In the fall of the year 1759, about 20 men came up the Bay of Fundy from New England, to Truro and Onslow, to make preparations for a settlement. The most of these men had been in Nova Scotia a few years before, assisting in subduing and driving out the old French settlers, and the taking of Louisbourg. These men erected small houses on the same place that Truro Village now stands, and other parts of the neighbourhood. They returned to New England to spend the winter; and in the spring of the year 1760, they returned again to Nova Scotia with their families, and commenced the settlement of the country with that vigour and perseverance that but few of the present day possess. There was a large quantity of manure lying at the place where an old French barn had stood, on the south side of the Salmon River, at the head of the tide. This enabled them to raise potatoes the first year. In July of this year, they applied to the Governor and Council for aid to cut out a road between the several lakes lying between Fort Sackville (now Bedford) and the Shubenacadie River. The Council replied that provisions would be furnished to the men while employed at the work, and that was all they could do.
On July 12th, 1761, it was enacted, the Cobequid be included in the County of Halifax. On August 7th, 1761, the Council directed writs to be issued for the election of members to represent the Township of Onslow and Truro in the General Assembly of the Province, but we cannot ascertain that any election took place until the year 1765, when James Brenton, Esq., was returned to represent Onslow, and Charles Morris, Jr., to represent Truro. Mr. Morris, being returned for Kings County at the same time, accepted the latter, and Truro was unrepresented until 1766. On June 5th, 1766, David Archibald, Esq., took his seat in the Assembly to represent Truro.
These first settlers endured a considerable amount of hardship for the first few years. In the fall of the year 1760 all the women excepting one returned to New England to spend the winter. In the Spring of the year 1761 they returned to Truro and Onslow with a considerable number of other settlers. On October 9th, 1761, Colonel Alexander McNutt, Agent of the British Government, arrived in Halifax with upwards of three hundred settlers from the North of Ireland; they were landed on the 15th of October, on what is now called McNab's Island; they remained about Halifax during the following winter, and endured a considerable amount of hardship. They were sent out by the British Government, and scantily supplied with provisions. In the Spring of the year, 1762 some of them went to Horton, some to Windsor, some to Londonderry, some to Onslow, and others to Truro. On April 17th, 1762, Governor Belcher recommended to the House of Assembly to aid the inhabitants of Truro and Onslow, with provisions and seed grain, as they were very much in need of both. The house declared it impossible on account of the heavy debt that was on the Province. More settlers continued to arrive in Nova Scotia, and the fertile intervals of Truro and Onslow attracted their attention; also the valuable marsh and upland lying on the two sides of Cobequid Bay.
In the year 1763 there were sixty families in Truro, and in 1765 there were about seventy. This year they obtained a grant from Government of the whole of the Township of Truro in one grant. It contains about eighty thousand acres of land. There is no reserve in this grant of mines or minerals. It is granted to about seventy persons, in "Rights." Some having but half a Right, some one Right, some a Right and a half, and others two Rights. This Grant is signed by Governor Wilmot, dated October 31st, 1765.
Alexander Miller (grandfather of the writer) was one of these grantees. He was the youngest son of Alexander Miller who emigrated from Belfast, Ireland, with his wife and several children, about the year 1718. He settled first in Saco, Maine. A few years after he purchased a large tract of land near what is now Portland, Maine, where he settled and continued the remainder of his life. About the year 1740 he loaded a vessel with boards and sailed in her for Boston to dispose of the cargo. The vessel was last seen near Wood Island; it was supposed that all on board were lost. After this the family removed to Londonderry, New Hampshire. Alexander Miller, Senior, had four sons and one daughter. About this daughter we have not been able to ascertain anything.
James, the eldest son of Alexander Miller, Senior, was born in Belfast, Ireland, in the year 1712. He was brought by his parents to New England, when he was six years old. He married Mary Alexander, for a second wife. They removed to Belfast, Maine, and arrived there May 20th, 1770. He was the first settler in that City. One of the principal streets is called Miller Street. He died there in the year 1794, aged 82 years.
James, the eldest son of James Miller and Mary Alexander, was married to Betsey Nismoth, of Belfast, Me. They had five sons and two daughters. He occupied lot No. 38 (now known as the Frothingham Place) for a term of years. He then removed with his family to the Western Country, where a number of his descendants still reside. He died there in the year 1840. His wife died about the year 1849.
Robert, another son of James Miller, Senr., occupied lot No. 37. He resided on High Street in the City of Belfast, U.S. He was one of the most respected in that city. He died a bachelor, in the year 1827.
Alexander, the third and youngest son of James Miller, died when he was young.
