DesBarres Leases on the Nappan River
William Pipes Jr.
As mentioned on the Maccan River East page, Thomas Coates's property was bounded by both the Nappan and Maccan Rivers. My 4th great grandfather William Pipes Jr. was Coates's neighbour to the east. William Pipes Jr. (1751-1804) had arrived in Nova Scotia aboard the Albion with his father William Pipes Sr. and his brother Jonathan in 1774. During the voyage they survived a smallpox outbreak and horrific storms; their ship nearly ran aground. As recorded on the ship's passenger list, they had left Yorkshire "on account of their rents being advanced". Elizabeth Aldfield (1750-1813), a 25 year old female servant seeking a better livelihood, arrived on the Jenny in 1775. She married William Pipes Jr. on 11 Dec 1776.
In 1780, William Pipes Jr. leased 324 acres on which he already lived from DesBarres agent Mary Cannon for a term of 999 years (Deed Book C, p. 256, registered 1784). A Peter Hale or Hall of Windsor had previously occupied the property. When Captain John MacDonald visited the DesBarres leases in 1795, he gave William Pipes a glowing review. William had barely survived 3 very difficult years at the beginning, but he had prospered as a farmer. He had built an especially large and fine barn and was expanding his house and orchard. MacDonald also praised the collaboration between Thomas Coates and William Pipes in building A Bridge Over River Nappan. (See DesBarres Fonds, Reel C-1455, starting on image 739 to read the original account of MacDonald's visit with William Pipes.)
William Pipes Jr. left a will dated 18 Aug 1801 and died 31 Dec 1804. (See The Will of William Pipes Jr. on this website). His will stipulated that his property be divided among his four sons after the death of his widow Elizabeth. The appraisal of William's property included the "lease of lands on which the deceased lived at the time of his death from J. F. W. DesBarres worth 800 pounds". (Family Search Nova Scotia Probate Records 1760-1993, Estate File No. 1658-1627 O-P, Image 949.)
William's sons purchased their father's homestead after their mother's death. William's homestead stretched from the Nappan River to the Experimental Farm. Today's war memorial and Nappan Cemetery were originally a part of William's property and were exempted from subsequent sales.
See Homestead of William Pipes Jr. and Elizabeth Oldfield on this website for more details on this property.
As mentioned on the Maccan River East page, Thomas Coates's property was bounded by both the Nappan and Maccan Rivers. My 4th great grandfather William Pipes Jr. was Coates's neighbour to the east. William Pipes Jr. (1751-1804) had arrived in Nova Scotia aboard the Albion with his father William Pipes Sr. and his brother Jonathan in 1774. During the voyage they survived a smallpox outbreak and horrific storms; their ship nearly ran aground. As recorded on the ship's passenger list, they had left Yorkshire "on account of their rents being advanced". Elizabeth Aldfield (1750-1813), a 25 year old female servant seeking a better livelihood, arrived on the Jenny in 1775. She married William Pipes Jr. on 11 Dec 1776.
In 1780, William Pipes Jr. leased 324 acres on which he already lived from DesBarres agent Mary Cannon for a term of 999 years (Deed Book C, p. 256, registered 1784). A Peter Hale or Hall of Windsor had previously occupied the property. When Captain John MacDonald visited the DesBarres leases in 1795, he gave William Pipes a glowing review. William had barely survived 3 very difficult years at the beginning, but he had prospered as a farmer. He had built an especially large and fine barn and was expanding his house and orchard. MacDonald also praised the collaboration between Thomas Coates and William Pipes in building A Bridge Over River Nappan. (See DesBarres Fonds, Reel C-1455, starting on image 739 to read the original account of MacDonald's visit with William Pipes.)
William Pipes Jr. left a will dated 18 Aug 1801 and died 31 Dec 1804. (See The Will of William Pipes Jr. on this website). His will stipulated that his property be divided among his four sons after the death of his widow Elizabeth. The appraisal of William's property included the "lease of lands on which the deceased lived at the time of his death from J. F. W. DesBarres worth 800 pounds". (Family Search Nova Scotia Probate Records 1760-1993, Estate File No. 1658-1627 O-P, Image 949.)
William's sons purchased their father's homestead after their mother's death. William's homestead stretched from the Nappan River to the Experimental Farm. Today's war memorial and Nappan Cemetery were originally a part of William's property and were exempted from subsequent sales.
See Homestead of William Pipes Jr. and Elizabeth Oldfield on this website for more details on this property.
