Second Immigrant Generation
Descendents of Andrew Grey (ca 1785-94 – after 1861)
and 1. Mary Watson (unknown– aboard D'arcy summer, 1836)
and 2. Sarah Burgess ( ca 1810 – 11 Nov 1896)
First immigrant Generation
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877)
Table of Contents
pre-immigrant generation
00
First immigranT Generation
01
Second immigranT Generation
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
Third immigranT Generation
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877)
Pre-emigrant Generation
00. Walter Messer
Married to Ann UNKNOWN. Ann’s maiden name is unknown, and a record of Walter and Ann’s marriage has not yet been found.
They had the following known children:
2A i Eleanor
3A (1) ii William
Supplemental Information
Baptisms
Eleanor, daughter of Walter *Meser, (Taylor) and Ann his wife, was born in Tweedmouth 2 Jan 1796 and baptized 24 Jan 1796 by M. Blackhall, Minister, Golden Square Presbyterian Church, Berwick Upon Tweed records.
William, born in Tweedmouth, Northumberland, 4 Dec 1799, Eng. and baptized 19 Jan 1800 by Mr. Blackhall, Minister, Golden Square Presbyterian or Scotch Chruch, Berwick Upon Tweed records
*The spelling of the surname in these records is "Meser".
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877)
First Immigrant Generation
1. William Messer
Son of Walter Messer and Ann UNKNOWN. Born in Tweedmouth, Northumberland, 4 Dec 1799, Eng. and baptized 19 Jan 1800 by Mr. Blackhall, Minister, Golden Square Presbyterian or Scotch Chruch, Berwick Upon Tweed records (The spelling of the surname in these records is "Meser"). Died 21 Sep 1874 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian. Based on William's obituary in the Daily Telegraph (below) his date of birth has often been erroneously listed as 1801.
Map and satellite imagery showing location of Ford, Northumberland where William Messer married Alison Brown in 1826 as well as places where he was born and (some) places where he was variously employed in the 1820's and 1830's based on christening listngs for his children. He worked as a hind at Downham Farm in 1827 and 1829 and at Paston (Pawston) Farm in 1832. See photographs and information on the history of these farms below. Many of his children were christened at Crookham. Google map compiled: Tim Patterson, 27 Nov 2007.a
In the marriage record for William Messer, his wife’s name was given as Alison Brown, married 24 Sep 1826 at Ford by Thomas Knight, Rector, and witnesses to the marriage were Walter Messer and William Brown.
The marriage record was signed by William Messer and Alison Brown, however it is interesting to note that in Sep 1843 NB Land Petition, when asking for land for his son Walter, William signed with an “X”.
William Messer, his wife Alice Brown, and children Elizabeth, 10 yr., Walter, 5 yr., William, 3 yr., and Thomas 9 mo., came to NB with the first settlers of Harvey in 1837. They were first granted Lot 6E, 100 acres in Harvey Settlement, which proved unsuitable for farming. In 1843 they moved to Lot V, fourth tract, north of Frog Lake.
In the 1861 Census, William owned or occupied 80 acres improved and 120 acres unimproved land, cash value of farm, 250 pounds; value of implements and machinery, 14 pounds. Had 2 horses, 5 milch cows, 9 other neat cattle, 14 sheep, 3 swine, and slaughtered 250 lb. pork. Produced 300 lb. butter, 33 lb. wool, 17 tons hay, 300 bu. oats, 25 bu. buckwheat, 5 bu. timothy, 150 bu. turnips, 100 bu. potatoes, and 4 bu. carrots.
The farm that William Messer founded on Frog Lake Road. Source: Tim Patterson, 10 Nov 2007.
From Daily Telegraph, 26 Sep 1874:
Died Harvey Settlement, 21st. inst., William Messer, native of Northumberland, England and emigrated to America in 1837, one of the original number that formed the well known colony in which he died. Having reached the age of 73, he leaves a widow and numerous circle of children and grandchildren.
"The Descendants of William and Margaret Messer 1837-1985" was compiled by Doris Messer; and further research on the Walter Messer and Isabella Speedy family and various branches of the Messer family was compiled by Allen and Stella Messer in 1995. Much of the information from these two sources has been included here with additional information on pre-emigration families provided by Prof. Bruce Elliott, Carleton University.
He married Alice (also known as Alison) Brown, daughter of William Brown, 24 Sep 1826 in Ford, England. Born Approx 1795 in England. Died 19 Sep 1877 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.
Undated tin type image of Alison Brown as an elderly woman (b. ca 1795, England - d. 19 Sep, 1877 Harvey Settlement). Source: Darryl Messer, Harvey, 26 Jul 2007
It was previously speculated that Alice was the daughter of James Brown and Martha Reed of Morpeth, but as more information has been discovered on the family of James Brown and Martha Reed, this possible link became less plausible. The listing of William Brown as Alice's father in the Crookham Presbyterian baptismal records now completely disproves the hypothesis.
Alice's brother, Thomas Brown was 37 years old, and single when he arrived in NB on the Cornelius of Sunderland, with the early settlers in 1837. Thomas Brown died 5 Aug 1859, aged 59 years, and is buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery in the same grave site as Alice and William Brown's infant son James, who died 27 Mar 1845 at age 1 year 6 months (see entry for James for image of grave marker).
They had the following children (see detailed baptismal records for some children below):
2 i. Elizabeth Messer
*2a. ix. Ann b. 20 Feb 1829
3 ii. Nancy Messer
4 iii. Walter Messer
5 iv. William Messer
6 v. Thomas Messer
7 vi. Ann Isabel "Annie" Messer
8 vii. Alice Eleanor Messer
9 viii. James Messer
*Ann was previously undocumented and must have died young prior to emigration as another Ann was later born in New Brunswick. Ann's entry post dates the creation of the entry for the Messer family at this site. Thus the informal designation of 2a ix. She is also not found in the index. Numbering will be revised in the next update.
Gravestone (brown sandstone pillar) in Harvey Settlement Cemetery; Section A, Row 9, Plot 99
(left side)
William Messer, Died Sept 21, 1874 Aged 73 years, Native of Northumberland, England, His End Was Peace; and Alice, his wife, Died Sept 19 Aged 82 years
(facing woods)
Also Thomas, their son, Died July 20, 1860 Aged 23 Years
Supplemental Data
The scan of the letter below provided new information about the genealogical history of the Messer family has been made available by descendant Walter Messer, who had research done at the Northumberland Record Office in 1990. Source Dallas Davis, March 2007.
Baptisms
The Crookham Presbyterian fiche (C 1811-33, A.207) had some of the Messer family as well as the Robisons:
p. 60 MESSOR 25 June 1827 Elizabeth daughter of William Messor, Hind, Downham, and his wife Alice, daughter of William Brown, was born 17 June 1827
p. 69 MESSER 5 March 1829 Ann daughter of William Messer, Hind, Downham, and his wife Ann [sic], daughter of William Brown, was born 20 February 1829 [Ann must have died young, as another Ann was born in Canada in 1840 - BE]
p. 82 MESSER 9 April 1832 Walter son of William Messer, Hind, Paston, and his wife Alice, daughter of William Brown, was born 3 April 1832
William and Thomas, who were also born in Northumberland were not in the record. However, the fiche ends in 1833, so these two children might well be in the later register.
Note that the second entry gives the mother as Ann. This is probably a transcription error, but the three entries are consistent about the mother being the daughter of a William Brown, not the James Brown and Martha (Reed) of Morpeth as has been previously suggested.
mtDNA Test Results
Mitochodrial DNA (mtDNA) is only passed from mothers to their children. Thus all maternal descendants of Alice Brown will carry an exact copy of her mtDNA. Hypervariable Regions HVR1 + HVR2 mtDNA marker values have been otained for Roy Patterson, a direct maternal descendant of Alice Brown through the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation. Roy Patterson and his ancestor Alice Brown are part of Haplogroup T2. Haplogroup T arose in the Near East 45,000 years ago and was in Northern Italy by 17,000 years ago just at the end of the Last Glacial Maximum. Following the retreat of the ice sheets Haplogroup T (Clan Tara in Bryan Sykes - The Seven Daughers of Eve) spread through Europe with the rise of agriculture starting around 10,000 years ago. Haplogroup T is particularly common today in the Urals and other parts of Eurasia, and spottily elsewhere in places like Iceland, western Britain and Ireland where up to 10% of the population belong to this Haplogroup.
mtDNA marker values obtained for Roy Patterson passed down from direct maternal ancestor Alice Brown:
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
second Immigrant Generation
2. Elizabeth Messer
Daughter of William Messer & Alice (Or Alison) Brown. Born 17 June 1827 in Downham, Northumberland, christened 25 June 1827, Crookham Presbyterian Church. Died 26 Sep 1904 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.
Elizabeth came to NB with the pioneer settlers of Harvey Settlement in 1837.
She married Andrew Wood Cockburn (Coburn), son of John Cockburn (Coburn) & Elizabeth "Betsy" Lesley, 9 Mar 1850. Born 27 May 1827 in Eng. Christen 4 Jun 1827 in Norham. Died 19 Apr 1907 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian.
Andrew came to NB with his parents and siblings in 1837 and were among the pioneer settlers of Harvey Settlement.
Andrew and his wife Elizabeth Messer lived in Harvey and were farmers. (The farm was later known as the Fred Hanselpacker farm.)
The 1861 Census for Manners Sutton show that they owned or occupied 40 acres improved land and 260 acres unimproved land; cash value of farm was 200 pounds; value of implements and machinery, 14 pounds. They had 2 horses, 3 milch cows, 6 other neat cattle, 10 sheep, 2 swine, and slaughtered 300 lb. pork. Produced 200 lb. butter; 40 lb. wool; 16 tons hay; 200 bu. oats; 60 bu. buckwheat; 7 bu. timothy; 50 bu. turnips; and 100 bu. potatoes.
They had the following children:
10 i. Alice Leslie Coburn
11 ii. Elizabeth "Lizzie" Coburn
12 iii. Margaret Ann "Maggie" Coburn
13 iv. Charlotte Isabella "Belle" Coburn
14 v. John Wood Coburn
15 vi. Eleanor "Ellen" Coburn
16 vii. William Thomas "Bill" Coburn
17 viii. Mary Jane Coburn
18 ix. Andrew Coburn
19 x. Susanna "Susy" Coburn
Supplementary Data
Baptism
The Crookham Presbyterian fiche (C 1811-33, A.207) had some of the Messer family:
p. 60 MESSOR 25 June 1827 Elizabeth daughter of William Messor, Hind, Downham, and his wife Alice, daughter of William Brown, was born 17 June 1827
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
second Immigrant Generation
3. Nancy Messer
Daughter of William Messer & Alice (Or Alison) Brown. Born 9 Apr 1829 in Northumberland, Eng.
Nancy did not come to NB with her parents in 1837, and it is assumed that she died young in England.
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
second Immigrant Generation
4. Walter Messer
Son of William Messer & Alice (Or Alison) Brown. Born 4 Apr 1832 in England. Died 7 Aug 1886 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian.
Much of the information on Walter Messer, his wife Isabella Speedy and their family is contained in a book, Messer History, put together by Stella Messer in 1995. Other sources used were newspaper obituaries, census reports, church records, and genealogies of other related families.
The 1861 Census showed that Walter and his wife Isabella, owned or occupied 60 acres of improved land and 100 acres of unimproved land. Cash value of farm 200 pounds, value of implements and machinery, 1 pound. They had 3 milch cows, 2 working oxen, 5 other neat cattle, 6 sheep and 3 swine. They slaughtered 200 lb. pork. Produced 200 lb. butter, 23 lb. wool, 14 tons hay, 240 bu. oats, 50 bu. buckwheat, 15 bu. timothy and 70 bu. potatoes.
He married Isabella Speedy, daughter of Thomas Speedy & Isabella Patterson, 22 Apr 1856. Born 14 Dec 1836 in Berwick, Eng. Died 16 Sep 1930 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.
2878. Undated tintype image of "Isabella Messer" Isabella (Speedy) Messer (1836-1930). See 2879 on the right for image of photograph removed from sleeve.
Source: Darrell Messer, Harvey,
Rephotographed by Tim Patterson. 26 Jul 2007.
2879. Undated tintype image of "Isabella Messer" Isabella (Speedy) Messer (1836-1930). See 2878 on the left for image of photograph in sleeve.
Source: Darrell Messer, Harvey,
Rephotographed by Tim Patterson. 26 Jul 2007.
4127. Undated large format crayon portrait photograph of Isabella Speedy b 14 Dec 1836 d. 16 Sep 1930 m. Walter Messer Source: Collection of Vercelia (Little) Gass, Tweedside, New Brunswick..
Rephotographed, cropped and contrast adjusted by Tim Patterson 6 August 2008.
