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Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Table of Contents

 First immigranT Generation                 

01

 Second immigranT Generation            

02

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 Third immigranT Generation               

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 Fourth immigranT Generation            

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Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

First Immigrant Generation

1. Thomas Piercy

 

Born Approx 1760 in Eng. Died in Eng.


Thomas Piercy and his wife, Elizabeth (maiden name unknown), had three sons christened in the United Presbyterian Church, Spittal, Northumberland County, England: Thomas christened 29 June 1784, George christened 19 Apr 1785, and Robert born 15 Sep 1788. (IGI) Unknown if they had any other children. Sons Thomas and George emigrated to New Brunswick and settled in Harvey Settlement. (No further information on son Robert.)


He married Elizabeth. Born Approx 1760 in Eng. Died in Eng.


They had the following children:
2 i. Thomas Piercy
3 ii. George Piercy
4 iii. Robert Piercy

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

second Immigrant Generation

2. Thomas Piercy.

Son of Thomas Piercy & Elizabeth. Born 1784 in Northumberland, England. Christen 29 Jun 1784 in Spittal, United Presbyterian, England. Died 12 Oct 1865 in Harvey, N.B. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian.

Map of Northeastern Northumberland with red stars showing Spittal, where Thomas Piercy was christened in 1784.

Source: Google Maps

Thomas Piercy and his wife Mary Henderson came to Harvey in 1837 with the first settlers of Harvey. With their two sons, three daughters and one daughter-in-law, they sailed from Berwick-upon-Tweed on 28 May 1837 on board the brig "Cornelius of Sunderland" which carried coals, glass, etc., and 137 passengers. They arrived at the port of Saint John, N.B. on Wednesday, 12 July, and proceeded to Fredericton in the steamer, "Water Witch" (a night boat between Saint John and Fredericton, leaving Saint John every Monday, Wednesday and Friday evening, and Fredericton every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings).

Thomas received a Lard Grant, Lot # 18 West, 100 acres. (It is on the corner of Route 3 and the Tweedside Road, but which originally was the road to connect with Brockway through to St. Andrews--called the Great Road.

Thomas and his elder son, Matt, who was 23 years old, arrived in Harvey before the rest of the family and had a comfortable house built, with a fire place. Mary and their daughters and younger son walked from Fredericton to Harvey, a distance of approximately 25 miles, after their home had been built.

Thomas and Mary died in Harvey and are buried in the Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
From St. John Globe, 30 Oct 1865: "Died 12th inst., Thomas Piercy, Elder in the Church."

 

He married Mary Henderson, daughter of Matthew Henderson & Margaret, 19 Apr 1812 in Ford, England. Born Approx 1786 in Wooler, England. Christen 3 Jan 1787 in Wooler, United Associate Tower Hill--N.C. Died 3 Sep 1868 in Harvey, N.B. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.

From the IGI , Northumberland, England: Henderson, Mary, daughter of Matthew Henderson and Margaret, female, christened 3 Jan 1787, Wooler, United Associate Tower Hill, N.C. (Mary's parents are named in the baptism records of some of the grandchildren.)
Also from IGI: Piercy, Thomas and Mary Henderson, married 19 Apr 1812, Ford, Parish Records & Dissenters.

 

They had the following children:


5 i. Margaret Piercy
6 ii. Matthew Piercy
7 iii. Elizabeth Piercy
8 iv. Mary Piercy
9 v. Isabella Piercy
10 vi. Thomas Piercy
11 vii. Andrew Piercy
12 viii. Walter Piercy

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

second Immigrant Generation

3. George Piercy

Son of Thomas Piercy & Elizabeth. Born 1785 in England. Christen 19 Apr 1785 in Spittal, United Presbyterian, England. Died 11 Nov 1873 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian

Map of Northeastern Northumberland with red stars showing Spittal, where Thomas Piercy was christened in 1784.

Source: Google Maps

Satellite image of Glendale area in Northumberland with star showing location of Walkerwalls where George Piercy's family lived during the 1841 census of England.

Source: Google Maps

George and Ann (Winter) Piercy and family appears in the 1841 census at Walkerwalls, Earle township, in Doddington parish, Wooler district, Northumberland, England. Listed were the following children: Thomas 20, Robert 18, Ann 16, Jane 12 and Mary 8.

Scan of original 1841 Census entry for the family of George Piercy and Ann Winter.

Source Citation for England 1841 census data above: Class: HO107; Piece 833; Book: 6; Civil Parish: Doddington; County: Northumberland; Enumeration District: 5; Folio: 3; Page: 3; Line: 4; GSU roll: 438892.

Walkerwalls was originally several hinds cottages. They have now been joined into a single facility, which is used mostly by schools for group trips.

UK Ordnance Survey Map Grid Reference NT9825. Photo credit: CG Burke http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/260988

According to the 1851 Census, George Piercy and his wife Ann Winter and their children came to New Brunswick in the years 1843 to 1845, as follows: George and his wife Ann in 1844; Thomas as a single man, in 1845; their son Robert in 1843; daughter Ann and her husband Robert Burrell in 1845; daughter Jane in 1844, and daughter Mary in 1845. It is very difficult to verify dates of their arrival--it is possible that they all came at the same time! It seems likely that the unmarried daughters Jane and Mary would come at the same time as their parents.

George's brother Thomas and his wife and children came to New Brunswick in 1837 and were among the first settlers of Harvey Settlement.

He married Ann Winter, 11 Jun 1815 in Ford, Parish Records And Dissenters. Born Approx 1792 in England. Died 11 Jun 1867 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

They had the following children:
13 i. Thomas Piercy
14 ii. Robert Piercy
15 iii. Ann Piercy
16 iv. Margaret "Jane" Piercy
17 v. Mary Piercy

Supplemental Data

1841 Census of England

Source Citation for England 1841 census data above: Class: HO107; Piece 833; Book: 6; Civil Parish: Doddington; County: Northumberland; Enumeration District: 5; Folio: 3; Page: 3; Line: 4; GSU roll: 438892.

 

Source Information:
Ancestry.com. 1841 England Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: The Generations Network, Inc., 2006. Original data: Census Returns of England and Wales, 1841. Kew, Surrey, England: The National Archives of the UK (TNA): Public Record Office (PRO), 1841. Data imaged from the National Archives, London, England. The National Archives gives no warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or fitness for the purpose of the information provided. Images may be used only for purposes of research, private study or education. Applications for any other use should be made to the National Archives, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU. Infringement of the above condition may result in legal action.

 

Description:
This database contains an every name index to the 1841 England Census with links to images of the original census returns. Information available in this database includes: name, age, estimated birth year, relationship to head of household.

 

mtDNA Genetic Profile of Ann (Winter) Piercy

mtDNA chromosome test results for Ann (Winter) Piercy. Since mtDNA is passed directly from mothers to children with virtually no changes the test values obtained are generally applicable to all direct maternal descendants. Derived results below are based on test results obtained for direct maternal descendants Dallas Davis and Burke Swan.

Screen Shot 2020-08-04 at 4.27.40 PM.png

Additional mtDNA results for other Harvey settlers and descendants at this link.

Supplemental maps and aerial photographs of Walkerwalls area

Thomas Piercy
2. Thomas Piercy
George Piercy

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Third Immigrant Generation

5. Margaret Piercy

 

Daughter of Thomas Piercy & Mary Henderson. Born 25 Feb 1813 in Fenton, Parish Of Wooler, England. Christen 11 Mar 1813 in Crookham Presbyterian.

Margaret was born 25 Feb 1813 in Fenton, parish of Wooler (father a steward), baptised 19 Feb 1823, Crookham Presbyterian Church. (Research by Bruce Elliott, 2007).

Margaret did not come to NB with parents and siblings in 1837, perhaps died young or married in England. No further information.

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Third Immigrant Generation

6. Matthew Piercy

 

Son of Thomas Piercy & Mary Henderson. Born 15 Aug 1814 in Redsford, Parish Of Kirknewton, Engand. Christen 23 Aug 1814 in Crookham Presbyterian. Died 28 Feb 1889 in Comox, BC. Buried 1 Mar 1889 in Courtenay Civic Cemetery, Section A. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian.

Matthew Piercy of Thornington, England, and Agnes Moffitt of Preston were married in Coldstream on 30 Apr 1837 by the Rev. M. Taylor. Witnesses were Thomas Smith and Isabella Moffitt.

They came to New Brunswick with Matthew's parents, sisters and brother on the brig "Cornelius of Sunderland", which sailed from Berwick-upon-Tweed on 28 May 1837 and arrived in Saint John, NB on Wednesday, 12 Jul 1837, and were among the pioneer settlers of Harvey Settlement.

They received Land Grant Lot #14 West, 100 acres is Harvey Settlement. Their twelve children were born in Harvey. After 38 years of living in New Brunswick, the Piercys moved to British Columbia in 1875 and settled on Vancouver Island, and again were pioneer settlers. Their sons Thomas, John, Matt, Sam and Walt, and youngest daughters Agnes and Isabella moved to British Columbia with their parents. Elizabeth died at an early age in Harvey. The four oldest daughters married and remained in New Brunswick.

Matthew was very active in the Presbyterian church and the second church built in Harvey Settlement was on his land. In the Comox, BC the Presbyterian Church and cemetery was built on land donated by Matthew Piercy and Samuel Crawford. Matthew and Agnes are buried in that cemetery.

As printed in the Comox Valley circulating newspaper (1889)
The Late Matthew Piercy

The remains of the late Matthew Piercy of Comox, were laid to rest in the Presbyterian graveyard at Comox on March 1st. The funeral was one of the largest ever held in Comox. The pallbearers were S. F. Crawford, Robert Duncan, Oliver Duncan, Alex Urquhart, A. Milligan and Henry Grieve. The deceased was a native of Northumberland, England, aged 74 years and emigrated to New Brunswick in 1837. He was one of the pioneers of Harvey Settlement and came to British Columbia in 1875, with his wife and part of his family. He survived his wife three years and leaves five sons, six daughters, sixty-five grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren to mourn his demise. He was an elder of the Presbyterian Church for 35 years previous to his death in 1889.

Matthew piercy gallery 

Descendants of Matthew Piercy and Agnes Moffitt hold a family reunion every five years in the area on Vancouver Island where the Piercy family settled. The eighth reunion was held in August 1999. Three "Family Tree" books have been printed in British Columbia, the first was printed in 1967 with details on the family of Thomas Piercy and Jane Speedy; the second book printed in 1979 included all the Matthew Piercy descendants; and the third book was printed in 1998. In 1989, a book "The Families of Eleanor Piercy Lister, Mary Ann Piercy Lister, Jane Piercy Swan and Margaret Piercy Wood, Daughters of Matthew Piercy (1814-1889) and Agnes Moffitt (1815-1886) was compiled by Jocelean Swan Hall.

Inscription on gravestone in Courtenay Civic Cemetery, Section A, 472: Matthew Piercy / Born / July 15, 1814 / Died Feb 27, 1889 / Agnes Piercy / Born Oct 19, 1815 / Died / April 7, 1886 / Gone to a fairer land / of pleasure and love / To join the bright band / of Angels above.

He married Agnes Moffitt, daughter of John Moffitt & Ellen "Nellie" Davidson, 30 Apr 1837 in Coldstream, England. Born 19 Oct 1815 in Lanton, Scotland. Died 17 Apr 1886 in Comox, BC. Buried in Courtenay Civic Cemetery, Section A. Religion Presbyterian.


They had the following children:


18 i. Thomas H. Piercy
19 ii. John Piercy
20 iii. Eleanor "Ellen" Piercy
21 iv. Mary Ann Piercy
22 v. Jane Piercy
23 vi. Margaret "Maggie" Piercy
24 vii. Matthew Henry Piercy
25 viii. Isabella "Bell" Piercy
26 ix. Samuel Johnson Piercy
27 x. Elizabeth "Lizzy" Piercy
28 xi. Walter Henderson Piercy
29 xii. Agnes Piercy

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

second Immigrant Generation

4. Robert Piercy

Son of Thomas Piercy & Elizabeth. Born 15 Sep 1788 in Spittal, Northumberland Co., England. Christen in United Presbyterian Church, Spittal.

No further information on Robert. Birth data from IGI for Northumberland, England.

Robert piercy
Margaret Piercy
Matthew Piercy

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Third Immigrant Generation

7. Elizabeth Piercy

 

Daughter of Thomas Piercy & Mary Henderson. Born 10 Mar 1816 in Redsford, Parish Of Kirknewton, England. Christen 13 Mar 1816 in Crookham Presbyterian. Died 26 Jun 1889 in Fredericton, NB. Buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Fredericton.

Elizabeth and John McKay were married in Fredericton, NB, on 16 Feb 1841, by John Birkmyre, D.D., Minister of St. Paul's Church. Witnesses were N. E. Jamieson and Isabella Piercy.


Elizabeth was living with son William and his wife Annie in the 1881 Census, Kings Ward, Fredericton, NB. Also living in the same household were sons John and Thomas, and daughters Sarah and Minnie.

From gravestone: Elizabeth died 26 June 1889 age 74 years.

She married John Robertson McKay, 16 Feb 1841 in St. Pauls Church, Fredericton By John Birkmyre . Born Approx 1816 in St. Stephen. Died 26 Dec 1872 in Fredericton. Buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Fredericton.

Listed in the 1851 Census for Fredericton:
McKay, John, husband, age 35 years, native, carpenter/prop., born in NB
Elizabeth, wife, age 33, English
Mary, daughter, age 11, native
William, son, age 9, native
Isabella, daughter, age 7, native
Elizabeth, daughter, age 5, native
Thomas, son, age 3, native.

 

Listed in Fredericton Census of 1871 (Edited by Robert Fellows)
McKay, pp. 46-47 - KINGS
John R. 55, NB, husb. carpenter, Scot., C of S
Elizabeth 54, Ire., wife, Eng. "
Mary 29 NB, " "
William 27 NB, Farmer " "
Isabel 25 NB " "
Elizabeth 23 NB " "
Thomas 21 NB, Carpenter " "
Minnie 18 NB " "
Ellen 16 NB " "
John 13 NB, student " "
Sarah 13 NB " " "
Peggy 8 NB " " " (This should have been "Piercy", instead of "Peggy"/jh)

From Saint Croix Courier, 9 Jan 1873: "Died: In Fredericton on the 26th ult., Mr John R. McKay, a native of St. Stephen in the 57th year of his age."

Gravestone in Forest Hill Cemetery, Fredericton:


MacKAY
William MacKay died 26 Jun 1859, age 75 years (?)
Mary, wife of Wm. M. Cameron died 1889 age 53 years
John died 1897 age 39 years.
children of John R. and Elizabeth MacKay
(back of stone)
John R. MacKay died 26 Dec 1872 age 57 years
his wife Elizabeth died 26 Jun 1889 age 74 years
(side)
M. Percy died 19 Nov 1875 age 14 years
Helen died 24 Feb 1876 age 21 years
Thomas died 22 Aug 1888 age 38 years
children of John R. and Elizabeth MacKay

(Not sure who the William who died 1859, age 75 years, would be./jh)

They had the following children:


30 i. Mary McKay
31 ii. William McKay
32 iii. Isabella McKay
33 iv. Elizabeth Henderson "Lizzie" McKay
34 v. Thomas McKay
35 vi. Minna Gertrude McKay
36 vii. Ellen McKay
37 viii. John McKay (Twin)
38 ix. Sarah Jane McKay (Twin)
39 x. Matthew Piercy Brooke McKa

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Third Immigrant Generation

8. Mary Piercy

Daughter of Thomas Piercy & Mary Henderson. Born 30 Sep 1818 in Thornington, Northumberland, England. Christen 11 Oct 1818 in Crookham Presbyterian. Died 6 Mar 1892 in Harvey Station. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.
Mary came to NB in 1837 with her parents and siblings, and were among the pioneer settlers of Harvey Settlement.

She married George Cockburn (Coburn), son of John Cockburn (Coburn) & Elizabeth "Betsy" Lesley, 13 Nov 1841 in Harvey Settlement By Rev. Daniel McCurdy, Presbyterian. Born Jan 1818 in Eng. Died 28 Dec 1884 in Harvey Station. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian.

George came to NB with his parents and eight siblings in 1837 with the first settlers of Harvey.
From New Brunswick Royal Gazette, 1 Dec 1841: "Married 13th inst., by Rev. D. McCurdy, George Cockburn and Miss Mary Piercy both of Harvey Settlement, York Co."

