Obituary from The Daily Gleaner,  January 30, 1891: A PIONEER CLERGYMAN Passes Away After Many Years of Strict Devotion To His Loved People It is hard to relate the sad intelligence of the death of the late rector of the parish of Canterbury, Rev. Thomas Hartin who departed this life on the 21st inst. at his home at Canterbury Station NB. Rev. Thos. Hartin was born in Donelly** County North of Ireland in 1805, coming to America when but a mere lad. While a young man he was engaged in teaching school in different parts of New Brunswick. But in time educated himself for the Episcopalian ministry, graduating in 1843. He finally settled at Canterbury Station where he purchased a large tract of land, being one of the first settlers at that place; and rendered invaluable assistance in improving and settling the country during its early history. He built two churches in the above parish and owing to the hard struggles that all early settlers were compelled to undergo at that time in new districs, he was obliged to draw very heavily upon his own finances to complete the structures, which was a serious inconvenience for him to do so at that time. He always took a great interest in all local matters pertaining to education and enjoyed the honor of being a school trustee at that place for a period of 33 consecutive years. In 1877 he received a severe blow in the death of his beloved wife, who was his constant companion and helpmate in all his works. In her death the church lost one of its strongest supports, which has never been replaced. After the remarkable long term of 32 years of actual service in the ministry in one pastorate, failing health compelled him to resign his rectorship. He was succeeded by Rev. F. Towers, who remained in this place for about two years and he in turn by Rev. E. Titcombe, whose stay was brief, making way for the present incumbent, Rev. C.E. Warneford, who is now occupying the pulpit at that place, carrying on the great work so successfully and faithfully begun and promoted by Rev. Thos. Hartin. His death was caused by a complication of diseases after he had suffered a prolonged illness of 10 months, during all this time being perfectly resigned, never uttering one word of complaint. He was encouraged and cheered by the visit of his sons from the West, where four of them reside in Minneapolis, Minn. His family consists of 6 sons and two daughters and his affection for them was something remarkable. His great ambition being to set them an example of a perfect father and prepare them for a noble life. In September 1890 while he was unable to leave his room, there occurred the death of his aged mother who had been living with him at Canterbury Station. During his whole life he was devoted to his church, aiding it in every way possible. With peaceful resignation he submitted to the Devine Will leaving his family and a large circle of acquaintances to mourn his death. ** Donelly is probably a mistake.

28 Mar 2002