The information below was compiled from
family, and Files of Doug Goff The Hamilton
Lineage of Robert which I have provided a link for
anyone interested in
Roberts Hamilton’s Ancestors. Mr. Goff has kindly given me permission to post
his file. I also consulted genejane
marvelous site for
anyone with
Update June 2010, Wills
below were taken from the website of Jane Wile who has done extensive
Research on Colchester
families please visit her site at www.genejane.com
.
Robert Hamilton, Born Nov 8, 1734 in Vicars
Cairns, Armagh, Ireland. Died Dec 1814 in
now known as Murray's Siding.The link between
the Hamilton's of Colchester County and their ancestors was found in "A
History of the House of Hamilton", by Lt. Col. George Hamilton, a
Solicitor of the
Supreme
Court of England, 1933, as reported by Mrs. Innes and Mrs. Rupert H. Cobbold of
Montreal, descendents of Pierce Stevens Hamilton (son of Robert, of William,
and
journalist of Halifax and an early advocate of the Confederation of Canada,
born 1826, died in Halifax about 1896, through his son Percy St. Clair
Hamilton, writer and journalist in Nova Scotia and
later
in
ancestor
of this branch to be John Hamilton, son of Gavin Hamilton of Bally-gally,
Ireland, third son of Rev. Hans Hamilton, Vicar of Dunlop, of the Raploch,
Also from Doug’s
Hamilton Lineage the below information and Letter.
“,
Robert Hamilton and his wife Agnes Ferguson left
behind."This
letter was from Robert's brother William in
"Dear Brothers, This comes to let you know that I am in good
health, and my
family at present, thanks to God. I hope that this will find you and
families
the same. I will acquaint you that your sister Jane is dead, and her
daughter,
may let Esther know that her sister Simpson is dead, and her mother. I
had an
account since you wrote, that you were all well. The rest of the __?__
and John
Rowan are still in good health. I hope that you will write as soonas
this comes
to your hand, and please to tell us of the affairs of that country, and
how you
would advise my sons as they are thinking of going to it if you would
send them
any encouragement. Please let me know how John Hamilton's daughter is.
The
Fergusons are all well and they will write you. I have written you
several
times, but received no answer these two years. I have nothing more to
inform you
of, only that there has been some disturbances for these three years
past
between the Protestants and the Papists. Every means has been taken to
settle
them my gentle means, but cannot say that this has come to an end yet.
My wife
and family all join with me in sending our best wishes. Farewell, I am,
Dear
brother, your affectionate brother." (sgd) William Hamilton.”
He married Agnes Ferguson, 1757. She was
born Mar 5, 1739 in
Children:
1. i. William
Hamilton. Born Dec 28, 1758
ii. Mary Hamilton.
Born Jan 21, 1761 in Armagh, Ireland. Died Aug 20, 1847 in Brookfield, Nova
Scotia.
iii.
Margaret Hamilton. Born Oct 4, 1763.
iv. Robert
Hamilton. Born Feb 16, 1765 in Armagh, Ireland. Died Dec 1815 in Upper
Stewiacke, NS.
Married
Oct 27, 1855 Jane Soley b Jan 05,
1805 d Oct 01, 1897
Jane Soley Hamilton
practiced Midwifery in the Area from 1851-1893 delivering hundreds of babies. I
have copy of scanned pages of Jane’s
Record book.
In the death of Mrs. Hamilton "Aunt
Jennie," as she was familiarly called by all, we lose our oldest resident.
She had reached the advanced age of nearly 93 years. The funeral took place
from the Presbyterian church yesterday."
[Truro Daily News - Oct 6 1897]
Last
Will and Testament -
This is the Last Will and Testament
of me Jane Hamilton of Brookfield in the County of Colchester , Widow.
First I will and direct that all my just debts funeral and Testamentary
expences including a grave stone to be erected at my grave where i am interred
to be first paid out of my personal estate.
Second I will and bequeath to my daughter in law Ellen Hamilton widow of John
L. Hamilton deceased, one new sofa, one round candle stand, two mats, a book
called "The Afflicted Man's Compainion"
Third I will and bequeath to my son William S. Hamilton one Bedstead not
painted / one feather bed marked W one under bed marked W my second best
hardwood table one chest two mats, one quilt marked W two sheep four Volumnes
"Burus Justice" and four Volumnes Murdoch's Epitome of the Laws of
Nova Scotia.
