Hannah’s Tea Place is Becoming a Family Affair

The Fredericton Region Museum is excited to announce the launch of the 5^th annual Hannah’s Tea Place – but this year there’s a twist! Since Hannah is out of town for the summer visiting her aunt, her father will be looking after the Tea Place. Join Benjamin Ingraham at the Officers’ Quarters for an afternoon of irresistible iced tea, scrumptious snickerdoodle cookies, and engaging tales of life as a Loyalist in Ste. Anne’s Point. If you’re feeling crafty, you can even try your hand at rug hooking, one of Benjamin’s favourite pass times. Hannah’s dad will be at the Museum all summer long, and would love to have you drop by to enjoy some tasty treats, unique crafts, and stories about the life of a New Brunswick Loyalist.

Hannah’s Tea Place runs every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday afternoon from 1:00 to 4:00 PM for the months of July and August. You can find Benjamin upstairs on the balcony of the Fredericton Region Museum, located at 571 Queen Street on the edge of Officers’ Square. As part of a community social project, all of Benjamin’s rug hooking projects will be donated to the Greener Village Community Food Centre. Any donations of yarn or burlap would be much appreciated (contact us at 455-6041).

Discover more about Hannah’s Tea Place at facebook.com/hannahsteaplace.

Benjamin Ingraham hopes you’ll be able to join him at Hannah’s Tea Place this summer!

York Sunbury Historical Society January Program

Government House on Woodstock Road

The Program Committee is pleased to announce the following presentation for the York-Sunbury Historical Society.  Presentations take place at 7:30pm in the basement of Government House (51 Woodstock Road).  A reception follows each presentation and are free and open to the public.

Speaker:  Brent Suttie BA, MA
Topic:  BENEATH THE BLACKTOP: “Sub”-Urban Archaeology of the West End of Fredericton, New Brunswick
Date:  January 15, 2015

Abstract:
In the Fall of 2013, a large construction project in the West End of Fredericton revealed a 5m deep profile that tells a compelling story about the last 12,000 years of the history of what is now Fredericton, NB.  From a flooded forest which may be related to global flooding events around 8500 years ago – to evidence of early French, and Euro-Canadian occupations.

Drinking and visiting: why was sociability important for the Loyalists of Nova Scotia?

York Sunbury Historical Society Program

All evening programs take place at Old Government House (51 Woodstock Road, Fredericton) at 7:30pm. We can park on site and come in the side entrance and programs are free and open to the public!

The York Sunbury Historical Society presentation on Thursday, June 21, 2012 at Government House:

Drinking and visiting: why was sociability important for the Loyalists of Nova Scotia? By Bonnie Huskins

Abstract Bonnie Huskins’ ongoing research analyzes the importance and impact of  social occasions, or ‘sociability’, including balls, banquets, and frolics for the first two generations of Loyalist refugees in the Maritimes. This lecture explores the significance of sociability in the Loyalist community in Nova Scotia.

The York Sunbury Museum welcomes “Hannah’s Tea Place”

Hannah Ingraham serving museum visitors herbal tea.

For the duration of the summer months the York Sunbury Museum is welcoming young entrepreneur, Spencer Murgatroyd, as she opens up her tea shop on the Museum’s first floor.  Ten year old Spencer will be selling herbal teas and sugar cookies while portraying the character of Hannah Ingraham, a member of the 18^th century historic Ingraham family.

Spencer Murgatroyd is an ambitious young Frederictononian with a keen interest in local history.  Her fascination with the Museum’s “Fredericton’s Loyalists” exhibit led her to examine the story of the Ingraham family more in depth.  The Ingraham’s were American loyalists who settled in Fredericton in 1783.  Spencer has decided to take on the character of a young 11 year old Hannah Ingraham.  She hopes to fulfill her role by studying transcripts from Hannah’s diary and dressing in the appropriate periodic attire.  She will be documenting her day to day activities in a diary, much like Hannah Ingraham did over 150 years ago.  Museum visitors will be given the opportunity to talk with “Hannah” and to purchase refreshments from her shop, “Hannah’s Tea Place”.

