We know that settlement in Meagher’s Grant pre-dated 1790 as some family records indicate births in early 1790 to residents of Meagher’s Macer’s Grant, and the first religious edifice referred to as the Lord’s Barn, was supposedly built as “Meeting House Hill” * on property now owned by Mrs. Clyde Higgins. this was deemed a crude structure of logs, (there were no sawmills yet,) with an interior as basic as the exterior. The walls were apparently painted various colours and in view of no organ nor piano, the singing was led by a precentor who used a tuning fork for pitch. This structure served the community from 1780-1860’s. It was to this humble structure that the Reverend James Murdoch, first settled Presbyterian Minister in Nova Scotia, was called. A native of Gillie-Gordon, County Doegal, Ireland, he had preached at the Protestant Dissenter’s Church in Halifax (re-named St. Matthew’s Church), then on to charges at Horton and Windsor. Some records say he settled in Meagher’s Grant around 1785 while another says he was still residing in Windsor at the time of his mother’s death in 1790. In any event, the years he administered to the settlers of his various charges were ones filled with a verve and dedication to the spiritual betterment of his listeners. An untimely death by drowning in November of 1799 in the Musquodoboit River near his home put an end to a man revered by all who knew him. The local Community Cemetery encompasses the land where his house once stood and a granite monument erected in the late 1800’s by his descendants, and subsequently refurbished in 1976 by the Meagher’s Grant Ladies Aid, attests to his service.

As we view the charming little structure known as St. James United Church in the center of our community, we think back to a time in the 1860’s when the area supported three churches — St. James which was originally constructed in 1868 as a Presbyterian Church, a Baptist Church, and the United Church.* Constructed near the the present homes of Smith Dowe and Gerald Dillman, and a Methodist Church, * constructed near where Morley Dillman and Ronald Dickie now have their homes. Services were set up so as not to coincide and in fact, it is said that many of the same voices could be enjoyed in all three choirs.

The earliest mode of travel in this area was typical of the time: either woodland footpaths or via dugout canoe, with “dugout” the operative word to describe the hollowed out tree trunks. The woodland paths gave way to horseback trails, and subsequently to wagon roads. The first true road through Meagher’s Grant was apparently constructed about 1804 and followed down from Elderbank behind Samuel Arnold’s home, down through the community past the original old church, following somewhat east of our current main road to come out behind the Lower School and to the lower end of our community. The road to Elderbank was constructed about 1874 as a post or mail route. The roads to Bayer’s Mill and Musquodoboit Harbour were built during the following decade. If one looks at our area carefully, there are still faint trails marking the old roads which were our links with the neighbouring communities and facilities.

Once their homesteads were established, some sort of road constructed, and a sound religious base acquired, the settlers turned their thoughts to the education of their children in this community. Very early in the 1800’s parents with any education were teaching their own children at home, even their neighbour’s children in some cases. Into the midst of the community of Meagher’s Grant came James Borthwick, a young Scotsman whose ancestors had a affiliation with Borthwick Castle destroyed by Cromwell’s raiders. James Borthwick established classes in his log home just east of Mrs. Arthur MacLean’s home. If records are to be believed, James took as his bride young Mary Dillman, 30 years his junior. About 1820 the first school house in the community was built just below the Borthwick home. Mr. Borthwick also taught in this location. Schools were subsequently constructed about 1850 at the “crossroads” where our Fire Hall now stands, and about the same time the ” plank house” school (former residence of the Willoughby family) was built in the field owned by Samuel Dickie. Tow succeeding schools were constructed in the lower settlement somewhat up behind our present Lower School’s current location. the Upper Grant School – Sibley School — was built about 1873 to serve the children who had formerly been taught in the home of Thomas Wilks. Sibley School is now a private weekend retreat.

Our early settlers relied on the peddlers, travelling craftspeople who sold their wares or services on foot or horseback to many families over a large area. Early blacksmiths, show makers, hat makers, pot menders all plied their trade in this manner, often staying for a meal or two until they had completed their task for each family. Realizing it could be quite a while before the traveller came this way again, families took care with the things made for them and in the case of shoes one pair might have to last a child all year, then be handed down to a younger brother or sister. As the volume and value of goods and services increased, shops were set up in various communities along the way and the buyers went to the craftsman rather than he or she doing the travelling to them.

As with other housewives in the Musquodoboit Valley, the women of Meagher’s Grant originally baked over open fires or in the hot coals of the their indoor fireplaces. Huge clay ovens to one side of the fireplaces came next, but the mid 1800’s saw a travelling salesman named Ezekiel Sibley come upon the scene with the first cooking stove sold in these parts – the Liberty and Union. He was so impressed with the area that in 1857 he and his family purchased the old David Bradley property on the road to Wyse’s Corners.

The first mail service was via horseback with a Mr. Brown of Elderbank conveying the mail. In 1862 Daniel Dillman was enlisted as the first Postmaster of Meagher’s Grant with facilities in his home now owned by Colin Sibley. * This remained the only Post Office in the settlement until 1882 when Mrs. Lexie Dillman was granted a facility in Lower Meagher’s Grant and the contract formerly held by Daniel and son William Dillman was transferred to William MacLean. Our facilities are once a gain consolidated at the home of Kenneth and Mary Farrell – Mary as Postmistress and Ken our friendly rural route driver.

Early settlement in our area was frequently by disbanded militia men from various detachments. Conflict with neighbours over boundaries, civil matters, and the numerous petitions for community improvements and changes were a very important aspect. As many records indicate the early settlers were unable to either read or write – even in 1871 – and the task of drafting and submitting these requests of government, preparation of deeds, summons, wills, and other written documents often fell on the shoulders of a few people with some measure of education. These people served as Justices of the Peace, constables, road overseers, local health committees, and fence viewers. Three of the local men who served as Justice of the Peace for Meagher’s Grant from 1825 – 1900 were William J. Lydiard, Ezekiel Sibley and W.C. Wilks.

Not content to utilize the resources above the grounds, the men (and women) of Meagher’s Grant were involved in the field of mineral exploration. An arsenical ore mine of small proportions was worked . More than one person, including Miss Bessie Dunbrack, was involved as shareholder in a silver mine located on the road from Meagher’s Grant to Musquodoboit Harbour. Around 1930 Christopher Dillman is stated as having a prosperous lime quarrying operation under way, employing at least seven local men and a large crusher, with the contract to supply local farmers with fertilizer. Other traces of minerals in varying quality and quantity located throughout the Musqodoboit River Valley were baryte, plumbago and granite, with the occasional veinlet of pyrolusite.

When trips to Halifax or Truro for food supplies gave way to a local general store, the community had become a real center of development. The first recorded store was run by James Whidden Dickie in the 1850’s, in the rear of the home now owned by Colin Sibley.5 “Whid” was reputed for the loose tea he sold, and many who supported his other staples would have friends or relatives journeying to Truro or Halifax bring back what they classed “quality tea” rather than “Whid’s” mixture. One such resident who continually protested more loudly than did others asked a friend to bring back some bulk tea from a trip to Truro, bu the man forgot until he was almost at his door. In haste, he went to Whid and bought a pound of tea for his friend. Upon being invited to partake a cup for his trouble upon delivery, the brew was met with “that’s quality, none of your old Whid Dickie tea for sure!” The forgetful friend never told the man of the difference for some time, when all had a good laugh.

Because of Meagher’s Grant’s agriculture and forestry base 6, the establishment of our first grist mill about 1804 on the old Fisher place – later owned by the Seeton brothers – meant that no longer did the people have to take their grain outside the settlement to be ground. This mill was quickly followed by a grist and water-powered sawmill at Lay’s Lake 7 (then called Dunbrack Lake) and by smaller sawmills on Ogilvie Brook nearSibley Schol and on Jenkins Falls near Arno Schneider’s property. Since then, the Bayers, Dickie and Dillman names have been associated with the millsites in our community, though they are either gone or incactive today.

About 1911 the first survey bearings were taken for construction of the spur line from Dartmouth to Upper Musquodoboit. Many local men worked on the job for Cavicchi and Pagan, an American firm, to clear the bed and lay the tracks for this great undertaking. Our community had its own Station House, located between the present homes of Colin Sibley and Mrs. Laurin Kerr on the fire hall road to Wyse’s corner.8 Sadly all that remains today is the cellar to attest to what was once the hub of activity for travellers and commercial shipments. The first organ in St. James Church was conveyed by train to the Meagher’s Grant station and from there via horse and wagon to the church – with John Wilson at the reins. The first stationmaster here was Arlington Streatch, whose wife Belle had the dubious distinction of being hit three times by lightening during the periodic electrical storms of that day. One of these occasions occurred in the waiting room of the Station, blowing the telephone from the wall and hurling poor Mrs. Streatch out the door to the adjacent platform, where some of the section crew came to her aid.

With the increase in travel and trade in the community, it automatically followed that temporary lodgings would be an added requirement and the “Central House” was opened by the family of Arnold McBain 9. In the 1920’s the former home of James Sibley was bought by the Streatches and became the “Main Hotel” next to the Station 8. Both of these houses met the same fate – destruction by fire. In fact, during one twelve month period, approximately a dozen homes burned down — attesting to the importance of an active community fire department and effective equipment.”