From York Co NB Marriage Register B 1837-1980 (PANB): Witnesses to marriage were Wm Cockburn, Isabella Piercy and Jas Cockburn.

From the 1861 Census, They owned or occupied 45 acres of improved land and 55 acres unimproved; cash value of farm was 150 pounds, value of implements and machinery, 15 pounds. They had 2 horses, 3 milch cows, 2 working oxen, 6 other neat cattle, 15 sheep, 4 swine, and slaughtered 400 lb. pork. Produced 150 lb. butter: 45 lb. wool; 18 tons hay; 4 bu. barley; 200 bu. oats; 140 bu. buckwheat; 6 bu. peas; 12 bu. timothy; 50 lb. clover seed; 100 bu. turnips; 150 bu. potatoes; and 50 bu. carrots.

George died at age of 66 years and 11 months.


They had the following children:
40 i. Mary Ann Coburn
41 ii. John G. Coburn
42 iii. Thomas Coburn
43 iv. James "Jim" Coburn
44 v. Elizabeth Ann "Betsy Ann" Coburn
45 vi. George Henry Coburn
46 vii. Isabella "Belle" Coburn
47 viii. Mary Coburn
48 ix. Margaret "Maggie" Coburn
49 x. Walter Henderson Coburn

Elizabeth piercy
Mary Piercy

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Third Immigrant Generation

9. Isabella Piercy

 

Daughter of Thomas Piercy & Mary Henderson. Born 20 Sep 1820 in Thornington, Northumberland, Eng. Christen 27 Sep 1820 in Crookham Presbyterian.
At the time of Isabella's baptism, her father was a hind.

Isabella and Peter McCullock of the Parish of St. Patrick, Charlotte County, NB, were married in Fredericton on 20 Apr 1847, by John M. Brooke, Minister of St. Paul's Church. Witnesses were John Bell Nesbit and John R. McKay.

She married Peter McCullough, 20 Apr 1847 in St. Pauls Church, Fredericton By Dr. John M. Brooke . Born Approx 1820 in Parish Of St. Patrick, Charlotte Co., N.B. Died Sep 1893 in Algoma.

Name is spelled "McCulloch" in many records.

At the time of the 1851 Census for the Parish of St. Patrick, Charlotte Co., NB, Peter was 31 years of age, Isabella was 30, and they had two sons, William and Thomas.

Son William married and settled in Harvey. Research on the other family members needs to be done in Charlotte County area of NB.

From The Daily Telegraph, Saint John, 28 Sep 1893:
Peter McCulloch, an aged farmer residing in the town of Algoma was found in an insensible condition in a field about 5 o'clock Monday afternoon and died Tuesday afternoon from the effects of injuries receivied in a mysterious manner. Mr McCulloch was 75 years of age and resided in the town of Algoma for many years. He leaves an aged wife, four daughters and one son - Ex. -A Harvey Station (York Co.) correspondent writes 'The Telegraph': McCulloch was well known here, his wife being a daughter of the late Thomas Piercy, one of the original Harvey settlers. His only son, William McCulloch is a resident of Harvey. He lived for many years at Dumbarton (Charlotte Co.) and was in St. Stephen some length of time before going west. (see original)

They had the following children:


50 i. William McCullough
51 ii. Thomas McCullough
52 iii. Mary McCullough
53 iv. Jane McCullough
54 v. Isabella McCullough
55 vi. Agnes McCullough

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Third Immigrant Generation

10. Thomas Piercy.

 

Son of Thomas Piercy & Mary Henderson. Born 9 Feb 1823 in Thornington, Northumberland, England. Christen 19 Feb 1923 in Crookham Presbyterian.

Thomas was born 9 Feb 1823 in Thornington (father was a hind), baptised 19 Feb 1823 at Crookham Presbyterian Church. (Research by Bruce Elliott.)

Perhaps died young. Did not come to NB with parents in 1837. No further information.

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Third Immigrant Generation

11. Andrew Piercy

 

Son of Thomas Piercy & Mary Henderson. Born 19 Oct 1824 in Thornington, Northumberland, England. Christen 22 Oct 1824 in Crookham Presbyterian.

Andrew was born 19 Oct 1824 in Thornington (father was a hind), baptised 22 Oct 1824 in Crookham Presbyterian Church. (Research by Bruce Elliott 2007.)

Perhaps died young. Did not come to NB with parents in 1837. No further information.

Isabella piercy
Thomas Piercy
Andrew piercy

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Third Immigrant Generation

12. Walter Piercy

Son of Thomas Piercy & Mary Henderson. Born 19 May 1827 in Thornington, Northumberland, England. Christen 23 May 1827 in Crookham Presbyterian. Died 24 Jan 1914 in Harvey, N.B. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian.

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 Saint Croix Courier, Saint Stephen, 4 Jun 1891:
Harvey Station (York Co.) - Walter Piercy and wife left this morn for Lake Winnipiscogen, N.H. where most of his family have been located for some time.

From The Gleaner, Fredericton, 29 Nov 1894:
Harvey Station (York Co.) Nov 27th -- Mr and Mrs Walter Piercy, Sr. have gone to Boston to spend the winter with their daughter, Mrs Geo Warden.

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.

He married Sarah Swan, daughter of Henry Swan & Elizabeth Russell, 22 Jan 1851 in St. Pauls Church, Fredericton By Rev. Dr. John M. Brooke . 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.


They had the following children:


56 i. Elizabeth "Bess" Piercy
57 ii. Thomas Piercy
58 iii. Mary Piercy
59 iv. Henry "Harry" Piercy
60 v. Matthew Piercy
61 vi. Isabella Piercy
62 vii. Margaret Jane "Maggie" Piercy
63 viii. Walter Piercy
64 ix. Isabella Christina "Tina" Piercy
65 x. James Piercy (Twin)
66 xi. Sarah "Sadie" Piercy (Twin)
67 xii. George Alexander Piercy

Walter Piercy

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Third Immigrant Generation

13. Thomas Piercy

 

Son of George Piercy & Ann Winter. Born 25 Apr 1818 in England. Died 1 May 1887 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian.

From New Brunswick Reporter, Fredericton, 5 Oct 1849: "Married Harvey Settlement, York Co., 4th inst., by Rev. D. McCurdy, Thomas Piercy, late of Northumberland, England, and Miss Margaret Tait, former place."

From NBFA #F15551, page 464: "Thomas Piercy to Margaret Tait on Oct 1, 1849 by Daniel McCurdy, witnesses Walter Piercy and Barbary Cessford."
According to 1851 Census, Thomas Piercy came to NB in 1845.

From The Daily Telegraph, 20 May 1887: “Died Harvey (York Co.) 10th inst., of paralysis, Thomas Piercy, native of England, age 69 years 6 days.”

He married Margaret Tait, 4 Oct 1849 in Harvey Settlement By Rev. Daniel McCurdy . Born Approx 1829 in England. Died 3 Mar 1891 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

From The Gleaner, Fredericton, 7 Mar 1891:
Mrs Piercy, relict of Thomas Piercy of Manner Sutton (York Co.) died Wednesday. She leaves a large family. She was buried yesterday afternoon in the Presbyterian churchyard there, the funeral services being conducted by Rev. McLean.

They had the following children:


68 i. Margaret Piercy
69 ii. Margaret Ann Piercy
70 iii. Barbara Elizabeth "Betty" Piercy
71 iv. George Thomas Piercy
72 v. Jane Piercy
73 vi. Robert Piercy
74 vii. James Piercy
75 viii. Mary Piercy

Thomas Piercy

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Third Immigrant Generation

14. Robert Piercy

 

Son of George Piercy & Ann Winter. Born Approx 1820 in Northumberland, England. Died 31 Aug 1869 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian.

Marriages - St. Anne's Chapel, Fredericton: "15 Jan 1849, Robert Piercy and Ellenor Wightman, Harvey Settlement, banns by C. F. Bliss. Witnesses: Thomas Piercy and Elizabeth Montgomery."
Robert received Land Grant Lot R, Block 31, 100 acres, 1853/11/23.

From Daily Telegraph, 13 Sept 1869: "Robert Piercy was killed at Hatch's stable Tuesday of last week of a kick from a horse. He received three kicks in the abdomen.--St. Croix Courier."
From New Brunswick Reporter and Fredericton Advertiser, 10 Sept 1869: "Died Harvey Settlement (York Co.) 31 Aug., Robert Piercy, age 43, native of Northumberland, England."
Inscription on broken gravestone in Harvey Settlement Cemetery: Robert Piercy died Aug 31, 1869 Aged 49 years. Native of Northumberland, England.

He married Eleanor "Ellen" Wightman, daughter of John Wightman & Mary Davidson, 15 Jan 1849 in St. Anne's Chapel, Fredericton By Charles P. Bliss. Born 18 Sep 1824 in North Ewart, Doddington Parish, England. Christen 27 Oct 1824 in Cheviot St. United Presbyterian, Wooler . Died 30 Mar 1889 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.

From Cheviot St. United Presbyterian records, Wooler, p. 66: Wightman. 27 Oct 1824, Ellenor daughter of John & Mary Wightman of North Ewart, Doddington parish. Born 18 Sept 1824. (From research by Bruce Elliott, Oct 2007.)

Ellen came to NB in 1837 with her parents and siblings, and were among the pioneer settlers of Harvey Settlement.


They had the following children:
76 i. Elizabeth Piercy
77 ii. George Piercy
78 iii. Mary Jane Piercy
79 iv. John Piercy
80 v. Ann P. "Annie" Piercy
81 vi. Margaret Isabella Piercy
82 vii. Matilda "Caroline" Piercy
83 viii. Robert Henry Piercy
84 ix. Eleanor "Maria" Piercy
85 x. Phillis Piercy

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Third Immigrant Generation

15. Ann Piercy.

 

Daughter of George Piercy & Ann Winter. Born 21 Mar 1823 in Wooler District, Northumberland, England. Died 2 Sep 1888 in Harvey Station, NB. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.

Ann Piercy was the daughter of George Piercy and Ann Winter. Their family appears in the 1841 census at Walkerwalls, Earle township, in Doddington parish, Wooler district, Northumberland, England. At that time Ann had two older brothers at home, Thomas 20 and Robert 18; and two younger sisters, Jane 12 and Mary 8.

She married Robert Burrell, son of Isaac Burrell & Jane, 27 Sep 1844 in England. Born 30 Jan 1818 in Wooler District, Northumberland, England. Christen 6 Feb 1817 in Lowick Presbyterian. Died 2 Sep 1900 in Harvey Station, NB. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian.

In Lowick Presbyterian C1804-49 (fiche A.5), surname is spelled "Burell", baptized 6 Feb 1817, son of Isaac and Jane Burell of Lowick Parish. Born 30 Jan 1817.

It is believed that Robert Burrell, his wife Ann Piercy and son Isaac immigrated to New Brunswick and settled at Harvey Settlement from Wooler and Tweedbank, England in 1846.
From NB Land Grants book, Robert received "Front 16, 17 Tier 2, NW Harvey, York Co., 100 acres" on 23 Nov 1853.

The 1861 Census for Manners Sutton lists Robert as being 41 years of age, English, Farmer, Presbyterian; his wife Ann, 36 years of age, English, Presbyterian; son Isaac, 16 years of age, English; and the rest of the children born in New Brunswick: George, 14; Jane Ann, 11; Elizabeth, 9; Robert, 6; Alexander, 4; Mary, 2; and John, 6 months.

From the 1861 Census, the Burrells employed 3 males. Owned or occupied 50 acres improved land and 50 acres unimproved land. Cash value of farm, 100 pounds; value of implements and machinery, 10 pounds. They had 2 horses, 4 milch cows, 7 other neat cattle, 12 sheep, 2 swine, and 400 lbs. pork slaughtered. Produced 200 lb. butter, 40 lb. wool,; 8 tons hay, 9 bu. barley, 250 bu. oats, 100 bu. buckwheat, 6 bu. timothy, 10 bu. turnips, 50 bu. potatoes and 5 bu. carrots.

They had the following children:


86 i. Isaac Burrell
87 ii. George Piercy Burrell
88 iii. Robert Burrell
89 iv. Jane Ann Burrell
90 v. Elizabeth Burrell
91 vi. Robert Simpson "Sim" Burrell
92 vii. Alexander Smith Burrell
93 viii. Mary Ann Burrell
94 ix. John Robert Burrell
95 x. Thomas Sterling Burrell
96 xi. William Alexander Burrell
97 xii. Nancy "Isabel" Burrell

Robert Piercy
ann piercy

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Third Immigrant Generation

16. Margaret "Jane" Piercy

 

Daughter of George Piercy & Ann Winter. Born 24 May 1826 in England. Died 31 May 1898. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.


She married Andrew Moffitt, son of John Moffitt & Ellen "Nellie" Davidson, 23 Feb 1846 in Harvey Settlement By Daniel McCurdy, Presbyterian . Born 21 Apr 1823 in Lanton, Scotland. Died 25 Jun 1891 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer.
From York Co NB Marriage Register B 1837-1850 (PANB): Witnesses to marriage were Robert Piercy and Thomas Piercy.

From New Brunswick Reporter, Fredericton, 27 February 1846: " Married Harvey Settlement, York County, 23rd ult., by Rev. McCurdy, Andrew Moffitt and Jane Piercy, both of Kingsclear parish."

Andrew was a farmer and lived on Frog Lake Road.

In the 1861 Census, Andrew owned or occupied 65 acres improved and 65 acres unimproved land; cash value of farm was 180 pounds; value of implements and machinery, 15 pounds. Had 3 horses, 4 milch cows, 4 other neat cattle, 12 sheep, 4 swine, and slaughtered 400 lb. pork. Produced 300 lb. butter, 50 lb. cheese, 40 lb. wool, 16 tons hay, 300 bu. oats, 100 bu. buckwheat, 1 bu. beans, 6 bu. peas, 12 bu. timothy, 150 bu. turnips, 150 bu. potatoes, 30 bu. carrots, 40 lb. flax scutched.

For family details see book by Emerson Moffitt, "The Moffitts of Harvey Settlement New Brunswick 1791-1991", 1992.

 

They had the following children:


98 i. Mary Ann Moffitt
99 ii. John "Jack" Moffitt
100 iii. Eleanor "Ellen" Moffitt
101 iv. George Moffitt
102 v. Andrew "Dan" Moffitt
103 vi. Helena "Jane" Moffitt
104 vii. Elizabeth "Bess" Moffitt
105 viii. Thomas Moffitt
106 ix. Isabella S. "Bell" Moffitt
107 x. Robert Moffitt
108 xi. Margaret Agnes "Maggie" Moffitt

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Third Immigrant Generation

17. Mary Piercy

 

Daughter of George Piercy & Ann Winter. Born 8 May 1831 in Wark Common, Northumberland, England. Died 12 Aug 1916 in Harvey Station, NB. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.

She married Patrick Turnbull Grieve, son of William Grieve & Eleanor Turnbull, 1 Jul 1851 in St. Paul's Church, Fredericton, By Rev. Dr. John M. Brooke. Born 15 Feb 1824 in Peels, Northumberland, England. Died 25 Nov 1860 in Harvey Settlement. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian.

Marriages 1851-55, #F15552, p. 37: Patrick Turnbull Grieve to Mary Piercy on July 1, 1851, by John M. Brooke, witnesses William Grieve Jr., and Alice Bell Grieve.

Undated photograph of Mary Piercy (b. 8 May 1831, Wark Common, Northumberland, England, d. 12 Aug 1916, Harvey Station, NB). Source: Jocelean Swan Hall, 27 Jul 2006.

Patrick and Mary's youngest child was born three months after Patrick died, leaving Mary to raise seven young children on her own.

Patrick was a farmer. He held title to Lot E, in Block 30, containing 100 acres on the eastern bank of the Magaguadavic River with Pratt Brook running through the lot. This lot was granted by the Crown to Patrick in 1853. Indenture No. 14361, dated 17 Jan 1859 shows that Patrick sold this lot to his father. In his father's Will, his father bequeaths this lot to Patrick's wife Mary. Indenture No. 32756, dated 23 Nov 1882 shows Mary sold this lot that she had inherited from her father-in-law to George Grieve, who was then a railway employee. It is believed that this was her son George A. S. Grieve.


