Sunbury County Documents St
Sunbury County Documents
St. Johns River, June 30th, 1783.
To Major G. Studholm, Commandant at Fort Howe, &c.
Sir: — Agreeable to your instructions of the 15th inst. we proceeded up the
River St. Johns on the 24th and have endeavoured in the most accurate manner
to collect the best information that was possible respecting the titles
claims, characters, principles and deserts of those people who are settled on
the lands commonly known by the appellation of Amesbury Tract, the Townships
of Gage, Burton, Sunbury, New Town and the lands formerly granted to one
McNutt, and after full examination report as follows:
Lands of Amesbury
1. Robert McKeen has a wife and one child, a log house, and about five acres
of land cleared. Has been on the river about 14 years, but on the lot he now
possesses about 2 years, has not been active on either side in the late
troubles. Has no title but possession, but is a very quiet and peaceable man,
and we could wish him not to be disturbed.
2. Tamerlane Campbell has a log cabin and about 2 acres of land cleared, has
been on the river about 4 years, but on the lot he now possesses about one
year, is a loyal subject and fought under General Carleton, at the attack on
Quebec early in the late troubles. Has a wife and five children. We beg leave
to recommend him to be confirmed in his possession.
3. John Whitney has a wife and 9 children and been on the river about 14
years, but on the land he now possesses about 2 years, has a log house and
hovel and about 4 acres of land cleared, has no title but possession, was of
the rebel party on this river and went in arms to attack the Fort at
Cumberland.
4. John Spraig and —— — Darling on the Kennebecatious whom we have not
examined.
Gage Town
1. Francis Grant has a wife and 3 children; came on about 6 years past from
Hoborn, near Port Roseway, was plundered and drove from there by the rebel
privateers, has a log house and about 9 rods wide and 80 rods long cleared
land.
2. Samuel Hersey has a wife and 4 children, a framed house and about 5 acres
of cleared land, has been on the river about 7 years, but on the land he now
possesses about 2 years. Came from Yarmouth and says he was drove off by the
rebel privateers.
3. Robert Lasky has a wife and 8 children, a log house, with 2 rooms.
Purchased the improvements of one Elias Clark for £15, has about 15 acres of
land cleared and been on about 2 years. Has been loyal, took arms and helped
take a rebel privateer crew and was finally drove off by the rebel privateers
from Barrington in the Province of Nova Scotia.
4. Robert Lasky, jr., came with his father from Barrington, has built a log
house with two rooms, and has cleared about 3 acres of land, was with his
father under arms at the taking the crew of a privateer as above said.
5. Stephen Dow has a wife, is settled on Musquash Island, has no claim but
possession, has built a log house and cleared about 3 acres of land. Came from
Pasmaquadde about 4 years past and says he was drove off by the rebels.
6. John Richardson, has a wife and 5 children, a log house with 2 rooms, has
been on the river about 7 years. Came from Yarmouth, and has been on the lot
he now possesses about one year and a half, and cleared about 5 acres of land.
No title but possession.
7. Archelaus Hammond has a wife and 12 children, came to Gage Town about three
years past from Cornwallis, has built a log house and barn, and cleared about
10 acres of land, and says he never took arms on either side.
8. Elijah Easterbrooks, has a wife and 8 children, a log house with 2 rooms,
and about 12 acres of land cleared. Came from Cornwallis about 16 years past,
settled at the mouth of the river, and says he was drove up by the rebels.
9. Elias Clark has a wife and 6 children, a log house and about 6 acres of
land cleared. Has been on the river about 4 years, and on the lot where he now
lives about 3 years. Came from Cornwallis.
10. Thomas Masterson has a wife, a framed house, and about 4 acres of cleared
land. Come on in consequence of a written agreement with Philip John
Livingstone, an original grantee for 300 acres of land, and has also about 6
acres of land cleared on Musquash Island. Never took arms against his majesty.
11. Peter Carr, has a wife, a log house and hovel on Little Musquash Island,
with about 6 acres of cleared land, he has also a good framed house, and about
4 acres of cleared upland in Gage Town, and about 10 acres cleared opposite
thereto on Great Musquash Island, which he has held for about 16 years in
consequence of a written contract with Philip John Livingstone, an original
proprietor. The said Carr offers to give up and make over to the Loyalists all
his right and title in Gagetown and the Great Musquash Island, which he holds
in consequence of said written agreement or lease, they paying a reasonable
price for the buildings and improvements thereon, provided he can be
established on Little Musquash Island, where he now lives.
12. John Sinnot claims 200 acres of land by virtue of a lease from John Smyth,
Esq., of Dublin in Ireland, dated the 5th March, 1782, said Smyth being an
original proprietor. A little land cleared but no buildings erected. Said
Sinnot came over from Ireland about two years past.