David, another son of James Miller, Senior, was married to Mary Boyes, of Londonderry, N.H. They had two sons and five daughters. They resided in the house that stands on the farm now known as the Griffin Farm in Northport, Maine. Samuel B., son of David Miller, lived a bachelor, and died May, 1842. Captain James Miller, the other son of David, was born at Northport, Maine, December 16th, 1787. Early in life he chose the occupation of a sailor. His sound health and strong body admirably fitted him for his calling. Many an incident in his history from boyhood to old age, very definitely indicate the man, as he was well known to be, most active and robust. One day, when he was quite a boy, he was returning home from Belfast, he cut a limb of a willow tree for a walking stick, at the Nismith place, now the Reed Farm; when he arrived home, he stuck down his walking staff into the soft ground; it took root, and grew to be a large tree, under the shade of which many weary travellers between Belfast and Camden have rested. During the years that he followed the sea, he sailed with many of the residents of Northport and Belfast, Maine. Gradually he advanced from the boy before the mast to the master mariner, coasting along our shores to the Provinces, West Indies and Europe. As an instance of his presence of mind and courage, the like of which very few men excel, may be known by what he did when about 22 years of age. He was on a voyage to England, and they had rough weather. In the English Channel a man fell overboard, February 21st, 1809; quick as thought James Miller passed a loose end of a rope around his body, and jumped over the railing of the ship after the man; he grasped him and both were dragged by the rope on board the ship again. He might have been identified by the mark of that rope for some time after. He was married February 23rd, 1830, and occupied the Robert Miller house on High Street, corner of Miller Street, being a joint owner with his brother, of that and other property. Having left the sea his attention was directed to the cultivation, improvement, and sale of land and other property in the city. Several of the streets were projected by him. He and his brother erected a store on the site of the present Post Office. He always felt an interest in all the maritime affairs of the day, and he was owner of several vessels. He built Commercial Street Wharf, which he disposed of to Sanford, of the Independent Line of Steamers. He lost his wife, May 1st, 1861 (a Christian woman). After that time he appeared greatly saddened and seemed to grow old much faster than in former year. As he had no children of his own, he has been very kind to the children of others--a father to the fatherless--giving good advice to all, which he was able to do from his long experience with his fellow men. He was charitable to the poor, no one ever left his house hungry or in distress if it was in his power to relieve them. Although he was strong and vigorous, yet the strong man was brought down. In January, 1871, he took a bad cold, and from that time he gradually failed in health. On July 6th, 1872, the once strong man was worn down, and quietly passed to rest on the morning of that day, being eighty-four year and six months old. The name of Captain James Miller will ever be remembered by those who knew him, for his kindness, patience, and charitable labours.
The foregoing are extracts from the obituary notice in the Progressive Age, paper, of Belfast, Me., July 26th, 1872.
Samuel, the second son of Alexander Miller, Senior, was married to Margaret Turner of Londonderry, N.H. They had two sons, and ten daughters. They settled in Petersborough, N.H., where they spent the remainder of their lives.
Joseph, another son of Alexander Miller, Senior, settled in Sullivan, Maine, where he left a numerous posterity.
Alexander, the forth and youngest son of Alexander Miller, Senr., was born in New England in the year 1725. He was married to Nancy Anderson, of New England, about the year 1749. He was one of the first company that came to Truro in the fall of the year 1759, and came again with their families in the Spring of the year 1760. It may here be observed that his aged mother, who been long a widow, and in a poor state of health, would not consent to stay in New England with any of her sons, but came to Nova Scotia with her youngest son, Alexander, as her attachment was strong towards him. She died about eight or ten days after they arrived in Truro, and was the first person who was interred in the Truro Cemetery, the exact spot being now unknown. It is said that when they erected the Church, eight years after, it was found necessary to place it over the grave. Alexander Miller's house lot was on the west side of the Parade. He built his first house on the same place where the Court House now stands, and lived in it fifteen years. He built his next house on his front wood lot, near the place that Mr. John L. Doggett now resides. At this time it was considered quite a distance in the woods. At this place he spent the remainder of his days, and died April 9th, 1791, aged 66 years. His widow died March 28th 1807. It was he and his brother-in-law, Captain John Morrison, (grandfather of Thomas F. Morrison, M.P.P.) who built the first mill which was stated in Truro after it was settled by the British. This Mill was built at the same place the Mills now stand near the house of Mr. John McClure. The French had some kind of a Mill at the same place; there was a millstone found in the bottom of the brook. The writer has now in his possession a copy of an interesting letter written by Alexander Miller to his brother James, who resided then in Belfast, Province of Maine, dated at Truro, June 24th, 1786. He states in this letter how well he had prospered in worldly things since he settled in Truro. That he was now owner of 1650 acres of good land, 31 head of cattle, 3 horses, and 14 sheep; and that his son Isaac had 500 acres of land, and Samuel had 250 acres; and that his son Samuel had helped to kill eleven moose the winter before. His son James had not returned home having been absent more than eight years. He had a letter from him, dated at Cork, Ireland, May 9th, 1785. He informed him by this letter that he was married to a woman in Cork, and that he was bound for Holland as a first mate of a brig. Alexander Miller sympathized with his brother James on account of the sufferings of him and family during the time of the American Revolution. He states to him the critical situations that he was placed in at one time in Truro between the two parties. For entertaining some of his American friends, he and his two sons had to take to the woods and remain there until the soldiers went off. He also states that the winter before the snow was three feet deep along the side of the Bay, and back about ten miles it was five feet deep, and that it went off that Spring with the heat of the sun. The grain that had been sowed about six weeks before the date of the letter was but then coming through the ground. He and his wife join in thanking God for His many mercies. This letter contains a great deal more about family affairs that might be interesting to connections, but which we do not copy.
