Armsworthy Family Heritage





	First Armsworthy Family Reunion a Resounding Success We came , we met, we shall return! After a long period of thought, correspondence, contacts and planning the first Armsworthy Family Reunion of descendents of John Baptist & Mary (Mass) Armsworthy was held . John Baptist & Mary Armsworthy have been an enigma for family and friends for many years. To host a reunion in their memory was a great achievement. Family members arrive in Antigonish On August 8, 2008 family began to register at St Francis Xavier University (St FX) in Antigonish , Nova Scotia. Doug & Ellen (Goldrich) Burgess(Bridgewater/Economy) and Diane (Armsworthy)Bolduc(Ottawa) greeted everyone at Governor’s Hall by dispensing information kits and sorting out programmes and meal tickets in Antigonish and Canso. The hum in the registration area was noticeable as Family from BC, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia began to mix and mingle. Reception 8 August Garth and Heather Staples and Cheryl (Currie) Teed opened the Wine and Cheese Reception in the Main lounge, Governor’s Hall, at 6PM. Red and White wine with commemorative labels (see photo gallery) introduced everyone to an array of wine, cheese and a special donation of fruit by cousin Vera (Armsworthy) Lynds of Truro. As the reception progressed Jim Teed from Staples Brook launched a musical presentation soon joined by cousins Ellen & Doug Burgess from Bridgewater and Stephen Armsworthy of Antigonish. Guitar, banjo and twin ukuleles made for some great background and ‘up-front’ entertainment. Thanks guys for your presentations! The reception was sponsored by the Essie Armsworthy Staples Memorial Fund. Silent Auction At the sametime two great cousins launched the Silent Auction . Linda Weir and Judy Robben of Truro , NS and Cheryl Teed of Staples Brook, NS. This fundraiser would prove to be a huge success which says volumes about the quality of items on display. Special mention is appropriate for donors:Douglas Armsworthy (artist); Paul Purcell; Garth Staples; Romona (Armsworthy) Day;The large basket of Nova Scotia products by Judy, Linda and Cheryl; Staples Stores, Walter Armsworthy (gift from Minister of Agriculture of Alberta); Jay Armsworthy; Tim Hortons; A special thank you to all who bid and to the successful bidders who made the auction a huge success with over $600.00 in revenue! The Gold Wafer Daryl Armsworthy and Family from Snow Lake, Manitoba made a big contribution by donating a ‘gold wafer’ (see picture) to raise funds by a raffle. Tickets were 3 for $5.00 and generated over $400.00 for the Armsworthy Reunion. It was great to have Daryl , wife Cauline and daughters Tegan and Shyla participate. (Tegan and Shyla ,I hear, would like to return to Nova Scotia---hope they do) As the reception wound down members moved into the night in downtown Antigonish to explore the local food and entertainment. Early or late the fine accommodations at St FX were greatly appreciated as well as those in other parts of the town. Saturday Programme 9 August After a fine and inexpensive breakfast at Morrison’s Hall, cousin Emily Armsworthy of Antigonish, as MC, launched the programme for the day at the Keating Centre. Jocelyn Gillis from the Antigonish Museum and Archives made a great presentation on the presentation of family artifacts, letters, pictures and a host of other family momentos. A good discussion followed. Official Opening Reunion chairman Allan Armsworthy of Antigonish appropriately set the stage for the official opening. A certificate of greeting to the Armsworthy Family was received from the Hon. Angus MacIsaac, MLA and Deputy Premier of Nova Scotia; Mayor Chisholm of Antigonish delivered a homey and warm welcome on behalf of the town and people of Antigonish. Free time at noon Plenty of time was available to explore the local food venues including the famous Pipers’ Pub and the Sunshine Café-on-Main operated by cousin Allan Armsworthy. Afternoon Sessions Chris Cook a well known historian and genealogist of Cooks Cove , Guysborough County presented a well researched paper on the area but in particular some new and solid information from primary sources on the activities of our ancestor John Baptist Armsworthy. The Family is indebted to Mr Cook for the time and effort he devoted to research on our ancestor. New and exciting information uncovered by Mr Cook: John Baptist Armsworthy’s full name confirmed by deeds written in Guysborough, NS. Entitled to a town lot IN Guysborough Town and 100 acres in the County. Guysborough lot in the Southeast Division of Town Block 1, lot #19.This is near the Guysborough town school of today . The current house is occupied by I believe a Jamieson family. His 100 acre lot was miles from town on the north shore of the bay( town is on the south side of the bay ). Baptist arrived in Guysborough in 1783 and was buying land as early as 1796; By 1815 he had acquired 750 acres in Guysborough (then Manchester) Township. 1799 he sold the original lot of 100 acres and was granted Lot #66 near Oyster Ponds( Hadleyville).he sold it to James Murdock. He remained on his town lot. See C-248. 