A FEW HISTORICAL EVENTS WHICH TOOK PLACE IN TRURO, AND ITS NEIGHBORHOOD FROM ITS EARLY SETTLEMENT UP TO THE PRESENT TIME.
William Fisher was the first Town Clerk who was in Truro. He acted from the year 1761 to 1771. Samuel Archibald, second, was Clerk from this time until 1779, the time of his death. His brother, Robert Archibald, was Clerk for the years 1780 and 1781. James Archibald, Esq., was Clerk for the year 1782. Dr. John Harris was Clerk until the end of 1790. Gavin Johnson was then Clerk until the end of 1798. Then David Archibald, seventh, acted four years; when he removed to Onslow. Alexander Miller was Clerk from the beginning of the year 1803, until the time of his death, in 1834. The first Court of Sessions was held in Onslow, about the year 1769, in the house of Samuel Nichols, Senr., which stood then about forty rods west of the new Church. At one time, the Grand Jury voted L 15 to pay Mr. Nichols for the use of his house to hold Courts in, on condition that he would not sell any rum during the sitting of the Courts. The people of Pictou came to Onslow, to attend Court up to the year 1790. Courts continued to be held in Onslow, until 1800. A Court house was built on the top of the hill on the north side of Salmon River, front of the Metzler House, in 1799. The Courts were held there but a short time. In the year 1803, this house was taken down by the late Ebenezer Archibald, and hauled through the interval and River, and set up again on the parade in front of the present Court-house. It was used as a Court-house until the year 1844; it was removed after the present one was built. At the first settlement of the County, Cobequid had no Jail for a considerable number of years, excepting the cellar of David Archibald, Esq., which was occasionally used for that purpose. After some time, when Courts were held in Onslow, they had some kind of log Jail there. The first Jail that was in Truro, was built in 1803; it stood on what is now the street in front of the Registrar of Deeds' office. There had been but little use for a Jail in Truro hitherto, but about this time and for a number of years after, imprisonment for debt was very common, much more so than at the present day. In May, 1817, this first Jail was burnt down. Beggs and Munro, two Scotch tailors, were suspected of setting it on fire. These two men were confined in Jail at the time, charged with burglary and stealing. In 1818, another Jail was built, and was used until 1865, when it was taken down, after the present Jail was erected. The first mail was carried from Halifax to Pictou in December, 1801, by the late Alexander Stewart (who kept an Inn on Mount Tom, at the same place that his daughter Nancy continued to keep while she lived). He travelled on foot, carrying the mail in his picket or on his back, once a fortnight until about 1812.
Mr. Niles, of Cumberland, carried a mail from Halifax to Amherst during the year 1813, once a week, which it took him the six days of the week to perform. He did it himself, with the exception of one week, altogether on horseback. About this time, Ezra Witter removed from the western part of the Province and settled on Bible Hill, where he carried on chaise building. He took the mail to carry from Halifax to Cumberland, which he did with a chaise drawn by one horse for a number of years. Richard Upham Marsters carried the mail from Truro to Pictou during the year 1813, on horseback. Eliakim Tupper carried it in 1814. Jacob Lynds drove the mail from Truro to Pictou from 1815 until 1828. Mr. Witter drove it from Halifax to Cumberland about the same time, with the assistance of Michael Summers and others. In 1828, there was a company formed to run a coach from Halifax to Pictou to carry the mail and passengers. In 1842, Hiram Hyde purchased these horses and coaches and drove until the cars commenced to run, in December, 1858. The first engine passed up Salmon River on the railroad on August 21st, 1866; it was engaged in ballasting the road. The same fall, the railroad was opened for the conveyance of mail and passengers to Pictou. Charles B. Archibald carried the mail and passengers from Truro to Cumberland for more than twenty years, up to November, 1872, when the Intercolonial railroad was opened for traffic. William and Robert Watson drove from Truro to Cumberland, for a number of years before Mr. Archibald commenced.
In the early part of the settlement of Nova Scotia, there were large amounts of labour lost in road-making, for want of having them properly laid out. If we had been placed in the same situation that our forefathers were, at the first settlement of the place, the probability is that we would have done no better. Their main object was to keep out of the swamps and wet land with their paths, or roads, through the woods. To attain this object, the highest land was passed over, and deep valleys crossed in their narrowest places. As it was, the travelling for man and beast was very laborious. This state of things continued until Sir James Kempt became Governor of Nova Scotia. We may give him the credit of being the originator of level roads in Nova Scotia. He was not long in Nova Scotia, until he set to work to get rid of the travelling over the heavy hills. He obtained the assistance of Mr. George Whitman, and other scientific men, in carrying out this desirable object. The first part of the road between Halifax and Truro, on what is called the level system, was made about the year 1828, along the edge of the Grand Lake. In the year 1834, it was made from Truro to Brookfield. This work was carried on until the level road was completed from Halifax to Pictou, about the year 1840. When Mr. Whitman took surveys from Halifax to Truro, and reported to the Government that a line of road could be got that would have no greater rise in it than one foot in thirty, he was laughed at by many of the people.
