprehended as 
 under-valuing wealth ; on the contrary, its possession is 
 greatly to be desired as conferring legitimate advan- 
 tages and opening numberless sources of enjoyment, 
 beside giving power to benefit others ; but as in the 
 present age and existing state of society, it is in itself 
 considered the passport to honor and power, and by so 
 many is thought the only avenue open to distinction, 
 its legitimate value should be understood as a meaiiu 
 rather than an end. 
 
 Neither is learning to be lightly esteemed, for the 
 day is long past when ignorance could be deemed the 
 
 Mother of devotion,’’ and education is universally 
 acknowledged an essential to the welfare and progress 
 of a people. 
 
 But wealth, learning and refinement, may exist with- 
 out that controlling moral principle which is necessary 
 to restrain the passions and regulate the affections ; 
 and which, in connection with those advantages in in- 
 dividual cases of rare mental endowment, unite to pro- 
 duce the highest type of human character. The cultiva- 
 tion of this ennobling quality tends greatly to the eleva- 
 tion of a people in the scale of nations. 
 
EASTERN TOWNSHIPS. 
 
 475 
 
 They have read history to little purpose, who have 
 not seen that as a people become rich and self-in- 
 flated, and the over-mastering passions of human na- 
 ture are allowed to rage unrestrainedly, divisions and 
 distractions arise to undermine and weaken the body 
 politic ; fearful changes are impending ; anarchy ensues ; 
 and by degrees the people sink back to the level of a 
 greatly lowered standard of national character. 
 
 We may profitably look back to the nations of anti- 
 quity,and in the history of their departed greatness, read 
 the impressive truth that all prosperity is delusive which 
 is founded on immorality and wrong ; and further, 
 may rest assured that the most truly enlightened policy 
 that can obtain in the councils of a people, is the ear- 
 nest and consistent purpose to uphold the right. No 
 time serving and double faced expediency ; no truck- 
 ling and sycophantic subserviency ; no vascillating 
 compromises between right and wrong, can be of last- 
 ing good. 
 
 Several of those early nations were far. advanced in 
 wealth, learning, and the arts, and in some respects are 
 said to have even surpassed the efforts of modem 
 genius ! ‘‘ But where is all their glory gone ?” 
 
 When the inhabitants of our own “ Mother Isle’’ were 
 still barbarians, China was at the summit of her gran- 
 deur j yet the oceans that separate Britain from the 
 “ Celestial Empire,” are not wider in space, than is the 
 moral difference now existing between the national 
 characteristics and social systems of these two peoples. 
 
 THE END.