crerar file part 3 of 4
THE HATTONS OF WEXFORD
In with fire, out with fire. Wexford was the home of several prominent
Hatton families following the arrival of the Reverend Henry Hatton (born
1615) in the wake of the English Civil War. Unfortunately, evidence of
links between these families was lost forever in the 1922 burning of the
Public Records Office during the Irish Civil War. The Reverend Hatton’s
father, Sir Christopher Hatton of Selby Abbey, Welford, Northhampton, was
a cousin of Sir Christopher Hatton, who served as Lord Chancellor under
Queen Elizabeth I. The handsome and tall Sir Christopher had first caught
the Queen’s attentions with his skilful dancing. Of all of Elizabeth’s
favourites, only he would remain single, apparently out of loyalty to his
Queen. The Hattons remained loyal to the Crown during the Civil War. The
Reverend Hatton, presumably a younger son of the knight, settled in Wexford
in 1662, becoming the Prebend of Clone, in the diocese of Ferns, Wexford.
His son Thomas married in 1675 Esther Camby. They had one son, Henry Hatton
of Clonard, who married Editha Richards in 1700. This Henry served as M.P.
for Wexford, before dying in 1734. They had 6 children: Loftus (1704-1765),
John (called to the bar in 1745), Henry, Thomas, Hannah and Esther. The
genealogies of Loftus and John are documented in Burke’s Peerage. Loftus’
line, of Prospect, Ireland, became extinct in the male line in 1908, when
John Porter, son of Henriette Hatton, changed his name to John Porter Hatton
and took on the family coat of arms. John’s descendants, living in Clonard
and New Bay, included Members of Parliament, lawyers, and prominent military
officers.
Unfortunately, the pedigrees do not illuminate the lineage of Robert
Hatton who emigrated to Canada in 1812. The Burke’s peerage is understandably
silent on the fates of the two younger sons of Henry Hatton of Clonard:
Henry and Thomas. If these two survived, they would be potential grandfathers
of Robert Hatton. Likewise, John Hatton, lawyer of Clonard, had a fifth
child whose name and fate were unknown, a potential father to Robert Hatton.
As the parish records for Wexford are now in ashes, we will probably never
know for sure. The recurrence of Henry, Thomas, and John in naming pattern
offers admittedly flimsy evidence of a link, as does the popularity of
the legal profession among members of this Hatton tribe.
I. ROBERT HATTON (b.1763 or 1773 Ireland - d.19 September 1824 Pictou)
= Jane TOMKINS
Robert Hatton’s gravestone states that he died at age 51, on 19 September
1824. This would have him fathering his first son at age twenty, but given
his large family of nine or ten children, this is not so unlikely. He was
born in either Dublin or Wexford, Ireland. He married a Jane Tomkins, who
was presumably also an Anglo-Irish Wexfordian. Little is known about his
life in Dublin. Among many references to Hatton lawyers in the King’s Inn
Admission Papers is a Robert Hutton , who petitioned to be admitted
as a attorney of the Dublin Court of Exchequer in Michelmas term, 1783
[King’s Inn Admission Papers 1607-1867, Dublin]. This reference, the only
such to a law student named Robert H-tton, would fit if Robert’s confused
birth date were actually 1763. The “Treble Almanac of Dublin” lists from
1792 to 1813 an attorney Robert Hatton living at E,2 Montague-F. He practiced
at the Court of the Exchequer, and was not a member of a law club. There
are no Robert Hattons before or after that date, although earlier almanacs
list attorneys Henry Hatton (1765-1780) and Jack Hatton of Wexford (1760-1787).
Before and during the Napoleonic Wars Ireland, particularly in the south,
became increasingly agitated and Robert emigrated with his family in 1812.
The Charlottetown
Weekly Register in Prince Edward Island mentions
his presence there on 8 August 1812, but this would be but a brief stay.
He soon relocated to Pictou. On 27 July 1813, Robert was sworn in as a
barrister of Nova Scotia, at the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. In February
1814 he wrote to Sir John Coape, K.B., Lieutenant Governor and Commander-in-Chief
of Nova Scotia, requesting a grant of land for himself and his family of
ten children. This petition was successful and Robert Hatton soon became
a leading citizen of Pictou. He continued his life in law, both as an attorney
or a participant: in 1820 he won for himself a suit of £92 against
David McQueen of Antigonish. Most subsequent references to him are in relation
to his efforts towards building an Anglican Church in Pictou; for the rest
of his lifetime who would have prayed, as would have other Episcopalians,
with the Presbyterians who formed the backbone of the community. His son
Henry would eventually lead the project to completion. Robert himself lived
to see the frame of St.James erected in 1824, but died later that year.
