CONTENTS—First paper between Kingston and York—Hallowell Free Press—
The Editor—“Recluse”—Fruitless efforts—Proprietor—Wooden press—Of
Iron—Free Press, Independent—The Traveller—Press removed to
Cobourg—Prince Edward Gazette—Picton Gazette—Picton Sun—Picton
Times—New Nation—Cobourg Star—Anglo-Canadian at Belleville—The
Editor—Price—The Phœnix—Slicer—Canadian Wesleyan—Hastings Times—
The Reformer—The Intelligencer—George Benjamin—The Victoria
Chronicle—Hastings Chronicle—Extract from Playter—Colonial
Advocate—Upper Canada Herald—Barker’s Magazine—Victoria Magazine—
Joseph Wilson—Mrs. Moodie—Sheriff Moodie—Pioneer in Canadian
literature—Extract from Morgan—Literary Garland—“Roughing it in
the bush”—Eclectic Magazine—Wilson’s experiment—Wilson’s Canada
Casket—The Bee at Napanee—Emporium—The Standard—The Reformer—North
America—Ledger—Weekly Express—Christian Casket—Trenton Advocate—
British Ensign—The Canadian Gem—Maple Leaf—Papers in 1853—Canadian
papers superior to Americans—Death at Boston—Berczy—Canadian
idioms—Accent—Good English—Superstition—Home education—Fireside
stories—Traditions.
NEWSPAPERS—CONTINUED.
The first newspaper published between Kingston and York, was the
_Hallowell Free Press_, of demy size, the first number of which was
issued 28th December, 1830, by Joseph Wilson, Esq., now of Belleville;
W. A. Welles, Esq., editor, a gentleman from Utica, New York. Attempts
had been made at Cobourg, Port Hope, as well as at Hallowell, prior to
this, to establish papers, prospectus having been acknowledged by the
_Kingston Gazette_. A letter in the first number of the _Free Press_,
signed “Recluse,” says, “a number of attempts have been made to publish
a journal in this county, proposals circulated, subscriptions obtained
to a considerable amount, and the expectations of the public wrought up
to the highest degree, yet every attempt hitherto made, has proved
abortive, except the present; repeated imposition has, no doubt, had a
tendency to create in the public mind, a spirit of indifference and
apathy respecting newspapers.”
Mr. Wilson had his press of wood, made by one Scripture, of Colborne.
Although a very indifferent affair, it was used for a year, when Mr.
Wilson procured an iron press from New York. Probably one of the first
iron printing presses in the Province. The _Free Press_ was continued
for five years. Mr. Welles was editor for a short time only. This
journal was evidently intended for the public weal. No one can read the
first issues of the paper without being convinced that the proprietor
was intent upon rendering service to the public. He allied himself to no
party: the contending political aspirants of the day, had equal access
to the columns of the _Press_, and could thereby challenge unbiased
attention. “_The Traveller, or Prince Edward Gazette_,” published every
Friday, by Cecil Mortimer, Editor and Proprietor, “John Silver,
Printer,” 12s. 6d., per annum, in advance. Commenced April, 1836, and
continued about four years, when the printing press was removed to
Cobourg. In 1840, the _Prince Edward Gazette_ appeared, J. Dornan,
Publisher. It was continued under this name by Rev. Mr. Playter. In
1847, and in 1849, Mr. Thomas Donnelly became Editor and Proprietor,
changing the name to the _Picton Gazette_, which name it still bears.
Mr. Donnelly was succeeded as editor in 1853, by Maurice Moore, and he
again by S. M. Conger, in 1856, who still continues to publish this old
and popular journal. The _Picton Sun_, established in 1841, by Mr. J.
Douglas, who was succeeded in 1845, by J. McDonald, and he again in
1849, by Mr. Striker, who removed it to Cobourg in 1853. The following
year Dr. Gillespie and R. Boyle commenced the _Picton Times_, which
still continues to be published by Mr. Boyle. The _North American_
removed from Newburgh in 1861, published by McMullen Brothers. The _New
Nation_ succeeded it in 1865.
The _Anglo Canadian_ was established in Belleville in February, 1831. It
was “printed and published by Alexander T. W. Williamson, Editor, and W.
A. Welles. Printed at four dollars per annum, payable in advance.” A
copy of this paper is before us, and is very respectable as to size and
quality, and is readable. This was the first journal published in
Belleville. The _Phœnix_ arose from the ashes of the _Anglo-Canadian_.
