Early settlement in Lots 46 and 47 Prince Edward Island by Waldron H. Leard

The province that we know today as Prince Edward Island was originally a summer residence for the native people of this region, the Micmac. They travelled to the Island to hunt and fish, gathering up their harvests for winter use on the mainland. They brought their implements with them as evidenced by the arrowheads and spear points that have been found in the eastern end of the Island. Several archaeological sites have been found in this end of the Island and researched. It is believed that there was annual native travel here at least 1,000 years ago. The first European mention of P.E.!. was by the explorer Jacques Cartier in 1534. It would appear that his first sighting of the Island was in the Campbell's Cove area. The Island fell under French control and was named lle Saint-Jean. The Island was used as a summer stopping off point for European fishermen - whether it would be shelter from the storms or the use of the many springs to supply fresh drinking water for the vessels. There is documentation of a shipwreck at Naufrage in 1719, from which survivors established the first permanent settlement on the Island. Several families settled first in the North Lake, East Lake area, before moving across to the southern-eastern area of what is today East Point, and in also in what is today South Lake. In 1752, a family headed by Antoine Detchevary, was living in the East Point area. He was the ancestor of today’s Cheverie's of whom several have married Bruce descendants. The French either fled to other shores in the region or were expelled by Lord Rollo and his troops after the fall of Louisbourg in 1758.

The British government appointed Surveyor-General Samuel Holland to survey their newest possession, then named St.

John's Island, in 1762. Parties of men fanned out from Observation Cove (near present day Port-la-Joie/Fort Amherst

National Historic Site) and brought their drawings and maps back to Holland as he developed a credible map for the times of the Island. He divided the Island, using his rule and pencil, into three counties and 66 lots (or townships) of

approximately 20,000 acres apiece and one lot of 10,000 acres. The maps were taken back to London and each lot was drawn for by friend's of the Crown who were supposed to settle the lots under certain conditions. The conditions were not initially met for Lot's 46 and 47 and their ownership changed hands several times in the years to come.

The two most easterly lots were 46 and 47 in the county of Kings of Prince Edward Island. This is the 200th.

Anniversary of being Prince Edward Island as this name was adopted on February 1, 1799. To understand the dividing lines, Lot 47 houses ail the properties in Kingsboro (first known as Black Hill and later West River) east, including Basin Head, Bothwell (first known as North River), Munn's Road, South Lake, Elmira, East Point, East Lake, North Lake, Lakeville, Fairfield and Campbell's Cove. The dividing line is the Snake Road. In lot 46 one will find a small part of Chepstow, part of Greenvale, Little Harbour, Black Pond, Red Point, East Baltic, Glencorradale, Priest Pond, Bayfield and Rockbarra.

Settlement was slow. The Cheverie's drifted back to the East Point area. Several Scottish Catholic families such as MacDonald, Campbell, MacPhee, Macisaac and others moved up from Tracadie and St. Margaret's, joining other families who came to the area seeking land and religious freedom. In 1784 there was an effort to bring United Empire Loyalists and disbanded British soldiers from the American Revolution to the area. Only two of these family's names (Rose and Coffin) appear here today. The names Baker, Morrow and Ching are closely aligned with the Rose and Coffin groups. The Scottish influence on the area was strengthened with the arrival of the MacLean's, Kennedy's, MacDonald's, Stewart's and the Munn's in 1808. More families had arrived by 1817, including Fraser's and Robertson's among others.

The initial industry certainly was farming. The east end of Prince Edward Island was covered in forest. Once the pioneers gained their land legs after being at sea for as long as four months, they had a daunting task of clearing the land, building their homes and out buildings. Later came the necessity of school's and churches.

Many years would pass until any attempt was made towards the construction of a church. Services were held in the home or a barn, but for many in the community it was not enough. The story is told of Mrs. John Kennedy and Mrs. James MacDonald who walked a distance of close to 60 miles to secure "a preacher of the word". This remarkable journey from North Lake to St. Andrews to present day Stratford saw their return to East Point with the Rev. Alexander Crawford. The women had secured a horse and walked and rode to Georgetown where they boarded a boat to Souris and reached home. He performed several baptisms in South Lake and in effect established the Baptist Church in the area. The first church building was constructed in time for the first service on July 12, 1833. A second and larger building was dedicated on February 21, 1864. It was situated in the centre of what is now the cemetery in Kingsboro. The third and current structure was dedicated on December 6, 1903.

It would appear the home church for the Bruce family was certainly the Baptist Church. It is not known if George worshipped as a Baptist before his marriage, or if he adapted from another congregation due to his wife's faith. The majority of the marriages on the Island have been conducted by the pastor residing in Kingsboro. Wandering through the cemetery, the vast majority of the burials can be found there. Participation has been strong by descendants on church boards and committees, choirs and church groups. The church is as strong as ever and is a cornerstone in the beautiful municipality of Eastern Kings. Today the economy of the area has diversified. Lobster, tuna and ground fishing are conducted from North Lake and Souris harbours. Tourism has grown rapidly with our world class beaches, natural scenic beauty, three museums depicting Island life, (Basin Head Fisheries, East Point Lighthouse and Elmira Railway) and the Confederation Trail all bringing business to the area. For us who live here, we are proud of our home, for those who are visiting during the reunion - welcome back to your ancestral home.

Waldron Leard is a freelance writer, broadcaster and ancestral researcher and lives in Kingsboro P.E.1.

Ohe Bruce Gramily of Red Point Prince Edward Asland 1840-1999 4