The Cape Cod Canal, the widest artificial waterway in the world, was opened in 1914. It’s a surprise to many that a canal almost came through Randolph, Avon, Brockton, Bridgewater, Raynham and Taunton rather than Sandwich and Bourne.
In the early years of the 20th century “The New York, Brockton and Boston Canal” proposed waterways as a transportation necessity throughout the country. Not a casual intent but a researched plan with topographical photographs, trade tables, cost tables and shipping tables – a serious scientific study.
The canal cut would have been 102,000 feet long, 200 feet wide and 26 feet deep with a 250 foot right of way on each side of the bank. It would include 14 locks and 15 highway and five railroad bridges with 100 foot clearances.
Enter Judge Lloyd E. Chamberlain of Brockton, Massachusetts – Judge of Probate for Plymouth County, President, Massachusetts State Board of Trade. Brockton Board of Trade and Vice President of the National Inland Waterways Commission. Judge Chamberlain was an ardent proponent of the Brockton Canal proposal. Returning from a 1909 convention of the Atlantic Deeper Waterways Association of Virginia, Judge Chamberlain said: “I returned more deeply impressed than ever before with the merit of what is today known as the ‘Brockton Canal.’ . . . “it is of sufficient importance for the president of the United States to give his thought and presence.”
Costs? $57,618,358 - while The Cape Cod Canal was projected as $10,000,000. The Brockton Canal never happened.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
A SHAMELESS PLUG!
This is a shameless plug for an organization I have been active in for more than 35 years – Daughters of the American Revolution. As I reread what I wrote back in the 90s I note that all still applies, and the growth of the organization into the computer age has been both rewarding and phenomenal.
I AM A DAUGHTER: LET ME TELL YOU WHY
In this beloved organization I find all the things that touch my heart in the myriad opportunities for service in state and chapter organizations. Here I truly find and can recognize, the soul deep patriotism and love of country that is an innate part of me. Here I can share these feelings with kindred souls.
I have been privileged. The people and life styles of our American War for Independence have had a pull upon me for most of my life. This pull has translated into extensive research and into my becoming a reenactor and historical interpreter. In this alternate role I join many other Daughters who have chosen to portray accurately the events of our country’s past. I have learned the lifestyles and skills of our ancestors and have been able to advance that knowledge of domestic and military activity and impart it to young and old alike. This interest and study has encompassed areas of heritage, traditions and skills. This has been a personal commitment.
And what better venues for transmitting this love of country and knowledge and pride in our forebears than in the multiplicity of opportunities for communication as a Daughter?
Communication - all the research and knowledge in the world is worthless unless it is shared. Thus as Daughters we share our heritage, and keep alive the sacrifices of the past. This 18th century woman, (indeed that is exactly what I call myself), has taken advantage of the communication possibilities of the present and the future. In my studio, next to my spinning wheel, needlework tools, flax, raw wool and silk, are a computer, a scanner, and a fax machine. These are my tools of communication and have made connections with Daughters, and those who would be Daughters, across this vast nation.
Although loyalty and devotion goes first to our chapters and state societies, in reality today’s Daughters of the American Revolution are not confined to boundaries of time nor space. What a wonder to pass along information and possibilities without constraint. What a wonder to learn of those things to which Chapters and Daughters all over the world have devoted time,talent, and money, and to share their pride in their accomplishments. What a wonder to feel that they are not strangers, but friends that we have yet to meet.
Yes, I am also a Daughter of the present and for the future. In working with young people and children I see the light of understanding and caring in their young eyes. I see the hope for tomorrow and the promise of the future. As we make small sacrifices for those veterans whose sacrifices are often unimaginable, I am witness to a love of country beyond all personal considerations - I am humbled.
Each year, as the flag unfurls over Continental Congress; we stand with hands over our hearts and moist eyes uplifted. In this single moment we seem to achieve a renewal of faith and the courage to continue the work and the devotion that is DAR. In these beautiful buildings is a legacy for the future and I can truthfully and pridefully say that I have been and will be a part of this continuum, as will my daughters, and if God wills, their daughters and granddaughters as well.
I am blessed, I am a Patriot and I am a Daughter.
I AM A DAUGHTER: LET ME TELL YOU WHY
In this beloved organization I find all the things that touch my heart in the myriad opportunities for service in state and chapter organizations. Here I truly find and can recognize, the soul deep patriotism and love of country that is an innate part of me. Here I can share these feelings with kindred souls.
I have been privileged. The people and life styles of our American War for Independence have had a pull upon me for most of my life. This pull has translated into extensive research and into my becoming a reenactor and historical interpreter. In this alternate role I join many other Daughters who have chosen to portray accurately the events of our country’s past. I have learned the lifestyles and skills of our ancestors and have been able to advance that knowledge of domestic and military activity and impart it to young and old alike. This interest and study has encompassed areas of heritage, traditions and skills. This has been a personal commitment.
And what better venues for transmitting this love of country and knowledge and pride in our forebears than in the multiplicity of opportunities for communication as a Daughter?
Communication - all the research and knowledge in the world is worthless unless it is shared. Thus as Daughters we share our heritage, and keep alive the sacrifices of the past. This 18th century woman, (indeed that is exactly what I call myself), has taken advantage of the communication possibilities of the present and the future. In my studio, next to my spinning wheel, needlework tools, flax, raw wool and silk, are a computer, a scanner, and a fax machine. These are my tools of communication and have made connections with Daughters, and those who would be Daughters, across this vast nation.
Although loyalty and devotion goes first to our chapters and state societies, in reality today’s Daughters of the American Revolution are not confined to boundaries of time nor space. What a wonder to pass along information and possibilities without constraint. What a wonder to learn of those things to which Chapters and Daughters all over the world have devoted time,talent, and money, and to share their pride in their accomplishments. What a wonder to feel that they are not strangers, but friends that we have yet to meet.
Yes, I am also a Daughter of the present and for the future. In working with young people and children I see the light of understanding and caring in their young eyes. I see the hope for tomorrow and the promise of the future. As we make small sacrifices for those veterans whose sacrifices are often unimaginable, I am witness to a love of country beyond all personal considerations - I am humbled.
Each year, as the flag unfurls over Continental Congress; we stand with hands over our hearts and moist eyes uplifted. In this single moment we seem to achieve a renewal of faith and the courage to continue the work and the devotion that is DAR. In these beautiful buildings is a legacy for the future and I can truthfully and pridefully say that I have been and will be a part of this continuum, as will my daughters, and if God wills, their daughters and granddaughters as well.
I am blessed, I am a Patriot and I am a Daughter.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
QUILL: of Quills and Quilling and Other Definitions
An obvious and common definition is the feather of a large bird, often a goose or turkey, formed into a pen by pointing and slitting the lower end of the barrel.
A plectrum formed of a feather for plucking the strings of a musical instrument; in instruments of the harpsichord type, a piece of crow quill set on a jack and put into motion by the keys.
A float of a fishing line made of a quill,
A convenient way to pick the teeth.
Threads wound on a quill, ready for the weaver.
To form small, cylindrical plaits or folds, to goffer thus using papers or fabrics, or ribbons or lace. Would you like to quill a ruffle for your cap? You do wear one, do you not? Lacking many quills I offer a modern day substitute - just smooth out your fabric strip while wet, place a series of plastic drinking straws over and under the strip and let it dry.
A plectrum formed of a feather for plucking the strings of a musical instrument; in instruments of the harpsichord type, a piece of crow quill set on a jack and put into motion by the keys.
A float of a fishing line made of a quill,
A convenient way to pick the teeth.
Threads wound on a quill, ready for the weaver.
To form small, cylindrical plaits or folds, to goffer thus using papers or fabrics, or ribbons or lace. Would you like to quill a ruffle for your cap? You do wear one, do you not? Lacking many quills I offer a modern day substitute - just smooth out your fabric strip while wet, place a series of plastic drinking straws over and under the strip and let it dry.
