Burpee Family Papers

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MC300-MS5 York-Sunbury Historical Society Collection
Description (page 106)

If you are interested in any of these files then please contact the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick.

“Charles Sidney Burpee was born in Sheffield, Sunbury County, New Brunswick, on June 18, 1817, the son of Jeremiah Burpee and Elizabeth Stickney.  He was educated at the common school in Sheffield, and eventually became a farmer.  He was married twice: first to Mary Perley and then to Charlotte H. Perley.

He unsuccessfully contested the Sunbury County seat for the House of Assembly in 1854.  In 1867, he was elected to the House of Commons as a member of the Liberal Party for Sunbury County. He was re-elected in 1872, 1874, 1878, and 1882.  At the General Election of 1887, he was defeated and retired from active politics.  In 1900, Burpe was made a member of the Senate of Canada, and sat until his resignation to become Commissioner to the Paris Exposition.  Burpee died November 29, 1909, at Sheffield.  He was survived by two sons.

The Burpee Papers, which date from 1814 to 1949, are largely made up of Charles Burpee‘s correspondence in which political discussions play a major role.  A great deal of information on Sunbury County matters and personalities can also be found in the letters.  Material, which is not correspondence, is found at the end of the collection, and includes legal papers, notes for speeches, and general information on the Burpee family.  The series measures 13 centimeters.”

1 Letter from Mary Ann Rideout to her Uncle [?] on familial matters; [no place], October 28, 182[7].

2 Letter from T.W. Anglin to Charles Burpee discussing temperance and prohibition in their political ramifications; Saint John, February 18, 1856.

3 Letter from W.E. Perley to Charles Burpee commenting on the close election in his parish mentioning Mr. Pennington (free-will Baptist Minister), Glazier, Tapley, John Farris, Lunt, Plummer, James Hamilton, and the Orangemen; Blissville, June 16, 1861.

4 Letter from Charles Perley to Charles Burpee discussing the prospects of union mentioning Tupper and Charles Young; Woodstock, April 3, 1862.

5 Letter from R. Hoben to C. Burpee discussing the activities of the “Perley Party” mentioning Duncan Glazier, and others; Burton, March 21, 1868.

6 Letter from Moses H. Cobourne to Charles Burpee mentioning several political matters and some items of news from New Brunswick; Little River, March 23, 1868.

7 Letter from William Mowat to Charles Burpee asking about the Tariff bill and that a post office be established at the North Forks of Salmon Creek; Northfield, March 25, 1868.

8 Letter from John Glazier to Charles Burpee on his departure for Ottawa reflecting on Hoben and D. Morrow in a future election; Saint John, March 25, 1868.

9 Letter from R. L. Babbitt to Charles Burpee discussing the situation in the party caused by John Glazier’s appointment to the Senate. He mentions a possible party-split over who should be offered for election. He also comments on the Civil Service Act and the debate over the coming railway; Gagetown, April 1, 1868.

10 Letter from R. Hoben to Charles Burpee discussing Glazier’s appointment, and the railroad route in New Brunswick; Burton, April 2, 1868.

11 Letter from R. Hoben to Charles Burpee discussing Glazier’s position, A. Harrison’s stand, and the railroad route; Burton, April 7, 1868.

12 Letter from George Hoben to Charles Burpee asking for a position on the railroad survey or as a commissioner; April 13, 1868.

13 Letter from R.L. Babbitt to Charles Burpee expressing his views on the role of the Dominion Government with respect to pre-Confederation matters, the Repeal Movement, the railroad route, and the reaction to D’Arcy McGee’s death; April 13, 1868.

14 Letter from Amos Stickney to his cousin, Charles Burpee, inviting him to visit; Port Ryerse, P.Q., April 13, 1868.

15 Letter from R. Hoben to Charles Burpee discussing the Militia Law, the reaction to McGee’s death, the opinion of a Fenian, and some mundane matters; Burton, April 14, 1868.