Copied from newspaper obituary - (1930)
Mrs Isabel Messer
Harvey Station, York Co.- Sept 18--The death of Mrs Isabel Messer occurred suddenly at the home of her son, Allen Messer, on Tuesday at 2 p.m. after a few days illness. Mrs Messer was the widow of Walter Messer and was the daughter of Thomas and Isabel Speedy. She was born in Berwick, England, and came with her parents to this country when six years of age. If she had lived until December, she would have been 94 years of age.
Mrs Messer leaves to mourn Mrs Thomas McFarland, Tweedside; Thomas Messer, Coburn; Mrs Isaac Haines, Portland; Mrs Nell C. Clark, Boston; William Messer, Coburn; James Messer, Vancouver; Mrs Andrew Fisher, Boston; Walter Messer, Portland; and Allen Messer, of Harvey Station; also 32 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, two sisters, Mrs Thomas Piercy, of Denman Island, B.C., and Mrs James Rutherford, Tweedside. Thomas Speedy of St. Stephen and John Speedy, Minneapolis, are brothers.
The funeral was held this morning from her late home with a short service at the house and service at Knox Presbyterian Church. Rev. George Knight had charge of the service. "All the Way My Savior Leads Me" and "I Hears the Voice of Jesus Say" were sung by the choir. Mr Knight sang as a solo, "Life's Railroad to Heaven." Pallbearers were six grandsons, Alexander and Wallace Wood, Howard McFarland, Ezra, Glen and Edwin Messer. The flowers were beautiful and numerous. Interment was made in Harvey Cemetery.
They had the following children:
20 i. Alice Isabella Messer
21 ii. Thomas Brown Messer
22 iii. Margaret Ann "Maggie" Messer
23 iv. Elizabeth Messer
24 v. Eleanor "Nell" Messer
25 vi. William D. Messer
26 vii. James R. Messer
27 viii. Sarah "Sadie" Messer
28 ix. John "Allan" Messer
29 x. Walter Messer
30 xi. Walter Atkins Messer
Supplementary Data
Baptism
The Crookham Presbyterian fiche (C 1811-33, A.207) had some of the Messer family:
p. 82 MESSER 9 April 1832 Walter son of William Messer, Hind, Paston, and his wife Alice, daughter of William Brown, was born 3 April 1832
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
second Immigrant Generation
5. William Messer
Son of William Messer & Alice (Or Alison) Brown. Born 1834 in Northumberland, Eng. Died 1914 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian.
William was 3 years old when he came to NB with his parents and siblings in 1837, and the Messer family was among the pioneer settlers of Harvey Settlement.
In the 1861 Census, William was 28 years old, and his wife Margaret was 23 years old, and two children: James Bell, 4 years, and William, 8 mo. They owned or occupied 50 acres improved and 90 acres unimproved land. Cash value of farm was 150 pounds, value of implements and machinery 1 pound. They had 3 milch cows, 2 working oxen, 1 other neat cattle, 5 sheep, 2 swine, and slaughtered 200 lb. pork. Produced 100 lb. butter, 4 lb. wool, 3 tons hay, 200 bu. oats, 50 bu. buckwheat, 40 bu. timothy and 30 bu. potatoes.
For further information on this family see the book, "The Descendants of William and Margaret Messer, 1837 - 1985" by Doris Davis.
He married Margaret Bell, daughter of William Bell & Janet Oliver, 3 Sep 1856 in Harvey Presbyterian Church By Rev. Samuel Johnson . Born 1838 in Harvey. Died Dec 1918 in Tweedside. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.
From York Co NB Marriage Register C 1850-1866 (PANB): Witness to marriage was Thomas Brown.
Undated photograph of elderly William Messer, b. 1834, Northumbrland, England, d. 1914, Harvey and his wife Margaret Bell, b. 1838, Harvey, d. Dec. 1918, Tweedside. Source: Dallas Davis, Fredericton, N.B. Dec. 30, 2008.
From newspaper obituary - 1918:
Harvey Station, Dec 11 -- Margaret Messer, widow of the late William Messer, of Tweedside, died there at the residence of her son, William Messer, on Friday morning last. She was in her seventy-ninth year and has been in failing health for some time. She was a daughter of the late William Bell, one of the pioneers of Harvey. She is survived by six sons and three daughters. Her sons are James, William, Thomas, John, Walter and Oliver, all residing at Tweedside. Her daughters are Mrs Alice Rankine and Mrs Mary Barry, residing in Boston, and Mrs Janet Bulmer, residing at North Bay (Ont.). She is also survived by two brothers and four sisters, John Bell, of Tweedside, and George Bell, residing in Washington state; Mrs Mary Smith, of Thomaston, NB; Mrs T. Hicks (Hawkes?) and Mrs Levi Talbot, residing at Portland, and Mrs Isabel Wilson, residing here. She was a lady of very pleasant disposition and was held in high esteem throughout the community. The funeral, which was held on Saturday afternoon, was largely attended. The services were conducted by Rev. J. F. McKay.
They had the following children:
31 i. James Bell Messer
32 ii. Janet Ann Messer
33 iii. William Messer
34 iv. Thomas Messer
35 v. Alice Brown Messer
36 vi. John Messer
37 vii. Walter Messer
38 viii. Jennette Olive "Janet" Messer
39 ix. Walter Messer
40 x. Ellen Isabel Messer
41 xi. Mary A. Messer
42 xii. George "Oliver" Messer
43 xiii. Margaret Ann Richardson Messer
Entry last updated: 31 Dec 2008
To report errors or to provide additional information please contact Tim Patterson
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
second Immigrant Generation
6. Thomas Messer
Son of William Messer & Alice (Or Alison) Brown. Born 1836 in Eng. Died 20 Jul 1861 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
Died at age 23 years.
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
second Immigrant Generation
7. Ann Isabel "Annie" Messer
Daughter of William Messer & Alice (Or Alison) Brown. Born 1839 in Harvey. Christen 6 Mar 1840 in Harvey Settlement By Rev. Daniel McCurdy . Died 31 Aug 1891 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.
She married John Wightman, son of John Wightman & Mary Davison, 9 Feb 1858 in Harvey Settlement, York Co. . Born Approx 1829 in Wooler, Eng. Died 23 Aug 1891 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian.
PANB #F15552, p. 296: "John Wightman to Ann Isabel Messer on Feb 9, 1858, by Samuel Johnson, witnesses Thomas Brown and Ralph Briggs."
From Centennial Corner, Daily Gleaner 1 Feb 1991 (from Daily Gleaner, 1 Feb 1891):
"John Wightman, of Manners Sutton, is nearing death from a peculiar disease. Some time ago he was treated for cancer, a very successful operation being performed, and it was thought at the time that all danger from this terrible disease was past. But some of the cancer had been left, and caused a rupture of one of the facial arteries a few days since. He bled almost three quarts of blood. It is apparent that the next drainage will cause death, and his friends are dreading the time."
Gravestone in Harvey Settlement Cemetery: In memory of John Wightman died Aug 23, 1891 aged 62 yrs; his wife Annie died Aug 31, 1891 aged 52 yrs. Blessed with death who died in the Lord; (right side) Their daughter Margaret J. died June 10, 1901 aged 27 yrs; also Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Willett, died Oct 29, 1900 aged 24 years, also their infant son Harold. Asleep in Jesus.
They had the following children:
44 i. Alice Isabel Wightman
45 ii. Mary Wightman
46 iii. John Alexander Wightman
47 iv. Mary Ann Wightman
48 v. Elizabeth Wightman
49 vi. William Wightman
50 vii. Eleanor "Ellen" Wightman
51 viii. Margaret Jane "Janie" Wightman
52 ix. Elizabeth "Lizzie" Wightman
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
second Immigrant Generation
8. Alice Eleanor Messer
Daughter of William Messer & Alice (Or Alison) Brown. Born Feb 1841 in Harvey. Christen 13 Mar 1842 in Harvey By Rev. Daniel McCurdy. Died 25 Nov 1928 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
Baptized by Rev. Daniel McCurdy, in Harvey on 13 Mar 1842, name Alison Eleanor.
From York Co NB Marriage Register C 1850-1866 (PANB): Witnesses to marriage were Thomas Messer and Jane Atkinson.
Copied from newspaper obituary (1928):
Mrs Alice Brown
York Mills, NB, Dec 3--The community was saddened by the death of Alice, wife of the late Geo Brown, which occurred Sunday, November 25, at the age of 88 years.
Deceased was one of the oldest residents of Harvey and had been in failing health for some time past. She has left a place in the hearts of her children which can never be filled, being a most devoted mother to all.
She is survived by three daughters and five sons: Mrs Patterson, Tweedside; Mrs Marshall Gass, York Mills; Mrs Simpson Burrell, Millinocket, Me.; Thomas, York Mills; Charles, Harvey; Walter, Boston; Sterling, at home; and Stephen, Vancouver, BC; also 36 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren.
All her children except Stephen, of British Columbia, were present at her funeral, which took place Tuesday, November 27, Rev. H. McLean officiating.
She married George W. Brown, 8 Nov 1859 in Harvey, York Co., NB . Born Apr 1836, Brighthampton, Oxfordshire. Son of Thomas Brown and Sophia Hissey. Christened 24 Mar 1837, Shifford Parish Church (Church of England). Died 23 Dec 1898 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer.
George W. Brown was born in Brighthampton, Oxfordshire, England, came to Harvey Settlement in the 1850s. This community is contiguous with Standlake to the immediate east where family lore indicates that he migrated from (listed as "Standlic* near Burford" in Maxwell and Brown, 1999).
More Information on this family is in a book compiled by the late George Maxwell and the late Ida Brown Swan, "George Walter Brown and Alice Eleanor Messer and Descendants, 1834-1999."
Undated sepia photographic portraits of George Walter Brown and his wife Alice Eleanor Messer. These photographs are interesting in that the crayon composite portrait of this couple below is based on these photographs. It is not known whether the composite was created at the same time as these photographs or at a later date. Source: Carol Brown, April 14, 2007.
Undated large format colorized crayon photographic portrait of George Walter Brown and wife Alice Eleanor Messer. Image on left was rephotographed in black and white in 1984 by Tim Patterson when the image was in the collection of Hazen Patterson of Tweedside. Image had suffered water damage. Image on right was scanned in October 2006 from one of the facscimile prints made in 1984 and the water damage was digitally repaired. The originale image has now gone into the collection of another family. When it can be found and rephotographed a color version will be included here.
They had the following children:
54 i. William Brown
55 ii. Sarah Ann "Annie" Brown
56 iii. Thomas Messer Brown
57 iv. Elizabeth "Lizzie" Brown
58 v. Charles Lister Brown
59 vi. Alice "Ellen" Brown
60 vii. Henry Brown
61 viii. Walter Brown
62 ix. Henry Brown
63 x. George "Sterling" Brown
64 xi. Stephen Brown
65 xii. Ida Isabelle Brown
*In discussions with local people in the Brighthampton-Standlake area in the summer of 2007 it was noted that the general pronunciation in the area was close to 'Standlic' suggesting that scribing of oral history resulted in the mispelling.
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
second Immigrant Generation
9. James Messer
Son of William Messer & Alice (Or Alison) Brown. Born 1843 in Harvey. Christen 27 Oct 1844 in Harvey By Rev. Daniel McCurdy. Died 27 Mar 1845 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
Gravestone in Harvey Settlement Cemetery; Section A, Row 9, Plot 100 (facing highway on north edge of gravel road # 1).
In memory of
THOMAS BROWN
died 5th Aug 1859
Aged 59 years
Also James
son of Wm &
Alison Messer,
died
27th March, 1845,
Aged 1 year & 6 mo
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
10. Alice Leslie Coburn
Daughter of Andrew Wood Cockburn (Coburn) & Elizabeth Messer. Born 18 Apr 1851 in Harvey. Died 14 Sep 1930 in Vancouver. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
Alice raised one child, the daughter of her sister Margaret Ann (d. 4 Nov. 1884) and John D. Little: Maud Anna, b. 16 Oct 1884, in Harvey, and d. 1972 in Vancouver. Both Alice and Maud Anna are buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
Copied from newspaper obituary - 1930:
Mrs Alice Williams
Harvey Station, York Co., Oct 13 -- On the arrival of the Montreal train Thursday morning, the body of Mrs Alice Williams, accompanied by her daughter, Miss Maude Williams, arrived and was taken to the home of Fred Hanselpacker, where the funeral was held at 2:30 o'clock in the afternoon. Mrs Williams and daughter lived in Vancouver. Harvey was Mrs Williams' home when a girl. She was 79 years of age and was the eldest daugher of the late Andrew Coburn and Elizabeth Coburn. She leaves to mourn, Miss Maude Williams, three sisters and one brother, Mrs Alex Burrell and Mrs John Grieve, of Harvey; Mrs Wallace Burpee, Fredericton, and John Coburn, of Vancouver, besides a great number of nieces and nephews and friends. Burial was at the Harvey cemetery, with many lovely flowers from friends in this part of the province. The service was in charge of Rev. J. H. MacLean, of the United Church, assisted by the choir.
She married Thomas Williams, 24 May 1882 in Harvey.