Stephen Read
Stephen Read (1734-1801), his wife Mary Colling and their two sons came to Nova Scotia from Yorkshire in 1772 and first settled at Barronsfield. In 1773, Stephen Read partnered with Thomas Coates and James Metcalf on a DesBarres lease west of the Maccan River. Stephen acquired several properties in Amherst and probably lived at Read's Island. See Stephen Read on this website for more information on those properties.
In 1793 Stephen Read leased his own 321 acres for 999 years from Mary Canon (Deed Book C, p. 209). This lot was south of the Nappan River, bounded on the south by John Trerice and William and John Blinkhorn, west by William Blinkhorn's sons, South [probably north as the southern boundary is already defined] by Thomas Coates, and east by Peter Noiles and William Wood. This property was probably south of the Nappan River but not necessarily bordering on it. This makes sense, because William Blenkhorn and his son John had leased a second property east of William Ripley's homestead that was inland and thus could be south of Stephen Read. William Blenkhorn's sons Robert and David probably remained on the original homestead on the Maccan River that they later purchased, so the west boundary makes sense too. Thomas Coates was on the Maccan River, but Coates was the northernmost property. If Stephen Read's lease bordered on the Nappan River, William Pipes would have been his neighbour to the west.
Stephen Read paid rent on this lease and rent was later paid by executor Thomas Roach on behalf of the estate of Stephen's wife Mary Colling after her death in 1804. There is a lease mentioned in Stephen's probate papers. However, this property is described as a lease for 9 years at 50 pounds per annum in favour of Mr. Fulton. The lease on the Nappan River probably reverted to DesBarres after Mary's death as DesBarres did not begin selling the leased properties until about 1817.
Stephen Read (1734-1801), his wife Mary Colling and their two sons came to Nova Scotia from Yorkshire in 1772 and first settled at Barronsfield. In 1773, Stephen Read partnered with Thomas Coates and James Metcalf on a DesBarres lease west of the Maccan River. Stephen acquired several properties in Amherst and probably lived at Read's Island. See Stephen Read on this website for more information on those properties.
In 1793 Stephen Read leased his own 321 acres for 999 years from Mary Canon (Deed Book C, p. 209). This lot was south of the Nappan River, bounded on the south by John Trerice and William and John Blinkhorn, west by William Blinkhorn's sons, South [probably north as the southern boundary is already defined] by Thomas Coates, and east by Peter Noiles and William Wood. This property was probably south of the Nappan River but not necessarily bordering on it. This makes sense, because William Blenkhorn and his son John had leased a second property east of William Ripley's homestead that was inland and thus could be south of Stephen Read. William Blenkhorn's sons Robert and David probably remained on the original homestead on the Maccan River that they later purchased, so the west boundary makes sense too. Thomas Coates was on the Maccan River, but Coates was the northernmost property. If Stephen Read's lease bordered on the Nappan River, William Pipes would have been his neighbour to the west.
Stephen Read paid rent on this lease and rent was later paid by executor Thomas Roach on behalf of the estate of Stephen's wife Mary Colling after her death in 1804. There is a lease mentioned in Stephen's probate papers. However, this property is described as a lease for 9 years at 50 pounds per annum in favour of Mr. Fulton. The lease on the Nappan River probably reverted to DesBarres after Mary's death as DesBarres did not begin selling the leased properties until about 1817.
Amos Atkinson, James Atkinson, James Shipley, and Susan Bulmer
In 1826 James and Amos Atkinson, who had already inherited the James Metcalf homestead on the west bank of the Maccan River, purchased an additional 280-acre property on the Nappan River. (Deed Book K, p. 83) This property had previously been owned by Peter Noiles and mortgaged to Augustus DesBarres, who had then sold the property to James and Amos. The northeast corner of the Atkinson property started at a creek and aboitdeux on the boundary of land occupied by George Noils, their neighbour to the east. The west angle of the Atkinson property matched the east angle of William Pipes Jr.'s property but was much longer, and the south angle is also the same as William Pipes. So, the Atkinson property lay on the Nappan River between the Pipes and Noiles homesteads.
Amos Atkinson died in 1827 and left 1/3 of his estate to his wife Priscilla, who later married Isaac Bliss. Amos left the remaining 2/3 of his estate to be divided between his two daughters and any future children. Priscilla gave birth to another daughter, so the heirs of Amos Atkinson included daughters Elizabeth Ann (William D. Carter), Mary Amelia (Isaac Carter) and Jane (Peter Etter).
