burinmethodistchurch2



	Methodist Church Records of Grand Bank, Newfoundland Editor's Note: My uncle, Harold Robert Smith (1922-1996) collected many genealogical records during his last 25 years. This document was among his papers. This is a scanned-in and manually HTML-ized version of a photocopy of a mimeograph copy of the typewritten original. This document may contain errors. Page-breaks are indicated by horizontal lines. This document was originally created by A.F. Buffett. A hand-written note by Lisbeth Buffett appears on the cover page. This document contains four sections: Introduction Deaths Births Marriages ______________________________________________________________________________ to my friends with many, many thanks for your thoughtfulness and kindness to us and ours. Lisbeth Buffett Sept.1964. R E C O R D of BIRTHS, DEATHS, AND MARRIAGES as compiled from the records of the Methodist Church of Grand Bank, Newfoundland, by A. F. B U F F E T T -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BROWSING AMONG THE RECORDS The records of the Grand Bank Methodist Church comprising lists of Births, Marriages, and Deaths extending from the year 1817 to the year of the formation of the United Church of Canada in 1925 are an important source of information for persons interested in the early life of the community. It is natural for them to be imperfect and incomplete. Probably in the early days there was no law requiring clergymen to be government registrars. No doubt also much depended on the type of the man in charge of the Mission. Some were careful and methodical, others apparently the reverse. Again, records were probably of secondary consideration to men whose lives were fill of activities which left little time for recording the events and statistics of the day. We also find that meagre information was often given by relatives and it must have taken some time for people to get used to the idea of reporting all Births to the Missionary. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- D E A T H S The first recorded death is that of Margaret Woods, daughter of Mary Woods, in 1817 -- no age is given. Mary Bragg died in 183l at the age of 62. She was therefore born about the year 1769. Apparently she was the mother of Mary Bragg (1787-1827) who married the second George Forsey (1776-1863) The Braggs of Grand Bank (or Fortune) went to Channel and may be the fore- runners of all the Braggs in that section. Margaret Kelly (1769-1842). She was the Grand-mother of the late George Bell and the late Hon, S.K. Bell. Frances Forward (1778-1842). She was the daughter of the first John Hickman and the wife of Ambrose Forward, the first of his name, who was undoubtedly an Englishman. Susan Tibbo (1779-1842). She was the daughter of the first Jonathan Hickman and the wife of Jonathan Tibbo, probably a Jerseyman and one of the three brothers who settled in Newfoundland. The others went to the north side of Fortune Bay and to Placentia Bay. Mary Ann Bennett (Fortune) (1799-1842). She was probably first woman recorded married. Esther Forsey (1787-1827). Spinster daughter of the first George Forsey. John Lewis (1757-1827), Probably an Englishman who gave the name to Lewis Hill in the vicinity of Grand Bank. There has been no -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -2- Lewis' here for half a century. Elizabeth Cox (1737-1827), Her name has been handed down to succeeding generations as "Grammar Cox". She was the mother of nine- teen children and these with their descendants spread themselves over sections of Fortune Bay and along the Coast to Channel and further. The male descendants roved from Grand Bank nearly a century ago but some of them are here today in the Welsh's, the Francis', and the Matthews', and other families. She may or may not have been born at Grand Bank, possibly her husband was an Englishman. Benjamin Lovell (1786-1828). He was an Englishman and the first husband of Eleanor Hickman, daughter of the first Jonathan. The Lovell's lived at Grand Bank for three generations--two of Benjamin's sons moved away, the name died out in the families of the other sons left in Newfoundland. Samuel Patten (1779-1829). Probably the great-grand-father of Mr. Sam Patten. Betsy Nicholle died Nov. 1836--age not given. She was probably Elizabeth Patten, the daughter of Charles and Ann Patten, and the first wife of Philip Nicholle, the second wife being Ann Major of Fortune. Charity Matthews (1760-1845). Known as "Grammar Chardy". William Evans, J.P. Magistrate. (l769-l845). Was born in Devon and was magistrate for twenty years. He is