PROSPECT FARM.
Thompson Trueman, the youngest member of the family, was married in
March, 1823, to Mary Freeze. He was only twenty-two years old, and
young looking for that age. He used to say in later life that he
married at just the right time. His wife was a daughter of Samuel
Freeze, of Upper Sussex, King's County. Her mother was Margaret Wells,
daughter of Williams Wells, of Point de Bute.
The Freezes came from Yorkshire to Cumberland in the DUKE OF YORK, the
first vessel that landed Yorkshire emigrants at Halifax. Charles Dixon,
the founder of the Dixon name in Sackville, with his family, came out
at this time. The Freeze family, when they arrived in Nova Scotia,
consisted of William Freeze, sen., his son William, with his wife and
two children. Wm. Freeze, sen., remained in this country only a short
time. It was supposed the vessel in which he took passage for England
was lost, as his family never heard of him again.
The son, William, was a mason by trade, but settled on a farm in
Amherst Point, now occupied by the Keillor brothers. He remained in
Cumberland until the first of the present century, and then removed to
Sussex, King's Country, N.B. He had become rather discouraged in his
efforts to reclaim the salt marsh, and came to the conclusion that it
would never be of much value.
It is said that Mr. Freeze and his two sons started in a small boat for
Kentucky. When they got as far as the mouth of the Petitcodiac River,
they turned their boat up the stream, going with the tide to the head
of the river. Leaving the boat, they plunged into the forest and
tramped for some distance. At last they concluded they had lost their
way and were not likely to reach Kentucky on that route. After some
consultation, the father climbed to the top of a tall tree, and from
this altitude the rich interval lands of the Upper Kennebecasis were
full in view.
"There is a valley," said Mr. Freeze, "and there is where my bones are
to be laid."
Here Mr. Freeze got a grant of nine hundred acres of land, enough to
make farms for himself and his four sons. William, a son, was a great
reader and student. He was very fond of mathematics, and it is said
that sometimes when he and his boys would go to the field to hoe, he
would take a stick and mark on the ground a mathematical figure, and
then demonstrate it for the benefit of his boys. The dinner horn would
sound, and no potatoes had been hoed that morning. John, another son,
was a fine singer and took great pleasure in giving singing lessons to
the young people in the neighborhood. The Freezes could all sing, and
most of the men were handy with the mason's tools, which led some wag
to say that the Freezes were all born with stone hammers in one hand
and a note-book in the other. Charles, the fourth son, was a half-
brother and inherited the home farm. Charles was a great reader and
was very fond of history. He was eccentric in some ways and would take
long journeys on foot.
He did not take kindly to railway travel, and his nephews liked to tell
about his planning one day to go by rail instead of walking, but going
to the station before the train arrived, he said he "couldn't be
detained" and started away on foot.
There were two daughters. Miriam married Matthew Fenwick, of Maccan,
N.S., who afterward moved to the Millstream, in King's County, and was
the first to plant the Fenwick name in that county.
Mary was the wife of Thomas Black, of Amherst (brother of Bishop
Black). They had a large family. The youngest son, Rev. A. B. Black,
died in 1900. The history of the Blacks in this country was written by
Cyrus, another member of the family.
Samuel, the eldest son of William Freeze, was married three times, and
had a family of twenty-one children--seven by his first wife, Margaret
Wells, of Point de Bute; eight by his second wife, Bethia Wager, of
Dutch Valley; and six by his third wife, a Miss Scott of Petitcodiac.
The first family were all daughters. The tenth child was the first son
born. Mr. Freeze elected several times to represent King's County in
the Legislature at Fredericton, and while attending to his duties there
he was taken with the illness that ended in his death.
The following letter is among the old papers at the Prospect, written
by Samuel Freeze shortly after Polly's marriage:
"SUSSEX, KING'S COUNTY,
"February 25th, 1824.
"DEAR SON AND DAUGHTER,--
"I received yours, favored by Mr. Stockton, and am happy to hear that
you are all well, with a small exception, such as human nature is
subject to.
"I am sorry to hear that the crop of hay has failed so much the last
season, which must be a great injury to that part of the country. I
believe that we will make out with what hay we have. You speak of
driving oxen to St. John. The southerly weather that we had about the
12th of this month has raised the water and ice to such an unusual
height that it has swept almost all the publick bridges downstream in
this parish, which cuts off our communication from St. John by sleigh
or sled, in a great measure, or I would have written the butcher, and
then could have probably given you a satisfactory answer; but it is not
the case.
"Mr. R. Stockton informs me that you can get 4 1/2d. at your own barn.
I think that, as the road is, you had better sell them for the 4 1/2
per lb., than to risk the St. John market, as there is but very little
shipping in at present, and they get what they want from a less
distance, and the butchers will take every advantage if they have not
been contracted for. This is my opinion, but do as you think proper.
"I have set my hands to get out some timber this winter. I think about
150 tons of yellow pine and 50 of hackmatack, if the sledding continues
three weeks longer. My crop of grain on my new farm did not answer my
expectations, a great part of it was struck with the rust. I suppose I
will get on the whole 16 acres something more than 100 bushels of
grain, viz., wheat, buckwheat and rye. I have since exchanged it for an
old farm (and pay 170 pounds) situate one mile below Matthew Fenwick's,
formerly owned by Benj. Kierstead. It cuts 30 tons of English hay. The
buildings are in tolerable repair. Susan Freeze talks of coming to see
you shortly. Through the mercy of God I and wife and family are all as
well as common.
"Dear children, from your loving father.
"SAMUEL FREEZE."
"MR. THOMPSON TRUEMAN,
Westmoreland:
"You will please accept of our love and impart it to our children and
friends.
"If, hereafter, you have beef to sell, and wish to take advantage of
the St. John market, let me know, and I will get a butcher's letter
what he will do, and if that suits, you can drive your cattle, but I
did not get your letter in time to get an answer and send it back to
you by the first of March.
"S. F."
A son of Samuel Freeze was sheriff of the county of King's, N.B., for a
quarter of a century, and a grandson is at present acting as deputy
sheriff in that county.
