“Loyalist Trails” 2011-26: July 3, 2011

In this issue:
Two Loyalists of Note — © Stephen Davidson
Samuel Hallett: Fourth Generation in America © George McNeillie
Recollections of My Childhood Home, by Clementine (Stymiest) Lacey: Part 5 — © Carl Stymiest
If We Call a Spade a Spade, Why Not Call an Indian an Indian?
UELAC Vancouver Branch on Top with Educational Program
Loyalists Welcome Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
2010 UELAC Membership Challenge Winners
Newsletter About Major John Richardson Initiated
War of 1812: Brock’s Route – Assistance Requested
Additions to the Loyalist Directory
Last Post: Mary Geraldine (Teed) Gillis

Articles

Two Loyalists of Note — © Stephen Davidson

Loyalists were a very diverse group of people, but sometimes it is the link that two loyalists shared which is the most fascinating detail. Such is the case of Daniel Cole and Sampson Salters Blowers. Besides the fact that they were both male loyalists of European descent there seems to be very few similarities between them. Yet something in each man’s make-up eventually gave the two loyalists a unique commonality. See if you can guess what it was as their stories unfold

Daniel Cole was born on June 23, 1731 in Long Island’s Queen’s County. By the time he was 44, Cole had married Sophia/Maria deLong and was living in Poughkeepsie, New York.

Our other noteworthy loyalist was born into the family of a clergyman in Boston, Massachusetts on March 22, 1742. At the age of nineteen, Sampson Salter Blowers graduated from Harvard and then studied law under Thomas Hutchinson, the man destined to become the last royal governor of Massachusetts. Blowers made a name for himself as the defense attorney for the eight British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre. At that time, he was a member of the law firm headed by Josiah Quincy and John Quincy Adams. (The latter would eventually become the sixth president of the United States.) Blowers was prospering in his profession and had a number of merchants among his clients.

However, Blowers’ loyalist convictions cut short his legal career in Boston. Recognizing that he was “obnoxious” to the local rebels, Blowers sought refuge in England, leaving his wife Sarah behind him to hold onto the family’s property. Four years later, he returned to Boston when Sarah became ill. Blowers was immediately imprisoned as a traitor.

When he was finally set free eight days later, he was sent under a flag of truce to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Blowers returned to the Thirteen Colonies a year later to serve as the judge of the vice admiralty court in Rhode Island. After fleeing to England with other loyalists, he returned to serve as New York’s solicitor general until 1783. Blowers gypsy lifestyle finally came to an end when he was made the attorney general of Nova Scotia in 1784.

Meanwhile, back in New York, Daniel Cole “adhered to the royal cause”, and joined the Kings Royal Regiment. His most important service to the crown was as a spy and courier. After rebels captured Cole on one of his missions, they prepared a noose to hang him then and there. However, Cole sprang from his captors’ grasp and ran for his life, the hanging rope trailing behind him. Miraculously, the volley of musket balls fired upon him failed to find their mark. Cole continued to spy on the patriots and was noted for carrying sensitive documents in a metal box that was so thin that it could fit in the sole of his boot.

At the end of the Revolution, he and his family of 13 children were on one of the seven evacuation ships bound for Quebec in September of 1783. After staying the winter in Sorel, the Coles went up the St. Lawrence River to settle on the fourth township that had been created for loyalist settlers west of old Fort Frontenac. Cole’s family joined a brigade of bateaux and arrived in “Adolphustown” on June 16, 1784. (The settlement was named in honour of King George III’s tenth son, the Duke of Cambridge.)

Although these loyalists agreed to draw lots to determine which land grant they would receive, by “universal consent” everyone allowed Daniel Cole to select the lot he wanted, a point of land that came to bear his name. While it may have been consideration for Cole’s large family that prompted his friends to allow him first choice, it also put the loyalist veteran in the history books as the first settler of Adolphustown.

The surviving records of a town meeting held in March of 1799 note that Cole was on a committee created to deal with stray cattle and thistle infestations. In later years his farm was often used as a court house. Cole would always remember the case of the man who was hanged on nearby Gallows Point. This first execution in Upper Canada was punishment for the theft of a watch, a crime for which the man was later found to be innocent.

Back in Halifax, Sampson Blowers became a member of the provincial supreme court in 1795, dealing with matters more grave than thistles and cattle. He was appointed the chief justice of the colony’s supreme court in 1797, a post he held for six years. In 1840, Blowers hosted John Quincy Adams, an old friend and a former president of the United States, in his Halifax home. Two years later, the Boston loyalist breathed his last.

