top of page

Descendents of Henry Swan (1773 - before 1851)
and Elizabeth Russell (ca. 1783 - 22 Jan 1870)

Table of Contents

 First immigranT Generation                 

01

 Second immigranT Generation            

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

 Third immigranT Generation               

31

11

32

12

13

14

33

34

15

16

17

18

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

19

20

46

47

21

48

49

22

50

51

52

23

24

25

26

53

27

54

28

55

56

29

57

58

59

30

60

61

62

63

DESCENDENTS OF HENRY SWAN (1773 - BEFORE 1851)
AND ELIZABETH RUSSELL (CA. 1783 - 22 JAN 1870)

First Immigrant Generation

1. Henry Swan

​

Son of Robert Swan & Dorothy Paterson. Born 1773 in Donaldsons Lodge, Northumberlnd Co, England. Died 1850/1851. Occupation Weaver.

   

Ref: Jocelean Swan Hall and Margaret Swan Crozier, "The Swan Family", 1980.

   

Henry Swan and his wife Elizabeth Russell lived at Donaldsons Lodge, Northumberland, England, during the period 1806 and 1813 where records show that   two of their children were born and one died.   In the records at that time Henry is listed as a Weaver.   The early Swan family   were fishers on the river Tweed.

   

Unknown where Henry died, whether he died in England before his family came to New Brunswick, or if he died shortly after arriving in New Brunswick.   The 1851 Census for the Harvey Settlement area lists his wife Elizabeth as a widow and living with son John.

   

He married Elizabeth Russell, in England. Born About 1783 in Ford, Northumberland, Eng. Died 22 Jan 1870 in Harvey Station.

   

From Morning News, 29 Jan 1870:   "Died Harvey, York Co., 22nd inst., Elizabeth Swan or Russel, native of Ford, Northumberland, age 86."

   

It is believed that Elizabeth was a sister of Isabella, wife of James Rutherford, who came to New Brunswick in June 1850.

  

They had the following children:

​

  2   i.   Isabella Swan

  3   ii.   Robert Swan

  4   iii.   James Swan

  5   iv.   James Swan

  6   v.   Elizabeth Swan

  7   vi.   Alexander Swan

  8   vii.   John "Jack" Swan

  9   viii.   Sarah Swan

Henry Swan

DESCENDENTS OF HENRY SWAN (1773 - BEFORE 1851)
AND ELIZABETH RUSSELL (CA. 1783 - 22 JAN 1870)

Second Immigrant Generation

2. Isabella Swan

​

Daughter of Henry Swan & Elizabeth Russell. Born Approx 1800 in Northumberland, Eng. Died 20 May 1851 in Harvey Settlement. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.

   

She married John Thompson, 29 Jan 1832 in Cornhill Parish Marriage Register 1798-1850, England. Born 1800 in Northumberland, Eng. Died 25 Aug 1888 in Harvey Settlement. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Teacher. Religion Presbyterian.

   

Not sure if John Thompson had middle name of "Stuart", unable to confirm.

   

John Thompson and Isabella Swan were married by banns on 29 Jan 1832 in Cornhill Parish, England.  

   

Among the original setlers of Harvey, N.B., they sailed from Berwick-upon-Tweed on May 28, 1837 on board the brig "Cornelius of Sunderland" which carried coals, glass, etc. and 137 passengers.   They arrived at Saint John, N.B. on Wednesday, 12 July, and proceeded to Fredericton in the steamer, "Water Witch".

​

John received a land grant of 100 acres, Lot 9W, in Harvey Settlement.   He had been educated as a school teacher and served in this role when he came to the Harvey community.   He served as Clerk of the Session in the Presbyterian Church, and as an elder.

   

They had ten children, three born in England and seven born in Harvey.   Isabella died when the youngest child was about two years old.

 

Copied from newspaper item - 1888 (undated):

John Thompson departed this life at noon on Saturday, and was carried to his long home on Monday.   Mr Thompson was one of the first settlers and had reached the 90th year of his age.   He was the only teacher or schoolmaster in the settlement for quite a length of time.   There is only one person in the parish now living who can claim to have been born in the seventeenth century, George Davidson, who was likewise one of the first of the Harvey settlers.

 

The following is information gathered from research at the Provincial Archives of NB by Bruce Elliott, summer 2004, and contained in an e-mail to J. Hall,dated 19 Aug 2004:

​

"The first is Thompson's licence to teach school, in RS655 1844.   On 2 Apr. 1838 he was approved by the Board of Education for the County of York.   In the minute of the meeting he was called a native of the County of Northumberland, England, and it was said he had produced testimonials of   "moral character, religious principles and sober habits" and passed an   examination in the 3 R's and English grammar, and was granted a certificate as requested.   A pity the testimonials were not placed on file.   On 14 Oct. 1844 the trustees of schools for parish of Kingsclear certified that he had been teaching a school in the Harvey Settlement there for many years with exemplary conduct, and currently enrolled 19 males and 15 females; a renewal of his licence was approved 30 Dec. 1844.