13. Lt. Constant Connor as attorney to Arch. McNeil of Quebeck produced an
instrument of agreement between the said McNeil and one John Fenton of
Charlestown, Massachusetts, wherein the said Fenton engages to give the said
McNeil a good and sufficient deed of bargain and sale of one moiety of his
right, title and share of certain lands on the River St. Johns that were
granted to Capt. Falconer and his associates in which grant the said Fenton
was a subscriber on forfeiture of £50 sterling, in consequence of which Lieut.
Connor as attorney, etc., has permitted Samuel Kemble, Richard Kemble, Moses
Clark and Simeon Porter, to make improvements by clearing some land in the
Township of Gage, but no buildings are yet erected thereon. We do not look
upon this as giving any title to the lands.
14, Benjamin Booby has a wife and one child, came into Gagetown last fall,
built a log house and cleared about 5 acres of land. Has no title but
possession and was one that went in arms against Fort Cumberland.
15. Moses Clark has a wife and 4 children, came from Yarmouth about 7 years
past, but has been on the land he now possesses but about one year. Has a
framed house and about 20 acres of cleared land. Says he came on in
consequence of an agreement with Mr. Pearly who promised to procure him a deed
from Col. Glazier.
16. John Duggin has a son and been settled on Gage Town about 7 years, has a
log house and 2 small outhouses and cleared about 5 acres of land, says he was
a soldier in the last French war for 3 years. No title but possession.
17. John Knox has a wife and one child, came from Windsor about 2 years past,
has a log house and about 6 acres of land. His character good as a subject.
18. Duncan Camble, a single man has been on about 2 years, built a log house
and cleared about 8 acres of land. Was in General Burgoyne's army taken
prisoner, and his character good as a subject.
19. Daniel Rolf an aged man, has a wife and one child. Came on last spring
from Passamaquodde. He came on to this river about 4 years past and has
cleared about one acre and an half of land.
20. Jeremiah Frost has a wife and 4 children; purchased the improvements of
William Curtis. Has a log house and about 12 acres of land cleared. Came from
Passamaquodde.
21. Thomas Hart has a wife and seven children. Has been on about 8 years, come
on by purchase from Zebulon Easty and Hezekiah Whitmore, who held by lease
from William Spry Esq. dated Nov. 11th 1770, for two lots of 40 rods wide
each. There is on said lots two houses and about 30 acres of cleared land.
22. John Hendrick has a wife and 4 children. Came on about 16 years ago in
consequence of a contract with Philip John Livingston, dated Sept. 10th, 1767
for 300 acres of land. Has a house and about 30 acres of cleared land; his
character good as a subject.
23. Moses Blasedel has a wife; came on about 2 years past from Covegate. Has a
log house and about 4 acres of cleared land.
24. Stephen Harden Williams has a wife and 3 children; came on about 4 years
past from Cornwallis. Has a log house and about 8 acres of cleared land. Was
in the service the last French war and with Col. Franklin up this river in the
late troubles. His character good as a subject.
25. John Crabtree has a wife and two children, came on about 16 years past.
Holds in consequence of an agreement or lease in writing from the Rev. John
Ogilvie dated Sept. 10th 1767, for 300 acres. Has about 15 acres of cleared
land, but no buildings. He claims also another lot of 200 acres by virtue of a
lease from Chas. N. Godfrey Jades, of the county of Southampton, in Great
Britain, to William Crabtree, of the Kingdom of Ireland, son to the said John.
The said William was never in this country, but his father, said John, has
built a framed house and cleared near 20 acres of land.
26. Lewis Mitchell, has a wife and 4 children. Has lived on the land about one
year and a half. Claims in consequence of an agreement with Mr. James Spry
Eaton as appears by his letters; was to have had a lease but has not received
it. The claim originates in Capt. Spry. Has a log house and about 24 acres
improved. His character as to loyalty is very good and we beg leave to
recommend him to be confirmed in his possessions. Said Mitchell has improved a
lot next below the above on which there is about 6 acres of land cleared by
the French.
27. Nathaniel Churchill has a wife and 6 children. Has been on the river about
6 years, but on the place he now possesses about 3 years. Came from Yarmouth.
Claims in consequence of a lease from Robert Smyth, Esq., of the City of
Dublin, dated the 14th of April, 1782, for 200 acres. Has a tan house and yard
and about 10 or 15 acres of cleared land.
28. Zebulon Esty has a wife and 8 children. Has been on about 5 years; built a
house and grist mill and has about 3 acres of cleared land. Went on in
consequence of an agreement with Mr. John Crabtree acting as attorney for
Capt. Jades, and was promised a lease for ever on payment of a small
acknowledgement yearly. Said Esty is a good man, his character very loyal and
we beg leave to recommend him to be confirmed in his possessions.