Daniel Cole died leaving 8 children, 75 grandchildren, 172 great-grandchildren, and 113 great-great-grandchildren. Sampson Blowers died without any children. The similarity between Cole and Blowers is not in their lives or legacy, it is in their vital statistics. Both men lived to be more than 100 years of age, and both lived in an age of centenarians.

Daniel Cole died at the age of 105 on August 5, 1836. His son John died at 92 in 1866. Daughter Sarah died at 98 in 1883. A fellow Adolphustown settler, John Fitzgerald died in 1806 at 101 years of age.

The oldest of Harvard’s living alumni, Sampson Blowers died at the age of 100 years, seven months, three days on October 25, 1842. Twenty-two years earlier an alumnus had died a month short of 100. Five years after Blowers, a Harvard graduate died at 101, followed by another alumnus who expired at the same age in 1849.

It is incredible that the traumas the loyalists suffered did not send their entire generation to an early grave. That they lived long lives is noteworthy, that some loyalists lived to be over a hundred years old is truly amazing.

To secure permission to reprint this article, email Stephen Davidson.

Samuel Hallett: Fourth Generation in America © George McNeillie

He at any rate assisted in the settlement of his daughter Elizabeth at Lower St. Marys on the occasion of her marriage in 1785. On the 2nd of March in that year he purchased of Nehemiah Hayman lots No. 2 and No. 3 in the Grant of the Maryland Loyalists, comprising 300 acres, for 52 pounds 10 shillings Sterling, and on May 10, 1785, he conveyed the lots to his son-in-law James Moore for the same sum. This was about the time of Mr. Moore’s marriage to the Captain’s daughter.

The line of descent from Capt. Samuel Hallett, who was of the fourth generation of Halletts in America, down through his daughter Elizabeth, her daughter Maria (Moore) Carman, and her daughter Elizabeth (my mother) makes my own generation, via the Hallets, the eighth in America. It is also the eighth in the Raymond, Carman, Moore and nearly all other lines of descent (except Horsfield) which is an interesting fact. William Hallett, the immigrant ancestor, who was born in Dorset, England, in 1616, seems to have arrived in America about 1640, or within same decade as the other ancestors which is also an interesting circumstance. The Halletts have always borne an honourable name in New Brunswick. We were intimate with those who lived near Hampton and at Sussex, who were my mother’s cousins. Among them were Henry Hallett, who quite often visited us in my young days, and his sisters Mrs. Otty and Mrs. Barbarie.

The references to the family of Elizabeth Lamb, the second wife of Capt. Hallett, (my mother’s great-grandmother) are very meagre in these pages. Indeed, it may be said that the Barlow Ancestry on my father’s side, and the John Lamb Ancestry on my mother’s are the two notable failures of these genealogical notes. I have little or no information concerning them. [Note — Much more information has come to light about the Lamb family in recent years and George McNeillie has corresponded with Lamb cousins in the U.S. Raymond was correct about information concerning Sarah Barlow, wife of Silas Raymond, UEL; her origins still remain an enigma, as we shall see in the next installment].

Excerpt from Book of Family History, by The Ven. William Odber Raymond, LL.D, FRSC. © 2009 George McNeillie – all rights reserved [published here with permission; see footnote].

George McNeillie

Recollections of My Childhood Home, by Clementine (Stymiest) Lacey: Part 5 — © Carl Stymiest

The next place I remember was Milwaukee, WI. From there, we went to Chicago, Aunt Till was living there and we visited with her. Then we went to Arena, a little station about eight miles from our home. There they met us and took us home to Hyde’s Mill.

Hyde’s Mill

This is a little village in Wyoming Valley, Iowa County, Wisconsin. Dodgeville being the county seat. The village of Hyde’s Mill is named for my mother’s two brothers, William and James Hyde. They built a Grist Mill and a Saw Mill and so the town was name Hyde’s Mills.

When we arrived there, I remember all the houses were hung with black crepe. In mourning for President Lincoln. When we got there, Uncle William was the only one of the Hyde brothers at home. Uncle James and Uncle John (the third brother) were still in the Army. Had not been discharged yet. Uncle Jim and Uncle John enlisted at the first call for Troops and continued throughout the war. Uncle Jim, after the first enlistment, substituted for Uncle Will. And after that enlisted for the duration of the war. Uncle John did the same. Uncle Jim was an infantry man and Uncle John was in the Cavalry. Uncle Will did not go, as someone had to take care of the Business and he, being the oldest, that part fell to him.