Spencer is looking forward to taking on the challenge of becoming Hannah Ingraham.  When asked what her inspiration was she responded excitedly, “I think it might be fun and I like history and Hannah is history.  Whenever I come here I’m always looking for things to do!  I will be knitting, sewing pin cushions and braiding rugs because that’s what Hannah would have done.”

Customers may choose from an assortment of herbal teas accompanied by a homemade old-fashioned sugar cookie for $2.00. The tea shop will be located on the first floor of the Museum, in the old summer kitchen. Hours of operation will be Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 1pm until 4pm or by chance.

Hannah’s Tea Place

Open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 1 until 4pm during July and August 2011!  Hannah’s Tea Place!  Visit the Museum and talk to Hannah about life as a Loyalist!  Hannah Ingraham was 11 years old when her Loyalist family moved to St. Anne’s Point.  This summer Hannah has opened a tea room in the Museum.  She is serving herbal teas and sugar cookies!

Hannah Ingraham serving one of her first cups of tea at the Fredericton Region Museum!

Sheffield United Church

If you think you can help us please leave your comments here.  If you have any research queries that you would like posted here, let me know by filling out the form found on our website.

Question:
“Hi there,
I was wondering if someone at the museum might know details about the church´s rebuilding in 1840. (originally built c. 1775 in Maugerville). There seems to be a dearth of solid info on questions like:  why was it rebuilt ?  How closely does it resemble the 1775 church ?  Was the original structure simply remodeled, or was it built from scratch in 1840 ?  How much of the original church, if anything, got re-used in the rebuild ??

Any details would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Mark”

One of my board members responded with the following:
“I was put in touch with someone who had the following information.

The original church was built in Maugerville in 1775.  It could seat 500 people.  It was decided to move the building to Sheffield in 1789 (100 oxen needed).  The building deteriorated so they decided to rebuild in 1840,  salvaging what they could use from the original building.  It is not an exact replica but it does incorporate some of the original design.  It was dedicated in 1842.”

Reply from Mark:
“I guess what I was really asking was whether the Sheffield church was essentially a 1775 building that was slightly remodelled, or, an 1840 structure that merely used some fragments from the previous church. The answer to that question is of great importance to NB b/c there are only two 18th c. churches in the whole province(as far as <I know).  And it would be the only pre-Revolutionary church in the province (and one of the few extant pre-Revolutionary buildings in NB, period.). I wonder if there was ever any dendrochronology done on the church ? And I wonder just how much of the original church was used in the 1840 rendition?

I did read the book mentioned in one of your emails (John Leroux – about a year or two ago).  My memory is fading on that book but I seem to remember the author using the word remodelled when he described the church. The use of the word “remodelled” is a bit unfortunate in that the reader is still left trying to figure out what that really means – hence my questions about the crux of the church’s origins. To me, “remodelled” seems like a term used to signify relatively minor changes, and not a total rebuilding of something.

I look forward to learning more about the built heritage of NB, and >I am especially interested in any surviving pre-Loyalist heritage that still may exist. “

British Military Compound, Julia May Walker, Taymouth, the Trent Affair, Elizabeth Secord, Education, Recipes and Collecting

Volume 15, Number 1 & 2 (Spring and Summer 1999) - A Publication of the York-Sunbury Historical Society, Inc. of the Officers’ Quarterly

We have back issue copies of Volume 15, Number 1 & 2 (Spring and Summer 1999) – A Publication of the York-Sunbury Historical Society, Inc. of the Officers’ Quarterly available for purchase for $4 (plus postage and handling).

Contents:

“Museum in Focus …” (page 3) and “Important Compound Information” by Antoinette Duplisea (page 4)
Abstract:
A history of the British military compound in Fredericton and Thomas Carleton’s decision to locate the British military in Fredericton.

“Julia May Walker …” by Ruth Scott and “Museum News …” (page 5)
Abstract:
A memorial for Julia May Walker (Whitehead), a former member of the York Sunbury Historical Society, teacher and a founding member of the Fredericton branch of the United Empire Loyalist Association.