   

"Secondly, the Dunham & McDougall Family Collection (MC167) includes a letter from Thompson to Jonathan McDougall who came to Stanley with the first party, but soon left.   McDougall was said to have been living in Gagetown when he received this letter, but that is not apparent on the document itself.   The file contains an inaccurate typescript version, but my copy below is from the original which is also there.   The transcriber thought he had signed John C. Thompson, but there is no middle initial C, just a big curl at the start of the T. of Thompson.   The letter was actually written by the nephew and namesake because John had injured his hand.   Note that he refers to his father-in-law back in England, alas not by name.   It would appear that McDougall and Thompson might have known one another in the old country.   If not, then McDougall managed to hear of Thompson soon after his arrival and knew that he was a teacher.   That John had already heard the news of the death of McDougall's wife and sent word home, however, suggests an old-country acquaintance.   McDougall's first wife was a Mather from Northumberland, though he himself was born in Scotland; a letter from McD's father-in-law in Otonobee Twp. near Peterborough, Ontario was given to Trent University Archives there by the same donor who gave the Thompson letter to PANB.

 

"Here is the text of the letter:

"Stanley Feby 1st

1838

My Dear Sir

​

I received your Letter stating that there is a Schoolmaster a wanting at the Place where you live but I have made up my mind to go to Harvey's settlement along with my Countrymen who are anxious for me to Settle amongst them and have offred a very advintageous proposal although I may expect to undergo more privations for one year then in that you recommend me to   I have also the offer of the Company School at Stanley   I have had a call of some of the Supporters of Mr. Henry offering to send there Children to me if I would remain but there is no money and things [offer?] a very gloomy aspect and are becoming mor so every day   the people here condole with you in the loss of your Partner in life   The news of her death reached us before I wrote to my Friends in England and I took notice of it in my letter to my Father in law   I feel grateful for your kindness in having me in your mind and recommending me to the Subscribers of the situation referr'd to   We are all well but I am under the necessity of employing my Nephew to write this lettor on account of a severe bruise in my hand   you are expected up here in the spring there are several talking about clearing out in the spring if the Company does not go on and there is little prospect as Cap Kendall is going home and Cap Hayne is to be Commissioner in his stead   my Wifes has her best respects to you

 

I am Sir

Yours Truly

John Thompson"

 

They had the following children:

​

  10   i.   John T. Thompson

  11   ii.   Elizabeth Thompson

  12   iii.   Margaret Thompson

  13   iv.   Mary Ann Thompson

  14   v.   Isabel Thompson

  15   vi.   Henry Thompson

  16   vii.   Thomas "James" Thompson

  17   viii.   Robert Thompson

  18   ix.   Jane "Jennie" Thompson

  19   x.   Alexander Swan Thompson

Isabella Swan

DESCENDENTS OF HENRY SWAN (1773 - BEFORE 1851)
AND ELIZABETH RUSSELL (CA. 1783 - 22 JAN 1870)

Second Immigrant Generation

3. Robert Swan

​

Son of Henry Swan & Elizabeth Russell. Born 11 Jan 1806 in Northumberland, Eng.

   

In the Cornhill Baptism of Dissenters:   Robert Swan, son of Henry and Elizabeth Swan of Donaldsons Lodge, 11th Jan. 1806.

   

No further information on Robert.

Robert Swan

DESCENDENTS OF HENRY SWAN (1773 - BEFORE 1851)
AND ELIZABETH RUSSELL (CA. 1783 - 22 JAN 1870)

Second Immigrant Generation

4. James Swan 

​

Son of Henry Swan & Elizabeth Russell. Born 8 Mar 1809 in Northumberland, Eng. Died 19 Mar 1813 in Northumberland, Eng. Buried in England.

   

Cornhill Baptism of Dissenters:   James Swan 2nd son of Henry Swan of Donaldsons Lodge, W., by his wife Elizabeth late Russell, b. Mar. 8, 1809.

   

Listed in the Cornhill burials before 1850, was the following:   "James Swan, son of Henry, Weaver and Elizabeth his wife late Russell, Donaldsons Lodge, Mar. 19, 1813, age 4."

DESCENDENTS OF HENRY SWAN (1773 - BEFORE 1851)
AND ELIZABETH RUSSELL (CA. 1783 - 22 JAN 1870)

Second Immigrant Generation

5. James Swan

​

Son of Henry Swan & Elizabeth Russell. Born 1813 in Northumberland, England. Died 16 Mar 1870 in Harvey, York Co, NB. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian.

 

Ref: Jocelean Swan Hall and Margaret Swan Crozier, "The Swan Family", 1980, p. 20.

   

James and his wife Jane entered Canada with their daughter Mary, in 1840.   They settled on Lots 17 and 18, second tier, Harvey Settlement.   The agricultural records of the 1861 census show that James owned 200 acres of land, 50 of which were improved and 150 unimproved.   The cash value of his land was given as 150 pounds and the value of implements and machinery was given as 10 pounds.   He owned three horses, three milch cows, two other neat cattle, fourteen sheep, and three pigs.

James Thompson

From Thurs. Daily Telegraph, 24 Mar 1870:   "Died Harvey, 16th March, James Swan, age 56, native of Northumberland, England.   He entered the communion of the Church in early life under late Dr. Thompson of Coldstream.   About the year 1840 he emigrated to America; left wife, seven children."

​

From Colonial Farmer, 26 Mar 1870:   "Died Harvey Settlement, 16th inst., James Swan, age 56, native of Northumberland England."

​

He married Jane Moody. Born 1818 in Northumberland, England. Died 5 Aug 1879 in Harvey, York Co. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.

