First Churches and Preachers of the Gospel in Pictou Co.

 The Rev. James Lyon appears to have been the first minister in the county. He had been regularly ordained by the Presbytery of New Brunswick, in New Jersey, and came to the province in the fall of 1764 or early in 1765. In 1769 and for years afterward he resided with his family in this county; and Lyon's Brook, about three miles from the town of Pictou, no doubt was named after him. Mr. Lyon was one of the Philadelphia company, as we find in a petition from the inhabitants of Pictou in 1784 the following paragraph:-

 " The Philadelphia Company made provision for, and sent a minister, viz., the Rev. James Lyon, at its first settlement, yet he did not continue among us, which very much discouraged the people, and was exceedingly detrimental to the settlement of the place." From this it would appear that the company cared not merely fur the temporal but spiritual wants of the people, and there is reason to believe that the zeal manifested at that time in the old colonies in the settlement of the province was induced partly by motives of religion.

 Robert Marshall, afterward known as Deacon Marshall, and Colin Douglass, though not ordained by man, but following the example of the fishermen of Galilee, met on the first day of each week for religious exercises, especially the reading of the Scriptures, with praise and prayer. The services were conducted in English by the former, and in Gaelic by the latter.

The Rev. Daniel Cock, of Truro, and the Rev. David Smith, of Londonderry, visited the county occasionally for several years, preaching in private houses or in the open air, and baptizing their children. The people, however, knew very little English, and they could scarcely have understood any sermon in that language. In proof of this Dr. Patterson gives us the following amusing incident: "A Highlander living in Truro attended Mr. Cock's preaching. The latter one day took as his text the words, 'Fools make a mock of sin.' The former bore the sermon patiently, but said afterward, 'Mr. Cock needn't have talked so about moccasins, Mr. McGregor wore them many a time."'

 From time to time the people were visited by travelling preachers, the moat celebrated of whom was Henry Alline so noted in the early religious history of this province. In his journal he says, under date July 25th, 1782: "Got to a place called Picto, where I had no thought of making any stay, but finding the Spirit to attend my preaching I stayed there thirteen days and preached in all the different parts of the settlement. I found four Christians in this place who were greatly revived and rejoiced that the Gospel was sent among them. " An itinerant missionary of the Church of England likewise visited the county, hence we find in Mr. Aitkin's sketch of the Rise and Progress of the Church of England in British North America, that in 1775 he visited the eastern harbors of the province, and at Tatnmagouche administered the Lord's Supper to twenty-eight communicants; that in 1780 he again visited Pictou and Tatamagouche, and on his return lost his way in the woods. The population had so increased in 1783 that an effort was made to secure the services of a settled minister. Accordingly, a meeting of the inhabitants was called in the fall of 1784, when it was agreed to apply to Scotland for the services of a Presbyterian minister. They also agreed for his support to " raise £80 per annum for the first and second years, £90 for the third and fourth years, and thereafter £100 currency, that is £90 sterling annually, one half thereof in cash, and the other in produce; and if Providence should smile upon the settlement and their industry, to make additions to that sum." They also agreed to build a house and barn for their pastor and that he should have a glebe, and that they should clear so much of it from time to time for his encouragement. A committee was appointed consisting of Robert Patterson, John Patterson, William Smith, of West River; Robert Marshall, of Middle River; and Donald McKay, of the East. Accordingly, a petition was drawn up by Mr. Cock, signed by them, and entrusted to John Buchan, Sen., and John Pagan, respectable inhabitants of Greenock, with authority to present it to any Presbyterian Church Court with which they were likely to succeed.

 In due course it was presented to the General Associate Synod of Scotland then known as the Antiburgher Synod, at their meeting in spring, 1786, and, as the result, the Rev. James, afterward Dr. McGregor, was appointed to the position. On the 4th of June, in the same year, he left Greenock, in the brig "Lily," for Halifax, where he arrived on the 11th of July, and the same week proceeded to Truro on horseback. On the 21st he left Truro and arrived at George McConnell's, now the Ten Mile Farm. He was taken in a canoe to the harbor on the following morning, and his first impression he describes thus:

 " When I looked round the shores of the harbor I was greatly disappointed and cast down, for there was scarcely anything to be seen but woods growing down to the water's edge. Here and there a mean timber hut was visible in a small clearing which appeared no bigger than a garden compared to the woods. Nowhere could I see two houses without some wood between them."

 He commenced his ministerial work on the following day, by preaching in Squire Patterson's barn. He thus describes his first public service: -

" The squire gave orders to lay slabs and planks in his barn for seats to the congregation; and before eleven o'clock next morning I saw the people gathering to hear the Gospel from the lips of a stranger, and a stranger who felt few of its consolations, and had but little hope of communicating them to his hearers. None came by land except certain families who lived a few miles to the right and left of Squire Patterson's. Those who came from the south side of the harbor, and from the river, had to come in boats and canoes, containing from one to seven or eight persons. The congregation, however, was not large, for numbers could not get ready their craft, the notice was so short. I observed that the conduct of some of them, coming from the shore to the barn, was as if they had never heard of a Sabbath. I heard loud talking and laughing, and singing and whistling, even before they reached the shore. They behaved, however, with decency so long as I continued to speak, and some of them were evidently much affected. I endeavored to explain to them in the forenoon, in English, 'This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners;' and in the afternoon, in Gaelic, 'The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.' The first words which I heard after pro nouncing the blessing, were from a gentleman of the army calling to his companions, ' Come, come, let us go to the grog-shop,' but instead of going with him, they came toward me to bid me welcome to the settlement, and he came himself at last."-

 On July 30th he preached at East River, near the Albion Mines, and he complains that the conduct of those in attendance was as disorderly as before. "Their singing and whistling, and laughing and bawling, filled my mind with amazement and perplexity. I took occasion," said he, "to warn them of the sin and danger or such conduct."

 He preached at the lower part of the Middle River on the following Sabbath, at what was then Alexander Fraser's place, near where Samuel Fraser's house stands. Service was held in the open air, under the shade of a large elm tree. It was contemplated at first to erect one church here, as being central for the whole district - this plan, however, was abandoned, and it was resolved to build two churches, one on the East River, and the other on the West.

 In October he first visited the upper settlement of the East River. And his first sermon was preached at James McDonald's interval under the shade of a large tree. " On Sabbath." he says, "they came all to hear me with wonder and joy, for they had not indulged the hope of ever seeing a minister in their settlement. They had very poor accommodations; I had to sleep on a little straw on the floor."