“When the Methodists Stole the Church …” by Dr. Murray Young (page 6)
Abstract:
The history of a church located along the River Tay in Taymouth. Originally used by all denominations, the church was eventually taken over by Methodists, who held the deed for the property and would not allow other denominations hold service within. The church was eventually converted into a schoolhouse and congregations combined into a United Church.

“New Brunswick and the Trent Affair of 1861 …” by Gary Campbell (page 9)
Abstract:
Campbell examines the movement of British troops across British North America, particularly, the colony of Nova Scotia, during the winter of 1861/2 after the Trent Affair.

“Congratulations Ruth Scott! …” by Ted Jones (page 15)
Abstract:
Ruth Scott was the 1998 recipient of the Martha J. Harvey Award of Distinction. Jones describes her work and dedication to the history of central New Brunswick and the York Sunbury Historical Society.

“Book Review … The Little-Known Leader of Russia Michael and Natasha, The Life and Love of the Last Tsar of Russia by Rosemary and Donald Crawford” by Anita Jones (page 15)
Abstract:
Anita Jones gives a positive review of the Crawford’s book about the Russian ruling family.

“Elizabeth Secord …” by Katherine Dewitt & Norma Alexander (page 17)
Abstract:
A brief description of the life of Dr. Elizabeth Secord (1841-1916), an early woman medical doctor from central New Brunswick.

“Higher Education in Fredericton … Or: Making a Mountain out of a Molehill: The History of Higher Education in Fredericton” by Kim Bernard (page 18)
Abstract:
An account of the development of higher education in Fredericton after the settlement of the Loyalists.

“Recipes from the Pioneer Kitchen” by Pat Flemming (page 19)
York Sunbury Style: Recounting the wedding of Margaret Josephine Coleman Murray and Bradstreet Tompkins in July 1926. Recipes include Tea Party Rolled Sandwiches: Chicken Croquettes. As well as Banana and Orange Salad, Parker House Rolls, Bride’s Cake, Almond Icing for Bride’s Cake, Bridegroom’s Cake. Ice Cream and Sherbets: Orange Ice. Liquid Refreshments: Raspberry Sparkler and Blueberry Wine. A note on Weddings and Engagements.

“Collector’s Room …” by Katrina A. Dewitt (page 21)
Abstract:
Dewitt discusses the hobby of collecting and the development of heritage preservation in Canada after 1967. She discusses Chelsea porcelain, R.S. Prussia dishes, Depression glass, carnival glass, Victorian furniture and warns about reproductions as well as a summary of the usefulness of Museums, libraries, magazines, antique collectible price guides and the internet in research for collecting. Dewitt also included a few words about appraisals and valuations.

If you are interested in acquiring a copy of this issue of the Officers’ Quarterly, please contact the York Sunbury Historical Society and Museum office or drop by the office at 571 Queen Street and pick one up.

New Jersey Loyalists

Another treasure from Daniel F. Johnson’s New Brunswick Newspaper Vital Statistics.  Thanks to the Province of New Brunswick Archives for making this database available on-line. 

Volume 62 Number 306
Date: February 23 1884
County: Saint John
Place: Saint John
Newspaper: The Daily Sun

Transcribed by Daniel F. Johnson.

