=89- piXELQF BISHOP MaCEACBTRN 170:0 - 1856

Our early history is so closely identified with the labors of Bishop hacEachern that local traditions may interest many; in fact it is on local traditions we have mainly to depend, for, from a regrettable loss of records, much data for an extended biography of him is not available.

About 1790, there was a movement of many Highland clansmon to America, encouraged by the British Government as part of the project of breaking up the clan system. The MacEacherns, and others including McIntoshes, hacBarishes, etc., came from the port of Ardnamurchan, in the Hebrides, to settle at Savage Harbour, in 1790. The Rev. Angus (Aeneas) MacEachern was then finishing his studies for the priesthood at Valladolid, in Spain, and on returning to Scotland, he obtained permission to join his clansmen on the Island Of St. John. ' ' '

There was no other clergyman here at the time except an aged chaplain of the MadDonald family, Rev. Augus- tine McDonald, the first English speaking priest to under- take missionary work on the Island of St. John, had died in 1785. A few entries made by him in a hook show about a dozen family names divided between Savage Harbour, Five Houses, and Grand Tracadie. At that time a Mr. Modes kept a little store near Stanhope; prices for farm products were very small, but groceries were high-«6 shillings per 1b. of tea, 7S.6D for a loaf of sugar.

The new settlers had all the difficulties incident- al to pioneering life, but the hardly Islemen were not easily discouraged. The work of settlement received a great imp petus when Rev. hr. thEachern.arrived in 1792. He personal— ly directed the settlers' labors in.united action ~ hewing down forest trees to make farm clearances, erecting dwellings and building boats. Clad in his plaid, he moved among them , inspiring them with his own boundless energy. Soon a roomy house, built of the red field stone of the country, was erected for himself at Savage Harbour. It was a veritable Chastel Ruiadh, and it is a matter of regret that it was taken.down in 1867. Its front looked down the tiny bay to the wooded island (Canavoy Island) once the burial place of all the Micmacs, whose banks now reveal many relics such as