He is buried in the Laurel Hill Cemetery [on left of path, half-way into
cemetery]. His age at death is listed as 51 years, indicating a birthdate
of 1773.
In a deed issued 16 September 1824 Robert granted to his successful
son Henry, in exchange for £300 and the consideration of the promise
to maintain, support, cloathe and educate Robert Hatton, his wife and children
in the manner to which they have hitherto been supported, all of his real
estate, including: those near the Desbarres lands in Tatamagouche, Colchester;
those formerly owned by John McQueen in Merigomish; 100 acres in Chance
Harbour, formerly owned by John McGarvey; 10 acres in Malagash, Cumberland.
Robert and Jane Hatton had already had ten children by 1814, and more
were born in Canada. Here are the known offspring:
A. HENRY HATTON
(of whom more later)
B. SARAH HATTON (b.c.1795) = Dr. George JOHNSTON (d.1878)
Sarah married in August 1815 Dr. George Johnston, a leading citizen
of Pictou. Johnston was according to a contemporary report, “a man of charm,
influence and driving force; not an Anglican, but married to a Hatton and
so became active in St. James’ through active persuasiveness…” He had studied
at London University and served as a medical doctor in Pictou. In 1827
he was a sergeant in the 1st Battalion, Pictou. Their children were:
2. Robert Hatton Johnston (b.1826 -d. 1844 at 18 years)
1. Jane Johnston (b.1816 - d. 5 May 1857) = Rev. Charles Elliott
was married to the Rev. Charles Elliott, the first rector of St.James’
Church, 16 February 1836, by the Rev. John Burnyeat. They lived in the
glebe lands at the present location of Elliott and Taylor Streets, and
are commemorated by a marble tablet in the chancel of St.James’ [photo].
Their children were:
a. Mary Sophia Elliott (b.1839-d.1841)
b. George Henry Elliott (b.1842-d.1904)
George became a lawyer and mayor of Pictou (1887-88). He is buried
in the Barry’s Mill Anglican Cemetery with four of his children.
c. Sarah Jane Elliott (b.1847-d.1848)
C. ANNE HATTON (b.1798 - d. September 1809 Gorey)
She died at age 11 and was buried 25 September 1809 in Gorey [Jack
Warren, Paddy Hatton, Wexford]
D. JOHN HATTON (b.c. 1799)
John entered grammar school in Pictou on October 17, 1814 [G. MacLaren,
The Pictou Book (1954)], and was still alive in 1840. He, too, played
a leading role in the church and was a partner with Henry Hatton in his
Liverpool Enterprises. The 1871 Census lists John Hatton, a 65-year-old
“weigher of hay”, of Irish origin, living with Colin Skinner. Skinner was
an innkeeper.
E. THOMAS HATTON(b.c.1800)
In the 1860 Census, Thomas is listed as a widower, living with one
male born 1840-1845, one male born 1830-40; female (married) born 1810-1820;
female (married) born 1830-1840 [living with the families of his two married
sons ?]
F. ELIZABETH HATTON (b.7 Feb.1805 Gorey -d.i.i.?)
Elizabeth was the daughter of Robert and Jane Hatton, Gorey. She is
not listed in A Lion in Thistle, indicating that she did not survive
to travel to Canada [Jack Warren, Paddy Hatton, Wexford].
G. (Jean) JANE HATTON (b.c.1806 to 1810 Ireland - d.?) = George CAMPBELL
Jane was marriedon17 July 1829 to George Campbell (Merchant of Pictou)
at Salmon River, Colchester County by Rev. John Burnyeat, a visiting missionary.
The marriage, the first ever in St.James’ Church, was “with the consent
of guardians, and in presence of Henry Hatton and Margaret Campbell” [Col.Patriot
22 July 1829]. In 1827 George Campbell was a 1st Lieutenant of the 1st
Battalion, Pictou.
H. ROBERT HATTON (b.20 September 1807 Gorey - d.i.i.?)
Son of Robert and Jane Hatton, Gorey. Another Robert Hatton
was born three years later, indicating that this Robert did not survive
to travel to Canada [Jack Warren, Paddy Hatton, Wexford].
I. MARTHA HATTON (b.4 December 1808 Gorey -d.i.i.?)
daughter of Robert and Jane Hatton, Gorey. She is not listed in A
Lion in Thistle, indicating that she did not survive to travel to Canada
[Jack Warren, Paddy Hatton, Wexford].
J. ROBERT HATTON II(b.14 October 1810 Gorey, Wexford - d.April 1852
Liverpool)
Robert was a merchant and shipbuilder. In 1847 he built the Brig Nimrod
(1840 tons) at River John. In 1850 the Garteraig was launched from
his shipyard, while his ship, the Juverna of 220 tons was launched
from the shipyard of James Purvis [birthdate: Jack Warren, Paddy Hatton,
Wexford]. He died at Liverpool, Great Britain on 20 April, 1852 in the
42nd year of his age. Litigation surrounded his death. First, a will which
Robert had written on his way to Liverpool was rejected as unwitnessed,
and did not fall under the exception for mariners and seamen, as Robert
was primarily a merchant [6 Aug. 1852, Fogo J. of Probate Court, Pictou].