Polly Freeze left her home in Sussex to take care of her grandmother in
Point de Bute, and was married there. She had visited her before,
making the journey of eighty miles on horseback, in company with a
friend. A great part of the way was through the woods, with no road but
a bridle-path for the horses.
Thompson brought his bride to Prospect on the 11th of March, 1823. The
marriage certificate reads:
"I hereby certify that Thompson Trueman, Bachelor, and Mary Freeze,
Spinster, both of Point de Bute, co'ty of Westmoreland, were married by
license this eleventh day of March, in the year of our Lord, one
thousand eight hundred and twenty-three by me,
"CHRIS'N MILNER,
Missionary at Sackville.
"In the presence of:
"JOSEPH AVARD,
"WM. TRUEMAN."
Rev. Mr. Bamford was the Methodist minister on the Sackville Circuit,
which also included Point de Bute, but a Methodist minister had not the
right, at that time, to solemnize marriage. In 1822, the year before
Thompson was married, a Methodist minister, writing of the Trueman
family, says:
"It consists of an old gentleman, his wife and ten children, eight of
whom are married, making twenty souls. Of this number only two are not
members of Society, and they live so far from the means that they
cannot attend. Eighteen of the family, and for anything that can be
seen to the contrary, the whole family, are doing well, both as to this
world and that which is to come. Nearly all those who are in our
Society meet in one class at their parents', who are just tottering
into the grave ripe for eternity, and they have lately subscribed one
hundred and fifty pounds towards the erection of a chapel in their
neighborhood."
This chapel was erected that year, and used for a place of worship till
1881, when it was superseded by the present church, built at Point de
Bute Corner in that year.
I find the following entry in the journal, dated Oct. 2nd, 1820:
"Picking apples; had twenty-one grandchildren to dinner; picked about
100 bushels; very dry weather." The last entry is dated June 21st,
1824: "Apples trees in full bloom; fine growing weather."
The date when the apples trees were in bloom was scarcely ever omitted
in the twenty years' record, and it varied from the fourth of June to
the twenty-first, which was the extreme limit. There is scarcely any
change noticeable in the handwriting from the first entry to the last,
and he would be seventy-two years of age when the last entry was made.
On April 22nd, 1825, Mrs. Trueman died, in the sixty-eighth year of her
age. She had lived to see all of her ten children married and the birth
of more than a score of grandchildren. The last years of her life were
years of suffering. Her husband outlived her a year and a half, passing
away on the 9th September, 1826, in his seventy-fifth year. William
Trueman and Charles Oulton, of Jolicure, died at nearly the same hour,
and both were laid away in the old burying-ground at Point-de-Bute.
Prospect Farm was left to Thompson. He has been managing it for some
years, and the business was settled without much trouble. Little change
was necessary, as all the other members of the family has been provided
for. There were legacies to pay, of course. Ruth and Albert, Thompson's
two eldest children, were born before their grandfather's death.
The routine life at Prospect for the next ten or twelve years was
without much change. Two sons and two daughters were added to the
family. There was sickness, but the doctor's visits were not frequent.
Mr. Trueman suffered at times from acute rheumatism, often so severe
could not turn himself in bed.
In 1829 another attempt was made to aboideau the Aulac River, and this
time it was successful. What proved good ground was found less than a
half mile below the place chosen in 1805. Work to the amount of L 1,096
15s. 6d. in the construction of this aboideau is credited to the
following persons. I do not know that this is the full cost of the
work.
Harmon Trueman L 311 14s. 9d.
Joseph D. Wells 142 3 5
William Trueman 104 7 5
Robert K. Trueman 202 7 9
Thomas Trueman 64 15 4
Thompson Trueman 110 6 10
William Trenholm 100 0 0
William Hewson 60 0 0
This aboideau was superseded in 1840 by the Etter aboideau, which was
thrown across the Aulac about two miles nearer the mouth of the river.
This latter work was very expense to maintain. The foundation in one
place seemed to be resting on quicksand, and was constantly settling.
In 1860 it was decided to abandon the structure and build a new one
about two hundred yards higher up the river. Two years were taken to
finish the new work, and in the meantime the old aboideau was kept in
repair, which gave much better facilities for working at the new one.
When the Eastern Extension Railroad was constructed, a right of way was
secured by the company over the new aboideau, and later, when the road
came into the hands of the Dominion Government, an arrangement was made
with the commissioners of the aboideau for maintaining the work that
has proved very satisfactory to both the owners of the marsh and the
Government.
In the decade between 1830 and 1840 the price of farm produce had
dropped very much below what it was in the earlier years of the
century. I find Hugh Hamel bought at Prospect 559 lbs. of butter for
9d., or 15c., per lb., and 1,198 lbs. of cheese for 6d., or 10c. The
next year, 1834, a sale of cattle was made to George Oulton for 4d. per
lb., weight estimated. In 1811 the same description of beef brought ten
cents.
In 1839 Rev. Mr. Bennet was for some months member of the home at
Prospect, and later Rev. Mr. Douglas and Mrs. Douglas and Rev. Mr.
Barrett spent some time here in the order of their occupancy of the
Point de Bute Circuit.
In 1840 an influenza, much like la grippe, passed through the country
and caused a great many deaths. The family at Prospect were nearly all
down with it at once, but all recovered.
The saddest visitation that ever came to this home was in the year
1845. On the evening of the 28th July death came a sudden and
unexpected guest. The day had been fine, and farm work was going on as
usual. Mr. Trueman had been at the grist mill all day. The family had
gathered for supper, and a horse stood saddled at the door. There was
to be a trustee meeting at the church that evening, and Mr. Trueman was
on of its members. Supper over, he mounted his horse to ride to the
church. Ten minutes had not passed when the horse was seen without a
rider, and Mr. Trueman was found a short distance from the house, where
he had fallen, to all appearance, dead. He was quickly carried in and
medical aid summoned, but all was of no avail. It was a heavy blow.
Mrs. Trueman could not look upon life the same afterwards, and she
never recovered from the great sorrow. There were seven children, the
eldest, Ruth, twenty-one years of age, and the youngest, Mary, eighteen
months.