The following list contains the names of prominent Loyalists of New Jersey against whom proceedings were instituted in the counties named during the Revolutionary war for the purpose of confiscating their property for joining the New Jersey Royal Volunteers or for giving aid and comfort to the adherents of the Crown. Lawrence A. ACKERMAN, Derrick ACKERMAN, David D. ACKERMAN, John J. ACKERMAN, all of Bergen; Vincent Pearse ASHFIELD, Essex; Benjamin ALLWOOD, David ALLSTON, Louis ALLSTON, Jonathan ALLSTON, John AUTEN, all of Middlesex; Thomas BRUEN, Benj. BOOTH, Josiah BANKS, Peter BROWNE, Rev. Isaac BROWNE, Ichabod Best BARNET, Thomas BURROWES, James BLUNDELL, Wm BROWNINGTON, Luther BALDWIN, all of Essex; Charles BAKEMAN, Bergen; James BOGGS, Isreal BRITON, Gerardus BEEKMAN, John BROWNE, Thomas BILLS, Joseph BAILEY, all of Monmouth; Wm BURTON, Somerset; Ezekiel BEACH, Richard BOWLESBY, John BOWLESBY, Edward BOWLESBY, Lawrence BUSKIRK, all of Morris; Wm BLANE, Ellis BARRON, Isaac BUNNELL, Jacob BOICE, all of Middlesex; Peter CLOPPER, Duncan CAMPBELL, John J. CRANE, John COLONY, all of Essex; Richard COCHRAN, Somerset; Daniel COXE, Hunterdon; Joseph CONLIFFE, Morris; Jonathan CLAWSON, Dennis COMBS, jr., Isaac CODDINGTON, all of Middlesex; John COUGLE, Sussex; Joseph CLAYTON, John COTTRELL, Samuel COOK, Jas. CURLIS, Alexander CLARK, Thomas CROWELL, Richard COLE, Asael CHANDLER, all of Monmouth; Moses DUNHAM, Isaac DUNHAM, Benjamin DRAKE, Henry DUGAN, Edward V. DUNGAN, John DOVE, all of Middlesex; Robert DRUMMOND, Essex; Asher DUNHAM, Jacob DEMEREST, Wm DUMAYNE, all of Morris; Daniel S. DEMEREST, John DERYEA, Orey DEMEREST, Thomas DUNGAN, Peter DURYEA, John DEMITT, Hendrick DOREMUS, all of Bergen; John EDDY, Sussex; Barent EURSE, Bergen; Jacob EMMONS, Monmouth; Hendrick FOX, Jacobus FOX, Hendrick FREDERICKS, Conrad FREDERICKS, all of Bergen; John FALKER, Stephen FARRAND, James FRAZIER, Joseph FRENCH, all of Essex; Ebenezer FOSTER, John FORD, Oswald FORD, all of Middlesex; Thos. GALBRAITH, Lewis GREENFIELD, Garrabrant GARRABRAMTS, all of Essex; Philip GACH, Wm GOUBERS, all of Middlesex; Wm GREEN, Sussex; Benamin GIBERSON, Gilbert GIBERSON, Benjamin GROVER, Joseph GROVER, Barzilla GROVER, Thomas GROVER, Wm GROVER, Wm GIBERSON, jr., Mallakeath GIBERSON, all of Monmouth; Joseph HALLETT, John Smith HETFIELD, James HETFIELD, Sheffield HOWARD, all of Essex; John C. HERRING, Peter J. HERRING, Henry J. HARRISON, Jacob HIMSON, Hendrick HIMSON, Adam HIMSON, all of Bergen; John HONEYMAN, John HARRIS, Somerset; William HOWARD, Isaac HORNBECK, Morris; Nathaniel HARNED, John HARNED, Peter HILTON, John HEARD, Jeremiah HEMSTED, all of Middlesex; Conrad HENDRICKS, John HANKINSON, John HORNER, Berzeor HINKSON, John HAMPTON, Fuller HORNER, all of Monmouth; John IRONS, Monmouth; David JAQUITH, Heathcot JOHNSON, Hendrick JOHNSON, all of Middlesex; Griffin JENKINS, James JAUNCEY, Cavalier JEWETT, all of Essex; Edward JONES, Bergen; Mathias KENSET, Bergen; David KENT, Wm KENT, all of Middlesex; Joseph KINGSLAND, John Tabor KEMP, all of Essex; Thomas KICKER, Monmouth; William LUCE, Isaac LONGWORTH, Thomas LONGWORTH, all of Essex; Thomas LYON, Abram LENT, Peter LENT, Timothy LEWIS, all of