16 Letter from C.B. Barker to Charles Burpee giving news from home, and discussing McGee’s death and the Fenians; Sheffield, April 20, 1868.

17 Letter from R.L. Babbitt to Charles Burpee discussing reasonable expenditures, the effect the railroad route has on public opinion of the Union, Glazier’s procrastination, and the militia Bill; Gagetown, April 23, 1868.

18 Letter from Nathaniel Hubbard to Charles Burpee commenting on Tilley’s unpopularity, McGee’s death, the railroad route, and the affinity of himself with Charles Burpee and R. Hoben; Burton, April 24, 1868.

19 Letter from R. Hoben to Charles Burpee sending news from home and discussing Glazier and the railroad route; Burton, April 24, 1868.

20 Letter from J. & J. Burpee Co. to Charles Burpee commenting on the free tariff in pig iron; Saint John, April 29, 1868.

21 Letter from R.L. Babbitt to Charles Burpee commenting on the constitutionality of some of the Dominion Governments actions; Gagetown, May 2, 1868.

22 Letter from Francis Collins to Charles Burpee commenting on the free tariff on pig iron; Saint John, May 3, 1868.

23 Letter from R. Hoben to Charles Burpee asking for the position of fishery warden mentioning Glazier, Perley, George Estabrooks; and commenting on the road money for Sheffield mentioning Moses Cobourne, John Townsend, Charles Upton and Samuel Ferguson; and on their candidate in the next election, mentioning George Morrow, John Glazier and others; [Burton], May 4, 1868.

24 Note from P. Mitchell to Charles Burpee suggesting Burpee vote with the Resolution for Fortification; [House of] Commons, May 7, 1868.

25 Letter from John Glazier to Charles Burpee telling him that Perley has been offered the Surveyor-General’s Office and commenting on the political ramifications of the fact mentioning Arch. Harrison and the next election; Lincoln, February 12, 1869.

26 Letter from Charles Burpee to Sidney and Tommy Burpee, his sons on familial matters; Ottawa, May 4, 1869.

27 Letter from Charles Burpee to his sons discussing familial matters; Ottawa, May 11, 1869.

28 Letter from Charles Burpee to his sons discussing familial matters; Ottawa, May 18, 1869.

29 Letter from Charles Burpee to his sons on familial matters and mentioning working long hours; Ottawa, May 29, 1869.

30 Letter from J.C. Burpee to Charles Burpee asking for mail service extension to “my place”; Chipman, November 28, 1870.

31 Letter from Charles Burpee to Tommy, his son, on familial matters; Ottawa, April 2, 1871.

32 Letter from Charles Burpee to Tommy, his son, on familial matters; Ottawa, April 22, 1872.

33 Letter from Charles Burpee to Sidney, his son, on familial matters; Ottawa, April 24, 1872.

34 Letter from E.R. Burpee to his uncle, Charles Burpee, questioning Charles Burpee’s lack of support for Tilley and his government; Fredericton, March 6, 1873.

35 Letter from R. Hoben to Charles Burpee discussing the political climate in New Brunswick and his philosophy of individual responsibility within the political system; Burton, May 12, 1873.

36 Letter from M.C. Cameron to Charles Burpee discussing the Liberal Party’s victory in the election (mentioning Cartwright, Sir John A. MacDonald, Scott and others); and the possible political future of the Party; Gooluch, Ont., December 1, 1873.

37 Letter from M.C. Cameron to Charles Burpee commenting on the overwhelming defeat of the Tories with some candid mention of those who were defeated or elected including Blake, McAdam, Palmer, Domville, and Jim McDonald; Gooluch, Ont., February 10, 1874.

38 Letter from R. Hoben to Charles Burpee discussing the impact of the MacKenzie victory on New Brunswick and matters of local politics; Burton, April 6, 1874.