Second, Martin I. Wilkins, a creditor to Robert, claimed that the administrator
John Hatton, who appears to have been deleterious in arranging his brother’s
estate, had not completed a full inventory.
K. GEORGE HATTON (b.2 December 1812 Prince Edward Island - d.19 December
1816 Pictou)
George was baptised at St.Paul’s Church, Charlottetown, by the Reverend
J. Desbrisey. Robert Hatton was especially fond of this baby, and thus
would name a future son George.
L. ANN HATTON (b.1816 - d.14 Sept. 1898 Pictou) = Bernard Law KIRKPATRICK
(b.c.1800 Scotland - d.8 March 1848 New Glasgow, N.S.)
The youngest daughter of Robert Hatton, Ann was married
to Bernard Law Kirkpatrick, a merchant and shipbuilder of Pictou and New
Glasgow, on 18 March, 1837 by the Rev. Charles Elliott [Times, 28
March 1837]. Bernard’s mother was Catherine (1756-1843).
Bernard had emigrated to Pictou around 1826 from Scotland and was primarily
a shipbuilder from 1840 to his death in 1848. He started by building ships
out of Merigomish: Barque Hindso (1838, 550 tons, with William Manning
and John Cameron of Chance Harbour), Brigantine Mariner (1840, 152
tons), Brigantine Atlanta (1840, 195 tons), Barque Geobia
(1841, 327 tons). He then built a shipyard at the base of MacLean Street
in New Glasgow, building: Barque Minstrel (1840, 435 tons), Barque
Aurelean
(1841, 471 tons, John Beaton, master), Schooner New Glasgow (1843,
34 tons), Brigantine Clipper (1844, 132 tons, Kenneth Urquhart,
master), Brigantine
Syren (1844, 96 tons, Kenneth Urquhart, master),
Brigantine Planter (1844, 92 tons, K. Urquhart, master), Schooner
Caroline
(1845, 60 tons, John MacMillan, master), Barque Lintop (1845, 306
tons, Simon MacLean, master), Barque Aberfoyle (1845, 496 tons,
K. Urquhart, master), Barque Invermore (1846, 549 tons, K. Urquhart,
master), Brigantine
Brunette
(1846, 174 tons), Brig
Argo
(1847, 187 tons, John Burns, master), Barque Blonde (1847, 672 tons,
K. Urquhart, master). During this time Bernard also ran a tanning business
in New Glasgow [see generally, J.M. Cameron, Ships, Shipbuilders…Pictou
at 54].
Bernard is buried in the St.James Churchyard in Pictou, although Ann
was buried in Haliburton Cemetery. He married three times. The name of
his first wife is unknown. His first marriage produced George (b.1828-d.1847
Ten Mile Creek). He married his second wife, Nancy ‘Ann’ Given, in 1831
at Wolfeville.
With his third wife Ann Hatton he had five children: Henry Kirkpatrick
(1838-1839); Sarah Kirkpatrick; Ann Kirkpatrick (1841-1841); Leticia Kirkpatrick
(1844-?; m. in 1867 Charles E. Davies, son of William H. Davies of W.H.
Davies Iron Foundry in Pictou); Jane Kirkpatrick (1845-?; m. in 1870 to
Robert Smith Dawson of Pictou) and Bernard Law Kirkpatrick. Bernard Laws
Kirkpatrick Jr. married Adeliza Maude Harris in 1873 in Brooklyn, New York,
where Bernard had arrived in 1870. Prior to his marriage he stayed in New
York with Thomas Singleton, an Irish emigré who was likely a friend
of the Hattons. Bernard Jr. was a produce merchant in New York, and had
seven children with his wife. In 1875 and 1876 they visited Bernard’s mother
Ann Hatton in Pictou. Bernard Jr. and Adeliza separated in 1903 after the
death of four of their children. Adeliza died in 1930 in Milwaukee. Bernard
Jr. took his own life, drowning in Lake Champlain. Their great-great-grandson
is Trevor Kirkpatrick of Toms River, New Jersey, who kindly supplied most
of this information.
M. WELLINGTON HATTON (b.1816 -d.17 August 1816 Pictou)
Wellington was likely born sometime between 18 June (Battle of Waterloo)
and 10 August 1816 but died on 17 August 1816, in Pictou.