1804 he moved to ,.Crow Harbour(Queensport) purchasing 300 acres for 40 GBP’s., Lot #14 formerly owned by a member of the 60th Regiment who had left the area. C-327. Most of the original settlers moved away and it appears Baptist kept buying them up as one might do today in a tax sale. C-327 In 1815, Baptist's children were coming of age. He gives 300 acres to his future son in law, John O'Neal (described as being a fisherman, and recently removing from St. John's Newfoundland to live in Crow Harbour). The deed states that in "consideration of good will, love and afftection, which he bareth towards John O'Neal" who would be soon marrying Baptist's daughter Mary. This 300 acres was part of the 650 acres that Baptist had acquired in the previous 10 years after moving to Crow Harbour. (lots 16, 17, 18: 350 acres from William Bedford in 1814). This also was the first deed that Baptist's occupation was shown as "fisherman" D 396 The last entry in the deeds for Baptist occurred in 1832, when he sold his Guysborough lot for 8 lbs, 2 shillings, and a few pence (very strange). Sounded like a debt owing, as it was to Abraham Whitman (successful merchant in Canso). This was lot 119. (F 372). Baptist was likely nearing the end of his working life, as he would have been at least 70 by this time. No other deeds were found for him. I was hoping there'd be a will for him, as the will book at the Registry starts in 1833, however, none was recorded. His family grew over time and his descendents continued to live in the area as can be seen on the AF Church Map of 1876. Other deed references : A-131, C-278 John Baptist died after 1832 and before 1835. Notes taken from an address by Chris Cook, August 9, 2008, Family Reunion. Garth Staples born at Staples Brook, Col. Co.,NS and now of PEI presented a quick review of his on-going Armsworthy Family research including his thoughts for future projects for the Family Association. A chart of first generation descendants was distributed and an attempt made to show from which branch those attending came. A family survey sheet was also passed along allowing members to upgrade their family information. He also discussed the need for each family member to think hard about what they plan to do with family items of an historical nature including, pictures, letters, crafts, Family Bibles, medals, certificates, awards and a host of other items which had a special place in the hearts of our ancestors. Will they be passed down to an appreciative family member; donated to a local archives for safe keeping and with access by everyone for years to come? He also reminded those present of his latest book which was published just a few weeks prior to the Reunion and of the personalized charts which came with it. For the group he clarified the probable origin of the family name and its introduction to North America. In closing he thanked all those who worked as a committee to make the Reunion a reality as well as the sponsors, donors of items for the Silent Auction and the many Draws made during the day. Business Meeting A short but very successful business meeting was conducted with Garth acting as Chair. He explained the attempt currently being made to register ‘The Amsworthy Family Heritage Association as a Nova Scotia corporation. It was agreed that an Executive be elected from the group present and that a Board of Directors be established representative of the regions of Canada. The members of first executive of the Association as duly elected are: President: Allan Armsworthy, Antigonish Executive Vice President: Paula Goldrich, Halifax, NS. Treasurer: Cheryl Teed, Staples Brook, NS. Secretary: Judy Robben, Truro, NS. The Executive have some immediate planning to do for the next few years . The help and cooperation of all is duly pledged. Evening Event Members, after another visit to the downtown area for refreshments returned to participate in evening of song and ‘old time music’ Maritime style -yes the FIDDLE! (Sorry to say but Heather and I skipped the Evening in Antigonish to get a head start to Canso, especially after the talk by Chris Cook! It is truly a scenic drive with good pavement most of the way albeit a ‘twisty road as Chris suggested.) Allan and daughter Emily Armsworthy are to be thanked and congratulated on the quality of accommodations at St FX University. Sunday 10 August CANSO! On the way we stopped at the ‘Rare Bird Restaurant’ for an evening meal. The restaurant is located in Guysborough Town not far from John Baptist’s town lot. It is a very nicely converted large general /‘department’ store. Very comfortable, good service and a reasonably priced menu. We were happy to check-in at the Whitman Wharf House B&B which is located next to the Whitman Museum. This B& B is recommended to all . You’ll enjoy the superb breakfasts each morning including the Savoury Crepes! Elizabeth is a great hostess. See website: http://www.whitmanwharf.com/bedandbreakfast.htm Church There are several churches within walking distance or a 3 minute drive. Alas none were available at our chosen time! There are lots of walking opportunities around Canso Harbour with breath taking views. Walk to the Grassy Is. Museum and take