Bergen; William LURTON, Richard LENNOX, David LENNOX, Stacey LISK, all of Middlesex; John Leonard, John LEONARD, jr., Joseph LEONARD, Thomas LEONARD, Samuel LEONARD, Daniel LAFTRE, William LAWRENCE, John LONGSTREET, jr., Richard LIPPENCOTT, all of Monmouth; Jacob MERCELIS, Lewis MILLENBERG, David MASTERSON, Alex. McCOY, all of Bergen; Thomas MILLEDGE, Morris; William MAXWELL, Peter MOURISON, Richard MILLER, James MOORE, Daniel MOORE, John MORSE, all of Essex; Joseph MUNDAY, Hopewell MUNDAY, John MUNDAY, jr., Jonathan MUNDAY, jr., Benjamin MARSH, Mathias MAN, Nicholas MURRAY, jr., Samuel MORSE, all of Middlesex; John MORRIS, John MOUNT, Robert MORRIS, James MOUNT, all of Monmouth; Peter NIX, Isaac NOBLE, all of Bergen; Thomas OLDWATER, Bergen; John OKESON, Samuel OAKERSON, all of Monmouth; David OGDEN, David OGDEN, jr., Isaac OGDEN, Nicholas OGDEN, Jonathan OLIVER, David OLIVER, all of Essex; John PREY, Middlesex; Philip PEAKES, Wm PEAKER, Jacobus PEAK, Christian PULISALT, all of Bergen; James PRICE, William PRICE, Michael PRICE, John PINTARD, jr., John PERRINE, Nathaniel PARKER, James PEW, John POLHEMUS, jr., all of Monmouth; Abm. A. QUACKENBUSH, Bergen; Robert F. RANDOLPH, David F. RANDOLPH, all of Middlesex; Charles ROBERTS, Somerset; Samuel RYERSON, Morris; Nathaniel RICHARDS, Broughtin REYNOLDS, all of Essex; Abel RIDNER, Martin RUTH, John RIDNER, John ROBERTSON, Hendrick RIDNER, John F. RYERSON, Richard RUCKMAN, Martin ROELOFFE, all of Bergen; Wm STYLES, Stephen SKINNER, Jonathan SAYRES, Richard STANTON, Caleb SAYRES, Derrick SCHUYLER, Samuel SMITH, Isaac STANBURY, Cornelius STAGER, Miles SHERBROOK, all of Essex; John STEWART, Stephen SKINNER, all of Morris; Michael STOR, Bergen; Jacob STOCKTON, Somerset; Joseph STEVENS, Wm SMITH, Stephen SKINNER, Cortlandt SKINNER, Thomas SMITH, James SHOTWELL, Cecil SARGEANT, all of Middlesex; James STILLWEL, Samuel STILLELL, William SMITH, David SMITH, Richard STOUT, Timothy SCOBEY, all of Monmouth; Jacob TOOKER, Essex; Peter Tice, John TISE, all of Bergen; John TROOP, Joseph THORNBURN, all of Morris; William TERRILL, Joseph THORNE, John THOMPSON, all of Middlesex; John TAYLOR, George TAYLOR, jr., Joseph TAYLOR, Morford TAYLOR, Thomas THORNE, Ezekiel TILTON, Christopher TALLMAN, Clayton TILTON, Oliver TALLMAN, John THROCKMORTON, all of Monmouth; Peter VROOM, John VROOM, all of Middlesex; John VANWAGGMER, Abram VANGLESON, Henry VANDEHOFF, all of Essex; John H. VANHOUTEN, Hendrick VANBLARCOM, Harrison VANBLARCOM, Peter J. VANBLARCOM, Jacob VANWICKLE, James VANBUREN, John L. VANBUSKIRK, Gabriel VANORDEN, David VANBUSKIRK, all of Bergen; John VANDYKE, Somerset; Philip VANCORTLANDT, Laurence VANBUSKIRK, all of Morris; Hendrick VANMATER, Daniel VANMATER, Peter VANNOTE, all of Monmouth; Uzal WARD, Ebenezer WARD, John WHEELER, Nathl. WILLIAMS, Garret WOUTERS, Peter WOODS, George WELLES, Thomas WHITE, Hugh WALLACE, James WILSON, George WARNER all od Essex; Peter D. WIEN, Bergen; Benjamin WORTH, Somerset; Alexander WATSON, Thomas WALKER, John WILSON, all of Middlesex; John WILLIAMS, jr., Peter WARDELL, Josiah WHITE, Benjamin WOOLLEY, John WILLIAMS, John WARDELL, Ebenezer WARDELL, Britton WHITE, all of Monmouth; Richard YATES, Essex.