In 1830, James Metcalf Atkinson and his wife Mary, sold an undivided half-interest in the 280-acre property to James Shipley. James Shipley Sr. homesteaded on his half-interest in the property. In 1843, Shipley began to divide the property, including his house, among his children. His sons Joseph, Henry, William and James Jr. and his daughters Mary (Alfred Black), Elizabeth (William K. Bird), Sarah (William Hunter) and Isabel (Robert Coates) all received parcels of land. James Shipley and all four of his sons also purchased lots on the north side of the Nappan River south of Smith Road. See Smith Road: Southern Section on this website. Elizabeth Shipley's husband William Bird also purchased a small lot as did William Keiver. The 22 acres of marsh and 3 acres of upland that William Keiver purchased in 1850 were bounded on the north by the Nappan River, on the east by George Noiles, on the south by Nappan Road, and on the west by the properties of Sarah and Isabel Shipley (Deed Book V, p. 579). Keiver's probate papers include a drawing of those properties that lay on the Nappan River that also show the nearby William Bird lot.
Although James Atkinson sold his 1/2 interest in the property, the heirs of Amos Atkinson retained theirs. An 1850 deed sheds a bit of light on the interests of Amos Atkinson's heirs in the Maccan and Nappan properties. (Deed Book Y, p. 552). In 1850, the daughters of Amos Atkinson, having all reached the age of 21, and their husbands came to an agreement regarding the division of properties. Each daughter was entitled to a 1/6 share of the homestead farm on the Maccan River and a 1/3 interest in the remaining Nappan property. Amos Atkinson's half-share of the Nappan River property was bounded on the north by the Nappan River, on the west by lands owned by Leveret DeWeber and by Richard Pipes (the former William Pipes homestead), on the south by the high road (Fenwick Road), and on the east by lands belonging in part to James Shipley and his son-in-law Robert Coates. The Amos Atkinson property was then in possession of Isaac Bliss, who had married Amos Atkinson's widow Priscilla. In the deed, the other heirs acknowledge Peter Etter's (husband of Jane Atkinson) undivided 1/3 interest in the property.
In 1875, Peter Etter and William M. Fullerton sold spinster Susan Bulmer the Amos Atkinson property of 87 acres of upland and 50 acres of marsh for $5700. The property was bordered on the north by the Nappan River, on the west by lands of William L. Pipes, Richard Pipes, and Thomas Pipes, on the south by a Road leading to the Cumberland Coal Mines (Fenwick Rd.) and on the east by lands of William Bird, Mrs. Sarah Lowe, William Hunter, and John W. Lowther. The deed describes the Amos Atkinson property as "the respective shares of the said Jane Etter, Elizabeth wife of William D. Carter and Mary wife of Isaac Carter devised to them by the last will and testament of their father Amos Atkinson deceased." (Deed Book TT, p. 572). Susan Bulmer subsequently married Richard Salter and, judging by the neighbours listed on census records, they lived on the property. I've been unable to determine how Susan Bulmer acquired the funds for her purchase.
A map of Cumberland 1860 shows an Isaac Bliss, Thomas Bulmer and several Shipleys living between the Nappan River and Fenwick Road where it diverges from Nappan Road.
In 1826 James and Amos Atkinson, who had already inherited the James Metcalf homestead on the west bank of the Maccan River, purchased an additional 280-acre property on the Nappan River. (Deed Book K, p. 83) This property had previously been owned by Peter Noiles and mortgaged to Augustus DesBarres, who had then sold the property to James and Amos. The northeast corner of the Atkinson property started at a creek and aboitdeux on the boundary of land occupied by George Noils, their neighbour to the east. The west angle of the Atkinson property matched the east angle of William Pipes Jr.'s property but was much longer, and the south angle is also the same as William Pipes. So, the Atkinson property lay on the Nappan River between the Pipes and Noiles homesteads.
Amos Atkinson died in 1827 and left 1/3 of his estate to his wife Priscilla, who later married Isaac Bliss. Amos left the remaining 2/3 of his estate to be divided between his two daughters and any future children. Priscilla gave birth to another daughter, so the heirs of Amos Atkinson included daughters Elizabeth Ann (William D. Carter), Mary Amelia (Isaac Carter) and Jane (Peter Etter).