 Before winter set in he paid his first visit to Merigomish; the people solicited a share of services, and for thirty years, it is said, he continued to give a portion of his labors to that settlement. In order to be present at his ministry many were in the habit of travelling to his church at the lower settlement of the East River, going in canoes to the head of the harbor, and thence on foot through the woods to the church. In about two years after this they were organized as a congregation, by the ordination of Walter Murray, John Small, and George Ray, as the first elders.

 During this winter, which was very severe, "preaching was in private houses. People could not sit in a house without fire, and they could not travel far. It was therefore agreed that I should preach two Sabbaths at the East River, two upon the harbor, two upon the West, and two upon the Middle River, and then renew the circle till the warm weather should return. The upper settlement, being unprovided with snow shoes, were excluded through the whole winter from all communication with the rest of the people as effectually as if they had belonged to another world, excepting one visit by two young men, who made a sort of snow shoes of small, tough withes, plaited and interwoven in snowshoe frames. This circulating plan of preaching was no little inconvenience to me. For six weeks in eight I was from home, almost totally deprived of my books and all accommodation for study, often changing my lodging and exposed to frequent and excessive cold. But it had this advantage that it gave me an easier opportunity of visiting and examining the congregation than I could otherwise have had, for I got these duties performed in each portion between the two Sabbaths on which I was there. I resolved not to confine my visitations," said this worthy evangelist, "to Presbyterians, but to include all of every denomination who would make me welcome; for I viewed them as sheep without a shepherd. The purport of my visitations was to awaken them to a sight of their sinful and dangerous state, to direct them to Christ, to exhort them to be diligent to grow in religious knowledge and to set up the worship of God in the family and closet, morning and evening. I did not pass a house, and although I was not cordially welcomed by all, my visits were productive of more good than I expected; and I trust they were the means of bringing to Christ several who were not Presbyterians."

 During the nine years be was sole minister of Pictou, be regularly fulfilled his appointments in preaching, visiting, and catechizing, according to the old Scottish mode. His circuit being large, he had to travel hundreds of miles during the year, often under circumstances of extreme difficulty. " I had," he says, " to learn to walk in snow shoes in winter, and to paddle a canoe in summer, and to cross brooks and swamps upon trees overturned or broken by the wind, and to camp in the woods all night; for there is no travelling the woods at night where there is no road."

 We may mention here that this pioneer clergyman was subjected to very great privations. While from home for weeks, he was obliged to stay in the poor huts of the settlers, and frequently suffered extreme cold, and had to partake of the poorest fare. The cold damp plank was often his only bed, and a few potatoes constituted his frugal meal; yet it is said he never complained, but cheerfully went in and out among the people imparting unto them the Word of life. The labors of this good man soon began to produce fruit; the people generally began to awake to the important subject of religion, many were found turning to the Lord, and a great moral change passed over the entire population. Family worship and family religious instruction became the rule with most of the people, while they flocked in great numbers from all quarters to hear the preaching of the Word, young women even walking in summer from the West to the East River, a distance of ten miles, for that purpose.

 While devoting the most careful attention to the moral and spiritual interests of his charge, he was not forgetful of their educational and social welfare. Parents receiving baptism for their children were put under pledges to give them as good an education as their circumstances would permit. He encouraged them in establishing schools, and when established often visited them. And though for a long time they were poor enough; they were the means of giving the rising generation at least the elements of learning: Thomas Fraser, Simon Fraser, and Alexander Fraser, who before leaving Scotland had been ordained elders, were called to exercise their office here. Soon after the following were elected, and on the 6th May were ordained, viz.: Donald McKay and Peter Grant, for the East River; Robert Marshall and Kenneth Fraser, for the Middle River; John McLean and Hugh Fraser, for the West; and John Patterson, for the harbor. It is said that these first elders were men who " feared God and worked righteousness," and many of their descendants occupy positions of usefulness in the church and the world in this county and elsewhere.

 In the summer of 1787 were built the first two churches in the county. " During this month (July) he says the men were chiefly engaged in building the two meeting-houses; but instead of employing contractors to build them, they agreed to divide the work into a number of lots, and appointed a party of themselves to every lot. One party cut the logs and hauled them to the site; another hewed them and laid them in their place; and a third provided boards for the roof and floors; a fourth provided the shingles; those who were joiners were appointed to make the doors and windows; and those who did not care to work provided the glass and nails. Moss was stuffed between the logs to keep out the wind and rain; but neither was one of them seated otherwise than by logs laid where seats should be. Public worship was conducted in the open air all this summer and part of harvest, till the churches were finished, and we had the same kind Providence preserving us from wind and rain, and tempest, as we had last year; but no sooner were the houses built than a. great rain came on the Sabbath."

 Such were the first two churches of Pictou, and for a while they had no pulpits, purely because they could make a shift without them, and when they were made they were not of mahogany, but of the white pine of Pictou. The dimensions of these primitive churches were some thirty five or forty feet long by twenty-five or thirty wide. There was an upper story or gallery to which the young people went up by a ladder. The church on the East River was situated on the west side of the river a short distance from New Glasgow, on rising ground between the old burying ground and the line of the present railroad. The one at Loch Broom was situated near the head of the harbor, on the farm then owned by William McKenzie, still held by his descendants.

 "As soon as the meeting-houses were built, the people set themselves to make roads to them that they might be as accessible as possible by land; but these roads were nothing more than very narrow openings through the woods by cutting down the bushes and trees that lay in their line of direction, and laying logs with the upper side hewed along swampy places, and over brooks which could not be passed dry, by way of a bridge. The stumps and roots, the heights and hollows, were left as they had been. The chief advantage of this was that it prevented people from going astray in the woods. During winter the roads and meeting-houses both were totally useless, for the preaching was in dwelling houses where there was a fire."