I think it was about three weeks after we arrived at Hyde’s Mills that Aunt Bina, Uncle Jim’s wife, got a telegram saying that Uncle Jim would be discharged from the Army on a certain date at Madison, Wisconsin. So Aunt Bina took the three children, Edgar, Sadie and Nellie and I. And we went to Madison and there I got my first sight of Uncle Jim. Which I can never forget since that time. I have seen all kinds of tramps and ragamuffins, but never any to compare to Uncle Jim that day. His toes were out, his knees were out, his elbows were out, and the seat of his pants were out. He was simply in rags. As also were all the rest of the soldiers. Aunt Bina just cried like her heart would break and the children did not know him.

It was late in the afternoon before Uncle Jim got his discharge papers and he was free. Then he got bathed and barbered and got dressed in his citizen clothes. He looked quite nice I thought. He wore burn sides, and was quite good looking. Then there was a big celebration that night in Madison. Everybody was happy.

The next morning we took the train for Arena and home. At Arena a lot of the people met the train to welcome the Boys home. There being two others besides Uncle Jim, one Barnford Dodge and Mr. Wilson. There was a big time in the village that night, so that is how Uncle Jim came home from the war.

About 2 weeks after he got home, Uncle John came home. Uncle John was a farmer. He had a farm about 5 miles from Hyde’s Mills. Was married and had two boys. He was in the Cavalry and was a Lieutenant, promoted for bravery in action. If I remember right, his promotion had something to do with the death of General Mead. Anyway, he sure looked different from what Uncle Jim did. He was all dressed up in his full Cavalry uniform with yellow stripes on his pants and a yellow cord and tassels on his hat. Stripes were on his shoulders and riding a beautiful horse. I saw him coming and told Grandmother that there was a big general a coming. She came out and there was Uncle John. He had come home two or three days before and rode down that day to see the folks. I guess Uncle John did not like to have a fuss made on his account. So that is my recollection of the coming home of the soldiers in 1865.

The next thing was school, we had never been to Public School, as there was no such schools in Canada at that time. So starting to school was quite an adventure to us. At that, the schools were not Graded as they now are. Your grade was according to the reader you were studying. The sixth Reader being the highest. The teacher asked us where we had gone to school. Of course, we told her we never had been to school before, so she put us in the first Reader. She kept moving us up, and on the third day, after she found by questioning us that we had been taught by teachers at home in Canada, she put me in the fifth Reader. And my sister and niece in the fourth Reader. We studied reading, Writing, Spelling, History, Geography and Arithmetic. All of these studies came easy to me, but arithmetic. That I never did and never have made anything out of. Right today. If I can figure up to ten, I think I have done fine. We attended school at Ruggles School, two terms of three months each.

…Carl Stymiest UE, President, UELAC Vancouver Branch

Source: “Down by the Old Mill Stream: a Stymiest Chronicle.” Copyright 2001 Carl Stymiest, UE. All rights reserved. Permission granted to UELAC to reprint.

If We Call a Spade a Spade, Why Not Call an Indian an Indian?

Sir: I have been been receiving and reading these newsletters [Loyalist Trails] for a few years now and one thing always bugs me; that is, the term First Nations when referring to the North American Indians. A very large percentage of us grew up being Indians, knowing we were Indians and continuing to be Indians, yet the non-native population calls us First Nations. There was no term like that in the past and I personally believe your news articles should use the names of the Indian Nations of the period for authenticity, just like the attire and weapons used in the re-created battles which take place periodically.

…Fr. Douglas Whitlow BA, Six Nations of the Grand River

UELAC Vancouver Branch on Top with Educational Program

This is the second year that the UELAC Vancouver Branch has participated in the BC Heritage Fairs across the province. In keeping with the Education Vision Statement of the United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada; the Vancouver Branch is excited to be a part of this worthwhile program.

“To enrich the lives of Canadians through fostering public awareness of our national history, and, in particular, of the United Empire Loyalists and their contributions to Canada, while also celebrating their memory and perpetuating their heritage as an integral part of the Canadian identity.” This vision statement for UELAC was adopted at the Annual General Meeting June 8, 2002.