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
11. Elizabeth "Lizzie" Coburn
Daughter of Andrew Wood Cockburn (Coburn) & Elizabeth Messer. Born 17 Aug 1853 in Harvey, York Co., NB. Died 13 Apr 1920 in Boston, Mass. Buried in St. Stephen Rural Cemetery.
From Daily Telegraph, 8 May 1874: "Married at residence of bride's father, by Rev. Samuel Johnson, 7th inst., James Swan and Elizabeth Cockburn, daughter of Andrew W. Cockburn, all of Harvey."
Witnesses to marriage were James Swan and Maggie Coburn.
She married James Thomas Swan, son of James Swan & Jane Moody, 7 May 1874 in Harvey, York Co., NB By Rev. Samuel Johnson . Born 1852 in Harvey, York Co, NB. Died 4 Sep 1920 in Princeton, Maine. Buried in St. Stephen Rural Cemetery. Occupation General Store Business.
James was nicknamed "Waxy Jim", probably because of the type of moustache he wore. Jim and his wife Lizzie Coburn moved to Princeton, Maine when their children were young.
Copied from newspaper obituary - 1920:
There died at Princeton on Saturday, Sept 4, a man loved and respected by the whole community, Mr James Swan, aged 67 years. Funeral services were held at the house on Monday, the 6th, under the auspices of Lewy's Island Lodge F. & A. M., Rev. William Williams, chaplain, officiating. The burial took place in the St. Stephen Rural Cemetery beside his wife, who preceded him by a few short months. Mr Swan was an active worker in the church and in the Masonic Lodge, generous, genial and friendly towards everybody. He had no enemies at all. He came to Princeton from Harvey, N.B. about thirty years ago, bought and managed the Princeton House for several years. Later on he purchased the general store business of the H. L. Buck, where he continued in business to the time of his death. Mr Swan suffered influenza during the past winter and while still weak, Mrs Swan was taken to a Boston hospital for a serious operation from which she passed on. Mr Swan never recovered from the shock of her death and his sickness of the winter. Other bodily complications set in and he gradually wasted away. We shall miss James Swan more and more as a business associate, brother and friend. His rest will be peaceful, no troublesome dreams, worldly worries, can reach him now. He leaves to mourn their loss his sons, Charles H., District Supt. of Schools, A. C., store manager and Guy W., Post Master at Princeton, his daughter, Mrs Fred B. Larner, his brothers, Henry and Alexander, and his sister, Mrs Jas. Coburn of Harvey, N.B. and friends without number all around.
They had the following children:
66 i. Elizabeth "Etta" Swan
67 ii. Arthur James Andrew Swan
68 iii. Lula Jane Swan
69 iv. Charles Henry Swan
70 v. Andrew Coburn Swan
71 vi. Guy Webber Swan
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
12. Margaret Ann "Maggie" Coburn
Daughter of Andrew Wood Cockburn (Coburn) & Elizabeth Messer. Born 11 Oct 1855 in Harvey. Died 4 Nov 1884 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
Maggie had four daughters: Edith Susanna, Margaret Elizabeth "Lizzie", Jennie and Maude.
She married John D. "Jack" Little, son of David Little & Margaret Ann Herbert, 21 Mar 1877. Born 13 Apr 1847 in Harvey. Christen 27 Apr 1847 in Harvey By Rev. Daniel McCurdy. Died 23 Sep 1905 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer.
John did not have a middle name but took the initial "D" as a middle name to distinguish him from other John Little in Harvey at that time. He inherited from his father Lot 5 in the village of Harvey. (Original land granted to William Embleton, and later sold to David Little.)
John was married first to Margaret Coburn and had four children. After her death he married Martha Wilson, and had five children in second marriage.
John and Margaret had the following children:
72 i. Edith Susanna Little
73 ii. Margaret Elizabeth "Lizzie" Little
74 iii. Jane "Janie" Little
75 iv. Maude Anna Little Williams
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
13. Charlotte Isabella "Belle" Coburn.
Daughter of Andrew Wood Cockburn (Coburn) & Elizabeth Messer. Born 12 Oct 1857 in Harvey. Died 19 Dec 1945 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.
Belle suffered a broken hip four years before her death and although operated on she was never able to walk again.
She married John Henry "Jack" Grieve, son of Patrick Turnbull Grieve & Mary Piercy, 3 Dec 1879 in Harvey, York Co., By Edward Roberts . Born 4 Jun 1855 in Parish Of Manners Sutton, NB. Died 8 Aug 1925 in Victoria Public Hospital, Fredericton. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer And Lumber. Religion Presbyterian.
Witnesses to marriage were James Whittle and Alice S. Coburn.
Jack was born on Lot E ( with Pratt Brook running through it) on the Magaguadvic River about half-way between Thomaston Corner and Brockway. He was a farmer and was involved in lumbering. He was also a financier as he held a number of mortgages at various times.
Jack was driving a team of horses when he touched one with a stick to increase speed. The horse kicked and drove the stick against Jack's abdomen causing internal injuries. His injuries resulted in death after several days.
They had the following children:
76 i. Frederick Andrew Grieve
77 ii. Mary Elizabeth "Lizzie" Grieve
78 iii. Alice Bertha "Bertie" Grieve
79 iv. John "Oswald" Coburn Grieve
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
14. John Wood Coburn
Son of Andrew Wood Cockburn (Coburn) & Elizabeth Messer. Born 30 Aug 1859 in Harvey. Died 13 May 1939 in Vancouver, BC. Occupation Lumberman.
John and his first wife, Ellen Little, and family moved to Vancouver Island, BC, approximately 1885. He was a lumberman, and after Ellen's death he married Ellen Cowie in 1899 in Victoria, BC. From his second marriage he had two sons, one was Wallace Coburn, a medical doctor.
In 1901 Census, for Victoria, BC, John was living in Victoria and his occupation was listed as Railroad, passenger con.
From "The Herald", 14 Oct 1893: "John Coburn, of Victoria, BC, is here on a visit to his many friends and relatives. Mr Coburn formerly resided here, but left about 8 years ago, and he now holds a lucrative position on the Vancouver Island Railway."
From "Nanaimo, The Story of a City", published by Nanaimo and District Museum Society, 100 Cameron Road, Nanaimo, British Columbia, 1983. Page 16: "John Coburn, a well-known logger, operated a sawmill at Cassidy in the early 1900's. In 1908 he opened a new logging operation known as the New Ladysmith Lumber Company in East Wellington. His railway covered a total of 12.00 miles with two locomotives and five logging cars. The logs were hauled from Mount Benson to the mill at East Wellington where lumber was sawn. The lumber was then loaded on to railway cars to be transported to Brechin Point Rail Siding. A widely known and colorful engineer on this operation was Charlie Snowdon, nicknamed "Broom Handle Charlie". He ran the first "lokey" on Vancouver Island. In 1926, the business was sold to Nanaimo Lumber Company and the mill was relocated at Quarterway."
(Information from Annabel Cowie to Kenneth L. Coburn -- The BC Archives in Victoria has John Wood Coburn's diaries and papers, which are most interesting. It is not possible to remove them from the Archives so you must travel to Victoria to look at them.)
He first married Eleanor "Ellen" Christina Little, daughter of David Little & Margaret Ann Herbert, 13 Dec 1882 in York Co., NB By Robert Nairn, Presbyterian. Born 3 Oct 1861 in Harvey. Died 6 Nov 1895 in Nanaimo, B.C.
Witnesses to marriage were Ebenezer Little and Ellen Coburn.
Listed in BC Vital Stats as Christina. Died at Nanaimo, BC at age 34 years, on 6 Nov 1895.
They had the following children:
80 i. Lila Maude Coburn
81 ii. Dora Pauline Coburn
He second married Ellen Cowie, daughter of Alexander Cowie & Sarah Hastings, 8 Feb 1899 in Victoria, BC (At The Home Of Her Sister, Mary King). Born 1868 in Ont. Died 4 Jul 1950 in Vancouver, BC.
They had the following children:
82 i. Lorna Mae Coburn
83 ii. Wallace Andrew Coburn (Dr.)
84 iii. Glenn Gideon Coburn
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
15. Eleanor "Ellen" Coburn.
Daughter of Andrew Wood Cockburn (Coburn) & Elizabeth Messer. Born 25 Sep 1861 in Harvey. Died 21 Feb 1934 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.
Copied from newspaper obituary - 1934:
Mrs Alexander S. Burrell
Harvey Station, York Co., Feb 27 -- The death occurred, after a lingering illness, of Ellen Burrell, wife of Alexander Burrell, at her home in Harvey Station on Feb 21. She was the daughter of the late Elizabeth and Andrew Coburn, and was born at Harvey, on Sept 25, 1861. She was a devoted member of the Presbyterian and later the St. Andrew's United Church, and until ill health prevented was an interested and active worker in all women's organizations connected with the church.
She leaves to mourn her husband, three daughters, Mrs Arthur E. Mowatt and Mrs Fred B. Hanselpacker, Harvey Station, and Mrs Harry L. Hicks, Sackville; two sons, Arthur G., Moncton, and Hazen W., with whom she resided; two sisters, Mrs Belle Grieve, Harvey Station, and Mrs Mary Burpee, Nashwaaksis, one brother, John W. Coburn, Nanaimo, BC, and 12 grandchildren.
She married Alexander Smith Burrell, son of Robert Burrell & Ann Piercy, 24 Jun 1885 in St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Fredericton By Rev. A. J. M. Born 10 Nov 1856 in Harvey. Died 6 May 1935 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian.
Witnesses to marriage were Robert Moffat and Mary J. Coburn.
From newspaper obituary - 1935:
Alex S. Burrell, aged 79, Passed Away at Harvey
Harvey, NB, May 9 -- Alex S. Burrell, 79 years, passed away on the 6th inst. He was predeceased by his wife about 15 months ago. Deceased was born and lived all his life at Harvey and leaves three daughters, Mrs Harry Hicks, Sackville; Mrs Fred Hanselpacker, and Mrs Arthur Mowatt, Harvey; and two sons, Arthur of Moncton and Hazen at home, with whom he was living. Funeral was held Wednesday. Service at home was conducted by Rev. A. MacKay, assisted by a quartette composed of Mrs George Speedy, Mrs Edgar Coburn, Robert V. Dorcas and G. Wesley Coburn. Interment in Harvey Cemetery. Pallbearers were Fred Grieve, Albert Hay, Saint John; Russell Moffitt, Arthur Mowatt, Fred Hanselpacker and Gordon Burrell
They had the following children:
85 i. Arthur Alexander Gordon Burrell
86 ii. Alice "Maude" Burrell
87 iii. Russell Coburn Burrell
88 iv. Bessie Louise Burrell
89 v. Annie Norah Burrell
90 vi. Wallace "Hazen" Burrell
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
16. William Thomas "Bill" Coburn
Son of Andrew Wood Cockburn (Coburn) & Elizabeth Messer. Born 12 Oct 1863 in Harvey. Died 22 Sep 1914. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer.
Bill farmed his father's farm, which was later farmed by Fred Hanselpacker. Bill and his wife Hepsy did not have any children.
He married Hepzibah P. "Hepsy" Burpee, daughter of John Burpee & Hannah Savage, 2 Apr 1891 in York Co., NB . Born 12 Mar 1865. Died 1921 in Fredericton. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
Copied from newspaper obituary:
Died from Pneumonia
The death occurred yesterday afternoon at the home of Byron H. Kinghorn, 206 Smythe Street, of Mrs Hepsie Coburn, after a short illness with pneumonia. Deceased was 55 years of age and belonged to Harvey, but for some time has made her home with Mr Kinghorn's family. She is survived by two sisters, Mrs S. B. Jewett, of Sheffield, and Mrs Jackson, of Scotch Lake, and three brothers, George, Miles and Wallace Pickard, of Nashwaaksis. A short service will be conducted at the home of Mr Kinghorn this afternoon at 4 o'clock by Rev J. S. Sutherland, assisted by Rev Z. L. Fash. The remains will be taken to Harvey tomorrow morning by C.P.R., where interment will be made on the arrival of the train.
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
17. Mary Jane Coburn
Daughter of Andrew Wood Cockburn (Coburn) & Elizabeth Messer. Born 30 Nov 1865 in Harvey. Died 3 Jan 1947.
She married John "Wallace" Burpee, son of John Burpee & Hannah Savage, 30 Sep 1886 in York Co., NB By Rev. A. J. Mowatt, Presbyterian . Born 16 Sep 1858.
Witnesses to marriage were Robert Moffat and Mary J. Coburn.
Mary Jane and Wallace Burpee had five children: Roy Coburn, Helen Elizabeth, Jennie Muriel, Howard Andrew, and John Wallace. (John Wallace Burpee d. 10 Apr 1990. His wife was Nancy Hildebrand.)
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
18. Andrew Coburn
Son of Andrew Wood Cockburn (Coburn) & Elizabeth Messer. Born 30 Mar 1868 in Harvey. Died 26 Feb 1891. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Student.
Died at age 23 years, while a student.