The old adage of, “all work and no play . . . ” rings true for Meagher’s Grant also. Amidst births and deaths, lots of work and some hard times during the depression and the war years, the air still occasionally rang with the sounds of laughter, fiddle and piano, accordion and organ. Saturday night dances in the Greenough kitchen for the young folk, musical evenings on the Bayer homestead, the faithful of the Micmac Tennis Club, the cultural pursuits of the F.P.L. “literary club”, or treks to Minnie Wison’s ice cream parlour served as social outlets for the early 1900’s in Meagher’s Grant. The formation of various sewing circles, Sunday or Sabbath school, Ladies Aid and Evening Auxiliary also had their supporters then as now. Today in Meagher’s Grant we have the well-established groups as well as the various hockey, baseball, skating, 4-H, scouting and guide groups. Our modern fire hall, constructed in the 1970’s is a focal point for receptions, dances, meetings, and displays.

Meagher’s Grant is no longer the wilderness settlement of a dozen or so houses in 1781, nor the 45 families of 1871. Many of the homesteads of 100 years ago have been subdivided to accommodate descendants of those early men and women. The proximity to the Halifax/Dartmouth metro area means many new jobs for our residents, and there are new families settling here at regular intervals. Meagher’s Grant in 1982 encompasses 142 houses with another six in various stages of construction. Surely the peaceful meadows and quiet hills will continue to draw people to its area for years to come, attesting to the wisdom and foresight of those first pioneers who chose Captain Meagher’s settlement over other locations to establish their homes in the New Land.

Meagher’s Grant

October 1982 (Mrs. Colin Sibley)

COOK’S BROOK

Resources

Public Archivesof Nova Scotia

Church Anniversary Booklets, 1938, 1975

Personal Recollections of Members of earlier families of Cook’s Brook

Old School Registers

Diaries

“Place Names and Places of Nova Scotia” by C. Bruce Ferguson

Personal Record Book

“First Things in Acadia” by John Quinpool

“Musquodoboit Pioneers” by Jennie Reid

The History of Cook’s Brook was researched and compiled by Olive Tays and Ruth MacDonald with the able assistance of Dr. Marjorie cook who is the great, great, great grand-daughter of William Cook for whom Cook’s Brook is named.

Cook’s Brook

According to the book, Place Names and Places of Nova Scotia, Cook’s Brook was probably named because of its location on a stream and after William Cook, one of the first Loyalists. On January 2, 1786 a total of 1700 acres were granted as follows: Daniel Caulfield 450 acres

John Cole 250 acres

John McGeorge 250 acres

William Cook 250 acres

Alexander Campbell 250 acres

John Healey 250 acres

Other Loyalists had applied for land here in 1783 but did not receive their grants until August 4, 1787. These are referred to as: a grant to Barnard Thompson and others for a total of 1350 acres. Land papers at the Archives give the location as near Lake Egmont, near Daniel Caulfield and John Healey. These grants were:

Robert Blades 500 acres

John Caulfield 250 acres

Richard McHaffey 100 acres

Bernard Thompson 500 acres

Farming

Early farmers in Cook’s Brook produced just enough food for their own use. In later years, almost everyone in the area farmed and sold milk, butter, cream, beef or eggs or some of each. Now in 1998, farming has delined in the area except for family use. As early as 1885 we have record of community co-operation where the farmers in Cook’s Brook had shares in a thrasher and were making plans for a building to house it.

The women had much hard work. They made their won butter and curds, Meals had to be prepared from the food they produced or grew on the farm. In addition they gathered wild berries from the fields or woods. All women made their own soap. They also had to spin their own yarn, weave cloth and make their own garments and blankets.

Lumbering

Most farmers had timberland as well as farmland and had logging operations each winter to supplement the farm income. Among some early settlers who had shingle mills, we find these:

1. According to the Census of 1871, George T. Cook had a shingle mill. Later it was taken over by sons Edward and Warren Cook. This mill was at Cook’s Lake.

2. J. Robinson Woodworth: owned a mill, and later it was taken over by his sons, Edward and Warren Woodworth.

3. Lorenzo Wilson’s mill later owned by his son William Wilson.

4. W.J. Tays – this mill was on the big Brook (Boggs Brooks) and later owned by son, Burke Tays.

These mills were run by water from dams, William Wilson, was run by tractor the last few years it was used.

Some lumber mills were in the area also. Charlie Blades ran a sawmill for years. He moved to many areas of Shubenacadie by horses or oxen to be shipped where needed. They also sold hemlock bark to be used in the tanneries.

A common sight in Cook’s Brook in the 1920’s and 1930’s was men with their teams heading for Shubenacadie with ah load of railroad ties, or sleepers, as they were called. These were made from hemlock trees which were cut and hewn on their own or traded for

provisions at the store owned by A.J. Reid and Sons. On the return trip the sleds or wagons (depending on the weather) would be loaded with a barrel of flour, a barrel of sugar, a puncheon of molasses and other household necessities.

Dillman Enterprises Limited

A contracting business that does paving and crushing is owned by Vincent Dillman of Cook’s Brook. The business started inthe fall of 1977 with a rented crusher and loader.

Horses

Through the years, work horses have been used in Cook’s Brook for farming, lumbering and transportation. Race horses were introduced to Cook’s Brook by cyril Hubley in 1963. Mr. Hubley purchased Ralph Mitchell’s farm which was formerly known as the Blades place. It was here that one of the oldest houses in Cook’s Brook

was replaced with a new ranch type house.

The General Store

In early days, the settlers of Cook’s Brook, as in surrounding areas, travelled by foot or went on horseback to the neares stores at Halifax or Truro for supplies which they could not produce themselves. Butter, eggs, wool, meat, wood, and soap were available at home, but essentials, such as flour, tea, sugar, molasses, nails, cotton, ammunition, cooking utensils, etc. had to be bought and taken home by sleigh or on horseback.

In later years, there werer two stores in Cook’s Brook, one was owned by George Newman and situated at the mouth of the Newman Road leading to Lake Egmont. The second store was owned by James McGeorge and was situated behind the present sore. It was later taken over by his son William who ran it until, he had a new house and adjoining sotre built in the early 1900’s in front of the old building. The carpenter was John Cleary from Lake Egmont. William lived alone here and operated a general store for many years, using the older store as a storage place for kerosine oil, etc.

After Williams death in 1935 the store was vacant for some years. In August 1939, James Mitchell and family moved into the McGeorge house while their old house was being moved into, the new home with the rest of family in June, 1940.

In December, 1941, Ian and Bertha MacDonald moved into the McGeorge house, and in 1942 they began running the store as a branch of the Musquodoboit store. It went out of business as a Co-op store on Nov. 19, 1947. From then on, it was operated by Ian MacDonald himself who had a storage shed added to the end of the store and gas tanks put in front of it. Eventually, the store was sold to Vincent and Jennie Dillman who took over in 1976. the house and store wre then remodelled, pavement added, modern gas tanks replaced the former ones, and public washrooms were added. The establishment was bought and taken over by Ronald and Betty Carroll in May, 1981, and its under their management.

School

The following quotes are contained in the Superintendent’s report on schools:

Inspector’s Report, 1870: “A great many people throughout the County and in the city have the idea that teaching is easy work, and teachers have delightful, easy times. ” J. Parsons, Inspector of Schools

1875 Inspector of Schools: Hinkle Condon

“Arrangements have been made for the erection of new buildings in : Cook, Huntchinson, etc., etc., ‘

1876 Inspector of Schools: Hinkle Condon

“Cook’s Hutchinson . . . have also built new houses . . . ” And so we learn that a new school was built in Cook’s Brook in 1876.

Some school registers of the 1800’s provide some interesting items:

1. 1877 lists names of pupils only.

2. 1881 32 Pupils enrolled.

Hinkle Condon

Visiting Minister – Rev. A.B. Dickie (inducted at Gays River, April 20, 1879)

Trustees: Robert Killough, Wm. Tays, George Cook.

Sect’t of Trustees: Robert H. Killough

February 22, 23, 24, snowstorm.

3. 1882 Cook Section No. 3 District of Rural Halifax. Inspector H. Condon reports: “Children orderly and making improvement especially in Arithmetic. Trustees will be required henceforth to keep the school house in good condition, as the law requires.”

July 11-12: Teacher’s convention.

Public Examination: of school Oct. 27, 1882 marking end of half-year. There were 32 pupils enrolled, 22 pupils present for exam and 4 visitors.

5. 1884- 2nd half-year report: Public Examination of school Oct. 30, 1884. there were 42 pupils enrolled, 23 pupils present and 5 visitors.

6. 1885 – 86 37 pupils enrolled – Teacher: Maggie E. Black

7. 1887- Cook’s section No. 3 district of Halifax.