described in some of the records first as a planter and later as a merchant, His son -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -3- succeeded him as a merchant and late in life also became a magistrate, Several of his children married in St. Johns where some of their descendants now live. None of his descendants live at Grand Bank. John Forsey (1801-1845). Son of the first John Forsey. He married Charlotte Patten who, on his death, married Smith, an English-man. Most of the family later moved to St. Johns. Wilson Hickman (1791-1846), He was the son of the first Jonathan. Patience Parsons (1771-1846). Perhaps from Garnish--is one of the most common names in Newfoundland. They are scattered all over the country--perhaps from one ancestor, probably from many. Jonathan Hickman (1747-1847)--the first. Lived 100 years, 4 months, born prematurely on passage from England to Halifax and was a pilot for Capt. Cook. George Forward (1862-1846). Grand-father of Mr. Charles A. Forward, son of the first Ambrose Forward, John Francis (1793-1847), An Englishman married Jane Cox, probably great-grand-daughter of "Grammar Cox", had one of the first children baptized according to record; vis. Thomas, Nov. 2, 1817, born Oct. 16, 1815. Thomas was probably great grand-father of Mr. John Francis. Susan Bull (1821-1853). Wife of John Bull an Englishman, grand-mother of Mr. Luke Keating. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -4- Ann Patten (1778-1853). Wife of Charles Patten who was father of John Patten who flourished as a merchant in the eighteen forties. She was the great-great-grandmother of Mr. Harold Patten. Susan Green died 1855, age not given, wife of William Green, daughter of John and Frances above. Tamsy Beck, of Great St. Lawrence, died 1955, age not given, daughter of Jonathan and Susannah (Hickman) Tibbo (1777-1842). Susannah was the daughter of the first Jonathan Hickman. The name Tamsy had often puzzled me. I have learned that the name comes from Thomasine--feminine of Thomas. Harriet (Patten) Forsey (1821-1855). Was the mother of the late Geo. R. Forsey and daughter of Charles and Ann Patten. Some of these were buried by John Taugh, a school teacher. The record nay have been made by a minister--thus the signature may not have been by John Taugh. Perhaps he spelled his name "Tuff" the same as others of the same name. Elizabeth Nicholle (1780-1856). Was the daughter of the first George Forsey and was married first to the first John Forsey and later to the first Philip Nicholle. John Patten died 1856, age not given. He was the son of Charles and Ann Patten and was a merchant, I have seen his ledger for the year 1840-1841. It covered a period commencing September, 1840 and ending September, 1841. In those days September 20th was the date when all fishery servants agreements ended, thus the business -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -5- year ended at that time. He had ninety old accounts in his book. The wages of one man was eighteen pounds, presumably for one year with free board. William is credited by him in the sum of one pound for freighting twenty quintals of fish (presumably to St. Johns) one shilling per quintal--this was the general freight rate down to the close of the century. Labor was paid two shillings (or 40¢) per day. The following names, unknown here today, were among his customers : Scard, MacLarty, Aldridge, Genge, Vatcher, Edwards, Domange (probably French), Bool (perhaps Poole), Lanten, Walmetting, Mitchell, Moaks, Welshman, Rideout, Breven, Treasure, Lindsay, Hare, Clark (Married Susannah Bull and probably the owner of Clarke's garden). His mother's account (John Patten's) was styled "Mother Patten" John Patten was noted as a singer, It is reported on his business visits to St. Johns at a time when musical instruments were rarely used to guide the singing, he was often called upon by the minister to "raise the tune" when he happened to be in the congregation. George Hyde (1801-1857). Grand-father of Mr. John F. Hyde. Susannah Hyde - died 1857, age not given - wife of George Hyde and daughter of the first John Hickman. Thomas Hickman (Fortune) (1784-1857), Was the son of the first Jonathan. He taught school at Fortune, married there and is the ancestor of all the Fortune Hickmans. Aaron Forsey (1822-1858). Grandson of the first George Forsey. He was drowned on a passage between Grand Bank and Channel having jumped -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -6- overboard to save his son who was knocked into the water by the main boom. The son was saved. Samuel Rose (1787-1861). Husband of