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
19. Susanna "Susy" Coburn.
Daughter of Andrew Wood Cockburn (Coburn) & Elizabeth Messer. Born 3 Sep 1871 in Harvey. Died 29 May 1877 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
Susy died of diphtheria at age of 5 years 9 months.
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
third Immigrant Generation
20. Alice Isabella Messer
Daughter of Walter Messer & Isabella Speedy. Born 29 May 1857 in Harvey. Died 3 Dec 1955 in Tweedside. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.
She married Thomas McFarland, 28 Apr 1880 in Harvey Presbyterian Church By Edward Roberts . Born 1853. Died 9 Jan 1931 in Tweedside. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian.
Witnesses to marriage were Samuel McFarlane and Jennie Robertson. Name is spelled "McFarlane" in marriage records.
2889. Undated tintype image of "Aunt Alice McFarland" Alice Isabella (Messer) McFarland (1857-1955). Source: Darrell Messer, Harvey, Rephotographed by Tim Patterson. 26 Jul 2007.
4121. Undated cabinet card of family of Thomas McFarland (b. 1853. d. 9 Jan 1931, Tweedside) and wife Alice Isabella Messer (b. 29 May 1857, Harvey; d. 3 Dec 1955, Tweedsid), d.aughter of Walter Messer & Isabella Speedy. and five of their seven children; John Emery Adams McFarland; Howard Thomas McFarland; Lottie May McFarland; Olive Isabelle McFarland; Harold "Oswald" McFarland
Source: Collection of Vercelia (Little) Gass, Tweedside, New Brunswick.. Rephotographed, cropped and contrast adjusted by Tim Patterson 6 August 2008.
4104. Undated photograph of Alice Isabella Messer (b. 29 May 1857, Harvey; d. 3 Dec 1955, Tweedside), daughter of Walter Messer & Isabella Speedy.
Source: Collection of Vercelia (Little) Gass, Tweedside, New Brunswick.. Rephotographed, cropped and contrast adjusted by Tim Patterson 6 August 2008.
4099. Alice (Messer) McFarland at her 90th Birthday (May, 1947) with siblings and their spouses and children and their spouses.
Source: Collection of Vercelia (Little) Gass, Tweedside, New Brunswick.. Rephotographed, cropped and contrast adjusted by Tim Patterson 6 August 2008.
4099. Alice (Messer) McFarland at her 90th Birthday (May, 1947) with siblings and their spouses and children and their spouses.
Source: Collection of Vercelia (Little) Gass, Tweedside, New Brunswick.. Rephotographed, cropped and contrast adjusted by Tim Patterson 6 August 2008.
4101. Undated World War I era photograph of Howard McFarland, son of Thomas McFarland (b. 1853. d. 9 Jan 1931, Tweedside) and wife Alice Isabella Messer (b. 29 May 1857, Harvey; d. 3 Dec 1955, Tweedside), Source: Collection of Vercelia (Little) Gass, Tweedside, New Brunswick.. Rephotographed, cropped and contrast adjusted by Tim Patterson 6 August 2008.
They had the following children:
91 i. Adeline McFarland
92 ii. Walter "Wilbert" McFarland
93 iii. John Emery Adams McFarland
94 iv. Howard Thomas McFarland
95 v. Lottie May McFarland
96 vi. Olive Isabelle McFarland
97 vii. Harold "Oswald" McFarland
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
third Immigrant Generation
21. Thomas Brown Messer
Son of Walter Messer & Isabella Speedy. Born 17 Apr 1860 in Harvey. Died 28 Mar 1939 in Coburn, NB . Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
2888. Undated tintype image of "Thomas" Thomas Brown Messer (1860-1939). Source: Darrell Messer, Harvey, Rephotographed by Tim Patterson. 26 Jul 2007.
Copied from newspaper obituary - 1939:
Thomas Messer Dead. Well Known Resident of Harvey Station Died at Home of Nephew.
Harvey Station, April 6 -- Friends of Thomas Messer will learn with regret of his passing on March 28th, at the home of his nephew, Ezra Messer, Coburn, N.B. He was ill for a few days of grippe and complications and his death came as a shock to his relatives and friends. He was 78 years of age, a son of the late Walter and Isabelle (Speedy) Messer, and had spent his life here. Mr Messer is survived by four sisters and three brothers, Mrs Haines and Mrs Nellie Clark of Portland, Me.; Mrs S. Fisher of Boston; Mrs Thomas McFarland of South Tweedside; Walter Messer of Portland, Me.; James Messer living in British Columbia and J. Allen Messer of Harvey Station. The late William Messer of Coburn was also a brother.
The funeral was held on March 29th with a short service at the home of Ezra Messer, followed by a public service at 2.30 at Knox Presbyterian Church with Mr Gibson officiating. The choir sang favorite hymns. Pall-bearers were six nephews, Wallace Wood, Ezra Messer, Edwin Messer, Alexander Wood, Basil Messer and Linton Vail. Interment was made in Harvey cemetery.
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
third Immigrant Generation
22. Margaret Ann "Maggie" Messer
Daughter of Walter Messer & Isabella Speedy. Born 17 Jul 1862 in Harvey. Christen in Harvey Presbyterian Church. Died 10 Aug 1956. Buried in Woodford's Cemetery, Portland, Maine.
She married Isaac Haines, 22 Mar 1889 in Harvey Presbyterian Church, York Co., NB . Born 1861. Died 17 Jan 1936 in Maine. Buried in Woodford's Cemetery, Portland, Maine.
They had the following children:
98 i. Minnie May Haines
99 ii. Harold Dow Haines
100 iii. Estella H. Haines
101 iv. Isabelle Olive Haines
102 v. Roland Theodore Haines (Twin)
103 vi. Florence Dorothea Haines (Twin)
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
third Immigrant Generation
23. Elizabeth Messer
Daughter of Walter Messer & Isabella Speedy. Born 8 Nov 1864 in Harvey. Christen in Harvey Presbyterian Church. Died 8 Jul 1920 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.
She married George Thomas Wood, son of Peter Wood & Mary Moffitt, 22 Dec 1886 in Harvey, York Co. By J. A. McLean, Presbyterian . Born 16 Apr 1865 in Harvey. Died 30 Apr 1931. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer.
Witnesses to marriage were Mrs Isabella Messer and Peter Wood.
George died 30 Apr 1931, age 66 yrs. 14 days.
They had the following children:
104 i. John Alexander "Sandy" Wood
105 ii. Walter "Wallace" Wood
106 iii. Peter L. Wood
107 iv. Sadie May Boyd Wood
108 v. Bertha Isabell Wood
Sadie Rutherford, holding Winston Rutherford.
Gilbert Rutherford.
Sadie May Boyd ( Wood) Rutherford.
Born July 7, 1896 died July 24, 1961
Daughter of George Wood and Elizabeth Messer,
Gilbert Thomas Rutherford
Born November 4, 1894 died June 22, 1946
Son of Charlotte " Christina" Embleton and John Rutherford.
Winston " Lewis" Rutherford
Born March 13, 1942 died October 15, 2010
Son of Lewis Rutherford and Ida Little.
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
24. Eleanor "Nell" Messer
Daughter of Walter Messer & Isabella Speedy. Born 19 Dec 1866 in Harvey. Christen in Harvey Presbyterian Church. Died 25 May 1940. Buried in Pine Grove Cemetery, Falmouth, Maine.
Nellie did not have children.
She married Mr. Clark.
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
third Immigrant Generation
25. William D. Messer
Son of Walter Messer & Isabella Speedy. Born 8 Feb 1869 in Harvey. Christen in Harvey Presbyterian Church. Died 27 Jan 1935 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian.
4296. Undated photograph of "Willie & Fan Messer". William D. Messer was the son of Walter Messer & Isabella Speedy. (b. 8 Feb 1869, Harvey. d.27 Jan 1935, Harvey). His wife Frances "Fanny" Wilson was the daughter of Robert Wilson & Elizabeth "Betsy" Torrance (b. 6 May 1878, Harvey, d. 5 Aug 1963, Harvey).
Source: Ross Wood, Tweedside, Harvey, York Co., N.B. Rephotographed, by Tim Patterson7 Aug 2008.
Lived in Harvey, York Co, NB. He died from falling off a hay load when he was 65 years of age.
Copied from newspaper obituary - 1935:
William D. Messer Dies From Injuries. Fell From Load of Hay and Never Regained Consciousness.
Harvey Station, N.B. Jan 28 -- William D. Messer, of Coburn, who was seriously injured on January 17th when he fell from a load of hay, died yesterday at his home without fully regaining consciousness. He was 65 years of age.
The late Mr Messer was one of the best known men in this section of York County and was known in Fredericton and other parts of the Province. He was a kind and courteous man, a good neighbour and father and many will regret his passing.
On January 17th last he was assisting his son in some hay hauling operations and was sitting on the load when the horses suddenly stopped and he was thrown from the load to the ground, receiving injuries to his head which caused him to lose consciousness. He never rallied and the end came yesterday afternoon. He is survived by his widow, formerly Miss Frances Wilson, two daughters, Mrs John Piercy, McAdam, and Mrs Odbur Grant, of Canterbury; one son, Edwin Messer, at home; four sisters, Mrs Thomas McFarlane, South Tweedside; Mrs I. S. Haines, Portland, Me.; Mrs Nellie Clark, Portland, Me.; Mrs A. J. Fisher, Boston; four brothers, Thomas and Allan J. Messer, of Harvey; James P. of Coverdale, BC, and Walter A. of Portland, Me. Two grandchildren also survive.
He married Frances "Fanny" Wilson, daughter of Robert Wilson & Elizabeth "Betsy" Torrance, 19 May 1897 in York Co., NB . Born 6 May 1878 in Harvey Sta. Died 5 Aug 1963 in Harvey Community Hospital. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
Died 5 Aug 1963, age 85 yr 2 mo 30 days.
They had the following children:
109 i. (Female) Messer
110 ii. Bertha Isabel Messer
111 iii. Edwin Glenwood Messer
112 iv. Mabel "Bernice" Messer
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
26. James R. Messer
Son of Walter Messer & Isabella Speedy. Born 22 May 1871 in Harvey. Christen in Harvey Presbyterian Church. Died 23 Feb 1959 in British Columbia. Buried in British Columbia.
Lived in British Columbia.
He married Lillian May "Lily" Ranford, 27 Jan 1926.
4261. Undated cabinet card of James R. Messer, son of Walter Messer & Isabella Speedy. b 22 May 1871 , Harvey. d. 23 Feb 1959, British Columbia. Caption on photograph reads Uncle Jim Messer, Brother of Uncle Allen's. Other two subjects are unidentified.
Source: Ross Wood Album, Tweedside, Harvey, York Co., N.B. Rephotographed, by Tim Patterson7 Aug 2008.
2890. Image of Lily Messer taken April 1st, 1926 based on note on back (see 2891). Source: Darrell Messer, Harvey, Rephotographed by Tim Patterson. 26 Jul 2007.
2891. Image of back of image 2890. "Lily Messer April 1st, 1926" Source: Darrell Messer, Harvey, Rephotographed by Tim Patterson. 26 Jul 2007.
They had the following children:
113 i. Ranford James Messer
114 ii. Gilbert Messer
115 iii. Walter Messer
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
27. Sarah "Sadie" Messer
Daughter of Walter Messer & Isabella Speedy. Born 15 Mar 1873 in Harvey. Christen in Harvey Presbyterian Church. Died 15 Sep 1952 in Boston, Mass. Buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Dorchester, Mass.
Sadie and family lived in Boston, Mass
She married Andrew Jordan Fisher, 15 Jan 1908 in Valley Falls, Rhode Island. Born 28 Oct 1874 in Picton, NS. Died 13 Jun 1951 in Opossic, Boston, Mass. Buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Dorchester, Mass.
4271. Undated cabinet card photograph of "Aunt Maggie (Messer) Haines and Aunt Sadie Fisher - Uncle Allen's sisters", daughtesr of Walter Messer & Isabella Speedy.
Source: Ross Wood, Tweedside, Harvey, York Co., N.B. Rephotographed, by Tim Patterson7 Aug 2008.
4313. Undated photograph of unidentified male subject. Photographer: Lewis 518 Congress St. Portland, Me. There is a brief caption on back that simply reads "Lizzie". The same photograph appears in the Darrell Messer Photo Album. The caption on that photo read "Andrew Fisher?"
Kevin Locke, Harlingen, Texas commented (29 May 2009): the "unidentified male is probably Andrew Jordan Fisher born 28 Oct 1874 Pictou, Nova Scotia died 13 June 1951 Opposic, Boston, MA.
He was the son of George Fisher and Elisabeth (Lizzie?) McDonald
He married Sarah Messer, the dau of Walter Messer and Isabella Speedy. Sarah was born 15 Mar 1873 in Harvey, died 15 Sep 1952 in Boston. Husband and wife are buried in Cedar Grove Cemetery in Dorchester, MA.
Source: Ross Wood, Tweedside, Harvey, York Co., N.B. Rephotographed, by Tim Patterson7 Aug 2008.