Isaac, the eldest son of Alexander and Nancy Miller, was born in New England in the year 1750, and was brought by his parents to Nova Scotia when he was ten years old. He was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Adam and Janet Dickey, Dec. 12th 1781. He settled on what was his father's land, and built his house on the east side of the Mill Brook, in the field that is now owned by Mr. William Sutherland. He owned all the interval and meadow lying on both sides of this brook, with a considerable upland. In the fall of the year 1809, there were quite a number of Indians encamped on his farm, on the upland, west of the interval, now called the Indian Hill. Some of the Indians had borrowed an axe from him. One evening, a little before sunset, he unyoked his team from the plough in his interval, and walked up the hill to the Indian's camp to see about his axe, as he had not heard any noise of the Indians during the day. When he approached the camps, all was stillness. Almost the first thing he saw was his axe, lying outside the door covered with blood. He went into the camp, and there he found an Indian lying with cloth spread over him. When he removed the cloth, he was very much astonished at seeing the head nearly severed from the body, which had evidently been done with his axe. He was so struck with awe, that he left the place in haste to give notice to the neighbours. It appeared that all the Indians, except this one and his squaw, had left the day before. His squaw was suspected for committing the fatal deed. It was said that her attachment was stronger for another Indian than it was towards his husband. She was pursued by a constable and a number of others, and take prisoner at Stewiacke, brought back to jail, and was tried in the court at Truro. The verdict of the jury was, not guilty, as there was no positive proof of guilt. The late George S. Dickey was one of the men who went after her. She was taken from among a large number of Indians; but there was no resistance offered by them towards the company that took her. Mr. Miller sold out his farm in Truro in the spring of the year 1816. He removed with his family to Lower Stewiacke, and purchased a farm from William Pollack, Senr., and his son Samuel, being the same farm that Mr. John Teas and son now reside upon, north of the railroad station, and on the north side of the River. He died there Nov. 4th, 1825, aged 75 years. His wife died in Truro December 20th 1803, aged 40 years.
Mary Miller, their eldest daughter, was born Nov. 7th, 1782. She was married to Samuel, the youngest son of James and Mary Dunlap, February 11th, 1813. They had three sons and four daughters. She died January 12th, 1861, aged 78 years. Mr. Dunlap died March 2nd, 1850, aged 68 years.
James Miller, their eldest son, was born____, 1784. He died when young.
Janet Dickey Miller, their second daughter, was born August 8th, 1785. She was married to William Frieze, of Maitland, Jan'y 14th, 1809. They had five sons and four daughters. She died Dec. 25th, 1844, aged 59 years. Mr. Frieze died January 14th, 1843, aged 68 years.
Nancy Anderson Miller, their third daughter, was born March 30th, 1787. She was married to Andrew Yuill, of Clifton, Dec. 1st, 1814. They had three daughters. She died April 15th, 1822, aged 35 years.
James, the second son of Isaac and Elizabeth Miller, was born January 17th, 1790. He followed land surveying. When he was a young man, he was engaged surveying in the County of Pictou, and there became acquainted with Miss Jane McGill, of the West River. They were married February 14th, 1816. He settled at Lower Stewiacke, and remained there for about ten or twelve years. He then sold out and removed to Halifax, and remained there until the fall of the year 1834, when he removed to New Glasgow, and shortly after lost his health. He died there Dec. 5th, 1836, in the 47th year of his age. His widow died there June 3rd 1872, aged 75 years.
Elizabeth, the eldest daughter of James and Jane Miller, was born May 2nd, 1817. She was married to John Ray in Halifax. They removed to the United States. They had two sons and two daughters. Mr. Ray died there. She was married again.
Ann Miller, their second daughter, was born March 18th, 1819. She now resides in New Glasgow, Pictou.
John Miller, their eldest son, was born January 21st, 1821. He was married to Hannah, daughter of Robert McConnell and Marian Smith, his wife, Dec. 25th, 1848. He settled at New Glasgow, where he carries on business as a flour and bread merchant. His first wife died March 18th, 1869. He was married again to Elizabeth, the third daughter of Andrew and Nancy Yuill, of Clifton, June 27th, 1871.
Frederick, the eldest son of John and Hannah Miller, was born March 17th, 1850. James Miller, their second son, was born June 29th, 1851. William Miller, their third son, was born May 28th, 1857. Christiana Miller, their eldest daughter, was born May 10th, 1860. Jane Miller, their second daughter, was born June 12th, 1862. Hannah Miller, their third daughter, was born March 5th, 1869.
David, the second son of James and Jane Miller, was born March 10th, 1823. He went to reside with his uncle, William McGill, in 1834, and continued with him while he lived. He now inherits what was his uncle's farm. He was married to Sarah, daughter of Robert McConnell and Marian Smith, his wife, June 2nd, 1848. Isaac Miller, their eldest son, was born March 13th, 1849. Jane Miller, their eldest daughter, was born February 28th, 1851. Caroline Miller was born May 12th, 1853. Amelia Miller, born Sept. 28th, 1857. William McGill Miller was born February 12th, 1859. Anne Miller was born March 19th 1862. Frank Miller was born May 12th, 1869.
Nancy, the third daughter of James and Jane Miller, was born March 4th, 1825.
Rebecca, the forth daughter of James and Jane Miller, was born April 18th, 1827. She was married to James Stewart on March 18th, 1847. They had four sons and four daughters. They are settled at Brookfield.
Alexander, the third son of Isaac and Elizabeth Miller, was born in Truro, February 15th, 1792. He removed to Lower Stewiacke with his father and family in 1816. He removed again to the State of Maine in the spring of the year 1824. He died there a bachelor, January 20th, 1861, aged 69 years.