They had the following children:
109 i. William Grieve
110 ii. George Alexander Smith Grieve
111 iii. John Henry "Jack" Grieve
112 iv. Thomas Patrick Grieve
113 v. Robert Piercy "Bob" Grieve
114 vi. Joseph Wesley "Joe" Grieve
115 vii. Eleanor Turnbull Grieve

Margaret Jane Piercy
Mary Piercy

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

fourth Immigrant Generation

18. Thomas H. Piercy

Son of Matthew Piercy & Agnes Moffitt. Born 29 Aug 1838 in Harvey, NB. Died 11 Dec 1904 in Denman Island, B.C.

From New Brunswick Reporter, Fredericton, 15 Mar 1867: "Married Waverley House, 11th inst., by Rev. Dr. Brooke, Thos H. Piercy and Miss Jane Speedy, both of Manners Sutton, York Co."
Witnesses to marriage were Will McMillan and Margaret Piercy.

Thomas and Jane with their oldest four children, moved to Gartley Beach on Vancouver Island, British Columbia in 1875 with other members of the Piercy family. They spent the first winter with the Gartley family and then moved to a little place called Beechams on the east of the Back Road. From there they moved to the Muster's place and shared a large frame house with the families of Sam, Matt, and John Piercy. The Tom Piercy family moved to Denman Island after several years pre-empting a tract of land on the west side of the island. John Piercy pre-empted the adjoining section. The Piercy children walked four miles through dense forest to attend school. In 1883 they moved back to Comox to be nearer relatives and school. In 1888 they returned to Denman. Tom was a true pioneer of Denman being the first Justice of the Peace and first road foreman. He was involved in planning improvements for roads, school, church and logging. He also tended the lighthouse at Yellow Rock. In 1902 he was appointed Postmaster and the post office was in their home.

From The Gleaner, Fredericton, 18 Oct 1894:
Harvey Station (York Co.) Oct 15 -- Amongst our latest arrivals are Mr and Mrs Thomas Piercy of Nanaimo, BC. Mr and Mrs Piercy were formerly residents of this place and took up their abode in the west twenty years ago.

He married Jane Speedy, daughter of Thomas Speedy & Isabella Patterson, 11 Mar 1867 in Waverley House, Fredericton By Rev. Dr. John M. Brooke . Born 7 Sep 1846 in Harvey. Christen 25 Oct 1846 in Harvey By Rev. Daniel McCurdy. Died 29 Mar 1939 in Denman Island, B.C.


Jane and her husband Thomas H. Piercy moved to British Columbia in 1875. The oldest four of their eleven children were born in N.B. Further information on this family in "A Family Tree - Piercy - 1814-1979" Printed by Copy Cat Graphics Inc., Courtenay, B.C.

2881. Undated tintype image of "Aunt Janie" Jane 'Janie' (Speedy) Piercy (1846-1939). Source: Darrell Messer, Harvey, Rephotographed by Tim Patterson. 26 Jul 2007

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

19. John Piercy

 

Son of Matthew Piercy & Agnes Moffitt. Born 19 Oct 1840 in Harvey, NB. Died 19 Sep 1917 in Courtenay, B.C. Buried in Courtenay Civic Cemetery, Section A.


From BC Vital Statistics: died 19 Sep 1917, age 76, at Courtenay, BC.

From Headquarters, 3 Jan 1866: "Married 29th ult., by Rev. Dr. Brooke, John Piercy and Miss Mary Anne Atchison, both of Manners Sutton, York Co."

When living in the Manners Sutton area of Harvey, John Piercy was the founder of a store which did business in groceries, dry goods and general supplies. When John and family moved to British Columbia around 1875, the store was sold, and later became known as G. Wesley Coburn and Sons

Copied from newspaper obituary - 1917:
Death Claims One of District's Pioneers
Another of the pioneers of Comox Valley passed away last night in the person of Mr John Piercy. The late Mr Piercy was born in New Brunswick on October 14th, 1840, and was therefore 76 years and 11 months of age. He came to Comox with his family in 1875. He leaves to mourn his loss a widow and family as follows: Mrs N. McFadyen of Cumberland, Matthew H. Piercy, Mrs A. T. Graham, Andrew Piercy, Bert Piercy, all of whom reside in Comox; Mrs N. .........(illegible); Mrs E. Cary, Vancouver; two sisters living in New Brunswick and one sister living in Comox, Mrs W. Grieve. He was brother of the late Thomas Piercy of Denman Island, Matthew Piercy, S. J. Piercy and Walter Piercy. There are twenty grandchildren and one great grandchild. The funeral arrangements are in hand and will be found on cards to be posted up today.

 

Notes from, "Piercy - A Family Tree, 1814-1979":
"They lived in and around the Comox area before moving to Millards Beach where the family built a log house close to the top side of the lower side of the present Island Highway. After a few years this home burned down and another house was built on the top side of the highway. Many years later this house burned down and a third house was built where they lived until they passed away. Later the Tyee Pole Co. bought the house and had it moved to the pole yard on Fraser Road where it now stands."

 

Gravestone in Courtenay Civic Cemetery, Section A, 434:
PIERCY / In Loving Memory of / John PIERCY / Oct 19, 1840, Sept 19, 1917 / "He giveth his beloved sleep".

 

He married Mary Ann Atcheson, daughter of Andrew Atcheson & Margery Robison, 29 Dec 1865 in Harvey, York Co., NB. Born 1844 in Harvey. Christen 27 Oct 1844 in Harvey By Rev. Daniel McCurdy . Died 23 Dec 1926 in Vancouver. Buried in Sandwick Cemetery, BC.

 

Copied from newspaper obituary, c.1926:
Mrs John Piercy Has Passed Away. Fifty-One Years In District.
The news of Mrs John Piercy's death in Vancouver on Christmas Eve will be regretted by the wide circle of her friends here and in the district. Coming here from New Brunswick 51 years ago via San Francisco, Mr and Mrs John Piercy occupied several farms in the Comox valley before finally settling down on their homestead near Millard's Creek. Here they lived for about forty years until Mr John Piercy's death nine years ago. Mrs Piercy continued to reside on the old homestead until four months ago when she went to live with relatives in Vancouver. She was in her 83rd year at the time of her death.

She leaves to mourn her loss, four daughters, three sons, twenty-five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. The daughters are Mrs M. McFadyen of Cumberland, Mrs T. A. Graham of Courtenay and Mrs T. A. Henderson and Mrs Cary of Vancouver; the sons, Messrs. M. H. and A. Piercy of Courtenay, and Mr B. Piercy of Alberta. The late Mrs Piercy had one surviving sister in the person of Mrs McCullough at the old home in New Brunswick.

The funeral was held on Wednesday at St. George's United Church, Courtenay, the Rev. W. A. Alexander officiating. The pallbearers were Messrs. Harry Piercy, E. Embleton, John Grieve, B. Grieve, W. Swan and L. R. Cliffe. The procession took its way from the church to the Sandwick cemetery, where interment was made.

They had the following children:


127 i. Margery Piercy
128 ii. Matthew Henderson Piercy
129 iii. Agnes Ella Piercy
130 iv. Andrew Piercy
131 v. Jane "Victoria" Piercy
132 vi. William Thomas Piercy
133 vii. Joseph Berkley "Bert" Piercy
134 viii. Elizabeth Dorothy Piercy
135 ix. Ida Catherine Piercy

18
19

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Third Immigrant Generation

20. Eleanor "Ellen" Piercy

Daughter of Matthew Piercy & Agnes Moffitt. Born 15 Nov 1842 in Harvey. Christen 8 Jan 1843 in Harvey By Rev. Daniel McCurdy . Died 21 Feb 1925 in McAdam. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

Copied from newspaper obituary - 1925:
Mrs Ellen Lister
McAdam, Feb 23 -- The death of Mrs Ellen Lister occurred at her home on the 21st inst., after a brief illness. Deceased was the widow of the late James Lister, of York Mills, and was in the 83rd year of her age. Being of a quiet and kindly disposition she was beloved by all who knew her. She is survived by five daughters, Mrs Margaret A. Little, Mrs Albert Little, Mrs George Little of Harvey Station, Mrs Alex Skene and Mrs James Piercy, of McAdam, and three sons, David E. and DeWitt T., of McAdam, and Ward M., of Vancouver, B.C.; also two sisters, Mrs Henry Swan of Harvey Station, and Mrs Wm Grieve, of Sandwick, B.C. Interment was made in the cemetery at Harvey. The funeral service was at the church in Harvey, and was conducted by Rev. Harold Tompkinson, assisted by Rev. J. H. MacLean.

She married James M. Lister, son of Nicholas Lister & Margaret Heughan, 3 Aug 1858 in Harvey Settlement By Rev. Samuel Johnson . Born 22 Dec 1832 in Dumfries, Scot. Died 25 Feb 1912 in McAdam, N.B. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Sawyer.

From York Co NB Marriage Register C 1850-1866 (PANB): Witnesses to marriage were Edward Lister and Thomas H. Piercy.

James came to America from Annan, Scotland with his parents and siblings in 1843. James and Ellen lived at York mills where James operated mills. In the 1861 Census, James was 28 years old, Scotch, Sawyer, and Presbyterian. Eleanor was 18 years old, and daughter Jane Agnes was 4 months old. Servant Nancy Christie, 17 years, lived in their household. They had 2 cows and one pig.

Listed in the Manners Sutton Subscribers Directory in the Atlas of York County, New Brunswick, published by Halfpenny & Co., Fredericton, N.B. in 1878 (Reprinted by Mika Publishing, Belleville, Ontario 1973) - "James Lister, Proprietor of Grist Mill, Harvey Mills." (Harvey Mills later became York Mills.)

Copied from newspaper obituary - 1912:
James Lister
McAdam Junction, Feb 26 -- The death of James Lister occurred at his home, York Mills, on Sunday the 25th Inst. He was in his 80th year and had been in failing health for two months. He was a native of Dumfries, Scotland, and came to this country when but ten years old. For over fifty years he had been a resident of York Mills, where he was engaged in the mining business. He was a man of sterling principles and was respected by all who knew him. He is survived by a widow, three sons and five daughters. The sons are David E., at home; Ward M. of Vancouver, and DeWitt T., of McAdam. The daughters are Mrs Margaret A. Little, Mrs Albert Little and Mrs George Little of Manners Sutton, and Mrs Alex Skene and Mrs James Piercy of McAdam.


They had the following children:


136 i. Nicholas Lister
137 ii. Jane Agnes Lister
138 iii. Margaret Ann Lister
139 iv. Jane Agnes Lister
140 v. Mary Isabel Lister
141 vi. Eleanor "Ellen" Lister
142 vii. Elizabeth Piercy "Lizzie" Lister
143 viii. Matthew Henry "Harry" Lister
144 ix. David Edward Lister
145 x. Ward M. Lister
146 xi. James "DeWitt" Talmage Lister

20
21
lister family james and eleanor.jpg

Ellen Lister and family.
front
Ellen Lister.
back-
Ellie, Dewitt, Margaret Ann, Mary, Dave, Jane Agg. Lizzie 
and Ward Lister.

Eleanor (Ellen) Piercy 
Born November 15, 1842 died February 21, 1925
Daughter of Matthew Piercy and Agnes Moffitt.
Married to James M Lister.

Eleanor (Ellie) Lister 
Born October 12, 1870 died May 3, 1966
Married to Alexander Skene.

James " Dewitt" Talmage Lister 
Born March 13, 1885 died November 4, 1927
Married to Gertrude Thomas.

Margaret Ann Lister 
Born May 18, 1863 died August 18, 1941
Married to David " Allan" Little.

Mary Isabel Lister 
Born October 13, 1867 died December 29, 1930
Married to George Marshall Little.

David Edward Lister 
Born August 14, 1878 died January 10, 1964
Married to 1) Minnie Coburn 2) Louise Coffey.

Jane Agnes Lister 
Born September 5, 1865 died July 1951
Married to John " Albert" Little.

Elizabeth Piercy (Lizzie) Lister 
Born May 4, 1873 died November 16, 1956
Married to James Piercy.

Ward M Lister 
Born March 9, 1881 died April 8, 1967
Married to Mary Nichols.

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

21. Mary Ann Piercy

 

Daughter of Matthew Piercy & Agnes Moffitt. Born 25 Apr 1845 in Harvey. Christen 25 May 1845 in Harvey By Rev. Daniel McCurdy . Died 15 Nov 1911 in Harvey Sta. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

 

Copied from newspaper obituary:
Death of Mrs Mary Ann Lister
The death of Mrs Mary Ann Lister, widow of Edward Lister, occurred last Thursday at her home at Harvey Station. She was seventy years old and a daughter of the late Matthew Piercy, one of the pioneer settlers in Harvey. Her children are N. E. Lister, Matthew, John, and Thomas H. of Harvey; Mrs Eben Little, Mrs Fred Little, Mrs Kenneth Embleton, Mrs Ford Messer, and Miss Ida, of Harvey. Mrs Henry Swan of Manners Sutton, and Mrs James Lister of York Mills are sisters, and two brothers and one sister in British Columbia.

 

She married Edward Irving Lister, son of Nicholas Lister & Margaret Heughan, 15 Apr 1863 in Harvey Settlement, Rev. Samuel Johnson . Born 14 Sep 1834 in Annan, Scotland. Died 1 Apr 1898 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer.

From York Co NB Marriage Register C 1850-1866 (PANB): Witnesses to marriage were George G. Grant and Jane Piercy.

Edward came to America from Annan, Scotland with his parents and siblings in 1843. He was a farmer on his father's homestead farm.

Dates of births, marriages and deaths for Edward Lister, his wife Mary Ann, and their children are written in his family Bible. (Held by Georgie Lister in 1999.)


They had the following children:


147 i. Nicholas E. Lister
148 ii. Matthew Henry Lister
149 iii. Mary Agnes Lister
150 iv. Margaret "Ellen" Lister
151 v. John Edward Lister
152 vi. Thomas Harvey Lister
153 vii. Isabel Victoria Lister
154 viii. Elizabeth Jane "Lizzie" Lister
155 ix. Isabella Victoria "Bell" Lister
156 x. Lottie Selena Lister
157 xi. Ida May Lister
158 xii. Annie Piercy Lister

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

22. Jane Piercy

 

Daughter of Matthew Piercy & Agnes Moffitt. Born 18 May 1847 in Harvey, NB. Christen 27 Jun 1847 in Harvey By Rev. Daniel McCurdy. Died 6 Aug 1933 in Harvey Sta. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Housewife. Religion Presbyterian.

From Colonial Farmer, 26 Nov 1866: "Married 7th inst., by Rev. Samuel Johnson, Henry Swan and Jane, third daughter of Matthew Piercy, all of Harvey Settlement."

From obituary in newspaper (1933)
Harvey Station, York Co., Aug 9 -- The death occurred on Saturday morning of Mrs Janie Swan, a life-long resident of Harvey Settlement, at her home. Mrs Swan was 85 years old, and had been in failing health for several months. She leaves to mourn one daughter, Mrs Thomas Speedy, and one son, Ernest Swan, both of Harvey.

The funeral was held Sunday afternoon from Knox Presbyterian Church. Rev. George Knight conducting the service. Favorite hymns were sung, and Mr Knight, Mrs Edgar Coburn and Miss Flossie Coburn sang. The flowers were many and beautiful. Interment was in the Harvey Cemetery.

She married Henry "Harry" Swan, son of James Swan & Jane Moody, 7 Nov 1866 in Harvey, York Co., NB By Rev. Samuel Johnson. Born 4 Jun 1843 in Harvey, N.B. Christen 26 Aug 1843 in Harvey By Rev. Daniel McCurdy . Died 5 Mar 1928 in Harvey Sta. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer, Carpenter, Woodsman. Religion Presbyterian.
Witnesses to marriage were John Swan and Margaret Piercy.

Harry and his wife Janie Piercy lived on the George Davidson farm and Harry worked as a farmer, carpenter and woodsman. The farm later went to his son, Matt, and then to Matt's son, Smith. After Matt took over the farm, Harry built a house near the road (presently owned by Henry James). He also built a small barn with two horse stalls; and travellers and salesmen who came to the area by horse often stayed at their home while attending to business in the area. The school teacher usually boarded with Harry and Jane.

Harry built the school in Manners Sutton district, commonly called the Swamp School. He provided the land, built a stone wall 36 ft. by 22 ft. for the foundation, provided all the lumber, made all doors, windows, made the shingles, etc. The school was to be finished by July 31, 1887, and paid in full on or about October 20, 1887. He received $500. for the contract. (The school building is now owned by Henry James, and has been used as an electrical and TV repair shop.)