29. Amasa Coy and Asa Coy, two single men, claim a lot of 200 acres by virtue
of a Deed of purchase from the attorney of William Dugall, dated August 12th,
1782, it being land leased to Josiah Whitney by the Rev. Curryl Smith of the
Kingdom of Ireland; said lease is dated 29th of July, 1769. They have about 8
acres cleared and in fence but no buildings erected. Amasa was in arms against
the fort at Cumberland.
30. Edward Coy has a wife and 6 children; has a log house and about 15 acres
of cleared land. Holds by virtue of a lease from William Spry, Esq., dated
July 12th, 1770, for 200 acres of land. Was a rebel committee man.
31. Aaron Hovey has a wife, and claims a lot in consequence of a lease to his
father-in-law, Edmund Price, from Wm. Spry, Esq., dated 12th July, 1770, for
200 acres of land. Has a log house and about 10 acres of land cleared. Said
Price was one of the Cumberland party.
32. John Denmore has a wife and 2 children, a log house and about 6 or 7 acres
of land cleared. Came from Annapolis about three years past.
33. Samuel Peabody, Esq., claims a log house and lot of land wherein Thomas
Jenkins now lives by virtue of a lease from George or Curryl Smith, which said
lease was given to Gervice Say, Esq., and came to the said Peabody by
purchase.
34. Philip Weade claims a lot by virtue of a lease from Curryl or George
Smith, executed by his attorney Richard Shorne to John Crabtree, said Crabtree
sold to Lewis Mitchell of whom the said Wade purchased. Hath a framed house
and hovel and about 15 acres of land cleared. Has one Philip McGraw on as a
tenant.
35. Christopher Cross has a wife and 6 children, a log house and hovel, lives
on Little Musquash Island. Has been on the river about 8 years, but on this
place where he now lives about 2 years, and has cleared about 3 acres of land.
His character good as a subject.
36. Joseph Clark has a log house and about 7 or 8 acres of cleared land, which
he holds by virtue of a lease from Capt. Spry for 200 acres.
37. Henry West has a house and about 5 or 6 acres of land, which he claims by
virtue of an agreement or lease from an original proprietor in New York. His
character is good as a subject.
The foregoing are all the persons that are settled on the lands at Amesbury
and Gagetown and all that we could find that have the least reasonable
pretence of claim. Those that we thought worthy of any particular favor for
their loyalty, attachment or any service to government, we have properly
noticed, and refer the whole to the determination of the authority proper to
decide.
The returns of Burton, Sunbury, Newtown and McNutt's shall be handed you as
soon as compleat.
We have the honor to be, etc.,
Ebenezer Foster
Fyler Dibble
James White
Gervice Say
Township of Burton
1. Timothy Robertson has a wife and 10 children, has a log house and about 16
acres of cleared land. Claims by possession and purchase of improvements,
which have been made about 20 years.
2. Nathaniel Gallop, from Coveget, has a wife and 7 children, been on about 3
years. Has a log house and about 8 or 10 acres of cleared land. Claims by
possession and purchase of improvements.
3. Jacob Barket and Isaac Stickney claim two lots by purchase of the
improvements of one Simon Brown. The lots have been possessed about 5 years,
and has a log house and about 10 acres of cleared land thereon.
4. Isreal Esty has a wife and 3 children; been on about 5 years. Built a log
house and has about 15 acres of cleared land. Claims by possession and a quit
claim of the improvements of his grandfather, who had possessed it about 15
years before he came on.
5. Thomas Langin has a wife and 6 children, been on about one year and a half.
A log house and about 10 acres of cleared land. Claims by possession and
purchase of the improvements of one Nathaniel Bragden, who had possessed it
about 10 years.
6. Bethuel Wood has a wife and 4 children. Been on about 7 years. Has a good
log house and barn and about 20 acres of cleared land. No claim but
possession.
7. Moses Esty has a wife and four children, been on about 7 years, has a log
house and about 14 acres of cleared land.
8. John Hall has a wife and 3 children. Came from Cornwallis about 3 years
past. Has a log house and about 6 acres of cleared land. Claims in consequence
of purchasing the improvements John Day. Possession been taken about 11 years.
9. John Larley has a wife and 5 children, been on about 16 years, built 2 or 3
log houses or buildings and cleared about 15 acres of land. His character good
as a subject.
10. Amos Easty, a single man, has improved about 4 or 5 acres of land which is
partly cleared, and provided some materials for building.
11. Jeremiah Tracey has a wife and six children, been on about 2 years, from
Goldsbury, Mass., purchased the improvements of one Stephen Young and has a
log house and about 2 or 3 acres of cleared land.
12. John Pitchard has a wife and 6 children, been on about 6 years, built a
log house and small barn and has about 6 acres of cleared land. Was one of the
party who went against Fort Cumberland.
13. Nathan Smith claims a lot by possession of himself and father, who is now
deceased, which they have fenced and improved near 18 years. Cleared about 6
acres of land, but no buildings thereon. Said smith has a wife and 4 children
and lives on the opposite side of the river at Maugerville, and has a full
right there.