Thompson Trueman was in his forty-fifth year. He was a heavy man, quite
different in build from his brothers. The writer was but eight years
old at that time, and so has learned about him mainly from others. He
seems to have made a great many friends, and was looked upon as an
upright man. One who knew him well said, when he heard of his death,
this passage of Scripture came to his mind: "Help, Lord, for the godly
man ceaseth, and the faithful fail from among the children of men."
The years that followed were trying ones at Prospect. The blight that
ruined the potato crop in 1846, and the loss of the wheat crop a few
years later by the weavil, were felt more keenly because of the loss of
the controlling mind. To give an idea of the financial loss, I may
mention the fact that in 1843 two thousand bushels of potatoes were
grown on the farm, and in 1847 not enough were grown to supply the
table. In addition to the great failure in these two staple crops, at
that time the price of beef, pork and butter went down to a very low
point. A pair of oxen that would girth from six to six and a half feet
could be bought for forty-five or fifty dollars. Pork went down to 4
and 4 1/2 cents per lb., and butter to 12 1/2 cents, or a York
shilling. In one of the best settlements in Nova Scotia a majority of
the farms were mortgaged to carry their owners over these hard years.
Those who remember the period in New Brunswick history will not be
inclined to complain to-day.
Samuel Davis, with the help of Mrs. Trueman, managed Prospect Farm
until the sons were able to take charge. Mr. Davis was a most faithful
and kind-hearted man, and is remembered with the liveliest feelings of
gratitude by the writer for the numberless ways in which he tried to
make up to him a father's loss.
It is doubtful if the saw-mill, which was built in 1843, was ever a
paying investment.
In 1849 a stone kiln and machinery for making oatmeal were added to the
mill property. The loss of the wheat crop had lead the Government of
the Province to encourage the use of oatmeal by offering a bonus of
L 25 to anyone who would build an oat-mill. This led to the addition,
and oats were made into meal for a large district of country for a good
many years; but the expense of keeping the dam up, and the frequency
with which it was carried away by the freshets, must have absorbed most
of the profits of the business.
Up to this time agriculture had been the principal industry on the
Isthmus. The farmer was the prominent man in the neighborhood, and the
aim of every young man was to get a farm of his own. Now, however,
there came a change. In 1848 gold was discovered in California, and in
1849 and the early 50's numbers of our young men left for the gold-
fields. Then came the telegraph service, which called for bright,
intelligent young men. Ever since that date agriculture has declined
relatively in the Maritime Provinces. As the years went by the products
of the western wheat-fields came into competition with the home-grown
article, and the result was soon felt in the milling business here.
Since 1872 the grist-mill at Prospect, with its three run of stones,
and the saw-mill as well, have been allowed to go to decay.
In 1856 Hiram Thompson married Tryphena Black, of Prince Edward Island,
and settled on the second farm north of the old place. Later he sold
this farm and moved to Searletown, Prince Edward Island. In 1857,
Eliza, the second daughter, married William Avard, of Shemogue.
In 1860, April 11th, Mrs. Trueman died, in the sixty-second year of her
age, and after fifteen years of widowhood. She had a large circle of
friends, and was always ready to help those who were in need. After her
husband's death she kept up the family altar, and few mothers have been
more earnest in looking after the moral and spiritual welfare of their
children.
In 1863, Howard, the third son, married Agnes Johnstone, of Napan,
Miramichi, and remained at the old home. In January, 1864, Margaret,
the third daughter, was married to George M. Black, of Dorchester. The
same year, in May, Mrs. Howard Trueman died. In July, 1867, Howard
married Mary Jean Main, of Kingston, Kent County, daughter of John
Main, of that place. Mary, the youngest daughter, was married to
William Prescott, of Bay Verte, in 1873.
The following minutes of a meeting held at Prospect January 4th, 1875,
will be of interest:
"The meeting was organized by the appointment of David Lawrence as
Chairman, and Howard Trueman as Secretary.
"The chairman stated the object of the meeting was to take steps to
celebrate in some fitting way the arrival of the first Trueman family
in Nova Scotia, which took place just a hundred years ago.
"On motion of S. B. Trueman, seconded by Edward Trueman, Resolved, that
there be a gathering of the Trueman descendants at the old homestead
sometime during the summer of 1875.
"Moved by John A. Humphrey, and seconded by Martin Trueman, and
carried, that a committee be appointed to carry out the above
resolution, said committee to consist of representatives from each
branch of the family.
"The following were named as a committee:
"Martin Trueman. "Edward Trueman.
Henry Trueman. Benjamin Trueman.
Thompson Trueman. John Glendenning.
David Lawrence. R. T. McLeod.
Harman Humphrey. Albert Trueman.
"Howard Trueman.
"It was also decided to number the descendants and have written out a
short history or genealogy of the family; also to place a marble
monument to make the last resting-place of those who first came to
America."
The celebration was held at Prospect Farm on the 14th July, 1875, and
took the form of an all-day picnic. A programme was given, consisting
of music and addresses. The invitations were not confined to the
immediate connection. Friends of the family were included. It was
estimated that about five hundred were present, many coming from widely
different points. The social intercourse was greatly enjoyed, and was
looked upon as one of the best features of the reunion.
The following census of the family to day (1875) was given out at that
Meeting:
Born.Dead.Living.