Thomas Wetmore

One-time home of Hon. Thomas Wetmore, Atty-Gen. 1809 – Queen Street west of Northumberland Street, Fredericton. (P4-2-38 YORK SUNBURY HISTORICAL SOCIETY PHOTOGRAPHS)

Recently, I was asked if I knew anything about Thomas Wetmore … Loyalist settler in New Brunswick.  I did not, however, after a quick search in Daniel Johnson‘s newspaper transcriptions I came upon several entries pertaining to the Wetmore family.  I posted the two that I thought most pertinent to the enquiry.  If you are doing research on the Wetmore family and have not looked in Daniel Johnson‘s transcriptions then I encourage you to take a minute, you will not be disappointed!

Daniel F. Johnson: Volume 62 Number 91

Date: October 13 1884
County: Saint John
Place: Saint John
Newspaper: Saint John Globe

Transcribed by Daniel F. Johnson

The death last week of an aged citizen recalls the following incidents in New Brunswick History. Among the Loyalists at St. John, 1783 was James WETMORE, the eldest s/o Rev. Jas. WETMORE of Rye, Westchester, New York. His brother, Timothy WETMORE, who settled at Gagetown (Queens Co.) was the father of Thomas WETMORE, the second Attorney General of New Brunswick. The founder of the WETMORE family in America came to Boston from England in 1635. Caleb WETMORE, whose death took place on the 10th, was a great grandson of the Rector of Rye. His father, Caleb WETMORE, died in 1853, aged 85 years, Colonel in the Kings County Militia in the early years of the Province. Mr. WETMORE married in 1831 a daughter of Richard WHELPLEY and leaves sons and daughters, being at his death in his 86th year. At the tree planting Arbour Day, 1883 on Queen Square, one of the eight central trees was planted by him. Like his ancestors he was strongly attached to the Church of England and for many years was a member of Saint John’s Church, St. Marks parish. The interment of Mr. WETMORE took place yesterday, where he was placed alongside of his wife who died in 1847.

Date: December 3 1883
County: Saint John
Place: Saint John
Newspaper: The Daily Telegraph

Transcribed by Daniel F. Johnson

The death is announced at Fredericton (York Co.) at 85 years of age, of Charles P. WETMORE, Esq., late Clerk of the Assembly of this Province. Mr. WETMORE was a descendant of a Loyalist. His father was Thomas WETMORE, for a number of years Attorney General and his son, E.L. WETMORE is leader of the Opposition in the present Assembly. Mr. WETMORE was called to the bar in 1825 and for over fifty years was Clerk of the House. He retired in 1873 on an allowance of $1200.

Atherton’s in the Papers

I was cruising through Daniel Johnson‘s transcriptions today and found these newspaper transcriptions pertaining to the Atherton Family in Fredericton.  This is just some of what I found, there’s lots more!

Daniel F. Johnson: Volume 68 Number 1754

Date: January 8 1887
County: York
Place: Fredericton
Newspaper: The Fredericton Evening Capital
Transcribed by Daniel F. Johnson.