School Tax, 1887

W. Leck R. Woodsworth

R. Lindsay C. McDonald

H. Leck J. McDonald

W. Kent R.H. Killough

F. McHeffy P. Killen

G.E. Annand T. McMichael

G. Annand F.P. Blades

A. Annand R. Newman

R. Cook I. Ogilvie

J. Cook R. McHeffy

wm. Cook H. McHeffy

G. Cook W. Milne

J. Mitchell G.Milne

T. Corbet R. Milne

Wm. McGeorge G. Grant

G. Landees

Name of Pupil Age Name and Address of Parent or Guardian

Ethel Jane Wilson 7 Lorenzo Wilson, Cook’s Brook

Lillie May Wison 6 Lorenzo Wilson, Cook’s Brook

Hattie Tays 10 William J. Tays, Cook’s Brook

Gertrude Hazel Tays 12 William J. Tays, Cook’s Brook

Mary Elma Tays 6 William J. Tays, Cook’s Brook

John Sewell Tullock 11 Robert Cook

Janie Abigail Kent 13 Samuel Kent

Adella Kent 5 Samuel Kent

Frank Kent 8 Samuel Kent

Emma Kent 10 Samuel Kent

Everett Mitchell 7 James Mitchell

Willie Wilson 9 Lorenson Wilson

Albert Kelleogh 8 Mrs. Robert Kellough

Seward Corbett 10 Sylvanus corbett

Nellie Kellough 12 Mrs. Robert Kellough

George Kellough 10 Mrs. Robaert Kellough

Josephine Woodworth 13 Robinson Woodworth

Hattie Newman 14 Robert Newman

William Cruickshank 13 James Milne

Edmand Cook 13 George T. Cook

Adella McHeffey 14 Mrs. Farquar McHeffey

Bertha Cook 15 George T. Cook

Norman McHeffey 11 Mrs. Farquar McHeffey

James Harkes 12 Robert McHeffey

Teacher: Margaret K. Ervin

Teachers in Cook’s Brook School

Section No. 3 from 1900-1964

1900 Alice Guild 1921 Helen McFetridge

1901 Mary White 1922 Emma White and Irene Cottam

1902 Arabella Higgins (last 1/2 year: Elsie McPhee one wk)

1903 Arabella Higgins 1923 Ruth Higgins

1904 Arabella Higgins 1924 Rena Pulsifer

1905 Mabel Fisk 1925 Elizabeth MacDonald

1906 May Wallace 1926 Hazel Archibald

1907 Edith Dechamn 1927 Thomas MacDonald

1909 Grace Brown 1928 Marguerite Grant

1910 Getrude Tays 1929 Selina Spares

1911 Bertha Ogilvie 1930 Horace Colford

1912 Mabel Dickie 1931 Margaret Cole

1913 Mabel Dickie 1932 Margaret Cole

1914 E.Jean McLeod 1933 Nita Fallas

1915 Mary McD. Cruickshank 1934 Nita Fallas

1916 Fannie Burris 1935 Marion Benjamin

1917 Emma Higgins 1936 R. Jean Smith

1918 Emma Higgins 1937 R. Jean Smith

1919 Emily Sutherland 1938 Leola Benjamin

1920 Gertrude Grant 1939 Leola Benjamin

1940 Lillian White

1941 Lillian White 1958 Dorothy Burton

1942 Ruth Isenor 1959 Genevieve Isenor

1943 Ruth Isenor 1960 Genevieve Isenor

1944 Constance Lohnes 1961 Joy Isenor

1945 Ruth Killen 1962 Thelma Dillman

1946 Ruth MacDonald 1963 Olive Tays

1947 Ruth MacDonald

1948 Ruth MacDonald

1949 Elsie Cook

1950 John Hamilton

1951 John Hamilton

1952 Olive Quinn

1953 Minerva Johnson

1954 Olive Tays and Ruth MacDonald

1955 Thelma Dillman

1956 Dorothy Burton

1957 Dorothy Burton

Teachers’ salaries for the years 1900-1964 varied from $140.00 to $2400.

The Cook’s Brook School was last used during the school year of 1963-64. The building has since been sold and torn down. Since 1964, pupils in Cook’s Brook, who are in primary to grade 6 have been conveyed by bus to a new school Musquodoboit Central Elementary in Middle Musquodoboit. Jack Jodrey and Wiliam Tays are bus drivers from Cooks Brook who commute daily to M.C.E.S. and M.R.H.S. respectively.

In 1965 the population of Cook’s Brook was recorded as 103. As of 1980, the population was recorded at approximately 150-160. During the summer, a number of cottages are occupied at Cooks Lake which swells the population.

Residents of Cook’s Brook, 1982

1. Vernon and Lucy Taylor – house built about 1859-1860 formerly owned by George and Eva McMichael.

2. John and Eileen Tiscornia, Tammy – trailer moved on site 1973 – auto body shop.

3. Henry and Nancy Smallwood, Robert, Ellen, formerly Elmer Killen farm.

4. Richard and Pataricia Paine, Stephne, Noel, Macaela, Erin, Maria, Sara

(formerly the Alex Kellough house.)

5. Burton and Helen Hull, Brian, Brent, house built 1973

6. Allan and Ruth MacDonald, Eric (Dartmouth), Anne, house built 1905,

addition 1948.

7. Francis Newman family farm

8. Bill Lawrence Tumbleweed Farms – house 1967.

9. Ralph and Muriel Mitchell, Gregory (New Glasgow), Charles Zwicker, house 1975.

10 James and Beverly MacDonald, Stephanie, Leanne, Derek, house 1973.

11. Frank and Sheila Beraman, Brandon, Ryan -house Nov. 1979

12 Ronald and Betty Carrol, twins, Matthew, Mitchell: General Store, Formly Ian MacDonald’s place.

13. Henry and Jean Moore, twins: Christopher and Christian, Diane, Judy, Henry, House: 1967

14 Christy MacDonald – House 1975

15. Pearle Bryson – House 1962

16. Jack and Emily Jodrey – John, Dawn, small house moved to Cook’s Brook in 1966 enlarged in 1978.j

17. James and Sheila McMichael, Tracy -moved into their new log house 1981

18. Gays River Cooks Brook, Lake Egmont, Community Hall.

19 John and Carol Carrol House 1980

20 Paul and Dale Talyor Paul, Chris – trailer moved on site 1979

21 Anthony and June Synder Lisa, Amanda, Anthony house 1978

22 Edward and Sandra Synder Mary, John: house 1978

23 Former home of Viola Stone vacant (1980)

24 Lloyd and Mary Emma MacDonald – house 1939

25 Vincent and Jennie Dillman, Betty, Dale, Sheila (all 3 md.)

Wanda – house built in 1967 new additon Sept. 1981.

26. Robert and Susan Dillman, Tanya, Jeffrey, trailer moved to site 1975

27 John MacDonald trailer moved to site 1975 Nove. 26. 1982 gutted by fire.

28 William and Olive Tays – house built 1965 Phillip, wnedy (both married), Heather (Halifax)

29 Howard and Althea Poole, Melissa (rented from Wm. Tays)- house built early 1900’s

30 Ernest and Joan Jarvis, George (married), Beverly susan, Peter (former Cook’s home.

31 Burke and Judy Miller, Wendy, Randy, Kim, Paula, Trent (former Ogilvie home.)

32 Thomas Dillman, Julie Castle, Edna, John.

33 Garnet and Fred Higgins, Glada, Danny, Michael, Garth – house 1973.

34 Gordie Shewfelt 1982 new home

35 Myrlan Dillman house 1981

36. Ketih Andrews

37 Norman and Heather Urquhart – Trailer 1982

38 Edward and Carolyn wothen, Kellie, Mark house 1965

39 George and Margared Graham house 1961

40 C.A. Sliter – Cook’s Lake former Corey Brown cottage

41. Douglas and Pamela Ransome, Tasha, house approx. 1966

42 Grey Gray – Keddy Road

43 Former Edwin Woodworth home – vacant 1980;

44 Former Bertha Dow home – vacant 1980

45 Mr. and Mrs. John McMillan- trailer 1981

46 Nancy Emberly- trailer 1981

47 Earle and Dorothy Burton (Betty, Harold, Barry) all married, Paul, Twila

former Kent farm

48 Allan and Michael Mountin 2 houses former Robinson Woodworth place

and T.V. repair shop

49 “A” frame house – Earl Blades summer home – former Ralph Brown place.

50 rojbert and Cluadia Zwicker, Jeffrey, Susan, Darrin, Ellen – Trailer 1973

51 Ralph and Carolyn Zwicker – Lucinda, Sheryl Ann – trailer 1976.

52 Fred and Margared Zwicker, (Ralph, Nellie, Robert, Irene, Jennie, Olive)

all married, and Kathy at home.

53 Kirk Wall, Betty Ellingwood- former Spncer home.

54. Aubrey and Esther MacDonald, Michelle, Kevin and Kelly – house built 1976

55 Robert and Ruthie Boger: Trish, Scott, Tim, Ruthie, house 1974

56 Mt. Traber Bible Camp 1966.

Religious and Social Life

Ever since early times the religious life of Cook’s Brook has been closely associated with that of Gay’s River. The pioneers of Cook’s Brook travelled on foot or by horseback to hear the preacher at various log cabin homes in the area. They carried food with them as the services lasted the whole day. Their first minister was the Rev. James Murdock who held services at the homes of the pioneers until his death by drowning inthe Musquodoboit River in 1799.