Fourth I will and bequeath to my daughter Mary Jane Kennedy one round table one
chest one cane seated Rocking Chair one mirror one red and white bed quilt one
pair linnen sheets one glass sugar bowl one gilded cream pitcher one half
dozzen shina tea plates one half dozzen silver teaspoons two mats a book called
"Browns View of Religion", Crudens Concordance", Warrens
Household Physician" and all my waring apparel.
Fifth I will and bequeath to my son James Hamilton one riding waggon one cow
two sheep one stand of drawers one book case one writing table my best hardwood
tabel one sofa one chest Six cane seated chairs one candle stand one mirror one
half dozen silver knives one half dozen Common knives and forks my every day
bed and bedclothes one white quilt two mats one wash stand and bowl one map of
Colchester County one pocket compass one turned posted bedstead one shot gun
two ox chains two augurs one pung one pair traces one candle stand four Volumes
of Blackstone Commentaries the Laws of England one plan of the township of
Truro one surveyors compass one surveyors chain Halliburtins History of Nova Scotia,
Walkers Dictionary one family record one large pot.
Sixth I will and bequeath to my grand daughter Isabella Jane Hamilton one
feather bed and one under bed.
Seventh I will and bequeath to my grand daughter Mary Ellen Hamilton six
windsor chairs and one stand.
Eighth I will and bequeath to my grand daughter Lucretia Scott one spinning
wheel.
Ninth I will and bequeath to my grand daughter Jane Clark one feather bed and
one under bed and bedclothes of the same.
Tenth I will and bequeath to my grandson John M. Kennedy one long posted
bedstead.
Eleventh I will and bequeath to my children now living three fourths of the
money I may have in the Saving's Bank at my decease the other fourth of said
money to go to my grand children the son and daughters of my deceased son
Baxter Hamilton be equalling divided among them.
Twelfth I ordain and appoint John J. Hamilton, Station Master of Brookfield as
executor of this my last Will and testament.
In testimony wereof I have hereto set my hand and seal and publish and declare
this to be my last will and testament in the presence of the witnesses named
below this third day of May in the year of Our Lord one thousand Eight hundred
and ninety two.
JANE HAMILTON
Signed Sealed published and declared by the said Jane Hamilton as and for her
last Will and Testament in presence of us who in her presence and in the
presence of each other and at her request have hereunto subscribed our names as
Witnesses.
SAMUEL CARTER
MELVILLE CARTER
v. John Hamilton
born Jul 31, 1768 in Armagh, Ireland died Jul 31, 1835 in Brookfield, Nova
Scotia.
He married Elizabeth Archibald
had children Thomas, Robert, Elizabeth, John Jr, William, Hants, Agnes and
Rachel Hamilton.
Son
Thomas Hamilton married Agnes Carter (daughter of William Carter and Agnes Cox) had 8 children-
Daughter
Agnes Hamilton married John Carter b 1800 of Brookfield they
had seven children Elizabeth, Mary, Samuel, Lucy, Henry, Mae, and John A. Carter who married #1 Anna Carter daughter of George and Emeline Hamilton Carter.
Daughter Elizabeth
Hamilton married Edward Brenton
one of their daughters Margaret Barbara Brenton
Married David Carter son of Daniel Carter and Jane Kennedy.
vi. Archibald
Hamilton. Born Mar 19, 1771 in Armagh, Ireland.
vii. George Hamilton.
Born Jan 5, 1774 in Truro, Nova Scotia. Died Sep 13, 1842.
viii. Agnes Hamilton.
Born Apr 26, 1776 in Truro, Nova Scotia. Died 1780
ix. Hants Hamilton.
Born Jan 1, 1780 in Truro, Nova Scotia. Died 1856 in Upper Stewiacke, Nova Scotia.
Second Generation
2.
William Hamilton,(1.Robert1)
born
Dec 28, 1758 in Sagahan, Armagh, Ireland died Jan
20,1836(grave Stena) or Jan 12 1838 (according to Longworth) in Brookfield,
Colchester
Co, NS age 79 yrs or age 81 depending on these dates.
