Virginia Genealogical Society come as your own ancestor night 1979

From 1979 Richard Time Dispatch News Clip

Obit: John Greenleaf Whittier

Last Photo of John Greenleaf Whittier at Old Homestead
PHOTOS: Garden of Whittier Home, Amesbury, during Whittier's funeral.
From Whittier-Land, by Samuel T. Pickard

Quaker Poem Revelation John Greenleaf Whittier

From Quaker Poems A Collection of Verses

REVELATION From A Gateway to Quakerism
"And I went into the Vale of Beavor, and as I went I preached repentance to the people. And one morning, sitting by the fire, a great cloud came over me, and a temptation beset me. And it was said: All things come by Nature; and the Elements and the Stars came over me. And as I sat still and let it alone, a living hope arose in me, and a true Voice which said: There is a living God who made all things. And immediately the cloud and the temptation vanished, and Life rose over all, and my heart was glad and I praised the Living God."-- Journal of George Fox, 1690.

Still, as of old, in Beavor's Vale,
O man of God! our hope and faith
The Elements and Stars assail,
And the awed spirit holds its breath,
Blown over by a wind of death.
Takes Nature thought for such as we,
What place her human atom fills,
The weed-drift of her careless sea,
The mist on her unheeding hills?
What recks she of our helpless wills?
Strange god of Force, with fear, not love,
Its trembling worshipper! Can prayer
Reach the shut ear of Fate, or move
Unpitying Energy to spare?
What doth the cosmic Vastness care?
In vain to this dread Unconcern
For the All-Father's love we look;
In vain, in quest for it, we turn,
The storied leaves of Nature's book
The prints her rocky tablets took.
I pray for faith, I long to trust;
I listen with my heart, and hear
A Voice without a sound: "Be just,
Be true, Be merciful, revere
The Word within thee: God is near!
"A light to sky and earth unknown
pales all their lights: a mightier force
than theirs the powers of Nature own,
And, to its goal as at its source,
His Spirit moves the Universe.
"Believe and trust. Through stars and suns,
Through life and death, through soul and sense,
His wise, paternal purpose runs;
The darkness of his providence
Is star-lit with benign intents."
O joy supreme! I know the Voice,
Like none beside on earth or sea;
Yea, more, O soul of mine, rejoice,
By all that he requires of me,
I know what god himself must be.
No picture to my aid I call,
I shape no image in my prayer;
I only know in Him is all
Of life, light, beauty, everywhere,
Eternal Goodness here and there!
I know He is, and what He is,
Whose one great purpose is the good
Of all. I rest my soul on his
Immortal Love and Fatherhood;
And trust Him, as his children should.
I fear no more. The clouded face
Of Nature smiles; through all her things
Of time and space and sense I trace
The moving of the Spirit's wings,
And hear the song of hope she sings.

Chase Family of King's County Nova Scotia

This is from a newspaper article in Canada September 13 1933 and from this information I found bits of information on the Chase family who came to Nova Scotia from New England. They are the descendants of the Chase family who settled Massachusetts.
They lived in the King's County area were they operated mills, tanneries, orchids, farms, and engaged in many other enterprises and trades. They were also Quakers. Please post or e-mail me if you have any information or pictures. Thank You!

From Halifax Citizen, Thursday, April 26, 1866 LIFE SIZE PHOTOGRAPHS. -- W. Chase, No. 159 Hollis Street, opposite Club House, Halifax, has now in use at his Gallery the latest and most approved Solar Camera in the city of Halifax for enlarging all styles of small pictures. Those having Daguerrotypes, Ambrotypes, and Photographs of their deceased friends and relatives can have them enlarged up to life size, and furnished at a lower price than at any other gallery. Mr. C.'s experience in Photography enables
him to give the public a more artistic style of work than can be obtained elsewhere in the city.
Lovell's 1871 Provincial Directory - Halifax City
Chase W.F., of Richards & Chase, 116 Hollis
Chase, Wellington, photographer, 159 Hollis, bds at Acadian Hotel
Chase H.N., painter, 23 Spring Garden Road
W A Chase Photo Young Lady Wellington in Nova Socotia

SS Atlantic shipwreck scene, sightseers 1, Lower Prospect, Halifax County, Nova Scotia, Canada, 1873 W. Chase NSARM #31 / negative no.: N-0721

Universal Male Suffrage: Nova Scotia, 1854
If they were over 21 and had lived in the colony at least five years, these Yarmouth merchants (photographed by Wellington Chase in the spring of 1855) were eligible to vote under the 1854 electoral law. Property ownership entitled recent immigrants to vote as well. "Universal" male suffrage did not include "Indians," however, and it lasted only until 1863, when property ownership again became a requirement.

