FAMILY MYTHS

Every researcher has, at one time or another, come across colourful stories about their ancestors which had little, or no, basis in fact. I am including a few of these here. Their purpose is simply to entertain you - they are not to be taken as factual, but have been passed down from generation to generation. They make for great story telling, but they should be treated for what they are. If you have any family myths which would be of interest, please feel free to email them.

MITCHELL - The story of Colin Campbell Mitchell arriving in Nova Scotia in 1784 as a nephew or ward of SIR Colin Campbell has been around for years. It even shows up on some Mitchell homepages, despite the fact that it cannot possibly be true. It has even been embellished with a side story of Sir Campbell trying to arrange for a suitable bride for poor Colin Mitchell

Unfortunately the facts disprove this. SIR Colin Campbell was born in 1776 which would have made him only 8 years old at the time young Colin Mitchell arrived in Jeddore. Also, it is impossible for SIR Campbell to be an uncle to Colin Mitchell. Sir Colin Campbell was the son of John Campbell of Melfort, and Colina Campbell of Auchalader. Colin Mitchell was the son of Alexander Mitchell and Elspet Anderson. Sir Colin Campbell was appointed lieutenant-govenor of Nova Scotia but he was recalled to England in 1840 where he died in 1847.

WEBBER The old story of Johann Webber being related to Wolfret, the Prince of Orange has been making the rounds for years. Not only has there been absolutely no connection joining these two, there is also another "myth" regarding a long lost Webber legacy via church property in New York. Unfortunately, many people have lost money following these legends.

WILLIAMS There is yet another myth involving Sir Colin Campbell. On one occassion, the Governor of Nova Scotia, Gov. Sir. Colin Campbell was taking a tour through the country and he stopped for dinner with Richard Williams and his wife Rose (Burke). He was so pleased with the roasted wild goose that he presented them with a deed to many acres of land on both sides of Musquodoboit Harbor. While the Williams's did receive land grants, it is doubtful the goose played any part in this transaction.

BLAKENEY A popular misconception is that Chambers Blakeney, who came to Jeddore from South Carolina was son of LORD William Blakeney. Unfortunately, LORD Blakeney died without issue and his title was passed on to his brother. Chambers father was William Blakeney, but not LORD Blakeney.

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