 The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered in Pictou County for the first time by a Presbyterian clergyman in the year 1788. The place selected was a secluded piece of interval on the Middle River, and was chosen on account of its being central for the whole district, and accessible by boats from the harbor and coast. Here the ordinance was observed with all the services then customary in Scotland. Dr. McGregor performed these services himself, and preached every day from Thursday till Monday, both in Gaelic and English. The number who availed themselves of this privilege was one hundred and thirty. In this beautiful spot the Supper was dispensed every year with the same solemnities, during the time that he was sole minister in Pictou, and people came from long distances to attend the services. After having labored for nearly half a century in the Master's vineyard, Dr. Patterson thus, describes the close of this good man's career: " On the 3d March, 1830, died Dr. James McGregor, and we may say that no man was ever more warmly loved while he lived nor more deeply mourned when he died. Hundreds of homes were filled with weeping at the in-telligence of his departure, and far beyond the bounds of the county multitudes mourned him as a father and a friend. On the Saturday following devout men carried him to his burial and made great lamentation over him. His funeral was the largest that had ever been in the county, and with all the increase of population probably larger than any since, it being estimated that there were 2000 present." A suitable monument was erected to his memory, but the grandest and most en-during is that which has been produced by his labors in the heart's memories and affections of the people and their descendants.

 We must not omit to mention here that in 1795 the late Rev. Duncan Ross arrived in the county to share the labors of Dr. McGregor. He was a native of the parish of Tarbert, Ross-shire, and was ordained by the presbytery of Forfar 20th January the same year. He labored as assistant pastor until the year 1801, after which they were jointly ministers of the entire county.

 It is said Mr. Ross was a man of considerable ability, possessing a logical mind, strong natural powers, sound judgment, and extensive knowledge of church matters. He was faithful in the discharge of his pulpit and pastoral duties. In 1827 be was one of the three to organize the second temperance society in British North America, and the first in this province. To the West River and to Mr. George McDonald, who first moved in the matter, together with Mr. Ross, belong the honor of organizing this laudable movement. After an illness of short duration Mr. Ross was called to exchange mortality for life, 25th October, 1834.

 It is very evident, from the foregoing facts, that the tenets of the Presbyterian Church had taken fast hold upon the early settlers of the county and their descendants. It is no wonder, therefore, that the other churches have made so little progress numerically. We find, by the last census, the relative numbers of the different religious bodies stand thus in the county: -

 Presbyterian Church of the Lower Provinces - - - 14,105 Church of Scotland - - - - - - - - - 12 250 Roman Catholics - - - - - - - - - 2,965 Church of England - - - - - - - - - 1,470 Wesleyan Methodist - - - - - - - - - 797 Baptist - - - - - - - - - - - 345 All others - - - - - - - - - - - 193

 In going through the various parts of the county, the close observer, especially if he be a stranger, must notice and admire the deep religious feeling which pervades the masses of the people. No meal is commenced or finished without asking a blessing and returning thanks; while an altar to the "Most High" is dedicated, and family worship regularly performed.

 Early Education.

 James Davidson is said to be the first schoolmaster in the county. He was a native of Edinburgh, and emigrated from Scotland in the same vessel in which the Rev. Daniel Cock and family came to this country. He was a godly man, and consequently cared for the moral and spiritual interests of the settlers. On the Sabbath, his custom was to collect the children together for religious instruction, so that his residence at Lyon's Brook is known as the site of the first Sabbath-school in the county, and probably in the province. We cannot learn the year in which this school was established, but it was previously to 1776, as he left the county in that year. There can be no doubt this school was commenced even before the celebrated Robert Raikes began that movement in England. " Here," says the Colonial Patriot, " this worthy man taught school seven days of the week, and to our shame be it spoken, the Sabbath was more sanctified then, when there was no place of worship except the school-house where James Davidson taught and prayed, than it is now, when churches are in abundance, even at our doors."

 The first teacher in town was Peter Grant. He was educated in Halifax, and on coming to Pictou, about the year 1793, he opened a school, and continued to follow his honorable calling for six years. In 1802, S. L. Newcomb occupied the position of teacher, but did not continue any considerable length of time, when he was succeeded by George Glennie. He was a graduate of Aberdeen College, and was considered a man of superior mental qualifications. Mr. Glennie, it is said, did much to form the minds of the rising generation at that early period of the county's history.

 The Rev. Thomas McCulloch, who was a native of Renfreshire, Scotland, arrived here on his way to Prince Edward Island, in the year 1803; and Pictou is doubtless indebted to him, more than any other man, for its early educational advancement. He received his philosophical education at the University of Glasgow, studied theology at Whitburro, under Professor Bruce, and was ordained a minister of a congregation in Stewarton, Ayrshire; he did not, however, remain long there, but as stated above, arrived here in November, with the intention of proceeding to Prince Edward Island. He was unable to obtain a passage thither that fall, and was engaged for the winter to supply the congregation of the " Harbor," as it was then called. He was called to be their pastor in the following spring, and was inducted on the 6th June, 1804. In 1805, Dr. McCulloch projected an institution for the purpose of giving instruction in the higher branches of education, where young men might be trained for the ministry, and for professions of a secular nature. The project, however, was not carried into operation this year, but still it was not lost sight of, as we shall see hereafter.

 In 1814, we find Mr. Ross teaching five boys Latin and Greek, with a view to the ministry. Dr. McGregor, likewise, took an interest in the same matter. Dr. McCulloch, partly to improve his circumstances, for like most of the ministers of that period, he was imperfectly supported by his congregation, and partly with the view of raising the standard of education in the district, about this time opened a school of a higher class; and when, in 1811, the Government passed an act granting £100 per annum for a grammar-school in each county, and in the districts of Colchester, Pictou, and Yarmouth, he obtained the grant for the one under his charge, and held it for many years.

 The number of students attending this institution so increased, that the idea of a college again revived, and under the leadership of Dr. McCulloch, and the approval of the governor having been first obtained, a society was formed to establish such a seminary on a liberal foundation. In 1816, an act of incorporation was granted to the trustees, and they soon proceeded to raise funds to accomplish their object. Success having crowned their efforts, Dr. McCulloch was chosen its first president. The first classes were opened in the fall of 1817.

When the college building, as we may now call it, was completed and the classes transferred to it, an air of educational importance was now observed in the rising town of Pictou. Following the practice of some of the Scottish universities, students were required to wear red gowns. These were made of light merino, and for the next twenty years these bright scarlet insignia of learning were one of the features of our town.