 

Copied from newspaper obituary - (1928) --
Henry Swan, Age 82, Passes Suddenly
Harvey Station, March 18 -- The death of Henry Swan of Manners Sutton occurred suddenly March 5. Deceased was 82 years of age. He is survived by his wife and three children, Ernest, at Home; Fred, Vancouver; and Mrs Thomas Speedy, Manners Sutton. The last surviving brother is Alexander Swan, of Manners Sutton.

The funeral took place March 7, services by Rev. George Knight, pastor of Knox Presbyterian Church, Manners Sutton, with interment in the Harvey Cemetery.

They had the following children:


159 i. James Swan
160 ii. Matthew Swan
161 iii. Jane Agnes "Aggie" Swan
162 iv. George Davidson Swan
163 v. George Frederick "Fred" Swan

164 vi. Ella May Swan
165 vii. Henry "Ernest" Swan

22

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

23. Margaret "Maggie" Piercy.

 

Daughter of Matthew Piercy & Agnes Moffitt. Born 2 Jul 1849 in Harvey, NB. Christen 29 Nov 1849 in Harvey By Rev. Daniel McCurdy. Died 19 Feb 1889 in Tweedside. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

From Headquarters, 24 Apr 1867: "Married Waverley House, 20th inst., by Rev. Dr. Brooke, George Wood and Miss Margaret Piercy, both of Harvey Settlement."

She married George Wood, son of Peter Wood & Janet "Jessie" Cleghorn, 20 Apr 1867 in Waverley House, Fredericton By Rev. Dr. John M. Brooke . Born 27 Dec 1838 in Roxburghshire, Scotland. Christen 10 Feb 1839 in Eckford, Roxburghshire. Died 5 Oct 1890 in Tweedside. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

Witnesses to marriage were Robert Swan and Emmeline Smith.

From parochial registers of Eckford in Roxburghshire (Researched by Bruce Elliott, 2004): 1838 Peter Wood Mason Ormiston and Jess Cleghorn his wife their child Born the 27th Decr 1838 and Bapt. 10th Feby 1839 named George."

From Files of The Gleaner of 1887:
New Residence
Mr George Wood had his house about finished. It is large and commodious, and has a beautiful situation near the lake. He is an expert angler and keeps a fine large boat.....


They had the following children:


166 i. Peter Seaman Cleghorn Wood (to Wood family page 20)
167 ii. Agnes Moffit "Aggie" Wood (to Wood family page 21)
168 iii. Jessie Wood (to Wood family page 22)
169 iv. Elizabeth Piercy "Lizzie" Wood (to Wood family page 23)
170 v. Frances Seeley "Fanny" Wood (to Wood family page 24)
171 vi. Laura Isabella Wood (to Wood family page 25)
172 vii. Mary Ellen Wood (to Wood family page 26)
173 viii. George Thomas Alvard Wood ( to Wood family page 27)
174 ix. Antoinetta Alexandrina "Nettie" Wood ( to Wood family page 28)
175 x. George Archibald "Archie" Bower Wood (to Wood family page 29)

23

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

24. Matthew Henry Piercy

 

Son of Matthew Piercy & Agnes Moffitt. Born 21 Jul 1851 in Harvey, NB. Christen 28 Jul 1851 in St. Paul's Church Records, Fredericton. Died 26 Nov 1909 in Comox, BC. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian.

His family lived a few years on the Muster property then they purchased a large tract of land along the Tsolum River. This property included the land on which the Vanier School, Comox Valley Sports Centre and Exhibition Grounds are now situated. The property also ran up the hill where the Courtenay cemetery is now. Matthew and his brother Samuel built excellent farm buildings and were good farmers on the land that they had to clear first.

He married Mary Graham, 28 Sep 1886 in Victoria, BC. Born 16 Oct 1854. Died 11 Sep 1941 in Sandwick, BC.

Mary was married first to Mr. Machin.
 

They had the following children:
176 i. Robert Francis Piercy
177 ii. Matthew Austin Piercy
178 iii. James Leslie Piercy

24

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

25. Isabella "Bell" Piercy

 

Daughter of Matthew Piercy & Agnes Moffitt. Born 4 Sep 1853 in Harvey, NB. Died 10 Feb 1915 in Nanaimo, B.C. Buried in Courtenay Civic Cemetery, Section A.

 

From The Herald, 19 Aug 1893: (Harvey)
Mrs Joseph McFee (sic) of Nanaimo, BC, is here visiting her sisters, Mrs Henry Swan and Mrs Lister. She is accompanied by her husband.

 

Printed on the Editiorial page of The Courtenay Herald and Comox Valley News, Saturday, Feb 13, 1915:

A profound gloom was cast over the whole of the Comox Valley this week, when the news came from Nanaimo that Mrs Joseph McPhee, one of the oldtime settlers has passed away after a short but severe illness.

Born in New Brunswick on September 4, 1853, the daughter of Matthew and Agnes Piercy, the late Mrs McPhee came to British Columbia in the year 1875, and the father became one of the pioneer settlers in this Valley.

A few years after her arrival here Miss Isabella Piercy was united in matrimony on the 28th Feb 1878 to Mr Joseph McPhee, a union which was destined to be entirely happy. Mrs McPhee was taken ill last week, and on Saturday last owing to the development the malady had taken, her medical adviser decided to call in consultation her son, Dr. J. McPhee at Nanaimo. On Sunday last the doctors decided to remove their patient to Nanaimo, and to call a specialist from Victoria. On Monday there was a decided improvement in the patient's condition, but in the early hours of Wednesday morning Mrs McPhee passed away.

The late Mrs McPhee was an example of the highest type of womanhood. A most helpful and dutiful wife, a wise and devoted mother, Mrs McPhee was also a valuable asset to the community in which she lived, and played a most useful part in the activities of her church, and in many neighbourly acts of kindness and charity. In times of trouble, sickness and bereavement she was among the first to go to the aid of her neighbours and her kindly acts will be remembered in many homes in the Valley for a long time to come.

This was evidenced by the unprecedented gathering which attended to pay their last respects at the funeral yesterday afternoon. Not only did the citizens of Courtenay and representatives from various societies attend in large numbers, but from every part of the Valley and surrounding country, the settlers came from miles to show their respect and sympathy with the bereaved family.

To Mr Joseph McPhee and his family and relatives, we join with others in offering our sincerest condolences to them in their hour of trial, praying they may be sustained and strengthened in their sad bereavement.

She married Joseph McPhee, son of Felix McPhee & Margaret Ann, 28 Feb 1878 in Comox, BC. Born 27 Apr 1848 in Hants Co., NS. Died 25 Mar 1946 in Courtenay, BC. Buried in Courtenay Civic Cemetery, Section A. Occupation General Store, Postmaster, Justice Of The Peace. Religion Presbyterian.

In a book called "British Columbia Pictorial Biographical" Vol II, published in 1914 by the S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Vancouver, BC (Book is held in the Surrey Centennial Museum and Archives, Coverdale, BC), is a photograph and biographical information on Joseph McPhee, pages 757 and 758.

It states that "Joseph McPhee, pioneer in British Columbia and the founder of the enterprising and prosperous city of Courtenay, has been a resident of this province since 1872. During the intervening years he has engaged in various occupations, his interests extending to many fields and centering in various localities, and his work has been one of the greatest forces in the development and building up of Vancouver Island. Since 1894 he has been postmaster at Courtenay and has seen the volume of business in that office increase yearly, his duties being always discharged in a capable and efficient manner. He was born in Hants county, Nova Scotia, April 27, 1848, and is a son of Felix and Margaret Ann McPhee, the former for many years a farmer in Nova Scotia. Both have passed away.

"Joseph McPhee acquired his education in the public schools of his native county and when he was about sixteen years of age laid aside his books in order to work in the gold mines. At the end of four years he went to the United States, spending three years in different localities and coming to British Columbia at the end of that time. He arrived in this province in 1872 and for a time engaged in contracting and logging in partnership with John Wilson, building the first wharf at Comox and the first bridge over the Courtenay river, where the present bridge now stands. The partners also built a trail to Comox lake, at a time when there was only one settler on the south side of the river. Mr McPhee later turned his attention to farming in the Comox district and followed this occupation for three years. During that time the Hudson's Bay Company controlled a store in that vicinity but they withdrew in 1879. In the following year Mr McPhee, seeing an unusual opportunity, turned his attention to merchandising, supplying the settlers with goods, and he has since engaged in this line of occupation. He remained in Comox for twelve years and then moved to Courtenay, where he built a small store and laid out the town site. His store was the first building in the city, and he is known as the founder of the community, in the development of which he has taken an active interest during the intervening years. In early times he sold lots for forty dollars which are now worth twenty-five hundred dollars, and he has seen the city grow and develop until it is now one of the wealthy and most promising communities on Vancouver Island. Mr McPhee's business has kept pace with the general advancement, becoming under his able management a large and important concern. Early in 1886 he opened a branch in Vancouver, establishing his enterprise in a rented place on Carroll street, although he purchased a lot on Hastings street, east of the Canadian Pacific Railway property. He conducted a profitable concern for some time but discontinued this branch before the fire. Mr McPhee was postmaster at Comox for a number of years and since 1894 has served in the same position at Courtenay. When he took office the mail amounted to only a few letters a day, but now one thousand people receive mail from Courtenay. For a number of years he has also served as justice of the peace. Mr McPhee has proved able, prompt and efficient in the discharge of his duties, and his record reflects credit upon both his ability and his public spirit.


"On the 28th of February, 1878, Mr McPhee was united in marriage to Miss Isabel Piercy, a daughter of Matthew and Agnes Piercy, of New Brunswick. The parents came to British Columbia in 1875 and the father engaged in farming for a number of years. Both have passed away and are buried in Courtenay. Mr and Mrs McPhee became the parents of five children, four sons and one daughter. Mr McPhee attends the Presbyterian church and is known as a man of exemplary character. For years he has been an ardent liberal in politics and gives his support to the policies and activities of that party. He is president of the Courtenay Board of Trade and a member of the Agriculture Society and Farmers' Institute. He is one of the most prominent citizens of Courtenay, known as the father and founder of the city, always aiding in any movement that tends to public good, and both his business and official records will bear the closest investigation and scrutiny."

 

Gravestone in Courtenay Civic Cemetery, Section A, 448:
Joseph McPHEE / 1848 - 1946 / Isabella McPHEE / Beloved wife of Joseph McPHEE / 1853 - 1915 / Walter Sterling McPHEE / 1879 - 1913.

 

They had the following children:


179 i. Walter Sterling McPhee
180 ii. Thomas "Judson" McPhee MD
181 iii. Horace Matthew McPhee
182 iv. Mabel Agnes McPhee
183 v. Bertha May McPhee
184 vi. Wallace Piercy McPhee

25

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

26. Samuel Johnson Piercy

Son of Matthew Piercy & Agnes Moffitt. Born 23 Dec 1855 in Harvey Settlement, NB. Christen 1 Jun 1856 in Harvey Presbyterian Church. Died 30 Dec 1914 in Los Angeles, California. Buried 7 Jan 1915 in Courtenay Civic Cemetery, Section A. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian.

Sam was the ninth of twelve children of Matthew Piercy (1814-1889) and Agnes (Nan) Moffitt (1815-1886). He came to the Comox Valley, Vancouver Island in 1875 with his family and later married Belle Grieve who had come to the Valley with her family. Sam and Belle farmed on the lower Sandwick Road where they raised seven children of the eleven born. Sam started the first milk route to Cumberland, a job he carried out for nine years. He cut ice blocks from Maple Lake, Cumberland, to supply the cooling system for his dairy products.

 

Copied from newspaper obituary - 1914:
Funeral of S. J. Piercy
Mr S. J. Piercy was born in New Brunswick in the year 1855. His parents came from the Old Country and settled in N.B. in the year 1837. There was a large family of children, some which still live in the east. In 1875, Mr Piercy came to Comox and settled on "Oak Hill" farm, where he lived to his death.

He was a successful farmer and an obliging neighbour, and took a deep interest in the welfare of the community. Failing health compelled him, in company with Mrs Piercy, to seek the warmer climate of California, but in vain, for on Dec 30th, he quietly passed away in Los Angeles. His remains were brought to Comox for interment, which took place on Jan 7th. In spite of the very inclement weather a very large company of people assembled at the home of the deceased, and the Courtenay L.O.L. of which Mr Piercy was a member, turned out in a body to pay their last respects to their deceased Bro.

St. Andrew's Presbyterian church was filled to overflowing by a congregation which listened with wrapt attention to the solemn and impressive service, conducted by Rev. Thos. Menzies, after which the body was interred, with Mr Menzies officiating for the church, which was followed by the service of the Orange Association.

He leaves to mourn his loss, his widow, Mrs Piercy, and five children, Mrs Annard, Mrs J. W. McKenzie Jr., Matt, Ethel, and Edna, besides two sisters living in N.B., a brother, Mr John Piercy, of Courtenay, two sisters, Mrs Jos. McPhee, of Courtenay, and Mrs W. H. Grieve, of Sandwick.


Among those who attended the funeral were Mr Isaac Grieve, of Kamloops, Mr and Mrs Isaac Parkin, of Nanaimo, and Mrs Woodus of Oyster River.

 

Notes from the book, "Piercy -- A Family Tree, 1814 - 1979":
Sam and Isabella, his parents and a brother and family moved into the first frame house in the district. He was an industrious pioneer and cleared land to build a large home and farm on the lower Sandwick Road, where they raised seven children; two sons and five daughters surviving the original eleven born.

He had a dairy, stock animals, fine horses and farm produce which made a good living for the family. Most of the early Sandwick teachers boarded there, enjoying the good farm fare and the happy, well organized home. It was the gathering place of the community, full of hospitality and good times.

He and his father deeded an acre of land on the hill which is part of the cemetery and helped the pioneers build the church which is now restored. He was an elder there for many years.

 

Gravestone in Courtenay Civic Cemetery, Section A, 427:
PIERCY / 1845 Samuel 1914 / 1862 Isabelle 1957 / 1888 Mathew 1954 / 1894 Alvin 1913 / 1886 Fanny 1910.

He married Isabella "Belle" Grieve, daughter of Henry "Harry" Grieve & Margaret Speedy, 28 Jan 1884 in Victoria, B.C. Born 26 Jan 1862 in Harvey. Died 15 Nov 1957 in St. Joseph's Hospital, Comox, BC. Buried in Courtenay Civic Cemetery, Section A.

Isabella was born in New Brunswick and moved to Vancouver Island with her parents, siblings and other relatives, and the Piercy family in 1875.

Isabella was one of the oldest old-timers in the Comox Valley at the time of her death at age 96.
Belle and Sam had a large family.

Copied from newspaper obituary (1957)
Mrs S. Piercy
Courtenay Resident 82 years
Courtenay - Comox Valley's oldest pioneer, Mrs Sam Piercy, died Friday in St. Joseph's Hospital after a month's illness.

Mrs Piercy, who would have been 96 in January, came to the Courtenay district 82 years ago from New Brunswick with her parents, the late Mr and Mrs Henry Grieve. The family took up residence on the back road, then homesteaded at Grantham six miles north of Courtenay.
Mrs Piercy was married 75 years ago in Victoria and she and her husband created one of the finest farms on Vancouver Island on Headquarters Road.

Predeceased by her husband in 1914, Mrs Piercy remained at the farm until moving to Courtenay about 1942.

In her active years, Mrs Piercy served for a long period as secretary of the Ladies Aid of the former St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church; was a charter member of the Canadian Daughters' Assembly and later in the Old Age Pensioners Organization.

Of a family of 11, three daughters are the only survivors, Mrs M. Annand, Sandwick, Mrs Maida McKenzie, Courtenay, and Mrs Ethel Harding, Portland.

A granddaughter Mrs Piercy raised since she was one year old, Mrs Dorothy Martinell, now lives in Montana.

There are also 20 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

 

They had the following children:


185 i. Agnes Margaret "Maggie" Piercy
186 ii. Sarah "Fanny" Piercy
187 iii. Matthew Fraser Piercy
188 iv. Ellen Isabelle Piercy
189 v. Mary Jane "Maida" Piercy
190 vi. Alvin Henry Piercy
191 vii. Ethel Annie Piercy
192 viii. Archie Lister Piercy
193 ix. Edna Adeline Piercy
194 x. Jean Piercy

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

27. Elizabeth "Lizzy" Piercy

 

Daughter of Matthew Piercy & Agnes Moffitt. Born 23 Jan 1857 in Harvey. Died 10 Apr 1872 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

 

From Daily Telegraph, 17 Apr 1872: "Died Harvey 10th inst., Elizabeth Piercy, daughter of Matthew Piercy and Agnes Piercy, age 14."