Andrew was the son of George Fisher and Elisabeth McDonald.
They had the following children:
116 i. George Jordan Reeve Fisher
117 ii. James Allen Fisher
118 iii. Harold Messer Fisher
119 iv. Harriet Elizabeth Fisher
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
28. John "Allan" Messer
Son of Walter Messer & Isabella Speedy. Born 15 May 1875 in Harvey. Christen in Harvey Presbyterian Church. Died 29 Sep 1966 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.
4297. Undated photograph of John "Allan" Messer. Son of Walter Messer & Isabella Speedy (b. 15 May 1875, Harvey. d. 29 Sep 1966, Harvey), his wife Janet Adella "Della" Mills (b. 11 Jan 1876, Tracy, N.B., d. 7 May 1948, Harvey), and their first child, Calvin Lawrence Messer as an infant.
Source: Ross Wood, Tweedside, Harvey, York Co., N.B. Rephotographed, by Tim Patterson, 7 Aug 2008.
4278. Undated tin type image of "Pop, Uncle Allen and Turtlet (St. Stephen)" "Pop" Wood was a nickname for George Thomas Wood (b. 16 Apr 1865, d. 30 Apr 1931). John "Allan" Messer (b. 15 May 1875, Harvey; d. 29 Sep 1966, Harvey.
Source: Ross Wood, Tweedside, Harvey, York Co., N.B. Rephotographed, by Tim Patterson, 7 Aug 2008.
4113.Undated fishing shot of John "Allan" Messer (b. 15 May 1875, Harvey; d. 29 Sep 1966, Harvey, and wife Janet Adella "Della" Mills (b 11 Jan 1876, Tracy, NB, d. 7 May 1948, Harvey) as well as Harold "Oswald" McFarland and one Allan's sons.
Source: Collection of Vercelia (Little) Gass, Tweedside, New Brunswick.. Rephotographed, cropped and contrast adjusted by Tim Patterson 6 August 2008.
He married Janet Adella "Della" Mills, 14 Sep 1898 in Sunbury Co., NB . Born 11 Jan 1876 in Tracy, NB. Died 7 May 1948 in Harvey . Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
Death date in PANB records: 7 May 1948.
Daughter of Ezra and Elmira Mills of Tracyville, NB.
They had the following children:
120 i. Calvin Lawrence Messer
121 ii. Nellie Leona Messer
122 iii. Ezra Mills Messer
123 iv. Walter "Glenwood" Messer
124 v. Donald "Otis" Messer
125 vi. Roxie Almira Messer
126 vii. Basil Allan Messer
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
30. Walter Atkins Messer
Son of Walter Messer & Isabella Speedy. Born 25 Dec 1879 in Harvey. Christen in Harvey Presbyterian Church. Died 24 Jun 1959 in Portland, Maine. Buried in Pine Grove Cemetery, Falmouth, Maine.
Walter must have moved to Portland, Maine when he was about 20 years old. Newspaper articles indicate that he established his shop in 1899. It was located on Milk Street and was a one-man blacksmith and shipsmithing shop. In the early 1900s, the Messer firm concentrated on the manufacture of wagons, wheels, sleighs and iron work for boats. However, with the advent of motor vehicles, the company switches emphasis to the manufacture of open-sided truck bodies, furniture vans and general van body equipment. In 1947, the company moved to Anderson Street and expanded its service from the manufacture of custom-designed truck bodies to include trailer maintenance and repair. The company is still in existence and carries the Messer name.
It was taken over by Jack Messer at Walter's death. He moved it to its present location on Warren Ave., Westbrook, Me. It is currently being run by his son John Messer. (Note by Stella Messer, in her book on the Messer family, November 1995.)
He first married Ida Jane Carroll, 3 Jul 1897. Born 1 Apr 1874. Died 24 Feb 1915 in Maple Crest Sant, Parsonfield, Maine. Buried in Pine Grove Cemetery, Falmouth, Maine.
They had the following children:
127 i. Carroll Lambert Messer
128 ii. Louise Messer
129 iii. Marjorie Messer (Twin)
130 iv. Marguerite Messer (Twin)
He second married Minnie Feltmate, Jun 1916. Born 3 Jan 1877. Died 13 Jan 1959.
Minnie had a daughter by previous marriage to Mr Snow: Gertrude Snow. Gertrude married Sterling George and had six children--three boys and three girls.
They had the following children:
131 i. John Franklin Messer
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
31. James Bell Messer
Son of William Messer & Margaret Bell. Born 27 May 1857 in Tweedside. Died 21 Sep 1917 in Tweedside. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
Copied from newspaper obituary:
James Messer
Harvey Station, Sept. 22 -- James Messer, a well known resident of Tweedside, died at his home there yesterday morning after a long illness. He was the eldest son of the late William Messer, of Tweedside, and was in the sixty-first year of his age. His wife died some years ago. He is also survived by a number of brothers and sisters. Among them are William Messer and John Messer, of Tweedside.
He married Julia Ann Cecilia Wood, daughter of Peter Wood & Mary Moffitt, 31 Jan 1883 in York Co., NB By Robert Nairn, Presbyterian . Born 1 Mar 1863. Died 15 Jul 1905. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
Witnesses to marriage were George Thomas Wood and Alice B. Messer.
Julia Ann Cecilia died 15 Jul 1905, age 42 yrs. 4 mo. 15 days.
They had the following children:
132 i. William 'Elmer' Messer b. 26 Feb 1884, d. 1945
133 ii. Mary Isabella "Mayme" Messer b. 0 Aug 1885
134 iii. Peter Alexander "Sandy" Messer b. 26 Nov. 1886, d. 1968
135 iv. James Allan Messer b. 26 Sep 1888, d. 1950
136 v. John "Wesley" Messe b. 10 Jul 1890, d. 1979
137 vi. Margaret Ann "Cecilia" Messerb. 27 Dec 1891, d. 1984
138 vii. Minnie May Messer b. 16 Oct 1893, d. 1981
139 viii. Ella Louise Messer b. 5 Oct 1897, d. 1984
140 ix. Jessie Elizabeth Messer b. 11 Apr 1900
141 x. Jennie "Estella" Messer b. 28 Apr 1902, d. 1951
142 xi. Julius "Edison" Messer b. 15 Jul 1905
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
32. Janet Ann Messer
Daughter of William Messer & Margaret Bell. Born 23 Apr 1859. Died 22 Aug 1861.
From church records: Died 22 Aug 1861, age 2 yr. 4 mo., diphtheria.
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
33. William Messer
Son of William Messer & Margaret Bell. Born 30 Dec 1860 in Tweedside. Died 27 Jun 1940 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer, Butcher.
From newspaper obituary - 1940
William Messer Dies at Age 79. Father of York County MLA Passes at Harvey Station
Fredericton, NB, June 27 -- William Messer, father of York County MLA died at his home early this morning. He was 79 years old and had been in failing health for about a year.
Mr Messer was born in Harvey in a home some 360 yards from the one in which he died about 1:30 a.m. today. He was a life long resident of the community. He was a butcher for many years, but retired about 10 years ago to devote his full attention to his farm. Mr Messer was married twice.
He is survived by his second wife, Mrs Isabelle Messer, three sons, Ford Messer, MLA and Albert Messer both of Harvey, and Oscar Messer, St. Stephen; three daughters, Mrs Edmond Swan, Harvey, Mrs Roy Swan, McAdam and Mrs Howard Bliss, Boston, an adopted son Edison Messer, at home and an adopted daughter, Miss Agnes Bell, Boston. The funeral will take place at the home at 2 p.m., to be followed by a service at the Harvey Presbyterian Church at 3 p.m., Rev. Allison McLean will officiate. Interment will be made in the Harvey Cemetery.
From newspaper obituary - 1940:
Died at Harvey Today
The death occurred at Harvey at an early hour this morning of William Messer, one of the oldest and best known men in that section of York County.
He carried on farming and was respected by all who knew him and his death will occasion regret. He is survived by his widow, Mrs Isabelle Messer; three sons, Ford Messer, M.P.P., and Albert Messer of Harvey, and Oscar Messer, of St. Stephen; three daughters, Mrs Edward Swan, of Harvey; Mrs Roy Swan, McAdam, and Mrs Howard Bliss, Boston, Mass., and an adopted son and daughter, Edison Messer, at home, and Miss Agnes Bell, of Boston.
He first married Sarah Elizabeth "Sadie" Rutherford, daughter of John Rutherford & Elizabeth "Bessie" Wightman, 1 Jul 1885 in Harvey Presbyterian Church By D. MacRae, Presbyterian . Born 7 Nov 1864. Died 18 Jun 1893. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.
Witnesses to marriage were John Messer and Isaac Rutherford.
Sarah died at age 28 yr. 9 mos., leaving five children: Bessie, Albert, Ford, Oscar and Sadie.
They had the following children:
143 i. Elizabeth Ethel "Bessie" Messer
144 ii. William "Albert" Messer
145 iii. John Rutherford "Ford" Messer
146 iv. Thomas "Oscar" Messer
147 v. Sarah Mary Isabell "Sadie" Messer
He second married Isabella Torrance, daughter of Robert Torrance & Ellen MacDonald, 12 Jun 1895 in York Co., NB . Born 17 Mar 1855 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Died 13 May 1941 in Tweedside. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.
From newspaper obituary - undated:
Died at Tweedside. Mrs William Messer, 85, Was Born in Scotland--Known For Kindness.
Harvey Station, May 19 -- The death at Tweedside on May 13th of Mrs Isabelle Messer, widow of William Messer, removes one of the most highly respected and oldest residents of this community. She died at her home following a brief illness of pneumonia and complications.
Mrs Messer was a daughter of Mr and Mrs Robert Torrens, having come to this country (at the age of one and a half years) from Edinburgh, Scotland. Last March 17th Mrs Messer observed her 85th birthday. Mr Messer predeceased her 11 months ago. She was a woman of fine christian character and great kindliness and never considered any task too heavy when performed for those she loved. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs Roy Swan of McAdam; three step-daughters, Mrs Edmund Swan, Tweedside; Mrs Howard Bliss, Boston, Mass.; Miss Agnes Bell, at home; four step-sons, Oscar Messer, St. Stephen; Ford Messer, M.P.P., and Albert Messer, of Harvey; Edison Messer, of Tweedside; one sister, Mrs Fred Richardson, of Lebattis, Maine; and one brother, Robert Torrens, of St. Stephen.
They had the following children:
148 i. Edith Annie Richardson Messer
Edith Annie Richardson (Messer) Swan
Born May 19, 1896 died _____
Daughter of William Messer and Isobel Torrence-
Married to Alexander " Roy" Swan.
Eva Victoria ( Hay) Messer
Born April 15, 1890 died 1993
Married to Oscar Messer.
Thomas "Oscar" Messer
Born January 4, 1892 died September 10, 1975
Son of Sarah Elizabeth Rutherford and William Messer.
Married to Eva Hay.
William " Albert" Messer
Born January 22, 1888 died November 1, 1967
Son of Sarah Elizabeth Rutherford and William Messer.
Married to Lillian Embleton.
Elizabeth Ethel ( Bessie) ( Messer) Swan
Born June 1, 1886 died August 8, 1973
Daughter of Sarah Elizabeth Rutherford and William Messer.
Married to Edmond Stephen Swan.
Note --- William Messer was married twice-
first to Sarah Rutherford who died in 1893 and
they had 5 children ( 3 of whom are in this picture)
and then to Isobel Torrence in 1895 and they had 1
daughter Edith - who is in this picture.
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)
Edith Annie Richardson Messer
Born May 19, 1896 died ______
Daughter of William Messer and Isabel Torrance
Married to Roy Swan.( Roy is son of Alexander Swan and
Annie Burrell.
William " Stephen" Russell Swan
Born December 12, 1904 died 1984
Son of Alexander Swan and Annie Burrell.
Married to Inez Bell.
Clarence Kelley Swan
Born May 4, 1898 died March 4 1971
Son of alexander Swan and Annie Burrell,
Married to Dora Piercy.
Sadie Rutherford, holding Winston Rutherford.
Gilbert Rutherford.
Sadie May Boyd ( Wood) Rutherford.
Born July 7, 1896 died July 24, 1961
Daughter of George Wood and Elizabeth Messer,
Gilbert Thomas Rutherford
Born November 4, 1894 died June 22, 1946
Son of Charlotte " Christina" Embleton and John Rutherford.
Winston " Lewis" Rutherford
Born March 13, 1942 died October 15, 2010
Son of Lewis Rutherford and Ida Little.
Collection of Bill and Doris Messer.
This is William Messer b Dec 30, 1861 d June 27, 1940. Married to (1) Sarah Rutherford and (2) Isabel Torrance.
Son of Walter Messer and Margaret Bell.
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
34. Thomas Messer
Son of William Messer & Margaret Bell. Born 11 Apr 1863 in Tweedside, NB. Died 8 Oct 1940 in Tweedside . Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian.