Rev. Alexander Dick was the first settled minister and according to records, he conducted services in “Moore’s Brick Tavern” at Gay’s River on the site where Walter Jodrey lives today. Early Cook’s Brook residents probably attended these services.

In 1818 the congregation built their first frame church at the junction of the old Truro road and the old road leading to the Musquodoboit Valley, the minister being Rev.Robert Blackwood. We read in the Anniversary Booklet, 1938, that the first three elders of the Gay’s River Church were from Cook’s Brook, namely, John McGeorge, William Cook, and John Cook Sr.

Near the spot where this old church once stood is an old Presbyterian cemetery in which one of the earliest stones bears this inscription: “Farquhar MacDonald who died Feb. 5, 1842 at 98 years of age.” he was the father of Cameron MacDonald who once lived where Allan MacDonald lives today. He would be Allan’s great, great grandfather.

Other Cook’s Brook names found on monuments are Frame, McHeffey, Meson, Mitchell, and Tays. Prior to the Gay’s River cemetery the Cook’s burial ground was the Round Hill in Cook’s Brook. It was unearthed during gravelling operations in the 1930’s and the remains moved to the present cemetery in Gay’s River. Some other Cook’s Brook residents had burial grounds on their own property as well.

Some of the early settlers of Cook’s Brook probably attended St. Paul’s Anglican Chapel which once was in Gay’s River. It is on record that the Chapel was begun in 1830, consecrated on June 28,1836, and abandoned in 1864. The burying ground of this chapel can still be seen up behind the home of Walter Jodrey. The present church at Gay’s River ws opened for worship in 1958, at which time two of the six elders were from Cook’s Brook, namely, John Cook and Cameron MacDonald.

In 1886 a Women’s Foreign Missionary Society was organized by the Minister, R.A.B. Dickie, of which the ladies of cook’s Brook had a branch. Still in existence today is a certificate, dated 1920, stating that Mrs. Robert Newman (Susan McGeorge) was Life Member of the Women’s Missionary Society. This group continued to exist throughout the years doing devoted work even though at one time the enrolment dropped to three members, namely, Mrs. Edward Cook, Mrs. Ernest Benjamin, and Mrs. Burke Tays. younger women were later added to the society which continued until Dec. 12, 1961, at which time the society was changed to the United Church Women (U.C.W.). The Cook’s Brook W.M.S. then ceased to exist.

In 1933 during the ministry of Rev. A.J. Macdonald, the first Anniversary Service and church supper were held at Gay’s river. We read from the “History of the Gay’s River Congregation”, 1975, by Mrs. Agnes Frame, these words: “On that first Anniversary service in 1933, there were five persons who had been present when this church was opened for worship seventy five years before. They were Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Tays, who had lived much of their long lives in Cook’s Brook; Mrs. Lucy Cook of Cook’s Brook; and Mr. and Mrs. George Landells who had moved from Cook’s Brook to Musquodoboit harbour. They had driven by horse and buggy that morning from the Harbour to the Gay’s River church and were among the first ones there.”

The old Temperance Hall in Cook’s Brook witnessed many of the religious gatherings during its existence. One of these was for Prayer Meetings. Often an elder of the church conducted the meeting as roads were bad in those days and the minister could not always be there.

Another early Presbyterian organization was the Young People’s Society Christian Endeavour which was held in the hall and was active for many years. Its successor was the Young People’s Union (YPU), which was organized by Rev. D.I. MacIntosh.

A small newspaper called the Cook’s Brook Gazette was prepared by the YPU on the happenings in the community the winter of 1942. The material was edited by Ruth (Isenor) MacDonald and typed by Rev. D.I. MacIntosh, and a copy sent to each of the Cook’s Brook boys overseas. A copy of this is still in existence today

In the fall of 1942 the young people from Gay’s River and Carroll’s Corner were added to the Cook’s Brook YPU and the combined group took turns meeting alternately every two weeks in the Cook’s Brook Hall and the old Carroll’s Corner School-house on the hill. This arrangement continued through-out the ministry of Rev.D.I. MacIntosh and also the winter of 1946 when Rev. Arthur J. Ebbutt was minister at Gay’s River. He also attended the meetings.

This YPU became inactive for a few years after 1947 but was re-organized and carried on by later ministers, one being Rev. Russell McLeod whose ministry lasted from 1956-61. this organization was succeeded by Hi-C group during the ministry of Rev. John Roberts in 1963. It was active for some years.

Sunday School was conducted in the Cook’s Brook Hall in the 1920’s and 30’s during the summer months when mothers and other interested ladies of the community did the teaching. In the early 1950’s it was held in the Cook’s Brook school-house one hour a week with Rev. Blair Colborne and Olive Tays doing the teaching. In 1957-58, it was held again in Cook’s Brook Hall on Saturday mornings with Rev. Russell McLeod and Ruth MacDonald as teachers. In later years it was held in the church at Gay’s River before the service, each teacher taking a corner or a few seats for her class.

On November 13, 1966, during the ministry of Rev. Abel Parsons, a Christian Education Centre was officially opened at the Gay’s River Church. This included Sunday School rooms which were put to use at once for the children of the surrounding communities. Sunday School is now held during the latter part of church service, the superintendent being Robin Hutchinson.

On January 18, 1946, Mrs. Edward Cook and Mrs. Burke Tays organized Mission Band in the Cook’s Brook School house. This continued for several years.

During the ministry of Rev. John Nicholson, Mrs. Nicholson organized a Baby Band which enrolled the little children from Carroll’s Corner, Gay’s River, and Cook’s Brook. The mothers and their children met together, had and annual picnic, and raised money from offerings.

In later years some Cook’s Brook people who gave of their time and talents were elders William Landells, Cameron MacDonald, George T. Cook, John Cook Jr., Alexander Kellough, and William Wilson. Mr. Kellough was a valued choir member as well as an elder for 20 years.

Allan MacDonald was manager for many years, and at present (1983) is treasurer of the Cemetery Committee and the Memorial Fund, as well as senior elder.

William R. Tays has been assistant scout leader and also scout master. At present he is an elder, a manager, and treasurer of the Building Fund.

Eric L. MacDonald became church organist at Gay’s River in 1966 at the age of 16 years and continued in this position for fifteen years. At present he is substitute organist.

Organizations available today for the youth of the area are C.G.I.T., Scouts (formed in 1968), Explorers, Cubs, Messengers, and Beavers (started in 1982). These groups meet regularly at the Gay’s River Church.

With the coming of new people to the community many religious denominations now exist: Anglican, Pentecostal, Baptist, and Roman Catholic.

Mount Traber Bible Camp

In 1958 Wendell and Jean Otteson and their family came from the United States to Nova Scotia under the Bible Club Movement.

At last, a decision was made to build their own camp in the Musquodoboit area. A property was obtained from Mr. Charles Zwicker in Cook’s Brook and work began on the Lodge in 1965. the Lodge was completed in 1966 and named Mount Traber. cabins were also built and the first camp was held here the summer of 1966.

In 1974, Bob and Ruthie Boger and their four children came to help with the work, and a new home was built for them across the highway from the Lodge.

In 1980, the Ottesons were transferred to Ireland, then to Sain, and back to Pennsylvania. Bob Boger then became Camp Director at Mount Traber and still is at the present time.

Sunday School of around 30-50 children and church services are held at Mount Traber.

Cook’s Brook Residents who Served country in War Time:

Boer War 1899-1902 James MacDonald uncle of Eric E. MacDonald Sr.

First World War:

Lorne Kellough

Eric MacDonald

Colin Greenough

Charles McHeffey

Samuel Blades

Frank Kent (died Vimy Ridge, April 9, 1917)

Thomas Mills – (died Courcelette Sept. 5, 1916)

Alvin McK. Blades (died Halifax April 9, 1918)

The three men who lost their lives are remembered on the memorial monument at the Gay’s River United Church.

Second World War

Lloyd MacDonald

Austin McMichael

Delbert Killen

Marsden Kellough

Alvin Cook

Alfred Poole

Hazel Tays

Earl Mitchell

Raymond Tays

The Community Hall

One of the early public buildings in Cook’s Brook, the community hall, was a one-storey wooden structure brought here by ox-team from Gay’s River where it had been built as a temperance hall in 1966. It was placed on the site where the new fire hall is today. This was done when Burke Tays (1876-1977), was a boy, so that would be in the 1880’s. It had been formerly situated near the roadside between the places then owned by the McHeffey’s and the Merson’s, and now owned by Allan Benjamin and John Dixon respectively.

This hall was brought to Cook’s Brook to be used by the “Order of the Sons of Temperance” which was a Total Abstinence Society introduced in Canada in 1847. A Grand Division of Sons of Temperance was instituted in Nova Scotia in 1948, subsequently about 35 years later the Order was organized in Cook’s Brook. (1883).