It was first issued in the early part of July, 1831, “published every
Tuesday by T. Slicer, Editor and Proprietor, at his office, Water
Street, Belleville, U. C., 20s. per annum—if sent by mail, 22s. 6d.,
payable half-yearly.” A few copies before us resemble, in appearance,
its predecessor, the _Anglo-Canadian_. In one of the early copies is a
prospectus of the _Canadian Wesleyan_, the subscribers to the
announcement are “H. Ryan,” and “J. Jackson,” dated Hamilton, August,
1831.—(See first clergyman, H. Ryan).
The last number of the _Phœnix_ issued July 3, 1832, and which was
“published by William A. Welles, for the Proprietors,” says, “As the
present number completes the year, it is intended to give the paper a
new name; which, though less classical, may be considered more
appropriate.” The name selected was the “_Hastings Times_,” No. 17, of
the _Times_ now before us, was published by Rollin C. Benedict, every
Saturday.
“The _Reformer_” of Cobourg, published every Friday, J. Radcliff,
Editor, was first issued, June, 1832.
“The _Intelligencer_, of Belleville,” was founded by George Benjamin, in
September, 1834, who continued its editor until 1848, when McKenzie
Bowell, Esq., now M. P., succeeded him, who remains the proprietor. Mr.
Benjamin was an Englishman, born 1799, and died 1864. He was a gentleman
of more than ordinary ability, a consistent politician, and a true
friend. He held the highest municipal offices, and was Member of
Parliament from 1856 to 1863. He had talent to adorn any position.
The _Victoria Chronicle_ was founded in 1841, by S. M. Washburn and
Sutton, who had removed from Brockville. Sutton remained partner for two
years. In 1849 the establishment was purchased from Washburn by E.
Miles, Esq., who, with T. R. Mason, Esq., continues proprietor. The name
was changed many years ago from _Victoria_ to _Hastings Chronicle_.
A Magazine of _cheap miscellany_ was issued monthly, by Seth Washburn,
&c., Belleville, 1847 & 8.
Playter, writing of the year 1824, says, “books, periodicals, and
newspapers were scantily supplied to, and not much desired by the people
as yet, the country was not old enough to give much encouragement and
support to literature. Still, in the Methodist connection, the
_Magazine_, (Methodist) was tolerably well circulated, no less than
seventy subscribers were among the friends on the Bay of Quinté circuit
at once. Newspapers were on the increase; nineteen were now published in
Canada, and six of them twice a week. Quebec printed four, (of which one
was French); Stanstead one, Brockville one, Kingston two, York two,
Niagara one, Queenston one.”
The _Colonial Advocate_ was issued in the latter part of 1824, by
William Lyon McKenzie.
We have a copy of the _Upper Canada Herald_ before us, dated June 27,
1832, vol. xiv. which gives us the period at which it was started.
_Barker’s Canadian Magazine_, published at Kingston, by Edward John
Barker, M. D., commenced May, 1846.
——The _Victoria Magazine_, a monthly periodical, was issued first in
September, 1841, by Joseph Wilson, of Belleville, formerly of the
Hallowell _Free Press_. Like many a one subsequently commenced, the
_Magazine_ had but a brief existence. It continued just one year.
The editors were Sheriff Moodie, and his accomplished wife, whose
writings have gained for her a European reputation of no ordinary
standing. Mrs. Moodie may be regarded as the pioneer of Canadian
literature, and, as a long standing inhabitant of the Bay, she claims a
brief notice in these pages, to give which affords the writer but a
meagre opportunity to express his own high estimation of, and gratitude
to a personal friend, whose kind words of encouragement has so
frequently been a stimulus to action, when his energies flagged in this
undertaking.