39 Letter from A.H. Gilmour, Jr. to Charles Burpee mentioning McAdam’s intention to carry on the law suit, the crusade of the Tilley Party against the McKenzie Government, the vote on the Riel Question, and the proposed treaty in trade; St. George, July 29, 1874.

40 Letter from M.C. Cameron to Charles Burpee discussing his own political situation, and the trade treaty; Gooluch, August 20, 1874.

41 Letter from Henry F. Perley to Charles Burpee enclosing a list of the tenders [missing] and discussing the cost of the dam at Oromocto; Saint John, November 3, 1877.

42 Letter from D.D. Glazier & Sons to Charles Burpee asking him to forward to the proper department their expenses incurred in clearing an obstruction from the Oromocto river; Fredericton, February 14, 1878.

43 Note from Henry F. Perley, Department of Public Works, to Charles Burpee regarding Glazier & Sons note [see 5/42]; Ottawa; February 20, 1878.

44 Letter from C.L.B. Miles to Charles Burpee seeking Burpee’s aid in getting a position as engineer on “some good road”; Maugerville, February 22, 1878.

45 Letter from C.B. Lockhard to Charles Burpee asking for a $500 loan; Blissville, February 23, 1878.

46 Letter from Samuel Nevers to Charles Burpee asking to have the lighthouse position occasioned by the death of James K. Hazen; Burton, February 16, 1878.

47 Letter from E.R. Burpee to his uncle, Charles Burpee, discussing people and politics at home mentioning John Boyd, Armstrong, Kurr, Hepworth, Gibson, O’Leary, Howard McLeod, Tilley, and others; Fredericton, February 28, 1878.

48 Letter from C.B. Harrison to his uncle, Charles Burpee, discussing the applications for the lighthouse and the prospects for the next election mentioning Gerhardus K. Clowes, Brennan, McLean, Currie, Perley, Covert, and Sterling; Maugerville, March 1, 1878.

49 Letter from D.S. Duplisea, Post-Master at Tracey Station, to Charles Burpee asking him to help settle a postal matter relating to commission on stamps; Tracey Station, March 1, 1878.

50 Letter from A.S. Randall to Charles Burpee bearing news from home mentioning William Porter and Thomas P. Taylor and asking Burpee to get him an increase for keeping the post office; Lakeville Corner, March 4, 1878.

51 Letter from Hanford Brown to Charles Burpee sending a good deal of political news from home mentioning the Perley Party, Dell Perley, Covert, William Deveber, Hamilton, Calvin Tapley, Launchlan McLean, G.S. Brown, Charles Clowes, Captain Alexander, Brennan, Terry McAlroy, and others; Maugerville, March 4, 1878.

53 Letter from Hanford Brown to Charles Burpee concentrating on the political alignments in the county, mentioning Thomas Sterling, George Brown, the Dykemans, Dell Perley, Mrs. Hazen, and others; Maugerville, March 5, 1878.

54 Letter from A.S. Rileigh giving details on the political alignments in the County mentioning Covert, W.D. Perley, John E. Smith, E.D. Lockhart, J.W. Hoyt, and Arthur Graham; Hoyt Station, March 7, 1878.

55 Letter from E.R. Burpee to his uncle, Charles Burpee, giving details on the political situation at home mentioning King, William Rannie, Henderson, Rafter, Smith, Domville, and others; St. John, March 15, 1878.

56 Letter from George Hoben to Charles Burpee offering his assessment of the political situation in the County and their chances in the upcoming election mentioning William Rutledge, W.D. Perley, Henry Estabrooks, and others; Burton, March 15, 1878.

57 Letter from C.H. Kingston to Charles Burpee regarding the political climate mentioning John Alexander, Thomas Alexander Sr., D.T. Hartt, J.R. Seely, and others; March 16, 1878.

58 Letter from C. Berton Lockhart to Charles Burpee concerning a loan with J.W. Hoyt as the endorser, to open a business in Hoyt Station; Blissville, March 16, 1878.