   

Jane is listed as English in the 1851 and 1861 Census.   Research needs to be done to determine the names of her parents.

   

They had the following children:

​

  20   i.   Mary Swan

  21   ii.   Henry "Harry" Swan

  22   iii.   John "Jack" Swan

  23   iv.   Robert Swan

  24   v.   Isabella Swan

  25   vi.   William Swan

  26   vii.   James Thomas Swan

  27   viii.   Elizabeth H. "Bessie" Swan

  28   ix.   Alexander "Sandy" Swan

  29   x.   Sarah Jane "Janie" Swan

Undated tin type photograph of James Swan (b. 1813, Northumberland; d.16 Mar 1870, Harvey Settlement).

DESCENDENTS OF HENRY SWAN (1773 - BEFORE 1851)
AND ELIZABETH RUSSELL (CA. 1783 - 22 JAN 1870)

Second Immigrant Generation

6. Elizabeth Swan

​

Daughter of Henry Swan & Elizabeth Russell. Born 1817 in Northumberland, Eng. Died 1882 in Harvey Sta. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

   

It is believed that Elizabeth came to Canada in 1850 with her parents (mother?), brothers Alexander and John, and sister Sarah.

   

At the time of the 1861 census, Elizabeth's mother was living with them.   In the 1871 census, an Alexander Nesbit, age 12, born in NB, lived with Elizabeth and John Taylor.

   

She married John Taylor, 19 Aug 1857 in Harvey Settlement By Rev. Samuel Johnson . Born 1 May 1825 in Inverarity, Forfar, Scotland. Died 4 Jan 1904 in Harvey Sta. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer And Trading. Religion Presbyterian.

   

PANB #F15552, p. 295:   John Taylor to Elizabeth Swan on Aug 19, 1857, by Samuel Johnson.   Witness, William Taylor.

e.swan.1817-1882.med.jpg

Elizabeth Swan (b. 1817, Northumberland; d.1882, Harvey Station) was the first wife of John Taylor.

 After the death of Elizabeth, John married Phoebe A. Hartt, but left no family by either wife.

   

John bought the woolen mill business at York Mills from George Lister, and he continued the business for several years.   He built a community hall in the center of Harvey village.   He was installed as an elder of the Presbyterian Church of Harvey on June 22, 1856.

   

From church records:   John died Jan. 4, 1904, age 79, suffered from apoplexy, ill about 1 1/2 years.

​

From a newspaper item, (with picture of John Taylor) Saturday, 25 Nov 1893:

A Typical and Worthy Scotchman.

His History Shows What Honesty and Perseverance Can Accomplish.

   

The portrait is from a photograph recently taken for the present occasion.   John Taylor, of Harvey Station, is the original.   He came to this country from Scotland in 1850; was born at Whigstreet, Parish of Inverarity and County of Forfar, in 1825, and is therefore about the same age as Lieut-Governor Boyd.   Mr Taylor settled on a lot of wilderness land at Tweedside, so-called, on the western shore of Oromocto Lake, in 1852, where the Swans and others had "got planted unco richt" two years previously.

   

Tweedside is merely an extension of Harvey on the south.   It was originally termed the Campbell block, having been granted to Sir Colin Campbell.  

The land was divided into ten lots and sold to these people by Andrew Inches, who was then or some time shortly after dubbed by George L. Hatheway, "the king of the crown land office."

​

The road, instead of being a bridle path as has been said, was then at its best; better in fact than it is today, and no finer tract of land could then be seen between Fredericton and St. Andrews; and no finer farms can be seen on the same road at the present time.   The first frame house was erected by Mr. Taylor.   He went on with his farming for a number of years, but when the American war broke out he turned his attention to business and opened a trade between the villages and the citizens of St. Stephen and Calais.   This proved to be a lucky step for him and was a boon to the settlers as well.   Fortune favored him and he began to be favorably known to the merchants of not only these towns, but Fredericton and St. John as well.

   

After the completion of the European and North American Railway (now the Atlantic division of the Canadian Pacific Railway) he sold his farm at Tweedside and removed to Harvey Station.   Here he continued trading, and seeing that business at that place promised well, he erected a large and substantial building, the upper portion of which was designed for use as a public hall; the lower divided into two commodious stores for his own use.   Previous to this he had become a shareholder in the York woolen mill, the largest mill of the kind in the province, and after a time became sole owner.   Carrying on this business took him away from home a great deal and he decided to sell, which he did at a good profit.   The mill while under his control got the reputation of manufacturing an extra fine quality of goods, which reputation it has satisfactorily sustained.   Mr Taylor has been twice married.   His first wife was a woman of fine attainments and a sister of John and Alex Swan of Tweedside.   She died in 1881.   Three years after he married Phoebe Amanda, eldest daughter of the late David Hart of Fredericton Junction, a lady esteemed by all who have the pleasure of her acquaintance.

   

Mr Taylor has had no children of his own but has had the care of his brother's children, two boys and two girls, since they became orphans and all who know the young folks will say that he has fulfilled his duty to them in the fullest sense.

   

He is still hale and hearty as his picture shows.   He enjoys the friendship of many prominent men through the province by whom he is esteemed and respected for his many excellent traits of character.

   

Three times he has been privileged to visit his native land, thus having seven times crossed the Atlantic.