MR. WILLIAM TRUEMAN (2ND), MARRIED TO
ELIZABETH KEILLOR,1777-
Children 10 10 0
HARMAN TRUEMAN'S FAMILY--
Children 10 5 5
Grandchildren 28 3 25
Great-grandchildren 23 3 20
61 11 50
WILLIAM TRUEMAN'S FAMILY--
Children 11 1 10
Grandchildren 72 23 49
Great-grandchildren 99 22 77
182 46 136
JOHN TRUEMAN'S FAMILY--
Children 10 3 7
Grandchildren 30 7 23
Great-grandchildren 2 0 2
42 10 32
THOMAS TRUEMAN'S FAMILY--
Children 13 7 6
Grandchildren 52 12 40
Great-grandchildren 42 10 32
107 29 78
SARAH LAWRENCE'S FAMILY--
Children 11 3 8
Grandchildren 51 12 39
Great-grandchildren 51 7 44
113 22 91
AMOS TRUEMAN'S FAMILY--
Children 9 3 6
Grandchildren 47 4 43
Great-grandchildren 17 0 17
73 7 66
ROBERT TRUEMAN'S FAMILY--
Children 3 1 2
Grandchildren 8 3 5
Great-grandchildren 2 1 1
13 5 8
MARY A HUMPHREY'S FAMILY--
Children 7 4 3
Grandchildren 20 3 17
Great-grandchildren 1 0 1
28 7 21
BETTY GLENDENNING'S FAMILY--
Children 6 3 3
Grandchildren 13 0 13
Great-grandchildren 1 0 1
20 3 17
THOMPSON TRUEMAN'S FAMILY--
Children 7 0 7
Grandchildren 18 1 17
Great-grandchildren 0 0 0
25 1 24
Total in the ten families 664 141 523
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS
Presby- Episco-
FAMILY OF Methodists Baptists terians palians Total
William Trueman 78 24 22 12 136
Thomas Trueman 45 33 78
John Trueman 32 32
Harmon Trueman 50 50
Mary Ann Humphrey 15 6 21
Betty Glendenning 9 8 17
Amos Trueman 16 50 66
Sarah Lawrence 80 11 91
Robert Trueman 8 8
Thompson Trueman 24 24
Total 357 63 91 12 523
OCCUPATIONS
Tele- Tin- Assay Student Mill
FAMILY OF Farm/Mech/graph/smith/Carp/ /Teach/AtLaw/Rail/Own/Agt
William Trueman 16 1 1 1 3 1 1
Thomas Trueman 6 7 2 1 1
John Trueman 1 1
Harmon Trueman 3 3 2 1 1
Mary A. Humphrey 1 1 1
Betty Glendenning 1
Amos Trueman 8
Sarah Lawrence 6 3 1 1
Robert Trueman 1 1
Thompson Trueman 3
Total 46 15 1 1 8 1 5 1 1 1 1
So much was this celebration enjoyed that the decision was quite
unanimous that a similar reunion should be held at a future time. This
was kept in mind, and in 1891, seventeen years afterwards, invitations
were sent from Prospect for another gathering of the clan. This time,
however, the scope of the celebration was extended. The Historical
Society of Sackville was associated in the event, and all were welcome
who cared to be present.
This gathering was called the Yorkshire Picnic, and anyone of Yorkshire
blood was especially welcome. An effort was made to get the names of
all visitors recorded, but it was not entirely successful. About three
hundred, however, wrote their names below the following, written by
Judge Morse.
"Visitors to Prospect Farm, July 14th, 1891, on the occasion of the
reunion of the Trueman family, combined with a picnic of the Historical
Society of Sackville, in commemoration of the coming into the country
of the Yorkshire settlers,
"WILLIAM A. D. MORSE,
"Judge County Court,
"Nova Scotia."
The following is a report of that gathering as given in the Chignecto
POST at that time:
"YORKSHIRE PICNIC.
"A LARGE GATHERING AT PROSPECT FARM--A SUCCESSFUL HISTORICAL MEETING.
"On Tuesday last, in response to invitations, upwards of five hundred
persons gathered at Prospect Farm, Point de Bute, the residence of
Messrs. Howard and Albert Trueman, to commemorate the arrival of the
Yorkshire settlers in this country. The descendants of the Yorkshiremen
had invited the Chignecto Historical Society, recently formed, to be
present, and the formal proceedings of the day were under the auspices
of the latter.
"After dinner, Judge Morse, as president of the Historical Society, in
a neat speech spoke of the objects of the Chignecto Historical Society.
It was their desire to find out who were the early settlers, and where
they came from, and to collect all valuable information concerning the
early history of this vicinity. He was pleased to see so many
descendants of the original settlers of our country present, and see
among them the most prosperous of our people. Mr. W. C. Milner,
Secretary of the Society, then read an interesting paper on the
expedition from New England to capture Fort Cumberland in 1776, under
the command of Col. Eddy, and the influences that led to its defeat,
notably the firm stand taken by the Yorkshire Royalists against the
troops of the Continental Congress, and in favor of the Mother Land and
the Old Flag. A good many facts connected with this episode in local
history, which has been instrumental in shaping the destiny of the
Province of New Brunswick, were for the first time made public. As it
will be published in full in an early issue of the POST, together with
other papers of the Chignecto Historical Society, it is unnecessary to
reproduce it now.
"Judge Morse delivered an interesting address upon the Yorkshire
settlers. The condition of our country in 1763 was one of constant
strife between the French on the one side and the English on the other.
But in 1763 the latter were victorious, the French driven back, and the
country then thrown open for settlement by the English. In 1764
Governor Franklyn proposed to settle the very fertile land at the head
of the Bay of Fundy with the proper class, and after some
correspondence with Earl Hillsboro, Lord of the Plantations in England,
he paid a personal visit to Yorkshire, where lived the thriftiest
farmers in all England, induced in 1772-3-4 a large number of families
to try their fortunes in the New World. In April and May the first
arrivals landed on the bleak and rocky coast near Halifax, and
surrounded as they were with every discomfort, it was no wonder that
they felt discouraged. With their wives the men passed on to Windsor,
where they first got a glimpse of the budding orchards left by the
French settlers. Here a division was made in the party. The women and
children were sent to the head of the Bay by a series of ferries, and
the men pushed on to Annapolis, and later joined their families at
Chignecto. To the pluck, loyalty, and industry of the Yorkshiremen
Judge Morse paid many a tribute. To them do we owe our present
connection with the Mother Country. When this country from north to
south was rent by the rebellion, when the rivers ran blood, and when
the prestige of English arms in Northern America seemed to totter, it
was the Yorkshire immigrants who remained firm, and although compelled
to suffer untold hardships and privations, yet they remained loyal to
that old flag, whose folds he was pleased to see floating in the breeze
to-day. The speaker gave fully in detail various particulars of the
settlement, of the persons interested, and the location of several
important landmarks. The Yorkshiremen have done three great acts: They
made the country; they preserved the flag; and they, through the
efforts of Preacher Black, founded in this country the principles of
Methodism, which has made such steady progress, and which has been the
prominent religion for over a century. He closed by asking all who had
any historical relics in their possession to communicate with the
officers of the society, and allow them to inspect such. Judge Morse
was followed by Mr. A. B. Black, Amherst; J. L. Black, Sackville; W. C.