59 Letter from Moses Burpee to his uncle, Charles Burpee, regarding his prospects of employment and an invention he would like to patent; Carleton, March 24, 1878.

60 Letter from M.H. Cobourne to Charles Burpee concerning the cutting of the public lot; Little River, March 28, 1878.

61 Letter from E.R. Burpee to his uncle, Charles Burpee, concerning political activities at home mentioning Gibson, Pickard, Perley, Wark, Turnbull, Tupper, Fraser and others; Fredericton, April 4, 1878.

62 Letter from George Burpee to his uncle, Charles Burpee, relating political news from home mentioning Elder, Domville, Isaac Burpee, and discussing business matters; Saint John, April 4, 1878.

63 Letter from John C. Tapley to Charles Burpee commenting on injustice in Montreal and asking for a cash advance and an appointment; Little River, April 8, 1878.

64 Letter from J.W. Travis to Charles Burpee on behalf of Mr. Turney and himself discussing local politics, the temperance legislation, and advising Burpee concerning some dissatisfaction in his area; Swan Creek, April 9, 1878.

65 Letter from Thomas Wright to Charles Burpee giving political news from home mentioning Dell Perley, Dr. Wiggins and Mr. Johnson; Salmon Creek, April 13, 1878.

66 Letter from E.R. Burpee to Charles Burpee discussing the political situation facing his uncle in the upcoming election; Saint John, April 15, 1878.

67 Letter from J. James Fraser to Charles Burpee discussing federal political matters mentioning Pickard, Crawford, Stephenson, Gilmour and Smith; Fredericton, April 20, 1878.

68 Letter from D. Morrow to Charles Burpee concerning the Isle of Haute lighthouse account mentioning Calvin Cogswell, Sir A.J. Smith and Mr. Verner; Steamer “May Queen”, August 10, 1878.

69 Letter from Charles Burpee to Sidney, his son, discussing both familial and political matters; February 28, 1879.

70 Letter from Hedley to C. Sidney Burpee discussing school-mates and related gossip, mentioning Dr. Jack; U.N.B., Fredericton, January 23, 1880.

71 Letter from Hedley V.B.B. to Sidney Burpee which mentions mundane college matters and comments on the House of Assembly and its incumbents; U.N.B., Fredericton, February 13, 1881.

72 Letter from Hedley to Sidney Burpee discussing social and political matters mentioning Mr. Covert’s death, Jarvis S. Verner, Sterling, Charles Harrison, and others; U.N.B., Fredericton, March 6, 1881.

73 Letter from Rosella —–, a child, to Grandma —– relating familial news; Upper Sheffield, March 12, 1882.

74 Letter from David Burpee to his mother, Mrs. P.E. Burpee, Bangor, relating domestic and familial news; Upper Sheffield, March 30, 1883.

75 Letter from David Burpee to his mother, Mrs. P.E. Burpee, Bangor, bearing news from home mentioning John Pickard’s death, cousin Hannah, Willie and Maggie Alexander, and several family members; Upper Sheffield, December 23, 1883.

76 Letter from Charles Burpee to Sidney, his son, discussing railroad matters in New Brunswick; Ottawa, March 27, 1884.

77 Letter from George Scott to George A. Perley concerning a land sale from Charles Burpee; Fredericton Junction, May 7, 1884.

78 Letter from Isaac Burpee to his uncle, Charles Burpee, discussing the Central Railway mentioning Whitehead, Inches, Gibson, and others; Saint John, July 23, 1884.

79 Letter from Isaac Burpee to his uncle, Charles Burpee, discussing the Central Railway; Saint John, July 25, 1884.

80 Letter from Charles W. Weldon to Charles Burpee discussing business and political matters mentioning Backer, Judge King, Fred Fisher, Mitchell, C.L. Wetmore, and others; Fredericton, October 25, 1884.