Inauguration of the Welsford-Parker Monument, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, 17 July 1860. Chase, the clever photographer succeeded in taking an excellent photographic view of the whole scene, a copy of which we have no doubt many people will hasten to secure, as a memento of the day and the event."

From Margaret Conrad Apple Blossom Time in the Annapolis Valley 1880-1957

Thanks to Library and Archives Canada 
The history of Kings County, Nova Scotia, heart of the Acadian land (1910)

Quaker House Dartmouth Step Back in time with Starbuck, Folger & More!

The Dartmouth Quaker House
59 Ochterloney St, Dartmouth, NS, Canada
Sources The Canadian Quaker History Journal No 71 2006 A PDF Can be sent on request

There’s lots to discover at the Dartmouth Quaker House. (Tiffany Thornton)

Article from Dartmouth Herald by Tiffany Thorton

It’s a rainy Saturday over the Canada Day weekend. I am on my way to the Quaker House in downtown Dartmouth to discover more about this special place that is steeped in hundreds of years of history.

From the 17th century cemetery that juts out on top of a hill off of Victoria Street, to Christ Church on Dundas street with its identifiable weather vane atop the steeple (which represents Haley's Comet). I have been meaning to get to the Quaker House since I moved here. When I arrive, I am greeted by two jovial young women dressed in traditional Quaker attire. They are excited to tell me about the history of this place.

The house was built in 1786 and was originally the home of William Ray, a cooper (barrel maker). His wife and four children set out from Nantucket with 27 other Quaker families after the American Revolution to establish the whaling industry in Nova Scotia. They left so as not to have to pay the high taxes on whale oil imported to London. But what exactly are Quakers (also known as a “Society of Friends”)? Although the history of these communities in Dartmouth is extensive, few of us know what this religion truly entailed. see Encyclopedia of American Quaker Genealogy, Volume 7, Issue 5

A tour of the house and the stories along the way help to enlighten me. Originating in England and founded by George Fox, the fundamental Quaker principle is that God is in each and everyone of us (“divine harmony”), and as such all men, women and children have the right to speak (very progressive for a time when women were not allowed to speak in church). As I tour the small home from room to room, I notice silhouette prints through out rather than actual photos. I am told that part of being a Quaker is a strong sense of modesty, with no overt displays of vanity or inequality. Photos would have represented vanity, so black and white silhouettes took their place. This caused a bit of difficulty for the museum to replicate costumes when trying to depict the clothing attire leaning towards simplicity.

The home is dark and you can gather that it would have been cold in the damp winter months. The women would weave wool into yarn for hours on end, for use in creating clothing and blankets. The wool came from the sheep on the Dartmouth Common, where the community’s livestock grazed freely. The women would also spend a lot of time in the kitchen staying warm and cooking. The men were often away for up to four years at a time, out whaling in the Atlantic (primarily for sperm whales which were valued for their oil). A fabulous display of whaling artifacts are on display, such as a whale’s skull, artworks created by the sailors and drawings of the various tools and techniques the hunters used. 

Dartmouth had established quite a name for itself during this time (1786 to 1788). Half of the whaling ships that entered London's harbor were from here; the oil they carried lighting up the streets of London and causing many in England to envy the success of the Dartmouth whalers. Eventually though, many of the Dartmouth Quaker leaders such as Samuel Starbuck and Timothy Folger (yes of Folgers coffee fame) left, setting sail for Wales with their families in tow to establish the whaling colony and town of Milford Haven. William Ray stayed on for a bit longer, but eventually he returned with his family to his birthplace of Nantucket, and the Dartmouth whaling industry faded into memory.

We are left with this incredible piece of history that can be enjoyed by all. These stories and many more line the walls of this home and the downtown streets of Dartmouth. This summer make sure to stop by the Quaker House and listen to the tales of long ago, have the kids partake in arts and crafts on Saturdays, from 11 am to 12 pm (shipbuilding, whale building and much more). Admission is $2, and donations are always welcome.