In 1830, James Metcalf Atkinson and his wife Mary, sold an undivided half-interest in the 280-acre property to James Shipley. James Shipley Sr. homesteaded on his half-interest in the property. In 1843, Shipley began to divide the property, including his house, among his children. His sons Joseph, Henry, William and James Jr. and his daughters Mary (Alfred Black), Elizabeth (William K. Bird), Sarah (William Hunter) and Isabel (Robert Coates) all received parcels of land. James Shipley and all four of his sons also purchased lots on the north side of the Nappan River south of Smith Road. See Smith Road: Southern Section on this website. Elizabeth Shipley's husband William Bird also purchased a small lot as did William Keiver. The 22 acres of marsh and 3 acres of upland that William Keiver purchased in 1850 were bounded on the north by the Nappan River, on the east by George Noiles, on the south by Nappan Road, and on the west by the properties of Sarah and Isabel Shipley (Deed Book V, p. 579). Keiver's probate papers include a drawing of those properties that lay on the Nappan River that also show the nearby William Bird lot.
Although James Atkinson sold his 1/2 interest in the property, the heirs of Amos Atkinson retained theirs. An 1850 deed sheds a bit of light on the interests of Amos Atkinson's heirs in the Maccan and Nappan properties. (Deed Book Y, p. 552). In 1850, the daughters of Amos Atkinson, having all reached the age of 21, and their husbands came to an agreement regarding the division of properties. Each daughter was entitled to a 1/6 share of the homestead farm on the Maccan River and a 1/3 interest in the remaining Nappan property. Amos Atkinson's half-share of the Nappan River property was bounded on the north by the Nappan River, on the west by lands owned by Leveret DeWeber and by Richard Pipes (the former William Pipes homestead), on the south by the high road (Fenwick Road), and on the east by lands belonging in part to James Shipley and his son-in-law Robert Coates. The Amos Atkinson property was then in possession of Isaac Bliss, who had married Amos Atkinson's widow Priscilla. In the deed, the other heirs acknowledge Peter Etter's (husband of Jane Atkinson) undivided 1/3 interest in the property.
In 1875, Peter Etter and William M. Fullerton sold spinster Susan Bulmer the Amos Atkinson property of 87 acres of upland and 50 acres of marsh for $5700. The property was bordered on the north by the Nappan River, on the west by lands of William L. Pipes, Richard Pipes, and Thomas Pipes, on the south by a Road leading to the Cumberland Coal Mines (Fenwick Rd.) and on the east by lands of William Bird, Mrs. Sarah Lowe, William Hunter, and John W. Lowther. The deed describes the Amos Atkinson property as "the respective shares of the said Jane Etter, Elizabeth wife of William D. Carter and Mary wife of Isaac Carter devised to them by the last will and testament of their father Amos Atkinson deceased." (Deed Book TT, p. 572). Susan Bulmer subsequently married Richard Salter and, judging by the neighbours listed on census records, they lived on the property. I've been unable to determine how Susan Bulmer acquired the funds for her purchase.
A map of Cumberland 1860 shows an Isaac Bliss, Thomas Bulmer and several Shipleys living between the Nappan River and Fenwick Road where it diverges from Nappan Road.
George Noils and Peter Noiles
According to Myrtle Chappell in Fenwick 1778-1978 p. 14, George Noiles, of German descent, was one of the first settlers at Nappan and at one time owned most of Nappan. The elder George was married to Madeleine Gould, daughter of the Peter Gould (Pierre Doiron) who had occupied a lease on the west bank of the Maccan River. Madeleine's brothers Lewis, Francis, and Jedore Gould, were neighbours to the east. George Noiles had at least one daughter, Ann, and three sons, John, George, and Peter, as revealed by the deeds.
In 1780, George Noil [sic] leased 280 acres on the Nappan River for 990 years at a yearly rate of 7 pounds, 13 shillings, and 6 pence. (Deed Book C/328). George Noiles was already living on the property. Captain John MacDonald's 1795 report to DesBarres says: “ _____Noil [There is an underline in the original manuscript in place of the first name]. This is the son of George Noil in your list, who is dead. He does well enough.” In 1800, Rose Noil [sic], who had reached the age of 22, gave up her interest in her father's leased property to her brother Peter for 10 pounds. In 1803, John Nile [sic] gave up his interest in the lease to Peter Noiles for 7 pounds. (Deed Book F, p. 35). In 1809, George Noiles gave up his interest in the property to Peter Noils for 60 pounds. (Deed Book F, p. 205). George's share of the property was listed as 24 acres.
