History of Prasbyfefiant’sm

CHAPTER VII.

COVE HEAD, ST. PETERS AND BAY FORTUNE.

These three places originally constituted one con- gregation. They are amongst the oldest settlements on the island.

They were settled more than a century ago by some immigrants who came from Perthshire, Scot- land. About the same time one Captain McDonald brought out a considerable number of Highland Catholics, who took up land in Tracadie, a settle— ment adjoining Cove Head on the east. As stated elsewhere, the island was originally settled by the French, many of whose descendants still remain on it. In 1758 it fell into the hands of the British. For twelve years it continued under the government of Nova Scotia. The island obtained a government of its own in 1770. The early settlers could not obtain a freehold title to their farms, the Home G0vern- ment having granted nearly the whole island to offi- cers of the army and navy, who claimed that they were entitled to the grant for service rendered the country; so that the farmers were obliged to be— come tenants, on terms that were oppressive and which in a high degree retarded the prosperity of the province. The hardships and privations endured by many are almost incredible. It is a source of thankfulness that the days of landlordism, which have proved a curse wherever they have existed,

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