Sarah Alice Huntington of Amesbury Massachusetts

 

Sarah Alice Huntington was daughter of Daniel Huntington and Sarah Whitridge Huntington. Donated her ancestral home to the Quaker Society of Friends. See A Genealogical Memoir of the Huntington Family in this Country: Embracing All the Known Descendants of Simon and Margaret Huntington, who Have Retained the Family Name 
Daniel Huntington son of  Moses Huntington and Hannah Page was born March 1806 married December 17 January 1844 in North Berwick Me Sarah Whitridge daughter of Jedediah and Esther Osborne Estes She was born in North Berwick Me May 29 1809.
Daniel was a farmer and belonged to the Society of Friends. He died in Amesbury Mass January 24 1887 His wife died on August 25 1902 Mr Huntington Purchased in 1845 the homestead of Captain Valentine Baglev the hero of the Captain's Well by John G Whittier The old well is still to be seen on the place The house is now called The Huntington Home and is a home for the New England Friends or Quakers a portion of it being occupied by Miss Sarah Alice only daughter of Daniel She Gives This property at her death to the Quakers Association
See The Huntington Family in America: A Genealogical Memoir of the Known Descendants of Simon Huntington from 1633 to 1915, Including Those who Have Retained the Family Name, and Many Bearing Other Surnames 
Children of Daniel and Sarah: George Franklin born August 24 d February 1846 Sarah Alice born May 29, 1850 d May 3 Daniel Edwin born in March 1852
October 19, 1961 Article

From Chronological Record of the Principal Events that Have Occurred in Amesbury, Massachusetts: From the Organization of the Township of Merrimac in 1638 to 1900 
Wingate's ministry 1785 Two companies of Militia formed Mills Capt Nathaniel White Ferry Capt John Barnard Mr Bell's parsonage built afterwards Capt Valentine Bagley's tavern now Mr Daniel Huntington's homestead Rocky Hill meeting house built by Palmer & Spofford  September 6 1924 Boston Herald
 

The house was at one time Amesbury Animal hospital.

Report of Board of Care and Relief
The Board of Care and Relief of New England Yearly Meeting soon after its organization in Providence Sixth Month 1904 began considering some central location in the Yearly Meeting with a view to establishing a Boarding Home At its meeting in Eighth Month in Lynn Alice Huntington offered her ancestral home in Amesbury for that use on conditions the Board thought worthy of its careful consideration The property was visited by every member but one and its advantages and disadvantages thoroughly discussed Other localities were still kept in mind but Amesbury has all the time seemed the most central and in many ways more desirable than any other locality brought to the notice of the Board.
In the winter a printed letter was sent to all the Monthly Meetings and to many individuals requesting that it be read in the Monthly Meetings and called to the attention of the membership at large This letter stated the fact that this home had been offered us and solicited contributions great or small to enable the Board to proceed to put the place in order for occupancy should it decide to accept it At a meeting of the Board in Boston in First Month a gift of five hundred dollars was received for this object making seventeen hundred dollars subscribed At a recent meeting in Amesbury the property was again visited and after much deliberation it was the unanimous feeling of the members present that it better be accepted Two others have since expressed in writing their hearty approval of the action Alice Huntington contemplates an addition to the house for her own use and the Board thinks it would be good economy to join her in making the addition and thus secure some conveniences necessary for the comfort of those who may wish to avail themselves of such a home Plans are being prepared and cost estimated

• Recorded by Anna M Gove Secretary or the Board.
• A reference to this in 2011 article New England Friends Home closing

Amesbury Dedicates Park To Hackett Shipyard July 22 1930

Memorial Marker at Alliance Park Named after the first Frigate Ship authorized by the Continental Congress in 1777. Built by William and John Hackett Photo from Amesbury City
The Josiah Bartlett Chapter of the Daughters of the Revolution organization represented the home (1896-1980) when  Moses Colby donated the house and property to the Bartlett Cemetery Association as a memorial to the Colby and Macy families, and to the people of Amesbury, Massachusetts. The DOR ladies compiled scrap books and from one of the treasures is this article from July 1930. Amesbury's dedication on July 22 1930 to the legendary frigate "The Alliance" forged on the banks of the Merrimac River by the Hackett family. A large scale celebration took place that included the DOR ladies hosting a reception representing another part of Amesbury's history-Quakers which inspired John Greenleaf Whittier. If you have not visited any of the landmarks in Amesbury check out Amesbury Historical Dates and Places of Interest to plan a trip.

  Alliance, first continental Frigate built in Amesbury

                                

Alliance Park, at the confluence of the Powwow and Merrimack Rivers

                      
From Standard History Of Essex County  Massachusetts By Cyrus Mason Tracy
William Hackett built the the frigate "Alliance," owned by the Federal government. The " Alliance ” was in the memorable battle of Paul Jones, but rendered no service, on account of the jealousy between the commanders. "She carried thirty-two guns and was the favorite of the whole navy on account of her great beauty and speed. This ship had a history. She was not only named for the alliance between this country and France, but was placed in command of a Frenchman, Capt. Landois, and her first service was to convey Lafayette to his home.” Hackett afterwards drafted and superintended the building of the frigate " Essex,” at Salem, Mass. He was the master-builder and superintendent of the twenty-gun ship “ Merrimac,” of 355 tons, which was completed in seventy-five days. The " Merrimac ” was the first and best vessel of her size furnished on loan to the government. Hackett built other vessels here for many years, and afterwards bought a place below, and built a dwelling on the site of Mr. Folsom’s new residence, and established a yard in front, and continued his business, contracting for many ships. He was also the founder of a family that has produced many eminent men. The late Prof. Horatio Hackett, known as the best Greek scholar in America, was a descendant, and native of the town.