At the first settlement of this country, and for a long time after, the wheat crop yielded an abundant harvest; and there was no such thing then as the manufacture or use of oatmeal. In the year 1818, John Young, Est., (father of Sir William Young, who is now Chief Justice of Nova Scotia), wrote a number of letters in, the Acadian Recorder, over the name Agricola, upon agriculture, which stirred the people up to a new system of farming. One thing he recommended was the erection of mills to manufacture oatmeal. Upon this recommendation, Thomas Dickson, Esq., (who was his co-representative for the County of Sydney a few years after) fitted up a mill for that purpose, at the same place that the mills now stand in Truro. The first oatmeal that was manufactured in Colchester, (and, I think, in the Province), was done at this mill in 1820. Before this time, oatmeal was unknown by the natives of Nova Scotia. Not many years after the use of oatmeal commenced, the wheat crop began to fail. In this year, September 6th, the first cattle show was held in Halifax. Sir James Kempt took a lively interest in this. He was in attendance, and distributed prizes. John Young, Esq., took a very active part in this business, as well as many others. The next fall, the first cattle show was held in Truro. About this time, ploughing matches commenced, and more interest was taken in agriculture and the improvement of stock.
On February 18th, 1826, a public meeting was held in Halifax, on the subject of the Shubenacadie Canal. The estimated cost of this Canal was L 60,000. Messrs. Jeffrey and Cunard subscribed L 1000 each. There were L 13,000 subscribed at this meeting, a company was formed, and the House of Assembly granted L 15,000. Charles Rufus Fairbanks took a very active part in the work. On Monday, July 24th, the ground was broken for the commencement of this great work by His Excellency the Earl of Dalhousie, in presence of Sir James Kempt, the Members of Council, and a large number of respectable citizens. The work went on for a number of years, a larger amount of money was expended than the estimate. This great work turned out to be all but a useless undertaking.
As before mentioned, Cobequid was directed to be included in the County of Halifax, in 1761. In 1765, Charles Morris, jr., was returned to represent the township of Truro in the House of Assembly, and James Brenton, Esq., for the township of Onslow. Mr. Morris being returned to represent Kings County at the same time; he accepted for Kings County, and Truro was unrepresented until 1766, when David Archibald, Esq. took his seat on June 5th. In 1770, William Fisher was returned to represent Truro, Joshua Lamb for Onslow, and Captain John Morrison, having removed from Truro to Londonderry in 1769, took his seat in 1770 to represent Londonderry, without opposition. Mr. Fisher being in a bad state of health, Samuel Archibald, (eldest son of David Archibald, Esq.), took his seat in the Assembly, June 27th, 1775. In 1777, Samuel Archibald was returned to represent Truro, which he continued to do until the time of his death, in 1779. Dr. John Harris represented Truro after the death of Mr. Archibald until 1785, without opposition. Charles Dickson represented Onslow from 1777, it being unrepresented for a few years before, on account of there being no pay for members at this time. John Morrison continued to represent Londonderry until 1778. Richard Cunningham was the representative for Londonderry until the end of the Long Parliament, which continued from 1770 to 1785. There were seventeen sessions during that time. In 1785, Matthew Archibald was returned to represent Truro, Charles Dickson for Onslow, and James Smith, (eldest son of Rev. David Smith), for Londonderry. Mr. Smith's seat was declared vacant, April 6th, 1789, Robert McElhenney was elected to represent Londonderry on Feby. 25th, 1790. In February, 1793, there was a general election in the Province, this being the first election for the County of Halifax in which a Poll was opened in Onslow. It closed there February 26th. Matthew Archibald was returned to represent Truro, Charles Dickson for Onslow, and Robert McElhenney for Londonderry. In 1799, Simon B. Robie, of Halifax, was returned to represent Truro, Daniel McCurdy for Onslow, and Samuel Chandler for Londonderry. Up to this date the County of Halifax was represented altogether by men residing within the Town of Halifax; at this election, as before mentioned, James Fulton, Esq., of Bass River, and Edward Mortimer, of Pictou, were the first who offered to represent the County, who did not reside in Halifax. A Poll was opened in Halifax, Onslow, and Pictou; it was closed in Pictou December 13th, being the first election held in Pictou, when Fulton, Mortimer, Tonge, and Morris were returned. November 18th, 1806, the new Assembly met, (9th general assembly, first session). Members returned for the County of