MF – 1862.09.30 – Johnville and Glassville Settlements – #88 – F12247

Almost every one knows that the Glassville Settlement is the work of a number of the Scotch emigrants, whom the labours of Rev. Mr. Glass induced to try their fortunes in New Brunswick. Perhaps not so many are aware that Johnsville owes its existence to the efforts of another clergyman, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Saint John, who, taking a most sensible view of the matter, came to the conclusion that in our chief city of St. John there were large numbers of his people living in comparative want, or making but a bare subsistence, who might find in the clearance of the wild lands a healthy and remunerative employment, themselves becoming owners and tillers of the soil. To his exertions, we believe, was mainly owing the establishment of an Emigrant Aid Society in that place, the labours of which have induced large numbers to abandon the profitless lives of city labourers for the more honorable and satisfactory life of back settlers. At the application of the Bishop several tracts of Government lands, in different portions of the Province, were surveyed and set apart for these settlers. In Carleton the district named [Johnsville] was thus chosen. The results already exhibited are more than sufficient to justify the wisdom of the Bishop. The number of settlers in this section we do not know; but every person who has visited them speaks in the most glowing terms of the progress which they have made. The tract of land selected seems to be of excellent quality. The settlers themselves evidently have gone to work in good spirits and with a vast deal of determination. Any one who knows that clearing wild lands is, and what are the difficulties to be met and overcome, and the privations to be undergone in the back settlements, can sympathize with the position of these men, and will honor them for their courage and for the progress which they have already made. That progress is substantial; but it is also great. Once that a man becomes possessed of one hundred acres of good wild land in New Brunswick, and has settled down to clear and improve it, he occupies a promising position, whatever may be the difficulties and drawbacks; whatever may be the hardships to be undergone, there is nothing beyond what may be endured; and in two or three years of hard and thoughtful work the worst is over, and thereafter every year renders the ascent to comfort, and eventually to affluence, more easy. That the pioneer, therefore, has got his location, shouldered his axe, and turned his face to his new home, is the important fact; with industry, sobriety and perseverance, under the blessing of God, his future is secure. The settlers of Glassville and Johnsville have done this; they have thrown the die, and under any ordinary circumstances they cannot but win. That we do not overstate the matter the preset condition of those two settlements prove. They are both flourishing. Clearing has proceeded to an extent that those unaware what industry and determination can do would deem almost beyond belief. The primeval forest has given way before the axe of the chopper, and in its place spring up rank crops of wheat, oats and potatoes. The luxuriance of the crops in both these settlements, and the extent of land brought under cultivation in so short a time are described as something [marvellous]. The clearings are said to be perfect gardens; the grain is described, – as we know it will on our rich Carleton soil, – as overtopping the stumps. Clearly an impression has been made in these wilds which speaks volumes for their future. The soil is rich, loamy, mellow; “tickle the earth with a hoe and it laughs with a harvest.” The situation is good, easily accessible, [and] not too distant from the central markets of [the] Province. Every blow made by the pio[neer] tells towards his own ease and comfort. Labor is not thrown away; not a blow is lost; the result speedily follows the effort; and it is [a] result which is not only certain, but which is [proportionable] to the effort. In ten years vast stretches of forest will have disappeared, and in their place we shall have rich meadows, and broad fields, waving with gain and rich with the means of subsistence for a vigorous and happy population. – Woodstock Journal.