   

In his time he has contributed a good deal to the press, largely for the St. Croix Courier.   His productions always show a keen foresight; a fine descriptive faculty, and an accurate estimate of men and matters.   It has been said of him that he is a close observer; as glib with the pen as a true Scotchman and a worthy representative of "The land o'cakes."  

 

From newspaper obituary (1904):

Harvey:   Our readers generally will regret to hear of the death of the sturdy Scotchman, John Taylor, which occurred at his home in Harvey on January 4th.   He had been in failing health for four years past.   He was born May 1st, 1825, near Fotheringham, in the parish of Inverarity, Forfair, Scotland, and came to this country in 1850.   He lived in Charlotte County for a while, and settled in Tweedside in 1854 and engaged in farming and trading.   He went to Harvey Station in 1876.

James Swan
James Swan2
Elizabeth Swan

DESCENDENTS OF HENRY SWAN (1773 - BEFORE 1851)
AND ELIZABETH RUSSELL (CA. 1783 - 22 JAN 1870)

Second Immigrant Generation

7. Alexander Swan

​

Son of Henry Swan & Elizabeth Russell. Born 1818/1819 in Northumberland,   England. Died 19 Nov 1905 in Harvey Station, NB. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.

   

Ref: Jocelean Swan Hall and Margaret Swan Crozier, "The Swan Family", 1980

   

He first married Mary Taylor, in England. Born 1818/1819 in England. Died 15 May 1853 in Harvey Station, NB. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

   

They had the following children:

  30   i.   Henry "Harry" Swan

  31   ii.   Robert Taylor "Bob" Swan

  32   iii.   James T. Swan

  33   iv.   Mary Swan

​

He second married Elizabeth "Bess" Dryden, 31 Mar 1858 in Harvey, York Co., NB By Rev. Samuel Johnson.   Born 1830. Died 5 Mar 1914 in Tweedside. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

   

Witnesses to marriage to Alexander Swan were John Nesbit and Eleanor Johnson.

3717_med.jpg

3717. Elizabeth "Bess" Dryden (b. 1830; d. 1914, Tweedside);, 2nd wife of Alexander Swan. Collection of Brian Swan, La Peche, Quebec. Album orginated from his grandmother Ella Jessie Swan (née Thompson) who provided the image identification. Rephotographed, 9 Jun 2008 by Tim Patterson. Cropped and contrast adjusted by Tim Patterson 10 Feb 2009

alexander swan.jpg
alex.swan.1818-1905.med.jpg

Memorial for Alexander Swan Sr b 1818-1819 d Nov 19, 1905
son of Henry Swan and Elizabeth Russell.
He was married to 1) Mary Taylor 2) Elizabeth Dryden Kelly.

Alex and mary came from the River tweed area in 
Northumberland County England in 1850 with their 3 
young sons, Alex's parents and his young brother John.
It is believed that Alex was a Mason before coming to 
Canada and the 1861 census lists his occupation as 
" Farmer and Mason" He made all the shoes worn by his 
family also. He lived on a farm in Tweedside , 
His first house was a log house, and in 1860, 
he built the house where his grandson Stephen Swan lived

Alexander Swan (b. 1818, Northumberland; d. 9 Nov., 1905, Harvey Station) and his second wife Elizabeth "Bess" Dryden (b. 1830; d. 5 Mar 1914), Tweedside.

From The Daily Gleaner, 24 Jun 1913, page 2:

   

Tweedside, June 20 --   Mrs Worling, of St. Marys, is visiting her sister, Mrs Alex Swan.   This is the first time they have met, Mrs Swan having come to this country before her sister was born.   Mrs Swan is 82 years old and her sister 60.

 

Copied from newspaper obituary (1914):

Harvey Station, March 7 -- Mrs Elizabeth Swan, widow of Alex Swan died at her home at Tweedside yesterday morning.   She was in the eighty-fifty year of her age and has been in failing health for some time.   She was a native of north of England and came to this province about sixty-five years ago and for some time resided in St. John.   She was twice married, her first husband, whose name was Kelly, dying about sixty years ago.   She married Mr Swan and came to Tweedside over fifty-six years ago and has resided there since that time.   Mr Swan died a short time ago at an advanced age.   She is survived by two daughters by her first marriage, Mrs Thos Piercy, residing in Manitoba, and Miss Margaret Kelly of Houlton; and two sons, Alex Swan of Tweedside, and William Swan residing in British Columbia.   Three stepsons also survive her.   They are Henry Swan and Jas. T. Swan of Tweedside, and Robert Swan, residing in British Columbia.   She passed through a great affliction about thirty-five years ago when six of her children, three boys and three girls, were all within ten days carried off by diphtheria.   She was a lady of pleasant disposition and was highly esteemed and had many friends here and elsewhere.

 

They had the following children:

​

  34   i.   Alexander "Sandy" Swan

  35   ii.   Stephen Swan

  36   iii.   Stephen (No. 2) Swan

  37   iv.   John Taylor Swan

  38   v.   William Kelly "Bill" Swan

  39   vi.   Mary Taylor "Mamie" Swan

  40   vii.   John Taylor (No. 2) Swan

  41   viii.   Thomas "Russell" Swan

  42   ix.   Elizabeth "Alice" Swan

  43   x.   Sarah Bell "Winnie" Swan

Alexander Swan
dora, alice, stepeh, inez, edith.jpeg

Elizabeth " Alice" Swan 
Born January 16, 1900
Daughter of Alexander Swan and Annie Burrell.
Married to Matthew Pierce Coburn.