N. GEORGE HATTON II(b. after 1816) = Ann Augustus MCCARTHY
George was married to Ann Augustus McCarthy, third daughter of P.McCarthy,
on September 1, at St.John’s, Newfoundland, by the Reverend Forrestal [The
Novascotian, 20 Sept, 1847]. His ships included the Brigs Louisa
Stuart (built 27 Sept. 1845 at Pictou), Avalon (127 tons, built
9 May 1846 in Pictou; owner in 1846), Hunter (1846) [built Loch
Broom, P.Advocate 12 July 1918, p.3], Arab (164 tons; launched
from the shipyard of J.MacDonald in Pictou on 23 June 1847 by George who
was its master in 1847).
Ancestors ? : the Rev. George Hatton = Hannah Irene Langille (d.1990) [Karen
Farmer, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia].
The Hattons of Wexford and Pictou: the graves of Henry Hatton,
Mary Ann Hatton (née Brown), and Mary Ann Moore, in the churchyard
of St. James’ Church, with a picture of Grandmother (Mary Ann) Hatton.
A. HENRY W. HATTON (b.1 June 1793 Gorey, Wexford, Ireland - d.31
July 1853 Pictou ) = Mary Ann BROWN (b.c.1800 Newcastle-upon-Tyne - d.3
April 1876 Pictou)
While a child in Ireland, Henry Hatton attended the Church of Gorey,
Wexford, which had the Reverend Jerome Alley as rector. The family still
has in its possession his Latin textbook from 1810. He was born in that
town on 1 June 1793 or 1794, emigrating as a young man with his family
to Prince Edward Island and then Pictou. He first sought to stay in Charlottetown,
describing himself as a merchant, and petitioning for a land grant on 19
May 1813. Presumably this grant was unsuccessful, but he went on the greater
things in Pictou, rising to prominence as a shipbuilder, merchant, and
politician.
At first he ran his business from a wing of John Dawson’s building.
Later he bought a large set of buildings, called “Hatton’s Wharf” located
at what is now South Market Street. The north end of Market Street, between
Water Street and Church Street, was also formerly called “Hatton Street”
[photo]. It is likely, from the description below of the election and other
sources, that Henry resided on Hatton Street. Today the east side contains
a newer house and a store; the west side holds the central park of Pictou.
James Dawson, the father of Sir William Dawson of McGill University,
describes an early, profitable, joint venture he undertook with Henry Hatton:
In the fall of 1819, a company was formed to build a large brig
to carry on the trade between Pictou and Liverpool. The parties were D.Crichton,
John Taylor, Henry Hatton, and ourselves, Captain Hibbard to command her.
She was called the Enterprise. She performed two voyages yearly for some
time and was on the whole a profitable concern. She cost us £4000
and carried a cargo of 600 tons.
Henry built the 248 ton brig in his own shipyards, completing it in 1821.
As one of the leading shipbuilders in Pictou’s glory days of shipbuilding,
he had affiliations with the following ships:
1824 Jane Hatton Brig, Henry Hatton, builder; 124 t.:
on 21 November 1824 she sailed from Liverpool, England to Prince Edward
Island [P.E.I. Ships database].
1826 Princess Charlotte Ship, Henry Hatton, master;
338 t.
1826 Mary Brig, Henry Hatton, master; 181 t.
1827 Acadia Brig, Henry Hatton, master; 301 t.
1828 DoctorBrig, Henry Hatton, builder; 308 t [named after
his brother-in-law Doctor Johnston ?]
-
“Yesterday about 11 o’clock the discharge of a cannon from the shipyard
of Mr.Henry Hatton, announced that all was ready for the launch. In a few
minutes all the commanding situations were occupied by spectators. Silence
reigned throughout, save the monotony of the carpenter sledges, and now
and then some anxious one calling out of the way of anticipation, “She
moves!” , She goes!”, She starts!”, but a very short time had elapsed when
their anticipations were realized, and the vessel took her new element
in a handsome style, amid the reiterated acclamations of the concourse,
and the discharge of artillery. She is called the “Doctor” is of 308 tons
register measurement, copper fastened, and is truly a fine vessel. In the
afternoon the family of Mr. Hatton were chiefly occupied in receiving the
congratulations of their friends; and in the evening the inhabitants were
much gratified by a beautiful display of fireworks, made on the occasion.”