For many years Temperance meetings called Division were held regularly in this hall and were well attended by the people of the area. A branch of this society called “Band of Hope” was active in the Cook’s Brook School in the early 1900’s.

Gradually more uses were made of this hall, one being for religious pruposes. Prayer meetings, Christian Endeavour, Sunday School, and YPU (Young People’s Union) were held over the years.

Before long, they realized the need for more space. Consequently, a kitchen was built on the back of the hall by the men of the community in the 1930’s.

Electricity came to Cook’s Brook in 1947. the hall was then wired.

The money was raised by holding dances, card parties, basket socials, etc. which was used to shingle the roof, buy new wooden chairs, and paint the hall. during the years 1939-1945 the proceeds were sometimes used to send to various organizations to help the War effort.

Due to changing times, the need was felt for a bigger and more modern hall, one which could be used as a fire hall. As this was too much money for the one community alone, Gay’s River, Cook’s Brook, and Lake Egmont decided to join together and raise money to erect a hall in cook’s Brook which would serve the three places as a fire hall and a recreation center.

Grants totalling about $4,000 were received from the government. Finally, on Mar. 30, 1972, the deed to the old Temperance Hall which was held in the safe by Burke Tays was turned over to Lloyd McDonald for the newly formed group, and work on the new hall began. Citizens from the three communities worked together building their new structure.

Ronald Carroll purchased the old hall, moved it in the Corbett Road and used it for a house for some time. It was later torn down.

The new hall was completed and ready for use in 1974. A sign bearing the letters, GRCBLE, the initials of the three communities, Gays’s River, Cook’s

Brook, Lake Egmont, was placed on the front of the new building.

In the new fire hall they now have Bingo once a week, monthly dances, and card parties in the winter months. They cater to weddings, anniversaries, and banquets. The hall is rented for private parties, dart tournaments, cribbage tournaments, and auctions.

Preschool children and their mothers meet here once a week during the school year.

Elections are held when necessary. Church suppers and breakfasts are held here sometimes by the Gay’s River and Lake Egmont churches.

A yearly event is a Harvest Auction and Chicken Shoot.

In 1982, they began holding Flea Markets here.

Mail Service

A Postal Way Office was established in Cook’s Brook in 1865 at the home of James Mitchell Sr. This office, which became a Post Office in 1876, continued in the Mitchell family for more than 70 years. As James Mitchell Sr. died early in life, the Post Office was then carried on by his wife who was Mary Kenty from Elmsdale. After her death it was taken over by her son James Mitchell Jr. who was Post Master in Cook’s Brook for more than 60 years.

In those days, a team of horses and a double-seated express wagon, “the coach” brought the mail from Shubenacadie and dropped off that which was for Cook’s Brook and Elderbank at the Post Office at Mitchell’s. A change of horses took place here so that fresh horses went the rest of the route to Upper Musquodoboit and were changed here again upon the return run.

The coach carried passengers as well as mail and was often filled to capacity. Some of the older residents of Cook’s Brook remember seeing the coach sleigh go by on winter mornings with a load of passengers dressed in heavy coats, some of them fur, and wrapped in warm blankets.

A one-horse coach ran from Cook’s Brook to Elderbank three days a week with their mail and was driven for many years by Mrs. Robert (Emily)Cook, the grandmother of Margaret (Sutherland) Robinson. It was later taken over by Jim Mitchell who drove it for over 35 years.

The last few years that Jim Mitchell drove the mail he took it by car, a Model A Ford touring car, which was driven bay his son, Ralph, or his daughter, Bertha.

In 1939, when the Mitchell family moved into William McGeorge’s house, while their new home was being built, they took the Post Offie with them and ran it from there. In 1940 the mail service was taken over by the rural mail delivery from Shubenacadie via Middle Musquodoboit .

Some of the men who drove the mail from Shubenacadie to Cook’s Brook and beyond before the rural mail delivery began were Fred Redmond, Monson Rhind, Isaac Lacey, ……Fulton, Fred Miller, the Stewards (Burnham, Harold, and Johnie), Cummie Hilchie, Samuel Cook, and Mercy Mosher.

The rural mail drivers have been James Irving, Frank Baker, Vincent Bentley, Harry Flemming, Reginald Wallace, Earl Currie, William Densmore, Thomas Sheehy, and Robert Palmer. The mail was brought six days a week and put in each one’s mail box.

The home of James Mitchell, the Old Postal Way Office, was torn down in 1939 and a new house built in its place by his son, Ralph. It is now the home of Lloyd and Mary Emma MacDonald. She is the daughter of James Mitchell and worked for her father many of the sixty years that he was Postmaster for Cook’s Brook. The Post Office was officially closed on Jan. 15, 1940. In October, 1982, the rural post office discontinued to rural areas on Saturdays.

First Things in Cook’s Brook:

First: Loyalist land grants were given Cook’s Brook on Jan. 2., 1786.

First: land grants in Cook’s Brook were given to William Cook, Daniel Cawfield, Alex Campbell, John cole, John Helley, and John McGeorge, 1786.

First: minister to serve the residents of Cook’s Brook and surrounding areas was Rev. James Murdock in the late 1780’s.

First: frame church in which the people of Cook’s Brook worshipped was built at Gay’s River, in 1818.

First: Three elders of the Gay’s River church were from Cook’s Brook, namely John McGeorge, William Cook and John Cook Sr.

First: oil lamp in Cook’s Brook after the use of candles. Was purchased by Samuel McMichael, the grandfather of Lucy Taylor. It was a small lamp on a marble base and is well over one hundred years old. The lamp cost 60 cents, the gallon of oil cost 60 cents, and the lamp burned for 60 nights. Lucy Taylor was still in possession of this lamp in 1983.

First: Dog-powered churn in Cook’s Brook, again owned by Samuel and Mary McMichael. It was made by George Parker of Stewiacke. One of the dogs used to work the churn, and when it sensed that churning day had arrived, he would take to the woods and spend the day there! (The churn is still in existence).

First: Postal Way Office established in Cook’s Brook was at the home of James Mitchell St. in 1865, on the site where Lloyd MacDonald lives today (1983).

First: shingle mill in cook’s Brook was owned by George T. Cook. (1871 census)

First: woman in Cook’s Brook to receive life membership Certificate of the Women’s Missionary Society was Mrs. Robert Newman (Susan McGeorge) who was the grandmother for Francis Newman and lived on that farm. She received the certificate in 1920. It is still in existence today.

First: telephone in Cook’s Brook was owned by James Mitchell.

First: automobile was owned by Burke Tays. It was a Model T Ford, (1917).

First: radio in Cook’s Brook was owned by George McMichael.

First: tractor in Cook’s Brook was a steel-wheeled Fordson, owned by Ernest Benjamin.

First: woman in the area to join the armed forces G.Hazel Tays, RCAF, W.D. (WW. II).

First: electricity turned on in Cook’s Brook, April 15, 1947.

First house in Cook’s Brook to be wired for electricity was owned by Frank and Irene Benjamin, 1947.

First: pavement completed through Cook’s Brook, Oct. 1955.

First: Bible camp in the area, Mt. Traber, opened in summer, 1966

First: television set in Cook’s Brook was owned by Ian MacDonald

First: Colour television set in Cook’s Brook was owned by Allan MacDonald, purchased Dec. 1968

First: Scout Master from Cook’s Brook was William R. Tays, 1969

First Cook’s Brook Boys to become Queen Scouts were Phillip Tays and James McMichael Jr. April 25, 1974

First: Fire Hall in Cook’s Brook was built in 1974

First Fire Chief in Cook’s Brook was John F. MacDonald.

First vehicle used as a fire truck was a second-hand one tone Ford truck.

First person in Cook’s Brook to reach 101 years of age was Burke Tays,

(1876-1976)

First: Cook’s Brook boy to receive the “Cub of the Year Award” from the 1st Gay’s River Cub Pack was Kevin MacDonald.

HISTORY OF SOUTH SECTION # NINE

Earliest Grants

The earliest grants of land acquired in Musquodoboit South seem to be those of Patrick Creigh, James Drady and John Braden in 1787. It appears they must have been friends in Ireland because they took up their grants at the same time and next to each other.

It is very doubtful if Patrick Creigh ever lived here. James Drady worked in Halifax as a carpenter, and if he lived here it was for a short time.

John Braden came from Newry, Ireland where his ancestors had fled from France. They were Hugenots and introduced the glove industry to Ireland. In France their name was spelled Bredon. John’s father or grandfather traded with France. On one trip the ship was captured in a war and he was carried to Louisbourg, Nova Scotia,. His knowledge of the new World led his descendent, John To Nova Scotia. John arrived in Halifax about 1783, then sent for his wife and daughter to join him, staying in Halifax a few years, then Shubenacadie, and on to Middle Musquodoboit.

“Elderbank Back Road”

We begin our history with the last property in Musquodoboit South on this road. This is what used to be know as the McWilliams property and later owned by Susan Curikshank. The last person to live here was Miss Annie Cruikshank, whose home has since burned. The land is now owned by Bennie Killen today.