 Dr. McCulloch's life from this time was earnestly devoted to the interests of the college; the greatest part of the teaching having devolved upon him. During the early days of the institution, the late Jotham Blanchard thus wrote of his efforts: " Of his daily labors and nightly vigils, after taking charge of the institution, I am surely a competent witness. I was one of his first students, and have often seen him at 8 o'clock of a winter morning, enter his desk in a state of exhaustion, which too plainly showed the labors of the night. To this, those who are acquainted with the subject, will give credence, when I state that his share of the course, was, besides Greek and Hebrew, Logic and Moral Philosophy. In each of these sciences, he drew out a system for himself, which was of course the result of much reading and much thought. When I add to this account of his daily labors, the repairs and additions which were necessary to a half-worn apparatus, and which none but himself could make, I am almost afraid my testimony will be doubted. And for the first five or six years of the institution, let it be remembered, he had charge of a congregation and regularly preached twice a day, save when over--exertion ended in sickness."

 Dr. McCulloch's first co-laborer was the Rev. John McKinley. He was a native of Sterlingshire, Scotland, who came to this country in the summer of 1817. He succeeded Dr. McCulloch in the grammar-school, which the latter relinquished to take charge of the academy, a position for which he was well qualified.

 There appears to have been a great amount of opposition and controversy subsequently, relative to the academy, into the details of which our limited space will not allow us to enter. We may say here, however, that after Dr. McCulloch had labored for a considerable time in Dalhousie College, he died at Halifax, in 1843, in the sixty-seventh year of his age, and his remains were conveyed to the old Pictou cemetery, where his students afterward erected a suitable monument to his memory. His associate in his first efforts to establish the Pictou Academy, the Rev. John McKinley, died on the 25th October, 1850, much regretted, and by none more than the Presbyterian congregation of Prince St. Church, with which he had been associated for more than a quarter of a century, "holding forth the word of life."

 Although it is our province more particularly to refer to the early history of education, it may not be out of place here to notice the present efficient system of training in the county. Pictou Academy or Collegiate Institution is ably conducted by A. H. McKay, Esq , principal, and Messrs. R. and E. McLellan, his coadjutors, with Miss Campbell in the primary school. This college affords superior advantages, and more especially to those who have been born in the county, as they have special privileges not enjoyed by those whose birth-place is outside its limits.

 The High School, under the judicious management of William McMillen, Esq., assisted by Mr. A. McArthur, is in a prosperous condition, while the other branches or lower departments are under the control of the Misses Johnson, Fullerton, Rose, and Beattie, all of whom, in their respective spheres of labor, appear to give general satisfaction.

 The various schools throughout the county so far as we can learn, are likewise conducted with great care and ability, and in most cases the teachers are intelligent, painstaking, and affable, and are thus well qualified to occupy their honorable positions.

 The Press.

 The Colonial Standard. - The Colonial Standard, the weekly paper published in the town of Pictou, is now slightly over twenty years of age, the first number having been printed in October, 1858. Simon H. Holmes, Esq., was the first editor and publisher, and although now Provincial Secretary and Premier of Nova Scotia, he yet retains his connection with the paper, inspiring its political utterances, and frequently contributing personally to its columns.

 In the prospectus of the Colonial Standard, circulated by Mr. Holmes shortly before the first issue, he announced his intention to make his proposed venture on the sea of journalism a vehicle to convey to the people of Pictou County a full knowledge of passing events and a means to insure in Nova Scotia a full measure of religious toleration and a fine spirit of loyalty to the British throne. In politics the paper was to be " a decided advocate of the principles of true conservatism. ' Fear God and honor the Queen' was its motto. Its aim would be to foster that wide-spread spirit of conservatism which it believed to be cherished by the vast majority of the people of Nova Scotia." How the promises of the prospectus have been kept is now, and during the entire career of the paper has been, attested by the generous patronage accorded by the people of the county in which it is published, and particularly by the conservative party of Pictou, whose mouthpiece the paper has always been.

 The Colonial Standard, when first published, was a symmetrical twenty-four column folio, and was printed on an Adams hand press, on which also the job work of the office in connection was executed. It was published in the original form until the year 1870, when Mr. Robert P. Grant assumed the duties of publisher, and printed the paper in an enlarged form on a " Northumbrian" power press. Mr. Grant severed his connection with the Colonial Standard at the closing of 1874, and early in 1875 the paper passed into the hands of Mr. David F. Power, who immediately enlarged it from twenty-eight to thirty-two columns, and printed it from new type, making the sheet one of the handsomest of its kind in the Dominion. Mr. Power also adopted the rule of short credits for advertising and cash in advance for subscribers, and principally owing to these salutary regulations, the paper now occupies a better position than it has since its inception.

 In connection with the publication office of the Colonial Standard is an excellent job office, in which, beside the usual job printing of a county, the Monthly Record of the Church of Scotland in the Maritime Provinces, a sixteen-page monthly periodical, having a circulation of about fourteen hundred, is printed. The Record is the organ of that Presbyterian body in Nova Scotia that declined to unite with the other Presbyterian bodies of Canada when the union was consummated in 1874. A large amount of printing is annually turned out of the Standard job printing office by the three printers employed. Four workmen, compositors and pressmen, are employed in the publication office of the paper. Beside these, employment is given to laboring men and others to some considerable extent, in working the presses and attending to the more laborious duties of the office.

 As a literary production, the Colonial Standard occupies a leading place among the Canadian weekly press, its political articles especially being widely quoted and read. Until recently the leading articles were regularly contributed by S. H. Holmes, Esq., who has no superior in the province as an able and versatile writer and profound thinker. The local columns are compiled with greater care than formerly, and form a very interesting feature of the paper. The paper is famed for the appropriateness of its news, summary, and general selections. The news and general editing is all done by Mr. D. F. Power, the publisher, who also occasionally lends the use of his pen to the political columns. The editor is assisted by many able regular contributors, mustering among these the foremost professional men of the county. The paper has always had careful proof reading, and this, with other excellences, renders it of special value as an educating medium.

 The Colonial Standard has at present a circulation of about fourteen hundred copies weekly, but this creditable circulation is steadily increasing. The office of publication is on South Market Street, in a building altogether devoted to the purpose, and well supplied with all necessary mechanical appliances. The paper has always been published as a weekly; but the plans of the publisher are, as soon as practicable, to issue it semi- or tri-weekly. The importance of the town and county, with better times, would seem to warrant this enterprise, while the fidelity of the journal to its declared principles renders it fitting that it should take this important while self-assertive step.

