1878 dedication of Melville church from the Aberdeen Press

The New Kincardineshire Church.– The settlers in New Kincardineshire, New Brunswick opened their new church on New Year’s Day as was sometime ago proposed. The day was fine and a vast crowd of neighbours from considerable distance on both banks of the river St. John attended the service, which was conducted by the Rev. D. M. Macline, D. D., of St. john, who was assisted by the Rev. C. N. Sinnet of Fort Fairfield, State of Maine, and we may add that the latter gentleman was accompanied by a considerable number of visitors from that State. The service commenced at 11 a.m., and by that being part of all the families in the new settlement, and the families long settled on the north bank of the great river, were present, and many friends who had driven on sleighs from distant localities. Dr. Macline opened the proceedings by praise, selecting the Old Hundredth Psalm. He then read II Chronicles, 6th chapter, then Rev. Mr. Melville, minister of the colony engaged in prayer; and Dr. Macline chose for his text Ephesians, chap. 5, verse 3, last clause–“Christ also loved the Church and gave Himself for it.” The discourse is described as very eloquent and was heard by the large audience with deep attention. At its close the 126th Psalm was sung. Next Dr. Macline prayed, and dedicated the building for divine worship. The audience were then addressed by the Rev. Mr. Sinnet, from Maine; and Rev. Mr. Melville, the minister of the colony, gave its history briefly, and remarked that the church, described as a very beautiful structure, had occupied more than twelve months since the foundation stone was placed in building. He said–“To God alone belongs the glory, but the joy and happiness are granted to us all in this good work.” The church was then named “Melville Church,” in commemoration of the great Scotch Reformer of that name, who died an exile from his native land on account of his efforts in favour of Presbyterian principles. Thereafter, Mr. Sinnet remarked that he greatly preferred that mode of conducting worship, both for its efficience and Scriptural simplicity. The 133rd Psalm was sung at the close of his remarks and the last four verses of the 122nd Psalm at the close of the service. Thereafter, the six elders and [seven?] deacons remained and closed the business of the day by a harmonious settlement with the contractors. Preceding the latter business, however, Mr. Watt, in name of the young people of the Kintore Road, presented Mr. Melville, their pastor, with a very fine family Bible. The church is described as in every respect a handsome and commodious building on the ground selected when the colony was formed and which will accomodate the River Bank population for several miles on each side; who are descended chiefly from the families of Scotch soldiers, who were discharged with grants of land and settled there and have prospered; but had neither church nor minister near them during all thse 64 years, and only occasional Sabbath service in a schoolhouse. The new settlement has introduced a new mode of thought, and has been the happy medium of bringing regular religious services to a neglected district. The amount collected for the cost of the church out of the colony was [535?] dollars, with 105 dollars for various matters therewith connected; and the bell, valued at 500 dollars, is the gift of the Anchor Line Shipping Co. of Glasgow. The erection of the church, preceded by two school houses, by the settlers in 6 1/2 years from the arrival of the earlier portion, is the best reply that can be given to the oft repeated statement that the new colonists have not before them reasonable hopes of succes on their own land, that they are rapidly bringing under cultivation.

Pioneer Couple Celebrate Golden Wedding at Washburn, April 30 [1936]

[Transcribed from the Presque Isle Star Herald, May 7, 1936]