Rebecca Crowe Miller, their forth daughter, was born in Truro, January 8th, 1794. She removed to the State of Maine, and resided with her brother Alexander during the remainder of his life. Shortly after his death, she returned to Truro. She died at Clifton unmarried, October 12th, 1866, aged 72 years.
Eleanor Miller, their fifth daughter, was born Nov. 6th, 1797. She had poor health, and was subject to fits. She died at Stewiacke February, 1822, aged 24 years.
Adam Miller, their fourth son, was born May 21st, 1799. He was married to Sarah, the eldest daughter of William and Louisa Hamilton, of Brookfield, March 12th, 1829. They have resided in Upper Stewiacke since about the year 1840.
Nancy, the eldest daughter of Adam and Sarah Miller, was born February 28th, 1830. She was married to Thomas Robison, Halifax, January 4th, 1868.
Sarah Ann, their second daughter, was born October 18th, 1831. She was married to John Henderson Archibald April 5th, 1853. They inherit her father's farm at Upper Stewiacke.
Louisa Miller, their youngest daughter, was born September 14th, 1837. She was married to Henry Brown, of Halifax, October 17th, 1865. They had two daughters.
Elizabeth, the youngest daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Miller, was born in Truro, July 13th, 1801.
James, the second son of Alexander and Nancy Miller, was born in New England in 1753, and was brought by his parents to Truro in 1760. He left home when young, to follow the sea, and was pressed to serve on board of a ship of war for some time: and, after being released, he returned home. In April 1778, he left home again to follow his calling as a mariner. Some time after this, he was in charge of a brig, which laid in the Port of Cork, Ireland, during the winter; and he there made the acquaintance of Miss Eleanor Mahon, and they were married in the year 1783.
Nancy, their eldest daughter, was born in Cork December 16th, 1784. She was married to Stephen, son of Robert and Susan Johnston, of the Lower Village of Truro, July 27th, 1811. They had three sons and three daughters. She died in Upper Stewiacke, Nov. 25th, 1870; and her husband died Dec. 26th, 1856, aged 69 years.
James and Eleanor Miller had two sons, who died young, in Ireland. He continued to follow the sea as captain. Upon one occasion he met with Captain Wm. Cock on the street in the city of London; and, as Capt. Cock said to himself, "He never was gladder in his life to see any person than he was when he met Captain James Miller." In the year 1792, he returned home with his wife and daughter, then eight years old, and settled for a while on the farm on which John Barber now resides, near the mouth of the Shubenacadie River, where their two sons, Alexander and James, were born. He had John Nelson hired to work his farm; and he continued to go to sea until his wife died in the year 1796. He was married again to Elizabeth, daughter of William and Dolly Putnam, widow of James Smith, of Upper Stewiacke in 1797, and had three sons and one daughter.
Alexander, the eldest son of Captain James and Eleanor Miller, was married to Margaret McLeod, of Cape Breton, October 15th, 1836. They had four sons and two daughters, whose names are John, Alexander, James, Charles, Eleanor, and Nancy. James, their third son is married to Miss Agnes Reynolds and has removed to the United States. They have one son and two daughters. Alexander married Melvina Cummings. Alexander Miller fourth died in Cape Breton, June 10th, 1844. His widow is married to Abraham Newcomb of Musquodoboit. James the second son of Captain James Miller, was married to Margaret McDonald. They had three sons and one daughter. James the eldest of these three was lost at sea. The names of the other two are John and Alexander. The daughter's name is Eleanor. Mrs. Miller died, and he married again to Jane Maples. They removed to Margaree, Cape Breton, and had three sons and three daughters.
Joseph, the eldest son of Capt. James and Elizabeth Miller, was born 1798. He was married to Ann Shipley, of Cumberland County, in 1830, and had two sons and two daughters. Their names are James, Prescott Isaac, Elizabeth, and Ann. Elizabeth is married to Joseph Atkinson, and has a family of children in Boston, Mass. Ann, the second daughter of Joseph and Ann Miller, is married to Henry Lyford, and has a family of children in Boston, Mass. Joseph Miller removed from Antigonish, where he was born and brought up, to the United States in the year 1836, and about three years after, as he was driving along the road in a stage waggon, with a number of others, in the State of Florida, he was shot by the Indians, who were concealed in ambush. He left a widow and four young children.
Elizabeth, the only daughter of Capt. James and Elizabeth Miller, was born in Antigonish in 1800. She removed to Boston, Mass., some time ago, and was married to Mr. ________ Sheffield. She died July 4th, 1859.
David, the second son of Capt. James and Elizabeth Miller, was born in Antigonish in 1802, he removed to the United States, and was married there to Martha Floid, of Boston. They have three sons and two daughters.
Charles, the youngest son of Capt. James and Elizabeth Miller, was born at Antigonish in 1804. He was married to Elizabeth Smith, and had five sons and four daughters. He died suddenly some time ago, and left a widow with nine young children. His second son, William, is now a member of the Senate of the Dominion of Canada. His eldest son, James, died in the United States. His third son, Daniel, died a bachelor. Capt. James Miller, after he was married to his second wife, removed to Antigonish, where he reared his family and spent the remainder or his days. He carried on farming, milling and land surveying. He died November 10th, 1825, and his wife died a few years after him.