Excerpts-
from Longworth’s Book below pertaining to William Hamilton of Brookfield
chapter 4- Brookfield.
“It was
first settled in the year 1784, 'by William Hamilton and Daniel Moore -
He
emigrated to this province in 1770.His father, brothers Robert and John, and
his sister, accompanied him. They came out in the Schooner "
Captain
Neil McGowan…….
Hamilton's
log cabin was eight miles from any other except Moore's, and was close to a
spring, where his horse drank whenever he chose.
To
the cabin there was annexed a kind of rough shed as a shelter for the horse.
One cold winter's evening, a half-frozen Irishman put up at
this
forest abode for a night's lodging. During the first part of the night, he kept
expressed
a wish that the devil had them. About this time, the horse puts its head
through the rude window of the hut, and made a loud snort. The
Irishman,
greatly alarmed, exclaimed, "What is that?"
imagined,
that
was
under obligations to Mrs. Moore for her help. She went to his cabin every
Monday morning and baked a loaf which supplied him for a week. After kneading
the
dough, she formed it into a beautiful large cake of an oval form, two or three
inches thick, swept clean a hot part of the hearth, and there laid it. She then
spread
over
it, a thin layer of fine cold ashes,and over that a thick layer of hot ashes,
mixed with live burning coals. When the bread had lain long enough, with a
shovel
the
ashes were removed, and it was taken off the hearth. After a little agitation
to shake off the ashes, it was wiped with a cloth, much cleaner that those who
bake
in
brick ovens, or cooking stoves could expect. On the 29th January 1789,
On
one occasion Mrs. Hamilton was six months in Brookfield without seeing the face
of another woman, save her own, and that reflected by a pool of pure spring
water….
When
any settler left his hut for any length of time, he invariably set a trap in
the fireplace and was sure to find a martin in it on his return……..
` Brookfield,
in common with some other parts of the province, was visited by a tremendous
freshet on the 8th day of September 1792. There have been several heavy
ones
since. It is generally admitted by the most aged inhabitants that none has done
the country so much injury as the one that deluged the land at that time.
During
its
progress,
exerted
themselves to save what they could, but the waters rapidly increased, till the
grain on higher lands, and further from the brook were carried away, and not a
solitary
sheaf remained. After the freshet,
In doing so they destroyed all their sickels.
This year Downing and Archibald left…..
In
the year 1792 the
leading
from
tracks
was to be opened at the public expense, and to form part of the
which
should have the preference. The
Lower Villagers, headed by old Lieut. Johnson, insisted on the former being established, whilst the
were
strongly in favor of the latter route. It was finally settled among them by abet of five gallons of rum
that a
time,
than the Lower Villagers could find a man to walk over that of their choice. If it proved contrary to the
expectations of the
road
they desired; if otherwise, they
were to have both. The day and time of starting for the walking match was settled (Long) John Archibald was chosen for
the
route, and William Johnson for that of the
ride,
which he used the best part of the way, as fast as the state of the road would
admit. The result was that Johnson reached
the clearing, and walked about twenty rods
into
as
the
being
made acquainted with the circumstance in
The
name of
addressed
a letter with medicine to John Hamilton,
so
I have addressed my letter to
Hamilton
of Brookfield is the youngest son of the former. His father died
January 20, 1838. His was buried in the village graveyard, and was the first
interment at whose
grave,
a headstone was erected.”