Inscription on gravestone in Harvey Settlement Cemetery: "Elizabeth, Dau of Matthew & Agnes Piercy Died Apr 10, 1872 Aged 14 years & 2 mos. Lizzy Will Bloom Again."

26
27

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

28. Walter Henderson Piercy

Son of Matthew Piercy & Agnes Moffitt. Born 12 Sep 1860 in Harvey, NB. Christen 16 Dec 1860 in Harvey Presbyterian Church. Died 19 Jan 1892 in Victoria, BC.

Walter was born in Harvey, NB, and moved to Vancouver Island in 1875 with his parents. He worked with his brother Sam and after he married Annie, they settled on a small piece of land close by. In the late 1800's he purchased the Elk Hotel in Comox, later selling it to McDonald. For a short time Walter and his family were lighthouse keepers on Yellow Rock. It was from there Walter was taken Victoria and at an early age of 32 years, he died of T.B. His wife Annie and family carried on at Yellow Rock with the aid of an elderly uncle. Walter and Annie had five children--four boys and one girl. Two boys died at an early age and one boy died of the bad 'flu after the First World War. Mary Ann and Wallace both married and settled in the Comox Valley.


He married Anna Matilda "Annie" Lyttle, 18 Aug 1882 in Comox, BC. Born 23 Dec 1865. Died 4 Feb 1934 in BC. Buried in Courtenay Civic Cemetery, Section A.

After Walter's death, Annie married John "Jack" Cowie.

East side of gravestone in Courtenay Civic Cemetery, Section A, 516: Annie M. Cowie / Died Feb 24 / 1934 Age 64


They had the following children:


195 i. Mary Ann Piercy
196 ii. Henry S. Piercy
197 iii. Alexander Piercy
198 iv. Joseph "Stanley" Piercy
199 v. Walter Wallace Piercy

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

29. Agnes Piercy.

 

Daughter of Matthew Piercy & Agnes Moffitt. Born 21 Jul 1863 in Harvey, NB. Christen 6 Sep 1863 in Harvey Presbyterian Church. Died 9 Jan 1936 in Courtenay, BC. Buried in Courtenay Civic Cemetery.

Agnes was first married to John Reverly Berkeley, who died in 1903, leaving Agnes with eight children, the youngest only six months old.

Notes from "Piercy - A Family Tree 1814-1979":
Agnes and John Berkeley had four sons and four daughters. They had a farm on the Lake Trail, bounded on the railway track and what is known as Johnston Street now. He also owned the property on the corner of 5th Street and Cliffe Avenue where the old Bank of Commerce was built.

After John's death, Agnes married William Grieve in 1909.

BC Archives has death date 13 Jan 1934, age 70.

She first married John Reverley Berkeley, son of Mr Berkeley & Elizabeth Nesbitt, 7 Nov 1879 in Comox, BC. Born 16 Apr 1854. Died 18 Nov 1903 in Nanaimo, BC. Buried in Courtenay Civic Cemetery, Section A. (No Marker). Occupation District Road Superintendent.

 

Copied from newspaper obituary - 1903:
A Sudden Call. Mr John Berkley of Courtenay Dies Suddenly in Nanaimo Hotel.
A very sudden and unexpected death took place last evening in the Nanaimo hotel, when Mr John Berkley of Courtenay died of apoplexy. He had been in Nanaimo since Sunday last and had spent the intervening time visiting friends in this city. During yesterday afternoon he was around as usual and around five o'clock went up to his room and as Mrs Evans was passing the door a minute or two later she heard a gasping sound and on going in found Mr Berkley lying on the bed gasping for breath. He was dead in a few moments.

Deceased was a native of New Brunswick and came out to Nanaimo in 1875 where he worked for a few days under the late Mr John Pawson who at that time had in charge the construction of Bastion street bridge. Mr Berkley took the first boat for Comox where he resided every since. About a dozen years ago he had a severe fall on the wharf at Comox by which his head was seriously injured. Within the last year or two this has been troubling him and resulted in a spasmodic contraction of the larynx, which at times it made it very hard for him to get his breath. Last week he went to Victoria to consult with doctors there regarding it and they advised an operation. He was on his way back to Courtenay to make arrangements to return to Victoria for the operation when the dread reaper overtook him. It was his intention to have gone home on the boat on Tuesday last but as his brother-in-law, Mr S. Piercy, and nephew, Mr F. Swan, were in town, he decided to wait till Thursday and return with them.

The late Mr Berkley was one of the best known residents of Comox district. He was road superintendent for the district for the past ten or twelve years and was a prominent member of Hiram Lodge, A.F. & A.M., being Worshipful Master of the lodge at the time of his death. The Nanaimo Masons took charge of the body last evening and will escort the hearse to the boat this morning and place the remains on board. At Comox the members of his own lodge will meet the remains and attend to the interment in the Presbyterian cemetery at Comox. Deceased was 49 years of age and leaves a wife and eight children, four boys and four girls to mourn his loss.

 

They had the following children:


200 i. Minnie Rose Berkeley

201 ii. Annetta "Nettie" Berkeley
202 iii. William Matthew Berkeley
203 iv. Lance Isaac Berkeley
204 v. Reverly Berkeley
205 vi. Belle Berkeley
206 vii. Walter Drew Berkeley
207 viii. Estella Agnes Berkeley

She second married William Henry Grieve, son of George Grieve & Jane Nesbitt, 20 Feb 1909 in Sandwick, BC. Born 4 Dec 1854 in Harvey. Died 2 May 1933 in Sandwick, BC. Buried in Courtenay Civic Cemetery, Section A. Occupation Farmer.

From BC Vital Stats: Died 2 May 1933, age 78, Sandwick, BC.

William was a farmer, he farmed part of his father's land. He was the first president of Comox Creamery Co-operative Association which held its first meeting on the 12th of March 1901.

28
29

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

30. Mary McKay

 

Daughter of John Robertson McKay & Elizabeth Piercy. Born 11 Dec 1841 in Fredericton. Christen 26 Mar 1843 in St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Fredericton. Died 1889 in Fredericton. Buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Fredericton.

On gravestone in Forest Hill Cemetery, Mary, wife of Wm. M. Cameron died 1889 age 53 years.


She married William M. Cameron, 10 Apr 1872 in Fredericton, York Co., By Rev. John M. Brooke. Born in Parish Of St. David, Charlotte Co., NB.

Witnesses to marriage were William McKay and Lizzie McKay.

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

31. William McKay

 

Son of John Robertson McKay & Elizabeth Piercy. Born 15 Dec 1843 in Fredericton. Christen 9 Jun 1844 in St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Fredericton. Died 1922 in Fredericton. Buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Fredericton. Occupation Farmer.

 

On gravestone in Forest Hill Cemetery, Fredericton:
McKay - Mary Helen McKay 1877-1916
(side) William McKay 1843 - 1922
wife Annie d. 18 Dec 1933
(footstones: Mother, Father, Helen)

In the 1881 Census, Kings Ward, Fredericton, NB, William's mother, Elizabeth, 63; brothers John and Thomas, and sisters Sarah and Minnie were living in the household with William, his wife Annie and daughter Mary.

He married Annie Neill, 14 Jun 1876 in St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Fredericton By Rev. John M. Born Approx 1851 in Parish Of St. Mary, York Co., NB. Died 18 Dec 1933 in Fredericton. Buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Fredericton.

Witnesses to marriage were James Gardner and James S. Neill.


They had the following children:
208 i. Mary "Helen" McKay

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

32. Isabella McKay.

 

Daughter of John Robertson McKay & Elizabeth Piercy. Born 11 Oct 1845 in Fredericton. Christen 17 Apr 1847 in St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Fredericton. Died 1917. Buried in St. Peter's Anglican Church Cemetery, Springhill.

In marriage records, last name is spelled "MacKay", and W. Delancy Allen was a widower. Witnesses to marriage were A. McAdam and John Black.

 

Newspaper clipping - undated -
Funeral of Mrs Allen
The funeral of the late Mrs William deLancy Allen took place yesterday afternoon, at 2:30 o'clock, from her late home "Aukpaque". Services were conducted at St. Peter's church, Kingsclear, York Co., by Rev. Mansel Sherman, and Rev. W. J. Wilkinson. Interment was made at St. Peter's Cemetery. The pall bearers were: J. Brenton Allen, William deLancy Allen, Thomas Campbell Allen, T. Carleton Allen, Haverlock Wheeler, W. T. H. Fenety.

She married William DeLancy Allen, son of John Allen (Col.) & Lydia Vail, 16 Jul 1877 in St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Fredericton By Rev. John M. Born 1838 in Kingsclear. Died 28 Feb 1924. Buried in St. Peter's Anglican Church Cemetery, Springhill. Occupation Farmer.

From gravestone in St. Peters Anglican Church Cemetery: William Delancy Allen died 28 February 1924, age 86 years 6 mos.

 

From obituary - undated --
W. DELANCY ALLEN DIED EARLY TODAY
Prominent Farmer at Kingsclear Passes Away in His 87th Year
William deLancy Allen passed away at his home at Kingsclear at an early hour this morning, aged 87 years. Although he had been in failing health for some time, due to the infirmities of old age, it was not until a few days ago that his condition became serious, and the news of his death today came as a shock to his many friends.

Deceased was one of the oldest residents of Kingsclear as well as one of its best known and most prosperous farmers. He was born at Kingsclear, a son of the late Col. John Allen, who came from New Jersey to Nova Scotia many years ago with the Empire Royalists and settled, afterwards coming to Kingsclear. His mother before marriage was Miss Lydia Vail. Deceased was twice married, his first wife being Miss Alida Frink, who passed away some years ago, and his second wife, Miss Isabelle McKay, who also predeceased him. He is survived by three sons, William deLancy and John B., at home, and Frank P.; four daughters, Miss Maude St. J. Allen, at home; Mrs John D. Churchill, Mrs W. Ward Earl and Miss Mary deLancy Allen of Boston, now at home; and one sister, Miss Sarah Allen, of this city.

The funeral will take place fom his late home tomorrow afternoon, with service at St. Peter's church, Springhill, at 2:30 o'clock by Rev. W. J. Wilkinson, and interment in the churchyard adjoining.

 

They had the following children:


209 i. Frank Percy Allen
210 ii. Helen Cameron Allen
211 iii. Mary DeLancy Allen

30
31
32

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

33. Elizabeth Henderson "Lizzie" McKay

Daughter of John Robertson McKay & Elizabeth Piercy. Born 28 Dec 1847 in Fredericton. Christen 17 Jul 1850 in St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Fredericton. Died 23 Oct 1922 in Harvey. Buried in Belleisle Bay. Occupation School Teacher.

Newspaper obituary (d. 23 Oct 1922) --
Elizabeth Henderson Yandall
At Manners Sutton, York Co., N.B. at the home of her cousin, Mrs Andrew Dorcas, there passed away on Oct 23rd, Elizabeth Henderson Yandall. Mrs Yandall was a native of Fredericton, and was a daughter of the late John R. and Elizabeth McKay. As a girl she trained as school teacher and taught school in Charlotte County and in her native city up till the time of her marriage. At the death of her husband in 1883 she returned to the teaching profession and taught continuously in the St. John schools until 1911, when she retired after 37 years of actual teaching in the province. She was among the first of the teachers of New Brunswick to receive a pension. In 1911 she moved to Vancouver, where she lived until 1920, when she returned to Eastern Canada. She leaves to mourn her loss one son Byron A. Yandall, of Kingleard Lake, Ont., two sisters, Miss M. G. McKay, of Vancouver, and Mrs S. A. Urquhart, of Cambridge, Mass., and one niece, Miss May DeL Allan, of ----ton, Mass.

 

(Note from church records: d. 23 Oct 1923, senile debility. Buried at Belleisle Bay.)

She married Caleb Alfred Yandall, 13 Jul 1875 in St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Fredericton By Rev. John M. Died 1883. Occupation School Teacher.
Witnesses to marriage were J. W. Spurden and S. J. Campbell.


They had the following children:


212 i. Byron A. Yandall

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

33. Elizabeth Henderson "Lizzie" McKay??

 

Daughter of John Robertson McKay & Elizabeth Piercy. Born 28 Dec 1847 in Fredericton. Christen 17 Jul 1850 in St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Fredericton. Died 23 Oct 1922 in Harvey. Buried in Belleisle Bay. Occupation School Teacher.

 

Newspaper obituary (d. 23 Oct 1922) --
Elizabeth Henderson Yandall
At Manners Sutton, York Co., N.B. at the home of her cousin, Mrs Andrew Dorcas, there passed away on Oct 23rd, Elizabeth Henderson Yandall. Mrs Yandall was a native of Fredericton, and was a daughter of the late John R. and Elizabeth McKay. As a girl she trained as school teacher and taught school in Charlotte County and in her native city up till the time of her marriage. At the death of her husband in 1883 she returned to the teaching profession and taught continuously in the St. John schools until 1911, when she retired after 37 years of actual teaching in the province. She was among the first of the teachers of New Brunswick to receive a pension. In 1911 she moved to Vancouver, where she lived until 1920, when she returned to Eastern Canada. She leaves to mourn her loss one son Byron A. Yandall, of Kingleard Lake, Ont., two sisters, Miss M. G. McKay, of Vancouver, and Mrs S. A. Urquhart, of Cambridge, Mass., and one niece, Miss May DeL Allan, of ----ton, Mass.

 

(Note from church records: d. 23 Oct 1923, senile debility. Buried at Belleisle Bay.)

She married Caleb Alfred Yandall, 13 Jul 1875 in St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Fredericton By Rev. John M. Died 1883. Occupation School Teacher.
Witnesses to marriage were J. W. Spurden and S. J. Campbell.


They had the following children:


212 i. Byron A. Yandall

33
34

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

35. Minna Gertrude McKay

Daughter of John Robertson McKay & Elizabeth Piercy. Born 1852 in Fredericton. Christen 22 Sep 1852 in St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Fredericton. Died 27 Dec 1937 in Vancouver, BC. Occupation School Teacher.

Minna McKay was a school teacher, and taught in the school house on the Mission Hill, at Sandwick, Comox Valley, before going to Vancouver to teach. She retired from teaching after teaching nearly forty years in Vancouver. Last school was Cecil Rhodes school.

 

Copied from newspaper item - undated:
Forty Years A School Teacher
Miss Minna McKay Has Just Retired In Vancouver
Miss Minnie G. McKay is well known in the Comox valley, having taught at the school house on the Mission Hill, at Sandwick, over forty years ago, leaving to go to Vancouver where she has taught school every since. Miss McKay spends part of her summer holidays here with relatives every years. Mrs W. H. Grieve, formerly Mrs John Berkeley, is a cousin, also the late Mrs Jos. McPhee, and the late Piercy brothers, Tom, John, Matthew, Sam and Watt, were all cousins, while a large number of the younger members are distant relatives. Miss McKay was born in New Brunswick and received her education there. The Vancouver Daily Province noted the occasion of her retirement from teaching with an editorial which we reproduce:


"The children of Grade 1, Cecil Rhodes school, will have a new teacher when they go back after the holidays. They are losing their old teacher. Minna McKay is giving up teaching. She is going to take a little rest from her work of training up those young creatures in the way they should go. The school board thinks she has earned a rest. The report to the board about Minna McKay says that she taught in the city schools longer than any other teacher, and during all her time "she gave service of exceptional merit." The reports records that Minna McKay has been teaching the children of this city for thirty-nine years and nine months.
We like the particularity and precision of the school inspector's report upon the resignation of Miss McKay. He might have said she had served for forty years. Some of the more forward Grade 1 children of Cecil Rhodes school will know that the difference between forty years and thirty-nine and nine months is only three months. But the citation of very honorable service should be honorably exact. Let us salute the achievement and service of Minna McKay. She taught two generations of our school children--"and has rendered during those years service of exceptional merit."
During all those years! Yes, it is a long time. We suppose, as Miss McKay takes leave of her last class, her memories will go back among her other classes of hopeful young creatures. Why, she could have taught the grandmothers of some of those youngsters of her last grade 1! There must be hundreds of Vancouver people who learned their letters from Minna McKay. She was teaching school here when the big trees were still growing in Granville street, before there was any settlement beyong the Creek, when the town and the Grade 1 children of the schools were very young together."