Following the Satucket Path through Abington, Massachusetts
Several years ago, plans were started to note points of historic interest in Massachusetts towns. One of those "tours" was the work of a long-time Abington resident Dorothy (Mrs. Kenneth) Taylor.
1. As you enter Abington from the North on Route 58, you are following the route of the old Satucket Path , an Indian Trail that connected Weymouth with East Bridgewater. Just over the town line in Abington is the "Heape of Stones" whose plaque reads:"The Heape of Stones marks the oldest jurisdictional line in the country erected in 1664 "to mark the crossing of the line between Plymouth Colony and Massachusetts Bay Colony at the Satucket Indian Path."
2. Continuing south on Route 58, turn left at Harrison Avenue and continue to the end. On the left is Arnold Park with a boulder commemorating the Abington Riot of August 16, 1893. The riot occurred when the railroad tried to stop the street car company from laying tracks across the railroad right of way, in spite of a court order permitting this. The Massachusetts Supreme Court later ruled in favor of the street car company and set a country-wide precedent when it jailed the railroad officials involved in the riot. As a peace offering to the town, the railroad built the North Abington Station, designed by the famous architect H.H. Richardson. The station, a National Historic Landmark now being used as a restaurant stands opposite Harrison Avenue and Arnold Park.
3. Returning to Route 58, continue south to take the right fork at the North School as you continue along the Satucket Path. On reaching Central Street, approximately a mile from the fork inthe road, turn left and watch on your left for the entrance to Mt. Vernon Cemetery. Halfway into the cemetery on the left are the graves of both Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers and at the far end of the cemetery are some of the oldest graves in Abington.
4. Retrace your way back to Central Street and look to your left. You will see the railroad bridge which was also part of the railroad's peace offering. Prior to the street being lowered for the bridge, this had been a very dangerous intersection.
5. Now turn to your right on Central Street and return to the old Satucket Path (now known as Washington Street). Turn left and take your next left which is Wilson Place. This will take you to Island Grove Pond. You may park along the street here and walk over the bridge to admire the Memorial Arch built in 1912 to honor those who fought in the Civil War. Continuing into the grove area, to your right you will find a boulder marking the site of many Abolitionist Meetings whose speakers included William Lloyd Garrison.
6. Retrieving your car, follow the pond south to Centre Ave (Route 123). Turn right and just a few doors further on, on your right you will see the Dyer Memorial Library. This building was erected in 1935 and is both museum and library perpetuating the history of Old Abington which originally covered the areas now known as Whitman and Rockland. Miss Marietta Dyer (1853-1918), last living heir of her uncle's importing fortune, establlished the Dyer Trust Fund in her will for the purpose of constructing this building to house a library and historical exhibits.
7. Leaving the Dyer Library, turn left at the lights to regain the Satucket Path and continue straight through the second set of lights to the intersection with Route 18. Here, in front of the church, is a plaque marking both the Satucket Path and the New Bedford Toll Road which you have just joined.
8. You continue south on Route 18 (the Ols Toll Road and Indian Trail), there is a plaque at Route 18 Auto Body marking the site of the first meeting house in Abington.
1. As you enter Abington from the North on Route 58, you are following the route of the old Satucket Path , an Indian Trail that connected Weymouth with East Bridgewater. Just over the town line in Abington is the "Heape of Stones" whose plaque reads:"The Heape of Stones marks the oldest jurisdictional line in the country erected in 1664 "to mark the crossing of the line between Plymouth Colony and Massachusetts Bay Colony at the Satucket Indian Path."
2. Continuing south on Route 58, turn left at Harrison Avenue and continue to the end. On the left is Arnold Park with a boulder commemorating the Abington Riot of August 16, 1893. The riot occurred when the railroad tried to stop the street car company from laying tracks across the railroad right of way, in spite of a court order permitting this. The Massachusetts Supreme Court later ruled in favor of the street car company and set a country-wide precedent when it jailed the railroad officials involved in the riot. As a peace offering to the town, the railroad built the North Abington Station, designed by the famous architect H.H. Richardson. The station, a National Historic Landmark now being used as a restaurant stands opposite Harrison Avenue and Arnold Park.
3. Returning to Route 58, continue south to take the right fork at the North School as you continue along the Satucket Path. On reaching Central Street, approximately a mile from the fork inthe road, turn left and watch on your left for the entrance to Mt. Vernon Cemetery. Halfway into the cemetery on the left are the graves of both Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers and at the far end of the cemetery are some of the oldest graves in Abington.
4. Retrace your way back to Central Street and look to your left. You will see the railroad bridge which was also part of the railroad's peace offering. Prior to the street being lowered for the bridge, this had been a very dangerous intersection.
5. Now turn to your right on Central Street and return to the old Satucket Path (now known as Washington Street). Turn left and take your next left which is Wilson Place. This will take you to Island Grove Pond. You may park along the street here and walk over the bridge to admire the Memorial Arch built in 1912 to honor those who fought in the Civil War. Continuing into the grove area, to your right you will find a boulder marking the site of many Abolitionist Meetings whose speakers included William Lloyd Garrison.
6. Retrieving your car, follow the pond south to Centre Ave (Route 123). Turn right and just a few doors further on, on your right you will see the Dyer Memorial Library. This building was erected in 1935 and is both museum and library perpetuating the history of Old Abington which originally covered the areas now known as Whitman and Rockland. Miss Marietta Dyer (1853-1918), last living heir of her uncle's importing fortune, establlished the Dyer Trust Fund in her will for the purpose of constructing this building to house a library and historical exhibits.
7. Leaving the Dyer Library, turn left at the lights to regain the Satucket Path and continue straight through the second set of lights to the intersection with Route 18. Here, in front of the church, is a plaque marking both the Satucket Path and the New Bedford Toll Road which you have just joined.
8. You continue south on Route 18 (the Ols Toll Road and Indian Trail), there is a plaque at Route 18 Auto Body marking the site of the first meeting house in Abington.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Education - in the 18thCentury
In the Library of Congress there are two volumes of school exercises. One dealing with mathematics exhibits a wide range with sureness, accuracy and clearness. Few college graduates today become so well trained in that subject. The problems in surveying show that at sixteen years of age this young man was fitted to earn his living in this field.
These books belonged to the young teen-aged George Washington.
The second book begins with legal forms such as every planter should know, some poetry, and "The Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation".
In the latter those maxims had their origin in France. Later in England additions were made concerning dining.
No, I won't list all 110, but here's a taste of the manners important at that time.
#6- Sleep not when others Speak, Sit not when others Stand, Speak not when you should hold your peace, Walk not when others stop.
#54 covers Vanity - Play not the peacock, looking everywhere about you, to See if you be well deck't, if your shoes fit well if your stockings sit neatly and clothes handsomely.
You know there are some that should be as important to us today as they were to Washington in the 18th century.
#56 Associate yourself with Men of good Quality if you esteem your own Reputation, for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company.
#109 Let your Recreations be Manfull not Sinfull
#110 Labouur to keep alive in your Breast that Little Spark of Celestial fire called Conscience.
These books belonged to the young teen-aged George Washington.
The second book begins with legal forms such as every planter should know, some poetry, and "The Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation".
In the latter those maxims had their origin in France. Later in England additions were made concerning dining.
No, I won't list all 110, but here's a taste of the manners important at that time.
#6- Sleep not when others Speak, Sit not when others Stand, Speak not when you should hold your peace, Walk not when others stop.
#54 covers Vanity - Play not the peacock, looking everywhere about you, to See if you be well deck't, if your shoes fit well if your stockings sit neatly and clothes handsomely.
You know there are some that should be as important to us today as they were to Washington in the 18th century.
#56 Associate yourself with Men of good Quality if you esteem your own Reputation, for 'tis better to be alone than in bad company.
#109 Let your Recreations be Manfull not Sinfull
#110 Labouur to keep alive in your Breast that Little Spark of Celestial fire called Conscience.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Bits & Pieces from my files:
Thoughts and ideas - once and a while decisions and/or conclusions come our way. The following from my files is just one of those subjects - as always open to further discussion. I do welcome any discussion and only ask that it be first referred to me. Today's Bit to Talk-A-Bout concerns the Woodland Indian .