The next property is that of John Braden, son of John Brade, Pioneer. Alexander Murch’s on, William, of Murchyville, bought this property and today is owned by his grandson, Elgin Murchy.

Travelling up that road, we come to the farm of John Fox. he was born in Northern Ireland and came to Nova Scotia after the troubles in 1798. It is said he first settled in Antigonish County, but fearing the same kind of religious strife, he moved to Musquodoboit. His grant of land is listed in the Archives as 300 acres already improved by him, dated 1815.

The first farm buildings were situated on the hill some distance from the road and were probably of log construction, typical of that ear. The cellars were visible a few years ago, one on each side of the lane. There was no sign of a well, leading to the belief that water was carried from one of the springs in the adjoining swamp.

The farm subsequently passed to his son William, who it is is said, had the first paraffin lamp in the district. His brother-in-law Jarvis McCoy, carried it, filled with oil, and topped with a chimney from Dartmouth, walking the entire distance. William Fox was a noted broad axe man.

The second house, built in the 1850’s, would be typical of the houses built in that era. It had shingled walls and was built near the swamp. the front door was in the center, the kitchen and parlor in front, the pantry and two bedrooms in the rear. The stairs, both up and down, exited from the pantry. A long wooden sink, with an ever-present sour smell was also in the pantry. On the east end was a porch, followed by an outhouse, a hen house, and a goose pen, all strung out for a considerable distance.

The upstairs was never finished. A bed stood in either end, a loom near the west end, a spinning wheel and clothes press near the center.

The kitchen contained a couch below the window, in the corner a little tread spinning wheel. The day would begin with a breakfast of oatmeal porridge, bread, and plenty of milk, then a portion was read from “the Book” and all went to their knees for prayers.

The parlour floor was completely covered with rag mats. Mosquito netting covered the windows in the summer. An oil lamp with a large pretty shad sat on a small table, the papered walls and whitewashed ceiling gave the room a cozy look. the super-large Family Bible had a place of prominence on the parlour table.

William’s son, Buton, inherited the family farm. Burthon, most every young person’s uncle, was universally loved by everyone. He had a cheerful chuckle for everyone. It was a common sight to see him with one foot on the front hub of a wagon while taling to a friend or neighbor whom he had waylaid to get the latest new. Being unmarried, the property passed on to his niece, Alice (Fox) and Warren Cook.

The third house on the homestead, built in 1908, is now occupied by Ivan and Alice Cook, fifth generation. 1

Margaret, daughter of Thomas McCallum, married Joseph McMullin and they lived across the road from William Fox. Their son, William inherited the family farm where he and his wife, Elizabeth Fox lived until their deaths. It then become the property of Elizabeth’s brother, John W. Fox. This is the property owned by Alex Baker today.

“The Front Road”

Once again, we start at the Elderbank borderline with the property of William MacLean 11. William MacLean Sr., with his family, migrated to Nova Scotia from Scotland, settling in Gairlock, Pictou County. William II settled in Musquodoboit South on the property where Warren Clement now resides (1982). A well-known resident of Elderbank, now deceased, Mrs. viantha Grant, was a grandaughter of William II. William J. and Hiram Scott, sons of James Scott, purchased this property from the MacLean family. Arthur Scott, brother of W.J. and HIram, married Sadie Lawlor, who lived on a small place adjacent to this farm.

John and Sarah Fox MacLean, it is said, also lived in a small house adjacent to this farm, but on the opposite side of the road. It was occupied by a shoemaker in the 1800’s.

We come next to the farm of Matthew Archibald McCurdy. The McCurdy family, originally from Scotland, reached Nova Scotia by way of Ireland and New England, settling in Onslow about 1772.f Grand-children of the Pioneer Alexander McCurdy settled in Musquodoboit. Matthew and his wife Eliza began their life on this farm. In the spring of 1837, a violent epidemic of scarlet fever swept the settlement and three fo their children died. Matthew sold his farm to Col. H. A. Gladwin and moved to Clifton, Colchester County. Next, settler on this farm seems to be John W. Fox, son of William Fox, where he raised his family. The farm was taken over by his son, J. Wesley and Mr. and Mrs. Fox moved to the McMullin property. John W. Gox’s grandson, Kenneth and family live here today. Matthew’s brother-in-law, James Archibald, purchased the next farm and settled here at the same time, but he also sod to Col. H. A. Gladwin, and moved to Clifton, Colchester County. Col H. A. Gladwin’s grandson, William and wife Mary Elizabeth Shaw settled here and raised their family. Mrs. Emma Gladwin, a daughter-in-law, lives here today.

The next property on the left is LaPrairie Farm, called so because of its black, fertile meadow. Captain Raine sold it to Col. H.A. Gladwin, about 1830. Col. Henry

Arthur Gladwin was born in Fort William, Bengal, India, educated in Eton and Cambridge. He was a Captain of the 19th Lancers in India, then Millitary Aide to Jsir John Sherbrooke with whom he came to Canada. In 1828, he came to Nova Scotia with his wife and mother.

As a Military Officer, he received a grant of land in Glenmore, but settled first on property he bought from Good Matthew Archibald. This he gave to his son, Bourke, when he purchased laPrairie Farm. It was here that his family grew up. Two adjoining properties from Matthew McCurdy and James Archibald were acquired by him as he set out to create, in replica, an Old Country Estate, on the rich land along the Musquodoboit River. In 1836, Col. Gladwin and “William Lawson contested the County of Halifax for the Assembly but were defeated by Joseph Howe and William Annand.

Alexander Brown, wife and baby came from Elgin, Scotland to Nova Scita, arriving in the Valley as Pioneers in 21836. The worked for a time with Col. Gladwin, then took up their grant in the Higginsvillel-Brookvale area. Robert Rhodes was a member of Col. Gladwin’s household in 1833-34, attending school in the South Section. His country of origin is not known, but the name Rhodes, is English. he was 22 years old, but age was no barrier in the school houses in those days. People took advantage of any opportunity for an education. Other owners of LaPrairie Farm have been Arther G. Dove of LaPrairie Stock Farm co., Mitchell Bros., Laurity Quaade, then it was purchased by Carl Grant, still owned by his family today. With Buildings all gone it is used for pasture and forage crops.

Across the road from LaPrairie Farm, we have the property of Adams Braden, son of Samuel Braden. He lived for time here, then moved with most of his family to Minnesota. The next race of ownership we can find is when Winyard Gladwin sold it to John Alexander Shaw, Jr., grandson of Alexander Shaw, Muchyville Pioneer in 1885. The property was called “Mayflower Farm”, the house being “Mayflower Cottage”, according to the Music book belonging to Mr. Shaw. He went to singing school with Robert McFetridge as instructor.

John Shaw had one eye; his brother, Ainslie, was blind. It was interesting to watch them sawing wood: one eye doing duty for both men.

The field behind the house has a hole overgrown with bushes, said to be the cellar for a church. A number of years ago, bridge abuttments could be found along the brook. Building plans were said to have been dropped because of the repeated flooding of the brook.

Through the years, owners have been Arch Hutchinson, Christian Quaade, with John and Mary cook residing here today.

Holy Trinity Anglican Church is our next stop along the road. It was built on land given by Col. H.A. Gladwin. Thee are no pictures of the church known to exist. It has been described as not being used since 1890, a two storey structure with clapboard walls, large Gothic windows, two barrel pulpits, a small square tower at the end with a pyramid spire extending above the trees. Eventually it was sold a public auction, torn down, and parts moved away. Boards were used in the barn where Irvine Conrad now lives, having been bought by William Gladwin. The Gladwin family has the Bible with the inscription reading, “Presented to Trinity Church, Musquodoboit, by Henry Gladwin, Esq. 1845.” It is a large Pulpit Bible with quite large print. Twenty to thirty men and women are buried in the cemetery – Col. Gladwin, wife and family, John and Sarah Nelson Fox, with other names – Brown, Cole, Edward, Killen, Smullin and Sargent.

East of LaPrairie Farm we have that of John Archibald. John Archibald Sr. came from Londonderry, Ireland, and was the father of six sons, four of whom went to Truro with their families in around 1760: David, Samuel, James and Thomas, accompanied by three sisters: Elizabeth, Eleanor, and Martha.

David’s son, John settled in Musquodoboit about 1790. This property later became the John Tupper Farm, then John Burnett, now owned by the family of Carl Grant with Ronald Stewart residing there.

Across the river we find the Thomas McCallum property. His father was among the early settlers of Onslow, having come from Londonderry, Ireland by way of New Hampshire. Thomas settled here in the early 1800’s. the road to this farm went in by what is now the Cyril Hubley place, but at the time of settlement, there were adjacent to the first original trail north of the river. Son, William inherited the farm, but later moved to Camden. An unmarried sister, Janet, managed the farm with Donny Grant as a helper. Later it was owned by James Scott, then Samuel Crockett and Charles McFetridge. The Scott children attended the South School crossing the river on a ford. It is vant today.

The first road or trail north of the river ran diagonally from this ford across the Logan property to the large bend in the river south-east of Logan Hill. The first school was located close to this road on the McCallum-Logan boundary line. this jwould be ust across the river from the Claypool field today.