(rest of the clipping is missing.)

From BC Archives Microfilm No. B13161, GSU Microfilm No. 1953194: Minna McKay died 27 Dec 1937, age 80 years, in Vancouver, BC.

35

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

36. Ellen McKay

Daughter of John Robertson McKay & Elizabeth Piercy. Born 6 Aug 1854 in Fredericton. Christen 3 Dec 1854 in St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Fredericton. Died 24 Feb 1876 in Fredericton. Buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Fredericton.

On gravestone in Forest Hill Cemetery, Helen died 24 Feb 1876, age 21 years. It would appear that this is Ellen.

36

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

37. John McKay

 

Son of John Robertson McKay & Elizabeth Piercy. Born 17 Apr 1857 in Fredericton. Christen Oct 1857 in St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Fredericton. Died 1897 in Fredericton. Buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Fredericton. Occupation Farmer.

On gravestone in Forest Hill Cemetery, John died 1897, age 39 years.

37

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

38. Sarah Jane McKay

 

Daughter of John Robertson McKay & Elizabeth Piercy. Born 17 Apr 1857 in Fredericton. Christen Oct 1857 in St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Fredericton. Died Apr 1926. Buried in Cambridge Cemetery.

 

From obituary - 20 Apr 1926 --
Mrs Sarah J. Urquhart, of 10 Kinnaird street, died at her home Monday as the result of a two years' illness. She was born in Fredericton, N.B., 69 years ago, and had been a resident of this city 30 years. She is survived by her husband, Solomon A. Urquhart, a painter of this city, and a sister, Mrs Minnie MacKay, of British Columbia. Services were held at the home Thursday afternoon, Rev. William D. Goble officiating. Burial was in the Cambridge cemetery.

(Note: Sarah may have been married first to Charles B. Winters--from marriage records of St. Paul's Church, Fredericton.)

 

She first married Charles B. Winters, 3 Apr 1883 in St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Fredericton.

 

She second married Solomon A. Urquhart. Died After 1926. Occupation Painter.

38

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

39. Matthew Piercy Brooke McKay

 

Son of John Robertson McKay & Elizabeth Piercy. Born 3 May 1862 in Fredericton. Christen 18 Mar 1867 in St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Fredericton. Died 19 Nov 1875 in Fredericton. Buried in Forest Hill Cemetery, Fredericton.

On gravestone in Forest Hill Cemetery, M. Percy died 19 Nov 1875, age 14 years.

39

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

40. Mary Ann Coburn

Daughter of George Cockburn (Coburn) & Mary Piercy. Born Nov 1842 in Harvey. Christen 13 Nov 1842 in Harvey By Rev. Daniel McCurdy . Died 24 Apr 1849 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

Died at age 6 years and 6 months.

40

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

41. John G. Coburn

Son of George Cockburn (Coburn) & Mary Piercy. Born 12 Aug 1844 in Harvey. Christen 22 Sep 1844 in Harvey By Rev. Daniel McCurdy . Died 23 May 1901 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.

Ref: Watson et al, "The Little Family", 1993, p. 197. Hall & Crozier, 1983, "The Swan Family", 1983, p. 99.

From Daily Telegraph, 9 Jan 1871: "Married by Rev. Samuel Johnson, 4th ult., John Cockburn and Margaret Ann Nesbit, eldest daughter of John B. Nesbit, all of Harvey."
Witnesses to marriage were Thomas Cockburn and Ellen N. Nesbit.

He married Margaret Ann Nesbitt, daughter of John B. Nesbitt & Elizabeth Chambers, 4 Jan 1871 in Harvey, York Co., NB By Rev. Samuel Johnson . Born 3 Oct 1850 in Harvey. Died 19 Apr 1943 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.

 

Copied from newspaper obituary - 1943:
Died at Harvey. Mrs John G. Coburn Was Well Known Woman, Prominent in Church and Community.
Harvey Station, N.B., April 27 -- The death of Mrs Margaret Ann Coburn, widow of John G. Coburn, at the home of her daughter, Mrs Cecil Grieve, on April 19th, removed one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of this community. Had she lived until October 3rd, she would have been 93 years of age. For the past few years she has been in poor health but always maintained her interest in the work of the church, W.M.S. and the Red Cross, to which she always contributed generously. For some time it had been her custom to have passages of Scripture read at the meetings of the W.M.S. and a few days before her death she sent her usual request which was complied with.
Mrs Coburn was a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Chambers) Nesbitt and was born at Harvey. She was the last remaining member of the family. Her husband passed away May 23rd, 1901. Since that time she had made her home with her daughter, Mrs Harry C. Swan. Last fall she went to visit her daughter, Mrs Grieve, where she became ill and had been confined to her bed since then.
Of a family of ten children, five survive her. Mrs Swan and Mrs Grieve, and three sons, Thomas, Matthew and Charles Coburn, all of Brownville Junction, Maine. The late Councillor Frank Coburn was a son, also Alexander Coburn, who gave his life in the Great War. There are 26 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.


Mrs Coburn was a member of Knox Presbyterian Church, a life member of he Women's Missionary Society and was for years a teacher in the Sunday Schools at Coburn and Manners Sutton. She was a woman of great kindliness and was loved by old and young.

 

They had the following children:


213 i. George Harvey Lesley Coburn
214 ii. John "Franklin" Chambers Coburn
215 iii. Thomas Preston Coburn
216 iv. Elizabeth Victoria "Lizzie" Coburn
217 v. William Walter "Lewis" Coburn
218 vi. Mary Helena "Mame" Coburn
219 vii. James "Alexander" MacLean Coburn
220 viii. Matthew Piercy Coburn
221 ix. Georgie Ann Nesbitt "Annie" Coburn
222 x. Charles Everett Coburn

41

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

42. Thomas Coburn

 

Son of George Cockburn (Coburn) & Mary Piercy. Born Approx 1845 in Harvey. Christen 25 Jan 1846 in Harvey By Rev. Daniel McCurdy. Died 9 Sep 1919 in Harvey, NB. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

From the Daily Telegraph, 9 January 1874: "Married by Rev Samuel Johnson, at residence of bride's father, 2nd int., Thomas Cockburn and Miss Catherine Atcheson, all of Harvey."

Witnesses to the marriage were W. M. Atchison and Hannah Atchison.

Thomas and Catherine operated a general store in Harvey for a number of years (In 1881 Census Thomas is listed as a storekeeper, and in 1891 Census he is a farmer), then moved to Houlton, Maine, approximately 1893, and lived there for a few years then moved to Vancouver, BC, about 1896. Thomas died 9 Sep 1919, age 73, kidney trouble (CR) while in Harvey on a visit. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery but no gravestone. His wife died in Vancouver in 1918.

He married Catherine "Kitty" Atcheson, daughter of Andrew Atcheson & Margery Robison, 2 Jan 1874 in York Co., NB By Rev. Samuel Johnson . Born 1846 in Harvey. Christen 25 Apr 1846 in Harvey By Rev. Daniel McCurdy . Died 18 Nov 1918 in 784 East Hastings, Vancouver, BC. Buried 21 Nov 1918 in Mountain View Cemetery, Vancouver.

 

Copied from newspaper obituary (1918):
Mrs Thomas Coburn
Harvey Station, Nov 29 -- Letters have been received here from Vancouver telling of the death of Mrs Catherine Coburn, wife of Thomas Coburn, which occurred there on November 18. She was a native of Harvey and was a daughter of Andrew Atcheson, one of the pioneers of the settlement. She was in the seventy-fourth year of her age. She formerly resided at Manners Sutton, where her husband carried on a general store, but they went to Houlton about twenty-five years ago and a few years afterwards went to British Columbia. She is survived by her husband, one son and one daughter, also by two sisters, Mrs John Piercy of Comox, BC, and Mrs Ellen McCullough, residing here. Many of the older residents here remember her very well and esteemed her highly.

 

They had the following children:


223 i. George Walter Coburn
224 ii. Andrew Lambert "Bert" Coburn
225 iii. Ella Maud Coburn
226 iv. Ida May Coburn

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

43. James "Jim" Coburn

 

Son of George Cockburn (Coburn) & Mary Piercy. Born 29 Jul 1846 in Harvey. Christen 22 Aug 1847 in Harvey By Rev. Daniel McCurdy. Died 5 Feb 1928 in Harvey Sta. . Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farming, Lumbering, And General Store. Religion Presbyterian.

From Daily Telegraph, Saint John, 18 May 1871: "Married by Rev Samuel Johnson, at his residence, 12th inst., James Cockburn and Miss Elizabeth Swan, all of Harvey."
Witnesses to marriage were John Swan and Elizabeth A. Cockburn.

(The spelling "Cockburn" was used until approximately 1877, then changed to "Coburn".)

Copied from newspaper obituary - 1928:
Harvey Man Died At Age Of 80 Years
Harvey Station, Feb 14 -- The death of James Coburn, of Harvey, occurred Feb. 5, at the home of his son, Alexander. Deceased had been ill but a short time. Although 80 years of age he had retained the use of his faculties to a remarkable degree. He was a lifelong Presbyterian. He had been prominent in business life also. Besides farming and lumbering, he founded the business firm of James Coburn and Son, the latter of late years being conducted by the son, G. Wesley Coburn. By his first marriage there survive the following children: Walter, Wesley, Alexander, Wilbert, Edgar, Robert and Roy, Mrs Arnold Little, Mrs Pembroke Little and Mrs Hazen Patterson, all belonging to Harvey with the exception of Edgar, who lives at McAdam. Deceased's second wife predeceased him by only seven months. After prayer at the house, the funeral services were conducted by the pastor, Rev. George E. Knight. Interment was in the Harvey Cemetery, six of the deceased's sons being the pallbearers.

 

After the death of his first wife, Elizabeth, Jim married her sister, Sarah Jane Swan Briggs.
He first married Elizabeth H. "Bessie" Swan, daughter of James Swan & Jane Moody, 12 May 1871 in Harvey Sta., NB By Rev. Samuel Johnson . Born 22 May 1854 in Harvey, York Co, NB. Died 9 Jul 1913 in Harvey Sta. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.

 

Copied from newspaper obituary - 1913:
Mrs James Coburn
Harvey Station, N.B., July 12 -- Elizabeth Coburn, wife of James Coburn, of Manners Sutton, died at her home there yesterday morning after a long illness. She was a daughter of James Swan, one of the pioneers of Harvey. Deceased was a lady of very amiable disposition and was held in high esteem throughout the community and her death is deeply regretted. She is survived by her husband, seven sons and three daughters. The sons are Walter, G. Wesley, Wilbert, Alexander, Robert and Roy, residing here and Edgar Coburn, of McAdam. Her daughters are Mrs Arnold Little, of Coburn, Mrs Pembroke Little of Montreal, and Miss Pearle Coburn at home, all of whom were present when she died. She is also survived by three brothers and one sister. They are Henry Swan and Alex H. Swan, of Manners Sutton, James Swan, of Princeton, Maine, and Mrs Sarah J. Briggs, of Coburn.

The funeral took place yesterday afternoon and was one of the largest ever seen here. Rev. M. J. Macperson conducted the service.

Died at age 59 yr. 2 mo. 18 days.

They had the following children:


227 i. Walter Henderson Coburn
228 ii. George Wesley "Wes" Coburn
229 iii. James Alexander "Sandy" Coburn
230 iv. Thomas Wilbert "Wil" Coburn (Twin)
231 v. Henry Edgar "Ed" Coburn (Twin)
232 vi. Minnie Gertrude J. Coburn
233 vii. Robert Coburn
234 viii. Mary "Lottie" Coburn
235 ix. Charles "Roy" Coburn
236 x. Sarah "Zilla" Coburn
237 xi. Elizabeth Etta "Pearle" Coburn

He second married Sarah Jane "Janie" Swan, daughter of James Swan & Jane Moody, 25 May 1915 in York Co., NB . Born 1 Feb 1859 in Harvey Settlement, York Co, NB. Christen 3 Apr 1859 in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Died 8 Jul 1927 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

Ref: Jocelean Swan Hall and Margaret Swan Crozier, "The Swan Family", 1980, p. 41.

Copied from newspaper obituary - 1927:
Mrs Jas Coburn Has Passed Away
Harvey Station, July 14 -- The death of Mrs James Coburn of Manners Sutton occurred on July 8 at the age of 69 years. Deceased had suffered slightly from paralysis some time ago, and she took a last stroke on Sunday afternoon, July 3, shortly after having attended church.

Deceased was the daughter of the late Mr and Mrs James Swan, natives of England, who came to Harvey about 80 years ago, when the settlement was in its infancy. She was twice married. By her first husband, the late Thomas Briggs, she leaves four sons and two daughters. The sons are Matthew and John, of York Mills; Charles of Manners Sutton, and Allen of York Mills. The daughters are Margaret, Mrs LeBaron Little, and Lottie, Mrs Harry Swan, both of Harvey Station. Her second husband also survives and the following stepchildren: Walter, Wesley and Alexander Coburn of Manners Sutton; Edward (sic)Coburn, McAdam; William (sic), Robert and Roy Coburn, Manners Sutton; Lottie, Mrs Pembroke Little, Manners Sutton; Zilla, Mrs Arnold Little, of Coburn, and Pearl, Mrs Hazen Patterson, of Tweedside. Two brothers, Henry and Alexander Swan are also left to mourn.

The funeral was held in the Harvey Presbyterian church on Sunday, July 10, a very large number attending.

42
43

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

44. Elizabeth Ann "Betsy Ann" Coburn

 

Daughter of George Cockburn (Coburn) & Mary Piercy. Born 16 Feb 1849 in Harvey. Died 27 Feb 1902 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

From Daily Telegraph, 21 Jun 1873: "Married Harvey 17th inst., by Rev Samuel Johnson, John C. Pass and Miss Elizabeth Ann Cockburn."

Witnesses to the marriage were W. V. Pass and Isabella Cockburn.
She married John Cockburn "Jack" Pass, son of William Pass & Charlotte Cockburn (Coburn), 17 Jun 1873 in Harvey Presbyterian Church Records By Rev. Samuel Johnson . Born 31 Oct 1852 in Harvey (Acton). Christen 23 Mar 1852 in St. Paul's Church Records. Died 8 May 1891 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer.

After the death of Jack and his wife Betsy Ann, the property was sold to William Grieve on 28 Nov 1902 for the sum of $1150. The property included the southeastern half of lot #6, 50 acres, in Harvey Settlement; and lot #6 second tier east of Cranberry Lake, 100 acres. As three of the Pass children--Arthur Gordon Pass, Lila Elizabeth Pass and William Everett Pass were infants (within the ages of twenty-one) the Supreme Court of Equity of NB on 21 March 1902 appointed John M. Swan their guardian and empowered to sell their estate rights jointly with the other Pass children, Mary Ann McCully and her husband John McCully, blacksmith, McAdam; Susan Charlotte Campbell and her husband George H. Campbell, commercial traveller, London, Ontario; and George Venables Pass, labourer. However before the conveyance of the land to William Grieve could be executed John M. Swan died, and on 11 Nov 1902 James Coburn was appointed guardian, and empowered to complete the sale of the said infants interests. (Information from In The Supreme Court in Equity, Indenture #52153, John C. Pass (Heirs) to William Grieve.)

Besides the parents, three children died between the period 1891 and 1902. Church records indicate that one son died of consumption, so possibly the others also died of the same disease.

 

From The Gleaner, Fredericton, 16 May 1891:
John Pass, well known resident of Harvey Station (York Co.) is a victom of la grippe. He was in his 45th year and leaves a wife and nine children. Deceased was interred in the Presbyterian cemetery there.

They had the following children:


238 i. Mary Ann Pass

239 ii. Susan Charlotte "Susie" Pass
240 iii. Eleanor Johnson "Ellen" Pass
241 iv. Charles "Wesley" Pass
242 v. George Venables Pass
243 vi. John Coburn Pass Jr.
244 vii. Arthur Gordon Pass
245 viii. Elizabeth "Lila" Pass
246 ix. William Everett "Willie" Pass

44

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

45. George Henry Coburn

 

Son of George Cockburn (Coburn) & Mary Piercy. Born 18 Feb 1851 in Harvey. Christen 18 Mar 1851 in St. Paul's Church Records. Died 23 Mar 1928 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

 

Copied from newspaper obituary:
George H. Coburn Has Passed Away
Harvey Station, April 3 -- The death of George Henry Coburn, of Manners Sutton, occurred March 23 at the age of 77. Deceased was a prominent member of the United Church. He was unmarried and is survived by one sister, Mrs Andrew Dorcas, of this place.