14. Richard Bartlett has a wife and 11 children, been about 4 years from
Coveget. Has a log house and about 10 acres of cleared land and purchased the
improvements of former possessors for about 13 years.
15. Zebulon Roe, has a wife and 5 children, a log house and about 5 or 6 acres
of cleared land. Has been on about 2 years and purchased the improvements of
former settlers who had possessed it about 7 years.
16. Gain Bartlett, a single man claims a lot on which there is about 10 acres
of cleared land, but no buildings. Purchased the improvements which had been
made about 7 years.
17. Benjamin Branch has a wife, a house and about 4 acres of cleared land and
has been in possession about 8 years.
18. Joseph Barker, a single man has a log house and about 8 acres of land
cleared. Claims by purchase of improvements that have been made about 9 years
past.
19. Edward Burpy claims about three lots by purchase from James Simmons, Esq.,
one of the original proprietors.
20. Jacob Barker, Jr., and Sylvanus Plumber claim an island called Ox Island
by virtue of a deed of sale from James Simons, Esq. one of the original
grantees dated Oct. 19th 1782.
21. Stephen Young has a wife and 6 children, a log house and about 10 or 12
acres of cleared land, been on about 3 years — purchased the improvements of
former possessors, who had improved it about 18 years.
22. Solomon Fearley has a wife and been on about 2 years, from Mount Desert,
built a log house and cleared about 3 acres of land.
23. Nathaniel Bragden has a wife and 5 children. Been on about 10 years, built
a log house and cleared about 7 acres of land.
24. Isreal Kinney has a log house and framed barn, and about 15 acres of
cleared land, which was chiefly done by the French and Indians. Has been on
about 15 years and was a committee man.
25. Elisha Parker has a wife and four children came from Cornwallis about 4
years past. Where he sold half a right of land given him by government. Has a
log house and 5 or 6 acres of cleared land and says he served at Cornwallis as
a minute man.
26. Samuel Dean has a wife and 4 children, been on about 8 years, built a log
house and cleared about five acres of land.
27. Samuel Weymouth has a wife and 3 children, been on about 3 years, built a
log house, and cleared about 3 acres of land.
28. Isaac Robins has a wife and four children. Married the widow of one Seth
Ring whose husband had been in possession about 12 years and had built a good
framed house and grist mill. Said estate is indebted to the creditors of the
said deceased Ring. Robins has been in possession about 3 years, and has about
15 acres of land cleared. Says he is now a soldier belonging to the garrison
at Fort Howe. His character good as a subject.
29. John Mitchell has a wife and 9 children, a log hut and about 6 acres of
cleared land, has been on about four years came from Chandler's River in New
England, went from there to attack the fort at Cumberland.
30. Iccabod Howland has a wife and one child, a house and about six acres of
land cleared. Been in possession four years.
31. John Shaw has a wife and 6 children, a log house and about 6 acres of
cleared land. Been in possession about 5 years.
32. John Shaw, Jr. has a wife but lives with his father, has a house but no
land cleared. Claims also some land in New town in consequence of clearing
three fourths of an acre of land in that township. Gave intelligence to the
rebels at Oak Park that the Kings troops were pursuing them up the river, in
consequence of which they escaped.
33. Joseph Howland has a wife and two children, a house and barn framed with
materials for building it and between 20 and 30 acres of land cleared. Settled
on the township before it was granted and has been in possession about 20
years. Is a loyal subject and turned out for the defence of the block house on
an alarm.
34. Elihu Conwell has a wife and one child, has a house partly built and about
4 or 5 acres of cleared land. Was a minute man at Cornwallis and has been in a
privateer in a cruise against his majesty's enemies. His character good as a
subject.
35. David Porter has a wife, a log house and about 3 acres of land cleared.
Has been on about 3 years from Cornwallis, purchased improvements etc.
36. William Smith has a wife and 7 children, a log house and about 5 acres of
land cleared. Came from Cornwallis about 3 years past; was a minute man.
37. Richard parsons has a wife and 9 children, been on about 4 years from
Mount Desert. Built a log house and has about 6 acres of cleared land. Went
against the fort at Cumberland.
38. Thomas Jones, married the widow of one Richard Barlow who was employed by
Capt. Falconer (an original grantee) as a storekeeper for the Company, by an
instrument dated May 27th, 1765, and was promised a lease of 200 acres of
land. Said Barlow at his decease left 7 children, and said Jones has taken
possession of a lot of land in their behalf and cleared about 10 acres of
land, but no buildings thereon. The said Jones has been loyal, wounded and
taken prisoner by the rebels.
39. Ezra Day purchased the improvements of Moses Easty who had been in
possession about 7 years. Said Day has been on about 4 years and came from
Cumberland.
40. Thomas Barker deceased, late of Maugerville, cleared about 3 acres of land
in Burton, but no buildings erected thereon. His son claims in consequence of
said improvements.