Jane, the, eldest daughter of Alexander and Nancy Miller, was born about two years before they came to Nova Scotia. She was married to David Archibald, second son of Samuel Archibald and Eleanor Taylor, December 1st, 1778, and had seven sons and two daughters. Samuel, the third son of Alexander and Nancy Miller, was born in Truro in the year 1761. He was married to Elizabeth Davidson, February 3rd, 1791. (Her father, James Davidson, lived in a house that stood on the same spot that William Nelson's house now stands, on the east of the Truro Cemetery.) Margaret Thomson Miller, their eldest daughter, was born December 2nd, 1791. She was married to Alexander, son of Alexander and Margaret Nelson, of Clifton, December 23rd, 1812, and had three sons and two daughters. She died October 1st, 1865. Mr. Nelson died about ten years before her. James Davidson Miller, their eldest son, was born March 2nd, 1795. He died a bachelor March 17th, 1858, aged sixty-three years. Sarah, the second daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Miller, was born March 2nd, 1797. She died unmarried October 22nd, 1871, aged seventy-four years. Alexander, their second son, was born August 25th 1799. He died in March, 1800. Nancy, their third daughter, was born March 18th, 1801, and died January 18th, 1803. William, their third son, was born May 12th, 1804. He is living a bachelor. Eleanor T., their fourth daughter, was born July 22nd, 1806. She was married to Hugh Ross, and has two sons. She is now a widow, living near Elmsdale. Samuel, fourth son of Samuel and Elizabeth Miller, was born April 1st, 1808 and died December 1830. Elizabeth, their fifth daughter, was born December 25th, 1811. She was married to John Frane December 18th, 1852, and has one son. Mary, their youngest daughter, was born June 5th, 1814. She is married to Robert Hall, and has three sons and three daughters. Samuel Miller lived and reared his family on the same farm on which the three sons of the late Samuel Forbes now reside, lying on the shore at Clifton. He died April 11th, 1837, aged seventy-six years, and his wife died October 18th, 1855, aged eighty-five years.
Sarah, the youngest daughter of Alexander and Nancy Miller, was born in Truro February 22nd, 1767. She was married to William, son of James and Elizabeth Johnson, of the Lower Village of Truro, November 15th, 1787. They removed to Upper Stewiacke, where they settled and reared their family. They had two sons and four daughters. Mrs. Johnson being in a bad state of health in the fall of the year 1820, was carried on her bed from Stewiacke to Truro, by two horses in a carriage, which was made for the purpose, and had a pair of shafts made long enough for one horse to walk after the other, and a place housed in for the bed between the horses, for the purpose of being attended by Dr. Suther, as there was no doctor at the time in Stewiacke. She died at the house of her brother, Alexander Miller, in Truro March 3rd, 1821. Her remains were taken to Stewiacke for interment. Mr. Johnson died at Stewiacke December 16th, 1830.
Alexander, the youngest son of Alexander and Nancy Miller, was born where the Court House now stands in Truro, April 22nd, 1769. He was married to Rebecca, daughter of Joseph Crowe, Senr., and Esther Barnhill, of Chiganoise, December 6th, 1792. Mrs. Miller died October 19th, 1793. He was married again to Rebecca, daughter of Thomas Baird and Margaret Barnhill, of Chiganoise (by the Rev. Duncan Ross, when he came first to this country), June 29th, 1795. He inherited his father's farm, and, having purchased the adjoining lot on the west from David Whidden, he removed his house across the road to the place on which David B. Fletcher's house now stands, in the year 1799, where he spent the remainder of his days. At the moving of his house Alexander Barnhill (father of John Barnhill) got his leg broken. He followed farming and land surveying. From the year 1820 to 1826 he owned a schooner and was engaged in trade, which proved to be very unprofitable to his worldly circumstances. He was an elder in the Presbyterian Church for thirty-one years, and most of this time he was clerk and treasurer of the Session. He was one of the first advocates of the Temperance cause in Truro, which commenced about the year 1828. And it may here be observed that the first funeral that was held in Truro (except it might have been at the very early settlement of the place) without the use of spirituous liquor, was the funeral of the late Ebenezer Archibald, which took place August 10th, 1829. The writer has in his possession the rules of the first Temperance Society which was formed in Truro, in the handwriting of John McCurdy, who was then teaching school in the school house which stood near Mr. Thomas Taylor's house. Mr. McCurdy was Secretary of the Society, Rev. John Waddell, President, Alexander Miller Vice-President, Alexander Kent, David Page, Senr., Charles Tucker, John J. Archibald and David Page, Junr., were the committee of management. These rules are dated January 10th, 1831. One of the rules of this Society was that it should meet quarterly, and at every meeting there should be an address given by some person to be appointed by the committee.
The following is the address given by the said Alexander Miller at one of the quarterly meetings held in the old Court House in the fall of 1832: ---
"I have been young and now am old, and have seen public opinion often changed in Truro. I am now standing near the spot where I first existed, as this house nearly touches the ground on which the house stood where I was born; and on this green around here is where my feet trod in my early days. Nearly all my former acquaintances have left me, and I am becoming a stranger to the spot where I was born. And knowing that I must soon go the way that nearly all of my acquaintances have gone a little before me, I think it my duty to take notice of some of the changes that I have witnessed regarding the traffic in, and use of, ardent spirits, and the different changes in public opinion with regard to the same, together with the change that has taken place in my own opinion.