On Thursday, April 30th Mr. and Mrs. David L. Duncan celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary. Mr. Duncan and his wife while very young came over from Scotland in the famous Scotch Colony which settled in Kincardine, N. B. in 1873. A whole book might be written of the hardships and also joys of these sturdy Scotch people.
As a young man Mr. Duncan came to Washburn with several other Scotch lads from the colony where they found employment in the Johnson Phair Mill. After three years service in the mill, Mr. Duncan was appointed manager of the business, which position he held for thirty-one years.
In 1886 Mr. Duncan married Catherine Chapman in the Presbyterian kirk in Kincardine built by colonists when first they landed. Mr. and Mrs. Duncan established their home in Washburn where they have since resided. They have six children all of whom are living and helped them to celebrate this event. Namely: Mrs. Guy Durepo of Presque Isle; Mrs. Ernest Umphrey; Miss Bessie Duncan, Harry Duncan, Mrs. Malcolm Umphrey all of Washburn and David Otis Duncan of Presque Isle.
During their fifty years spent in Washburn Mr. and Mrs. Duncan have witnessed many changes in the life of the village. They have always been faithful supporters of the Methodist Church, singing in the choir and holding various offices in connection with the church. In fraternal organizations they have also been active, having been members of Prosperity Rebekah Lodge, Coldvale Chapter, O. E. S. and the Grange.
Mr. Duncan is also a member of the Masonic Lodge and the only living Charter Member of Industry lodge No. 112, I. O. O. F. and has been Secretary for the past 49 years, still holding that office. He has been the town’s efficient postmaster for the past thirteen years until retired by change of administration. Mr. and Mrs. Duncan although getting along in years are both active and in good health.
This crowning event of their lives was celebrated in the I. O. O. F. hall which had been especially decorated by their children and relatives. The color scheme was yellow in keeping with the event and each light was covered with yellow shades. The front of the hall was decorated with ferns and baskets of cut flowers, the latter being gifts to the bride from friends in Presque Isle, which were later presented. The hall was crowded with friends and relatives from far and near. While the crowd was gathering selections by the High School Orchestra under the direction of Miss Eleanor Smith were enjoyed. A violin solo, “I Love You Truly,” was played by Miss Margaret Umphrey, a grand-daughter.
The wedding party marched into the hall to the strains of “Scots Wha Hae,” played by Miss Bessie Duncan, a daughter. The party was preceded by Miss Virginia Umphrey, another grand-daughter who was dressed in Scotish costume and carrying a beautiful basket of sweet peas, a gift from Mrs. Della Stevens of Presque Isle. The attendants were Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Duncan, Sr., and Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Chapman. Each lady wore a beautiful corsage bouquet that of the bride being in yellow and white; Mrs. Chapman’s orchid and white; Mrs. W. L. Duncan, rose and white.
When they were seated the following program was carried out, which needless to say had a Scotch flavor in honor the the Scotch homeland from which they came so many years ago. Mrs. Guy Durepo of Presque Isle, eldest daughter, had charge of the program and in a most gracious manner introduced first the Rev. Gordon Pringle, beloved pastor of the Colony for over 40 years and who is still in active service as pastor of the church. Mr. Pringle came to Washburn especially for this event. He delighted the audience with his quaint old World manner and souvenirs of Scotland which he brought with him. Next came a song entitled “Strolling in the Colony” sung by the children for “Mother and Dad” especially written for the occasion by Rev. Herman A. Clark of Gardiner and set to the music of Harry Lauders’ “Roaming in the Gloaming;” Reading, Mrs. Hannah Rideout; Piano Solo, Betty Russell; greeting from friends including a letter from Rev. E. R. Farrer of Ellsworth, given by David O. Duncan; Vocal Solo, Scotland Must be Heaven, Harry E. Duncan; Tribute to Uncle Dave and Aunt Kate composed by Rev. H. A. Clark and read by Mrs. Kenneth Duncan; remarks by Rev. K. D. Paul of the Baptist Church and Rev. Charles Whynot of the Methodist Church; Vocal Solo, Now Your Hair has Turned to Silver, Stuart Duncan; Highland Fling, Virginia Umphrey; Trio, When I Grow too Old to Dream, Mrs. Guy Durepo, Miss Bessie Duncan, David O. Duncan; remarks, Milton J. Stairs; remarks and presentation of purse of money and flowers, Harry E. Umphrey; response, D. L. Duncan; original poem written by Stuart Duncan of Fort Fairfield, read by Mrs. Henry Russell; A Musical Pleasantry in costume entitled The Old Maids’ Tea Party, given by Mrs. Ernest Umphrey, Mrs. Alex Duncan, Mrs. William Duncan, Jr., Miss Bessie Duncan with Mrs. Malcolm Umphrey at the piano.
During the program a brides’ cake, a gift of Mrs. Bertha Austin of Presque Isle, was presented by Miss Winona Duncan, a grand-daughter.
Following the program an informal reception was held and refreshments of fruit punch and wafers were served. Finally a jolly informal sing of old songs ending with the good old Scotch Song, “Auld Lang Syne,” and “God be With You” as a final number.
Mr. and Mrs. Duncan received many lovely gifts of Pewter, Linen, Glass, Cut Flowers also a generous purse of money.
Mr. and Mrs. Duncan wish to extend a word of thanks to all who assisted in making this occasion such a happy one with special mention to D. M. Barker and O. K. Story.
The day and evening was a crowning event in their fifty years of wedded life as was in evidence by their happy smiles. Heaps of cards, letters and telegrams of congratulations were received during the day.
Among the out of town guest who were present were the following:
Alex Matheson and Rev. Gordon Pringle, Kincardine, N. B.; Mr. and Mrs. Hayden Inman and daughter, Phyllis and Mrs. J. McPhail, Perth, N. B.; Mr. and Mrs. James Chapman and three children, Plaster Rock, N. B. Mr. and Mrs. Orla Higgins and Mr. and Mrs. John Dow and son, Ralph of Mapleton; Mr. and Mrs. Otis Steven, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Graves, Mrs. Zoa Lenfest, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Ryder, Mr. and Mrs. Dexter Chase, Mrs. Bertha Austin, Mrs. J. A. Cooper, Mrs. David O. Duncan of Presque Isle; Miss Doris Kinney, Mrs. Annie E. Osterblom and daughter, also James Cumming of Easton; Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Duncan and son of Fort Fairfield; Mr. and Mrs. Edward Milbury and Miss Dorine Langley of Easton; James Hunter of Malden Mass.; Mrs. G. M. Carter, Caribou.