Commodore John Barry 1745-1803 Father of the American Navy
Alliance, took on two British ships, the sloop Atlanta, and the sloop, Trespassy. From Amesbury City

Old Paths and Legends of New England  By Katharine Mixer Abbott

   The Daughters of the Revolution at the Macy Colby House

More Reads:

• William Hackett, Patriot Shipbuilder of Salisbury and Amesbury, Massachusetts Beverly J. Francis Hovanec
• History of shipbuilding on North River
• Colby Family and others by Ronald Colby
• Lowell's Boat Shop  Amesbury, MA
• James Hackett  
• The old families of Salisbury and Amesbury, Massachusetts ; with some related families of Newbury, Haverhill, Ipswich and Hampton (1897)

John Greenleaf Whittier Letter to decline Endicott celebraton 1878

John Greenleaf Whittier dodges Gov John Endicott ceremony in Salem Massachusetts. His letter to George M Whipple is posted below From September 22 1878 New York Times Archives

Thomas Macy court dealings with Puritans and Edward Wharton Source This year several persons were prosecuted and fined for violating the law of 1657, which prohibited ‘entertaining quakers.’ Among them was Thomas Macy, one of the first settlers of Newbury, but at this time a resident in Salisbury. Complaint having been made against him, he was summoned to appear before the general court, to answer the charges preferred against him. Instead of complying with the requisition, he sent a letter, of which the following is a copy. More on Quaker Persecutions
‘This is to entreat the honored court not to be offended because of my non-appearance. It is not from any slighting the authority of this honored court, nor from feare to answer the case, but I have bin for some weeks past very ill, and am so at present, and notwithstanding my illness, yet I, desirous to appear, have done my utmost endeavour to hire a horse, but cannot procure one at present. I being at present destitute have endeavoured to purchase, but at present cannot attaine it, but I shall relate the truth of the case as my answer should be to ye honored court, and more cannot be proved, nor so much. On a rainy morning there came to my house Edward Wharton and three men more; the said Wharton spoke to me saying that they were traveling eastward, and desire me to direct them in the way to Hampton, and asked me how far it was to Casco bay. I never saw any of ye men afore except Wharton, neither did I require their names, or who they were, byt by their carriage I thought they might b e quakers and told them so, and therefore desired them to passe on their way, saying to them I might possibly give offence in entertaining them, and as soone as the violence of the rain ceased (for it rained very hard) they went away, and I never saw them since. The time that they stayed int he house was about three quarters of an hour, but I can safely affirme it was not an houre. They spake not many word in the time, neither was I at leisure to talke with them for I came home wet to ye skin immediately afore they came to the house, and I found my wife sick in bed. If this satisfie not the honored court, I shall subject to their sentence: I have not willingly offended. I am ready to serve and obey you in the Lord,’
Tho. Macy [Essex County Court files]
Notwithstanding this explanation and apology, he was fined thirty shillings, and was ordered to be admonished by the governor, for ‘entertaining quakers,’ two of whom, William Robinson and Marmaduke Stephenson, were hung in Boston, December twenty-seventh, 1659. Tradition informs us, that Thomas Macy immediately after his sentence, took an open boat, and with his wife and children, went to Nantucket, was one of the first English settlers in that island, and there resided the remainder of his life. An amusing ballad, founded on the above-mentioned incidents, was written by the poet J.G. Whittier, and published some years ago in a Philadelphia annual.
A Collection of the Sufferings of the People Called Quakers: For the Testimony of a Good Conscience from the Time of Their Being First Distinguished by that Name in the Year 1650 to the Time of the Act Commonly Called the Act of Toleration Granted to Protestant Dissenters in the First Year of the Reign of King William the Third and Queen Mary in the Year 1689, Volume 2 
From  The history of the rise, increase, and progress, of the Christian people called Quakers

                                                   George M Whipple House in Salem
From [Gov. Endicott; Massachusetts; G. Whittier; Salem; Mass.,] Monday, September 23, 1878 Cincinnati Daily Gazette (Cincinnati, OH)