41. Salathiel Robertson has a wife and has cleared about three acres of land
but made no buildings.
42. Lieut. Street has p;urchased the improvements of James Marrington who has
a lease from Philip John Livingston, Esq., of 300 acres. Said Marrington is
still in possession under Lieut. Street.
The foregoing are all the claims and demands in the Township of Burton that
came to our knowledge after strict enquiry. Those whose characters during the
late troubles were uniformly loyal we have particularly noticed, with the
claims of all who have any pretensions of title more than simple possession.
We are, Sir, &c.,
Ebenezer Foster
Fyler Dibblee
James White
Gervis Say
St. John's River, July 10th, 1783.
Mrj'r G. Studholme
Township of Newtown
1. George Smith, an old man upwards of 80, has a log house and about 6 acres
of cleared land. Been on about 4 years from Cornwallis.
2. William Woodworth has a wife and 3 children, a poor log house and about 6
acres of cleared land. Has been on about 2 years and from Cornwallis about 4
years past.
3. Samuel Bill has a wife and 5 children, a log house and about 7 or 8 acres
of cleared land. Been on about 2 years from Cornwallis. Served his majesty in
the last war, and was a sergeant in a regiment of minute men under Col.
Franklin.
4. Jehiel Rusk has a wife and 11 children, a log house and about 10 acres of
cleared land, been on about 4 years from Cornwallis. Says he was in the
militia and took his chances in a draft as a minute man.
5. Jeremiah Howland has a wife and 4 children; been on the river about 16
years, but in the place he now possesses about one year and a half. Has a log
house and about 4 acres of cleared land.
6. John Booby has a wife, log house and about 4 acres of cleared land. Been on
the river about 16 years, but on where he now possesses about one year.
7. Benjamin Bailey has a wife and 4 children, a log house and about 6 acres of
cleared land. Has been on about 3 years from Merimashee. Plundered and drove
off by the rebels; took arms and fought against a privateer's crew, so he
says.
8. Jonathan Rockwell has a wife and 4 children, a log house and about 3 acres
of land cleared. Been in possession about 2 years; from Cornwallis. Says he
was always a loyal subject and served as a minute man.
Sunbury Township
1. Benjamin Atherton has a good framed house and log barn and about 30 acres
of land cleared, partly by the French; has been on about 14 years. Took
possession in consequence of an agreement with James Simonds, Esq. His
character good as a subject, and we beg leave to recommend him to be confirmed
in possession with a reasonable extent of front on the river.
2. Philip Wade has a wife and two children, a good house and barn and about 30
acres of improved land, chiefly cleared by the French. Claims in consequence
of an agreement with Richard Shorne, Esq., one of the original grantees.
Claims also 400 acres of land in consequence of a lease from Robert Smythe,
Esq., an original grantee.
Thomas Langin claims a lot of land about 4 miles above St. Anns, on which he
has a log house and about 20 acres of land improved, chiefly cleared by the
French. Lived on it about 6 years, but during the late troubles moved down to
Burton. Says he was drove off from there by the Indians, they killing his
cattle, etc.
Above St. Anns we found a considerable number of French settlers, many of whom
had been in possession a number of years. They in general appeared to be an
inoffensive people, but few if any have a legal title, and, as they are in
general nearly in one and the same situation, we thought it unnecessary to be
so particular with every individual. Those who have anything more than a
simple possession to plead in their favor we have properly noticed.
French Inhabitants
1. Joseph Masrol has a wife and one child. Been on about 14 years;
considerable improvements.
2. Daniel Gauden, wife and 9 children. Been on 16 years; considerable
improvements.
3. Jean Baptiste Daigle, wife and 4 children. Been on 14 years; considerable
improvements.
4. Mathurin Gautro, wife and 6 children. Been on 4 years; considerable
improvements.
5. Jean Martin has a wife and 5 children, a house and a barn and about 10
acres of cleared land. Says he came on about 15 years past by liberty from Mr.
Collins of Canada, and that during the late troubles he gave notice to Major
Studholme of the movements of the rebels.
6. Simon Martin, wife and 3 children. Been on 15 years; considerable
improvements; claims as above.
7. Joseph Martin, wife and 4 children. Been on 25 years; considerable
improvements; claims as above.
8. Francis Martin, wife and 4 children. Been on 15 years; considerable
improvements; claims as above.
9. Amant Martin has a wife and 6 children. Been on the river 15 years; made
considerable improvements. Says he was loyal and gave intelligence.
10. Jean Baptiste Gauden has a wife and 5 children. Been on 4 years;
considerable improvements. Says he served in Canada.
11. Alexander Gauden, wife and 2 children. Been on 4 years; considerable
improvements.
12. Joseph Doucett, wife and 3 children. Been on 20 years; considerable
improvements.