“The Heritage Fairs Program is an educational initiative designed to increase awareness and interest in Canadian history. A ‘history fair’ actively involves Canadian youth, schools, businesses and community groups in a contemporary celebration of our shared traditions and heritage. Students are encouraged to research any aspect of Canadian history that interests them, and then present the results of their efforts in a public forum.” Source: BCHeritageFairs.ca

The UELAC Vancouver Branch Award is described as:

Sponsor: the Vancouver Branch of the United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada

Availability: One award per Regional Fair

Criteria: The Project may be presented in English, French, or an Aboriginal language, at any grade level from Gr 4 to 10. Ideally, the selected project will be concerned with the Loyalists or their descendants. Where there is no project meeting this criterion, the award may be presented to a project related to the settlement and growth of Canada prior to Confederation.

Prize: Certificate, a George III Cypher UELAC pin and suitable book to the winning student(s).

The UELAC Vancouver Branch members adjudicate within the schools in Vancouver and Burnaby; the other 12 regions are judged by other regional volunteer adjudicators. From the school adjudications, several are chosen to represent the region at a Regional Fair at a subsequent date. It is at the Regional Fair that UELAC Vancouver Branch chooses and presents its Award. The Regions in the province in which we participate are:

– Fraser Valley (Abbotsford)

– Kamloops/Thompson Regional Heritage Fair

– Kootenay Regional Heritage Fair (Nelson/Creston)

– Prince George Regional Heritage Fair (Central BC)

– Richmond Delta Regional Heritage Fair (Lower Mainland South)

– Rivers To Sea Regional Heritage Fair (Burnaby)

– South Vancouver Island Regional Heritage Fair

– Alberni Valley Regional Heritage Fair (Vancouver Island North)

– Sea to Sky Regional Fair (North Vancouver)

– Vancouver/Burnaby Regional Heritage Fair

– Northwest Heritage Fair (Bulkley Valley/ North Coast)

– Okanagan Regional History Fair

– Northern Region Heritage Fair (Hudson Hope/Fort St. John)

At our last regular meeting on 21 June 2011, the Vancouver Branch was treated to a presentation by Angelica Angeles, 12, a grade 6 student from Stride Avenue Community School in Burnaby, BC. Angelica won the school competition for the BC Heritage Fair and was chosen to represent the Burnaby School District at the Regional Fair held in May. Here she was selected by the Vancouver Branch, for this display, as the winner of our BC Heritage Fair Award. Her selected project topic was “United Empire Loyalists: Their Arrival changed the course of Canadian history.” See Carl presenting the winner’s certificate to Angelica here.

A letter to Angelica’s parents Anna & Albert Angeles from President of UELAC Vancouver Branch noted that “Angelica’s illustrated talk made it all come alive for us. Those of us who have ancestors who settled this country over 225 years ago after the American Revolution were especially grateful for Angelica’s presentation on our Loyalist ancestors’ contributions. Her illustrated presentation with her creative and artistic storyboard, as well as her creative component was well received and so accurate. It was thoughtful of Angelica to add her personal observations. Her talk also gave a great boost to our efforts and to our membership, illustrating that the BC Heritage Fair is one way we hope to educate our youth about our Loyalist History.”

…Carl Stymiest, UE, President, Vancouver Branch

Loyalists Welcome Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

On June 30, 2011 at the invitation of His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Patron of UELAC, members of our Dominion Executive witnessed the Official Welcome Ceremony of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Catherine.

Representing our Association at the front doors of Rideau Hall in Ottawa were Dominion President Robert McBride and his wife Grietje, Immediate Past President Frederick Hayward and his wife Margaret, Senior Vice-President Bonnie Schepers and her husband Albert, Treasurer Jim Bruce and his wife Lise Doyon, Past President Peter Johnson and his wife Angela.

Anticipation was in the air as we were directed to our seats, along with a number of special guests of the Governor General and his wife Sharon Johnston. Adding to the excitement was the swell of cheers as the Royal Couple walked along the drive to Rideau Hall. The personal flag of the Duke of Cambridge for use in Canada was raised for the first time and within moments we watched as Prince William and Catherine made their way to the steps of Rideau Hall.

It was an honour to represent the United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada at this significant occasion. Our presence at such a momentous event exemplifies the vision statement of UELAC by fostering public awareness of our national history and perpetuating the heritage of the United Empire Loyalists as an integral part of the Canadian identity.

I had the added advantage of one more close encounter with the Royal Couple on Canada Day. Albert and I were part of the crushing crowd at noon who joined in the singing of O Canada under a blazing sun at the Parliament Buildings. We felt the CF-18s roar overhead and cheered the Snowbirds as they thundered past. Thanks to VIP invitations extended to Albert’s sister, that evening we found ourselves seated second row, front and centre for the evening concert that was broadcast live from Parliament Hill on CBC television. Prince William and Catherine were escorted to seats within a few feet of where we were sitting. It truly was an extraordinary way to celebrate a Canada Day weekend!