Milner, and the host of the day, Mr. Howard Trueman, who spoke upon the
valuable features of the Historical Society.
"Among those present were Sheriff McQueen, J. A. McQueen, M.P.P., W. J.
Robinson (Moncton), Col. Wm. Blair, Hon. Hiram Black, J. L. Black, Wm.
Prescott, Jas. Trueman, Esq. (St. John), W. F. George, Dr. A. D. Smith,
Dr. H. S. Trueman, Rev. Mr. Crisp, Rev. Mr. Bliss, Couns. Copp and
Trueman.
"The house at Prospect Farm is one of the oldest in the Province,
having been completed on June 14th, 1799."
The following is an account of the one hundredth anniversary of the
"Brick House," taken from the Moncton TIMES of July, 1899:
"On Friday, Prospect Farm, the residence of Howard Trueman, Esq., the
old Trueman homestead at Point de Bute, was the scene of an anniversary
that called together representatives of the various branches of the
Trueman family that came to this country in 1775. The centenary of
their settlement here was celebrated by a big picnic twenty-four years
ago, and the present one was connected with the building of the old
house one hundred years ago--a fine English house built of brick and
overgrown with ivy and climbing rose. The site is one of the most
commanding and beautiful in the country, and is justly a spot cherished
by all the Truemans with pride and affection.
"The afternoon was charming, though threatening, and the numerous
gathering, old and young, male and female, enjoyed themselves to the
utmost.
"The oldest member of the family present was the venerable Martin
Trueman, of Point de Bute, aged eight-four years, still hale and
vigorous, and enjoying life as well as the youngest. The next oldest
was Thompson Trueman, of Sackville, father of Mrs. (Senator) Wood, aged
eighty-three, also a very vigorous man. Within a few weeks Mr. Joseph
Trueman, also of the same generation, the father of Judge Trueman, of
St. John, has passed to his rest. Mr. Henry Trueman, father of Mrs.
James Colpitts, was prevented by the infirmities of age from being
present. Amongst others of the same generation were Mrs. Eunice Moore,
of Moncton, and Mrs. Amelia Black, of Truro, N.S. Others belonging to
the older generation were James Trueman, of Hampton; Alder Trueman, of
Sackville, and Benjamin Trueman of Point de Bute.
"A younger generation embraced Judge Trueman, of Albert; Pickard
Trueman, James Amos Trueman, ex-Coun. Amos Trueman and George Trueman.
There was a large representation present of those connected with Mr.
Trueman by marriage or blood, as Squire Wm. Avard, Bristol; Collector
Prescott, Bay Verte; Albert Carter, C. F. McCready, Sheriff McQueen,
ex-collector James D. Dickson, George M. Black, I. F. Carter, James
Main, Botsford; John Glendenning, Cumberland; Geo. W. Ripley, Mrs.
J. M. Trueman, Thorndale, Pa; Gilbert Pugsley, Rupert Coates, Nappan;
Hibbert Lawrence, Gilbert Lawrence, Burgess Fullerton, Southampton;
Mrs. Sarah Patterson, Linden; Alex. Smith, Nappan; Dr. Chapman, James
Colpitts, Point de Bute; J. L. Black, ex-M.P.P., Sackville; Mrs. Burke,
Toronto; E. E. Baker, Fort Lawrence.
"Amongst the visitors were: R. Robertson, W. S. Blair, Experimental
Farm, Nappan; Dr. W. F. Ganong, W. C. Milner, W. Fawcett, Charles
George, W. F. George, John Roach, Thomas Roach, Nappan; Frank Beharrel,
Lowell, Mass.; Dr. Allison, President Mt. Allison; Dr. Smith,
Dr. Brecken, Prof. Andrews, Sackville; Rev. Mr. Batty, Amherst; Douglas
Fullerton, Leonard Carter, J. H. Goodwin, Point de Bute; Hiram Copp,
F. A. Dixon, Sackville; George Copp, James Fillmore, Bay Verte.
"A platform was erected under the shade of the vine-covered walls, and
interesting speeches made. Dr. Chapman presided. In his introductory
remarks he said he was pleased with his Yorkshire descent, and was very
sorry that Mr. Batty, who was to tell sometime of Yorkshire at the
present day, was not present. Mr. Howard Trueman, who was then called
upon, told something of the settlement of the Truemans, the building of
the house, the clock two hundred years old that was still keeping good
time, the chair that came out from England with the family, and the
bench there on the platform that came from the first Methodist church
built in Canada, a stone church that stood by the Point de Bute
Cemetery.
"Mr. J. L. Black spoke of his first visit to the old house. When not
more than fourteen years old, he had been put on a horse and sent to
the mill with a bag of wheat. On telling who he was he was sent to the
house and fed with gingerbread and his pockets filled with cake.
Mr. Black paid a high tribute to the sterling character of the men of
the old days, but was of the opinion that the men of these days
scarcely were their equals.
"Dr. Ganong, Mr. Milner and Mr. George not responding. Dr. Brecken was
called upon. He claimed Yorkshire descent and supposed the stubbornness
his wife complained of was due to the Yorkshire blood in him. He
sometimes wondered, as Mr. Black had done, whether the race was not
degenerating. He certainly could not stand as much exertion as his
father could. The style of oratory was also very different from what it
used to be. We have few of the finely finished speeches that
characterized the old days.
"Dr. Allison said: 'All the speakers claimed some connection with the
Truemans or Yorkshire, but he had not a drop of English blood in his
veins, using English in its narrower sense. None, however, had a keener
appreciation of the Yorkshire element than himself. Charles Allison,
the founder of the Institutions, the one who had done more than any
other to make the name of Allison to be remembered, chose for his
partner in life a member of the Trueman family. Mankind was not
degenerating. Wonderful things have been accomplished since this
country was first settled. Divine providence has not constructed the
railway and telegraph, but man. Dr. Brecken was just as good a man as
his father, and a much greater orator than the men of those days. The
men of the past suited the past, but a different type is required
to-day.