The funeral, largely attended was held March 25, services being conducted in Harvey United Church by the pastor, Rev J. H. MacLean. The pallbearers were Keith Dorcas, Robert Dorcas, Frank Coburn, Harry T. Swan, and Edward and Wilbert Coburn.

45

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

46. Isabella "Belle" Coburn

 

Daughter of George Cockburn (Coburn) & Mary Piercy. Born 2 Oct 1852 in Harvey. Died 21 Jul 1913 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.

She married George Piercy Burrell, son of Robert Burrell & Ann Piercy, 26 Feb 1879 in Harvey, York Co. By Edward Roberts . Born 2 Jan 1847 in Harvey. Christen 27 Feb 1847 in Harvey By Rev. Daniel McCurdy. Died 6 Feb 1923 in Oak Bay Road, Charlotte County, NB. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Railroad Station Man (1891). Religion Presbyterian.

 

Witnesses to marriage were Alexander Burrell and Margaret Cockburn.

From Saint Croix Courier, 22 Feb 1923: Deaths - BURRELL - At Oak Bay Road, Feby 7, George P. Burrell, aged 78 years.

 

They had the following children:


247 i. Mary Ann Burrell
248 ii. Robert Walter "Simpson" Burrell
249 iii. Gertrude Maggie Burrell
250 iv. Lizzie May Burrell
251 v. Annie Winnifred Burrell

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

47. Mary Coburn

 

Daughter of George Cockburn (Coburn) & Mary Piercy. Born 20 Mar 1855 in Harvey. Died 11 Nov 1892 in Tweedside. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.

From Daily News, Saint John, 23 October 1877: "Married 17th Oct. by Rev. W. Caven, at his residence, John Swan and Mary Cockburn, both of Manners Sutton."

She married John Moffitt Swan, son of John "Jack" Swan & Margaret M. Moffitt, 17 Oct 1877 in By Rev. W. Caven. Born 27 Oct 1853 in Tweedside. Died 7 May 1902 in Tweedside. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian.

John's first wife, Mary Coburn, died 11 Nov. 1892.

John had his right leg cut almost off by a circular saw in the mill at Tweedside, and died about twelve hours later. He lived on a farm in Tweedside, in recent years known as the Caroll Patterson farm.


They had the following children:


252 i. John "Arthur" Walter Swan
253 ii. George Alexander Swan
254 iii. Henry Thomas "Harry" Swan
255 iv. Mary Winnifred "Mame" Swan

46
47

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

48. Margaret "Maggie" Coburn

 

Daughter of George Cockburn (Coburn) & Mary Piercy. Born 23 Sep 1858 in Harvey Settlement. Christen 21 Nov 1858 in Harvey Presbyterian Church. Died 10 Dec 1930 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

 

Copied from newspaper obituary (1930):
Mrs Andrew Dorcas
Harvey, Dec 11 -- The community of Harvey was very much saddened by the death of Mrs Andrew Dorcas at her home, Manners Sutton, on December 10th, after a few months illness.


Mrs Dorcas was before her marriage, Miss Margaret Coburn, youngest daughter of the late Mr and Mrs George Coburn of Harvey and was 73 years old.


She lived all her life in Harvey and vicinity and was a good neighbor and friend to all who knew her. She was a member of the United Church of Canada, a life member of the W.M.S. and a faithful worker both in Church and Society.


She has left to mourn a loving husband, two daughters and two sons. The daughters are Miss Eva at home, Mrs Charles Essensa of Brownville Junction. Robert of Harvey and Keith at home, also seven grand children.


The funeral was held from her late home on Thursday at 2:30 o'clock and was attended by many friends and relatives. Rev. J. H. MacLean of the United Church had charge of the funeral assisted by the choir. The hymns sung were: Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling, Nearer My God to Thee, There is no Night in Heaven. Six nephews were pall-bearers: Sandy and Robert Coburn, Harry Swan, Fred Davis, Dave Coffey and Lewis Davis. The floral tributes were beautiful.

 

Children:
256 i. George Walter Coburn

 

She married Andrew Thomas Dorcas, son of Andrew Dorcas & Mary Virtue, 22 Dec 1885 in St. Paul's Church Records, Fredericton By Rev. A. J. Mowatt. Born 16 Sep 1861 in Harvey. Died 7 Jun 1952 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
Witnesses to marriage to Andrew Coburn were Henry Craig and Mary E. Piercy.

Copied from newspaper obituary (1952):
Andrew Dorcas Died in Harvey
The community of Harvey was saddened by he passing on June 7th of one of its oldest and most respected citizens, Mr Andrew Dorcas.

His funeral which was largely attended was held in St. Andrews United Church where service was conducted by the Pastor Rev. J. L. Rose who gave a very comforting address.

The choir sang three of his favourite pieces, The Old Rugged Cross, In the Sweet Bye and Bye and Abide with Me. The pall-bearers were Lorne Coffey, Dave Coffey, Walter Coburn, Wilbert Coburn, Sandy Coburn and Bowman Little. Interment was made in the Harvey Cemetery.


Mr Dorcas was a son of the late Andrew and Mary Dorcas and has been life long resident of this place and being of a genial and friendly disposition he was loved and respected by all. Many beautiful floral tributes were received including one from the sesson of the United Church of which he was a member for over 40 years.

Mr Dorcas who had reached the age of 90, being born in 1861, had been enjoying good health up until very recently. On Friday morning he was stricken with a heart attack and died at an early hour on Saturday morning. He was married to Margaret Coburn in 1883 and she predeceased him in 1930.

Surviving are two sons, Robert of this place with whom he had made his home for the past number of years. Keith of Saint John and one daughter (Bessie) Mrs Charles Essensa of Brownville Jct., Maine. Also surviving are ten grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

 

They had the following children:


257 i. Robert Virtue Dorcas
258 ii. Mary "Eva" Dorcas
259 iii. Lena Isabell Dorcas
260 iv. Bessie Christina Dorcas
261 v. Frederick Lesley Dorcas
262 vi. Keith Chamberlain Dorcas
263 vii. Gertrude Ellen Dorcas

48

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

49. Walter Henderson Coburn

Son of George Cockburn (Coburn) & Mary Piercy. Born 7 May 1860 in Harvey. Christen 24 Jun 1860 in Harvey Presbyterian Church. Died 10 Sep 1873 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

From Daily Telegraph, 13 Sep 1873: “Died Harvey, 10th ult., Walter Henderson Cockburn, youngest son of George Cockburn and Mary Cockburn, age 14.”

49

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

50. William McCullough

Son of Peter McCullough & Isabella Piercy. Born 17 Jun 1848 in Harvey. Christen 26 Jun 1848 in Harvey By Rev. Daniel McCurdy. Died 20 Jun 1915 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian.

 

Died at age 68 years, Cancer of stomach.

From Colonial Farmer, Fredericton, 4 Sep 1871: “Married by Rev. Samuel Johnson, 29th inst., William McCulloch, Dumbarton (Charlotte Co.) and Miss Ellen Atchison, Harvey.”

Name spelled "McCulloch" in marriage records. Witnesses to marriage were George Worden and Marjory Atchison.


He married Ellen Atcheson, daughter of Andrew Atcheson & Margery Robison, 29 Aug 1871 in Harvey, York Co., By Rev. Samuel Johnson . Born 15 Jul 1849 in Harvey. Christen 26 Aug 1849 in Harvey By Rev. Daniel McCurdy. Died Feb 1950 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.

Newspaper obituary - 1950:
Centenarian Dies At Harvey Station
Mrs Ellen McCullough Was Born in 1849--A Well Beloved Woman.
Harvey Station, Feb. 16 -- Harvey Station's oldest resident, Mrs Ellen McCullough, passed quietly away at her home following a brief illness.

One of a family of ten children, Mrs McCullough was born at Harvey Station, a daughter of Andrew and Margery (Robison) Atcheson, on July 15, 1849. Her long life was spent in this community where she endeared herself to old and young by her genial disposition. Her ready wit and keen memory made her stories of early life in Harvey most interesting.

During the war years she busied herself with knitting and quilt-making for the Red Cross and until a short time before her death continued with her knitting and daily Bible study. As a girl she was a noted weaver and many blankets were woven by her in the early years of Harvey's development.

Mrs McCullough was married on August 29, 1871 to William McCullough, a native of Charlotte County, the ceremony being performed by the Rev. Samuel Johnston, the first Presbyterian minister in Harvey. Of this union 10 children were born, three sons and seven daughters. Four children died in early childhood and a son, Harry, of McAdam, met a tragic death in a railroad accident in 1923. Mr McCullough died in June, 1915.

Mrs McCullough was a member of Knox Presbyterian Church and a life member of the Woman's Missionary Society. She is survived by one son, Andrew McCullough of Harvey; four daughters, Mrs Gertrude Brewer, Portland, Maine; Mrs Andrew Gray, Mrs Charles McNally, and Mrs Erwin Dougherty, all of Waltham, Mass; 25 grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren besides several nieces and nephews, including Mrs David G. Taylor, of San Antonio, Texas.


The funeral was held on Wednesday afternoon. Following prayers at her late home service was conducted by Rev. A. Sproule in Knox Church with the choir under the direction of Florence Coburn singing "The Sands of Time Are Sinking," "I Want To Go There", and "Abide With Me." Pallbearers were grandsons, Grey, Edgar, Charles and Allan McCullough, Willis Moffitt and Wilbert Burrell. Flower bearers were Thomas Messer, Eugene Godkin and Jack Coburn. Interment was made in Harvey Cemetery. Among those attending the funeral were Mrs Brewer and Mrs Dougherty, and Mrs McNally who was also present at her mother's death.

At the time of Mrs McCullough's 100th birthday last July, a party was held in her honor when all of her family and most of her descendants were present. Messages of congratulations were received from King George and Queen Elizabeth, Lt. Governor D. L. McLaren and Premier J. B. McNair.

 

They had the following children:


264 i. Peter Sterling McCullough
265 ii. Marjory Annetta McCullough
266 iii. Isabel "Gertrude" McCullough
267 iv. Dora Lorena "Rena" McCullough
268 v. Andrew Ernest "Dan" McCullough
269 vi. Harry Albert McCullough
270 vii. Ida Minetta Maud "Daisy" McCullough
271 viii. Annie McCullough
272 ix. Sarah Mavilla "Pearl" McCullough
273 x. Minnie "Lulu" McCullough

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

51. Thomas McCullough

 

Son of Peter McCullough & Isabella Piercy. Born 1850.

50
51

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

52. Mary McCullough

 

Daughter of Peter McCullough & Isabella Piercy. Born Approx 1854.

52

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

53. Jane McCullough

 

Daughter of Peter McCullough & Isabella Piercy. Born Approx 1856.

53

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

54. Isabella McCullough

 

Daughter of Peter McCullough & Isabella Piercy. Born Approx 1859.

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

55. Agnes McCullough

 

Daughter of Peter McCullough & Isabella Piercy. Born 1862.

54
55

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

56. Elizabeth "Bess" Piercy.

 

Daughter of Walter Piercy & Sarah Swan. Born 17 Dec 1851 in Harvey. Christen 23 Mar 1852 in St. Paul's Church Records, Fredericton. Died 12 Feb 1890.


She married Robert Wilson Embleton, son of Robert Embleton & Elizabeth "Betsy" Wilson, 25 Jul 1872 in Harvey, York Co., NB By Rev. Samuel Johnson. Born 28 Nov 1847 in Harvey. Christen 2 Jan 1848 in Harvey By Rev. Daniel McCurdy. Died 8 Feb 1923 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer.

Robert was known as "Bozie Bob" to distinguish him from other Robert Embletons in the area, and he had a long beard. He was a farmer in the "rear settlement" in Harvey, near his father. They had nine children.

From Daily Telegraph, 17 Aug 1872: "Married by Rev. Samuel Johnson, at residence of bride's father, 25th July, Robert W. Embleton and Miss Elizabeth Piercy, all of Harvey."

Witnesses to marriage were William Embleton and Elizabeth A. Cockburn.


They had the following children:


274 i. Adam "Edgar" Embleton
275 ii. Grace Winnifred Embleton
276 iii. Wilbert Arthur Embleton
277 iv. Henry "Willis" Embleton
278 v. Walter Piercy Embleton
279 vi. Sarah Ella "Sadie" Embleton
280 vii. James "Melvin" Embleton
281 viii. Mary Christina Estella Embleton
282 ix. Roy Winslow Deforest Embleton

56

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

57. Thomas Piercy

 

Son of Walter Piercy & Sarah Swan. Born 24 Jun 1853 in Harvey. Christen 10 Jul 1853 in Harvey By Rev. Daniel McCurdy. Died 9 Feb 1920 in Dugald, Manitoba.

Thomas and his wife Janet "Janie" Kelly lived in Dugald, Manitoba, and had six children. There are three different spellings of the surname in this family: Piercy, Percy and Pearcy. For further information on this family see the book, "The Swan Family -- early 1800's - 1980".

He married Janet I. "Janie" Kelly, daughter of Mr. Kelly & Elizabeth "Bess" Dryden, 7 Feb 1883 in Harvey, York Co., NB By Robert Nairn, Presbyterian . Born 1853. Died 13 Jul 1936 in Dugald, Manitoba.

From The Daily Telegraph, Saint John, 10 Feb 1883: “Married Harvey (York Co.) 7th inst., by Rev. R. Nairn, B.A., Thomas Piercy and Janet I. Kelly.”

Witnesses to marriage were Alexander Swan and Christina Piercy.


They had the following children:


283 i. Walter Russell Piercy (Percy)
284 ii. Alice Piercy
285 iii. Winnifred "Winnie" Piercy
286 iv. Alexander William Piercy (Pearcy)
287 v. Wilbur Piercy (Pearcy)
288 vi. Thomas Piercy (Percy)

57

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

58. Mary Piercy

 

Daughter of Walter Piercy & Sarah Swan. Born 28 Feb 1855 in Harvey. Died 7 Jan 1935 in Natick, Mass. Buried 10 Jan 1935 in Natick, Mass.

 

From newspaper obituary - 8 Jan 1935:
Died In Natick
Mrs George W. Worden, Formerly of Harvey, is Dead at Home of Daughter.
Harvey Station, Jan. 8 -- Many friends will regret to learn of the passing of Mrs Mary Worden, widow of George W. Worden, at her home in Natick, Mass. on Jan. 7 following a lingering illness.

Born in Harvey, NB on Feb 28, 1855, a daughter of the late Walter and Sarah (Swan) Piercy, pioneer settlers of Manners Sutton, NB., Mrs Worden lived the early part of her life here. Following her marriage to Mr Worden in 1876, they went to Lakeport, N.H. where they resided until a few years ago when due to failing health they took up residence with their daughter Mrs Leon Culverhouse of Natick, Mass., where Mr Worden passed away about two years ago.


Mrs Worden was a woman of pleasing personality, liked and respected by all who knew her. She was a loving mother, kind neighbor and true friend and the sympathy of her many friends is extended to the family in their sorrow, especially her daughter, Sadie, who so tenderly cared for her at all times.

Those left to mourn are two daughters, Mrs Archie Glidden of Laconiz, NH; Mrs Leon Culverhouse; two sons, Murray and Walter Worden of Cambridge, Mass.; two sisters, Mrs John E. Coburn and Mrs Thomas Burrell of Harvey; four brothers, Harry Piercy of Courtenay, BC; Matthew of Loma, Montana; Walter of Harvey and James of McAdam, also seven grandchildren.

 

Burial will take place at Natick, Mass., on Jan. 10th.

She married George Wellington Worden, 17 Oct 1876 in Fredericton, York Co., NB By Joseph McLeod, Free Baptist . Born in Kings County, NB. Died 24 Jan 1933 in Natick, Mass.
Witnesses to marriage were Thomas Carey and Ellen Bell.


George was born in Kings Co., NB, son of William Worden and Margaret Wightman. Grandson of John Wightman, United Empire Loyalist.