Well before the arival of the Mayflower, the Woodland Indians had fallen upon hard times - their creative thrust had been blunted by centuries of bloody warfare and then, in 1616 - the great plague. Many tribes with scarcely enough living to bury their dead were vulnerable to their old enemies. The New England tribes were on their way to self-destruction.
In 1888 the following statement was made concerning the Pawtuckets. "The plague completed the ruin of this nation. The nature of this disease is doubtful - it began near Saco and swept down to Naraganset Bay but not beyond. Richard Vines, a physician, passed the winter of 1616 among the victims - he and his men even slept in the cabins of the sick, but not a white man was affected. The skin of the victims was of a deep yellow, both before and after death, still it seems the disease was not yellow fever and it was not the small pox".
The toll over the next 200 years was great, there was conflict among the tribes, and warfare against the settlers. In 1849 - a report presented to the legislature stated that there appears to be the remains of twelve tribes within the bounds of Massachusetts.They number only 847, including people of color connected with them. There were but six or eight of pure blood in Massachusetts.
Well before the arival of the Mayflower, the Woodland Indians had fallen upon hard times - their creative thrust had been blunted by centuries of bloody warfare and then, in 1616 - the great plague. Many tribes with scarcely enough living to bury their dead were vulnerable to their old enemies. The New England tribes were on their way to self-destruction.
In 1888 the following statement was made concerning the Pawtuckets. "The plague completed the ruin of this nation. The nature of this disease is doubtful - it began near Saco and swept down to Naraganset Bay but not beyond. Richard Vines, a physician, passed the winter of 1616 among the victims - he and his men even slept in the cabins of the sick, but not a white man was affected. The skin of the victims was of a deep yellow, both before and after death, still it seems the disease was not yellow fever and it was not the small pox".
The toll over the next 200 years was great, there was conflict among the tribes, and warfare against the settlers. In 1849 - a report presented to the legislature stated that there appears to be the remains of twelve tribes within the bounds of Massachusetts.They number only 847, including people of color connected with them. There were but six or eight of pure blood in Massachusetts.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Here I Am Again
It's been a while, I know. This old lady has been busy, and procrastinating, and not really sure what direction she wants to take. She finds herself deciding to take advantage of all the writing, research and odds and ends that she has been up to for too many decades and so - what's coming???
A potpouri of thought, opinion, search and research, starting tomorrow at the crack of dawn!
Well darn it all, why wait? Lets start with a recent try at something old and new at the same time - Once upon a time I painted - art, varying subjects in oils - (one of my sons says he can still smell the turp and linseed). On the premise that an old dog can be taught new tricks - tried pencil sketching.
My mother's art supplies included six nice graphite pencils and a sketch book with a very faint outline of a seascape with lighthouse she had planned to start - I accepted the challenge and completed just the lighthouse and I was hooked. Exercise #2 was a female face and #3 my daughter, a ballroom dancer.
I never had worked with pencil but I will continue a bit more and then try my luck with acrylics which I never thought could take the place of oils. A challenge - please wish me luck!
Stay tuned - tomorrow will be a completely different subject.
A potpouri of thought, opinion, search and research, starting tomorrow at the crack of dawn!
Well darn it all, why wait? Lets start with a recent try at something old and new at the same time - Once upon a time I painted - art, varying subjects in oils - (one of my sons says he can still smell the turp and linseed). On the premise that an old dog can be taught new tricks - tried pencil sketching.
My mother's art supplies included six nice graphite pencils and a sketch book with a very faint outline of a seascape with lighthouse she had planned to start - I accepted the challenge and completed just the lighthouse and I was hooked. Exercise #2 was a female face and #3 my daughter, a ballroom dancer.
I never had worked with pencil but I will continue a bit more and then try my luck with acrylics which I never thought could take the place of oils. A challenge - please wish me luck!
Stay tuned - tomorrow will be a completely different subject.
Friday, May 21, 2010
A Brief Diversion
No, I have not abandoned the lineage stories, but am taking a brief hiatus to pay homage to MERCY OTIS WARREN. At the same time I am heading a FaceBook group called Mercy Otis Warren, Poet, Patriot
A truly remarkable woman from Plymouth’s past at the time of the American Revolution - Mercy Otis Warren, wife of General James Warren, mother of five sons. An accomplished housewife and needlewoman, she was also the author of poetry, political satire, a proposed Bill of Rights for the new Constitution and a 2 volume history of the American Revolution.
James and Mercy Warren and their dear friends John and Abigail Adams have left an indelible mark on their time, a valuable resource in their correspondence and activities during those troublesome years.
As I look through the published and non-published writings, and the biographies of this remarkable woman, perhaps it should start here in Plymouth at the corner of North Street and Main with the fine gambrel-roofed house, significant for its associations in early American history, her town house home following her marriage.
Mercy Otis’early years in Barnstable were not of the ordinary - her father James Otis was a man of intellectual habits and he encouraged awareness among his children as he included them in discussion and debate of subjects political and newsworthy at table and at fireside. James Otis was politically a Whig and Presiding Justice of the District Court. He sought culture for its own sake.
Her two older brothers were to be educated for the law at Harvard in Cambridge and Mercy was permitted to join in their studies, although the formal Greek and Latin were not deemed necessary. Not surprisingly, however, she was able to read Virgil and Homer in translation while brother James was plodding through the volumes in their original language. She read the work of Pope, Dryden, Milton, Shakespeare and Raleigh. Conversations and discussion of the ancients was a constant delight and a bond with Jemmie.
At an early age, the poetry of the ancients became a part of Mercy as did their histories. She learned the art of writing from their uncle and instructor, the Rev, Jonathan Russell who wrote his sermons beforehand - and on the Sabbath day she would hear those literary arts sounding as music.
. . .to be continued . . .
A truly remarkable woman from Plymouth’s past at the time of the American Revolution - Mercy Otis Warren, wife of General James Warren, mother of five sons. An accomplished housewife and needlewoman, she was also the author of poetry, political satire, a proposed Bill of Rights for the new Constitution and a 2 volume history of the American Revolution.
James and Mercy Warren and their dear friends John and Abigail Adams have left an indelible mark on their time, a valuable resource in their correspondence and activities during those troublesome years.
As I look through the published and non-published writings, and the biographies of this remarkable woman, perhaps it should start here in Plymouth at the corner of North Street and Main with the fine gambrel-roofed house, significant for its associations in early American history, her town house home following her marriage.
Mercy Otis’early years in Barnstable were not of the ordinary - her father James Otis was a man of intellectual habits and he encouraged awareness among his children as he included them in discussion and debate of subjects political and newsworthy at table and at fireside. James Otis was politically a Whig and Presiding Justice of the District Court. He sought culture for its own sake.
Her two older brothers were to be educated for the law at Harvard in Cambridge and Mercy was permitted to join in their studies, although the formal Greek and Latin were not deemed necessary. Not surprisingly, however, she was able to read Virgil and Homer in translation while brother James was plodding through the volumes in their original language. She read the work of Pope, Dryden, Milton, Shakespeare and Raleigh. Conversations and discussion of the ancients was a constant delight and a bond with Jemmie.
At an early age, the poetry of the ancients became a part of Mercy as did their histories. She learned the art of writing from their uncle and instructor, the Rev, Jonathan Russell who wrote his sermons beforehand - and on the Sabbath day she would hear those literary arts sounding as music.
. . .to be continued . . .
Thursday, April 15, 2010
More Delorey Generations
WILLIAM & ANNE (PAROU)DES LAURIERS
5th Generation
William Des Lauriers, a seaman, was known also as Benoni. He was born 6 June 1816 in Tracadie, Antigonish, Nova Scotia. His marriage to Anne Parou (Perrault) took place in 1839. She was born 31 October 1816, also in Tracadie, the daughter of Louis & Isabelle (Mathe) Parou.