DESCENDENTS OF HENRY SWAN (1773 - BEFORE 1851)
AND ELIZABETH RUSSELL (CA. 1783 - 22 JAN 1870)

Second Immigrant Generation

8. John "Jack" Swan

​

Son of Henry Swan & Elizabeth Russell. Born 1822 in Northumberland, England. Died 10 Mar 1910 in Tweedside, NB. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian.

   

From "The Swan Family (early 1800's-1980)" by Jocelean Swan Hall and Margaret Swan Crozier, Chapter 6,   page 176:

   

"John came to New Brunswick in 1850 from the River Tweed area, with his parents, brother Alexander, and possibly sisters Sarah and Elizabeth.   It is believed that he was a "drains digger" in the old country, and when he came to Canada he brought the special shoes he used for his work.   One shoe had a 12 pound steel sole which helped push the shovel into the earth, but the shoe was not very useful here as the soil was so different.

   

Jack settled in Tweedside on the farm where Carroll Patterson presently lives, and he built the house presently in use, in 1860.   The 1861 Census Agriculture Report lists Jack as owning 100 acres of land valued at 200 pounds, and having two horses, two milch cows, three other neat cattle, twelve sheep and two swine.

   

Jack and Margaret Moffitt were married October 27, 1851 in Fredericton.   Jack was ordained as an elder of the Presbyterian Church in Harvey on November 1, 1862.   Jack and Margaret had eight children."

   

He married Margaret M. Moffitt, daughter of John Moffat & Janet Gladstone, 27 Oct 1851 in Fredericton. Born 1821 in Roxburgh, Scotland. Died 4 Sep 1909 in Tweedside. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.

john.swan.1822-1910.med.jpg

Undated photograph of John Swan (b. 1822, Northumberland; d.10 Mar 1910, Tweedside), his wife Margaret Moffitt (with book; b. 1821, Roxburgh, Scotland, d. 4 Sep 1909; and her sister Mary Moffitt (b. 27 Jul 1829, Stichel, Roxburgh, Scotland, d. 19 May, 1904, Harvey Station.

Margaret was the sister of Mary who married Peter Wood, and believed to be a sister of Elizabeth, who married Thomas Mowatt who came with the first settlers of Harvey.

   

They had the following children:

​

  44   i.   Henry Robert Swan

  45   ii.   John Moffitt Swan

  46   iii.   Henry Robert "Harry" Swan

  47   iv.   James Moffit "Jim" Swan

  48   v.   Alexander Swan

  49   vi.   Jannette Gladstone "Jennie" Swan

  50   vii.   Alexander Thomas Swan

  51   viii.   Elizabeth Jane "Lizzie" Swan

lizzie swan.jpg

Elizabeth ( Lizzie) Swan  
Born July 30, 1865 died July 5, 1901
Daughter of John Swan and Margaret Moffitt.
Married to George  "Frederick" Cleghorn on April 10, 1893
They had 2 children- Josie and Arthur.
After Lizzie died- Fred married Maud McIntyre  and had  
12 more children.

DESCENDENTS OF HENRY SWAN (1773 - BEFORE 1851)
AND ELIZABETH RUSSELL (CA. 1783 - 22 JAN 1870)

Second Immigrant Generation

9. Sarah Swan

​

Daughter of Henry Swan & Elizabeth Russell. Born 14 Jun 1829 in Old Heaton, Northumberland, Eng. Died 13 Aug 1902 in Harvey, N.B. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.

   

Sarah emigrated to New Brunswick with her parents in March 1850.

   

From York Co. NB Marriage Register C 1850-1866 (PANB):   Witnesses to marriage were John Shaw and Isabella M. Brooke.

   

She married Walter Piercy, son of Thomas Piercy & Mary Henderson, 22 Jan 1851 in St. Pauls Church, Fredericton By Rev. Dr. John M. Brooke . Born 19 May 1827 in Thornington, Northumberland, Eng. Died 24 Jan 1914 in Harvey, N.B. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian.

s.swan.1829-1902.med.jpg

Undated photograph of Sarah Swan (b. 14 Jun 1829, Northumberland; d.13 Aug 1902, Harvey Station).

Walter emigrated to New Brunswick with his parents, who were among the pioneer settlers of Harvey, in 1837.   Walter was ten years old when he came to Canada, and he walked from Fredericton with his mother on a lumber road.   His father and his brother Matt, 23 years old, being out first had a comfortable house built with a fire place.  

   

Walter was a farmer, and he and his wife Sarah lived on the homestead farm on Tweedside Road.   They had twelve children.   For details on this family refer to the book, "The Swan Family (early 1800's - 1980)" by Jocelean Swan Hall and Margaret Swan Crozier.

 

From newspaper obituary - 1914:

Walter Piercy, the oldest resident of this parish, died at his home at Tweedside on Saturday evening.   He was in the 87th year of his age.

   

He was a native of Northumberland County, England, and came to Harvey with his parents among the first settlers in the year 1838.   He grew up on a farm which he helped to make out of the virgin forest, and resided upon the farm until a short time ago, when he disposed of the farm to his son, and went to reside with his daughter at Tweedside.