 The Eastern Chronicle. - The Eastern Chronicle entered upon its thirty--eighth year on the 1st of January, 1879. It was started in the town of Pictou, Nova Scotia, as a successor to the Mechanic and Farmer and the Presbyterian Advocate, by Messrs. Gildert and Patterson. The latter gentleman was editor, and is now the Rev. George Patterson, D.D., who has written several creditable books, the latest a history of the county of Pictou. Mr. John Stiles, who edited the Mechanic and Farmer, is now a clerk in the pension office, Washington, U. S. Mr. E. M. McDonald was the next editor of the Eastern Chronicle. He left it to start the Halifax Citizen, in partnership with the late Mr. William Garvie, leaving the paper in the hands of his brother, Mr. John Duncan McDonald, up to 1866, when Messrs. McConnell and Alley, now of the Truro Times, and Mr. Alley, of the Sun of the same town, bought it, and carried on the business for five years, when Mr. McConnell bought his partner out, and the latter started the Truro Sun. In January, 1877, Mr. McConnell left for Halifax, to run the Citizen, which he purchased, having sold the Eastern Chronicle to Mr. Daniel Logan, the present editor and proprietor.

 Mr. Logan entered the employ of Messrs. McConnell and Alley in April, 1867, as printer's devil, but who had for nearly two years previous to buying the Chronicle been printing and editing the News of the Week at the port of Hawkesbury, strait of Canso. The Eastern Chronicle is now published every Thursday in the town of New Glasgow, in this county. It has an extensive circulation among all classes, and its advertising business is very considerable, as may be seen by its crowded columns. The political principles of the Chronicle are strictly reform, while the general tone of its articles is in favor of religion, morality, and the common interests of the people.

 TOWN OF PICTOU.

 On the arrival of the first settlers in this county a town was laid out above the town gut and another at Fisher's Grant, but neither of these places commanded sufficient interest to be extensively built upon. John Patterson has the credit of locating the present town of Pictou. When the first grants of lands were issued the block on which the town stands, including the shore from Brown's Point round to Cariboo, had been reserved out of the Philadelphia company's grant and given to Colonel McNutt and his friends. In 1770, however, the grant was escheated and Lieutenant Richard Williams became the owner. Subsequently this grant was transferred to Walter Patterson, Esq., who came out in the year just named as governor of Prince Edward Island. It is said that one day, while out riding, the governor met Mr. Williams, when the latter said to him, " I have a lot of land in Pictou, what will you give me for it ?" " I will give you this horse,"' said his excellency. " Will you give saddle and bridle?" was the next inquiry. "Yes." "Then jump off." Thus this singular bargain was at once settled. And Governor Patterson became the owner of property which has since be come so valuable. He commenced selling portions of the land, and laid out a town which he named " Coleraine," eastward of what is still known as Coleraine Street. The town was to contain several public conveni-ences, including a market and wharf for public landing.

 The most valuable part of the governor's property appears to have been transferred to John Patterson in 1787, which embraced the central portions of the town, extending from Coleraine Street westwardly to the Market. The ground along the shore, some forty feet wide, was reserved for a highway road or street, and this ultimately became the front street of the town. Mr. Patterson soon commenced dividing the front of his land into small lots for building, and effected several sales on reasonable terms. It appears at this time the name of the town was not definitely settled, as in old documents we find it called Coleraine, New Paisley, Alexandria, Donegal, Teignmouth, Southampton, and Walmsley, but finally Pictou was given to the principal town of the county bearing the same name.

 Pictou of 1879 is a town of no ordinary importance, situated as it is on the north side of the harbor, on gradually rising ground; its position, as seen from the water, is both commanding and attractive. During the last few years a large number of elegant houses have been erected within its limits, especially in the more elevated portion of the town. Here we find commodious and handsome mansions - modern villas - and neat cottages, all of which are unmistakable indications of the opulence and prosperity of its inhabitants. The public buildings are likewise worthy of notice. The court-house, registry office, and custom-house, which include the Inland Revenue Office, views of which appear among our illustrations, stand foremost in this class - the latter building especially, which was erected by the Government at a recent date, is an. ornament to the town.

 The handsome and substantial building lately built by the Pictou Bank Company, and used as offices; and the one in course of erection on Water Street, for the Young Men's Christian Association, the ground-floor of which we understand will be our future post-office, add considerably to the attractiveness of the town.

 The town of Pictou is well supplied with churches, which include two Presbyterian, one Free Church of Scotland, one English, a Methodist, and one Roman Catholic Church, all of which are moderately well attended.

 The principal educational establishment is the Pictou Academy, originally founded by Dr. McCulloch. The building, however, must have undergone considerable improvement since his day, as it now presents the appearance of a modern structure. Then there is the High School, a building replete with every comfort and convenience for the youthful part of our population. There are several moderately good halls, including the Masonic, on Lower Water Street, Prince Street Assembly Hall, and others of minor importance.

 Trade and Commerce. - Some years ago the amount of business done in the exportation of coal was very large, so much so that vessels had frequently to wait their turn for several weeks, while the harbor presented a small forest of masts. Not so now, however; there is, unfortunately, a decrease in this branch of business, which it is hoped in the near future may undergo a favorable change. The maritime interests of the town are extensive, and vessels of large and small tonnage belong to the port. The harbor is considered one of the best on the south shore of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and affords ample accommodation for all classes of shipping.

 The marine railway for the overhauling and repairs of ships, owned by Messrs. J. & J. Yorston, is doing an extensive business, and is a great advantage to the shipping trade generally. In connection with this business they carry on ship building, and just now have the hull of a large vessel on the stocks.

 The town has gas-works, one iron and brass foundry, two tobacco factories, several carriage building establishments, two extensive tanneries, conducted respectively by Mr. John Logan, outside of the town limits, and Messrs. Campbell & Son, within the corporation. There are three banking houses: the Pictou Bank, which now has a savings department; a branch of the Bank of Nova Scotia, and one of the Merchants' Bank of Halifax, with a Savings Bank of long standing. There is a large number of handsome stores of all kinds; several excellent hotels, including The Revere, St. Lawrence, Robson, Union, and Central. The Western Union and Dominion Telegraph Companies are both represented here. Steamers ply in the summer season between Pictou and Prince Edward Island and elsewhere. In winter a strong, substantial steamship, the "Northern Light;" built by the Government, occupies the station. The eastern terminus of the Intercolonial Railroad is situate at Pictou Landing, and connected with it by a steam ferry. The chief requirement of this flourishing town is no doubt, the establishment of water-works, and we hope the time is not far distant when this want will be supplied. .