Their children were:
Louis: b abt 1841; d 1 Sep 1867 Pictou, Antigonish, NS
Honore: d 10 Sep 1866; m. Annie Broderick
William: b Jan 1841; m. Elizabeth Deslauriers;m...2. Marie Benoit
Anne: b 21 Sep 1842; m. Joseph Pettipas
* Joseph (Joshua) (Joachim): b 5 Jan 1845
Charles: b 8 Oct 1846
Philistin: b 17 Apr 1849; m. Mary-Margaret Deslauriers;m.2. Marie Marguerite Deslauriers.
William left this life 29 October 1875 in Tracadie. His wife Anne survived him, passing on 11 March 1890 at Weymouth, Massachusetts.
JOSEPH & MARGARET (GRANT) DELOREY
6th Generation
You have met them before and already have seen two photographs of Joseph and Margaret, the first at the time of their marriage in 1867, and a wonderful family photograph with eight of their children in 1892 (posted in February of this year).
This one will serve to link Joseph and his son William Louis, next in my husband’s lineage. It was taken about 1880 in Elizabethport, New Jersey.
5th Generation
William Des Lauriers, a seaman, was known also as Benoni. He was born 6 June 1816 in Tracadie, Antigonish, Nova Scotia. His marriage to Anne Parou (Perrault) took place in 1839. She was born 31 October 1816, also in Tracadie, the daughter of Louis & Isabelle (Mathe) Parou.
Their children were:
Louis: b abt 1841; d 1 Sep 1867 Pictou, Antigonish, NS
Honore: d 10 Sep 1866; m. Annie Broderick
William: b Jan 1841; m. Elizabeth Deslauriers;m...2. Marie Benoit
Anne: b 21 Sep 1842; m. Joseph Pettipas
* Joseph (Joshua) (Joachim): b 5 Jan 1845
Charles: b 8 Oct 1846
Philistin: b 17 Apr 1849; m. Mary-Margaret Deslauriers;m.2. Marie Marguerite Deslauriers.
William left this life 29 October 1875 in Tracadie. His wife Anne survived him, passing on 11 March 1890 at Weymouth, Massachusetts.
JOSEPH & MARGARET (GRANT) DELOREY
6th Generation
You have met them before and already have seen two photographs of Joseph and Margaret, the first at the time of their marriage in 1867, and a wonderful family photograph with eight of their children in 1892 (posted in February of this year).
This one will serve to link Joseph and his son William Louis, next in my husband’s lineage. It was taken about 1880 in Elizabethport, New Jersey.
This brings us to William Louis Delorey's generation (7) in the posts that will follow.Lots of photographs for Williams children remembered fondly that their father loved to have photographs of his family, both individually and in groups.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
THE DELOREY LINEAGE: From Thomas on . . .
The chronology of travels for our third generation was an illustration of the fact that even in the military, families were families, and moved together . . . but it did omit a few points . . . . .
Thomas & Marguerite (Segouin) Jacquet dit Delorier
3rd Generation, cont.
Thomas Jacquet was born b 17 Nov 1725 Rouens, Normandy, France. Once in New France he did adopt the dit name of Delorier which continued to be used in succeeding generations with a variety of spellings.
His marriage took place in Laveltrie, Bertier, Quebec on 19 Jun 1752 to Marguerite Segouin. She was born 2 Dec 1727 at St Sulpice J’Assomption, Quebec, the daughter of Jean-Germain & Marie-Louise (Quay) Sigouin
Their children:
Nicolas: born 16 Apr 1753, married Madeleine LeBlanc
Charles-George: born 9 Mar 1755; married Francoise Sauvage
Marie-Marguerite: born 24 Dec 1756
Alexandre: born 17 May 1759
*Jean-Baptiste: born 18 Aug 1763; married Anne- Agnes Coste
Alexis: born 18 Jan 1765; married Agnes Pitre
Benjamin-Thomas: born 19 Jun 1771; married Felicite Gautrot
JEAN-BAPTISTE & MADELEINE (LANDRY) JACQUET dit DESLORIERS
4th Generation
Jean-Baptiste was a farmer. Born at Ile-Dupas, Berthier, Quebec on 19 August 1763, he married twice. His first wife was Ann Coste, the daughter of Claude & Marguerite (Vigneau) Coste. Married about 1783 their children were Jean-Baptiste, Marie, Anne, Joseph, Susanne, Felicien. Following the death of Ann, Jean-Baptiste took a second wife.
That second wife was Madeleine Landry the daughter of Jean-Baptiste & Anne-Josephe (Pitre) Landry who was born in Pisquid, Acadia, Nova Scotia. Jean-Baptiste & Madeleine had more children:
Hilarion: born about 1802; married Marguerite D’Orly
Anne: born 25 Jun 1811; married Pierre Perrault
Marguerite: born 12 Oct 1813;m1. Jean D’Orly;m2. Pierre Bonnevie; m.3. Victor Gautrot
*William (Benoni): born 6 Jun 1816 ; m. Anne Parou
Marie-Sophie: born 12 Nov 1818; m. Policarpe Girouard
Honore: born 10 Oct 1820; m. Marie Riley
Jean-Baptiste departed this life in Tracadie, Nova Scotia about 1840. Madeleine had preceeded him about 1831.
to be continued . . . . . . . . .
Thomas & Marguerite (Segouin) Jacquet dit Delorier
3rd Generation, cont.
Thomas Jacquet was born b 17 Nov 1725 Rouens, Normandy, France. Once in New France he did adopt the dit name of Delorier which continued to be used in succeeding generations with a variety of spellings.
His marriage took place in Laveltrie, Bertier, Quebec on 19 Jun 1752 to Marguerite Segouin. She was born 2 Dec 1727 at St Sulpice J’Assomption, Quebec, the daughter of Jean-Germain & Marie-Louise (Quay) Sigouin
Their children:
Nicolas: born 16 Apr 1753, married Madeleine LeBlanc
Charles-George: born 9 Mar 1755; married Francoise Sauvage
Marie-Marguerite: born 24 Dec 1756
Alexandre: born 17 May 1759
*Jean-Baptiste: born 18 Aug 1763; married Anne- Agnes Coste
Alexis: born 18 Jan 1765; married Agnes Pitre
Benjamin-Thomas: born 19 Jun 1771; married Felicite Gautrot
JEAN-BAPTISTE & MADELEINE (LANDRY) JACQUET dit DESLORIERS
4th Generation
Jean-Baptiste was a farmer. Born at Ile-Dupas, Berthier, Quebec on 19 August 1763, he married twice. His first wife was Ann Coste, the daughter of Claude & Marguerite (Vigneau) Coste. Married about 1783 their children were Jean-Baptiste, Marie, Anne, Joseph, Susanne, Felicien. Following the death of Ann, Jean-Baptiste took a second wife.
That second wife was Madeleine Landry the daughter of Jean-Baptiste & Anne-Josephe (Pitre) Landry who was born in Pisquid, Acadia, Nova Scotia. Jean-Baptiste & Madeleine had more children:
Hilarion: born about 1802; married Marguerite D’Orly
Anne: born 25 Jun 1811; married Pierre Perrault
Marguerite: born 12 Oct 1813;m1. Jean D’Orly;m2. Pierre Bonnevie; m.3. Victor Gautrot
*William (Benoni): born 6 Jun 1816 ; m. Anne Parou
Marie-Sophie: born 12 Nov 1818; m. Policarpe Girouard
Honore: born 10 Oct 1820; m. Marie Riley
Jean-Baptiste departed this life in Tracadie, Nova Scotia about 1840. Madeleine had preceeded him about 1831.
to be continued . . . . . . . . .
Thursday, March 25, 2010
JACQUET dit DELOREY
As in many families, you will notice the spelling of the name changes over years and even within generations. The dit names in French Canadian lineage are for the use of identifying those of similar names. Sometimes the families continued the dit name, others reverted to the original.