   

He was well known in this section of the province as a man of sterling character and amiable disposition, and had many friends.

 

They had the following children:

​

  52   i.   Elizabeth "Bess" Piercy

  53   ii.   Thomas Piercy

  54   iii.   Mary Piercy

  55   iv.   Henry "Harry" Piercy

  56   v.   Matthew Piercy

  57   vi.   Isabella Piercy

  58   vii.   Margaret Jane "Maggie" Piercy

  59   viii.   Walter Piercy

  60   ix.   Isabella Christina "Tina" Piercy

  61   x.   James Piercy (Twin)

  62   xi.   Sarah "Sadie" Piercy (Twin)

  63   xii.   George Alexander Piercy

DESCENDENTS OF HENRY SWAN (1773 - BEFORE 1851)
AND ELIZABETH RUSSELL (CA. 1783 - 22 JAN 1870)

third Immigrant Generation

10. John T. Thompson 

​

Son of John Thompson & Isabella Swan. Born 1833 in Eng. Died 11 May 1910 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian.

   

John was first married to Margaret Rutherford, who died 11 Mar 1861, and had one son, Samuel, from the first marriage.   John and family lived on a farm in Tweedside.

   

He first married Margaret Rutherford, 5 Jul 1860 in Harvey Settlement By Rev. Samuel Johnson . Died 11 Mar 1861 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

   

From York Co NB Marriage Register C 1850-1866 (PANB):   Witnesses to marriage were Harvey Piercy and Alison Rutherford.

   

They had the following children:

  

64   i.   Samuel Thompson

 

   

He second married Isabella Carmichael, daughter of John Carmichael & Margaret Hume, 12 Apr 1865 in Harvey, York Co. By Rev. Samuel Johnson . Born 1842 in Harvey. Christen 24 Dec 1843 in Harvey Settlement By Rev. Daniel McCurdy . Died Jun 1916 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

   

York Co NB Marriage Register C 1850-1866 (PANB):   Witnesses to marriage were James Carmichael and Mary Ann Thompson.

   

Church records indicate Isabella died of consumption.

   

They had the following children:

  65   i.   Alexander Thompson

  66   ii.   Margaret Thompson

  67   iii.   Isabella Thompson

  68   iv.   Mary "Jane" Thompson

  69   v.   Robert H. Thompson

  70   vi.   James "Frederick" Thompson

  71   vii.   Angelina Thompson

  72   viii.   Harvey Thompson

DESCENDENTS OF HENRY SWAN (1773 - BEFORE 1851)
AND ELIZABETH RUSSELL (CA. 1783 - 22 JAN 1870)

Third Immigrant Generation

11. Elizabeth Thompson

​

Daughter of John Thompson & Isabella Swan. Born 1834 in Eng. Died 4 Feb 1909 in Brooklyn, NY. Buried 7 Jul 1909 in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

   

From York Co NB Marriage Register C 1850-1866 (PANB):   Witnesses to marriage were William Pagan and Margaret Thompson.

   

She married John Pagan, 1 Sep 1862 in St. Paul's Church, Fredericton By Rev. Dr. John M. Brooke . Born 1840. Died 6 Sep 1916. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

   

They had the following children:

​

  73   i.   William Henry Pagan

  74   ii.   John Thompson Pagan

  75   iii.   Harvey Pagan

  76   iv.   Isabella P. Pagan

  77   v.   Anna Mae Pagan

  78   vi.   Charles "Frederick" Herbert Pagan

John Jack
Sarah Swan
10
11

DESCENDENTS OF HENRY SWAN (1773 - BEFORE 1851)
AND ELIZABETH RUSSELL (CA. 1783 - 22 JAN 1870)

Third Immigrant Generation

12. Margaret Thompson

​

Daughter of John Thompson & Isabella Swan. Born Jun 1836 in England. Died 29 Mar 1928 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

 

From newspaper obituary:

 

Harvey Sta., April 3 (1928) -- The last direct link between Harvey and England was severed on March 29, when Miss Margaret Thompson, the last survivor of the party of 25 families who left England in 1837 and settled soon afterward in what is now the parish of Manners Sutton, passed away at her home here, at the age of 91 years.

 

She was born in Northumberland County, England, near the Scottish border, in June 1836, and came to New Brunswick next year with her parents, John and Isabella (Swan) Thompson.   Her father was for years the village schoolmaster of Harvey.

 

Excerpt from newspaper article - 9 Jun 1927--

 

Six-Day Celebration to Mark 90th Anniversary of Founding of Settlement and Dedication of New Church.   One Original Settler Still Living.

 

It is an interesting fact that Miss Margaret Thompson, aged 91 years, who is living today at Harvey, was a toddling baby when the unsettled section was entered by the Scotch families and homes established.   Naturally Miss Thompson will be a central figure in the proposed Old Home Week of June.

 

Miss Thompson, in a recent interview given a representative of the Telegraph-Journal, recalled interesting phases of early life in Harvey.   She stated that during those early days wild animals were frequent visitors to the settlement and it was necessary for the men of the village to organize hunting parties to exterminate as many of the more troublesome kind as possible or to drive them as far afield as possible in order to protest their stock.