Halifax, Edward Mortimer of Pictou, S. G. W. Archibald of Truro, Simon B. Robie and William Lawson of Halifax; Thomas Pearson for Truro, Nathaniel Marsters for Onslow, and Samuel Chandler for Londonderry. The tenth General Assembly of this Province was elected in 1811, (the first election within the recollection of the writer.) Mortimer, Archibald, Robie, and Lawson were again returned to represent the County of Halifax. James Kent for Truro, Nathaniel Marsters for Onslow, and James Flemming for Londonderry. In 1818 Mortimer, Archibald, Robie and Lawson were again returned for the County of Halifax. William Dickson for Truro, Robert Dickson for Onslow, and James Flemming for Londonderry. Mr. Mortimer died October 10th, 1819. George Smith of Pictou was returned without opposition to fill his place. In 1820 there was another general election in this Province, on account of the death of King George the III. At this election, Archibald, Smith, Robie and Lawson, were again returned to represent the County of Halifax; William Dickson for Truro; Robert Dickson, for Onslow; and James Flemming for Londonderry. In 1826, S. G. W., Archibald, George Smith, William Lawson, and Lawrence Hantshorne, were returned to represent the County of Halifax. There was a pretty sharp contest at this time between William Flemming and Charles Dickson Archibald (the eldest son of S. G. W. Archibald). At the close of the poll, Archibald had one of a majority; and at the last minute before closing the poll, Archibald had his own vote recorded for himself. Flemming attempted to do the same, but was too late, as the time had arrived for closing the poll. A scrutiny was demanded by Flemming. On March 8th, 1827, the committee which investigated this contest, reported in favour of Archibald's retaining his seat as representative of Truro. John Crowe was returned for Onslow, and John Wier for Londonderry. At the meeting of the Assembly on February 1st, 1827, S. G. W. Archibald was unanimously chosen Speaker of the House. In 1830, the memorable election on the brandy question (as before mentioned) was held. S. G. W. Archibald, George Smith, William Lawson, and Jotham Blanchard, were returned to represent the County of Halifax; Alexander Lackie Archibald for Truro; Robert Dickson for Onslow, and John Wier for Londonderry. Archibald continued Speaker. In 1836, the law went into operation for dividing the County of Halifax into three Counties, viz. : Halifax, Colchester and Pictou. At the election held in November, 1836, S. G. W. Archibald was returned to represent Colchester County; Alexander L. Archibald, for Truro; Alexander McC. Upham, for Onslow, and G. W. McLellan for Londonderry. Archibald continued Speaker. In 1841, S. G. W. Archibald was appointed to the office of Master of Rolls, and Thomas Dickson was elected to represent Colchester. In 1843, John Ross was returned to represent Colchester; William Flemming, for Truro; John Crowe, for Onslow, and G. W. McLellan for Londonderry. In 1847, Samuel Creelman, of Stewiacke, was returned to represent the County of Colchester; Alexander L. Archibald, for Truro; John Crowe, for Onslow, and G. W. McLellan, for Londonderry. In 1851, Adams G. Archibald and G. W. McLellan were returned to represent the County of Colchester; James Campbell, of Tatamagouche, for the north District, and Samuel Creelman for the south. In 1855, Adams G. Archibald and G. W. McLellan were returned again to represent Colchester; Thomas F. Morrison for the north District, and Hiram Hyde for the south. During the sitting of the Assembly in the early part of 1858, G. W. McLellan died in Halifax. His son, A. W. McLellan, was returned without opposition, to fill the vacant seat for one year. In the year 1859, Adams G. Archibald and Alexander Campbell were returned to represent the south District of Colchester, and Thomas F. Morrison and A. W. McLellan for the north District. In the year 1863, A. W. McLellan and William Blackwood, of Tatamagouche, were returned to represent the north District of Colchester; Adams G. Archibald and Francis Parker for the south District. In the year 1867, A. W. McLellan was elected to represent the County of Colchester in the House of Commons of Canada. Thomas F. Morrison and Robert Chambers to represent Colchester in the Local Parliament of Nova Scotia. In the year 1869, Adams G. Archibald was elected to represent Colchester in the House of Commons of Canada, in the place of A. W. McLellan, who had accepted office. In 1870, Frederick M. Pearson was returned to present Colchester in the House of Commons, in place of Adams G. Archibald, who had accepted office. In 1871, Thomas F. Morrison and Samuel Rettie were returned, without opposition, to represent Colchester in the House of Assembly of Nova Scotia. On August 15th, 1872, Frederick M. Pearson was elected, by a large majority of votes, to represent Colchester in the House of Commons of Canada.