In 1806, Peter and George Noiles (2nd) purchased the remaining 965 years of Louis and Mary Gould's 76-acre lease on the Nappan River east of Henry Ripley. (Deed Book F, p. 118). Louis and Mary had purchased the lease jointly with John Gallant; John Gallant had sold the western portion of the lease to Henry Ripley who still lived on the property. When Henry Ripley purchased his homestead in 1816, his property was bounded on the west by George Noiles and on the east by George and Peter Noiles (Lewis Gould's former lease.) Up to this point, the land transactions involved the original leases with DesBarres. However, around 1817 DesBarres began to sell the properties he had previously leased, offering the first right to purchase to the current lease holders.
In 1820, Peter Noiles took a mortgage of 875 pounds for 280 acres on the Nappan River, presumably the same 280 acres originally leased by his father George (1st) in 1780 (Deed Book G, p. 361). In 1823, Peter Noiles sold George Noils a 23 acre and 9 pole property on the Nappan River adjacent to the Pipes homestead for 350 pounds, 5 shillings (Deed Book H, p. 324). This may have been the same property of 24 acres that George relinquished to Peter in 1809. In 1842, Peter Noiles gave up his interest on any lands in which he may have had an interest in exchange for two lots in Fenwick. The first lot was a 100-acre property east of today's Highway 2 and a short distance north of Fenwick Road. That property changed hands many time and has been described on the Fenwick Crossroads Lots page of this website. The second property was Lot 13 in the bank of lots southwest of the Fenwick/Hwy2 crossroads.
In 1844 George Noiles (2nd) and wife Juliana took a mortgage of 500 pounds with Augustus DesBarres on 180 acres of upland and marsh plus an additional 150 acres of wilderness land. This included the "Old Farm" on which George Noiles then resided, bordered on the northeast and northwest by heirs of Henry Ripley, westerly by the sons of James Shipley, and southeasterly by the widow and heirs of Jonathan Lowther deceased. (Deed Book R, p. 556). James Shipley had purchased half of the Atkinson property to the west of Noiles. The transaction is confusing, because most family trees have George Noiles with first wife Florence Cormier and second wife Bridget Noiles. Juliana, may have also been a wife of George Noiles.
In 1850 George Noiles (2nd) sold his son George Jr. (3rd) a property south of "the road into Nappan settlement" that contained a Grist Mill and Mill stream for 100 pounds. (Deed Book W/103). George Noiles (2nd) also transferred properties to his sons George, John, Peter, and Joseph in consideration of services rendered. (W/102). Although the deed describes these properties in some detail, the deed is difficult to read and follow, so it's fortunate that these properties are drawn out on two plans included with an 1858 deed. (Deed Book CC/125).
In 1858, George Noiles leased the homestead farm on which he then lived, except for the house, half the pasture, a half acre for a garden, and a share of produce to his son Joseph for 6 years. The property included 135 acres of upland and 16 acres of marsh. (Deed Book CC/580). George died about 1859 and left a will. A map of his wife Bridget's 1/3 Dower share is included in the extensive collection of probate documents. George also mentions his infant son Rufus E. Noiles and a yet unborn child in the will. (Estate files 1768-1938, No. 1483-1543 (M-N), Probate documents start on image 129; the will is on image 207 and a map on image 220).
After the death of George, his wife Bridget confirmed the terms of her late husband's lease as described in his will. (Deed Book CC/582). An 1860 Cumberland Grant map from the Historical Maps collection at the Nova Scotia Archives shows numerous Noiles descendants living in the area between the Nappan River and Fenwick Road.
According to Myrtle Chappell in Fenwick 1778-1978 p. 14, George Noiles, of German descent, was one of the first settlers at Nappan and at one time owned most of Nappan. The elder George was married to Madeleine Gould, daughter of the Peter Gould (Pierre Doiron) who had occupied a lease on the west bank of the Maccan River. Madeleine's brothers Lewis, Francis, and Jedore Gould, were neighbours to the east. George Noiles had at least one daughter, Ann, and three sons, John, George, and Peter, as revealed by the deeds.