Copied from newspaper obituary - 1940:
Late Thos. Messer
Well known Resident of South Tweedside Passed Away in 79th year.
South Tweedside, N.B., Oct 15 -- The community was saddened by the recent death of Thomas Messer which occurred at his home Tuesday, October 8th after a lingering illness of several months which he bore very patiently always having a smile and a joke for all who called to see him.
He was in the 79th year of age, being born in Tweedside, son of the late William and Margaret Messer, he married Jennie Hood of Magaguadavic and they lived their entire life in South Tweedside, engaged in farming. His wife predeceased him by two years.
The late Mr Messer was a man of fine qualities, very generous and it can be said "that he lived in a house on the side of the road and was a friend to man". His passing has left a vacancy that will be hard to fill.
He leaves to mourn three daughters, Mrs Ernest Irvine, (Gertie) of Plaster Rock, N.B., Mrs Charles Cleghorn, (Maggie) Lake Road, N.B., Mrs Gates Piercy, (Annie) Tweedside, and three sons, Henry, of Tweedside, Robert and Thomas of South Tweedside. One brother, George O., of McAdam and one sister, Mrs Charles Berry of Boston, also survive. One brother William Messer of Tweedside predeceased him by a few months.
He married Jane "Janie" Hood, 6 May 1889 in Harvey, York Co., NB . Born 23 Apr 1866 in Magaguadavic. Died 26 Sep 1938 in Tweedside . Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
They had the following children:
149 i. Gertrude Messer
150 ii. Henry William Messer
151 iii. James "Robert" Messer
152 iv. Margaret Jean "Maggie" Messer
153 v. John Spafford Messer
154 vi. Annie Isabel Messer
155 vii. Mary "Ellen" Messer
156 viii. Thomas George Messer
157 ix. Chester Harold Messer
from the collection of Ruth ( Piercy) Craig, Annie ( Messer) Piercy and Emma ( Messer) Treadwell. ***Annie Isabel Messer b July 7, 1900 d Sept 26, 1972 daughter of Thomas Messer and Janice Hood. - married to Gates Piercy. ****Emma Elizabeth Ellen Messer b Jan 23, 1905 d May 31 , 2007 age 102 daughter of John Messer and Margaret Agnes Moffitt, - married to James Henry Treadwell. ***Annie and Emma were first cousins,- their fathers were brothers.
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
35. Alice Brown Messer
Daughter of William Messer & Margaret Bell. Born 24 Jan 1865 in Tweedside.
She married James Rankine. Born 11 Sep 1863. Died 2 Feb 1937.
They had the following children:
158 i. LeRoy Messer Rankine
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
36. John Messer
Son of William Messer & Margaret Bell. Born 24 Mar 1867 in Tweedside, NB. Died 26 Sep 1937 in Tweedside . Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer.
He married Margaret Agnes "Maggie" Moffitt, daughter of Andrew Moffitt & Margaret "Jane" Piercy, 25 Jul 1888 in York Co., NB . Born 30 Jul 1867 in Harvey, York Co, NB. Died 5 Jun 1921 in Saint John . Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
Copied from newspaper obituaries - 1921:
Messer -- At the resident of her daughter, Mrs W. Fred Clifford, 96 Portland Street, on June 5, Maggie, wife of John Messer, of Tweedside, York County, N.B., leaving her husband, six sons, five daughters, four brothers and four sisters to mourn. Interment will take place at Manners Sutton, York Co.
Mrs John Messer
The death of Mrs John Messer, of Tweedside, York County, N.B., occurred yesterday morning at the resident of her daughter, Mrs W. Fred Clifford. Mrs Messer came to visit her daughter a few days ago to receive medical treatment. The news of her death will come as a great shock to her many friends. She was a native of York County and was fifty-four years of age. The body will be taken to Manners Sutton for interment.
Besides her husband, Mrs Messer leaves six son--Norman and Roy at Coburn, York County; Andrew, of Regina; and George, Leonard and Donald, at home at Tweedside; five daughters--Mrs Fred W. Clifford, of this city; Mrs Charles Bell, of Lake George, York County; Mrs Walter Steed, of Chapleau, Ont., and Emma......(rest of clipping missing)
They had the following children:
159 i. Jannie Maud Messer
160 ii. Margaret "Belle" Messer
161 iii. Norman Alwood Messer
162 iv. Mary "Alice" Victoria Messer
163 v. John "Andrew" Moffat Messer
164 vi. Roy William Messer
165 vii. George Connell Messer
166 viii. Harry "Leonard" Messer
167 ix. Emma Elizabeth Ellen Messer
168 x. Doris Mildred Christina Messer
169 xi. Donald Charles Frederick Messer
From the collection of Jeanette Messer.
John Messer Born March 24, 1867, died September 26, 1937, Son of William Messer and Margaret Bell.
Married to Margaret Agnes Moffitt.
Source - Old Harvey Photos on Facebook - Janet Swan Watson
Wedding picture Roy and Della Messer.
left to right-
Jimmie Swan, Roy Messer, Della (Swan) Messer and Doris (Messer) Davis,
Roy William messer
Born Febraury 11, 1899 died May 18, 1980
Son of John Messer and margaret Ann Moffitt.
Della Maud Swan
Born April, 10, 1900 died July 13, 1975
Daughter of Alexander ( Sandy) Swan and Isabelle Kay Wilson.
Doris Mildred Christina Messer
Daughter of John and Margaret Messer,
B August 8, 1907 died May 8, 1997
Married to Gordon Davis
Source - Old Harvey Photos on Facebook - Janet Swan Watson
Doris ( Messer) Davis.
This photo was her Normal School Graduation picture.
Doris Mildred Christina Messer
Born August 8, 1907 died May 9, 1997
Married to Gordon Davis,
Daughter of John Messer and Margaret Agnes Moffitt.
Source - Old Harvey Photos on Facebook - Janet Swan Watson
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
37. Walter Messer
Son of William Messer & Margaret Bell. Born 21 Mar 1869. Died 22 Feb 1872.
From church records: Died 22 Feb 1872, age 3 yr.
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
38. Jennette Olive "Janet" Messer
Daughter of William Messer & Margaret Bell. Born 15 May 1871. Died 1934 in North Bay, Ont.
She married George Gordon Bulmer, 27 Sep 1893. Born 1875. Died 1965.
They had the following children:
170 i. Margaret Olive Bulmer
171 ii. Mary Ann Bulmer
172 iii. (Male) Bulmer
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
39. Walter Messer
Son of William Messer & Margaret Bell. Born 19 Jun 1873. Died 12 Aug 1932 in York Co., NB . Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
Killed in a truck accident at Rooth.
He married Elsie Mary Stewart, 21 Nov 1905 in Charlotte Co., NB . Died 25 Aug 1932 in York Co., NB . Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
Elsie died as a result of injuries received in the same truck accident at Rooth that killed her husband.
They had the following children:
173 i. Dorothy Mabel Marguerite Messer
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
40. Ellen Isabel Messer
Daughter of William Messer & Margaret Bell. Born 7 Jan 1876. Died 19 May 1901 in Tweedside.
Copied from newspaper clipping (1901)--
Terribly Burned
Mrs Wm Bell of Tweedside Badly Injured--Clothing Caught Fire.
Harvey Station, York Co., May 1 -- A terrible occurrence was reported from Tweedside, this county, yesterday. While Mrs William Bell was attending to her household about noon, her clothing caught fire from the stove.
She made every effort to extinguish the blaze, but was unsuccessful. In great fright she rushed out of the house, seeking the aid of her husband, who was at work in the field close by. Attracted by her cries, he was horrified to find his wife enveloped in flames. With difficulty he got the fire put out, but not before most of his wife's clothing was burned off.
Dr. Keith was sent for and attended at once. He found the unfortunate woman in a terrible condition, being burned nearly all over the body. He did all he could to relieve her suffering, but very little hope of her recovery is entertained.
She married William A. "Bill" Bell, son of John Alexander "Jack" Bell & Jane "Jean" Cleghorn, 25 Dec 1895 in Harvey, York Co., NB . Born 1 Nov 1867 in South Tweedside. Died 29 Jan 1933.
Bill lived on a farm in South Tweedside.
They had the following children:
174 i. George Louis "Louie" Bell
175 ii. Mary Jane Agnes "Aggie" Bell
176 iii. Margaret Ellen Bell
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
41. Mary A. Messer
Daughter of William Messer & Margaret Bell. Born 9 Mar 1878.
Mary and her husband Charles Barry lived in Roxbury, MA, and had two sons, Everett and Cortland.
She married Charles T. Barry, 13 Sep 1905 in Harvey, York Co., NB . Born in Boston.
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
42. George "Oliver" Messer
Son of William Messer & Margaret Bell. Born 22 Jul 1880 in Tweedside, NB. Died 6 Nov 1944 in York Co., NB . Buried in Rockland Cemetery, McAdam.
Oliver worked for the CPR in McAdam, and lived in McAdam most of his life.
Death date in PANB records: 6 Nov 1944.
He first married Jessie R. Taylor, 18 Mar 1903 in Harvey, York Co., NB . Born in Lawrence Sta.
They had the following children:
177 i. Everett Taylor Messer
He second married Mary Apple.
He third married Mabel Karney.
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
43. Margaret Ann Richardson Messer
Daughter of William Messer & Margaret Bell. Born 29 Sep 1882. Died 23 Sep 1884.
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
44. Alice Isabel Wightman
Daughter of John Wightman & Ann Isabel "Annie" Messer. Born 24 Feb 1859 in Harvey. Christen 15 May 1859 in Presbyterian Church, Harvey.
She married Thomas Mowatt, son of Henry Mowatt & Mary, 12 Jul 1888 in Charlotte Co., NB. Born 1852.
Lived in Charlotte County, NB.
They had the following children: (May have had more children.)
178 i. Annie C. Mowatt
179 ii. Bessie Helen Mowatt
180 iii. Percy Wightman Mowatt
181 iv. Frederick Mowatt
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
45. Mary Wightman
Daughter of John Wightman & Ann Isabel "Annie" Messer. Born 10 Jan 1861 in Harvey. Died 31 Jan 1861 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
46. John Alexander Wightman
Son of John Wightman & Ann Isabel "Annie" Messer. Born 20 Mar 1862 in Harvey. Christen 15 Jun 1862 in Presbyterian Church, Harvey. Died 26 Feb 1936 in Tweedside. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian.
Life long resident of Tweedside. Died at the home of his niece, Mrs Carrol Patterson. He played the violin. Unmarried.
From newspaper obituary - 1936:
Died at Harvey, John Wightman, Tweedside Farmer, Died at Home of Daughter (sic)
Harvey Station, Feb 26--The death of John Wightman, aged 74, occurred this afternoon at the home of his niece, Mrs Karl (sic) Patterson, where he had been ill for the last three weeks. He was a well known farmer and a life long resident of Tweedside. He leaves to mourn three sisters, Mrs Thomas Moffitt, Mrs Thomas Grieve and Mrs Frederick Grieve all of Harvey and a number of nieces and nephews.
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
47. Mary Ann Wightman
Daughter of John Wightman & Ann Isabel "Annie" Messer. Born 16 May 1864 in Harvey. Christen 31 Jul 1864 in Presbyterian Church, Harvey. Died 1953 in McAdam. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.
For family details, see "The Moffitts of Harvey Settlement, New Brunswick 1791-1991" by Emerson Moffitt.
From newspaper obituary:
Mrs Mary Moffitt
McAdam -- Mrs Mary Ann Moffitt died at the home of her son, Fred N. Moffitt after an illness of eight months. She was the widow of Thomas Moffitt of Harvey, who predeceased her 25 years ago. Her parents, the late John and Annie Wightman were pioneers of Harvey. The last surviving is Mrs Fred Grieve, of Harvey Station, a sister.
She leaves to mourn six daughters, (Annie) Mrs Ernest Little, (Elizabeth) Mrs Stanley Harris, (Mabel) Mrs Herbert Bull, (Helen) Mrs Horace Nason; (Emma) Mrs Carroll Patterson, (Edna) Mrs Gerald Nason; four sons, Arden and Fred of McAdam, Russell and Roy of Harvey.
She leaves 39 great-grandchildren and 31 grandchildren.
Funeral service was held in Knox Presbyterian Church of which she was a member and interment in the nearby cemetery. The pallbearers were her grandsons, Hazen Little, Ronald Harris, Paul Moffitt, Edward Moffitt, Floyd Moffitt and Carl Nason, all of McAdam.
She married Thomas Moffitt, son of Andrew Moffitt & Margaret "Jane" Piercy, 8 Apr 1885 in York Co., NB By William Ross, Presbyterian. Born 16 May 1859 in Harvey, York Co, NB. Died 23 Dec 1927 in Coburn (Harvey). Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian.
Witnesses to marriage were Robert Moffitt and Alice J. Wightman.
Tom farmed the south half of his father's farm and built a house on the Frog Lake Road side. Tom and Mary Ann had eleven children.