-Last Will and
Testament of William Hamilton.-
In the name of God Amen ~
I William Hamilton of Brookfield, District of Colchester County of Halifax and
Province of Novascotia, Farmer being frail of body but sound of mind and memory
thanks be given unto God for all his mercies calling unto mind the mortality of
my body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, do make and
ordain this my last Will and Testament, that is to say, Principally and first
of all I give and recommend my Soul into the hand of Almighty God that gave it
me and my body I recommend to the Earth to be buried in a decent Christian
burial at the discretion of my Executors nothing doubting but at the general
Ressurection I shall receive the same again by the almighty power of God ~ and
as touching such worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me in
this life I give Demise and dispose of the same in the following manner and
form VIZ ~
First. I give and bequeath unto my beloved spouse Louisa along with the one
third of the Farm which the law allows her during her life time, my old mare
and sucking colt together with a side saddle and bridle which she now owns,
also two cows and a gound heifer likewise whatever spanish Dollars which may be
in my possession at my decease, six sheep and all my swine with the whole of
the House hold furniture to be wholly at her disposal as also the benefit of
the orchard during her natural life time ~ also my Waggon and all the tackling
thereunto belonging ~ and provided that I should deem it expedient to sell the
aforesaid Mare and Colt, then I allow her my aforesaid wife the young Gray
horse ~
Secondly ~ I give and demise to my three youngest sons Robert, William and
Archibald Hamilton their Heirs and assigns for ever the following pieces or
parcels of alnd which I now own in the Township of Truro situate at Brookfield
~ VIZ. Lots No. one hundred and thirty six, one hundred and thirty seven one
hundred and thirty eight and one hundred and forty nine and apart of lot No.
one hundred and fifty one all under letter B. in the second division or back
lands of Truro aforesaid, reference being had to the plan as said Township,
subject mevertheless to the Widows Dower, subject also to Charges and Legacies
execpting also that any payments being made unto the heirs or their order or
any book accounts or notes of hand these said payments or accounts are to be
deducted out of the installments going unto the withing named heirs the lands
to be divided as follows VIZ My son Robert to have the East Beginning at the
S.East corner of Lot No. one hundred and thrity six, thence west along the town
line thirty nine rods and six links to a corner made by Mr. Miller thence North
to the first Po. of line thence West one Rod thence north to the northend of
Lot No. one hundred and thirty Eight, thence Eeast to the North East Corner of
laid lot thence south to the place of beginning ~ Unto my son William I
bequeath the middle share ofsaid lots beginning at the corner of Roberts on the
township line; thence West along said line Forty rods adn Six links, thence
North unto the present road thence along said road until it strikes the upland,
thence along said upland until the spring bridge leaving full access to the
Spring, thence North to the orchard fence thence N.East along said fence unto
the opening of the rowes of apple trees unto a stake thence Westerly unto the
road to a stake adn stones thence Northerly along the line run by Mr. Miller to
the first Bass line, thence west a long said line to the distance of Forty rods
and six links from Robert line, thence North to the North end of Lot No. one
hundred and thirty eight thence Eeast to Robert's line, thence South along said
line to the place of beginning the orchard during his Mother's life excepted,
he being hereby obliged to give his brother Robert a good and sufficient tittle
to half the land I formerly deeded to him according to estimation or land to
the value thereof to be kaken off this last described lot to said William, also
unto Archivald I bequeath the West side of aforesaid lots Beginning at the
Townline at William's corner one Rod east from the corner set by Mr. Miller thence
West along said line to the South West corner of lot 136 thence North along the
line of said Lot unto land I bought from William Carter, thence West along the
line of land until South of the Mouth of Plane Cove thence North to the Mouth
of said Cove thence down the meadow Brook until it strikes the upland thence
east until it crosses the Road thence along said Road until it strikes the line
of Lot No. 136 thence North along said line unto the North West corner of Lot
No. 138. thence Eeast along the line of said to Williams line thence South
following the course of said line to the place of beginning ~ Also I bequeath
unto my sons Robert, William and Archibald Lot No. 149 to be divided equally
between them from Eeast to West in three equal parts on to each of them Robert
to have the North end William the Middle and Archibald to South the South. Said
sons are hereby obliged to keep their Mothers, her third well fenced, also they
are obliged to allow her the house that she now occupies together with the barn