[Colonial Patriot, 16 July 1828]
1829 Erin Brig, Henry Hatton, builder; 310 t.
-
“on Thursday last, the fine brig Erin burthern about 310 tons was
launched from the shipyard of Henry Hatton, esq. and went off in an early
and fine manner.” [Colonial Patriot, 3 June 1829]
1830 Sally built by Henry Hatton at New Glasgow with
George MacKenzie
-
arrived here [Liverpool] from Belfast and will be … dispatched to Halifax…
The Mary Ann Hatton is discharging and we have sold the cargo at 14 p.
per foot for Buck Spruce and Pine the head…The Sally‘s cargo was offered
by auction at Belfast but only 10 logs of it sold at 13c. What to do with
the Mary Ann we have not yet determined and suppose the best way will be
to send her back to Pictou with a load of salt we had some idea of sending
her to the Bay of Chaleur for a cargo of timber on ship which we could
contract for her at 17/16 but as Captain McKenzie informs as you have abundance
of timber and that you might be disappointed if we deprive you of an opportunity
of supplying it say to Mr. Johnston that Mr. Elliot at Aroud and that George
has required £35 to complete his tickets and course of Education
which we have paid his two to three days ago to your debit he says to him
that our John is still too busy to write to him and believe as always.
Yours Very Truly, ––––– Mallard
[letter to Henry Hatton, Liverpool 19 August 1834]
1831 Emily Schooner, Henry Hatton, owner; 412 t. [named after
Mary Ann Hatton’s sister Emily Brown?]
1834 Mary Ann : named after Henry’s wife, Mary Ann
-
On 19 August 1834 cargo was sold in Belfast from the ship Mary Ann.
-
“Henry Hatton, another major owner of the 1840’s began a regular packet
service between Pictou and Liverpool, England, with his barque, Mary
Ann.” [Rosemary E. Ommer, Anticipating the Trend, p.73]
1838 David Cannon
-
named after David Cannon of Cannon, Miller of Liverpool.
-
… we had a visit from Captain McKenzie who entertained some hopes of
being able to sell the Sally at Hull but we fear to enable him to do so
would require to take a low figure for her say somewhere about £1800-
here she would bring more money. We have sold the David Cannon for £1450
provided we can give in title for Mcibbards share if she goes it will be
better than keeping her sinking money. We are sorry to learn that you have
been complaining but hope this will find you better and Mrs. Hatton in
perfect health. George Johnston is gone to Aberdeen and hope he will go
out in the Mary Ann Hatton, tell Mr. Blackader that his protest by this
vessel is good for nothing, only signed by the master and merely states
that some of the bag salt was thrown overboard.
[letter from Connor Miller, 312 July 1838]
- note: a barque David Cannonbuilt 1863 (577 Tonnes) by Charles MacLennan
in River John.
-
Henry sold the David Cannon on 31 July 1838 for £1450.
1838 Anna LiffeyBarque, Henry Hatton, builder; 522 t. [named
after the water spirit of Dublin’s main river]
1839 Henry Henry Hatton, builder; Barque, 619 t.
1840 Lord Maidstone Ship, built by Henry Hatton at Hatton
yard, Pictou; 683 t.: Sold at Liverpool, 1840
1840 Jane Duffusbarque, Henry Hatton, builder; 382 t.:
sold at Sligo, 1842 [named after the wife of John Duffus, a prominent banker
in Halifax and Pictou ](note brig Jane Duffus (155 t.) built
1835 at River John.
1841 Mary Brig, Henry Hatton, builder; built at Pugwash
1841 Britannia Barque; Henry Hatton, builder
1842 TriumphBrig; Henry Hatton, builder
1842 Champion Brig; Henry Hatton, builder
1843 Norman Brig; Henry Hatton, builder
1843 ???? Brig; Henry Hatton, builder
1843 Crocus Brig; Henry Hatton, builder
1843 Sea Brig; Henry Hatton, builder
1843 Friends Brig; Henry Hatton, builder
1844 Superior Brig; built by Henry Hatton at Hatton yard,
Pictou, 120 tons.
1844 EchoSchooner, built by Henry Hatton at Hatton yard,
Pictou, 60 tons.
1845 ???? Barque; Henry Hatton, builder
1845 ???? Brig; Henry Hatton, builder
1846 ???? Barque; Henry Hatton, builder
1847 Belle Barque; Henry Hatton, master
Upon the death of his father in 1824, Henry Hatton continued his efforts
to secure an Anglican church and curate for Pictou. To this end, he exchanged
a series of letters with Dr. John Inglis, serving a Ecclesiastical Commissary
to Bishop Robert Stanser. This correspondence would continue after Inglis
himself was elevated to the bishopric, becoming “John Nova Scotia.” On
land obtained from a Colonel Cochrane, St.James’ Church was finally completed
in 1827, based on plans drawn up by Peter Crerar, the father-in-law of
Henry’s daughter Jane Kate (the present building, built on the same site,
dates from 1877). The first Bishop to officiate at the yet-unnamed church
was the Bishop of Quebec, the Right Reverend Charles James Stewart. From
the suggestion of Mary Ann Hatton, the church was named St.James’, to commemorate
the Bishop’s visit. In gratitude for having served as commissioner and
banker of the enterprise, Henry Hatton was granted his choice of a pew
for life, at no charge (the usually rent for a pew being 40 shillings per
annum). He served as one of the first wardens of the Church. The efforts
of Henry and his wife on behalf of the church are recorded on the
wall of the chancel of the present Church of St.James: “To the memory of
Henry Hatton, a native of Gorey Wexford, Ireland, who died July 31st 1853
aged 59 years. Distinguished for integrity as a merchant, loyalty as a
subject, kindness as a friend, affection as a parent, and liberality towards
this church. His loss is deeply felt by all and especially by his wife
who has erected this tablet as a grateful tribute to his many virtues”
[photo].