From newspaper obituary - 1927:
Thomas Moffitt
Harvey Station, Dec 26 -- The funeral of the late Thomas Moffitt, of Coburn, who died on Friday morning, at the age of about 70 years, took place Christmas afternoon. Services were held at his late residence and in Knox Presbyterian Church, the pastor, Rev. Geo E. Knight, officiating. There were many beautiful floral tributes. The pallbearers were four of the sons of deceased.
Interment was in Manners Sutton Cemetery. Deceased was a member of Knox Church. He leaves a widow and six daughters and four sons.
They had the following children:
182 i. Annie May Moffitt
183 ii. Andrew "Arden" Moffitt
184 iii. Elizabeth Jane "Lizzie" Moffitt
185 iv. Allan Moffitt
186 v. Mabel Isabella Moffitt
187 vi. Frederick Norman Moffitt
188 vii. Helen Mary Moffitt
189 viii. Thomas "Russell" Moffitt
190 ix. Emma Selena Moffitt
191 x. Roy Sydney Moffitt
192 xi. Alice "Edna" Moffitt
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
48. Elizabeth Wightman
Daughter of John Wightman & Ann Isabel "Annie" Messer. Born 2 Dec 1866 in Harvey. Christen 14 Apr 1867 in Presbyterian Church, Harvey. Died 5 Jan 1877 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
Elizabeth died 5 Jan 1877, age 10 yr., and her brother William died 31 Dec 1876, age 7 yr. 8 mo. Possibly both died of the same cause.
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
49. William Wightman
Son of John Wightman & Ann Isabel "Annie" Messer. Born 26 Apr 1869 in Harvey. Christen 26 Sep 1869 in Presbyterian Church, Harvey. Died 31 Dec 1876 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
William died 31 Dec 1876, age 7 yr. 8 mo., and his sister Elizabeth died 5 Jan 1877, age 10 yr. Possibly died of the same cause.
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
50. Eleanor "Ellen" Wightman
Daughter of John Wightman & Ann Isabel "Annie" Messer. Born 20 Dec 1871 in Tweedside. Christen 10 May 1876 in Presbyterian Church, Harvey. Died 26 Jul 1949 in McAdam. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
From newspaper obituary - 1949:
Died At McAdam
Mrs Ellen Grieve, Well Known Resident of Harvey Had Been Ill Short Time.
The death of Mrs Ellen Grieve occurred at the home of her daughter, Mrs Emery Lister, of McAdam, following a brief illness. Mrs Grieve was the widow of Thomas Grieve of Harvey.
Survivors are two daughters, Mrs Estelle Seavey, Auburn, Maine; Mrs Emery Lister, McAdam; two sons, Lewis, St. Croix; and Charles of Harvey; two sisters, Mrs Mary Moffitt, McAdam; and Mrs Fred Grieve of Harvey. Five grandchildren and three great grandchildren survive.
Prayer service was conducted by Rev. E. P. Wickens, pastor of the Pentecostal Church, at the home of Mrs Lister and the remains was taken to the United Church in Harvey where the deceased had been a life long member. Service was conducted by Rev. A. H. Sproule, pastor of Knox Presbyterian Church. The pallbearers were Oswald, Cecil and Wilmot Grieve, Russell and Fred Moffitt, and Willard Wilson, nephews of the deceased. Many floral tributes were received including those from the St. Andrews Sewing Circle and the Women's Missionary Society.
Interment was made in the Harvey Cemetery.
She married Thomas Patrick Grieve, son of Patrick Turnbull Grieve & Mary Piercy, 5 Jun 1890. Born 25 Nov 1856 in Parish Of Manners Sutton, NB. Died 1 Feb 1948 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer.
From newspaper obituary - 1948:
Died At 91
Thomas P. Grieve, One of Oldest Residents of Harvey, Died At His Home.
Harvey, NB, Feb 6 -- Harvey has lost one of the oldest residents in the passing of Thomas P. Grieve, at the age of 91 years.
Mr Grieve had been in his usual good health until a week before he died. He was stricken with a heavy cold and complications developed, in spite of medical care and tender nursing he passed away on Sunday, February 1st.
Mr Grieve had spent all of his life in Harvey, with the exception of a few years of his early life in California and British Columbia. He retained all his faculties until the end and had a keen memory, could tell many interesting tales of the "old days" and could remember when there was only a footpath through Harvey Station, which is now a very prosperous village.
In June 1890, he was united in marriage with Miss Ellen Wightman, who survives him, and of their union four children were born, all of whom are living, Mrs Estelle Seavey, of Auburn, Maine; Lewis Grieve, of St. Croix; Mrs Emery Lister, of McAdam; and Charles Grieve, with whom he lived, and five grandchildren, Mrs Paul Crandlemire, Lowell, Mass.; Miss Glennis Seavey, Salem, Mass.; Miss Pauline Lister, McAdam, and Ellsworth and Marina, at home; and one sister, Mrs Eleanor Wilson, of Fredericton.
The funeral was held Tuesday at two o'clock with prayers at the home and services from the United Church of which Mr Grieve was a lifelong member. Service was conducted by Rev. W. E. Aitken. Rock of Ages and Abide With Me were sung by a mixed choir and Beautiful Garden of Prayer, solo by Charles Watson.
Pallbearers were Cecil, Wilmot, Fred and Oswald Grieve and Willard Wilson, nephews of the deceased, and Emery Lister of McAdam. Interment was made in Harvey Cemetery.
They had the following children:
193 i. Annie Estella "Stella" Grieve
194 ii. Lewis Roy Grieve
195 iii. Charles Russell Grieve
196 iv. Jennie Elizabeth Grieve
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
51. Margaret Jane "Janie" Wightman
Daughter of John Wightman & Ann Isabel "Annie" Messer. Born 11 Jan 1874 in Harvey. Christen 10 May 1876 in Presbyterian Church, Harvey. Died 10 Jun 1901. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
52. Elizabeth "Lizzie" Wightman
Daughter of John Wightman & Ann Isabel "Annie" Messer. Born 1877 in Harvey. Died 29 Oct 1900 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
From Church records: Lizzie W. Willett d. 29 Oct 1900, age 26 yr.
She married Thomas Willett, 26 Mar 1898 in Charlotte Co., NB.
Name is "Joe Willetts" in marriage records.
They had the following children:
197 i. Emma Elizabeth Willett
198 ii. Harold W. Willett
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
53. Sarah Alena "Sadie" Wightman
Daughter of John Wightman & Ann Isabel "Annie" Messer. Born 16 Apr 1879 in Tweedside. Died 5 Oct 1968 in Swanhaven Nursing Home, Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
From newspaper obituary - 1968:
Mrs Sarah Grieve Laid to Rest
Harvey Station -- The death of Mrs Sarah Alena Grieve, widow of the late Frederick A. Grieve, occurred at the Swanhaven Nursing Home, Harvey Station. She was in her 90th year.
She was born in Tweedside, the daughter and last surviving member of the family of the late John and Annie (Messer) Wightman. Mrs Grieve is survived by five daughters, Mrs W. Bertis Cameron, Hampstead; Doris, Fredericton; Mrs J. Benjamin Swan, Harvey Station; Mabel, Ottawa, and Mrs Frank H. Fenderson, Calais, Me.; four grandchildren, Levurn Swan, David, Robert and Carolyn Fenderson; and several nieces and nephews.
Following prayers at the home, the funeral service was held at St. Andrew's United Church, Harvey Station, Rev. W. L. Randall officiated assisted by Rev. S. R. Jackson.
Pallbearers were Floyd and Murray Moffitt, Edwin Robison, Donald Hood, Earl Grieve and Neil MacMullin. Interment was in the Harvey Community Cemetery.
She married Frederick Andrew Grieve, son of John Henry "Jack" Grieve & Charlotte Isabella "Belle" Coburn, 22 Dec 1909 in Presbyterian Church, Harvey. Born 21 May 1880 in Harvey. Died 20 May 1968 in Swanhaven Nursing Home, Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer. Religion United Church.
Fred was a farmer on Harvey Lake Road, next to his brother Oswald's farm. Both farms were inherited from their father John Henry Grieve.
From newspaper obituary - May 1968:
Fred A. Grieve Laid To Rest
Harvey -- Frederick Andrew Grieve, a life-long resident of Harvey Station, died at the age of 88 at Swanhaven Nursing Home. He was the son of the late John H. Grieve and Isabelle Coburn Grieve.
He is survived by his wife, the former Sarah Alena Wightman and five daughters: Mrs W. Bertis Cameron (Hazel), Hampstead; Doris, Fredericton; Mrs J. Benjamin Swan (Olive), Harvey Station; Mabel, Ottawa; and Mrs Frank Fenderson (Ruby), Calais, Maine; four grandchildren, Levurn Swan, David, Robert and Carolyn Fenderson. Other survivors are two sisters, Mrs Walter Hood and Mrs Roy MacMullin, Prince William Station and one brother, Oswald C. Grieve, Harvey Station; several nieces and nephews.
Following prayers at his residence the funeral service was held at St. Andrew's United Church, Harvey Station. Rev. W. L. Randall assisted by Rev. S. R. Jackson conducted the service.
Pallbearers were Donald Hood, Neil and Medley MacMullin, Earl Grieve, Herbert Howell and Jack Hamilton, nephews of the deceased.
Interment was in the Harvey Cemetery.
They had the following children:
199 i. Hazel Lillian Grieve
200 ii. Doris Mellicent Grieve
201 iii. Olive Bernice Grieve
202 iv. Mabel Winnifred Grieve
203 v. Ruby Elizabeth Grieve
204 vi. Stanley Gordon Grieve
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
54. William Brown
Son of George W. Brown & Alice Eleanor Messer. Born 28 Jul 1860 in Harvey. Died 17 Oct 1888 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
No further information.
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
55. Sarah Ann "Annie" Brown.
Daughter of George W. Brown & Alice Eleanor Messer. Born 20 Apr 1862 in Harvey. Died 24 Aug 1945 in Tweedside. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Religion Presbyterian.
Copied from newspaper obituary:
Death Aged Woman. Mrs James Patterson, Harvey Station, 82, Had Been Ill Long time.
Harvey Station, N.B., Aug 30 -- Tweedside lost one of its oldest and most respected residents on Thursday, August 24th, when Mrs James Patterson passed away at the home of her son, Hazen Patterson. She was 82 years of age and a life long resident of this place.
Mrs Patterson was a member of Knox Presbyterian Church and was active in the work of the church and community until her health failed. During an illness of several years she was tenderly and devotedly cared for by her family, particularly by her daughter-in-law, Mrs Hazen Patterson. She leaved to mourn, two sons: Hazen and Carl Patterson, Tweedside, one daughter, Mrs Alice Lynch, Portland, Me., two sisters, Mrs Ida Burrell, Millinocket, Me., and Mrs Marshall Gass, York Mills, N.B., five brothers, Walter Brown, Boston, Mass., Stephen Brown, Sterling Brown, York Mills, N.B., Charles Brown, Saint John, N.B., and Thomas Brown of Thomaston, N.B. There are eight grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She married James Wesley "Jim" Patterson, son of William Patterson & Sarah Ann Jane Dibblee, 22 Jun 1892 in York Co., NB. Born 29 Feb 1844 in Harvey. Died 19 May 1918 in Tweedside. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer. Religion Presbyterian.
PANB #F15552, p. 565: "James Patterson and Mary Swan on Dec 22, 1864 by Samuel Johnson, witnesses William G. Patterson and Isabella Thompson."
Jim and Mary first lived on Hanwell Road, then moved to Tweedside to the farm later known as the Hazen Patterson farm.
After the death of his first wife, Mary Swan, Jim married Sarah Ann Brown. There were four children from the first marriage, and four children from the second marriage.
Copied from newspaper obituary - 1918:
James Patterson
Harvey Station, May 21 -- James Patterson, a well known and respected farmer of Tweedside, died at his home there on Sunday morning after an illness of more than a year. He was the second son of William Patterson, one of the pioneers of Harvey, and was in the seventy-fifth year of his age.
He is survived by four sons and two daughters and also by his wife. His daughters are Mrs Charles L. Brown, of Manners Sutton and Miss Alice at home. Two of his sons, Hazen and Carrol, reside at Tweedside, William in Boston, and Abner at Rumford Falls, Me.
The funeral took place from his late residence at Tweedside yesterday afternoon and was conducted by Rev. Mr Grant of McAdam, in the absence of the pastor, Rev. J. F. McKay, who has gone to New Glasgow, N.S., to attend the funeral of a relative.
They had the following children:
205 i. George "Hazen" Patterson
206 ii. Carroll McLean Patterson
207 iii. Thomas "Sterling" Black Patterson
208 iv. Alice Arlene Isabell Patterson
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
56. Thomas Messer Brown.
Son of George W. Brown & Alice Eleanor Messer. Born 27 May 1864 in Harvey. Died 16 Jun 1946. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
He married Isabelle Miller, 6 Jul 1887 in York Co., NB By G. Goodrich Roberts, Anglican . Born 31 Mar 1870 in Parish Of Prince William, York Co., NB. Died 18 May 1936. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
Isabelle was the daughter of Robert Miller and Elizabeth.