1st Generation
Martial (born abt 1664) & Marie (Rouchault) Jacquet: they were married at St-Marie-la-Petite, Rouens, Normandie, France
2nd Generation
Jean (1864 Rouens)& Marie-Catherine (Gaufre) Jacquet dit Desloriers: they were married on 29 April 1721, in St-Marie-la-Petite, Rouens, Normandie, France. Their children were: Ann Francoise, Marie- Jeanne, Jean- Francois, * Thomas,Joseph Louis Melon
THOMAS JACQUET dit DELORIER
3rd Generation
A Chronology of His Life & Travels (against a background of events) : Thomas Jacquet who enlisted in the French Troop, went to Canada and took a dit name.
18 Nov 1725: Baptized at St-Marie-la-Petite, Rouen, Normandy, France
1748: Beginning of the French & Indian War
19 Jun 1752: Married at Lavaltre, Berthier, Quebec
16 Apr 1753: First child (Jacques-Thomas) born at Trois-Riviers, St-Maurice
15 May 1753: Bought a house from J-B-Henri Berange officer in the Marine
25 May 1753: Sold a house to Simon Clapier Serg. Co. Dumas
12 Jan 1754: Bought a house from mother in law
May 1754: Washington fired on the French; Jul 1754: Washington surrenders Fort Necessity
30 Aug 1754: Rented house to Joseph Godfrey
9 Mar 1755: Second child (Charles-Georges)born at Trois-Rivieres, St-Maurice, Quebec
7 Jul 1755: Rented house to Michel Leclair (Louis Pillard)
Jun 1755: Ft. Beausejour surrenders to the British; Jul 1755: French defeat Gen Braddock; Dec 1755: Battle of Lake George; May 1756: England declares war on France
Aug 1756: Ft. Oswego surrenders to the French
24 Dec 1756: Third child (Marie-Marguerite) born at Lanorie, Berthier, Canada
Mar 1757: French attack F. William Henry; Aug 1757: British abandon Louisburg; Aug 1757:French capture F. William Henry.
6 Oct 1757: Sold land in St-Jean-Baptiste, while at Chambly, Quebec
Jul 1758: French repel attack on F. Ticonderoga; Jul 1758: F. Louisburg surrenders to the British; Aug 1758: British capture F. Frontenac; Nov 1758: French abandon F. Duquesne
17 May 1759: Fourth child (Jacques-Antoine) born at F. Chambly, Quebec
Jul 1759: British capture F. Niagara; Jul 1959: British capture F. Ticonderoga; Sep 1759: Battle on the Plains of Abraham, Quebec; Sep 1759: Quebec City surrenders to the British; April 1760; French victory at Ste-Foy; Sep 1760: French surrender Canada.
12 Jul 1761: Fifth child (Alexandre) born Ile-Dupas, Berthier, Quebec
Aug 1762: Havana surrenders to the British; Feb 1763: Treaty of Paris ends the War.
18 Aug 1763: Sixth child (Jean-Baptiste) born Ile-Dupas, Berthhier, Quebec
18 Jan 1765: Seventh child (Alexis) born at Berthier-en-Haut, (Berthierville), Berthier, Quebec
19 Jan 1771: Eighth and last child (Thomas) born at Arichat., Richmond, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
After the fall of Quebec in 1760 in order to stay in the country, he retired from the army. After a stay of a few years in Arichat, Nova Scotia, the Jacquets, now called DesLauriers, settled at Fortune Bay on the Isle Saint-Jean (today P.E.I.)
Tradition says they built a schooner, then in 1787 some members of the family obtained a land grant, in the amount of 700 acres, in the port of Tracadie, Nova Scotia, which from then on became the main location for the family. The five sons married, produced 25 sons.
The last reference we have to Thomas Jacquet dit Delorier was - that around the time of the French Revolution it is said that Thomas Jaquet returned to France to claim an inheritance and was never heard from again.
LOOKING FOR:
Succeeding generations to follow . . . . . (as they usually do ) . . . . .
1st Generation
Martial (born abt 1664) & Marie (Rouchault) Jacquet: they were married at St-Marie-la-Petite, Rouens, Normandie, France
2nd Generation
Jean (1864 Rouens)& Marie-Catherine (Gaufre) Jacquet dit Desloriers: they were married on 29 April 1721, in St-Marie-la-Petite, Rouens, Normandie, France. Their children were: Ann Francoise, Marie- Jeanne, Jean- Francois, * Thomas,Joseph Louis Melon
THOMAS JACQUET dit DELORIER
3rd Generation
A Chronology of His Life & Travels (against a background of events) : Thomas Jacquet who enlisted in the French Troop, went to Canada and took a dit name.
18 Nov 1725: Baptized at St-Marie-la-Petite, Rouen, Normandy, France
1748: Beginning of the French & Indian War
19 Jun 1752: Married at Lavaltre, Berthier, Quebec
16 Apr 1753: First child (Jacques-Thomas) born at Trois-Riviers, St-Maurice
15 May 1753: Bought a house from J-B-Henri Berange officer in the Marine
25 May 1753: Sold a house to Simon Clapier Serg. Co. Dumas
12 Jan 1754: Bought a house from mother in law
May 1754: Washington fired on the French; Jul 1754: Washington surrenders Fort Necessity
30 Aug 1754: Rented house to Joseph Godfrey
9 Mar 1755: Second child (Charles-Georges)born at Trois-Rivieres, St-Maurice, Quebec
7 Jul 1755: Rented house to Michel Leclair (Louis Pillard)
Jun 1755: Ft. Beausejour surrenders to the British; Jul 1755: French defeat Gen Braddock; Dec 1755: Battle of Lake George; May 1756: England declares war on France
Aug 1756: Ft. Oswego surrenders to the French
24 Dec 1756: Third child (Marie-Marguerite) born at Lanorie, Berthier, Canada
Mar 1757: French attack F. William Henry; Aug 1757: British abandon Louisburg; Aug 1757:French capture F. William Henry.
6 Oct 1757: Sold land in St-Jean-Baptiste, while at Chambly, Quebec
Jul 1758: French repel attack on F. Ticonderoga; Jul 1758: F. Louisburg surrenders to the British; Aug 1758: British capture F. Frontenac; Nov 1758: French abandon F. Duquesne
17 May 1759: Fourth child (Jacques-Antoine) born at F. Chambly, Quebec
Jul 1759: British capture F. Niagara; Jul 1959: British capture F. Ticonderoga; Sep 1759: Battle on the Plains of Abraham, Quebec; Sep 1759: Quebec City surrenders to the British; April 1760; French victory at Ste-Foy; Sep 1760: French surrender Canada.
12 Jul 1761: Fifth child (Alexandre) born Ile-Dupas, Berthier, Quebec
Aug 1762: Havana surrenders to the British; Feb 1763: Treaty of Paris ends the War.
18 Aug 1763: Sixth child (Jean-Baptiste) born Ile-Dupas, Berthhier, Quebec
18 Jan 1765: Seventh child (Alexis) born at Berthier-en-Haut, (Berthierville), Berthier, Quebec
19 Jan 1771: Eighth and last child (Thomas) born at Arichat., Richmond, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
After the fall of Quebec in 1760 in order to stay in the country, he retired from the army. After a stay of a few years in Arichat, Nova Scotia, the Jacquets, now called DesLauriers, settled at Fortune Bay on the Isle Saint-Jean (today P.E.I.)
Tradition says they built a schooner, then in 1787 some members of the family obtained a land grant, in the amount of 700 acres, in the port of Tracadie, Nova Scotia, which from then on became the main location for the family. The five sons married, produced 25 sons.
The last reference we have to Thomas Jacquet dit Delorier was - that around the time of the French Revolution it is said that Thomas Jaquet returned to France to claim an inheritance and was never heard from again.
LOOKING FOR:
Military assignments/duties
Acadian land grant information, deeds: dates
Personal, anecdotal information.
Succeeding generations to follow . . . . . (as they usually do ) . . . . .