 

Supplies were sometimes very difficult to get, she said, and she remembered that one spring the little band of settlers were obliged to live chiefly on honey and milk because it was impossible to get through to Fredericton to procure food.   A Mr Wilson and his boy used to go every week, when possible, to Fredericton to bring back food.

 

Oxen were used for several years before horses were brought to the settlement.

 

Speaking of the houses in which they lived in the early days, Miss Thompson stated hat the structures were about 12 feet wide and about 16 feet long and were built of spruce logs with bark on them.   Each dwelling consisted of only one room, and all the houses were built alike.   The head boards of the beds and the posts were six feet high with a curtain suspended from rings so that when one wished to retire he could secure privacy by pulling the curtains around and closing in the occupant.

 

For about 15 years the people were without a regular pastor and were accustomed to meet each Sabbath in the different homes, when the elders read the sciptures and gave the sermons.   This continued until the school was built.   Due to the scattered settlement it was necessary for the children to walk six miles to reach school before that time.

 

Miss Thompson remarked that while her people had somewhat hard times in Harvey in those early days, it must be remembered that they had left hard times in Scotland, where the women and children all worked and received the equivalent of 10 cents per day for pulling turnips and doing other hard work about the farm.

DESCENDENTS OF HENRY SWAN (1773 - BEFORE 1851)
AND ELIZABETH RUSSELL (CA. 1783 - 22 JAN 1870)

Third Immigrant Generation

13. Mary Ann Thompson 

​

Daughter of John Thompson & Isabella Swan. Born Jul 1838 in Harvey. Died 11 Jul 1889 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

 

Reputed to have been the first child born in Harvey Settlement.

DESCENDENTS OF HENRY SWAN (1773 - BEFORE 1851)
AND ELIZABETH RUSSELL (CA. 1783 - 22 JAN 1870)

Third Immigrant Generation

14. Isabel Thompson

 

Daughter of John Thompson & Isabella Swan. Born 3 Aug 1840 in Harvey. Christen 22 Aug 1940 in Harvey Settlement By Rev. Daniel McCurdy . Died 10 Jul 1930 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

   

Witnesses to marriage were John Howitt and Jane Thompson.

   

She married Thomas Frank Craig, son of Henry Craigs & Isabella Kay, 11 Jul 1866 in Harvey Settlement By Rev. Samuel Johnson . Born 9 May 1841 in Harvey. Christen 30 May 1841 in Harvey Settlement By Rev. Daniel McCurdy . Died 16 Feb 1930 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

 

   

From newspaper obituaries - 1930:

Thomas Craig

Harvey Station, Feb. 17 -- The death of Thomas Craig occurred at his home in Manners Sutton yesterday morning after an illness of some five weeks.   Deceased, who was born in Manners Sutton on May 9, 1841, was the son of the late Thomas and Isabel Kay Craig, of Berwick-on-Tweed, England, who were among the first Settlers at Harvey, coming to this country in 1837.   Deceased was a life-long Presbyterian.

   

He is survived by his wife, formerly Miss Isabel Thompson, who was also the child of two Harvey Pioneers,m the late Mr and Mrs John Thompson, of Northumberland county, England, and three children, Henry P. Craig, John T. Craig and Mrs Alexander Wilson, all of Manners Sutton, also 14 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

 

   

Died in Harvey

Thomas Craig, One of the Oldest Residents, Passes Away After Short Illness.

Harvey, N.B., Feb 19 -- The death of Thomas Craig, one of Harvey's oldest residents, occurred Sunday morning, February 16, after a short illness.   Deceased, who spent all his life in Harvey, is survived by his aged widow, two sons, H.P. and J. T. Craig; one daughter, Mrs Alexander Wilson, all of Harvey; fourteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.   Deceased was a member of the Presbyterian Church, taking an active part in all church work, for a period of eighteen years being a leader of the choir.   The funeral was held Monday afternoon, a short service at the house being conducted by Rev. G. E. Knight and Rev. J. H. McLean and in Knox Presbyterian Church by Rev. G. E. Knight, where, in spite of the inclement weather, a large number met for the funeral service.   The hymns sung were, Asleep in Jesus; Peace, Perfect Peace, by the choir; and a solo, Going Down the Valley One by One, by Rev. G. E. Knight.   The pallbearers were six grandsons, Kay, Willie, Arthur and James Craig, Arden and Frank Wilson.   Interment was made in the Harvey burying ground.

​

They had the following children:

​

  79   i.   Henrietta Elizabeth "Etta" Craig

  80   ii.   Henry Patterson Craig

  81   iii.   John Thompson Craig

  82   iv.   Annabella Craig

  83   v.   Thomas Frank Craig

DESCENDENTS OF HENRY SWAN (1773 - BEFORE 1851)
AND ELIZABETH RUSSELL (CA. 1783 - 22 JAN 1870)

Third Immigrant Generation

15. Henry Thompson

​

Son of John Thompson & Isabella Swan. Born 1842 in Harvey. Christen 13 Nov 1842 in Harvey By Rev. Daniel McCurdy .

   

Henry is reputed to have gone to the Black Hills of North Dakota, to have become an Indian scout, to have been a personal friend of Buffalo Bill, and to have been killed by the Indians.