"In the first of my recollection; perhaps about the year 1773, there was one barrel of rum sold in the Upper Village of Truro; and the next year one puncheon; and the next two, and I believe the next year there were three puncheons sold, and so on it kept increasing until, in the year 1831, there were sixty puncheons sold in Truro. In these early days the people of Truro were famed for a sober, orderly, and hospitable people, but pretty much as trade increased and the use of ardent spirits increased, the people sank in reputation, and many of our old respectable people fell before the destroyer. The public opinion was then that ardent spirits was one of the good creatures of God, to be used, but not abused, and according as they believed they practised, and they went on in this way until the use of it became common, and was thought respectable. A person was not thought sociable or generous if he did not keep it to treat his friends, till alas, the many instances of the evils which have passed before us are enough to make us shudder. It is not worth while to mention them here, for they are too well known to us all. But we have reason to be thankful that a change of public opinion has, in some measure, taken place, and is still on the move; and many who formerly considered it one of God's good creatures, to be used in moderation, consider it now the creature perverted from its original use to the service of the devil, and that it is a sin to tamper with it at any rate. Total abstinence is the only way of defeating the adversary, and from principles of christianity, philanthropy, and true patriotism, a number have come forward and pledged themselves to total abstinence from the use of ardent spirits, and the immoderate use of all intoxicating liquors, under the name of the "Truro Temperance Society." About two years ago there were only eighteen persons found to embrace these principles. At the end of the first year the number stood at 133, and at the end of the second year 175, belonging to what is called the "Old Society." Besides these, about 60 young men have espoused the cause and formed themselves into a society on the same principles, and are doing much good by co-operating with us. The young people taking the cause in hand, bids fair for the work being completed by the next generation.
"There is much against the work being accomplished by this generation, who have been brought up in what I call the old school, where moderate drinking was taught, believed in, and practised, until the appetite became so strong for the poison by habit, the understanding impaired, and the conscience lulled to sleep; and persons saying it is good for the body in a great many circumstances, and it would be wrong for us to deprive ourselves of this good, and so they drink on; still they grow more attached to it, until final ruin ensues. Now, the world is divided on these two great questions, whether ardent spirits is the good creature of God or not? These two great questions are to be determined by the Court of public opinion, and every person has a part to act in the decision. Therefore each one should endeavor to qualify himself as a Judge, to give an impartial opinion on this great and important subject. We must see that we are not prejudiced in the cause, and that we give due attention to have ourselves properly informed in the matter, and have none of the spiritous liquor mixed with our blood, nor so strongly wedded to its use that nothing but death can separate. When all are thus properly qualified to vote in this matter by having the understanding informed, the conscience enlightened and in lively exercise, then I have no doubt but the decision will be in favor of total abstinence principles. And if this was acted upon, the monster would soon be driven from this world, and man delivered from one of his greatest enemies. But should the Court of public opinion not take due pains to qualify itself on this question, and give but a partial decision, then the monster would still be permitted to den in our land, and go through it destroying its inhabitants. Then where will the responsibility lie? Will it not be upon those who have not done their duty in discouraging the use of it in every way that lay in their power? If all would come forward, the work would be done at once. Those who have come forward and done their duty have acquitted themselves. But awful must be the responsibility on those where it rests, not only to society in this world, but the responsibility that they are under to the great Judge at the last day.
"The cause of temperance admits of no doubt of its originating in Divine love, and it will progress, although there is so much opposition to the good cause, under so many false opinions that are abroad in the world. Of some of these false pretenses I shall here take notice, such as the following: Some say that they would join the society only the members are a set of hypocrites. They pretend to abstain for a while and then drink worse than ever.' 'Others say that they like temperance very well, but they carry things too far, and those who are its most zealous friends say things that are so disgusting; such as that ardent spirits are not the good creatures of God, but the perversion of them through the invention of men, under the instigation of the devil, and we cannot put up with such doctrine as to abstain altogether. But grant us the moderate use, and not the abuse, and we will join you.' 'Others say that they see no use in these societies; if a man has not religious principle enough to bind him, it will not be the signing of the pledge that will do any good to make him refrain.' Now, to these last we say that the religion of Jesus binds every one of his followers, and especially those who have been themselves guilty in countenancing any sin, and have been brought to an evangelical repentance of the same, and are sensible of the dishonor done to Christ and his cause. They that love him cannot stand by and see the spear thrust into his side without regret, and, out of love to him, make use of all rational means in their power to stem vice, especially this one of intemperance, which has done so much evil to the human race; and what means would be so effectual as if all would come forward and assist in removing the temptation out of the way, by not countenancing the traffic or use of it. Now, I say from Christian principle that it is the duty of every one to come forward and make use of every means in his power to put a stop to the use of an article which has been proved to be of no use, but hurtful to the human constitution, from the testimony of hundreds of respectable physicians who have given their names to the world. Also, the evidence of thousands who have made the experiment ought