 TOWN of NEW GLASGOW

 Was founded previously to 1809, when a tract of land containing about five hundred acres was granted to John McKenzie, and afterward sold by him to Alexander McKay for the trifling sum of £20. A surveyor, named William Fraser, was employed to lay off the front in acre and half-acre lots. Report says he presented a lot at the bank, south of where the bridge now is, to one Mr. Chisbolm, who erected upon the site a log house, where he and his wife lived for some time. Not having any children they were the only inhabitants of the place until the late Mr. James Carmichael, in the year before named, purchased from McKay the lot adjoining to the east, and erected a log building thereon. Some two years afterward (1811) the house was destroyed by fire. It was, however, very soon rebuilt, and the modern structure occupied by his son, the Hon. James W. Carmichael, stands on the same site. The father of the present, successful merchant and ship-owner did business in connection with a Mr. Argo, on a comparatively limited scale, and after the fire, exclusively on his own account. His transactions, as may be supposed at that early date, were not of a very extensive character; they consisted chiefly in timber, butter, pork, and, in fact, all kinds of farm produce; and as the population of the county multiplied his business gradually increased. After this, it is said the humble trader became one of the most prominent merchants in Pictou County - and what is of far greater value, Mr. James Carmichael, the first man of business in New Glasgow, was distinguished for his uprightness of character and honorable business principles.

 Since that time the town has become a place of considerable importance. Situated as it is on the East River, near its entrance into Pictou harbor, on gradually elevated ground, it is well calculated to occupy the position of a large town. Its founders evidently looked forward to the time when this would be the case, as we find the town limits are very extensive, and its streets in most cases present a modern appearance.

 The locality has become specially noted for ship-building, and already some of the largest ships of Nova Scotia have been built here. The depression in trade, which has for a long time been felt not only in the dominion, but elsewhere, has affected ship-building as well as other branches of industry, in this otherwise thriving town. Here, there is a forge company, who have recently removed their works outside of the corporation, where they have erected an immense building, with every convenience for carrying on an extensive business. The establishment of Messrs. I. Matheson & Co., engineers and boiler-makers, is doing a large business, and affords employment to a number of hands, which, if the times were brisk, would be largely increased. The foundry, under the management of Mr. Fraser, is another of the important manufacturing institutions of the place. The town contains many other factories of considerable importance, including several tanneries, furniture, sash and door factories, with numerous establishments of a similar character; while there are two branch banks and two savings banks, a large number of excellent stores, some moderately good hotels, good halls, a telegraph office, two very handsomely fitted masonic lodge rooms. Here too, are several churches, chiefly Presbyterian, with one Baptist church, while the Church of England has service every Sabbath in one of the halls and we understand its members have it in contemplation to build a church when a suitable site can be obtained. The town is likewise well supplied with schools of a superior order, under the management of efficient teachers.

 The extensive coal mines of the county being in the immediate vicinity of the town have a beneficial effect on its trade and commerce.

 The Intercolonial R. R. has a station at New Glasgow, and the traffic in freight and passengers is very considerable.

 RIVER JOHN.

 From early records, it appears the land here belonged to the Philadelphia Company, and the first deed on record is dated 25th July, 1786, and is to -James Gratto, James Langill, George Langill, John Patriquin, George Patriquin, and George Tattrie, and is described as " lying on a river and bay known by the name of Deception River, near Cape Jean, beginning about a mile north from the entrance of said river on west side." It is supposed by some that the name River John was received from John Patriquin. For a length of time, however, it was known as "Johns River," which is inscribed on the communion cups of the Presbyterian congregation of the place.

 River John has now become a large village, and no doubt, in process of time, will become an important town. Ship building has been carried on here for many years with great success, and much of the prosperity of the district has been owing to that important branch of industry.

 The harbor, in some parts, is shallow, but means are being employed to deepen it, which will be a great improvement, and will accommodate vessels of considerable burden. A substantial and handsome bridge connects both sides of the river. In this village there are several handsome shops, two good hotels, a tannery, the property of Mr. R. Sutherland, and a young nursery, owned by Mr. Charles E. Henry, illustrations of which appear in our view department.

 River John is well supplied with churches and schools. Presbyterian, Church of England, Methodist, and Baptist, all of which are moderately well attended. One of the most striking indications of the intelligence and progressive character of the district is, that during the past year a newspaper called The Pioneer, has been published weekly by Mr. Gauld, which contributes, in no small measure, to the moral and social well-being of this rapidly improving village.

 WESTVILLE.

 No village in the country has grown so rapidly as Westville. Three extensive collieries being in the immediate vicinity, have no doubt been the cause of its rapid growth. Some three years ago, a census was taken, when the village was found to contain 2500 people, with two Presbyterian, one Methodist, and one Roman Catholic church.

 The chief part of the population are miners and their families. There are some good stores, hotels, and other business places, but on passing through the village recently, we were sorry to see so many houses unoccupied. The cause of this, in all probability, is owing to the dulness in the staple commodity of the district - coals. Many years ago, all was bustle and activity, and the only difficulty was how to supply the demand quick enough. Now there is an unfortunate lull in the trade, which in the nature of things makes the business aspect of the place less cheering than formerly. We hope, however, the time is not far distant when this centre of industry will be full of life and activity as in former days.

 STELLARTON

 Is a village of considerable importance, a short distance from New Glasgow, on the Intercolonial Railroad. On account of its proximity to the coal mines, a large amount of business is done there. It contains several churches, including Presbyterian, Church of England, Methodist, and Roman Catholic, situate between New Glasgow and the village. It is well provided with good stores, hotels, telegraph and post-offices, together with ample school accommodation.

 HOPEWELL

 Is a thriving village on the Intercolonial Railroad, seventeen miles from Pictou. It contains excellent church and school accommodations, telegraph office, saw-mill, spool factory, woollen and grist mills, furniture factory, good hotel, conducted by Mr. John Fraser, several excellent stores, with various other branches of industry.

 DURHAM

 Is situate eight miles from Pictou, and contains several stores and one temperance hotel, post-office, and one tannery, the property of Mr. John D. McDonald, a view of which appears in our view department. It also contains one church and schools.

 SRINGVILLE

Is a pretty village with some modern residences surrounding it. It contains a Presbyterian church, schools, stores, and post-office.