a short boat ride to the Island for an interpretive walk around this historic spot. Lunch Cousins Fin Armsworthy and Allan worked hard to see that we were well received and well fed.! Lunch was presented by the good ladies of the Shamrock Club. One can see why Fin served as Deputy Mayor and currently as Councillor as he demonstrated his knowledge of the area during an informal talk ably assisted by brother Adrian from Truro. Seamen’s Memorial This was the 32nd year that Canso and area communities have come together under the leadership of the Lions Club to pay homage to those who lost their lives at sea while engaged in the fishery. Our families have many names on the momument. A very large crowd gathered to participate in a very colourful and yet solemn ceremony. During this time cousin Linda Weir was able to meet several cousins unknown to the group---the Horton brothers. It was a great celebration and much information was exchanged. Cousin Ruth Draper was very pleased to meet the Hortons as they and Ruth are descendent from William Abner & Hannah (Armsworthy) Burns. Sailors Rest Park Many joined ‘locals’ for a fish chowder, hotdogs and entertainment hosted by the Town of Canso. It was a great time to meet and enjoy local fare. Farewell Banquet at the Royal Canadian Legion Over 50 family members gathered at the Legion to enjoy a great presentation by the Legion Staff and say farewell to new found cousins. Greetings were from the Province by the Hon Ron Chisholm , Minister of Fisheries and Envirnoment . The Minister was also called upon to draw for the Gold Wafer donated by cousin Daryl Armsworthy. The winner was cousin Judi Liebold from Toronto. Congratulations Judi and thanks for your support of the Fundraiser. The Wafer was presented to Judi later during her visit to Charlottetown Mayor Ray White, cousins Fin Armsworthy and Garth Staples answered the call of Chairman Allan to say a few words; Many members also spoke about the great time they had and the desire to return to Canso in the future. After a photo session the group slowly dispersed to their own memories of the first reunion, rejuvenated by a desire to learn more about their heritage. Monday 11, August, 2008 Linda ,Judy, Cheryl, Walter, Louis and I are descendents of Hannah Feltmate who was born in Whitehead, a fishing village about a twenty minute drive from Canso. She married our grandfather William A. Armsworthy of Canso. On Monday morning Walter, Lewis , Heather and I paid a visit to Peggy Feltmate a summer resident from Toronto at the ‘old homestead’ of her grandfather Will Feltmate , Hannah’s brother. It is the first time we had met and for me it was an exciting event because we had been communicating for many years. Peggy has the ‘bug’ and is a highly respected family tree expert. She happily introduced us to Harvey and son Sam and then graciously spent time guiding us about the house. It was over fifty years since Aunt Thelma Hurd from New Jersey and my Mother and I journeyed to visit with ‘Uncle Will and ‘Aunt Maggie. Needless to say our parting from Whitehead was quite emotional. Armsworthy family Reunion 2008 wrap-up! The first ever Armsworthy Family Reunion of August 2008 has come and gone but the newly elected Executive is already at work. On Wednesday 22 October a wrap-up meeting of the Reunion Committee was held in Truro, NS at Frank and Gino’s restaurant. Allan Armsworthy Chairman of the Committee travelled from Antigonish, Doug & Ellen Burgess from Bridgewater, Garth and Heather Staples from PEI, Judy Robben of Truro and Cheryl Teed from Staples Brook,NS spent a couple of hours over a great meal discussing the reunion and ‘taking care of business’. Doug Burgess as secretary of the committee submitted minutes from the business meeting in Antigonish and Ellen submitted financial information. Allan Armsworthy reported the approval of the application for incorporation of ‘The Armsworthy Family Heritage Associaton’ as a in incorporated association under the joint stock laws of the province of Nova Scotia .Tis is truly a milestone in the long history of the Armsworthy and associated families. A formal turning over of the bank account in access of one thousand dollars($1000.00)to Cheryl Teed took place and as Secretary Judy Robben accepted the certificate of incorporation for safe keeping. In the months ahead the Executive will be conducting an outreach programme in an effort to create a much larger e-mail list. Everyone is encouraged to send as many e-mail addresses as possible to Judy. Family are also encouraged to visit the website from time to time as it becomes more user friendly and more informative. http://www.armsworthyheritage.com/index.html The following are contacts for continued communications. President: Allan Armsworthy Nova Scotia aarmsworthy@eastlink.ca Vice-President: Paula Goldrich Nova Scotia paula@hfx.eastlink.ca Secretary: Judy Robben Nova Scotia jr10_5@hotmail.com Treasurer: Cheryl Teed Nova Scotia hairgirl773@hotmail.com Web Manager : Garth E. Staples Prince Edward Island gestaples@eastlink.ca Web Designer : Brett Purcell Ontario bpurcell@windnetcs.com Board of Directors: contact information being developed.