81 Letter from John Quinton, grandson of Hugh Quinton, to [Charles Burpee] describing the early settlement of Maugerville, and the “renegade Allan”, and asking Burpee’s moral & literary backing to produce “Pioneer Days of New Brunswick, 1762-1783…”; Saint John, December 9, 1884.

82 Letter from William N. Allen to Thomas P. Burpee concerning a parcel of land; Sheffield, January 22, 1885.

83 Letter from Charles Burpee to Mr. Wilson concerning several memoranda on a mortgage; Sheffield, March 23, 1888.

84 Last page of letter from Attorney-General Andrew Blair to ———– regarding Sunbury County politics mentioning Farris, Taylor, and Morrow; [?] c. 1890.

85 Letter from L.H. Davies to Charles Burpee discussing the political situation of King; February 22, 1895.

86 Letter from H.R. Emmerson to Charles Burpee regarding the placement of W. Harrison; Dorchester, March 26, 1895.

87 Letter from M.H. Davies to Charles Burpee on the effects of the Manitoba School Question; Ottawa, July 4, 1895.

88 Letter from M.H. Davies to Charles Burpee discussing New Brunswick’s representation in the Laurier Government mentioning Andrew Blair, George King and Senator McClellan; Ottawa, July 16, 1896.

89 Letter from G.A. King to Charles Burpee discussing several political matters of the day mentioning Blair, Babbitt, Laurier, and Farris; Ottawa, March 19, 1897.

90 Letter from Andrew Blair to Charles Burpee discussing the possible appointment of a Fishery Inspector mentioning “Miles”, and John Anderson; Ottawa, July 2, 1897.

91 Letter of thanks from H.R. Emmerson to Charles Burpee; Fredericton, November 3, 1897.

92 Letter from Andrew Blair to Charles Burpee regarding the lighthouse; Ottawa, April 19, 1898.

93 Letter from Andrew Blair to Charles Burpee regarding the matter of the lighthouse keeper in its political perspective; Ottawa, March 27, 1899.

94 Letter from L.W. Davies to Charles Burpee giving his support to Burpee’s claims to the Senate vacancy; Charlottetown, September 1, 1899.

95 Letter from L.P. Farris to Charles Burpee agreeing with the suggestion of Burpee’s appointment to the Senate; Fredericton, November 9, 1899.

96 Letter from W.T. Whitehead to Charles Burpee stating his support of Burpee’s appointment to the Senate; Fredericton, November 10, 1899.

97 Letter from H.R. Emmerson to Charles Burpee discussing the hopeful prospects of Burpee being appointed to the Senate; Fredericton, November 11, 1899.

98 Letter from G.A. King to Charles Burpee reporting his conversations with Davies and Blair; Chipman, December 10, 1899.

99 Letter from Andrew Blair to Charles Burpee regarding Burpee’s appointment to the Senate; Ottawa, January 6, 1900.

100 Letter from G.A. King to Charles Burpee concerning conditions to Burpee’s appointment to the Senate mentioning Gilmour as the other candidate for the seat; Chipman, January 11, 1900.

111 Letter of congratulations from John McQuickin (?) to Charles Burpee; Saint John, February 2, 1900.

112 Letter from Robert P. Allen to Charles Burpee congratulating Burpee and commenting upon his appointment to the Senate; Fredericton, February 3, 1900.

113 Letter of congratulations from D. Morrow to Charles Burpee, which also discusses a postal matter; Oromocto, February 9, 1900.

114 Letter from Thomas Harrison to Charles Burpee concerning the re-issuance of a grant to the University of New Brunswick; Fredericton, February 12, 1900.

115 Letter from W.H. Steeves to Charles Burpee congratulating him on his appointment to the Senate, and requesting the position of enumerator in the upcoming census; Waasis, March 1, 1900.

116 Letter from Daniel E. Smith to Charles Burpee congratulating him on his appointment and requesting the position of enumerator in the up-coming census; Hoyt Station, March 9, 1900.