In 1780, George Noil [sic] leased 280 acres on the Nappan River for 990 years at a yearly rate of 7 pounds, 13 shillings, and 6 pence. (Deed Book C/328). George Noiles was already living on the property. Captain John MacDonald's 1795 report to DesBarres says: “ _____Noil [There is an underline in the original manuscript in place of the first name]. This is the son of George Noil in your list, who is dead. He does well enough.” In 1800, Rose Noil [sic], who had reached the age of 22, gave up her interest in her father's leased property to her brother Peter for 10 pounds. In 1803, John Nile [sic] gave up his interest in the lease to Peter Noiles for 7 pounds. (Deed Book F, p. 35). In 1809, George Noiles gave up his interest in the property to Peter Noils for 60 pounds. (Deed Book F, p. 205). George's share of the property was listed as 24 acres.
In 1806, Peter and George Noiles (2nd) purchased the remaining 965 years of Louis and Mary Gould's 76-acre lease on the Nappan River east of Henry Ripley. (Deed Book F, p. 118). Louis and Mary had purchased the lease jointly with John Gallant; John Gallant had sold the western portion of the lease to Henry Ripley who still lived on the property. When Henry Ripley purchased his homestead in 1816, his property was bounded on the west by George Noiles and on the east by George and Peter Noiles (Lewis Gould's former lease.) Up to this point, the land transactions involved the original leases with DesBarres. However, around 1817 DesBarres began to sell the properties he had previously leased, offering the first right to purchase to the current lease holders.
In 1820, Peter Noiles took a mortgage of 875 pounds for 280 acres on the Nappan River, presumably the same 280 acres originally leased by his father George (1st) in 1780 (Deed Book G, p. 361). In 1823, Peter Noiles sold George Noils a 23 acre and 9 pole property on the Nappan River adjacent to the Pipes homestead for 350 pounds, 5 shillings (Deed Book H, p. 324). This may have been the same property of 24 acres that George relinquished to Peter in 1809. In 1842, Peter Noiles gave up his interest on any lands in which he may have had an interest in exchange for two lots in Fenwick. The first lot was a 100-acre property east of today's Highway 2 and a short distance north of Fenwick Road. That property changed hands many time and has been described on the Fenwick Crossroads Lots page of this website. The second property was Lot 13 in the bank of lots southwest of the Fenwick/Hwy2 crossroads.
In 1844 George Noiles (2nd) and wife Juliana took a mortgage of 500 pounds with Augustus DesBarres on 180 acres of upland and marsh plus an additional 150 acres of wilderness land. This included the "Old Farm" on which George Noiles then resided, bordered on the northeast and northwest by heirs of Henry Ripley, westerly by the sons of James Shipley, and southeasterly by the widow and heirs of Jonathan Lowther deceased. (Deed Book R, p. 556). James Shipley had purchased half of the Atkinson property to the west of Noiles. The transaction is confusing, because most family trees have George Noiles with first wife Florence Cormier and second wife Bridget Noiles. Juliana, may have also been a wife of George Noiles.
In 1850 George Noiles (2nd) sold his son George Jr. (3rd) a property south of "the road into Nappan settlement" that contained a Grist Mill and Mill stream for 100 pounds. (Deed Book W/103). George Noiles (2nd) also transferred properties to his sons George, John, Peter, and Joseph in consideration of services rendered. (W/102). Although the deed describes these properties in some detail, the deed is difficult to read and follow, so it's fortunate that these properties are drawn out on two plans included with an 1858 deed. (Deed Book CC/125).
In 1858, George Noiles leased the homestead farm on which he then lived, except for the house, half the pasture, a half acre for a garden, and a share of produce to his son Joseph for 6 years. The property included 135 acres of upland and 16 acres of marsh. (Deed Book CC/580). George died about 1859 and left a will. A map of his wife Bridget's 1/3 Dower share is included in the extensive collection of probate documents. George also mentions his infant son Rufus E. Noiles and a yet unborn child in the will. (Estate files 1768-1938, No. 1483-1543 (M-N), Probate documents start on image 129; the will is on image 207 and a map on image 220).
After the death of George, his wife Bridget confirmed the terms of her late husband's lease as described in his will. (Deed Book CC/582). An 1860 Cumberland Grant map from the Historical Maps collection at the Nova Scotia Archives shows numerous Noiles descendants living in the area between the Nappan River and Fenwick Road.
Jean Gallant, Louis Gould, and Henry Ripley
On October 10, 1780, John Galong [sic] and Lewis [sic] Gould had leased 152 acres from J. F. W. DesBarres for a term of 990 years at a yearly rate of 3 pounds, 6 shillings, and 6 pence. On May 3, 1788, John Gallong gave up his interest in the property, house, barn and grist mill to Henry Ripley for the sum of 15 pounds. (Deed Book D, p. 259-260, #503706983, registered 1795, Cumberland County.) John Gallong is actually Jean-Baptiste Gallant, and he was married to Louis's sister Ann Gould. Louis was the son of Peter Gould (Pierre Doiron), who had leased the southernmost homestead on the west side of the Maccan River.