Henry’s political career was more fractious than his theological one.
He was a central political figure in Pictou during its most turbulent period,
as Tory supporters of the established Kirk fought, literally and figuratively,
against Reform secessionists. Generally aligned with the former faction
were Anglican Tories such as Henry Hatton. On 2 March 1831 he received
a commission to be the Justice of the Peace for Pictou County. In the 1836
election he defeated Abraham Patterson by 311 to 94 votes to become Pictou
Township’s first M.L.A., representing the town as a Tory until 1843.
Just prior to the 1840 election, Henry and his Tory members entered
a standoff with the senior magistrate of Pictou, Abraham Patterson. In
late 1839 Henry and his Tory co-member John Holmes recommended to the Lieutenant-Governor.
Sir Colin Campbell the appointment of five new justices of the peace for
Pictou County, all thought to have Tory sympathies. In January 1940 these
commissions with a dedimus were forwarded to Patterson with an order that
the senior magistrate swear them into office. Patterson refused, stated
in a letter that “…I view this attempt of Messrs. Hatton and Holmes to
persuade His Excellency to add so many more of their partisans to the Bench
of Magistrates as one Calculated to disturb the peace and harmony of the
County…]. The Lieutenant-Governor again ordered Patterson to swear the
judges in, and was again refused. This refusal left no choice but to dismiss
Patterson as magistrate, on 17 February 1840. Ultimately, after a series
of resignations and negotiations, the next senior magistrate swore in the
new magistrates, and Patterson received a new commission, which he held
until his death in 1867 [F.H. Patterson, John Patterson 104].
In the 1840 election the Liberal candidate, lawyer Alexander Peter Ross,
withdrew from the race to allow Henry to win unopposed [Mechanic and
Farmer, 2 Dec. 1840]. It is not known what role Henry played in these
early Nova Scotia governments, but it appears that Henry did not let politics
stifle his zeal for business. He was described as spending his days in
the legislature “in silent indifference” [B. Cuthbertson, Johnny Bluenose
at the Polls at 252].
In the 1845 election the town’s bitter divisions between Reformers and
Tories became apparent, as the following account shows:
The contest between
[Tory]
Martin I. Wilkins and J.D.B Fraser
for the vacant seat was violent. Before 8 o’clock in the morning supporters
of both parties began to pour into town. The inhabitants of Garloch, New
Larig, etc., had assembled at West River and had stopped at the Three Mile
House for a grand rendezvous. Then about 300 supporters of Mr. Fraser [sic:
should this read :wilkins”, the Tory?] marched into town “with flags
flying and the bagpipe drawling forth its unearthly tones”, and headed
by Dr. Crerar, Hugh H.Ross, Conservative Magistrate from the West River,
and A.D. Gordon mounted on a spirited charger. The crowd marched along
Water Street, stopped to give three cheers at the residence of Henry Hatton,
and proceeded up Market Lane along Church Street towards the Court House.
Here they met small parties of Liberals who asked them to lay aside
their bagpipes. The Eastern Chronicle reported that Mr. Gordon gave the
word of command in Gaelic, and the party drew forth sticks concealed under
their clothes “in a manner which did not in the least resemble the drawing
of sabres by a regiment of Dragoons.” The Liberal retreated, but were soon
reinforced, and “there ensued an engagement which can only be described
as the battle of Waterloo in miniature.” A few of the knobby sticks of
green wood changed hands. Mr.Wilkins’ flag staffs were converted into weapons
of war, and the Conservative mob fled.
[The Pictou Book, 193]
Henry was also involved in several lawsuits, perhaps inherent in his many
business transactions. In 1825 he agreed to abandon a claim against his
tenant Benjamin Stevens, after that tenant agreed to quietly vacate his
property. In a 1836 Supreme Court of Nova Scotia case, Henry Hatton brought
a suit to the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia against William Reid for “trespass
of lumber.” In an 1848 letter, he is advised by John Duffus, against prosecuting
a claim: “you had better endeavour to effect a compromise, at same time
if you wish me to obtain an opinion for you had better send it in writing.
from the conversation I have had with Mr. Crerar, I fear that his evidence
will be against you, and he would likely be the principle evidence, having
witnessed the receipt given by you.” On 23 September 1841 he was successful
in a suit against the General Mining Association when a steam boat owned
by that company collided with his dock, igniting a fire. The damages to
the store and stock was assessed at £3,445.