They had the following children:


289 i. Edgar Worden
290 ii. Tina May Worden
291 iii. Winnifred Worden
292 iv. Walter Worden
293 v. Sarah Emmiline "Sadie" Worden
294 vi. Murray Worden

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Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

59. Henry "Harry" Piercy

 

Son of Walter Piercy & Sarah Swan. Born 10 Jan 1857 in Harvey Settlement. Christen 15 Mar 1857 in Harvey Presbyterian Church. Died 4 Apr 1950 in Courtenay, BC. Buried in Courtenay Civic Cemetery, Section A. Occupation Farmer, Blacksmith.


Harry went to Comox Valley of British Columbia in 1878. He and Bob Cessford worked with a CPR survey crew in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. When winter snows stopped the work, they hiked to Vancouver and carried on to Comox by steamer to visit Harry's cousin Sam Piercy.


Harry worked at Dove Creek in a logging show and while there broke his leg and had to be taken to Nanaimo by canoe, which took three days. They arrived just in time to save amputation of the leg.

He married Maggie on 8 Dec 1885, and lived on the Piercy homestead on Condensory Road until they moved to Texada Island with their family of five. Harry worked there as a blacksmith for a mining company. They returned to the farm after ten years, where they spent the rest of their days.

 

From newspaper obituary - 1950:
Henry (Harry) Piercy died in St. Joseph's Hospital, Comox, B.C. on April 4, 1950. Mr Piercy was born at Manners Sutton Jan 10, 1857, one of twelve children of Walter and Sarah (Swan) Piercy. He was one of the members of the survey party that mapped out the route for the Transcontinental railway in the 1870's and when winter halted their work he and his fellow workers went back to Calgary and then crossed the mountains through the United States to British Columbia on foot. He stayed in British Columbia for a time, later returned to New Brunswick but could not settle down. He went back to the Comox Valley and a few years later, in 1885, married Miss Margaret Grieve, also a native of Harvey.

For a time he worked as a logger and later went to Texada Island at the height of the logging boom, where he worked as a blacksmith, having learned the trade in New Brunswick as an employee of the late Patrick (Paddy) McGinn of Fredericton.

From Texada he returned to Comox Valley and took up farming on the Condensory Road, Courtenay. He retired from active farming work 25 years ago. For the past few years he made his home with his son George at Victoria, and with his daughters in Courtenay. Mrs Piercy passed away 20 years ago.

Mr Piercy made several visits to New Brunswick in recent years, his last trip having been in 1936.

He married Margaret "Maggie" Grieve, daughter of George Grieve & Jane Nesbitt, 8 Dec 1885 in By Rev. James Christie, Comox, BC. Born 16 Aug 1863 in Harvey. Died 13 Mar 1930 in Sandwick, BC. Buried in Courtenay Civic Cemetery, Section A.
Maggie and Harry had seven children.

 

From newspaper obituary (1930):
Another Pioneer Passes Beyond
Many Will Miss Mrs Piercy From Amongst Them

Keen regret will be felt by many at news of the death of Mrs Margaret Piercy, aged 66, one of the pioneers of the Comox Valley, who passed away suddenly last Thursday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs H. Watkinson.


Mrs Piercy, who was born at Harvey, New Brunswick, on August 16, 1863, came here as a child fifty-four years ago with her parents, the late Mr and Mrs George Grieve from New Brunswick. They stayed for some time on the old Rees farm, afterwards settling on the Piercy farm on the Condensery road, where Mrs Piercy continued to live after her marriage to H. Piercy. Lately she had not enjoyed the best of health and had been living with her daughter for the winter but nothing of a serious nature was anticipated. She had arisen quite cheerful and bright on the morning of her fatal seizure and at the time of being stricken was dressing one of Mrs Watkinson's small children. Mr Piercy had left a short while previously to do some necessary work around the old home in preparation to taking his wife home for the summer.


Mrs Piercy was much esteemed in the district and will be missed by a large circle of friends. She leaves to mourn her loss, her husband, H. Piercy, two brothers, Berkeley and William Grieve; two sisters, Mrs E. Garnett of Nanaimo and Mrs Grant of Vancouver; three daughters, Mrs H. Watkinson of Sandwick, Mrs W. J. Furnell of Alberni and Mrs Carey of Ketchikan, Alaska; ;two sons, George Piercy of Colwood and Ward Piercy at home, and eleven grandchildren.

The funeral took place on Saturday at Sandwick United church, Rev. W. A. Alexander conducted the service. The following favorite hymns were sung: "Lead Kindly Light", "Rock of Ages" and "O Love that will not let me go". The pall bearers, all old friends, were L. R. Cliffe, J. W. McKenzie Sr., W. Duncan, Frank Childs, T. Beckensell and W. Swan. Mrs Annand presided at the organ.

Floral tributaes were many and beautiful.


They had the following children:


295 i. Walter Wallace Piercy

296 ii. George Martin "Dodd" Piercy
297 iii. Lillian Jane Piercy
298 iv. Edith Sarah Piercy
299 v. Bessie Lavina Piercy
300 vi. Alfred Warden "Ward" Piercy
301 vii. Minnie Irene Piercy

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

60. Matthew Piercy

 

Son of Walter Piercy & Sarah Swan. Born 10 Apr 1859 in Harvey. Christen 29 May 1859 in Harvey Presbyterian Church. Died 4 Nov 1949 in Loma, Montana. Buried in Riverside Cemetery.

Matthew and Ellen moved to Fort Benton, Montana in 1899. They had three children, born in Harvey.

 

Copied from newspaper obituary - 1949:
Chouteau County Resident For 50 Years Passes Away
Matthew Piercy, of Loma, Passed Away At His Home Friday Night; Was 90 Years Of Age.
Matthew Piercy, a resident of Chouteau County for more than a half century, passed away at his home a mile south of Loma on last Friday evening about 7:30. Mr Piercy had been in his usual good health, being a visitor in Fort Benton on Thursday with friends, Friday morning he did not feel too well and remained around the house and in the afternoon he became rather listless and drowsy and late in the afternoon slept quite a little and appeared to go into a semi-coma although he would rouse up and talk a little with his daughter and son. He slipped peacefully away at about 7:30 pm.

Mr Piercy had lived a full and peaceful life, being a little past 90 years of age. He was loved and respected by all who knew him and his passing will be mourned by a large circle of friends throughout the country.

He was born in Harvey Station, in New Brunswick, Canada, on April 10, 1859, where he grew to young manhood and was united in marriage to Ellen Embleton there on May 9, 1883. He moved with his family to Fort Benton in 1899, arriving here May 5th. He lived in Fort Benton and was employed for about eight years by the T. C. Power & Bro. Ltd., company and cared for the horses used by the company and operated the depot freight line for them. Leaving there he was employed for about two years by Wallace Chase as manager of their lumber yard.

 

In 1911 he took up the present Piercy ranch as a homestead and has resided there continuously since. He retired from active work about ten years ago.

He leaves to mourn his passing two children, Alvan Piercy, of Loma, and Mrs Elizabeth Ross, of Seattle, who has been with him since 1943. He was preceded in death by his wife, who passed away in 1916 and by a son, Artell, who passed away in 1947. Also surviving are two granddaughters, Mrs Mark (Elizabeth Ross) Gabrielson of Seattle, and Mrs Richard (June Piercy) Ballinger, of Lancaster, California, and one great granddaughter, Christine Ballinger, of Lancaster, and by an older brother, Harry, of British Columbia, and a sister, Mrs Sarah Coburn of New Brunswick, Canada, and several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock from the Benton Funeral Home with Rev. Hugh S. Herbert, pastor of the Methodist Church conducting the services. Burial was made in the family plot at Riverside cemetery. The relatives have the sincere sympathy of all in the passing of this old time county resident.

 

He married Eleanor Camilla "Ellen" Embleton, daughter of Robert Embleton & Elizabeth "Betsy" Wilson, 9 May 1883 in York Co., NB By Robert Nevin, Presbyterian . Born 23 Jan 1863 in Harvey. Christen 29 Mar 1863 in Harvey Presbyterian Church. Died 1916 in Montana.
Witnesses to marriage were Walter Piercy and Mary Embleton.


They had the following children:


302 i. Robert "Alvin" Piercy
303 ii. Elizabeth Camilla Piercy
304 iii. James "Artall" Piercy

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

61. Isabella Piercy

 

Daughter of Walter Piercy & Sarah Swan. Born 21 Jan 1861 in Harvey. Died 21 Feb 1861 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

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Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

62. Margaret Jane "Maggie" Piercy

Daughter of Walter Piercy & Sarah Swan. Born 25 Dec 1861 in Harvey. Christen 13 Apr 1862 in Harvey Presbyterian Church. Died 12 Feb 1912 in Cambridge, Mass. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

From The Daily Telegraph, Saint John, 29 Dec 1886: “Married at residence of bride's mother, 23rd Dec., by Rev. J. A. McLean, B.A., Wallace Fanjoy, Portland (St. John) and Maggie Piercy, Harvey.”

Witnesses to marriage were Christina Piercy and John McLean.
Maggie and her husband Wallace Fanjoy had four children, all born in Harvey. They moved to Massachusetts, USA. Maggie died in Cambridge, Mass., and is buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

She married Wallace DeForest Fanjoy, 23 Dec 1886 in Harvey, York Co., NB. Born 21 Sep 1857. Died 10 Oct 1926 in Quincy, Mass. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.


They had the following children:
305 i. Sarah "Ellen" Fanjoy
306 ii. Gladys Wilhelmina Fanjoy
307 iii. Edith Christina Fanjoy
308 iv. William Alexander Fanjoy

62

Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

63. Walter Piercy

 

Son of Walter Piercy & Sarah Swan. Born 17 Jan 1864 in Harvey. Christen 15 May 1864 in Harvey Presbyterian Church. Died 6 Feb 1939 in McAdam. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian.

From The Daily Telegraph, Saint John, 21 Feb 1889: “Married Harvey (York Co.) 13th inst., by Rev. J. A. McLean, B.A., Walter Piercy and Teressa Coburn, both of Harvey.”

 

From newspaper obituary - 10 Feb 1939:
Friends in Harvey were shocked to learn of the passing of Walter Piercy, a life long resident of this place, which occurred at McAdam Junction on the evening of Feb 6th following a brief illness. He was a son of the late Walter and Sarah (Swan) Piercy and was born on Jan 17, 1864, one of a family of twelve children.


He was engaged in farming at Manners Sutton and had been a member of the board of assessors and secretary to the board of school trustees in his home parish for more than 25 years. He was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church.

He married Tressa Bertina Coburn, daughter of Thomas Cockburn (Coburn) & Nancy Johnston, 13 Feb 1889 in Harvey, York Co., NB . Born 15 Jul 1865 in Harvey. Christen 24 Jan 1866 in Harvey Presbyterian Church. Died May 1965 in McAdam. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.

From Harvey Presbyterian Church baptism records: Teresa Bertine, born 18 Jul 1865, baptized 24 Jan 1866, parents: John and Nancy Dorcas.

Tressa Bertina Coburn was the daughter of Nancy Johnston Coburn and her second husband, John Dorcas, but she always used the "Coburn" surname. (No further information on her father, John Dorcas, perhaps died when she was very young.)

 

From newspaper obituary - 1965:
The largely attended funeral service for Mrs Tressa Bertina Piercy of Harvey Sta., wife of the late Walter Piercy, was held at Knox Presbyterian Church, Harvey Sta., with Rev. S. R. Jackson officiating, assisted by Rev. J. Murdock Fraser of St. Paul's United Church, McAdam.
Pallbearers were five grandchildren, Walter, Cecil and LeRoy Piercy, Guy Swan and Roland Coburn, and a great grandchild, Donnie Phillips. Interment was in Harvey Station Cemetery.


Mrs Piercy's death occurred at MacLean Memorial Hospital, McAdam at age of 99. A native of Harvey Sta., she was the last of the six member family of John and Nancy (Johnston) Coburn.

 

They had the following children:


309 i. Guy Irvine Walter Piercy
310 ii. James Oscar Piercy
311 iii. Dora Bertina Piercy

dora, alice, stepeh, inez, edith.jpg

Tressa and Walter Piercy.

Tressa Bertina Coburn  
Born July 15, 1865 died May 11, 1965
Daughter of Nancy Johnston Coburn

Walter Piercy  
Born January 17, 1864 died February 6, 1939
Son of Walter Piercy and Sarah Swan
Married on February 13, 1887

Three children-

Dora Bertina Piercy 
Born November 7, 1900
Daughter of Walter Piercy and Tressa Coburn.
Married to Clarence Kelley Swan ( son of Alexander Swan and
Annie Burrell)

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

William " Stephen " Russell Swan 
Born December 12, 1894
Son of Alexander Swan and Annie Burrell.

Inez Pearls Bell 
Born March 6, 1913
Daughter of Charles Bell and Margaret Messer.
Married to Stephen Swan,

Edith Annie Richardson Messer 
Born May 19, 1896 
Daughter of William messer and Isabel Torrence. 
Married to Alexander " Roy" Swan (son of alexander Swan and 
Annie Burrell)

walter and tress piercy.jpg
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Descendents of Thomas Piercy (ca 1760 - unknown)
and Elizabeth Unknown (unknown)

Fourth Immigrant Generation

64. Isabella Christina "Tina" Piercy

Daughter of Walter Piercy & Sarah Swan. Born 18 Dec 1865 in Harvey. Christen 13 May 1866 in Harvey Presbyterian Church. Died 21 Jul 1948 in Tweedside. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.
Tina and Tom Burrell lived on a farm in Tweedside.

 

From newspaper obituary - 1948:
Died At Harvey
Mrs Christina I. Burrell, Outstanding Citizen of Harvey, Ill Few Hours.
Harvey, July 2 -- Many friends were shocked to hear of the death of Mrs Christina I. Burrell at her home in Tweedside. Stricken with a severe heart attack on Wednesday afternoon, July 21st, she failed to rally, passing away at 11 o'clock that night. Though in poor health for the past five years Mrs Burrell had been quite active and on the morning she became ill had enjoyed a motor drive with her grandson. She was born at Manners Sutton, NB, Dec. 18th, 1865. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs Charles Briggs, one sister, Mrs John E. Coburn, both of Manners Sutton, two brothers, Henry Piercy, Courtenay, BC, Matthew Piercy, Loma, Montana, and one grandson, Thomas M. Briggs, Manners Sutton.

Mrs Burrell was a woman of fine Christian character, ever ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in sickness or trouble. She was a member of Knox Presbyterian Church and a life member of the Woman's Missionary Society. She will be sadly missed by an unusually large number of friends.

The funeral was held on Friday afternoon with a short prayer service at her late home followed by a public service in Knox Church which was well attended. Rev. A. H. Sproule, pastor of the church officiated, assisted by the choir with Mrs Linda Little at the organ. Hymns sung were Lead, Kindly Light. The Lord's My Shepherd, and Abide With Me.

Pallbearers were five nephews, James O. Piercy, J. Edgar Coburn, Stephen Swan, Clarence Swan, James R. Swan, and a close friend, Hazen Patterson. Burial took place in Harvey Cemetery.

She married Thomas A. S. Burrell, son of Isaac Burrell & Elizabeth Nesbitt, 14 Jul 1897 in York Co., NB. Born 16 Apr 1864 in Tweedside, NB. Died 24 Nov 1938 in Tweedside. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian.

 

From newspaper obituary - 1938:
Died At Tweedside
Thomas Burrell, Former County Councillor Died Following Stroke.
Harvey Station, Nov. 28 -- The death of Thomas Burrell, aged 74, took place at Tweedside, York County, on Thursday, Nov. 24th, after an illness of fifteen weeks following a stroke which left him helpless.

Mr Burrell succeeded his father Isaac, on the homestead and spent his entire life as an honored, respected and successful citizen and farmer of the community. He was a member of Knox Presbyterian Church, Harvey, which he attended regularly. He was widely known as an honest and upright man and had the confidence of his fellow citizens in a high degree. For several years he was a member of the York County Council from the Parish of Manners Sutton.


The late Mr Burrell is survived by his widow, formerly Miss Tina Piercy, and one daughter, Mrs Charles Briggs of Manners Sutton, and a grandson, Thomas Briggs.

The funeral was held from the residence on Sunday, November 27th, and was conducted by Rev. Dr. Frank Baird, at present interim-moderator of the Harvey church, and though the day was unusually stormy the attendance was large. There were many beautiful floral tributes.
Interment was in the family lot in the Harvey cemetery. The pallbearers were Hazen Patterson, Stephen Swan, Clarence Swan, Wallace Wood, James Swan, Guy Piercy.

 

They had the following children:
312 i. Sarah Elizabeth Jane "Bessie" Burrell

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