Enjoy some of our photos included here (6-page PDF, 7MB), taken at Rideau Hall and Parliament Hill, Ottawa.

We look forward to hearing from other UELAC members across the country as they have their own brush with Royalty at special events planned across Canada.

…Bonnie L. Schepers UE, Senior VP UELAC

2010 UELAC Membership Challenge Winners

Membership in the UELAC is through the twenty-seven branches spread across Canada. As with any organization, membership is the lifeblood. A larger membership provides many benefits – more people to share the basic tasks which need to be done, to undertake the initiatives which reflect the purpose of the organization, and to decrease average costs.

For the last few years, UELAC has promoted a challenge to branches to increase their membership. In a report which is distributed every couple of weeks or so to branch executive members, branches are listed according to their success compared to their achievement the previous year. In 2010, sixteen of the twenty-seven branches improved their membership.

A small sum of money has been contributed each year to reward branches which increase their membership.

Some of this is awarded to branches which increase their membership by more than ten percent. In 2010, Calgary, Col. Edward Jessup, Sir John Johnson and Edmonton earned this reward.

The second portion is put into a pot which is allocated to four winners of a draw. A formula awards tickets according to how well the branch has increased membership. Four tickets are then drawn at the conference. Congratulations to the winners as drawn in Brockville at the annual conference (see photo):

1. Little Forks

2. Calgary

3. Col. Edward Jessup

4. Sir John Johnson Centennial

To conclude the challenge, the Regions (UELAC has five regions, Atlantic, Central East, Central West, Prairie and Pacific) competed for a new Region Cup. The winning Region in 2010 was Prairie Region. Congratulations to the four branches, Calgary, Edmonton, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, which make up the Region. We look forward to you pursuing bragging rights again in 2011.

Here is a photo of the draw winners and the winner of the new prestigious Region Cup. At left Barb Andrew (Chair of Membership Committee), representatives from the four branches, and Gerry Adair VP Prairie Region holding the Cup.

Newsletter About Major John Richardson Initiated

I have started a Major John Richardson Newsletter on my blog at www.davuspublishing.com and welcome comments and additions about Richardson’s life, acquaintances etc that one may come across. Richardson was the grandson of the fur trader and loyalist John Askin and Canada’s first and most colourful novelist. When in Kingston in the 1840s he published The Canadian Loyalist and Spirit of 1812 in an effort to revive conservative politics and did recreate the Conservative Party from among his subscribers. Many loyalists have read my biography of him, The Canadian Don Quixote, and understand why he was called a literary genius.

…David Beasley

War of 1812: Brock’s Route – Assistance Requested

The late Vincent del Buono, the then co-ordinator of the Niagara region for the War of 1812 bicentennial asked me to find Brock’s route August 5, 1812 from York to Long Point en route to the Battle of Detroit. It took me three weeks. I went to U Waterloo to look at maps. Then Laurier University and McLauglin library at Guelph U looking for Champlain Society papers and anything on Brock. Nothing concrete. I went to Global Genealogy in Milton and talked to Rick Roberts as I knew he liked old maps and Indian trails. Nothing there. Then I went to Fred Blayney, map collector, looking for Indian trails. Nothing. But he had an old book written by Brock’s nephew and that was good. D.B.Weldon library in London had bits of Askin papers. Since they are housed in Berton (spelling) library in Detroit I did not go there. I tried to find Indian trails thinking that would be the easier march for the regiment. My husband was a former surveyor and he knew the Indian access up the escarpment but I couldn’t relate that to Brock.

John Askin travelled with Brock. However he missed Brock’s sailing departure on the 5th. He rode horseback to catch up – in the rain. Sickness overcame him and he stopped at Yeigh’s or Yeo’s (I saw both names and didn’t know which) which was considered “a safe place”. When he recovered he met up with Brock at Dover Mills. Askin stayed the night with my Loyalist Ancestor Williams and in his papers he said “It was the nicest house in the district”.

So, here, to the best of my knowledge is Brock’s route in August 1812:

– 5th – Departed York by boat. Arrived Burlington Heights. Marched to an overnight “safe place” at Durrands. In Barton Twp. Lot 14. Con 3. [I question whether he took the Mohawk trail to Ancaster to a barracks – but decided probably not – instead may have scaled the escarpment and headed for Six Nations]

– 6th – Met at Council with Six Nations – About 60 Indians joined him.