George R. ATHERTON breathed his last. He was in his 77th year and had been for some days been prostrated by an attack of apoplexy so that his death was not unexpected. He died at the residence of his son-in-law, W.G. GAUNCE and was buried Sunday in the Methodist cemetery. Rev. Dr. McLeod, of whose church the deceased had been a member, conducted the ceremonies at the house and grave. Mr. Atherton was a descendant, in the third generation, of one of the United Empire Loyalists who after the Revolutionary war preferred the wilderness of New Brunswick. His name was Benjamin ATHERTON, an officer in the British Commissariat. He came to Fredericton and received a grant of a lot of land on which the Government House now stands. Here he continued for some time, engaging in the fur trade with the Indians who made St. Anne’s (Fredericton) their periodical rendezvous. After a residence of some years he was offered his choice of lots between Fredericton and Woodstock in exchange for his grant. He chose Bear Island whither he removed to engage in farming and trading. He had five sons, one of whom, Stephen ATHERTON was the father of the man laid to rest last Sunday. Stephen also had five sons, three of whom are still alive, namely, Israel ATHERTON and John ATHERTON of Fredericton and Stephen now in Nebraska. Benjamin, the other brother, died a few years ago, shortly after establishing the Royal Hotel. George R. Atherton had 12 children by his wife Rebecca Anne McKEEN d/o John McKEEN of Mactaquack. Four of these are still living – Robert ATHERTON in the civil service in St. John; William ATHERTON in British Columbia; Eliza ATHERTON wife of William Grant GAUNCE and George L. ATHERTON, Fredericton druggist. In early life the subject of our sketch was engaged in the lumber business up the river Saint John. When chopping near St. Francis (Madawaska) the head of his comrade’s axe flew off and inflicted a severe gash on his knee. Blood flowed freely. Four miles from camp, the case seemed desperate, but nothing daunted, he dispatched his mate for assistance. Tired of waiting, after some time he tried to crawl toward camp on hands and one knee, but was soon met by a party of rescue and carried on the back of a stalwart friend to shelter. A surgeon was procured with difficulty and the gaping wound stitched up. Israel Atherton, his brother, went up from Fredericton and brought him here where, during an interval of six years, he has since remained. These things happened 44 years ago. He then rented the Commercial Hotel on York St. which he afterwards gave up to his brother and commenced the livery stable business by which he is best known to the general public. The Atherton Stables on York St. were for many years noted headquarters for horseflesh. He contracted to carry the mails from Fredericton to Woodstock and had often more than one hundred horses engaged in that business alone. During the stirring times of the Trent affair, when British troops were being sent to Quebec through Fredericton, he rendered the military authorities valuable assistance in horses and sleds. A few years after this warlike period he went to Halifax where he remained for six years. Returning to Fredericton he has spent the happy eve of his life in the society of his own kith and kin. The descendants of Benjamin Atherton are now very numerous. In Dr. ATHERTON, now of Toronto, the medical profession has a distinguished member.

Daniel F. Johnson: Volume 96 Number 1629

Date: April 24 1895
County: York
Place: Fredericton
Newspaper: The Gleaner
Transcribed by Daniel F. Johnson. 

It was with surprise that citizens heard of the death of George F. ATHERTON’s serious illness this morn. and they were far more surprised when it became known that Mr. ATHERTON passed away about 2 o’clock this afternoon. It was only the day before yesterday that he was walking about the street looking quite well and as happy as usual. Yesterday morn., however, he arose feeling rather unwell and as eve. approached he became completely prostrated. Medical aid was at once summoned and everything possible was done to revive him, but he gradually grew weaker until this afternoon when death claimed himn as his own. Mr. ATHERTON has been suffering for the past 3 or 4 years from diabetes, but heart failure resulting from this disease was the direct cause of death. Deceased was well known in York and Carleton counties having done an extensive business in both counties. He carried on a large grocery business in the city on Queen Street, just opposite the Peoples Bank of for many years. About 12 years ago he removed to Woodstock and carried on a successful business along this line until about three years ago when failing health forced him to retire from active business life. He then returned to Fredericton where he has been living quietly ever since. He was stout and robust and always wore a happy expression. He entered the Free Baptist Church in this city about 50 years ago, since which time he has been an active member of that denomination and held the ofice of senior deacon. He was also president of the Y.M.C.A. in this city some years ago. Mr. ATHERTON was a native of York Co., being born in Queensbury 59 years ago and for 50 years, with the exception of nine years he was absent in Woodstock, has been a resident of Fredericton. A wife, two daughters and one son survive him. His son, Edward R. ATHERTON is now a resident of British Columbia. Dr. ATHERTON, formerly of this city and now practicing in Toronto, Ontario, is a brother of the deceased. His surviving sisters are Mrs. Thomas W. SMITH, formerly of this city, but now living in California and Mrs. George CLIFF of this city. An aged mother also survives him. The funeral will take place at 2:30 Friday afternoon from his late residence on York Street to the old burying ground on Brunswick Street.

