Fredericton's Old Burial Ground - Seann Chladh

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...