 

Celebration at Scotch Colony

[Published in the Fort Fairfield Review, July 22, 1923; page 12.]

The Fiftieth Anniversary of the settlement of the Scotch Colony was celebrated at Kincardine on Tuesday, July 10. There was a reunion of the members of the Colony in connection with the celebration. A list of all the members of the colony born there and in Scotland has just been compiled for historical purposes. The first party came over on the “Castalia” in 1873 and was followed a year later by a second party on the “Sidonian,” in 1874. As far as is known the oldest people now in the colony are Mrs. Farquhar, of Upper Kintore, and Donald Innis, also of Upper Kintore. The youngest is the baby daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Young. It is interesting to note that the first birth was that of a girl on board the “Castalia,” April 30, 1872. She was named for the ship, the captain and her father, “Castalia Butler Ferguson Brown Morrison,” and she is still living in Scotland. The first marriage was that of Archibald Winter and Euphemia Bisset in 1875. The first recorded death is that of a child, William Cocker, of Upper Stonehaven. Joseph Davidson of Kilburn was a babe in arms on the ship. Rev. Gordon Pringle, Kincardine, NB would be very grateful for any [?] or particulars relative to the settlers and numbers of the [?]. As Chairman of the Committee in charge of this he is [??]as complete a list as possible.

Some notes about the article:

William Cocker, the third child of Alexander D. Cocker and Euphemia Wilson, was born in Banchory -Ternan, Kincardineshire, Scotland on May 12, 1867. He was a passenger on the Castalia in 1873 and lived with his family on lot 32 in Stonehaven, New Brunswick. His older sister Catherine Cocker married William Linton Duncan in 1885.