In 1795, Captain John MacDonald had visited the DesBarres properties at Maccan, Nappan, Minudie and Tatamagouche and filed a detailed report. According to MacDonald's report, Tenant 11 was
“_____ Ripley a very industrious thriving young man of excellent character—has built a bolding mill—his place is on the upper part of Napan, having bought out one Gallong an Acadian now at Malpec in this Island.”
The parcel of land Henry acquired from Gallong [Gallant] was just 76 acres, but Henry later purchased 600 acres that included the original 76. Some of the additional land must have come from the neighbouring Noiles and/or Gould properties and from wilderness land to the south. See Homestead of Henry Ripley and Mary Fawcett on this website for more information.
In 1806 Louis Gould (1739-1809) and his wife Marie Bonnevie (1760-1836) sold their lease of 76 acres to brothers-in-law George and Peter Noiles and moved to Tracadie, New Brunswick.
On October 10, 1780, John Galong [sic] and Lewis [sic] Gould had leased 152 acres from J. F. W. DesBarres for a term of 990 years at a yearly rate of 3 pounds, 6 shillings, and 6 pence. On May 3, 1788, John Gallong gave up his interest in the property, house, barn and grist mill to Henry Ripley for the sum of 15 pounds. (Deed Book D, p. 259-260, #503706983, registered 1795, Cumberland County.) John Gallong is actually Jean-Baptiste Gallant, and he was married to Louis's sister Ann Gould. Louis was the son of Peter Gould (Pierre Doiron), who had leased the southernmost homestead on the west side of the Maccan River.
In 1795, Captain John MacDonald had visited the DesBarres properties at Maccan, Nappan, Minudie and Tatamagouche and filed a detailed report. According to MacDonald's report, Tenant 11 was
“_____ Ripley a very industrious thriving young man of excellent character—has built a bolding mill—his place is on the upper part of Napan, having bought out one Gallong an Acadian now at Malpec in this Island.”
The parcel of land Henry acquired from Gallong [Gallant] was just 76 acres, but Henry later purchased 600 acres that included the original 76. Some of the additional land must have come from the neighbouring Noiles and/or Gould properties and from wilderness land to the south. See Homestead of Henry Ripley and Mary Fawcett on this website for more information.
In 1806 Louis Gould (1739-1809) and his wife Marie Bonnevie (1760-1836) sold their lease of 76 acres to brothers-in-law George and Peter Noiles and moved to Tracadie, New Brunswick.
Francis Gould, Jedore Gould, and Joseph Voiture
Louis Gould's brothers, Francis and Jedore, occupied properties to the east of Louis's. Joseph Voiture was likely the brother-in-law of Francis, who was married to Genevieve "Jane" Voiture. In an 1816 letter, DesBarres wrote that he acquired the Gmelin property at public auction in 1772 "and soon thereafter settled several families thereon upon terms and conditions similar to those given to my tenants at Menudie on a remarkable situation on a line running southeast from the northeastern bound." DesBarres Fonds online, Series 5 M.G.23 F1-5, Vols 22-23 Document 4966, Reel 1460, image 7).
In 1780, Jedore Gould, Francis Gould, and Joseph Voiture signed a lease with DesBarres's agent Mary Cannon. The lease of 308 acres was to run for 990 years at a yearly rate of 6 pounds, 14 shillings and 9 pence. (Deed Book D, p. 274, registered 1795). The Gould/Voiture lease lay south of the Nappan River and east of Henry Ripley and Louis Gould. Their eastern boundary, known as the Gmelin line, defined the boundary between DesBarres's property and Amherst Township. On today's map, this is an area stretching from the Van Vulpin farm near Higg's Road to Lime Kiln Brook. A map created for Thomas Cochran, about 1792, shows the location of Francis Gould and Jedore Gould south of the Nappan River. (DesBarres Papers, Series 5 M.G. 23, F1-5, Vol. 15 Land acquisitions, 1764-1776; Plans, 1765-1916. Document 2911, Reel C-1458 Image 432.)
