Fredericton's Old Burial Ground - Seann Chladh

James Taylor senior was a Loyalist who arrived at Pointe Sainte-Anne in 1783. Born in Port Glasgow Scotland, he had emigrated to New York when young and served as a Sergeant with the 3rd New Jersey Volunteers during the American Revolution. In Fredericton he was known as "James The Elder" (as differentiation from his son James), and is credited with establishing “one of the largest and most respectable firms” in the colony—with business interests in the mercantile trade, as well as timber, shipbuilding, and general construction operations. His place of business was located just below Regent on Queen Street, across from the (present-day) former York County Court House.  James’ three sons, James, William, and John F., formally entered into a partnership with their father in 1821, forming “James Taylor Senior and Company”. In addition to their store, the Taylors operated a mill and shipyard on the western end of Fredericton. They also owned a mill on the Nashwaak (present-day Ma...

One of the oldest stones in the Old Burial Ground is a slab of red sandstone, lying flat on the ground, close to the eastern fence. This marks the burial site of Dr Charles Earle, one of Fredericton's first doctors.  Born in Irvine, North Ayrshire, Scotland in 1751, Charles John Earle was a Loyalist who first settled in Princess Ann County, Virginia. There, prior to the American Revolution, he enjoyed a growing medical practise, but because he refused to take the Patriots' Oath was made prisoner at Kemps Landing and later released on the condition that he leave Virginia. He eventually joined the 2nd New Jersey Battalion of Skinner's Brigade as its surgeon in 1778, when he was 26 years old.  Skinner's Brigade fought at the Battle of Cowpens (January 1781), the Battle of Guilford (March 1781), the siege of Charleston (May 1780), and at the Battle of Eutaw Springs (September 1781). Dr. Earle's interventions would have made the difference between life and death for many...