It may here be mentioned, the critical situation the people of Cobequid were in at one time, when their friends and relations in the thirteen Provinces, or States, of New England rebelled against British rule or authority. They were strongly induced to join the States. In 1777, two Justices of the Peace were sent from Halifax to Truro, Onslow and Londonderry, to tender the oath of allegiance to the inhabitants, when there were but five found willing to take the oath. When their representatives went to the House of Assembly the next session, they were not allowed to take their seats, on account of the people being suspected of disloyalty. At one time, the people of Truro assembled at Eliakim Tupper's Inn, in the village, to consult about this matter. James Wright (who had been in His Majesty's service at Fort Cumberland, when he was discharged, was allowed to retain his musket and uniform), when he got notice of this meeting, he put on his uniform, shouldered his musket, with fixed bayonet, and marched down and entered a crowded room in Mr. Tupper's house in great rage. He flourished his gun, and cried out, "Show me the man that will say anything against the rule of King George." He soon cleared the room, some escaping by the door, others by the windows, without any one being killed or wounded. No doubt but he was one of the five who took the oath of allegiance. They, soon after, made up their minds to remain loyal to the British Crown. During this rebellion, the British soldiers were dependent, to a certain extent, on the inhabitants, residing on the sides of the Bay of Fundy for provisions. On one occasion, a number of the soldiers came up the Bay in their boat or small vessel. They landed at Bass River, and went to the house of James Fulton, Esq., entered the house, and helped themselves to what they needed to eat, then laid themselves down for a night's rest. In the morning, they went to the bureau and took out what clean shirts they could get, and dressed themselves. They then went to the pasture and took a heifer three years old, butchered her, and took her away with them. The inhabitants dare not make the least resistance.
On the night of October 4th, 1869, the tide rose about four feet higher that* it was ever known to rise before in the Bay of Fundy. It destroyed the dykes in Colchester, which laid open about one thousand acres of marsh. It cost about five thousand dollars to repair the dykes and fences. In the County of Cumberland, the damage was very great, carrying away barns, stacks of hay, dykes and fences. In 1770, a Registrar of Deeds was appointed for Colchester. The office was kept by Joshua Lamb, in Onslow, from the year 1770 to 1777. Charles Dickson, Esq., of Onslow, filled the office from that date until the time of his death, September 3rd, 1796. His third son, Robert Dickson, filled the office, which was kept in Onslow, until 1803. At that date, William Dickson was appointed, who had removed to Truro the year before. He continued to fill the office until 1825. Israel Allison was then appointed Registrar, and continued until 1831. George Dill was then appointed, and continued until the time of his death, January 4th, 1854. On February 21st, 1854, James K. Blair was appointed, and continues to fill the office at the present time, May 1873. [*probably a typo, should be than]
Matthew Harris died at Pictou December 9th, 1819, aged 88 years. He was among the early settlers of Pictou. He was brother of Dr. John Harris, and father of Thomas Harris, Land Surveyor. Thomas Harris surveyed and divided the back land of the Township of Truro, under the writ of partition, and made a plan of the same, which is still in use, and is dated August 12th, 1788.
The first settlers of Upper Stewiacke assembled regularly for Public Worship in the house of Samuel Fisher, from the year 1787 until 1793. They then erected a log Church on the north side of the river, on the opposite side of the road from where the church now stands, in the Village. In October, 1810, the frame of a new church was raised quite near the site of the present church. It was fifty feet long, by forty feet wide, and two storys high. In 1853, owing to the rapid increase of the congregation, it became necessary to provide more church accommodation. In October same year, a new frame was raised, forty-six feet wide, by seventy-five, and partly covered in, but was blown down in December. In July of the following year, the frame of the present church was raised, and the work progressed steadily until it was completed.
About the year 1780, the first church in Onslow was raised, but the inside was not finished until 1812. William McNutt, grandfather of the McNutts in Lower Village, and at North River, was the principal architect. In 1871, it was taken down, and a new one erected on the same site.
In 1872, the Baptists of Onslow erected a church near the same place. It has been asked, how the old Onslow church came to be owned and occupied by both Presbyterians and Baptists? At the time, the church was built the inhabitants of Cobequid were all Presbyterians; but, in course of time, some of them changed, and joined the Baptists, and the house was occupied jointly by the two denominations as long as it stood. In June, 1856, a church was erected between Salmon River and Onslow Mountain, called the Union Church.