to be conclusive evidence to those who have not as yet made the experiment; and the responsibility rests on those who stand aloof from this great work. To those who plead for the moderate use, and not the abuse, I would say, look at the danger you are in and let conscience speak, and see if it will not tell you that it is presumption for you to follow a path which has conducted so many to ruin, for no man ever became a drunkard at once, and I would have you to examine and see if you are not trusting to your own strength, which it is to be feared will be your ruin, as it has been to many before you. I would ask those who are still wavering in opinion whether ardent spirits is one of the good creatures of God, or whether they have been perverted from their original use by the art of man, through the instigation or suggestion of Satan? The tree is known by its fruit, and when we come to look and see the amount of evil and mischief the use of it produces, we must come to the conclusion at once that it is the work of the bad and not of the good spirit. Next, to those who say that the temperance people are all a set of hypocrites who only pretend that they abstain, but ill drink as fast as those who make no pretensions---to these I would say not to be too hasty in judging the heart, which belongs only to God, who well knows the intentions of the heart. But it is to be regretted that there is so much truth in this remark---that so many have put their hand to the plough and have looked back, or, from want of resolution, have gone in the way of temptation, and have fallen before it. To such as have been sensible of their fall, and express a desire to continue in the good cause, looking for Divine assistance (being now by their fall made sensible of their own weakness), I would say bear with them, and admonish them in the spirit of meekness, and drop a tear of pity over those who are so far gone as to allow themselves to indulge in moderate or immoderate drinking, which is the road to misery. To those who have been enabled to sustain their pledge I would say endeavor to be firm and stand fast, taking good heed lest you fall; and go on steadily, depending on Him who can give strength to bring us all honorably through this world. It is much to be regretted that so many of those who were expected to come forward are still standing aloof and taking no part in this great work. It is recommended by your committee not to deal in stores where this traffic is carried on. Also, to petition the Legislature and the Court of Sessions to prohibit the use of strong drink in houses of entertainment."
Upon the foregoing recommendation, petitions were prepared, and signed by a large number of persons from different parts of the County, to the Court of Sessions for the County of Colchester, January term 1833, asking the Court not to grant license to any person to sell spirituous liquors. Mr. William Creelman (father of the Hon Samuel Creelman) was the delegate and bearer of petitions from Upper Stewiacke. And when it was proposed to grant license, the foregoing named Alexander Miller rose in the court, and stated that he held in his hand petitions, signed by hundreds of respectable persons, asking the worshipful Court not to grant license for the sale of liquors, when the Judge, in a very peremptory manner, stopped him from saying anything in support of the prayer of the petition. And when the petitions were read and the vote taken, there was a majority of the Justices in favour of not granting licenses. With this decision the Judge appeared quite dissatisfied, and said to the Justices, "that he did not know what they meant by violating the laws of the Province in such a manner." Alexander Miller, 3rd, eldest son of the foregoing Alex. Miller and Rebecca Baird, his wife, was born in Truro, May 8th, 1796 (being the same day that Truro Village was burnt). He was married to Sarah, daughter of John Faulkner and Janet Moor, his wife. (Sarah being the widow of the late James Perkins who was drowned from a fishing boat at Five Islands, and left a young widow and one daughter. This daughter is now the wife of Robert Cummings, and has two sons and one daughter). Alexander Miller and Sarah Perkins were married Dec. 19th, 1822. They had three sons and two daughters.
James, the eldest son of Alexander and Sarah Miller, was born in Truro, March 4th, 1824. He was married to Margaret, daughter of Samuel and Margaret Forbes, of Clifton, May 24, 1851, and had two daughters. Sarah, their eldest daughter, was born Feb. 11th, 1853. Ermina, their other daughter, was born August 12th, 1855. James Miller was a Colporteur and School teacher. He died suddenly at the Folley, Londonderry, Feb. 10th, 1858, in the 34th year of his age. Nancy, the eldest daughter of Alexander and Sarah Miller, was born December 5th, 1824. She died unmarried Dec. 29th, 1862.
Robert, the second son of Alexander and Sarah Miller, was born January 4th, 1828. He was a house-joiner, and removed to New Hampshire, U.S.; and was married there to Sarah Blanchard, of Watertown, Mass, U. S., Feb. 29th 1851, and died March 7th, 1852, aged 23 years. Elizabeth, the second daughter of Alexander and Sarah Miller, was born June 10th, 1830. She was married to Isaac Miller October 24th, 1859, and removed to California, where he had his arm broken, and some time after, the arm was taken off; and he returned to Truro in a bad state of health, and died on Nov. 13th, 1864, in the 40th year of his age. Elizabeth was married again to William Dickson, of Onslow, June 20th, 1865, and had one son and one daughter.
Alexander, the youngest son of Alexander and Sarah Miller, was born October 15th, 1832. He works at cutting and engraving monuments. He was married to Sarah Ann, daughter of John J. and Mary Archibald, Nov. 25th, 1856. Agnes, their eldest daughter, was born April 11th, 1859. Mary Jane, their second daughter was born August 7th, 1861, and died August 30th, 1863. Andrew, their son, was born February 16th, 1863, and died Dec. 18th, 1865. Jannie Blanchard, their third daughter, was born December 31st, 1867. The above named Alexander Miller, 3rd, died May 31st, 1855, aged 59 years.
Margaret, the eldest daughter of Alexander and Rebecca Miller, was born May 24th, 1797. She was married to James M. McCurdy, of Onslow, October 25th, 1814. They removed to Musquodoboit in March, 1816, where they took their farm from the forest, erected comfortable buildings, and raised their numerous family. They had eight sons and five daughters. All their daughters and four of their sons are dead. Their son, George, and daughter, Elizabeth, died near one time, and were both laid in one grave, George was 20 years old and Elizabeth 18. Mrs. McCurdy died Oct. 11th, 1845. Mr. McCurdy died March 30th, 1871.