"The chairman then announced that lunch would be served, and the other
speakers would say a few words later in the afternoon.
"After lunch Judge Trueman, of Albert, took the platform. He said it
gave him much pleasure to be at the picnic, not only to meet so many
friends, but to see the old place where he was born and spent his
youth. He knew every knoll and hollow of the old farm. He thought
everyone who had the Trueman blood in him ought to feel on excellent
terms with himself after hearing so many nice things said about the
family.
"Prof. Andrews, who followed, agreed with Dr. Allison in thinking the
race was not degenerating, and claimed if the people to-day would spend
as much time out of doors as did their fathers, they would be even
stronger. He gave some proofs that actually the race is improving
physically. In the old times the weakest all died off, and only the
tough old nuts remained. He told some remarkable stories of what he had
undergone when a young man, that he claimed to be saving for his
grandchildren. It gave him much pleasure to attend this celebration
which would pass into history.
"Rev. Mr. Batty, of Amherst, was introduced by the chairman as a true
bred, native-born Yorkshireman. Mr. Batty said, judging from the number
around him, if all the Yorkshiremen had prospered as the Truemans there
would be a new Yorkshire more prosperous than the old. He had not
realized what kind of a picnic this was until he saw the lines of
carriages driving through Amherst. On inquiring he found it was the
gathering of the clans at Prospect. He considered these historic
gatherings most important in the development of a country. He then gave
a most interesting account of Yorkshire and Yorkshire Methodism. He had
never seen a wooden house until he came to this country, and it stirred
old memories to stand again under the shadow of a brick house that
reminded him strongly of his grandfather's house in Yorkshire. If
people here want to see Englishmen come to Canada they must do away
with snake fences, sulphur matches, and bad roads. Agriculture is done
for in England, and the fathers realize that their sons must come to
Canada. No Westmoreland man would complain if he knew how well off he
was.
"In closing he thanked all for their attention, Mr. Trueman for his
invitation, and said he was going to write a full account of the
gathering for the Yorkshire papers and send it at once.
"Votes of thanks were presented to Mr. and Mrs. Trueman, the host and
hostess, and to Dr. Chapman, the chairman, after which all joined in
the National Anthem."
The Chignecto POST had the following description of the gathering:
"The oldest house now being occupied in this part of the Province is in
Point de Bute, about seven miles from Sackville. It was built in 1799,
so that the structure is a hundred years old. In a granite slab over
the front entrance is the following: "June 14, 1799." The main house
is of brick and is a good solid looking structure yet. It has stood
well the blasts of a hundred winters, and judging from its present
appearance it will be able to stand many more.
"Some time ago the relatives and friends of Mr. Trueman urged him to
celebrate the 100th birthday of his house. Circumstances prevented him
from holding the celebration on June 14th, but on July 14th, last
Friday, the event was celebrated in a manner that the two hundred
people who were present will not soon forget.
"It was Mr. Trueman's intention that his guests should make a day of
it, but unfortunately Friday forenoon was foggy and wet, and this no
doubt prevented a large number from being present. However, the rain
did not interfere with the plans of some of the friends, for early in
the forenoon they began to arrive from a distance, and they continued
to arrive, although the rain came down in torrents. But shortly after
noon the cheerful face of Old Sol peered forth from behind a fog bank.
The clouds were soon dissipated, nature dried her tears, and everybody
was glad. A merrier throng it would have been hard to find than the one
now gathered around the old brick house, everyone intent upon doing his
or her best to celebrate the anniversary.
"There were people present from St. John, from Moncton, from Albert
Co., from Bay Verte, from Amherst, from Nappan, from Sackville, and
from all the surrounding country. There was the grandfather and
grandmother, whose silvery hair and bent form contrasted strongly with
sprightliness of the young toddlers who were very much in evidence. But
a smile was on every face and nobody was made to feel that he was a
stranger. From the top of the highest tree floated the Canadian ensign,
while nearer the house the ancient folds of the Union Jack were spread
to the breeze.
"The old house was thrown open to all, and many persons had the
pleasure of seating themselves in the chair which was brought to this
country by the first of the name who touched upon its shores. This
article of furniture, together with a grandfather's clock, are the
property of Mr. Trueman, and, needless to say, are very highly prized
by him. They are remarkably well preserved, and the clock still keeps
excellent time.
"On the grounds, quite near the house, a platform had been improvised,
and during the afternoon short addresses were made by Howard Trueman,
Jos. L. Black, Judge Trueman, of Albert Co., Rev. Mr. Batty, of
Amherst, Prof. Andrews, Dr. Brecken, Dr. Allison and others.
"Tea was served on the grounds in true Bohemian style, but everybody
enjoyed it. The evening passed very pleasantly with vocal, instrumental
music, etc. It was a fitting celebration, and one which both old and
young will no doubt often be pleased to look back upon. Mr. and Mrs.
Trueman and the members of their family dispensed the kindest
hospitality and did everything possible to make the event what it was,
a grand success."
The names of the children and grandchildren of William Trueman and
Elizabeth Keillor, with other records of the families:
HARMON TRUEMAN, born Sept. 27, 1778 Married
CYNTHIA BEST, born Sept. 7, 1787 Jan. 8, 1807.
THEIR CHILDREN.
NAME BORN M. TO WHOM MARRIED CHILD.
Stephen B. Feb. 17, 1808 1836 Eliza Wells 7
Amy E. April 17, 1810 1837 John W. McLeod 1
Sarah Aug. 27, 1812 1835 Rev. A. W. McLeod 6
Martin Oct. 30, 1814 1843 Bethia Purdy 5
Louisa C. Aug. 30, 1817 1841 Mariner Wood 2
Silas W. May 27, 1820 Did not marry
Eunice Dec. 18, 1822 1872 Thomas Moore 0
R. Alder Aug. 22, 1825 1854 Mary Jewett 2
N. Amelia Sept. 28, 1828 1857 Rufus Black 5
WILLAM TRUEMAN, born Nov. 22, 1780 Married
JANE RIPLEY, born April 25, 1788 Jan. 22, 1806.
