Angus Gillis

Descendants

Died about 1794 in North Esk Parish, Northumberland Co., New Brunswick

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Biography

Sources

• Angus Gillice or Gillis, was settled on the North West by William Davidson, on what was later Lot 10 at Sunny Corner, in September, 1775, more than a decade before civil order was established on the miramichi. He was one of the six earliest settlers in North Esk, and one of the three to create significant farms there before 1785.

Angus's Lot 10 was among those lots allowed William Davidson after the escheat of Davidson and Cort's 100,000-acre grant, and Davidson sold the 200-acre property to Angus on13 January 1787, for £40. Previously however, on 19 October 1786, "Angus Gillice, farmer and fisherman," had agreed to grant his nephew Duffy Gillice "of the same calling and profession," half of the land, a new house, and a new barn. This agreement was revoked and replaced by a curiously-worded one dated 14 March 1792, in which Angus Gillice and John Fraser, his son-in-law, "to prevent trouble and expense," will have Duffy depart from the premises of his uncle before May 1, with his family, cattle, "and moveables of every description," but they, in return, will allow him to plant for another season on the land, and John Fraser will assist him in building a comfortable house wherever he may locate.

Angus died soon afterwards. Following is an abridgement of his will, which was registered on 18 August 1794.

IN THE NAME OF GOD, AMEN I ANGUS GILLICE of the North West Branch of the River Miramichi in the County of Northumberland, Farmer, being infirm in Body but of sound mind and understanding do make this my last will and Testament in manner following -

AND THE LORD HAVE MERCY ON ME ON THAT DAY -

I GIVE AND BEQUEATH unto John Fraser and Mary his wife, my son-in-law and Daughter my whole Estate of what nature or kind soever. I give and devise the same and every part thereof unto the said John Fraser and Mary his Wife whom I make full and sole Executors of this my Will and Testament upon special trust and confidence that the said John Fraser and Mary his Wife will on their part take care of my widow during her life as well as their situation will admit of - his mark Angus Gillice.

The land records reveal Angus's wife's name was Abigail, but most of the six members of the family enumerated in 1785 have not been identified.

Old North Esk on the miramichi by W. D. Hamilton, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada pg. 170.