and supply her with fuel for the fire and have it cut up ready to burn for ther
all to continue during her Widow-hood; Also I bequeath unto my daughter Agnes
Soley wife of Samuel Soley her heirs and assigns for ever that piece or parcel
of land which I got from Samuel Soley being part of Lot No. 3 in Down Village
Truro reference being had to the deed I got from Soley, and as touching my
personal property I give and bequeath the same int he following manner and
form, first I allow my books to be divided equally among them all my Children
that are alive at my decease. Secondly I bequeath to my son Aaron the sum of
Ten pounds to be paid unto him by my executors ~ unto my daughter Sarah the sum
of Twenty pounds, unto Loisa my youngest daughter the sum of Twenty pounds ~
and unto my Grand Daughter Loisa Conley a young cow if she arrives at age of 18
years. Also what notes of hand that I hold in my possission, belonging to any
of the Legatees, said notes are to be considered as the first payments going
from my Sons to them, as their legacies herein mentioned as also any book
accounts in like manner ~ Also it is my disire that as for assets may be in my
executors hand, my funeral expences and Legacies and debts to be paid by them ~
Also I Will and allow my son Archibald to pay �10 more that
the other mentioned Robert and William towards the Legacies mentioned within
and it is to be understood that said Archibald is not to pay said �10 to the
executors for the term of Two years after my decease adn then to be paid in Cattle,
Sheep or grain at cash price ~ Also if my personal property should not be
sufficient to pay the Legacies the balance that should remain is to be paid
equally by my sons Robert, William and Archibald in two years after my decease
to be paid in Cattle or grain at cash price, each to pay an equal share, only
that Archibald pay aforesaid Ten pounds extra nore that Robert Hamilton and
William ~ Also it is to be understood that I have retained a Lot of Land No. 93
not Willed away by me as yet; if I should not dispose of it before my decease ~
I allow my executors to sell said Lot to the best advantage and to use towards
paying rxpenses adn Legacies; Also it is my desire that my executors shall not
be obliged to ay anymore than what they actually have in their hands, to the
Legatces for the term of two years except expenses ! Also I do hereby utterly
dis-allow revoke and disannul all and every other former Testaments. Wills,
Legacies Bequests adn Executors by me in any wise before named Willed or
bequesthed. Ratifying and confirming this and not other to be my last Will and
Testament ~
In Witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal this 7th day of August
A.D. 1835.
Signed sealed published pronounced and
declared by me William Hamilton as my WILLIAM HAMILTON
last Will and Testament in my presence and
in the presence of each other hereunto
subscribing our names - Witness present
THOMAS D. RYAN
NEWCOMB SIBLEY
HANS HAMILTON
[Book B - page 160; Colchester Probate]
He married Louisa Thomson,
daughter of Aaron Thomson, Jan 29, 1789. Born 1767 in Onslow, Nova Scotia. Died
Dec 19, 1846 in
Children:
i.
Sarah Hamilton, b. Apr14,1791in
ii.
Agnes Hamilton, b. July 07,1793 in
iii.
Aaron Hamilton b. Jan 20,1796 in
iv.
Elizabeth Hamilton, b. May 24,1798 in
v.
Robert Hamilton, b. Apr30,1800 in
vi.
William
Hamilton, b. Nov 17,1803 in
vii.
Louisa Hamilton, b. Jul 20,1806 in
viii.
Archibald Hamilton, b. Feb 17,1810 in Brookfield, Col,
NS, Can
He married Ruth Stevens they had children Maria, Esther, Alfred, Rhoda,
David, Minerva, Harriet, Theresa, Sophia, and William Augustus Hamilton. William Augustus Hamilton married #1
Mary Ann Yuill and #2 Georgietta Carter
daughter of George Carter and Emeline Hamilton. William (Gus) Hamilton was first cousin Emeline Hamilton Carter
Georgietta’s mother.
See Carter File for Carter
information.
Third Generation
3.
William Hamilton, (2.William2, 1.John1)
born Nov 17, 1803 in
about 1936 and did not accept
her as his own child .It appears from the information below William remarried
when he was 62 and continued having children until he was 70. We have to
presume his second wife was
considerably younger than him.
-Last Will and
Testament -
This is the Last Will and Testament of me William Hamilton of Brookfield in the
County of Colchester, farmer -
Touching the worldly estate with which I have been blessed in this life I give
devise and bequeath and finally dispose of the same in the following manner and
form.
First I will and bequeath to my beloved wife Mary Susan Hamilton all my stock
money debts household furniture and all other personal property of which I may
died disposed for her own use and to be at her own disposal -
Item I will divise and bequeath to my eldest son Benjamin Franklyn Hamilton one
half of all my home-stead farm at Brookfield aforesaid and now in my possession
consisting of lots number one hundred and thirty six, one hundred and thirty
seven, one hundred and thirty eight and one hundred and forty nine (136, 137,
138, 149) my said son Benjamin Franklyn Hamilton to have and take the Eastern
one half of said these first mentioned lots and the north half of said lot No.