Late in his relatively short life, Henry Hatton show himself to be a
friend of animals as well as humans, as the following snippet from a letter
shows: “Dear Mr. Hatton, If you are quite sure it will not be troubling
you too much we will be so glad if you will take “Milo” and keep him until
we have a house of our own again. The poor dog is quite miserable here
as they don’t like dogs to be about the Hotel…Eleanor Hoyt.”
The Fraser family named one of their sons Henry Hatton Fraser in his
honour. Another son was named Thomas McCulloch Fraser [Nancy Fraser, Yellowknife].
Similarly, James Riley (b.1808) and his wife Sarah Ann Reagh (b.1812) of
Newport, Hants, Nova Scotia, named their second son Henry Hatton Riley.
Henry died on 31 July 1853. His obituary in The Eastern Chronicle
reads:
The deceased formerly carried on an extensive business in ship
building, and during the whole of his mercantile life was distinguished
for integrity of character and kind consideration for the wants of the
poor. he practised hospitality on a large scale and has gone down to the
grave regretted by a large circle of friends and relative, leaving not
a single enemy behind to cast dishonour on his name. His funeral will take
place to day (Tuesday) at 3 o’clock p.m.
He was buried in the St. James’ Churchyard with his wife.
On 5 January 1869 Mary Ann leased a Hatton property on the east side
of Hatton Street to James Cahoon.
Mary Ann Hatton died 3 April 1876 in Pictou and was buried in the St.James’
Churchyard, In her will she left all to her daughter, Mary Ann Hatton [Pictou
#1361]. Among the property she owned at her death was the lot of land situate
at Water and Market Streets occupied by J.W. Fraser, flour merchant, and
a lot of land leased to Robson, photographer.
Henry and Mary Ann Hatton had three children:
1. MARY ANNA HATTON (b.1829 - d. 11 August 1889)= Rev. David O.
MOORE
Mary Anne was married to the Reverend David O. Moore of Viewfield,
near Stellarton, on 17 July by Reverend C. Bowman, at St.James’ Church
[E.Chronicle, 24 July 1873, p.2]. David was originally of Pugwash,
Cumberland. She is buried in the Crerar plot at St. James’.
2. HENRY HATTON JR (b. Jan or Feb 1831 - d. 12 July 1833 Pictou)
Henry died at 2 years, 7 months [Acadian Recorder, in Nova
Scotia Vital Statistics from Newspapers, 1829-1834]. He is buried in
the Crerar plot at St. James’.
3. JANE KATE HATTON (b.6 January 1833, Pictou - d.29 June 1896) = JOHN
CRERAR
Jane Kate married John Crerar (of whom above).
Mary Ann Brown (the wife of Henry Hatton)
and her family, the Browns of Newcastle-upon-Tyne
MARY ANN BROWN (b.c.1800 Newcastle-upon-Tyne - d.3 April 1876 Pictou)
and the BROWNS of NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE
Little is known about Mary Ann Brown, the wife of Henry Hatton, but
that she was born around 1800 in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Northumberland, England.
Her father was Russell Brown and her mother was probably Mary Rich, who
married a Russell Brown on Christmas Day, 1788 at St.John’s Church, Newcastle-upon-Tyne).
Russell Brown, whose small portrait remains in our possession, was born
17 June 1761 and is thought to have been involved with the East Indian
Company. He lived in both London and Newcastle, and appeared to have been
a fairly prosperous merchant. His Christian name probably came from Russell
relatives.Along with Mary Ann Brown, their probable children were:
1. SUSANNA TURTON BROWN (chr. 19 August 1790 St.John’s, N-u-T) [IGI]
2. ROBERT BROWN (chr. 5 Feb 1793 St.Andrew’s Parish Reg & Nonconformist,
N-u-T) [IGI]
3. ‘Russell’ CHRISTOPHER RUSSELL BROWN (chr.5 Feb 1793 St.Andrew’s
Parish - d. 23 January 1882)
Christopher died at 53 Tredegar Square, Mile End, London (north of
the modern Canary Wharf area of east London). Emily Brown (sister ?) and
Michael Brown (brother) were executors of his will. According to the letter
below, he travelled to Russia in 1838. In his will, dated 3 May 1880, he
left in excess of £51,000 to a large number of charities as well
as to his sibling executors, Emily and Michael [Wills and Bequests in 21
April 1882 Illustrated London News; on back of clipping is Darwin’s
obituary]. He left £500 to Jane Tomkins (Hatton) and £1000
to be divided among her children.