12
13
14
15

DESCENDENTS OF HENRY SWAN (1773 - BEFORE 1851)
AND ELIZABETH RUSSELL (CA. 1783 - 22 JAN 1870)

Third Immigrant Generation

16. Thomas "James" Thompson

 

Son of John Thompson & Isabella Swan. Born 1843/1844 in Harvey. Christen 23 Jun 1844 in Harvey By Rev. Daniel McCurdy . Died 13 Jan 1913 in Harvey.

   

From Daily Telegraph, 11 May 1872:   "Married by Rev. Samuel Johnson, 8th ult., James Thompson, Harvey and Miss Margaret Craig, Stanley (York Co.)"

   

Witnesses to marriage were Robert Thompson and Margaret Craig.

 

From newspaper item - undated:

Family Reunion

Six Sisters United For First Time in 40 Years at Family Reunion

Stanley, Sep 30 -- A reunion of the family of the late Mr and Mrs James Thompson of Harvey, was held at the residence of Mr and Mrs James Craig, Stanley, on Saturday, September 19th, James Craig being a brother of the late Mrs Thompson and only surviving uncle of the family.

   

Those of the family present were Mrs Ada McCann, Mrs Perry Thombs and Mrs Mary Smith all of Brownville Junction, Maine; Mrs William Tant of Hanne, Alberta, Mrs William Maxwell and Mrs Russell R. Swan of Harvey Station, NB.

   

The scene of the reunion was the birthplace and childhood home of Margaret Thompson, nee Craig, the mother of the six ladies who were reunited for the first time in forty years.

 

He married Margaret "Maggie" Craig, daughter of Thomas Craigs & Margaret Reid, 8 May 1872 in Harvey By Rev. Samuel Johnson . Born 4 Jan 1846 in Red Rock, NB. Died 5 Mar 1896 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

   

At time of marriage, Maggie was living in Stanley.

   

They had the following children:

​

  84   i.   Ada Bertha Thompson

  85   ii.   Annie J. Thompson

  86   iii.   Ella Jessie Thompson

  87   iv.   Maretta Thompson

  88   v.   Mary Thompson

  89   vi.   Thomas Thompson

  90   vii.   Margaret Jane Thompson

  91   viii.   Roy Thompson

16

DESCENDENTS OF HENRY SWAN (1773 - BEFORE 1851)
AND ELIZABETH RUSSELL (CA. 1783 - 22 JAN 1870)

Third Immigrant Generation

17. Robert Thompson

​

Son of John Thompson & Isabella Swan. Born 1845 in Harvey. Christen 28 Dec 1845 in Harvey By Rev. Daniel McCurdy. Died 1929 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

DESCENDENTS OF HENRY SWAN (1773 - BEFORE 1851)
AND ELIZABETH RUSSELL (CA. 1783 - 22 JAN 1870)

Second Immigrant Generation

18. Jane "Jennie" Thompson 

​

Daughter of John Thompson & Isabella Swan. Born 1 Aug 1847 in Harvey. Christen 22 Aug 1847 in Harvey By Rev. Daniel McCurdy. Died 15 Jun 1926 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

4302_med.jpg

4302. Undated photograph of Jane "Jennie" Thompson, daughter of John Thompson & Isabella Swan (b. 1 Aug 1847, d. 15 Jun 1926, Harvey). She married Peter Wood, son of Peter Wood & Mary Moffitt. (b.30 Sep 1850, Scotland, d. 8 Mar 1913, Harvey).

​

Source: Ross Wood album, Tweedside, Harvey, York Co., N.B. Rephotographed, by Tim Patterson7 Aug 2008.

Witnesses to marriage were Robert Thompson and Jessie C. Wood.

   

She married Peter Wood, son of Peter Wood & Mary Moffitt, 11 Jul 1877 in St. Paul's Church, Fredericton By Rev. John M. Brooke . Born 30 Sep 1850 in Scotland. Died 8 Mar 1913 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Surveyor. Religion Presbyterian.

   

From parochial registers of Eckford in Roxburghshire (Researched by Bruce Elliott, 2004):   "1850 Peter Wood Hedger Ormiston and Mary Moffat his wife their child Born 30th Sept 1850 and Bapt. Named Peter."

​

Copied from newspaper obituary - 1913:

Peter Wood

Harvey Station, March 11 -- Peter Wood, sixty-three years old, died on Saturday at his home here from an attack of heart trouble, complicated with asthma.   For the past two years he had been suffering from asthma and was confined to his home for the last month.   He was the eldest son of the late Peter Wood, of Tweedside, and was a native of England.   He emigrated to this country while very young, with his father, who was a surveyor.   The son also learned the same profession.   Mr Wood was very highly respected, being a man of kind disposition and upright in character.   He leaves a widow, who is a sister of Councillor Thompson, of this parish, and two daughters, Mrs Harry Swan of McAdam and Mrs Frank Coburn, of this place; three sisters, Mrs Edward James and Mrs Jas. T. Swan of Tweedside and Mrs Craig of McAdam, and one brother, George, of Tweedside, surviving him.   The funeral took place on Monday, being very largely attended.   The service was conducted by Rev. M. J. Macpherson, of the Presbyterian Church of which the decesed was a faithful member.

​

Peter Wood Jr. died 8 Mar 1913, age 62 yrs. 5 mo. 8 days.

   

They had the following children:

  92   i.   Lena Isabelle Wood

  93   ii.   Mary "Mayme" Wood