149 - said four lots to be equally divided - The said three first mentioned
lots to be divided North and South and the said last mentioned lot East and
West, running a right of way for a cart and team to pass and to pass across the
said lots both upon the upland and intervale to the half of said lots together
with all and singular the buildings improvements and appurtenances to said
several demised lots belonging or appertaining to hold to him the said Benjamin
Franklyn Hamilton his heirs and assigns forever subject however to the right of
way before mentioned and also subject to the payment of a legacy of eighty
Dollars to my daughter Annie Isabel Hamilton herein after mentioned and which
said sum of Eight Dollars I do hereby make chargeable upon said lands and
premeises hereby demised to my said son Benjamin Franklyn Hamilton -
Item I will and bequeath to my son Henry Josephus Hamilton the remaining one
half of my said Homestead Farm situate at Brookfield being the Western one half
of said lots no's 136, 137 and 138, and the south half of lot No. 149 with a
right of way across the lots of upland and Intervale demised to my son Benjamin
F. Hamilton to the same as may be required for the proper use and enjoyment of
said lands hereby devised to my said son Henry Josephus Hamilton together with
all the ways easements commodities and appurtenances to the same belonging To
Have and To Hold the said lots of land and premises with the appurtenances unto
the said Henry Josephus Hamilton his heirs and assigns forever subject to the
payment of a legacy of eighty Dollars to my daughter Elizabeth Florence
Hamilton hereinafter mentioned and which said sum of Eighty Dollars I do hereby
make chargeable upon the said lands hereby devised to my said son Henry
Josephus Hamilton.
Item I devise will and bequeath unto my son David Holmes Muir Hamilton those
lots of land in Brookfield known as Lots No's ninety and ninety one (90 and 91)
being in the Township of Truro to have to him and his heirs forever -
Item I will and bequeath to my daughter Annie Isabell Hamilton the sum of
eighty Dollars to be paid to her by my said son Benjamin F. Hamilton within
four years after attains the age of twenty-one years -
Item I will and bequeath to my daughter Elizabeth Florence Hamilton the sum of
eighty Dollars to be paid to her by my said son Henry Josephus Hamilton within
four years after he obtains the age of twenty-one years. I do hereby further
will and direct that in case that either of my said sons Benjamin F. Hamilton
and Henry j. Hamilton or David H.M. Hamilton should die before they atain full
age and without lawfull issue that the surviving sons or son shall receive take
and hold the lands and premises demised to them or his said deceased brothers
in fee simple subject to the payment of any of the said legacies on such lands
made chargeable - I do also further Will and direct that if either of my said
daughter die under age and without issue that in such case and under such
circumstances the legacy of such deceased daughter shall be divided and paid to
said deceased daughter's or sisters in manner and form and by the persons
hereinbefore mentioned and required to pay the same.
And I do hereby nominate and appoint Daniel Moor of Brookfield aforesaid farmer
and my dear wife Mary Susan Hamilton to be the Executor and Executrix of this
my last Will and Testament hereby revoking any other or former Will Codicil or
Testamentary appointment by me at any time heretofore made -
In Testimony Whereof I have hereto my hand and seal set and subscribed hereto
this third day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
seventy eight.
Signed by the said Testator as his last
Will and Testament in the presence of
us present at the same time who at his WILLIAM HAMILTON
request in his presence and in the presence
of each other have subscribed our names
as Witnesses.
ISRAEL LONGWORTH
NORMAN J. LAYTON
[Book D; page 221 - Colchester Probate]
He married #1 Martha Presley June 01, 1834
Children:
1. i. Emeline
Hamilton born 29 MAY 1835 in
He married #2 Mary
Susan Irwin McShanick March 28, 1865 daughter of William Irwin and Margaret Johnstone,
Mary had a previous marriage to Duncan McShanick,
She
also had a child before marriage to Mr. McShanick Harriet J.B. unknown.
Children:
ii Annie Isabell
Hamilton born Mar 17, 1866
iii Benjamin F..
iv Henry J. Hamilton
born Apr19, 1869
v. David H. Hamilton
Born May 13, 1873
For
Continued Descendants of Emeline Hamilton See Carter
Family Files