In a letter written to Jane Tomkins in April 1882, Jane Brown wrote
to thank her for her condolences:
Russell had attained a good old age. Still I expected him to survive
a few more years…In him the last link is severed which united us to the
last century.
4. EMILY BROWN (b. after 1800 - d. after 1882)
She inherited all of the household furniture and effects of Christopher
Russell Brown. Towards the end of her life she lived at 26 Inverleith Place,
Edinburgh. This property, along with a small fortune, she left to Laura
Boyd (née Crerar) in her will. In a letter to Jane Kate (Hatton)
Crerar, her niece, she talks of their upcoming visit to England from Scotland:
“My dear Jane, I thank you for your kind letter of sympathy and condolence
in the decease of my dear brother Russell though he had attained a good
old age I still expected him to survive a few more years. In him the last
link is severed which linked us to the last century. We do intend leaving
Tredegar Square but not this year. So when you come to London we shall
be happy to see you. It will also be convenient to pay the legacies at
the same time: you £500, and your children £1000 among them.
We have had a remarkably temperate winter, very different to the preceding
one, which was noted for its severity. I was surprised to see your daughter’s
name in the list of departures from Halifax. I trust that she has arrived
safely in England. Will she remain until you come. We shall be pleased
to see her before she returns home. I hope Mr. Crerar, yourself and daughters
are quite well. Yours Affectionately, Emily Brown [letter from Emily Brown
to Jane Kate Hatton (her niece); 15 April 1882]
5. MICHAEL BROWN (chr. 26 May 1806 All Saints, N-u-T -d.after 1882) [IGI]
Michael was involved in international business ventures with his brother-in-law,
Henry Hatton, as evinced in this 1838 letter:
My Dear Mr Hatton, I wrote you a few hasty lines by the Isabella
which I trust will be with you as soon as this -- she was departed from
the Tyne with the Clubs -- a locomotive engine was left on the Quayside
which has been brought from a considerable distance to go by her, but
it must have required the deck to have been cut and which the C____ McStacker
declined doing. I enclose a copy of the accounts of each sale of glass
they were direct to be for the Jane. He flanked the saw as those you had
in the spring. And also of each box; I ensured forty pounds on them following
you would wish to be secure and shall continue to ensure your goods unless
you direct to the contrary....Poor Mr. Fill is no more, he was buried
the day before I received your letter of the 7th July he had got groggy
and had fallen down some steps in his hand in the evening after the family
had gone to rest. When he was found in the morning quite cold. Isaac Bell
had left Newcastle some time before to take the management of the Middlesex
Pottery near Stockton - he is now on the continent whether he will return
to Newcastle to assist young Seth in conducting the St. Peters Pottery
I cannot say -- I spoke to young Seth about ordering a bit more earthenware
but he said they could get nothing ready-- as I said before if you had
a handy vessel it might accord very well to place her on the station between
Pictou and here, you could then have her at which every ___________ might
be convenient to you. (Provided the timber were good and the freight which
we would have to _________ her not were there the Pictou rate or the timber
to population .......and in the winter (after having her two voyages if
we had time and the coal trade good and the wait make a trip or two to
London or she could be offered for sale by private contract, you mentioning
to me what you would be willing to let her go for -- indeed whatever your
wishes might be they would be attended to or if left to me, your interest
should be safely looked after. I expect we shall in a short time be able
to do a fairly good timber business and if I have time between leaving
the leadworks and the arrival of the Isabella intend taking a trip to
Scotland where I expect to be able to secure a commission or two worthwhile.
Russell has taken a ship to St. Petersburg, he has gone out in command
of a _______________ from ________ _______ Steamboat called the “Nofka”
she has been built and fitted in the most costly and elegant style, as
a pleasure yacht for the Emperor of Russia; and in order that she may
be delivered in the best possible condition is towed out by another iron
steamer called the “Lancaster Witch” he says on his return he will give
us a full and particular account of his perception of the Emperor. I have
not ....you will of course leave us advised from time to time how you
are ___________ for timber and by ______ we will be able to tell better
which proportions of each will suit the market -- if you have anything
at all to produce at Pictou or neighbourhood besides timber that you think
would interest in this market you might give it a trial. I presume postage
will cost you nothing. If it does say so. As soon as the “Isabella” is
loaded please hand us invoice of her cargo by post. My father’s health
continues fairly good but his eyesight is no better I am sorry to say
-- he sends his love to you, Mary Ann and the children, in which he is
joined by my sister and wishing you all my comfort… Yours every affectionately,
Michael Brown PS how goes the Noble Russian: has she transmogrified all
the Pictonian ladies yet?
[letter from Michael Brown of Newcastle-upon-Tyne to Henry
Hatton, 2 September 1838]
I have no idea to whom “the Noble Russian” refers.
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