Morgan, in his _Bibliotheca Canadensis_, a most useful compilation,
says: Mrs. Moodie is “well known in Canada and Great Britain for her
works, and as an extensive contributor to the periodical literature of
both countries. Born at Bungay, County of Suffolk, England, sixth
December, 1803. She is a member of the talented Strickland family, of
Beydon Hall, in the above County; four of her sisters, Elizabeth, Agnes,
(the best known), Jane, and Mrs. Trail, have each contributed to the
literature of the day. Both Mrs. Moodie and her sisters were educated by
their father, who is represented to have been a gentleman of education,
refined taste, and some wealth. Mrs. M. was only in her thirteenth year,
when her father died. As early as her fifteenth year, she began to write
for the press generally, for annuals and for periodicals, contributing
short poems and tales for children. About 1820, she produced her first
work of any pretension—a juvenile tale, which was well received by the
public and the press. In the following year she married Mr. Moodie, a
half-pay officer from the 21st Fusileers, and, in 1832, emigrated with
her husband, to Canada. They bought a farm near Port Hope, which,
however, they only held for a short time, removing to the back woods,
ten miles north of Peterborough, where they settled. There they remained
for a period of eight years, experiencing all the trials, mishaps and
troubles incident to early settlers, and which are so graphically
narrated and depicted by Mrs. M. in her “_Roughing it in the Bush_.” In
1839, Mr. Moodie was appointed Sheriff of Hastings, (an office from
which he retired a few years since,) and, with his wife, took up his
residence at Belleville, where they have since lived. During the
existence of the _Literary Garland_, (Montreal), Mrs. M. was the
principal contributor of fiction to its pages. For some years she edited
the _Victoria Magazine_, (Belleville). Her contributions to these and
other annuals, magazines, and newspapers, would fill many volumes.”
The work for which Mrs. Moodie became more especially famous, was
“_Roughing it in the Bush_;” but other volumes are exceedingly
interesting, as “_Flora Lindsay_,” “_Mark Hurdlestone_,” “_Geoffry
Moreton_,” or the “_Faithless Guardian_,” and “_Life in the Clearings_.”
“John Wedderburn Dunbar Moodie, formerly Lieutenant in the 21st Reg. of
Fusileers,” saw action in Holland, where he was wounded; he was a writer
for the _United Service Journal_, _Literary Garland_, (Montreal), and
author of “_Ten Years in Africa_,” and “_Scenes and Adventures as a
Soldier and Settler, during half a Century_.”
The _Victoria Magazine_ was succeeded by the _Eclectic Magazine_, Joseph
Wilson being Editor and Proprietor. This monthly was also continued only
one year. Mr. Wilson now commenced a “family paper called _Wilson’s
Experiment_,” and soon after, in connection with it, _Wilson’s Canada
Casket_. These were issued alternately every two weeks, and were
continued for two years. They had a large circulation, as Mr. Wilson
avers, at the last about 6,000. The subscribers were not only in Canada,
but in the Lower Provinces. The journals were discontinued, not because
they did not pay; but in consequence of embarrassment from other causes.
The _Bee_ was the first newspaper published in Napanee, in 1851, by the
Rev. G. D. Greenleaf, Editor and Proprietor. It was a small sheet, and
semi-political, at one dollar per year. It was printed on a press of the
owner’s own construction, and continued two years, when it was succeeded
by the _Emporium_, published by the same person, at the same office. It
was somewhat larger than the _Bee_, and was two dollars a year. Its
existence extended but little over a year.
The _Standard_ was the third journal established at Napanee, 1853, by a
joint-stock company. It was in the interest of the Conservatives. Its
first editor was Dr. McLean, formerly of Kingston. Subsequently, the
paper came under the management of Alexander Campbell, Esq., and
continued for a few years. It then passed into the hands of Mr. A.
Henry. It is still published by Henry and Brother.
The next paper, after the _Standard_, to be issued was the _Reformer_,
by Carman and Dunham. There have subsequently been published the _North
American_, _The Ledger_, and the _Weekly Express_. Besides the above,
there was published, in 1854, continuing for two years, _The Christian
Casket_, by E. A Dunham.
Trenton first possessed a newspaper in 1854. It was published and edited
by Alexander Begg, and its name was the _Trenton Advocate_. The first
number was issued March 4, 1854. About a year, afterward, the paper
changed owners, and took the name of _British Ensign_. It was continued
about two years longer.
We have before us several copies of _The Canadian Gem_ and _Family
Visitor_, published at Cobourg; and edited by Joseph H. Leonard, 1848.
It is very readable, and exhibits no little enterprise. Also, we have
_The Maple Leaf_; published at Montreal by R. W. Loy, 1853. Mr. Loy died
not long after its issue. This also contains many interesting articles
of a local and general nature.
In 1853, 158 papers are mentioned in the _Canada Directory_, of which,
114 are issued in Upper Canada. At the present time the number has much
increased. Respecting the newspapers of Canada, Mr. Buckingham, who
visited Canada in 1840, says that they are generally superior to those
of the Provincial towns of the United States.
The following cannot fail to be of interest:
A Boston paper says, “Died—In the early part of the year 1813, Wm.
Berczy, Esq., aged 68; a distinguished inhabitant of the Province of
Upper Canada, and highly respected for his literary acquirements. In the
decease of this gentleman, society must sustain an irreparable loss, and
the republic of letters will have cause to mourn the death of a man,
eminent for genius and talent.”