Dinah (Hickman) Rose, daughter of the first John Hickman (?), was the great grand-father of Mr. William Rose. George Bell (1788 (about)-1861). Father of the late George Bell and the late Hon. S. K. Bell -- was an Englishman. Jane Symes died in 1862, age not given, was the daughter of the first Jonathan Hickman. Her husband was John Symes, an English- man. It is said that he was a son of an Admiral in the British Navy. William Evans (1778-1853) (See page 2). Was a planter, a merchant, and later a magistrate. George Forsey (l776-l863). Son of the first George Forsey. The record of his age was taken from his tombstone. The book record says "90 years nearly". J. Winterbotham. Rev. John Goodison added the following note here "Rev. John Winterbotham died at Pownal P. E. I. March 12th, 1871 of inflammation of the chest his end was peace--an old colleague J. G. Thomas Cox (1778-1863). "age not known, supposed to be 85". He was probably a son or grandson of "Grammar Cox". George Riggs (1790-1863). Probably the man who brought his family from Lawn during the winter season. Robert Rose (1785-1863). The grandfather of Messrs. Wilson, Samuel and Arch Rose and great-grandfather of Mr. John Rose, Robert and Samuel may have been brothers. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -7- George Butt (1779-1864). Probably the great-grandfather of Mr. William Butt, probably an Englishman. Matthew Austin. Captain of the ship "Anglo Saxon" of Liver- pool, England, born in Bangor, Ireland. Died at St. Pierre of brain fever on the 25th of August, 1864, buried at Fortune August 26th. Age 34. Joseph B. Forsey (1816-1864). Age 48 3/4 years. Father of the late Geo. R. Forsey. Jane Francis (1787-1865). She may have been a sister of Thomas Cox. Wife of John Francis who died in 1847. She was a Cox and probably a Grand-daughter of "Grammar Cox" and sister of Thomas Cox. "Emmanuel Dupont. Went in swimming on the Sabbath Day and was drowned, another fearful example of Sabbath desecration. When will sinners take warning! Fortune Aug, 8th, 1865 - 27 years, and 7 months, buried by George Lake Sr." These notes are probably by Rev. John S. Phinney. Benjamin Buffett Sr. (1778-1865), "Ceremony performed by Johnathan Hickman". He was the grand-father of the late George A. Buffett, and probably the son of Benjamin Buffett, who settled at Mosquito near McCallum. If this be correct, the Senior Benjamin was a sailor. He was apparently the progenitor of all the Buffetts in Newfoundland. Amelia (Gallop) Forsey (1806-1865). The wife of George Aaron -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -8- Forsey, who was the son of the first John Forsey. John Hickman (1788-1866). Was the son of the first John Hickman and Great-grandfather of Mr. Henry Hickman. Joseph Hamilton (Fortune) (1814-1874). Probably gave his name to Hamilton Brook. Sarah Hickman (1791-1875). Was the wife of John Hickman and daughter of the first George Forsey. Jonathan Bull, An Englishman with many descendants in Grand Bank although the name is not known here. For the period between December 27th, 1877 and May 16, 1878, forty-six persons died of diptheria at Fortune. Benjamin Lovell (1823-1878). Was the son of Benjamin Lovell, an Englishman. "A leader and conductor of classes. T. Harris" Henry Nicholle (1808-1881). Son of the first Nicholle (Philip). George Tibbo (1807-1881). Son of the first Grand Bank Jonathan Tibbo. Jonathan Hickman (1779-1882). Son of the first Jonathan Hickman. John Hickman (1795-1884). Son of the first John Hickman. James Hickman (1789-1884). Son of the first Jonathan. Susan Thornhill, wife of James Thornhill--parents of the Grand Bank Thornhills. Esther Buffett Pardy. Mother of the late Charles Pardy. Jonathan Rose (1815-1883). Grandfather of Mr. John Rose. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -9- William Penwill or Pennell (1800-1850). The father of the Grand Bank Penwills. He was an Englishman, worked at an inside job with the Newman & Co. at Hr. Breton and was locally considered to be a fairly well educated man. He married Anne Thornhill. George Rose (1820-1885). Brother of Jonathan (above) and father of Messrs. Wilson, Robert, Arch, Abner, Samuel, Charles Rose. Bethana Rogers (1822-1886). Grand-mother of Benjamin J. Rogers. George Buffett. Uncle of the late Geo. A. Buffett. He lived on the "Western Shore" most of his life. He was the grandfather of Mr. Robert F. Forsey. His sons went to Anticosti and belonged to the company who experienced hard times (Fox Bay settlers) and were taken by the Canadian government to Renfrew on the Ottawa River. Ann Evans (1814-1886). William