A Reader Speaks Out
by F.E. McConvey
Published: 09 December 1987
The mail has spewed forth an epistle from local genealogist George Haney who has been researching his family for upwards of 25 years.
Over the course of time, the different methods of recording the date have given George a considerable amount of trouble. Therefore, in his letter he has stated, very emphatically, I might add, that under no circumstances should numerals alone be used to represent this very vital data. In addition, he was not in favor of my suggestion of using a Roman numeral for the mont hand had put forth valid reasons for these statements.
Naturally, if everyone were consistent, there would be no problems. In Canada, the accepted way of writing the date numerically is day/month/ year. Across the river (in the United States for those unfamiliar with this local expression), the opposite is true. This, it is month/day/year. Living in a border area compounds the mess because people switch indiscriminately from one system to the other, often without being aware of the fact.
In a previous column, I had advised against the use of a numerical arrangement. It is quite apparent that George feels that my simple statement was not forceful enough. Here's why--
A few years ago, he stumbled across a book containing 30 pages of family histories from a small settlement just south of Calais. The writer went to great lengths to include as many dates as possible, some extending back into the 18th century.
The book took considerable time and effort to compile and held a substantial amount of information. Unfortunately, several different methods were employed in recording the dates, rendering that portion of the book useless.
As well, he points out that some newsletters containing valuable data on families from this area use the numerical date system. It is hope that the editor will take note and change to the procedure outlined here.
Both George and I are taking a firm stand and advocate that LETTERS only be used to record the month. If everyone will begin to do this, it will not only end the confusion forever, but will eliminate the need for future correction of works that are in progress.
December 9, 1987; 09 December 1987 or the abbreviated forms Dec 9, 1987; 09 Dec 1987 leave no possible change for error to creep into your family history - nor or at a later date. Let's go for it!.
* * *
Some Dates of Interest
1527 -- Jean Allefonsce, a French master-pilot explored the river of Norumbega (probably the Penobscot) around this time.
1556 -- Thevet, a French geographer followed the North American coast from Florida to Newfoundland on his return voyage to France from Brazil.
1568 -- Three white men, survivors of an unsuccessful expedition to Mexico let by Sir John Hawkins, were put ashore at the Gulf of Mexico. They made their way north and east. By following the coastline they finally reached the St. John River where they found a French trading ship which returned them to Europe. David Ingram, one of these adventurers write a colorful narration of this journey.
1604 -- Pierre du Guast, the Sieur de Monts, with Samuel de Champlain and Baron de Poutrincourt established a settlement at St. Croix.
1605 -- Capt. George Waymouth visited Monhegan and captured five Indians. The hostilities directed towards the whites along the Maine coast were a direct result of this incident.
1607 -- An unsuccessful attempt of British colonization in New England was begun at the site of the present village of Popham at the mouth of the Kennebec.
1611 -- An Indian mission on the Penobscot was founded by Father Biard. This was the antecedent of the present Indian church at Oldtown.
1613 -- the Jesuits established the first monastery east of California on Mount Desert Island.
1785 -- A separation Charter was granted to form the Province of New Brunswick. The area had formerly been Sunbury County, Nova Scotia.
1824 -- Census of New Brunswick showed the following statistics:
| Provincial Total | 74,126 |
| Charlotte County Total | 9,267 |
St. Andrews Parish |
2,263 |
St. Stephens Parish |
1,673 |
St. Davids Parish |
1,005 |
|
745 |
|
701 |
St. Patricks Parish |
762 |
St. James Parish |
453 |
Pennfield Parish |
558 |
|
509 |
Grand Manan Parish |
598 |
1825 -- St. Andrews was considered a frontier town. The two principal streets ran parallel to the water. In the town were the following; The Kirk, Grammar School, Court House and Gaol, Printing Office, Bank of Commerce, Savings Bank, Bible Society and an Agriculture and Emigrant Society for the county.
Charlotte County: |
The original parishes were; St. Andrews, St. Stephens, St. Davids, St. Patricks, St. Georges, Pennfield and West Isles | |
1803 |
Campobello was set off from West Isles |
|
1816 |
Grand Manan was set off from West Isles |
|
1823 |
St. James created from part of St.Stephens |
|
1856 |
A portion of St.Patricks became Dumbarton |
|
1859 |
Lepreau created from Pennfield |
|
1869 |
Clarendon established |
|
1873 |
Dufferin set off from St. Stephens |
|
1874 |
St. Croix established |
|
QUERIES
11. EMMA WILSON: b. May 13, 1850 at Tower Hill, NB d. Jan 18, 1829 at Calais, ME. Dau. of WILLIAM and ? WILSON. Mar. CHARLES E. EYE of Calais, ME in Jun 1871. Seek her mother, siblings and grandparents.
Note: In-Laws, Outlaws and Kinfolk articles have been published on this site with the permission of the St. Croix Courier. Special thanks goes to the Courier for allowing me to reprint my mother's articles.