Rebecca, the second daughter of Alexander and Rebecca Miller, was born August 10th, 1798. She was married to Joseph, eldest son of John and Sarah Barnhill, of Chiganoise, Feb. 29th, 1816. They had five sons and two daughters. She died June 1st, 1843, aged 45 years, and her husband died March 15th, 1869, aged 77 years. Nancy, the third daughter of Alexander and Rebecca Miller, was born May 21st, 1800. She was married to James D. Baird, of Onslow, July 13th, 1820. They had six sons and two daughters. Two sons and one daughter died some time ago. They removed to Pembroke, Upper Stewiacke, in the spring of the year 1861, where she is still living, but has been blind during the past ten or twelve years. Mr. Baird died June 2nd, 1871, aged 74 years.
Jane, the fourth daughter of Alexander and Rebecca Miller, was born December 26th, 1801. She was married to Alexander Nelson, April 8th, 1823. They had six sons and four daughters. They removed from Middle Stewiacke to Boston, Mass., in the year 1853. Their son, William, was drowned in Stewiacke River July 20th, 1845, when he was 12 years old. Their sons Alex., Thomas and George, all died near one time, in the year 1863, in the United States. Their daughter, Elizabeth, was married to Thomas West. Mr. West died December 12th, 1861, aged 29 years, and his wife, Elizabeth Nelson died March 27th, 1859, aged 22 years.
Thomas, the second son of Alexander and Rebecca Miller, was born December 25th, 1803. He was married in 1823, to Janet Colvan, daughter of John and Jane Smith. Rebecca, their eldest daughter, was born March 1st, 1824, and was married to John H. Archibald, of Harmony, January 29th, 1844. They have one daughter.
Jane, the second daughter of Thomas and Janet C. Miller, was born March 26th, 1826. She is married to John L. Archibald, of Harmony, Nov. 17th, 1846. They have six sons and one daughter. Their names are among the Archibalds.
Daniel Cock, the eldest son of Thomas and Janet C. Miller, was born March 4th, 1829. He was married to Olive Crowell March 4th, 1853. Colvan their eldest daughter, was born December 25th, 1853. Charles B., their eldest son, was born Oct. 25th, 1855.
Elizabeth Jane, their eldest daughter, was born Feb. 13th, 1857. Sarah was born Sept. 15th, 1858, and died Nov. 11th, 1859. Sarah Rebecca was born May 27th, 1860. Robert was born Sept. 22nd, 1861. Albert Edward was born August 18th, 1863. Clara Agnes, was born August 13th 1865, and died May 5th, 1866. Mary Etta was born March 12th, 1867. William was born June 11th, 1868. Thomas was born March 6th, 1871.
Alison, the third daughter of Thomas and Janet C. Miller, was born April 5th, 1832. She was married to Edward Johnson, of Upper Stewiacke, Dec. 4th, 1855. They had four sons. Mr. Johnson died in Halifax, March 20th, 1864.
Christie, the fourth daughter of Thomas and Janet C. Miller, was born Feb. 5th, 1837. She was married to Robert Dinsmore October 13th, 1859. They have two sons and three daughters.
Mary, the fifth daughter of Thomas and Janet C. Miller, was born May 26th, 1840. She died unmarried August 22nd, 1859, in the 20th year of her age. William, their second son, was born January 8th, 1843, and died June 10th, 1843. William Alexander, their third son, was born June 21st, 1844. He left home April 2nd, 1867, and went to California. He was absent more than four years, and returned home May 9th, 1871. He was married to Olive, the youngest daughter of David T. and Eleanor Archibald, Dec. 18th, 1872.
Isaac Geddie, the fourth son of Thomas and Janet C. Miller, was born May 4th, 1847. He removed to the United States May 31st, 1870. He returned home January, 1872. John Smith, their fifth son, was born Dec. 6th, 1849.
Robert Smith, their youngest son, was born March 25th, 1853, and died July 24th, 1858. Mrs. Miller died January 23rd, 1873, in the 68th year of her age. Mary, the fifth daughter of Alexander and Rebecca Miller, was born Sept. 22nd, 1805. She was married to Robert Archibald. They had two sons; both died young. She died Feb. 8th, 1855. Elizabeth, the sixth daughter of Alex. and Rebecca Miller, was born Jan. 23rd, 1807. She was married to Robert, son of Edward and Hannah Logan, January 22nd, 1828. Their family and deaths appear in the Logan family. Sarah, the seventh daughter of Alex and Rebecca Miller, was born April 17th, 1809. She was married to William Logan January 8th, 1829, and had five sons and two daughters who appear in the Logan family. Eleanor, the young-est daughter of Alexander and Rebecca Miller, was born July 13th, 1812. She was married to Daniel Hamilton, of Onslow, Feb. 14th, 1835. They had five sons and four daughters. On Nov. 5th, 1844, Mr. Hamilton was caught by his coat with the cogs of a wheel of a grist mill, and was drawn through between the cogs of the two wheels where there was a space of but two and a half inches. He was very much injured; and had it not been that one cog came on each side of his back-bone, he would have been nearly cut in two.