Heading north toward Middle Musquodoboit, the next property was that of Samuel and Mary Logan Braden, son of John Braden. In 1815, he built the house known locally now as the Sprott place, and owned today by Allan Streatch. Braden sold it to Rev. John Sprott, in 1824, moving to Elmsvale. Rev. John Sprott, a graduate of Edinburgh University, Scotland, came to Nova Scotia in 1818, where his first charge was that of Windsor, Newport and Rawdon. In Septmeber, 1825, he was inducted into the Charge of Musquodoboit, moving into this homestead, “the Manse of Tullochgorum” where he lived for the remainder of his life. He remitted his charge in 1849 but cintinued to perform ministerial services anywhere needed in the province, travelling on horseback. His passion for universal education was largely instrumental in bringing schools to all areas of the community. Son Charles farmed this origianl Sprott homestead. he was an elder of the Elderbank Presbyterian church, and for over 30 years, Superintendent of Sunday School of Middleton Church. His youngest son, Inglis Neilson, inherited the homestead which remained in the family until only recently. No buildings remain today.

Across the road was a house which belonged to John Higgins and rented many years to “Sonny John” Higgins.

Adjacent to the Sprott house we have the home known locally as the “Claypool house”. James Brown seems perhaps to be the original owner. Little is known about James Brown, except he is buried in the Anglican Cemetery. His daughter, Lydia (1815), is the mother of John Higgins who was born in 1840. John Higgins was known as John 9th or Merchant John, the great grandson of John Higgins, Pioneer. He settled on this property formerly owned by his maternal grandparents where he ran a general store, a hotel and was an undertaker and also a carpenter at his home. He took down the old buildings and erected the present house, shop and also the barn which was dismantled a number of years ago. Adjacent to the barn was a long shed with doors on both ends. When Mr. Higgins ran the hotel his patrons were able to drive straight through without turning their carriages around. The property today belongs to the family of Sheldon Chisholm, a grandson of John Higgins, 9th.

William Logan and his wife Janet Archibald (a descendent of Pocohontas,) settled on the property across the river from the Brown’s. At this time, Logan Hill was covered with giant hemlock trees so large that it took years and years to burn their trunks and dig up the roots. The first house was built close to the river behind the present home. William died as the result of an accident when a young man. Some time in the 1840’s, this house burned down and another was built over the same cellar where hundreds of bushels of potatoes had the top tow feet of them roasted by the fire.

Robert, “Squire” Logan was a Justice of the Peace and a local “Judge of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. He divided his land and helped his sons build homes on the portions given to them. Sam’s house was near the top of the hill on the north side, Malcolm’s was north of that, close to the gully. Another house was built just across the road from the present Logan house. It is not known who first occupied it, but until Squire Logan died, it was the home of Robert A. Jr. and his wife, Esther. Robert A. Jr.’s son, Charles eventually inherited the property and built a large barn behind the house. The house across the road was torn down and lumber from it used to construct the wagon house, ice house, etc.

The original name LOGAN was spelled with Gaelic letters equal to LOCHAN and pronounced almost like LOCK-ANN meaning a “small lake”. The property today is owned by Reginald and Frances Logan Higgins, great-great granddaughter of Pioneer William Logan.

Sam Logan’s house on the top of the hill to the right is our next stop. Sam was a carpenter and shipwright and was in the Southern States when the American Civil War broke out. He skedaddled back home bringing his wife, “Aunt Jemima” with him. She was quite a famous Spiritualist-Medium and created a lot of excitement the feew winters she spent in the Valley. “Aunt Jemima” taught the locals how to “call up the spirits of dead people” and have them use somebody’s hand to write on a slate the answers to questions she asked. Lots of slabs of slate-rock could be gotten at Murchyville or other places, and at one time, they had to be broken up and thrown into the river after a Christian Minister scared the people into believing the “spirit writing” was the work jof the devil and they would all end up in hell if they didn’t stop at once They stopped, and “Aunt Jemima” went back to the States.

The procedure of “spirit writing” was thus described:

“People would sit around the kitchen table in an unbroken circle of hands, the little finger of the right hand touching the little finger of the left hand of the person to the right, and so on. After a minute or two of silence some person’s writing hand would “feel funny” and Aunt Jemima or some other person in the know would put a slate and pencil in front of the hand, start asking questions, and the person’s hand would write the answers. All kinds of weird things would happen. Sometimes people would recognize the handwriting of their departed, and read from the writing, things that the person of the writing could not have known. In one case, a man had drowned in the river but his body had never been found. A “spirit” wrote, telling them to go to a certain place where there was a fallen tree, its tip hanging down into the river under which they would find the man’s body, and they did find it there.”

Sam Logan ‘s house became the home of John MacBain, a merchant who had a store at the fork of the two roads, pasture today. The present house, said to thave been built by John MacBain, was then considered the “Mansion of the Valley”, has also said to have been used as a tavern. Another resident was William J. Scott, son of James Scott. This is one of the last properties on the northern side of Musquodoboit South and is today occupied by Keith and Judy Caborn. Malcolm Logan’s house seems to have been located where John Grant lived and where today Claude Kelly and his family live. A large barn stood where Bennie Killen’s house is located today.

William Logan’s house, close to the gully, is the other property at the boundary line of Musquodoboit South. It was inherited by his son William, or “Young Will” as he was generally called, and his wife Isabel. Today it is the home of Lyle and Carole Bates.

Heading out toward Muchyville, we come to the corner where we have the hall and the school, one on each side of the road. One of the first schools, on our right, was provided in 1817 on the site of the present building, we believe.

The second school, completed in 1833, was building 20 feet square, with a porch 7 feet square, and two windows on each side. This building faces the Murchyville road. The only children permitted to attend school were those whose parents paid toward the upkeep of the school and the teacher’s salary. Some early teachers were:

1817 Mr. Rainston 1833-35 Geo. Weale

1831- 32 Geo. Weale 1836 William Fulton

1833 Thomas Brown

The third school, still standing, was built in 1896. the name board over the door was donated by Edith Sprott Foote, widow of Rev. W.R. Foote, Korean Missionary. The sign was made by Henry McCurdy of Middle Musquodoboit.

The second school building was acquired by John Shaw and used as a woodhouse and shed on the “Mayflower Farm” being finally dismantled in 1979.

School Section records around 1l900 reveal that all jobs around the school, supplying wood, cleaning, janitor duties, were sold by tender: $2.00 a cord for good split hardwood, cutting and putting in woodhouse .64 per cord, tending the school $10.00 cleaning the school twice a year, $6.00 , banking school with gravel and removing in spring to front of school, $3.20. Teacher’s salary was listed ast $180.00 per year.

All grades from Grade 1 to lX were taught here and Primary to Grade XI when Primary was instituted. The school term saw an increase in the enrollment from the years 1946-47 and the Temperance Hall was used as a second classroom until Musquodoboit Rural High School opened in 1950, when Grades VII – XI attended here.

The school was taken over by the community as a Community Hall in 1964 following completion of Musquodoboit Central Elementary School in Middle Musquodoboit.

The Hall, on our left, was built by the first Temperance Society in South Section, the British Templars. Royal Standard Division, Sons of Temperance was organized in South Section 1883 with 31 Charter Members. It carried on for nearly 60 years. Sunday school also met in the hall. Sunday School in 1890’s sometimes developed into a discussion group in which all joined. Among the elders were Willie Joe McMullin, who was betimes Superintendent, Ainsile Shaw, the blind storekeeper who, it is said, walked confidently along the wheel track with the knob of his can in his mouth. John Shaw, Charles Sprott, Robert McFetridge and Adams Archibald were also elders.

THE THUNDERSTORM

Just as lessons had been completed and catechism was being heard, bang! came a thunderclap almost of the of the blue. School was dismissed and all stood moodily watching the storm. To “Aunt Libbie” McMullin this was wasted time, so soon the organ was opened and pupils all back in their places. The Moody and Sankey Lynn book was brought out and with plenty of good singers joining in, the storm was soon ignored. A boring situation became a joyful time for all.

On one occasion there was a Temperance picnic on the grounds. Along win the evening the young people wished to dance. This was against the rules of the Organization. Two sticklers for the rules and good order, Mrs. W. J. McMullin and Mrs. William Gladwin, stayed and they were driven to their homes, the Hall was opened, and the young people danced without restraint. (A good idea of the “Puritan ideas at the time.)

Beyond the Hall the first farm is that of Robert McFetridge, son of John McFetridge of Brookvale, and his wife Mary Archibald. Robert was a singing instructor in winter. Otterson this property have been Laurity Quaade, Airie Levering, and today, Mac and Pat McKinstry of Mamac Farm.

At the crossroads, turning left the next farm is that of Matthew Taylor Archibald, the last farm in Musquodoboit South on this road. He is a descendent of Samuel Archibald. Matthew, born in Truro, was granted first 500 acres of land which later became known as the Bourke A. Gladwin farm in Musquodoboit North. He sold this property to Col. H. A. Gladwin, and moved south to the farm where Smith Archibald, a great-great grandson now resides. He was called Good Matthew – a name given him by the Rev. John Sprott.

