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Piper John Richard Allan (1835 - 1853)

In 1853 the Society erected a memorial in the Old Burial Ground on Brunswick Street for Piper John Richard Allan (1835 – 1853). Robert Gowan was instrumental in this activity. Piper Allan had been a native of Paisley in Renfrewshire Scotland, and was serving with the 72nd Duke of Albany’s Own Highlanders in Fredericton, when he died tragically on January 6th 1853. He was only 18 years of age. 

Acting on behalf of the Society, Robert Gowan made arrangements with the Regimental Commander to have Piper Allan’s grave marked with a stone that featured a deer’s head (crest of the Regiment), along with a broken chanter, broad sword, plaid, and a thistle in full flower - as was reported to the Society membership in 1853:

The forthwith appointed at the last quarterly meeting to procure a tombstone to be placed at the grave of John Allan a Piper in the 72nd Highlanders, have attended to that duty and beg to report that they have made arrangements with Mr. Peter Cormack of Portland (St John) who has finished a stone according to a plan furnished by the committee, which will cost ₤17.10.0 when placed on Board of the Boat, and it is supposed that 30p more will be necessary to place the stone in its proper situation. The device is a deer’s head (the crest of the regiment) – a broken chanter - a broad sword, a plaid, and a thistle in full flower on either side. The inscription is as follows: 
In this grave is deposited the body of John Allan, a Piper in the 72nd or Duke of Albany’s Own Regiment of Highlanders – He died in the garrison of Fredericton, on the 6th day of January 1853, in the 18th year of his life. This stone is erected by the members of the Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew to show their esteem for his character and their regret for his early death and as a memorial of their respect of the Gallant Corps to which he belonged. The first Highland Regiment that has been quartered in New Brunswick. 
The chairman of the committee, immediately after their appointment, communicated a copy of the Resolution passed by the Society to Lt Col Murray, a copy of whose answer is herewith submitted. At a subsequent period, a copy of the Device and Inscription were transmitted to Col Murray and a copy of his answer is also submitted. The stone will be ready tomorrow the (10th day of May, instant). 

Respectfully submitted,
R Gowan
J McInnes
John McIntosh

9th May, 1853

Piper Allan's stone can still be found in the Old Burial Ground, and was recently restored by the City of Fredericton. 


He is also remembered by his family in his home town of Paisley.


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