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Robert Archibald and Gladys Vivian (Blanchard) VanAmburg
Ninth Generation - continued . . .
Robert Archibald VanAmburg and Gladys Vivian Blanchard were married in Malden, Massachusetts on the 26th day of June 1928 by Rev David W. Witte.
The children:
Barbara Mae: 5 May 1929, Melrose, Massachusetts
Robert Walter: 12 Dec 1931, Medford
James Arthur: 23 Aug
Not just a house - a home: with the first purchase in Medford, Massachusetts on Whitney Road , May 1930 at a cost of $8,400.
Their next was built in Lynnfield Center.
Retiring in the 70’s Bob and Gladys moved back to Cape Sable Island to the house he inherited from his mother, Mae (Nickerson) VanAmburg:James L. Nickerson built this, the postoffice was on the ground floor, right front,
a small grocery store on the left. When J. L. turned the running of his Sea View Hotel in Clarks Harbor over to his son (Mae’s brother) Robert; he and Ruth moved across the street to the second floor living quarters, as did Mae and Jim later, and then Bob and Gladys.
As Bob’s health diminished they bought house and land in Acadia, near Yarmouth Airport, in order to be nearer to medical facilities, Dad had his workroom in the over-sized garage, and with the help of a dear friend nearby, they farmed several large plots of vegetables and berries - food for the table!
Robert Archibald VanAmburg and Gladys Vivian Blanchard were married in Malden, Massachusetts on the 26th day of June 1928 by Rev David W. Witte.
The children:
Barbara Mae: 5 May 1929, Melrose, Massachusetts
Robert Walter: 12 Dec 1931, Medford
James Arthur: 23 Aug
Not just a house - a home: with the first purchase in Medford, Massachusetts on Whitney Road , May 1930 at a cost of $8,400.
Their next was built in Lynnfield Center.
Retiring in the 70’s Bob and Gladys moved back to Cape Sable Island to the house he inherited from his mother, Mae (Nickerson) VanAmburg:James L. Nickerson built this, the postoffice was on the ground floor, right front,
a small grocery store on the left. When J. L. turned the running of his Sea View Hotel in Clarks Harbor over to his son (Mae’s brother) Robert; he and Ruth moved across the street to the second floor living quarters, as did Mae and Jim later, and then Bob and Gladys.
As Bob’s health diminished they bought house and land in Acadia, near Yarmouth Airport, in order to be nearer to medical facilities, Dad had his workroom in the over-sized garage, and with the help of a dear friend nearby, they farmed several large plots of vegetables and berries - food for the table!
Robert Archibald and Gladys Vivian (Blanchard) VanAmburg
Ninth Generation - continued . . . . .
Gladys Vivian (Blanchard) VanAmburg was born in Franklin, New Hampshire - 23 Jan 1906; she left this life shortly after her 97th birthday, 30 Jan 2003, in Brockton,
Massachusetts. She aged gracefully, the above photograph was taken following her 94th (or 95th birthday).
AND I RECALL:
Yes, she was a happy lady, one who made her own happiness, one who never swore or said an unkind word about anyone. Though she never was able to complete her high school education, she wrote like the intelligent and perceptive woman that she was, and had items and continuing articles published . In recounting her childhood, she had to leave school when her father left the family and she was needed to help in their support.
I recall the mandolin she had and had played as a younger woman, her talents have shown in many ways over the years. She spoke of dancing “Apache” with a young man, Wally Brown, who later achieved a certain renown as a vaudevillian, comedian, and a movie star in Hollywood. This was in Malden, Massachusetts prior to 1926.
What she referred to in her very old age as her “life line” was the fun she had in designing greeting cards, water color , an off-shoot of paintings in oils and acrylics that she had done earlier.
As a small child, it was a delight for me to come home from grade school and find a new dress she had made for me, handsewn, she never had a sewing machine. I especially remember one with small blue flowers on a white ground with blue looped fagotting at the neckline. And then the afternoon when following naptime on Mom’s big bed, I thought she would be quite proud and amazed to see how beautiful I would look, dressed in one of her nice dresses, and wearing her makeup. (oops! She was NOT). Many stories and events, including my getting stuck to the floor (a mini-tanrum?), going on a trip to Boston without bothering to put on my panties, were all a part of those childhood years, and her amazing patience with a pesky daughter.
Mom was as good a shot with rifle and pistol as my Dad was, and she looked very dashing in competition matches dressed in jodphurs & shooting jacket, that was in the 1930s,40s. I have some of Dad’s medals, but Mom eventually discarded hers. As she often said - memories were more important to her than things.
to be continued . . . Marriage . . . and some miscellanea
Gladys Vivian (Blanchard) VanAmburg was born in Franklin, New Hampshire - 23 Jan 1906; she left this life shortly after her 97th birthday, 30 Jan 2003, in Brockton,
Massachusetts. She aged gracefully, the above photograph was taken following her 94th (or 95th birthday).
AND I RECALL:
Yes, she was a happy lady, one who made her own happiness, one who never swore or said an unkind word about anyone. Though she never was able to complete her high school education, she wrote like the intelligent and perceptive woman that she was, and had items and continuing articles published . In recounting her childhood, she had to leave school when her father left the family and she was needed to help in their support.
I recall the mandolin she had and had played as a younger woman, her talents have shown in many ways over the years. She spoke of dancing “Apache” with a young man, Wally Brown, who later achieved a certain renown as a vaudevillian, comedian, and a movie star in Hollywood. This was in Malden, Massachusetts prior to 1926.
What she referred to in her very old age as her “life line” was the fun she had in designing greeting cards, water color , an off-shoot of paintings in oils and acrylics that she had done earlier.
As a small child, it was a delight for me to come home from grade school and find a new dress she had made for me, handsewn, she never had a sewing machine. I especially remember one with small blue flowers on a white ground with blue looped fagotting at the neckline. And then the afternoon when following naptime on Mom’s big bed, I thought she would be quite proud and amazed to see how beautiful I would look, dressed in one of her nice dresses, and wearing her makeup. (oops! She was NOT). Many stories and events, including my getting stuck to the floor (a mini-tanrum?), going on a trip to Boston without bothering to put on my panties, were all a part of those childhood years, and her amazing patience with a pesky daughter.
Mom was as good a shot with rifle and pistol as my Dad was, and she looked very dashing in competition matches dressed in jodphurs & shooting jacket, that was in the 1930s,40s. I have some of Dad’s medals, but Mom eventually discarded hers. As she often said - memories were more important to her than things.
to be continued . . . Marriage . . . and some miscellanea
Monday, March 22, 2010
Robert Archibald and Gladys Vivian (Blanchard) VanAmburg
Ninth Generation
ROBERT ARCHIBALD VANAMBURG was the only child of Mae and James F. VanAmburg. He was born in Clarks Harbor 6 Nov 1904 and died 22 July 1991 at Yarmouth Regional Hospital, Nova Scotia
He graduated from Everett (Massachusetts) High School in 1924; studied Radio Apparatus-Theory & Design at MIT. Also courses in Photo-Engraving at Wentworth Institute, and Business Management at Boston University. He worked at Lever Brothers Company 1925-1950, first in the laboratory developing standard tests for textiles (where he patented a device for testing tensile strength of rayon fabrics while emersed); he went on as an Industrial Engineer, installation of mechanical & electronic devices in production and quality control. He was also official photographer for Lever publications, and for newspaper & magazine advertising. He left when the company moved their operations out of state and worked as office manager for the Boston Filter Company, 1950-1970. When he retired, they sold the Lynnfield, Massachusetts home and took up residence in the Cape Sable Island family home.