When Captain John MacDonald visited in 1795, he reported that tenants 12 and 13 were "Acadians settled on the upper part of Maccan (sic) near Ripley’s and Woods. They are said to be miserably poor. I asked of Wm. Pipes the cause of their poverty and he answered that their Lands, if tolerably worked ought to support them. I enquired of one of the Acadians at Menudie how these came not to work their Lands and to be so poor? He answered that their lands being in dispute between you and the Township of Amherst they are afraid to improve. I should fear they are rather either old or indolent: Ripley, who is in the same predicament might plead the same excuse, but he is industrious."
The Goulds were originally the Acadian Doiron family. They had fought a war against the English and their lands had been confiscated. They had hidden in the forest to escape deportation until they were captured and imprisoned. They even changed their name. They had originally gone to Minudie before becoming tenants at Nappan. For the past 4 years, their property has been in dispute and in 1792 they had been ejected from their land. It is hardly surprising that the Goulds might be apprehensive about improving lands that might again be taken from them. Joseph Voiture left the area, but Francis and Jedore stayed on their properties.
The Gould properties remained in jeopardy for several decades in the continuing dispute over the location of the eastern boundary of DesBarres's property, known as the Gmelin Line. The division of the original Gould lease among the descendants of Francis and Jedore will be discussed further in the context of the dispute over the Gmelin Line. Gould descendants continue to live in the area to the present day. Descendant Louis Gould is particularly knowledgeable about the family tree and properties and has shared his research with the Cumberland County Genealogical Society.
Louis Gould's brothers, Francis and Jedore, occupied properties to the east of Louis's. Joseph Voiture was likely the brother-in-law of Francis, who was married to Genevieve "Jane" Voiture. In an 1816 letter, DesBarres wrote that he acquired the Gmelin property at public auction in 1772 "and soon thereafter settled several families thereon upon terms and conditions similar to those given to my tenants at Menudie on a remarkable situation on a line running southeast from the northeastern bound." DesBarres Fonds online, Series 5 M.G.23 F1-5, Vols 22-23 Document 4966, Reel 1460, image 7).
In 1780, Jedore Gould, Francis Gould, and Joseph Voiture signed a lease with DesBarres's agent Mary Cannon. The lease of 308 acres was to run for 990 years at a yearly rate of 6 pounds, 14 shillings and 9 pence. (Deed Book D, p. 274, registered 1795). The Gould/Voiture lease lay south of the Nappan River and east of Henry Ripley and Louis Gould. Their eastern boundary, known as the Gmelin line, defined the boundary between DesBarres's property and Amherst Township. On today's map, this is an area stretching from the Van Vulpin farm near Higg's Road to Lime Kiln Brook. A map created for Thomas Cochran, about 1792, shows the location of Francis Gould and Jedore Gould south of the Nappan River. (DesBarres Papers, Series 5 M.G. 23, F1-5, Vol. 15 Land acquisitions, 1764-1776; Plans, 1765-1916. Document 2911, Reel C-1458 Image 432.)
When Captain John MacDonald visited in 1795, he reported that tenants 12 and 13 were "Acadians settled on the upper part of Maccan (sic) near Ripley’s and Woods. They are said to be miserably poor. I asked of Wm. Pipes the cause of their poverty and he answered that their Lands, if tolerably worked ought to support them. I enquired of one of the Acadians at Menudie how these came not to work their Lands and to be so poor? He answered that their lands being in dispute between you and the Township of Amherst they are afraid to improve. I should fear they are rather either old or indolent: Ripley, who is in the same predicament might plead the same excuse, but he is industrious."
The Goulds were originally the Acadian Doiron family. They had fought a war against the English and their lands had been confiscated. They had hidden in the forest to escape deportation until they were captured and imprisoned. They even changed their name. They had originally gone to Minudie before becoming tenants at Nappan. For the past 4 years, their property has been in dispute and in 1792 they had been ejected from their land. It is hardly surprising that the Goulds might be apprehensive about improving lands that might again be taken from them. Joseph Voiture left the area, but Francis and Jedore stayed on their properties.
The Gould properties remained in jeopardy for several decades in the continuing dispute over the location of the eastern boundary of DesBarres's property, known as the Gmelin Line. The division of the original Gould lease among the descendants of Francis and Jedore will be discussed further in the context of the dispute over the Gmelin Line. Gould descendants continue to live in the area to the present day. Descendant Louis Gould is particularly knowledgeable about the family tree and properties and has shared his research with the Cumberland County Genealogical Society.
For further information on the Gould homesteads, see The Gould Properties on this website. Or
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