Simonds Parish/Saint John, NB

ChristineMagnussen

Are there resources that might list a home address of James A White in 1880 in Simonds Parish/Saint John, NB? I am looking for the childhood home of my step-grandfather, William Horace White. I found his family tree and now seeking details about his birthplace community.

Thank you!

Christine M.

lindastowemiller

Interesting question. First note: Simonds Parish, St. John County, New Brunswick, is not to be confused with Simonds Parish, Carleton County, New Brunswick. Simonds Parish of St. John borders the Bay of Fundy and the city of St. John. (It is now part of St. John)

I found your family in the 1881 census but I could not see the street name. Here is a link to the 1881 census if you have access to ancestry: 1881 Census of Canada - Ancestry.com

I found on line an 1875 map of Simonds Parish, with names. Here is a link: Parish of Simonds. (New Brunswick). - David Rumsey Historical Map Collection

IF you look over on the right of the map, there is a Simonds Subscribers Directory. Under Potters, it lists F and J.A. White, proprietors of Courtenay Bay Potters, Crouchville. I believe J.A. White is your step-grandfather's father. Here is a link from the Dictionary of Canadian Biography about Joseph White, father of James Alfred White. Further down it talks about how Frederick and James Alfred took over the business. Crouchville is East St. John. Biography – WHITE, JOSEPH – Volume IX (1861-1870) – Dictionary of Canadian Biography (biographi.ca)

Here is a link to an Atlas which shows Crouchville under the Parish of Simonds, in sections. It has names of residences and businesses; it also has subscriber listings. F and JA White are listed as subscriber in Simonds. Family Heritage.ca - New Brunswick and Nova Scotia Genealogy - 1875 Atlas of Saint John City and County - Maps of Saint John, Portland, Indiantown, Lancaster, Kings County, Simonds

I looked quickly but could not spot White residences or businesses, other than the subscription listing.

Here is also a link to a funny little note about erroneous assumptions it is easy to make in that area: Ruby M Cusack - Confusing Place Names in Saint John, New Brunswick (rubycusack.com)

There is a New Brunswick Historical Society (including the Loyalist House) that may have some information or photos. Since this family was a significant one in history of St. John, it may be possible to get photos or info on where they lived, or possibly their business. I am not finding anything by direct on-line searches. Someone in that area may know where the family lived or where the business was.

There is a Courteney Bay, and causeway and lighthouse; I'm not sure whether these had any connection with your family but they may be related to the name selected for the business the family operated.

Hopefully some of this is helpful.

ChristineMagnussen

Linda, Thank you SO very much for this extensive research and information! Our family will be delighted!

We are planning a trip there next month and will spend some hours in Saint John. SO much appreciate you helping us understand the distinction between the two Simonds Parish towns.

Many thanks to you!

Christine