THEIR CHILDREN.
NAME BORN M. TO WHOM MARRIED Child.
William Jan. 9, 1807 1831 Esther Ripley 9
Mary Ann Sept. 25, 1809 1834 Francis Smith 6
Jane D. Dec. 20, 1811 1834 Robert Fawcett 7
Alice Jan. 2, 1814 1835 Hugh Gallagher 10
Henry R. Dec. 17, 1815 1844 Jane Weldon 2
Joseph Mar. 24, 1818 1843 Janet S. Scott 8
Benjamin Aug. 25, 1822 1848 Elizabeth Weldon 2
Isaac Jan. 18, 1825 1849 Mary Black 4
Rebecca July 12, 1827 1855 Robert Scott 6
Sara Elizabeth Sept. 26, 1829 John Charters 4
Christianna Nov. 30, 1832 1856 James Scott 4
JOHN TRUEMAN, born Jan. 2, 1784 Married
NANCY PALMER, 1806.
THEIR CHILDREN.
NAME BORN. M. TO WHOM MARRIED. CHILD.
Catherine P. April 30, 1807 John S. Coy 4
Gideon P. Aug. 24, 1811 Mary Harrison
Elizabeth L. Sept. 8, 1813 Died young
Thompson Feb. 15, 1816 Rebecca Wood 4
Milcah June 23, 1818 Chas. F. Alison 1
Marcus May 10, 1821 Rebecca Reynolds 2
Jane Evans 2
George A. Sept. 26, 1823 Sarah Ann Black 2
Margaret C. Mar. 2, 1826 Did not marry
Annie J. Mar. 30, 1829 Samuel Sharp
Sarah B. Sept. 6, 1832 Robt. A. Strong 7
THOMAS TRUEMAN, born April 16, 1786 Married
POLICENE CORE, born July 10, 1788 July 11, 1805.
THEIR CHILDREN.
NAME BORN. M. TO WHOM MARRIED. CHILD.
Elizabeth E. Feb. 22, 1807 1825 Thomas Carter 4
Able G. Mar. 18, 1809 Died young
William L. Feb. 9, 1811 Olivia Embree 4
Caroline Sharpe
Thomas F. Feb. 9, 1811 1835 Harriet Prince 4
Harmon Henry July 21, 1813 1837 Jane Chapman 6
Lucy A. Dec. 19, 1815 1835 Joseph Carter 4
John Starr Oct. 2, 1816 Died young
Mary J. Dec. 15, 1818 1841 William Dixon 0
Rufus F. Feb. 2, 1821 1846 Eliza Trenholm 2
Francis Smith 3
Edward S. Feb. 11, 1823 1847 Sara L. Ann Bent 5
Frances B. May 6, 1825 1849 Samuel Sharp 6
Pamelia C. May 31, 1827 1851 William Smith 4
Charles E. Apr. 24, 1829 1853 Pamelia Smith
Susan Bowser 4
GILBERT LAWRENCE, born Oct.27, 1785 Married
SARAH TRUEMEN, born Mar. 16, 1784 April 14, 1808.
THEIR CHILDREN.
NAME BORN. M. TO WHOM MARRIED. CHILD.
David Feb. 11, 1809 1836 Mary Fullerton 7
William T. May 9, 1811 Died young
Sarah Apr. 13, 1813 1833 Daniel Pugsley 6
Mary F. Oct. 1, 1815 1833 Joseph Coates 10
Amos F. Apr. 3, 1818 1841 Annie Fullerton 9
Jane July 14, 1820 1841 James Fullerton 3
Charles W. Nov. 19, 1822 1846 Mary Fullerton 1
1872 Amelia Donkin
Eunice M. Feb. 27, 1825 1847 Jesse Fullerton 7
Thomas J. Apr. 6, 1828 Did not marry
Caroline A. June 2, 1830 1851 Douglas R. Pugsley 2
Cecelia R. Apr. 4, 1833 1856 David P. Fullerton 6
AMOS TRUEMAN, born May 23, 1791 Married
SUSANNA RIPLEY, born Feb. 20, 1799 October 2, 1817
THEIR CHILDREN.
NAME BORN. M. TO WHOM MARRIED CHILD.
Ann July 2, 1818 1850 Robert J. Mitchell 5
John Oct. 2, 1819 1840 Jane Finlay 6
Mary Aug. 20, 1821
Henry Sept. 10, 1824 1851 Sophia Finlay 7
Elizabeth Dec. 24, 1826 1851 Thomas Mitchell 9
Jane Mar. 10, 1829 Did not marry
Ruth Sept. 9, 1831 1856 Embree Wood 8
Rebecca Apr. 21, 1834 1852 William Mitchell 4
Susanna Nov. 18, 1836 1863 Joseph Doyle 5
Sarah July 8, 1840 1865 David Patterson 6
ROBERT TRUEMAN, born July 15, 1794 Married
EUNICE BENT, born Feb. 15, 1796 January 8, 1817.
THEIR CHILDREN.
NAME BORN M. TO WHOM MARRIED CHILD.
James Oct. 29, 1817 1844 Jane Black 2
Seraphina A. Apr. 28, 1819 1840 J. W. McLeod 6
Calvin G. Mar. 24, 1825 Did not marry
WILLIAM HUMPHREY, born Married
MARY ANN TRUEMAN, born July 10, 1796 Nov. 21, 1820
THEIR CHILDREN.
NAME BORN. M. TO WHOM MARRIED. CHILD.
William Oct. 24, 1821 1863 Hattie H. Sears
John A. Dec. 23, 1823 1855 Sarah Harris 4
Elizabeth May 19, 1825 1845 E. R. Bishop 5
Stephen Feb. 28, 1829 1851 Lucy Logan 6
Harmon July 12, 1831 1859 Salina Coates 4
1878 Emily Dixon 1
Jane Nov. 19, 1833 1854 Joseph L. Black 1
Christopher Apr. 15, 1837
GEORGE GLENDENNING, born May 14, 1799 Married
BETTY TRUEMAN, born Aug. 11, 1798 1823
NAME BORN M. TO WHOM MARRIED CHILD.