Mrs. Margaret (Ross) Farquhar (1837-1924) and her husband James (1830-1922) lived on lot 42 in Upper Kintore, New Brunswick. They were Sidonian passengers in 1874, bringing their children: Joseph 11, Mary Ann 8, James 6, and infant John.

Donald Innes (1841-1926) lived in Upper Kintore on lot 146. He and his wife Eliza arrived via the Sidonian in 1874 with their children: Margaret 11, Charles 9, Jane 7, John 5,  Elizabeth 3, and infant Elsie.

Joseph Davidson (April 9, 1873-Jan. 5, 1953) was one of seven surviving colonists who rode together on a float in the parade celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Scotch Colony. His parents, Andrew and Margaret Davidson, were on the Castalia in 1873 with their children. They lived on lot 8 in Stonehaven.

Golden Wedding Observance

William Spence Cumming and Anne Rae Duncan were married on November 26, 1884 at Stonehaven, New Brunswick at the residence of the bride’s father, William Duncan. Annie was eleven years old when she arrived in the Scotch Colony via the Castalia with her family in 1873. William was sixteen in 1874 when he embarked on the Sidonian with his parents and siblings.

William and Annie had six children in Upper Kintore, New Brunswick and three more after they moved to Easton, Maine. He was a farmer.

The couple was married for fifty five years. Their golden wedding anniversary was reported in the Star Herald on December 6, 1934.

1909 Upper Kintore Christmas

Fort Fairfield Review, Jan. 6, 1909

Upper Kintore, N. B.: A Christmas concert and tree was held in the hall Christmas eve. There were many outsiders in attendance and all report a pleasant time spent.

1907 Kintore Burns Club; “Topsy Turvy” in Kincardine

Fort Fairfield Review, Feb. 6, 1907

The Kintore Burns Club appropriately observed the birthday anniversary of the poet in whose honor the club is organized on Friday evening, by a meeting at which were heard much song and poetry closely connected with the life and struggles of the poet. A few minutes past eight o’clock the president gave a short address of welcome. He simply expressed his pleasure at seeing so many gathered with them to help celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s best loved son. Much credit is due those who took part in the program, which consisted of song, recitations and reading. At midnight all joined in singing “Auld Lang Syne,” Mrs. William Christie, Jr., accompanying. Then all sat down to a sumptuous supper. Dancing was next enjoyed until 3:00 o’clock, when they all left for home having spent a most enjoyable evening.

Fort Fairfield Review, May 8, 1907

The play “Topsy Turvy” was given in the new Burns hall, Kincardine, on the evening of April 16. Owing to the terrible state of the roads and weather very few attended from the riverside. The sale of baskets amounted to something over $52.00, one young man paying [$7.50?]  for a basket. Great credit is due Alexander Matheson, John Ellis, Alexander Mackie, Jr. and William Duthie for the way the entertainment was carried out.

1905 Christmas in Upper Kintore

Fort Fairfield Review, Jan. 11, 1905

Upper Kintore, N. b. The Sunday school held its Xmas tree in the schoolhouse on Friday evening. The affair was very largely attended, and an interesting program was successfully carried out by the members of the school under the skillful management of their teacher, Miss McCarthy.

1903 Christmas Parties; Farmers’ Club News

Fort Fairfield Review, Dec. 30, 1903

Several of the young people attended the Christmas tree and dance at Upper Kincardine Friday evening.

The quarterly meeting of the Farmers’ Club of Upper Kintore was held in the schoolhouse, President John Cannon in the chair. After discussing the subject of the evening, the giving of songs and recitations, and also the partaking of a generous supper served by the ladies, it was voted to continue the club for another year.

On Christmas Eve a Christmas tree and concert was held in the schoolhouse. After the concert supper was served by the ladies, after which the tree was stripped its presents for old and young. On account of the disagreeable weather and the icy roads, the attendance was not as large as it would otherwise have been. But everybody enjoyed themselves thoroughly.