An avid hunter, target and competition shooter, both rifle and pistol, he was a life member of the National Rifle Association. Followed a family tradition of boat building, and began a new family tradition of photography. In 1923 he photographed the landscape view of Clarks Harbor when he visited his grandmother & grandfather (James L. & Ruth). In 1985 he duplicated the view from a vantage point on the government wharf. This shows 32 years of both change and preservation. The two photographs appeared in the 1986 publication “Our Island Reminisces” and are in the collection of the Archelaus Smith Historical Society Museum on Cape Sable Island
AND I RECALL:
Going to the gun club and shooting the Savage .22 rifle (in prone position, I was a very small pre-schooler). When older, I helped to score Jr. NRA targets on the dining room table. I don’t recall his title in those early days, but he was a district officer for NRA. Going duck hunting, when I was old enough to shoot offhand, cold, wet but exciting.
I’ve already told you about the darkroom photo developing, and the other job I assisted Dad on was reloading ammunition.
I made several trips to Clarks Harbor for vists, and when Mom and Dad moved to Acadia (near Yarmouth Airport) it was often to help Mom, as age and illness took its toll on Dad. The last trip before his death was poignant and yet a wonderful memory. Mom and I went to the hospital, late Sunday afternoon, sitting in his chair, Dad looked up at us and smiled, pointed to the far corner. “Look at Tiger over there, I’ve been watching him - - that cat is getting so lazy, and he still tries to chase things around. He’s such a little mischief.” He chuckled and smiled contentedly. They called us at 7 the next morning to tell us that Dad had passed away in the night.
to be continued - Gladys Vivian (Blanchard) VanAmburg, my Mom.
ROBERT ARCHIBALD VANAMBURG was the only child of Mae and James F. VanAmburg. He was born in Clarks Harbor 6 Nov 1904 and died 22 July 1991 at Yarmouth Regional Hospital, Nova Scotia
He graduated from Everett (Massachusetts) High School in 1924; studied Radio Apparatus-Theory & Design at MIT. Also courses in Photo-Engraving at Wentworth Institute, and Business Management at Boston University. He worked at Lever Brothers Company 1925-1950, first in the laboratory developing standard tests for textiles (where he patented a device for testing tensile strength of rayon fabrics while emersed); he went on as an Industrial Engineer, installation of mechanical & electronic devices in production and quality control. He was also official photographer for Lever publications, and for newspaper & magazine advertising. He left when the company moved their operations out of state and worked as office manager for the Boston Filter Company, 1950-1970. When he retired, they sold the Lynnfield, Massachusetts home and took up residence in the Cape Sable Island family home.
An avid hunter, target and competition shooter, both rifle and pistol, he was a life member of the National Rifle Association. Followed a family tradition of boat building, and began a new family tradition of photography. In 1923 he photographed the landscape view of Clarks Harbor when he visited his grandmother & grandfather (James L. & Ruth). In 1985 he duplicated the view from a vantage point on the government wharf. This shows 32 years of both change and preservation. The two photographs appeared in the 1986 publication “Our Island Reminisces” and are in the collection of the Archelaus Smith Historical Society Museum on Cape Sable Island
AND I RECALL:
Going to the gun club and shooting the Savage .22 rifle (in prone position, I was a very small pre-schooler). When older, I helped to score Jr. NRA targets on the dining room table. I don’t recall his title in those early days, but he was a district officer for NRA. Going duck hunting, when I was old enough to shoot offhand, cold, wet but exciting.
I’ve already told you about the darkroom photo developing, and the other job I assisted Dad on was reloading ammunition.
I made several trips to Clarks Harbor for vists, and when Mom and Dad moved to Acadia (near Yarmouth Airport) it was often to help Mom, as age and illness took its toll on Dad. The last trip before his death was poignant and yet a wonderful memory. Mom and I went to the hospital, late Sunday afternoon, sitting in his chair, Dad looked up at us and smiled, pointed to the far corner. “Look at Tiger over there, I’ve been watching him - - that cat is getting so lazy, and he still tries to chase things around. He’s such a little mischief.” He chuckled and smiled contentedly. They called us at 7 the next morning to tell us that Dad had passed away in the night.
to be continued - Gladys Vivian (Blanchard) VanAmburg, my Mom.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
James Forman and Mae Estelle (Nickerson) VanAmburg
Eighth Generation You already have met Jim and Mae (my Nana & Pampa) in 3 blogs that are archived and can be reached from this page. They include their wedding, the sea captain’s exploits and since there are more stories to tell, I will take the liberty of doing just that!
First a post script to the story of “Cable or Catch” from a transcribed audio tape made by Jim’s son Robert:
“Owners responsible made the captain deduct the expenses of ship’s lost gear, food, etc. One time off the coast, Georges Bank a little further south, trawling, they pulled the Atlantic cable, nets were snarled, James as Captain ordered crew to take an axe and cut the cable, men refused one by one, James took the axe and cut the cable, saving the equipment to the tune of several thousands of dollars. Saved the trip. He couldn’t say it was mutiny.”
Also: “ he told me, regretfully of being in a hayfield, cutting, saw a fox cross the meadow to the shore, ran down with a pitchfork, killed the fox and always regretted it (no reason why he should have, but he did.)
And the first time he ever heard his father swear: Lenley had a cow, very young and temperamental, Sunday morning James was in the barn to milk the cow, got half a pail of milk when she put her foot in the pail, kicked James and sent him flying into a pile of manure, he swore like nothing ever heard before, said she can’t get away with that, went back in and milked the cow.
AND I RECALL:
Mae Estelle (Nickerson) VanAmburg, my Nana Van, was a very unusual woman. She was erect in posture, even in her old age. Calm of nature I never ever heard a cross word from her - rather a mild reproof - (to her son) “now . . . Robert.” or a nod of her head, and that was all that was ever required. We used to play duets on the piano and sing our hearts out - “Oh where have you been, Billy Boy, Billy Boy - - oh where have you been Charming Billy? I have been to seek a wife, she’s the darling of my life - she’s a young thing but cannot leave her mother”
The Nova Scotia and Massachusetts families often visited back and forth and Nana and Pampa made their home with us in Medford, Massachusetts on two occasions. Their Cape Sable Island property was home to three generations (J.L. & Ruth Nickerson, Mae & Jim VanAmburg, and upon his retirement, my father & mother, Robert & Gladys VanAmburg, whose story will follow.
But back to Mae: An adventure when a younger woman, as told in a letter from her father (J.L. Nickerson to his wife Ruth when she was away assisting in the birth of a new grandchild):
“I arived home on Tuesday in time to put up the Mail and May was glad to see me as the office work took all her time she got along all right with but very few mistakes one thing she did do she not only put the money order money in the Bank but all I had with it She thought that all that was in the safe belonged to the money order business but as it happened she had payed some Money orders so I was able to balance the account.”Interesting because it is a very small vignette of family life and I have recently received more family letters with mini-looks at life as it was in the first quarter of the 20th century on Cape Sable Island in Nova Scotia.
“ Jim (Mae’s husband) came home Friday evening an all the Crew left to spend Christmas no doubt he will lose 2 or 3 days fishing on account of it. . . . . dont worry about the work home if May wants the help I will get it “
Saturday, March 20, 2010
James Lenley and Eliza (Kenney) VanAmburg
Seventh Generation
James Lenley VanAmburg was born (a twin) 8 Sep 1856 in Pubnico, Shelburne County, Nova Scotia. He married Eliza Kenney on 8 Feb 1876. She was born 14 Dec 1858, the daughter of Levi Kenney.
Their children:
* James Forman: b 1876
Clifford: b 1879; d 1955; m. Alice Stanlake (ch Eugene, Alice, Earl, Pauline)
Ardella: b 12 Sep 1880; m. William Seeley
Rupert Lee: b 1883 Clarks Harbor; d 1962; m. Nellie Spinney
Hildred: b 1893; d 1932
Edwin Rivers: b 4 Apri 1889; d 9 Jan 1928
Anita:
Eva: b 22 Aug 1886; d 2 Jan 1968; m. Dolph Spinney
Short and of a stocky build, James Lenley “Len” VanAmburg was a sea captain. Shipwrecked in the Caribbean, he was given up for lost for almost a year before he returned.