13. Joseph Herbert, wife and 3 children. Been on 14 years. Says he served as a
pilot.
14. Joseph Daigle, wife and 4 children. Been on 14 years. Carried expresses.
15. Bernard Sabris, wife and four children. Been on 4 years. Lives on Musquash
Island.
16. Jean Herbert, wife and 5 children. Been on 14 years; considerable
improvements.
17. Oliver Cire, wife and 2 children. Been on 15 years; considerable
improvements. Says he was pilot to Major Studholme.
18. Francis Gaudin has a wife. Been on the river 4 years; considerable
improvements.
19. Pierre Herbert, wife and 3 children. Been on 10 years. One or two acres
cleared.
20. Alexandre Hahiot, wife and 7 children. Been on 3 years; six or seven acres
cleared.
21. Paul Cire, wife and 1 child. Been on 16 years; about 8 or 10 acres
cleared.
22. Jean Baptiste Cire, wife and 7 children. Been on 15 years; eight acres
cleared. Assisted Col. Franklin.
23. Francis Cire, wife and 10 children. Been on 15 years; considerable
improvements.
24. Pierre Cire, wife and 1 child. Been on 16 years; considerable
improvements. Piloted Maj. Studholme, etc.
25. Joseph Turtiot, wife and 9 children. Been on 15 years; considerable
improvements.
26. Pierre Masrol, wife and 2 children. Been on 6 years; considerable
improvements.
27. Estienne Quesis, wife and two children. Been on 2 years; considerable
improvements, about 4 acres.
28. Antoine Gaudin, wife and 9 children. Been on 11 years; considerable
improvements.
29. Baptiste Niemo, wife and 3 children. Been on 14 years; considerable
improvements.
30. Jacques Cire, wife and 2 children. Been on 15 years; considerable
improvements.
31. Alexie Tibeaudo, wife and 5 children. Been on 6 years; considerable
improvements.
32. Francois Herbert, wife and 2 children. Been on 14 years; considerable
improvements.
33. Paul Masrol has a wife. Been on the river 14 years; about 3 acres cleared.
34. Jacques Cormier, wife and 6 children. Been on 16 years; considerable
improvements.
35. Pierre Metier, wife and 3 children. Been on 3 years; about 3 acres
cleared. Came from Canada.
36. Amant Landry, wife and 4 children. Been on 7 years; about 6 acres land
cleared.
37. Louis Lejeune, wife and 3 children. Been on 15 years; considerable
improvements.
38. Joseph Roy, wife and 3 children. Been on 15 years; about 15 acres cleared.
39. Pierre Cormier, wife and 3 children. Been on 13 years; 20 acres of cleared
land.
40. Joseph Cormier, wife and 3 children. Been on 13 years; considerable
cleared land.
41. Joseph Masrol, wife and 8 children. Been on 6 years; about 8 acres
cleared.
42. Pierre Cormier, wife and 2 children. Been on 13 years; 6 acres cleared.
43. Joseph Lejeune, wife and 2 children. Been on 3 years; came from Quebec; 4
acres cleared.
44. Francis Cormier, wife and 2 children. Been on 13 years; 7 acres cleared.
45. Pierre Pinette, wife and 7 children. Been on 14 years; 8 acres cleared.
46. Benoit Roy, wife and 5 children. Been on 2 years; 4 acres cleared.
47. Francois Cormier, wife and 4 children. Been on 16 years; 8 acres cleared.
Has a title from Lewis Mitchell through Capt. Ferguson, one of the grantees.
48. Pierre Tibeaudo, wife and 1 child. Been on 16 years; 15 acres cleared.
49. Jean Baptiste Cormier, wife and 10 children. Been on 16 years; 12 acres
cleared.
50. Amant Cormier, wife and 5 children. Been on 16 years; 15 acres cleared.
51. Augustine Leblanc, wife and one child. Been on 7 years; 9 acres cleared.
52. Francois Maurin, wife and 8 children. Been on 15 years. Has possession on
Musquash Island.
53. Joseph Sire, wife and 9 children. Been on 15 years; 30 acres cleared.
54. Baptiste Fournier, wife and 1 child. Been on 2 years. Came from Quebeck.
55. Michael Mercure, wife and 3 children. Been on 14 years, 8 acres cleared.
56. Paul Potier has a wife. Been 16 years on the river; 18 acres cleared.
57. Oliver Tibeaudo has a lease from Richard Shorne, Esq., for 999 years. Has
large improvements at St. Anns.
58. Oliver Tibeaudo, Jun., wife and 3 children. Been on 6 years; 30 acres
cleared.
59. Louis Sausion, wife and 1 child. Been on 5 years; 4 acres cleared.
60. Jean Denoier, wife and 6 children. Been on 2 years; 4 acres cleared.
Louis Mercure, 1 child. Has a good house and about 12 acres of land cleared.