Witnesses to marriage were Wesley Nichol and Maggie Miller.
They had the following children:
209 i. George B. Brown
210 ii. Lena May Brown
211 iii. Elizabeth Brown
212 iv. Pearl Brown
213 v. Milton Young Brown
214 vi. Margaret B. Brown
215 vii. Mildred Luella Brown
216 viii. Verden Miller Brown
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
57. Elizabeth "Lizzie" Brown
Daughter of George W. Brown & Alice Eleanor Messer. Born 6 Jan 1867 in Harvey. Died 6 Dec 1958 in York Mills. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
Elizabeth's first husband, Frederick Nichol died at an early age, and is buried at Pokiok Settlement. She had one daughter from first marriage, and nine children from second marriage.
Died at age 91 yr. 11 mo., at home of her son Alden Gass.
She first married Frederick John Nichol, 30 Jun 1886 in Harvey, York Co., NB By J. A. McLean, Presbyterian. Born 1860 in Parish Of Prince William, York Co., NB. Died 5 Sep 1887. Buried in Pokiok Settlement Cemetery.
Son of William Nichol and Jane Marsh.
Witnesses to marriage were Annie Brown and Edmund Nichol.
Frederick and Elizabeth lived at Pokiok Settlement.
They had the following children:
217 i. Faye Elta Nichol
She second married Thomas "Marshall" Gass, son of Thomas Gass & Mary Marshall, 26 Dec 1889 in Harvey. Born 26 Apr 1865 in Harvey. Died 10 May 1947. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
They lived at York Mills, NB.
They had the following children:
218 i. Ernest Hazen Gass
219 ii. Harry William Gass
220 iii. Milford Thomas Gass
221 iv. Norman George Gass
222 v. Hazel Alice Gass
223 vi. Ward Patterson Gass
224 vii. Emma May Gass
225 viii. Alden Brown Gass
226 ix. Oswald Walter Gass
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
58. Charles Lister Brown
Son of George W. Brown & Alice Eleanor Messer. Born 6 May 1869 in Harvey. Died 31 Oct 1955 in Lancaster. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Farmer.
Two birth dates for Charles: 28 Apr 1869 and 6 May 1869--not sure which is correct.
Charles and Annie lived on a farm on the Swan Road in Harvey, and had four children. Charles died at the home of his son, G. Colby Brown, Lancaster, N.B.
He married Sarah Ann Jane Dibble "Annie" Patterson, daughter of James Wesley "Jim" Patterson & Mary Swan, 21 Oct 1896 in York Co., NB. Born 23 May 1873 in Tweedside, NB. Died 6 Mar 1931. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
They had the following children:
227 i. Amy May Brown
228 ii. George "Colby" Brown
229 iii. James Roscoe Brown
230 iv. Charles "Willard" Brown
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
59. Alice "Ellen" Brown
Daughter of George W. Brown & Alice Eleanor Messer. Born 2 Sep 1871 in Harvey. Died 5 Nov 1882. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
60. Henry Brown
Son of George W. Brown & Alice Eleanor Messer. Born 10 Mar 1874 in Harvey. Died 18 May 1877 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
61. Walter Brown
Son of George W. Brown & Alice Eleanor Messer. Born 16 Mar 1876 in Harvey. Died 26 Sep 1957 in Gardiner, Maine. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
Walter moved to Boston at an early age, and at retirement was working for the Boston Police Force. They had two children. Walter and Margaret are buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
From funeral home records, died 29 Sep 1957, age 81, at Gardiner, Maine. Remains brought to Sterling Brown's by hearse. Sunday funeral at church.
He married Margaret Milligan, in Boston, MA. Born 1875 in Ireland. Died 22 Sep 1958 in Dresden Mills, Maine. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
Margaret Milligan immigrated to Boston from Glenhay, County Tyron, Ireland.
From funeral home records, died 21 Sep 1958, age 82 yr., at Gardiner, Maine.
They had the following children:
231 i. George Wilson Brown (Adopted)
232 ii. Charles Frederick Brown
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
62. Henry Brown
Son of George W. Brown & Alice Eleanor Messer. Born 10 Sep 1878 in Harvey. Died 2 Aug 1879 in Harvey. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
63. George "Sterling" Brown
Son of George W. Brown & Alice Eleanor Messer. Born 29 Dec 1880 in Harvey. Died 4 Aug 1969 in Harvey Hospital. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery. Occupation Lumbering And Farming.
Sterling and Mary were married at the homestead in York Mills, and had five children.
From the Daily Gleaner, 1969:
York Mills -- Funeral Service for G. Sterling Brown, one of York Mills oldest residents, was held at St. Andrews United Church, Harvey Station, following prayers at the home. Rev. William Randall officiated, assisted by Rev. S. R. Jackson. Interment was made in the Harvey community cemetery.
Pallbearers, all nephews of the deceased were: Milton Brown, Stanley Burrell, Roscoe Burrell, Harry Gass, Alden Gass and Hazen Patterson.
Mr Brown died at the Harvey Community Hospital following a brief illness. He was in his 89th year. He was born at York Mills in 1880, a son of the late George and Alice (Messer) Brown. He was a prominent and well known resident of the area where he was engaged in lumbering and farming for many years.
He is survived by two daughters: Mrs Bert Swan of Harvey Station, Mrs Don Maxwell of McAdam; three sons, Stanley of Oromocto, Woodrow and George of Harvey Station; one sister, Mrs Ida Burrell of Millinocket, Me., one brother, Stephen of North Surrey, BC., 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife Mary (Milligan) Brown in 1958.
He married Mary Anne Milligan, 1 Jul 1908 in York Co., NB. Born 29 Dec 1877 in Clogher, Co. Tyrone, Ireland. Died 17 Jun 1958 in Harvey Hospital. Buried in Harvey Settlement Cemetery.
Daughter of James Milligan and Mary Anne. The family came from Clogher, County Tyrone, Ireland.
They had the following children:
233 i. Ida Jane Brown
234 ii. Stanley Winslow Brown
235 iii. George Walter Brown
236 iv. Woodrow Dougan Brown
237 v. Vernice Evelyn Brown
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
64. Stephen Brown.
Son of George W. Brown & Alice Eleanor Messer. Born 17 Sep 1885 in York Mills, NB. Died 15 Sep 1978 in BC. Occupation Farmer In Cloverdale, BC.
Stephen moved to Vancouver, BC around 1915. He lived on a farm in Cloverdale, BC, later moved to Surrey where he lived until his death. Stephen and Jessie had two children, Douglas Leslie and Irene Alice.
He married Jessie (Benson) Bruton. Born 21 Jun 1894 in South Wales. Died 10 Aug 1964 in Princeton, BC.
They had the following children:
238 i. Douglas Leslie Brown
239 ii. Irene Alice Brown
Descendents of William Messer (4 Dec 1799 – 21 Sep 1874)
and Alice (or Alison) Brown (~1795 – 19 Sep 1877
Third Immigrant Generation
65. Ida Isabelle Brown
Daughter of George W. Brown & Alice Eleanor Messer. Born 9 Nov 1888 in York Mills, NB . Died 14 Oct 1972 in Lincoln Nursing Home, Maine. Buried in Millinocket Cemetery, Millinocket, Maine.
Newspaper obituary - 1972:
NB Woman Dies in Maine
McAdam -- Relatives in McAdam have received word of the death of Mrs Ida I. Burrell of Millinocket, Me., in a Lincoln Nursing Home after a lingering illness.
Born at York Mills, in 1888, she was a daughter of the late George and Alice (Messer) Brown.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Millinocket, the Gold Star Mothers and Loyal Lodge of Orange Ladies. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Donald V. Henry Post, and held life membership in the Onawa Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, and Natomah Rebekah Lodges.
She is survived by three sons: Stanley G. and Roscoe S., both of Millinocket, Donald V. of Portland; two daughters, Mrs. Donald (Nellie) Worchester, Lancoln, Mrs George (Helen) Casey, Millinocket; a brother, Stephen Brown, Surrey, BC, 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Funeral service was held from First Baptist Church with interment in the Millinocket Cemetery.
She was predeceased by her husband Robert Simpson Burrell April 19, 1943 and a son Robert, killed in World War II Mar 25, 1944.
She married Robert Walter "Simpson" Burrell, son of George Piercy Burrell & Isabella "Belle" Coburn, 6 Jul 1910 in York Mills. Born 17 Apr 1881 in Harvey. Died 19 Apr 1943 in Millinocket, Me.
Witnesses to marriage were Annie Burrell and Stephen Brown.
Simpson and Ida lived in Millinocket, Maine, and had six children, George Stanley, Nellie Alice, Roscoe Sterling, Donald Vincent, Robert Theodore and Helen Evelyn.
They had the following children:
240 i. George "Stanley" Burrell
241 ii. Nellie Alice Burrell
242 iii. Roscoe Sterling "Oscar" Burrell
243 iv. Donald Vincent Burrell
244 v. Robert Theodore Burrell
245 vi. Helen Evelyn Burrell
Index
Barry, Charles T., spouse of 41
Bell, George Louis "Louie" 174
Bell, Mary Jane Agnes "Aggie" 175
Bell, William A. "Bill", spouse of 40
Brown, Alice (Or Alison), spouse of 1
Bruton, Jessie (Benson), spouse of 64
Bulmer, George Gordon, spouse of 38
Burpee, Hepzibah P. "Hepsy", spouse of 16
Burpee, John "Wallace", spouse of 17
Burrell, Alexander Smith, spouse of 15
Burrell, Arthur Alexander Gordon 85
Burrell, Robert Walter "Simpson", spouse of 65
Burrell, Roscoe Sterling "Oscar" 242
Carroll, Ida Jane, spouse of 30
Coburn, Charlotte Isabella "Belle" 13
Coburn, Margaret Ann "Maggie" 12
Coburn, Wallace Andrew (Dr.) 83
Coburn, William Thomas "Bill" 16
Cockburn (Coburn), Andrew Wood, spouse of 2
Feltmate, Minnie, spouse of 30
Fisher, Andrew Jordan, spouse of 27
Fisher, George Jordan Reeve 116
Gass, Thomas "Marshall", spouse of 57
Grieve, Alice Bertha "Bertie" 78
Grieve, Annie Estella "Stella" 193
Grieve, Frederick Andrew, spouse of 53
Grieve, John "Oswald" Coburn 79
Grieve, John Henry "Jack", spouse of 13
Grieve, Mary Elizabeth "Lizzie" 77
Grieve, Thomas Patrick, spouse of 50
Hood, Jane "Janie", spouse of 34
Little, Eleanor "Ellen" Christina, spouse of 14
Little, John D. "Jack", spouse of 12
Little, Margaret Elizabeth "Lizzie" 73
McFarland, John Emery Adams 93
McFarland, Thomas, spouse of 20
McFarland, Walter "Wilbert" 92
Messer, Donald Charles Frederick 169
Messer, Doris Mildred Christina 168
Messer, Dorothy Mabel Marguerite 173
Messer, Edith Annie Richardson 148
Messer, Elizabeth Ethel "Bessie" 143
Messer, Emma Elizabeth Ellen 167
Messer, Jennette Olive "Janet" 38
Messer, John "Andrew" Moffat 163
Messer, John Rutherford "Ford" 145
Messer, Margaret Ann "Cecilia" 137
Messer, Margaret Ann "Maggie" 22
Messer, Margaret Ann Richardson 43
Messer, Margaret Jean "Maggie" 152
Messer, Mary "Alice" Victoria 162
Messer, Mary Isabella "Mayme" 133
Messer, Peter Alexander "Sandy" 134
Messer, Sarah Mary Isabell "Sadie" 147
Miller, Isabelle, spouse of 56
Milligan, Margaret, spouse of 61
Milligan, Mary Anne, spouse of 63
Mills, Janet Adella "Della", spouse of 28
Moffitt, Elizabeth Jane "Lizzie" 184
Moffitt, Margaret Agnes "Maggie", spouse of 36
Nichol, Frederick John, spouse of 57
Patterson, Alice Arlene Isabell 208
Patterson, James Wesley "Jim", spouse of 55
Patterson, Sarah Ann Jane Dibble "Annie", spouse of 58
Patterson, Thomas "Sterling" Black 207
Ranford, Lillian May "Lily", spouse of 26
Rutherford, Sarah Elizabeth "Sadie", spouse of 33
Stewart, Elsie Mary, spouse of 39
Swan, James Thomas, spouse of 11
Taylor, Jessie R., spouse of 42
Torrance, Isabella, spouse of 33
Wightman, Elizabeth "Lizzie" 52
Wightman, Margaret Jane "Janie" 51
Wightman, Sarah Alena "Sadie" 53
Williams, Maude Anna Little 75
Williams, Thomas, spouse of 10
Wilson, Frances "Fanny", spouse of 25
Wood, George Thomas, spouse of 23
Wood, John Alexander "Sandy" 104