Pardy. Husband of Esther Pardy (above). Elizabeth Matthews (1815-1886). Wife of Morgan Matthews (1st) who was the son of John and Anne. John is said to be an Englishman. Anne (Nancy) was the daughter of the first John Hickman. Sarah Evans (1810-1887). Wife of Joseph Evans. Robert Hickman (1801-1887). Son of the first John Hickman. William Evans and two sons, Joseph and William, lost at sea (on the Banks) in the fall of 1886. William Green (1810-1887). Grand-father of Messrs. George and John Green. "A native of England. W. Swan". -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -10- William Weymouth (1819-1888). An Englishman lived at Grand Bank and Molliers. The ancestor of the Weymouth. Esther A. Tibbo (1815-1868). Wife of George Tibbo, "A class- leader. W. Swan". Thirteen persons died of diptheria from April 25th. to June 20th 1885 at Grand Bank. Thomas Tibbo (18l2-l888). Probably the son of the Tibbo who settled in Fortune Bay. Ambrose Forward (1827-1888). Father of Mr. Charles A. Forward. Esther Ann Foote (1834-1888). Wife of George Foote, son of Thomas, the first Grand Bank Foote. I do not know whether he was an Englishman nor whether he was related to the Footes at Rencontre East, Lamaline or Burin. Mark K. Barnstable (1806-1888). The great grand-father of Mr. Ben Banfield was locally called Banfield. Edward Gilliard (1827-1889). An Englishman, the grand-father of Mr. Philip Gilliard. Eleanor Harris (1811-1890). Was first married to Thomas Foote (the first Grand Bank Foote), then to Thomas Harris, an Englishman. She is the great-grand-mother of Messrs. Ambrose and Clarence Foote and grand-mother of Mr. George C. Harris. Ann Matthews (Nancy) (1802-1890). Daughter of the first John Hickman and wife of John Matthews, said to be an Englishman and unrelated to the ancestors or Mr. William F. Matthews. (Some say he was brother to Jos.) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -11- Jabez Hickman (1823-1891). The father of Mr. Jonathan Hickman and grandson of the first Jonathan. John Pardy (1818-1890). The Grand-father of Mrs. Hubert Grandy (Edith Pardy). Edward Nicholle (1818-1891). Son of the first Philip Nicholle, a Jerseyman. Dinah (Hickman) Nicholle (1824-1891). The wife of Edward. George Simms (1829-1893). Died when stipendiary magistrate at Grand Bank. He was unrelated to the Grandbank Simms' (Symes) and was related to one of the Simms family at St. Johns. He married Sarah Sutcliffe, daughter of Rev. Ingram Sutcliffe, who was on the Grand Bank mission in the year 1834-1836. A son, his only child, passed away in the early winter of 1861 and his ashes were brought from California (where he lived) and buried beside his father in the Grand Bank cemetery on Fortune Road. Eleanor H. Stoodley (nee Rose) (1817-1893) and George Stoodley (1809-1893) were the grand-parents of Messrs. Henry and George Stoodley. He had a brother John, whose descendants live at Jersy Harbour. Probably the father of George and John--was an Englishman. Ann Tibbo (nee Lovell) (1815-1893). Died in 1888 married to Thomas Tibbo. Sarah Hollett Buffett (1815-1895) and William Buffett (1808- 1894), son of Benjamin Buffett, the first Grand Bank Buffett and grand- father of the late G. A. Buffett. Mahala (Kelly) Hiscock (1813-1894). Mother of the late George -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -12- F. Bell. (above). Eleanor (Buffett) Riggs (1827-1894). Sister of William Buffett (above). Esther (Soper) Forward (1809-1894). Wife of George Forward and grand-mother of Charles A. Forward. Christianna Butt (1803-1894). Wife of George Butt and grand- mother of Mr. William Butt. Henry Trimm (1813-1894). An Englishman married Dinah Ruth Francis. He was the ancestor of the Grand Bank Trimms. John Parsons (1832-1894). Said to be an Englishman, the grand-father of Mr. Charles Parsons. James Welsh (1810-1895). The grandfather of Capt. Thos. B. Welsh. Morgan Matthews (1821-1895). Son of John and Ann Hickman Matthews. Robert Bennett (1819-1897). An Englishman, married the daughter of George and Esther Forward. The father of all the Molliers Bennetts. Edward Evans (1819-1898). Merchant and late magistrate, one time a member of the House of Assembly representing Burin district with Sir Hugh Hoyles as colleague. He was a son of William Evans (an English- man). "Planter", "merchant", and "magistrate". Josiah Hiscock (1816-1898). A native of Trinity, married first Frances Hickman, grand-daughter of the first John Hickman, later married Mahala Bell (widow of George Bell, an Englishman.) He was the father of the late George Hiscock and great-grand-father of John Hiscock of