Been on about 3 years. Was employed in carrying expresses to Quebec,
Penobscot, etc. His character good as a subject, and we beg leave to recommend
him in the fullest manner.
The foregoing are settled in the Townships of Sunbury, New Town and McNutts.
We have the honor to be, etc.,
Ebenezer Foster
Fyler Dibble
James White
Gervis Say
________________
St. John's River, July 8th, 1783.
Sir: Agreeable to your instructions of the 7th inst., we this day proceeded to
examine the claims, titles and pretensions of the persons on the Township of
Conway in the same line and agreeable to your instructions of ye 15th June,
1783, respecting the settlers on the escheated or ungranted lands, as well as
the lands liable to escheat on the River St. Johns, and report as follows:
Township of Conway
1. Hugh Quinton has the remains of a log house which has been chiefly
destroyed by fire; about 15 acres of land cleared and improved. Has a wife and
8 children, and been in possession about 9 years, and claims in consequence of
an agreement with Will'm Hazen and James Simmons, Esqs., two of the original
proprietors who came under bond to give said Quinton a good and sufficient
deed of about 250 acres of land. Said Quinton was one of the Cumberland party,
but since hath taken the Oath of Allegiance to his Majesty and behaved in a
loyal manner; turned out sundry times and fought the rebel parties.
2. Widow Sarah Smith claims a lot in consequence of an agreement with her
deceased husband, Peter Smith, and the above said William Hazen and James
Simmons, Esq., of the same tenor and condition of that made with the above
named Hugh Quinton. Improvements thereon — marsh and upland, about 10 acres.
Said deceased Peter was a good subject; much harrassed by the rebels, and left
a widow and two children. We beg leave to recommend them to be confirmed in
said possession.
3. Thomas Jenkins has a wife and 4 children; claims in consequence of an
agreement with the said Hazen and Simmons of the same purport with the above;
lived on said lot until some time after the beginning of the late troubles;
moved up the river in consequence of danger from plundering parties. Had
cleared and improved about 12 acres of marsh and upland and built a log house.
4. Samuel Peabody, Esq., claims a lot in consequence of a similar agreement
with the said Hazen and Simmonds: Has a house erected thereon and a tennant
therein, with about 55 acres of land under improvement , of marsh and upland,
which he has possessed about 13 years.
5. Jonathan Lovet claims a lot in consequence of a like agreement as above
with the said Hazen and Simmonds. Has been in possession about 13 years, and
has a good framed house and barn with about 60 acres of improved land, marsh
and upland.
6. William McKeen, claims a lot in the same manner as the foregoing by
agreement with said Hazen and Simmonds. Has 2 log houses and a framed barn and
about 45 acres of land under improvement, marsh and upland. His character good
as a subject.
7. Daniel Lovet claims a lot in consequence of the same tenor of agreement
with the said Hazen and Simmonds. Has a log house and framed barn and about 30
acres of improved land, marsh and upland. Has a wife and two children. Was one
of the Cumberland party: hath taken the oath of allegiance to his Majesty, and
since hath behaved well.
8. James Woodman has three houses and a store and about 5 acres of cleared
land. Claims a lot in consequence of a like agreement with said Hazen and
Simmons. Has been in possession about 9 years.
9. Elijah Easterbrook settled in consequence of a similar agreement with said
Hazen and Simmons. Cleared and improved about seven acres of land and had
built a log house which is now fallen to decay, said Easterbrook moving up the
river on account of the danger of his situation; has lived on it 8 years.
10. John Bradley settled in the same manner and about the same time with the
said Easterbrook, and moved up the river on the same account and cleared and
improved about 4 acres of land.
11. Zebedee Ring in the same situation. Settled on and built a framed house
and cleared about 2 or 3 acres of land. Moved off for the same reason as the
foregoing.
12. Jervis Say, Esq., improved a lot on the river opposite to the falls in
consequence of an agreement of the same nature with Hazen and Simmonds; built
a house and cleared and improved about 8 or 10 acres of land, moved up the
river for the same reason as before mentioned, and sold his improvements to
Samuel Peabody, Esq.,
The foregoing are all the settlers, claimants, etc., that have any demands of
title in the Township of Conway, so far as have fallen within our knowledge
after strict enquiry, which we beg leave to submit to your consideration. We
likewise find a house and some improved land in the possession of Jonathan
Lovet, on the westerly side of the harbour of St. John, on ungranted land.
Says he built his house by the direction of Major Studholme.
These together with the persons included in the Returns before handed you are
all the settlers on the escheated or ungranted lands on the River St. John's,
or the Townships which we suppose liable to escheat.
We have the Honor to be, etc.,
Ebenezer Foster
Fyler Dibblee
James White
Gervis Say
Major G. Studholme.
St. John's River, July 14th, 1783.
Sir: — Inclosed we have sent you the remainder of the returns of the Settlers on
the River St. John's agreeable to your instructions of June 16th.