Thomas Burgess received a grant of 200 acres of land in December, 1814, beside Matthew T. Archibald’s grant. He married Alice Archibald, daughter of Pioneer John Archibald. They had one daughter, but on further information is available.

MURCHYVILLE ROAD

Continuing out this road we stop at the next intersection. On the left corner is the home of Henry Behrendt. Henry was born in 1830 in Meclenburg, Stralitz, Germany, on the Baltic Sea bordering on Hamburg and Lubech. When quite young, he enlisted in the English army at the time of the Crimean War, but just before he arrived at the scene of action, Peace was declared. Not wishing to return to his native land, he came to Halifax. Henry and his bride, Elizabeth, granddaughter of John Hollingsworth, moved to Musquodoboit South in 1857 where he bought a house and a few acres of land. He was a tailor by trade, had many customers and did excellent work. The house is now occupied by Mrs. Ira Killen, a granddaughter.

Across the road, at the same time, lived Alex Logan and his wife, formerly a Lay from Meagher’s Grant. No further information.

The property adjoining that of Henry Behrendt – east, south and west, belonged to Henry Hollingsworth. He was granted 500 acres in 1814. He built a house on what became known as the “Orchard Farm” where he and his wife spent the rest of their lives. Vernon Scott owned the “Orchard Farm” and the home of Robert Standing is on part of it today. The old homestead was divided among the sons. Thomas married and lived here for a few years, then moved to Greenfield, Colchester County. The only tow sons to remain on the property were David, who lived across the road from Robert Collings’ home today, and John. John left his part to his son, David, the third generation on the homestead. This section is owned by Ronald Killen today.

Henry Hollingsworth was one of the first drivers to haul cream to the Musquodoboit Creamery for the farmers in Musquodoboit South.

SCOTT ROAD

Scott Road today is a no-exit road, but at one time continued on over a high hill joining the Brookvale Road near where Lorne Scott lives today.

The next property beyond that of Henry Hollingsworth was that of Henry Gould Morris. Henry was born in Halifax where he lived until he was nine years of age. his mother died when he was only three. He came to South Section to live with Mr. and Mrs. David Hollingsworth. Eventually he was able to buy 100 acres of timber land from Good Matthew Archibald, about a mile distant from his adopted home. He built a house and barn. He married Mary, daughter of John Hollingsworth and niece of his adopted parents. Their daughter, Margaret, married Alfred Scott. Following her mother’s death, Margaret, Alfred and family returned to the Morris Homestead to care for her father. They continued to live here, their son Ross having taken over his grandfather’s farm. It is owned today by Gordon Hippern.

Beyond the Morris homestead on the high hill lived James MacDonald. He and his wife arrived in Middle Musquodoboit in 1818 from Glenmore, Scotland. They lived for a time in an section that looked much like his old home area. This land was not granted to James, and he moved to this property in South Section, vacant today. This is the last property in Musquodoboit South in this direction.

ELDERBANK ROAD

Travelling west, we come to the property of William Scott. The family can be traced to Benjamin Scott who married Margaret Stephenson, said to have been executed as a witch in Boston, 1692. Lieutenant Joseph Scott, a descendent, was one of the prime movers of the migration from New England to Nova Scotia in 1759 – 60. William Scott, his grandson, was born in Onslow, NS. He, with his wife and family, settled in Musquodoboit South between 1814 17. His sons settled around him. William II settled across the river, later his house was moved to the site of the Present Scott house. His son James lived on a farm joining his father’s place. Later he purchased the William MacCallum property.

William II’s brother, Alexander, settled on the hill above the home now belonging to Mary Elizabeth Scott. Son Ephraim, lived on the same farm as his father, which he eventually passed to his daughter, our Mary Elizabeth of today, (1982).

Ephraim’s brother, George, settled in Upper Meagher’s Grant, then in later life, moved back to his father’s home where he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives.

Robert Rhodes, when he grew up, settled on property adjacent to William and Alexander Scott, now vacant.

MURCHYVILLE ROAD

Somewhere along this road, lived William and Mary McFetridge Archibald. The McFetridge family came from Ballymena County, Antrim, Ireland, in 1818. On the way to New York their vessel was wrecked about 300 miles from Halifax. Picked up by another vessel they landed in Halifax, and settled in Glenmore. A granddaughter, Mary, married William Archibald, great grandson of Pioneer John Archibald and they settled somewhere on the Murchyville Road. They had a son, but he died a young man.

MURCHVILLE

The properties on the west side of Little River belonged to the Murchy family.

James Murchy, spelled “Murcky” in 18832, came from Aberdeen Scotland in 1803. He settled on the northwest side of the Little River. He cleared land and made a farm, built his house close to Little River. Then he built a carding mill and grist mill on Little River, four feet apart, just below the present bridge. The old house was later moved and used as a woodshed at the home of son Alexander. Son James II purchased John Hay’s sawmill which his sons operated. A son-in-law, Edward Marks, later put in a modern sawmill. James II lived across the road from his father on the same site as the house owned by Ross Kay today. His son Lewis married a granddaughter of Joseph Howe and built the large house presently standing on the site. Robert A. Logan worked for several months with Lewis Murchy and his father. They worked 10 hours a day in the sawmill if there was enough water and the days between, they farmed. Mrs. Murchy ran a sort of hotel for men from Halifax and Truro who came to go fishing and moose hunting. In his spare time, Robert was her chamber-maid, all for the wages of $18.00 a month and board.

Alexander lived across the road from brother James II. He operated the carding mill formerly owned by William Hay. Across Little River, on the hill settled William Hay. Hay was born in Scotland, and came to Musquodoboit South with James Murchy. He built a log cabin, living there until he could clear land for a farm and get materials to build the Hay homestead. He carried on carriage building and lumbering. With his sons, he built a grist mill, and carding mill on the right side of the road of Shaw’s Lake on Little River. His son, John, shared in his father’s business and inherited the farm, which in turn, passed on to his son, Burton, the third generation on that homestead. Adjacent to the Hay farm was the farm belonging to William and Elmer Milne, brothers of Mrs. Burton Hay.

Alexander Merson also lived somewhere in this area. He came from Lawrencetown, Halifax County and took up two grants of land in Murchyville in 1812. He married the only daughter of Pioneer, Henry Hollingsworth. They family very shortly moved to Pine Grove, Gay’s River.

Joseph P. Taylor settled in Murchyville where he ran the grist mill previously owned by James Murchy. His grandfather, George Taylor and family had emigrated to Nova Scotia from Farnemney, Scotland ni 1810 and settled in Chaswood, called Taylorville at the time.

The men of the village built a dam across Little River to provide water power for the mills and the little village prospered. From all around farmers brought their grain to be ground, wool to be processed, and there was always a demand for lumber and shingles. They were granted a Post Office. The mail came from the “The Settlement” as it was then called. James Murchy, Sr. was appointed Postmaster and in his honour, the village was named Murchyville. How long this period of prosperity lasted, is not known, but one spring, when the ice went out of the Pond, it smashed the dam, taking the mills and everything downstream. With the mills gone, most of the younger generation were left to seek employment elsewhere.4

Alexander Shaw settled two miles out the road, at the head of Shaw’s Lake. Alexander, wife and family came to Nova Scotia from Banffshire, Scotland, in 1813. His grant of land was not issued until 1847. He was one of the first elders ordained in Musquodoboit. His son, John, inherited the family farm.

There are no permanent homes at Shaw’s Lake today, but a lot of summer homes and camps surround the lake.

William Day settled at the head of Long Lake in 1849. He had come earlier with a party of friends from Jeddore to pick blueberries. Wandering around, he found a piece of fertile, not rocky, land which appealed to him so he later returned to make his home there. The family travelled by boat to Jeddore to visit. On one such trip, a daughter was scared by a bear as she boarded the boat. Her baby, when born, had all its hair standing on end! When young, the family had 7 miles to walk to school. In winter, some of the boarded in Murchyville to be nearer to the school.

Son William II, when 7 years old, because of confusion over days by his elders, was left alone for two days. He started to go for the cows for milling, but heard the cow bell ringing wildly, which meant that a bear was chasing them. Bears were plentiful in that area.

When older, William II settled out in Murchyville on the Burton Hay property, across the road from home of Burnham Higgins today. His son Austin walked to school from there. One day, when Austin was 6 years old, the covering had been removed from the bridge for repair. Unafraid of heights and not aware of any danger, young Austin walked the stringers and so, on to school. The family moved to Chaswood in June, 1913. (5)

INDIAN CAMPS

There were four Indian Camps, at one time, along the Murchyville Road. One of them was at “Little Watering Bridge”, so called as it was a watering place for horses.

An epidemic of smallpox almost wiped out the inhabitants of the encampments completely. It is said Burton Fox and Burton Hay volunteered to bury them, thus keeping the disease from spreading further.

This completes the story of Musquodoboit South and Murchyville, that time and materials have been able to provide. I trust that any errors will be considered accidental and not intentional.

Mary Cook, (1982)