1927 Kintore Hall Burns Night

Fort Fairfield Review, Feb. 2, 1927

On Friday evening the Scotch folks of Upper Kintore held their annual concert and dance at the Kintore hall to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of their national poet, “the poet whom all the world Knows.” Robert (‘Bobbie”) Burns, who was born January 25, 1759. A very enjoyable program was rendered by local talent, and great credit is due those who took part. The Rev. Gordon Pringle was in the chair and helped towards the success achieved. After the concert a lunch was enjoyed. Then dancing was indulged in till the sma’ hours of the morning. A thoroughly enjoyable time was spent by all fortunate enough to be able to be present.

To Honor Robert Burns: Fine Gatherings Last Week at Lower Kincardine and Upper Kintore, N. B., by Scotland’s Children, to Celebrate the Birthday of Scotia’s Immortal Bard

Fort Fairfield Review, February 5, 1930

http://fortfairfield.advantage-preservation.com/Viewer/?fn=fort_fairfiled_review_usa_maine_fort_fairfield_19300205_english_2&key=kincardine%20colonyFort Fairfield Review, February 5, 1930

Editor Review
The birthday of our poet Burns was celebrated at Lower Kincardine, N. B. last week. The world-famous occasion is getting more and more popular at the colony as the years go by. Young people came from all directions, some by railroad, the greater part by large two-horse sled, one party by motor bus from Andover. By the way they could tell some stories of bucking these Colony drifted roads with their caterpillar bus.

I do not need to say that the Scotch program of songs, readings and exhibition dances was very much enjoyed by all but more especially by a very few of the old Scots from the homeland. In imagination we wandered again in song with our poet by Lowden’s bonnie woods and braes or on the banks an braes o bonnie Doon, and dared oppression with our ancestors at Bannockburn with “Scots wha have wi Wallace bled.”

Yes, there is a magnetism in Burns Night that draws us once a year to forgather and enjoy together our Ayrshire Bard. Perhaps it is not generally known that Burns was a great sympathizer with the American colonies in their fight for freedom and at a Masonic banquet of his Lodge at Ayr dared to give the toast, “Washington” instead of the usual, “The King,” with whom the colonies were then at war.

The hall at Kincardine was filled almost to overflowing with the sled-loads of young folks. However, our chairman, Rev. Gordon Pringle, found no difficulty in keeping good order, usually with his sternness, but added a humorous Scotch story, which kept all in good humor.

There was also a “night” at Upper Kintore of especial note. There were two Scotch songs by Miss Hamilton of Glasgow. There seems to be a charm to a Scottish voice and personality fresh from “ the land of heather” that takes the audience; and certainly Miss Hamilton, with “Bonnie Mary O’Argyle,” captured us all.

We had a very good orchestra the members hailing from Washburn, Caribou and Andover, the leaders being Colony young fellows. Miss Annie Wiley gave an exhibition sword dance which was much admired; also James Clark in the highland fling, found his 77 years sitting lightly on him as he whirled through those complicated back steps. All he lacked was a kilt, and I doubt if that dress would be satisfactory at ten below.

Usually about midnight before the dancing floor is cleared of seats, the “guidwives” provide refreshments and all hands are invited to sit in and help themselves, and, oh, my! those crispy oatcakes and the chicken, with all the other “fixins,” of course that includes a nice Scotch cup o’ tea (no nothing stronger, we have left that behind); and then with “Auld Lang Syne” finishes the concert program and the floor manager comes on and the orchestra swings in on the ball-room march, and the young couples pair off to their places in the dance, which is kept up well through the “wee, sma hours.”

There is something about the time-honored night that we can not explain. As Burns himself notes it for us—
Our Monarchs hindmost year but and
Was five an twenty days begun,
’Twas then a blast o Janwar win
Bless hansel in on Robin.
We still think that January winds blow hansel in on Robert Burns’s rich gifts.

W. L. DUNCAN [William Linton Duncan of Washburn, ME]