 In closing this brief historical sketch, the compiler desires to express his gratitude to the Rev. Geo. Patterson, D.D., of New Glasgow, N. S., from whom we obtained permission to cull from his admirable and complete history of the county, such information as was necessary, without which it would have been a difficult task. The publishers are deeply indebted to the Hon. S. H. Holmes, Premier of the province, for his courteous introduction of their chief surveyor, Mr. C. R. Allen, C. E., to the Crown Land officials at Halifax, from whom be received every necessary assistance. And likewise to John Ferguson Esqr., Registrar of Deeds, for the facilities afforded by him in the completion of the surveys of the county. And also to the various land surveyors, county and town officials, who kindly offered their surveys and plans, with much valuable information which they possessed.

PERSONAL SKETCHES.

 HON. JUDGE FOGO, Belleville. - This farm, owned by James Fogo, Esq., Barrister at Law, Q. C., and Judge of Probate for the county of Pictou, comprises one hundred and eighty acres within the limits of the town of Pictou, the act of incorporation limiting its eastern boundary in that direction. The building represented in our view department is a classical villa after the Tuscan manner, and was built by the proprietor in 1854. It is very beautifully situated, and affords a most commanding view of the surrounding country. The scene which is presented to the spectator in a summer day when shipping in the harbor is brisk, and vessels of all descriptions are plying to and fro upon its waters, is one of an exceedingly pleasing and animated character, and presents a panorama which is rarely equalled and difficult to surpass. This property is noted for the valuable freestone in which it abounds, and which is now commanding an extensive sale beyond the limits of the county. Many thousands of tons have been disposed of to rebuild the bridges on the Intercolonial Railway by a gentleman to whom the owner sold a few acres some years ago, leaving untouched, however, extensive areas of superior stone for building purposes, which brisker times would soon call into requisition.

 We have been informed that Mr. Fogo was born in the city of Glasgow, Scotland, and immigrated with his parents to this country when very young; that he received his education at the Pictou Academy under the tuition of the celebrated Dr. McCulloch; studied law in the office of the late Jotham Blanchard, Esq. then the most eminent practitioner in the eastern part of the province, and received the appointment of Judge of Probate for this extensive county in 1850, which office, with a short interregnum on a change of government in 1864, he has ever since retained, discharging its important duties with punctuality and efficiency. In 1851 he was offered the Solicitor-Generalship of an adjoining colony, but feeling indisposed to leave this province, he declined the appointment and made up his mind to reside in Nova Scotia.

 WILLIAM IRVING - The subject of this biographical sketch was born in Pictou County, February 1st, 1830. He is the second son of the late John Grant Irving and Ann McKay, both of whom were well known and much respected in this district. In 1822 Mr. J. Grant Irving emigrated from Dumfreshire in Scotland and settled in this county. At that early date the land was only partially cleared; in fact, the whole country appeared a beautiful dense forest, stretching in many places almost to the water's edge. Here and there the eye would rest upon places where the axe of the strong man had done its work effectually, but still the surroundings were anything but inviting. By earnest, ceaseless toil, however, he managed to clear away the land and overcame the many difficulties which beset the lot of a new settler in a comparatively new country. This worthy Scotch pioneer departed this life 15th of October, 1877, having survived his wife a few years, she having rested from her labors 20th of January, 1869.

 On the 15th of December, 1870, Mr. William Irving was married to Miss Christie McKay, eldest daughter of Mr. Hector McKay, of Pictou, the issue of which marriage are several interesting and intelligent little ones of both sexes, who appeared to the writer when he saw them recently as so many "olive plants round about his table."

 Mr. Irving was appointed justice of the peace 24th of January, 1872, and continues to discharge the duties of his office in a highly creditable manner.

 The Presbyterian Church at Salt Springs, of which the Rev. Alexander Stirling is minister, elected the subject of our sketch as elder in June, 1878, thus conferring upon him one of the greatest honors which a layman in any church can enjoy.

 The farm, a view of which appears among our illustrations, is situated in section No. 9, and, as will be seen, is adorned by pretty trees, while the land for the most part is rich, fertile, and productive.

 JOHN LOGAN, Esq., was born in Pictou County in the year 1818. In life he devoted his attention to the tanning business, and went through the ordeal of a regular apprenticeship. When be had acquired a thorough knowledge of the business, he commenced operations on his own account in 1847, his tannery consisting of three pits only, and was on a very limited scale; but gradually, as the population increased, trade was enlarged, and in a corresponding manner the tannery had to be extended to its present immense proportions. In 1875 when the business was in a most flourishing condition, with ample stock and daily growing trade, the whole of the valuable premises were unluckily destroyed by fire. In the midst of this very severe calamity, which would have crushed many a less strong-minded man, Mr. Logan remembered the old adage that "Heaven helps those who help themselves," and he at once commenced the erection of the present buildings, a view of which appears amongst our illustrations. In the new buildings there is every convenience for carrying on an extensive trade; in fact, it is allowed on all hands, that this tannery is now the most complete, commodious, and best manufactory of the kind in the lower provinces. It turns out at present nearly 20,000 manufactured hides of sole leather per annum. Here we may mention that the manufacture of this establishment is exclusively confined to sole leather, which is considered by competent judges superior to anything of the kind in British North America. This is saying a great deal; nevertheless, it is a fact which cannot be successfully disputed. We have travelled in various parts of the province, and find Mr. Logan well spoken of, and looked upon, indeed, as a public benefactor, giving employment to the industrious workmen all the year round, punctual in all his engagements, and ever ready to afford relief to those in needy circumstances. The average number of hands employed in the establishment is between 30 and 40, nearly all of whom represent large families, while the quantity of bark consumed amounts to more than 4000 cords annually.

BASIL BELL, Esq., J. P., was born in Berwickshire, Scotland. In the year 1842, when he was comparatively young, he came to this county and settled in the town of New Glasgow. He has been actively engaged in business pursuits for twenty-eight years, and having risen to what may be called an easy position in life, Mr. Bell has retired to his beautiful country residence, known as "Rose-bank." This farm is situated on the borders of the corporation within the town limits, and being nicely wooded, close to the public road, and standing on rising ground, is one of the most desirable properties in the district.

 For many years Mr. Bell has acted with great acceptance as magistrate in the county, and still continues to perform the duties of that honorable and responsible office.