– 7th – Culver’s Tavern – near St. John’s Anglican Church, Woodhouse – Lot 7. Gore of Woodhouse. Gave stirring speech to enlist men to join him. 2 numbers given: either 173 or 179 joined him. (Thomas Talbot had previously tried to enlist men. I found that Talbot was not a favourite among the settlers and they declined to go — also remember it is August and harvest time on the farm. Also, if all the men leave, the women and children are unprotected – my observations). My Loyalist Jonathan Williams, 3 sons and 2 sons-in-law went. Dover Mills overnight at home of Lt. Col. Robert Nicoll, Quarter Master General.

– 8th – Left Patterson Creek at noon. In the evening reached Long Point. [I have not defined this next item] Went up creek to Carrying Place. Askin said they couldn’t find it – said they “anchored among the rushes and staid the night”.

– 9th – The General and brigade of boats put in at Kettle Creek. Spent the night on beach at Port Stanley (plaque states).

– 10th – Encamped on Beach at Port Talobt, where others joined them.

– 11th – Brock and his two aides led the strange flotilla, whose heaviest arm was the dismounted six-pounder. At night the leading boat carried a flaming torch. 30 miles a day was good rowing for the heavy batteaux and the 5-day voyage entailed strenuous work.

– 15th – Midnight. Arrived at Amherstburg. The men were wet, tired and hungry. They were outfitted in red jackets. General Brock won the admiration and help of the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh. The men had never seen him before and they were impessed with his person and size.

– 16th – Brock received unexpected surrender of General Hull at Detroit.

I would appreciate any additions or corrections you may add to this proposed Brock’s Route. We need to identify names of Carrying Place and the Creek today. I am open to any additions or refinements of this route.

Doris Ann Lemon, UE, Grand River Branch

Additions to the Loyalist Directory

As time permits, we add information to the Loyalist Directory. The latest additions and updates are as follows:
– Millard, Daniel – from Allan Kennedy (Volunteer Wendy Cosby)
– Millard, Isaiah – from Allan Kennedy (Volunteer Wendy Cosby) with certificate application
– Millard, Jesse – from Allan Kennedy (Volunteer Wendy Cosby)
– Millard, Thomas Sr. – from Allan Kennedy (Volunteer Wendy Cosby) with certificate application
– Millard, Thomas Jr. – from Allan Kennedy (Volunteer Wendy Cosby)
– Soper, Joseph – from Elizabeth Robbins
– Thomson, John Thomas – from Don McKnight

Last Post: Mary Geraldine (Teed) Gillis

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Geraldine (Teed) Gillis, age 89, o 42 Victoria St., Middleton, on June 27, 2011, in Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, Middleton. Born in Saint John, N.B. on August 13, 1921, she was a daughter of John Francis Hannington and Muriel Vivian (Wetmore) teed. She is survived by daughter, Mary Heather, Annapolis Royal; sons Donald T. (Victoria), Middleton; W. Bruce (Deborah), Paradise; Thomas G. (Dorena), Halifax; James B. (Flora), Arlington, Texas; Timothy D., Middleton; G. Scott (Josephne), St. John’s N.L.; Shaun A. Saint John, N.B.; and several grandchildren. She is also survived by brother, Hugh (Betty), Toronto, Ont., and sister, Gloria Trivett (Donald), Clifton Royal, N.B. She was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Donald Archibald Gillis (of Paradise); and by infnant daughter, Melody Ann, as well as by brothers, George and Eric, and sisters, Hazel Hazen, Beth Young, and Alice Teed.

Mary was educated in Saint John and Windsor. She was a passionate historian, who fought fiercely for her adopted province of Nova Scotia while always remembering her New Brunswick roots. A lifelong member of the United Empire Loyalist Bicentennial Association of Nova Scotia for the 200th anniversary celebrations in 1983. She was a founding organizer of the Annapolis Valley Highland Games, and pursued the preservation of built heritage. She took pride in the Gillis family’s association with the Clan MacPherson and led two family excursions to Scotland to take part in Clan Gatherings. She will be lovingly remembered and sorely missed.

The funeral service was held at Old Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Lower Middleton on Friday, July 1, 2011. Interment will follow in Old Holy Trinity Cemetery, Middleton. Online condolences may be made through www.middletonfuneralhome.com.

Lately Mary was quite interested in and supportive of our battle in NS against the various revisionists and de-constructionists – mostly university academics and their politically correct students – who have been attacking our New England Planter and Loyalist heritages.

…Fr. Adrian Ruggles Potter, Bear River, N.S. President, Clements Historical Society