CANADIAN IDIOMS.—The loyalist settlers of Upper Canada were mainly of
American birth, and those speaking English, differed in no respect in
their mode of speech from those who remained in the States. Even to this
day there is some resemblance between native Upper Canadians and the
Americans of the Midland States; though there is not, to any extent, a
likeness to the Yankee of, the New England States. While the Yankee, and
to some extent, the whole of the American people have steadily diverged
from the pure English, both with respect to accent and idiom, as well as
in the meaning attached to certain words; in Canada this tendency has
been arrested by the presence of English gentlemen, often half-pay
officers, and their families, by the officers of the Army and Navy, and
as well by the school teachers, high and low, which were often from the
old country. The accent of Canadians, and their idioms to-day, are to a
certain extent peculiar, _sui generis_, which peculiarity is constantly
increasing, even as the British American is assuming in appearance a
distinct characteristic. Taking all classes of Canadians, it may be said
that for a people far removed from the source of pure English, that is
the Court, they have a very correct mode of speaking, the criticisms of
English travelers to the contrary, notwithstanding. As education becomes
more diffused among the masses there will ensue a very decided
improvement in the mode of speaking among Canadians. Listening to the
children at any school, composed of the children of Englishmen,
Scotchmen, Irishmen, Americans, and even of Germans, it is impossible to
detect any marked difference in their accent, or way of expressing
themselves.
SUPERSTITION.—Although a few of the settlers had books to read, many had
none. And as there were no school teachers very many children grew up
without being able to read, or at most very little, and entirely unable
to write, unless it might be their name. The writer has been struck with
the difference between the composition and penmanship of many of the
settlers and that of their immediate children, the former being good,
the latter bad; while the parent could write a bold signature, and
express himself in writing a letter, intelligibly, the offspring either
could do nothing of the kind, or else made a very poor attempt. The
result of this was, that the mind, starved for want of mental food of a
wholesome nature, did not become inactive, but sought other kinds of
pabulum. They derived a certain amount of information from the legendary
tales told and retold of former days of happiness and plenty. Excluded
from the world of literature, and secluded in a forest of eternal
silence, except the tones uttered by the voice of nature, sometimes
whispering in the gentle murmurs of the sighing wind, and sometimes
thundering forth in the loudest voice,—shut up with nature they listened
to her words, and not educated to understand her meaning, they undertook
to interpret her speech, and oftentimes superstition of the deepest kind
took possession of their minds. This prevailed perhaps more especially
among the Dutch. Belief in ghosts, or “spooks” was a common thing, and
before the bright and flickering light of many a hearth fire, during the
winter nights, were told “stories” which lost nothing in their relating.
And along the Bay were many old houses, once the homes of the settler
which it was declared, was occasionally visited by the spirit of the
builder, who returned to discharge some duty which rested heavily upon
him in the spirit world, or who desired to reveal the place of
concealment of some hoarded gold which had been so safely buried in some
cranny nook.
A company of neighbours spending the evening would take their turn in
telling of what they had seen or dreamed, or heard told; and at last
when the bright sparkling fire had sunk into subdued embers, the
consciousness of having to go home through the woods, or past a grave
yard, would arouse the talkers. Shuddering at the thought, with
imagination heightened by the conversation, they would set out on their
path. It was at such times that the spirit of some recently departed one
would be seen hovering over the grave, or floating away at the approach
of footsteps. Strange voices came from the midst of the darkness, and
unnatural lights flashed in the eyes of the midnight traveler. Should no
sound or sight present themselves on the way, there was still a chance
to experience much in dreams, when revelations of the gravest import
would be made, which only had to be repeated three nights in succession
to obtain the status of absolute certainty.
The traditions and recitals made known to the children were sometimes,
not alone exaggerated, but untrue. The old soldier, or loyalist in his
great hatred to the rebels, would sometimes unduly blacken the character
of the fathers of the American Republic; for instance, the writer has
heard it several times, told as a fact, that Washington was the
illegitimate son of King George.
By some means a belief obtained, that at a place called Devil’s Hill, at
the Indian Woods, was concealed in the earth, a quantity of money, and
parties used to actually go and dig for it. There was a huge rock here
which was supposed to cover the precious metal, and a “bee” was formed,
on one occasion to overturn it, but they found nothing to reward them
for their pains.
DIVISION VII.
THE TERRITORY OF UPPER CANADA—THE BAY QUINTÉ.