 ROBERT FRASER, Esq., was born in Pictou County in the year 1822. In common with other early settlers, he had to struggle with the numerous inconveniences, difficulties, and hardships of a new country. Finally, however, success rewarded his patient and earnest labors. Seeing the very great facilities and advantages of Middle River for mill purposes, and remembering the old adage, that "opposition is the life of trade," together with the consideration that the population of the district had greatly increased, Mr. Fraser has erected a very handsome woollen factory, where he has commanded a large and flourishing business.

 The post-office known as Rocklin, on his property, Middle River, is conducted efficiently by Mr. Fraser

 JAMES KITCHIN, Esq., was born at Pictou .in the year 1839. The ship-building business, at River John, was established in 1844 by his father, the late James Kitchen, Esq., who was well known and highly respected in this county and elsewhere for many years. In the beginning the business was comparatively small, but as time rolled on trade increased; and the resources of the country were rapidly developed, and the ship-yard of Mr. Kitchen began to assume extensive proportions. Much of the success which attended his first efforts of course is due to the business ability, industry, enterprise and perseverance of the founder of this establishment. Without these qualifications the concern would have been short-lived, and would be only known now as a thing of the past. For nearly thirty years this important business was under the control and management of Mr. Kitcbin, Sr., when, in 1873, he was succeeded by the subject of our present sketch.

 In this yard have been built some seventy ships, turning out from one to three every year; and it is only just to say that some of the most beautiful and substantial vessels which ever floated on British and American waters have been built here. About one hundred and fifty hands are now employed in this valuable hive of industry, and were it not for the recent depression in that particular class of business, the number would no doubt be largely increased. Fortunately the present proprietor possesses the business capacity of the founder of the concern, together with other important advantages which were not available in the early days of the county. With this assurance there is every prospect of the continuance, extension, and further usefulness of this valuable branch of industry. In our view department will be found an illustration of the handsome wooden residence and convenient business premises referred to at River John.

 ST. LAWRENCE HOTEL. - This commodious establishment, a view of which appears among our illustrations, was built by Mr. Colin McKenzie in 1869, is conducted by the present proprietor, Mr. Malcolm Morrison, who, by his prompt attention to the wants of his numerous patrons, has secured a large amount of general business. The house is centrally situated, fronting the beautiful harbor of the town, and close to the railroad station. It contains thirty-three sleeping apartments, drawing and dining-rooms, parlors and sample rooms, with every necessary con-venience for the travelling public, while at the same time the house is well adapted for those in search of health, quiet, and recreation. The culinary department is allowed to be first-class, and the table all that can be desired, while the charges of the St. Lawrence are strictly moderate.

 ST. LAWRENCE DRUG STORE is on the ground floor of the hotel, and has been managed by the proprietor, Mr. Kenneth J. McKenzie, for many years. His stock not merely consists of the finest drugs and chemicals, and the numerous other articles in such an establishment, but here may be found a magnificent display of useful and ornamental fancy goods, English and French perfumery, in great variety.

 Mr. McKenzie has, by devoted attention to business, courtesy to his patrons, and the sale of genuine goods, built up a general trade which is second to none in the county.

 Messrs. GEORGE KERR & SONS. - Thomas Kerr, the grandfather of the junior of this firm, emigrated from Scotland at an early period of the country's history. After encountering the privations and difficulties usually attending the lot of early settlers, he secured land in a desirable locality at Middle River, where he settled. George, his son, the senior member of the firm, was born in Pictou County, where he received his early training. By diligence, perseverance, and frugality, when he arrived at manhood, he mastered the difficulties by which he was sur-rounded, and success began to crown his efforts. Knowing the benefits that would be derived from the establishment of a woollen factory in the neighborhood his sons, George and Francis, constructed a suitable building, and supplied it with the necessary machinery. This was one of the first mills of the kind built in the province, and was doubtless a great convenience to the inhabitants.

 Unfortunately, in after years, this standing monument of their industry was destroyed by fire, and consequently their resources in a financial point of view were seriously crippled. Notwithstanding this casualty, however, the premises were rebuilt, the internal arrangements improved, its capacity for work enlarged - in short, it is now one of the most extensive and complete woollen factories in the county, and second to few in the province.

 By devoted attention to business, and strict regard for the interests of their customers, this firm has succeeded in building up an extensive, flourishing, and permanent trade.

 JOHN W. CHURCH, formerly proprietor of the American House, New Glasgow, commenced a livery and boarding establishment in the year 1865. His thorough acquaintance with the business, his practical knowledge of driving, having in olden times managed one of the stages from Pictou to Truro, together with his superior teams and elegant carriages of various kinds, have secured for him an extensive business in the rising town just named.

 Census of Counties in the Province of Nova Scotia.

Hunt's . . . 21,301
King's . . . 21,510
Annapolis . . . 18,121
Digby . . . 17,037
Yarmouth . . . 18,550
Shelburne . . . 10,554
Lunenburg . . . 23,834
West Halifax . . . 37,008
East Halifax . . . 19,955
Cumberland . . . 23,518
Colchester . . . 23,331
Pictou . . . 31,114
Antigonish. . . 16,555
Inverness . . . 23,415
Victoria . . . 11,346
Cape Breton. . . 26,454
Richmond. . . 14,268

 County Officials.

James Fogo, Esq . . Judge of Probate.
David Dickson . . Registrar of Probate.
John Ferguson . . Registrar of Deeds.
Daniel Hockin . . Costos Rolulorum.
David W. McKean . . County Treasurer.
David Matheson . . Prothonotary and Clerk of the Peace.
Daniel McDonald . . Inspector of Schools
W. H. Harris . . Sheriff.
G. S. Harris . . Deputy Sheriff.

 Polling Sections.

 In Pictou township there are eleven sections, viz: No. 1, Town of Pictou; 2, Cariboo; 3, Cape John; 4, River John; 5, West Branch River John; 6, Rogers' Hill; 7, Hardwood Hill; 8, Green Hill; 9, Mount Thom; 10, Millbrook; 11, New Lairg. Edgerton township, No. 12 (Albion Mines), part of section 1, Fisher's Grant; 13, New Glasgow; 14, Little Harbor; 15, McLellan's Mountain; 16, East River; 17, West Branch East River; 18, Middle River; 23, Westville, formerly part of 18. Maxwelton township, No. 20, Barney's River; 19, Gulf Shore; 21, Merigomish; 22, Garden of Eden; 24, formerly part of 21, French River.