Daniel F. Johnson: Volume 96 Number 2353

Date: October 26 1895
County: York
Place: Fredericton
Newspaper: The Gleaner
Transcribed by Daniel F. Johnson.

The friends of Mrs. Sarah E. BROWN, Brunswick street, widow of W.C. BROWN, Esq., were shocked to hear of her death, which occurred at about 5 o’clock this morn. Mrs. Brown had been in failing health for some time but recently she rallied somewhat and her death was unlooked for at this time. Mrs. Brown was born at Bear Island in 1816, being 79 years old. She was a d/o late Stephen ATHERTON of that place, her brothers being Geo. R. ATHERTON, Deacon Israel ATHERTON and John ATHERTON late of this city. Early in life Mrs. Brown professed religion during an extensive revival at Bear Island and joined the Free Baptist Church at that place at its organization. Her funeral takes place Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock from her residence, Brunswick Street. Rev. F.C. Hartley and Rev. Dr. Mcleod are to attend and undertaker John G. Adams will have charge of the arrangements.

Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 96 Number 2409

Date November 5 1895
County York
Place Fredericton
Newspaper The Gleaner
Transcribed by Daniel F. Johnson .

Thomas C. ATHERTON died suddenly this afternoon at his home on Queen Street. He had been ill for the past year or two with heart disease, but up to the time of his death was able to be about town. This morn. he ate a light breakfast and about 11 o’clock walked down front street as far as the City Hall. Returning to the house he complained of not feeling as well as usual and called for a drink of warm milk which was brought to him and only a small quantity of which he drank. He continued to grow weaker in spite of everything that could be done and at 2 o’clock he passed away. Deceased was 80 years old and leaves a widow, two sons and three daughters. One of the sons, Barry ATHERTON is manager of the R.B. Atkinson Furniture Co. and the other son, Burtt ATKINSON is living at home. The daughters are Mrs. George LUGRIN, Miss Electra ATHERTON, Lewiston and Miss Amelia ATHERTON living at home. The deceased was engineer at the Normal School from the date of its opening until last year when he was dismissed by Mr. Blair to nake room for one of his friends.

Daniel F. Johnson : Volume 28 Number 97

Date: November 24 1869
County: Saint John
Place: Saint John
Newspaper: Morning News
Transcribed by Daniel F. Johnson.

On Saturday afternoon, three boys, viz., James SENTELL, aged 16, Robert NOBLE, about the same age and Frank ATHERTON, age 10, went out to the Tower woods, NOBLE having a fowling piece and some powder and shot. They amused themselves for some time firing at trees and other objects. After their supply of shot was exhausted, they found a piece of copper which they used instead, searching for it after each discharge and replacing it in the gun. In the meantime, NOBLE strayed from his companions leaving the gun with them. SENTELL loaded it with powder only, he says, and placed it on the ground and went in search of NOBLE to get some caps, obtained them and returned. ATHERTON, standing about 60 feet off, told SENTELL he might fire at him. Believing, SENTELL says, that the gun was only charged with powder, he fired at ATHERTON who staggered, fell and died immediately. Two other boys who were rambling in the woods happened to come up and saw the shot fired. The frightened boys ran to the city and told what had occurred. A number of persons were soon on the scene and it was found the piece of copper had entered ATHERTON’s heart. Frank ATHERTON, the deceased, was s/o G.R. ATHERTON, formerly of Fredericton, N.B. and a brother of W.T. ATHERTON, proprietor of Halifax Livery Stables. Jas. SENTELL, who fired the fatal shot, is a s/o James SENTELL, keeper of the County Court House. He is in jail awaiting further proceedings – Halifax ‘Chronicle’