Elizabeth S. Jan. 28, 1825 1852 Thomas Lowther 8
John Sept.22, 1827 1850 Elizabeth Black 4
Sarah Ann Sept.27, 1829 1875 David Lawrence
William R. Dec. 20, 1831
Thompson Oct. 26, 1834 1864 Sarah J. Ripley 2
Mary Aug. 28, 1837 1865 J. Edward Smith
THOMPSON TRUEMAN, born 1801 Married
MARY FREEZE, born 1798 1823
NAME BORN M. TO WHOM MARRIED. CHILD.
Ruth A. Jan 21, 1824 Did not marry
Albert Apr. 18, 1826 Did not marry
Hiram June 2, 1828 1854 Tryphena Black 6
Eliza Jan. 2, 1831 1855 William Avard 4
Margaret Nov. 11, 1835 1864 George M. Black 3
Howard Mar. 1, 1837 1863 Agnes Johnstone
1867 Mary J. Main 5
Mary A. Dec. 26, 1843 1873 William Prescott 6
It will be seen by studying this record that out of the eight-seven
members of the second generation born in this country, six elected to
live in single blessedness. These were Silas, Harmon's third son;
Thomas, a son of Sarah Lawrence; Margaret, a daughter of John; Jane, a
daughter of Amos; and Ruth and Albert, Thompson's two eldest born.
Silas was a man of sterling principles, generous almost to a fault, and
of more than ordinary intellectual force. He was the kind of man that
would have delighted the practical mind of the Apostle James. Under all
circumstances his aim was to make his practice accord with his
profession. His death took place at his home in Point de Bute in 1860.
Thomas Lawrence was a general favorite, and had the reputation of being
better to others than to himself. Children trusted him at once. He died
at his home in Nappan, N.S., in 1867.
Margaret Trueman was one of the most charitable of women, always ready
with a kind word or deed whenever opportunity offered. She finished
life's journey in Mexico, in 1897.
Jane Trueman is still living.
Albert died in September, 1901, at his home, Prospect Farm. He was born
in the brick house, and lived there his full life of seventy-five years
and five months. He had many friends and no enemies.
Ruth lived her life of sixty-three years in the old home where she was
born, and died in 1887. She was thoughtful and fond of reading, and did
what she could to cultivate a taste for reading in those who came under
her influence. Her religious convictions were decided, but not
demonstrative. She delighted in conversation where literature and
authors were the subjects. Macaulay was one of her favorite writers.
When Ruth's brothers and sisters were young, and books were not so
common as now, she very often read aloud to her mother and the family.
Macauley's Essays and History, Prescott's works, the "Literary
Garland," and lighter works were read from time to time as circumstances
or taste dictated. GLEASON'S PICTORIAL, the ANGLO-SAXON, the SCOTTISH-
AMERICAN, and HARPER'S MAGAZINE were read with great interest. She was
a subscriber to the CENTURY MAGAZINE at the time of her death. Some of
Hannah More's sacred dramas were frequently read on a Sabbath evening.
The writer remembers well how we younger children enjoyed the moment
when David,
"From his well-directed sling, quick hurled, with dexterous aim, a
stone, which sank deep-lodged in the capacious forehead of the foe."
And
"The mighty mass of man fell prone, with its own weight, his shattered
bulk was bruised. Straight the youth drew from his sheath the giant's
pond'rous sword, and from the enormous trunk the gory head, furious in
death, he severed."
The language was rather beyond us, but we knew that David had killed
the giant, and we did not bother about the big words. Or, when little
Moses was left in the ark of bulrushes, exposed to all the dangers of
the Nile swamp, how we almost trembled lest some evil should befall him
before Pharaoh's daughter could rescue him, and rejoiced to think that
Miriam did her part so well as to get her mother as a nurse for the
little brother. Ruth seemed to enjoy reading these dramas over and over
quite as much as we enjoyed listening to them. She grew fonder of
reading as she grew older, and would talk of the characters in a book
as if they were as real to her as her personal friends.
Ruth was deeply interested in the confederation of the Provinces when
that question was before the people. After giving the matter a good
deal of thought she decided in favor of the union. In early days,
because of sympathy for a friend, she had conceived a prejudice against
Dr. Tupper, who began his public life in Point de Bute, and with whom
she was personally acquainted. The family at Prospect were supporters
of Howe and the Liberal party in Nova Scotia at this time, but Howe had
turned his back on Confederation, and Dr. Tupper was the leader of the
Confederate party in that Province. Ruth was exceedingly anxious that
the principle of union should triumph, and it was a grief to her that
Dr. Tupper should triumph with it. But she lived long enough to forgive
him and to appreciate the good work Sir Charles did for Canada.
The Free School question was another problem in which she was greatly
interested, and as one of her favorite cousins was in the election of
1872, in which free non-sectarian schools were on trial in New
Brunswick (at least, so thought the friends of this measure), she was
anxious as to the outcome of the elections, and well pleased when they
resulted well for free schools.
Of the twenty members of the second generation now living, the women
outnumber the men thirteen to seven. Five of the twenty are
octogenarians, two--Martin Trueman, of Point de Bute, and Thompson
Trueman, of Sackville--have reached the patriarchal age of eighty-seven
years. The former in one particular is like the late Mr. Gladstone--he
takes his recreation with the axe. He has prepared many cords of wood
for the stove in the last few years.
The first Trueman family were not strong men, but they were persistent
workers, and could accomplish more in a given time than men of much
stronger build. The second generation were physically equal or superior
to that of the first, which was rather a rare circumstance in this
country. The gift of language--of talking easily and gracefully, either
in private or public--was not one of their possessions. Not a man of
the first generation could talk ten minutes on a public platform; and
the second generation are in this particular not much of an improvement
on their forbears. This, in part, no doubt, accounts for the fact that
a family which turns out elders, class-leaders and circuit stewards in
such numbers has not produced a minister of the Trueman name.
Agriculture was the work to which the family set their hand in the new
country. The children were taught that manual labor was honorable, and
that agriculture was worthy of being prosecuted by the best of men. The
seven sons and three sons-in-law were all successful farmers, and
heredity no doubt had its influence.