117 Letter from W.W. Hubbard to Charles Burpee regarding weights and measures legislation and farmer representation in Ottawa; July 5, 1900.

118 Letter from Arthur Glazier to Charles Burpee thanking him for his kindness; Fredericton, July 6, 1900.

119 Letter from A.S. White to Charles Burpee thanking Burpee for his kindness on he occasion of his [White’s] defeat; [no place], November 15, 1900.

120 Letter from A.S. White to Charles Burpee presenting his philosophy and use of patronage; Sussex, December 12, 1900.

121 Letter from Thomas A. Kelly to Charles Burpee regarding a mortgage; Blissville, March 6, 1901.

122 Letter from T.G. Kelly to Charles Burpee regarding a transfer of a mortgage; Blissville, March 22, 1901.

123 Letter from G.G. King to Charles Burpee regarding the buoy service; Ottawa, May 3, 1901.

124 Letter from E.R. Burpee to “Uncle——” regarding domestic matters; Bangor, September 17, 1901.

125 Letter from Agnes Burpee to her uncle, Charles Burpee, bearing sympathy on the death of his wife; Mount Pleasant, February 4, 1903.

126 Letter from Moses —– to his uncle, Charles Burpee, bearing regrets on the death of his wife; Houlton, February 6, 1903.

127 Letter from H.R. Emmerson to Charles Burpee regarding Stephen Appleby and the Liberals in Carleton County; Dorchester, October 31, 1903.

128 Letter from Stephen B. Appleby to Charles Burpee regarding the situation of the Liberal Party in Carleton mentioning the “Carvell gang”, Tweedie, Jones, and Blair; Woodstock, November 12, 1903.

129 Letter from “Glenn” to “Dear Squire” bearing familial news; Boiestown, July 21, 1909.

130 Letter from Premier J.D. Hazen to Charles Burpee accepting his resignation as Commissioner for the Parish of Sheffield Civil Court; Saint John, April 22, 1910.

131 Letter from “Uncle Tyler” to his niece concerning familial matters; Fredericton, June 17, 1915.

132 Letter from Lizzie B. George to Mr. ? Burpee answering a query on teachers at the Sheffield Grammar School; Upper Sackville, September 29, 1934.

133 Letter from ——- to “Family” concerning familial matters; Fredericton, March 25, 1949.

134 Twenty-six deeds; 1815-1897.

135 Sixteen mortgages; 1857-1887.

136 Four leases; 1853-1884.

137 Twenty memoranda of agreement; 1851-1887.

138 Four bonds; 1850-1885.

139 Two awards of arbitration; 1858 and 1910.

140 Thirty-nine summons issued by C. Sidney Burpee as Commissioner for the Parish of Sheffield Civil Court; 1903-1909.

141 Miscellaneous receipts and invoices; 1860-1910.

142 Notes used by Charles Burpee for speeches; n.d.

143 Nine certificates and commissions to Samuel Randal, Charles Burpee, George A. Inch (5), C. Sidney Burpee (2); 1869-1903.

144 Miscellaneous printed items relative to the Burpee Family; 1854-1944.

145 Notes on Senator Charles Burpee and his papers prepared by the York-Sunbury Historical Society.

146 A sketch of the Sheffield Academy, two lists prepared in 1919 of Academy men, and a notebook containing information in the academy.

147 Sheffield Parish Voters’ List; 1920.

148 Poem by Thomas Gilbert encouraging the voters to send Charles Burpee, not Ned Perley, to Ottawa in the next election; n.d.

149 Notebook used to record receipts, genealogical information, and religious notes; c. 1814-1870.

150 Minute book of the Total Abstinence Society of Sheffield, 1846-1850; (includes Society constitution, membership and activities).

151 Notes of Lorenzo Sabine on the Loyalists that landed in Saint John on May 18, 1783, aboard the Ship “Union”; 1847.