They moved from Cape Sable Island in 1891 and lived in a house on what was to become Ardnamurchin Club property. It has been called the “old homestead” and then they moved to the house in the photograph above. The “old homestead” property was sold by Len to a family group from New York and Philadelphia. (The Ardnamurchin Club facilities are expanded and still in operation.) Len was handy with tools and built several small boats, dory type row boats.
Eliza (Kenney) VanAmburg left this life 28 March 1906, at age 46.
James Lenley VanAmburg, died in his home, 25 Feb 1909, 55 years. Both are buried in Mt. PLeasant Cemetery, Argyle, Nova Scotia.
.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Ebenezer and Abigail (Goodwin) VanAmburg
Sixth Generation
Ebenezer VanAmburg was born about 1836. His marriage was to Abigail Goodwin. She was the daughter of John and Anna (Nickerson) Goodwin.
Their children wereborn in Pubnico, Nova Scotia:
* James Lenley: b 8 Sep 1855
Orlando: b 8 Sep 1855; d 17 Aug 1929; m. Lucetta
John:Ebenezer & Abigail both died in 1862
AND I RECALL:
From Orlando’s daughter, Helen (VanAmburg) Morton -
Ebenezer VanAmburg was born about 1836. His marriage was to Abigail Goodwin. She was the daughter of John and Anna (Nickerson) Goodwin.
Their children wereborn in Pubnico, Nova Scotia:
* James Lenley: b 8 Sep 1855
Orlando: b 8 Sep 1855; d 17 Aug 1929; m. Lucetta
John:Ebenezer & Abigail both died in 1862
AND I RECALL:
From Orlando’s daughter, Helen (VanAmburg) Morton -
“Í have heard my Dad say that his father & mother died when he was 7 years old, and he lived with an uncle until 10 years old, he had learned to dress fish on a boat by that uncle. When 10 he borrowed 5 dollars to pay his passage to Boston or Gloucester, I forget which. He was hired by a gruff old sea captain. What about the rest of the family? I don’t know. And about the uncle’s family & did he have other uncles or aunts. Relatives but can’t remember the connection. In Dad’s family there was Uncle Len [Orlando’s twin brother James Lenley, my great-grandfather], I think another brother, Johnny? and aunt Belle Goodwin who had 2 children, Elva and Erland who at one time lived where Uncle Len died, across from Seeley house.[Arg yle, Nova Scotia]
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Abraham & Susanna (Goodwin) VanAmburg
Fifth Generation
Abraham VanAmburg, with a brother & sister were baptised on the same day, 5 Oct 1804. As to the dates of birth, we have not yet been able to find any information. This is a case of research in genealogy that is ongoing.
His marriage was to Sarah Goodwin who was born 1 August 1800. She was the daughter of Thomas and Susanna (Cray) Goodwin.
Their children:
* Ebenezer:
Lydia: d 24 Oct 1876; m. 22 Dec 1859 Thomas H. Goodwin
AND I RECALL:
As in the case of many families originally from the Netherlands there has been repetition of given names, obviously continued through the preceding generations listed in this blog. Determining the fourth generation link among the brothers was not with firm enough documentation as will satisfy all, however we have concluded that, given present information, John and his wife Lidia is correct. . . . and there is always more to be learned.
Abraham VanAmburg, with a brother & sister were baptised on the same day, 5 Oct 1804. As to the dates of birth, we have not yet been able to find any information. This is a case of research in genealogy that is ongoing.
His marriage was to Sarah Goodwin who was born 1 August 1800. She was the daughter of Thomas and Susanna (Cray) Goodwin.
Their children:
* Ebenezer:
Lydia: d 24 Oct 1876; m. 22 Dec 1859 Thomas H. Goodwin
AND I RECALL:
As in the case of many families originally from the Netherlands there has been repetition of given names, obviously continued through the preceding generations listed in this blog. Determining the fourth generation link among the brothers was not with firm enough documentation as will satisfy all, however we have concluded that, given present information, John and his wife Lidia is correct. . . . and there is always more to be learned.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
John and Lidia (___) VanEmburgh
Fourth Generation
Born 8 October and baptised 4 Nov 1751, Johannes was to be better known as John. Little is known about Lidia.
Their children were baptised in Christ Church, Shelburne, Nova Scotia by Rev. Thomas B. Howland.
Nelly: bap 15 June 1796;m. David White
James: bap 16 Sep 1798
*Abraham: bap 5 Oct 1804
Joshua: bap 5 Oct 1804
Lydia: bap 5 Oct 1804
When the brothers left NewJersey aboard ship to Nova Scotia (as loyalists) John was single. There is more to be learned about these men.
Some have surmised that John VanEmburgh married late in life and that he may have died shortly before 1804.
Born 8 October and baptised 4 Nov 1751, Johannes was to be better known as John. Little is known about Lidia.
Their children were baptised in Christ Church, Shelburne, Nova Scotia by Rev. Thomas B. Howland.
Nelly: bap 15 June 1796;m. David White
James: bap 16 Sep 1798
*Abraham: bap 5 Oct 1804
Joshua: bap 5 Oct 1804
Lydia: bap 5 Oct 1804
When the brothers left NewJersey aboard ship to Nova Scotia (as loyalists) John was single. There is more to be learned about these men.
Some have surmised that John VanEmburgh married late in life and that he may have died shortly before 1804.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Guisbert & Annetie (VanWinkle) VanEmburgh
Third Generation
Guisbert VanEmburgh , born in New York about 1710 removed to New Barbadoes, in Bergen Co, New Jersey. His first marriage was to Maria Hellakers.
His second marriage took place in Belleville, New Jersey on 25 April 1732 - to Annetie VanWinkle, the daughter of Gideon & Jannetie (Koeymans) VanWinkle.
Their children :
“Births from Register of children who have been baptised at Second River by me Henricus Coens preacher at Aliquignonk, Second River and the north which commences in the month of June of the year 1727”
Gideon: b 24 Nov; bap 14 Dec 1735
Abraham: b 1736/7 New Barbados, NJ ; m. Annetie Roosencrans
Guisbert: b 28 May; bap 17 Jun 1739
Simeon: b 9 Mar; bap 5 Apr 1740; stayed in NJ
Elizabeth: b 15 Jul; bap 16 Aug 1741
*Johannes: b 8 Oct; bap 4 Nov 1751
Adoniah
From the will of Gysbert VanEmburgh of New Barbadoes, dated 3 May 1760:
Guisbert VanEmburgh , born in New York about 1710 removed to New Barbadoes, in Bergen Co, New Jersey. His first marriage was to Maria Hellakers.
His second marriage took place in Belleville, New Jersey on 25 April 1732 - to Annetie VanWinkle, the daughter of Gideon & Jannetie (Koeymans) VanWinkle.
Their children :
“Births from Register of children who have been baptised at Second River by me Henricus Coens preacher at Aliquignonk, Second River and the north which commences in the month of June of the year 1727”
Gideon: b 24 Nov; bap 14 Dec 1735
Abraham: b 1736/7 New Barbados, NJ ; m. Annetie Roosencrans
Guisbert: b 28 May; bap 17 Jun 1739
Simeon: b 9 Mar; bap 5 Apr 1740; stayed in NJ
Elizabeth: b 15 Jul; bap 16 Aug 1741
*Johannes: b 8 Oct; bap 4 Nov 1751
Adoniah
From the will of Gysbert VanEmburgh of New Barbadoes, dated 3 May 1760:
wife Ann to remain in the house in which I live at New Barbadoes Neck, and to have the use of lands for 7 years, to maintain my children. Son, Abraham, ½ my land where I live, that is next to Col. John Schuyler. My 3 sons, Gysbert, Simeon & Jacob, the other ½. Executors - my said sons. Witesses, John Schuyler, Abraham Pire, Samuel Brown: Codicil: All my land which I have at Hackensack to be sold, and the money applied for the use of my three children Elizabeth, John & Adoniah.Proved 26 Jul 1762. Inventory made by Abraham Van Ripe and Garrabrant Garrabrants.
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