We have taken pains to collect their several circumstances as correct as
possible which has been attended with a great fatigue and considerable expense.
We beg leave therefore, to represent, that if it can be allowed, we think a
reasonable compensation ought to be allowed us, — but wish not to make it a
burthen to individuals.
We were twelve days performing the service. —
We have the honour to be Sir,
Your most obedt. Humble Servants,
Ebenezer Foster
Fyler Dibblee
James White
Gervis Say
Major G. Studholme.
_________________
Major Studholme's Report on the Foregoing
Observations on the Report of the Committee of Enquiry
Lands of Amesbury
1.* William McKeen the son joined the rebels and went in arms against Fort
Cumberland.
John Spraig has left his improvements on the Kennebecacis Branch.
Darling on the Kennebecacis is a good subject.
Gagetown
21. Thomas Hart, a rebel and one of the Committee for forming the Cumberland
party.
25. John Crabtree is a good subject and should have been remarked as one in the
report.
36. Joseph Clark is a very bad subject and a very troublesome fellow.
Township of Burton
1. Timothy Robertson, a very great rebel and of a general bad character.
3. Jacob Barker and Isaac Stickney are both rebels.
6. Bethuel Wood, an active rebel.
7. Moses Esty, favors the rebels and has not above half the cleared land
reported.
13. Nathan Smith, a rebel who has been in arms.
14. Richard Bartlett, a rebel from Cobequid, who I am well informed had lands
there which was granted him by the government and he has sold. The improvements
mentioned in the report to have been purchased by him on this river, I find on
inquiry is reported only from hear say.
15. Zebulon Roe, a rebel.
16. Gain Bartlett, a rebel.
17. Benjamin Branch, a rebel.
19. Edward Burpee, an active rebel and went against the Fort at Cumberland.
20. Jacob Barker, junr., and Sylvanus Plumber, both bitter rebels.
31. John Shaw, Snr., a rebel.
40. Salathial Robertson, a rebel.
41. Lieut. Street has purchased the title and improvements of James Marrignton
who has a bond for the execution of a conveyance to him and his heirs for ever
of 300 acres from Philip John Livingstone, Esq., an original proprietor, and not
a lease only as mentioned in the Report.
New Town
6. John Booby, a Rebel.
Sunbury
(French Inhabitants)
5. Jean Martin, who is mentioned in the Report to have given me notice of the
movements of the Rebels, was very active on that ocasion, and had great merit in
exerting himself all in his power for the good of his Majesty's Service.
6. Simon Martin )
7. Joseph Martin )
8. Francois Martin ) Are good subjects and were active against the Rebels.
9. Amant Martin )
Conway
6. William McKean went in arms against Cumberland, as mentioned above.
9. Elijah Easterbrooke went also against Cumberland.
11. Zebedee Ring, a Rebel.
Messrs. Hazen and Symonds, two of the original proprietors of Conway, have at
different times placed a number of settlers on the lands of that Township, and
have used every effort on their parts to comply with the terms of their Grant,
but the continual robberys committed by the Rebel boats during the war, to which
those settlements were totally exposed, obliged a number of their tenants to
remove. However, as every exertion was used by them, I take the liberty, sir, to
recommend their claims on that Township to your consideration.
Peter Carr (mentioned in the Report No. 11, Gagetown) has agreed with Col.
William Tyng, a gentleman of a very respectable character, who has suffered much
in the Rebellion, for the sale of all his, Carr's, title and improvements in
Lott Number Ten, Gagetown, and in twelve acres of interval on Great Musquash
Island if he (Carr) can be confirmed in his possession on Little Musquash
Island, containing about 30 acres only, where he resides and has made
improvements. Carr is a good subject, and I, therefore, presume to recommend his
being confirmed.
John Hendrick (mentioned in the Report Number 22, Gagetown) has a wife and five
sons — four only are mentioned in the Report. Two of his sons are married and
have families, and the youngest is 14 years of age. I have been informed he has
petitioned through Col. Gould for lands for his sons; he is a good subject and
an old soldier and very deserving.
John Smith, son of Curryl Smith, of the Kingdom of Ireland, has a tract of land
in Gagetown, on which he has several tenants. As he is now absent, I think it
but doing him a justice he deserves to inform Your Excellency that he came out
from Ireland last summer to effect the settlement of his lands on this river.
I take the liberty also to recommend to your Excellency's particular notice
Lewis Mitchell, mentioned in the Report No. 26, and John Knox, No. 17, Gagetown.
They are both good subjects. Mitchell has been in a particular manner
serviceable and active on every occasion during the war, and Knox is a very
deserving man, and will, I believe, merit any encouragement which may be given
him.
(Signed.) G. Studholme
_____________
* Numbers of reference to the Report.
Index
[Published in Collections of the New Brunswick Historical Society Vol. 1, 1894]