· "Mysie, born Margory
MacDonald, was eight years old when she and her family
entered the wilderness of New Brunswick in 1836. After a six-week sail to
Saint John, another boat took the settlers from Saint John to Fredericton, NB.
The settlers then travelled north through dense forests to Scotch Settlement
by horse team. A recorded 45 Scottish families, mostly from the Isle of
Skye, came to the Stanley, NB area that year. (Another 15 families from England
also settled in the area now known as English Settlement.)"
entered the wilderness of New Brunswick in 1836. After a six-week sail to
Saint John, another boat took the settlers from Saint John to Fredericton, NB.
The settlers then travelled north through dense forests to Scotch Settlement
by horse team. A recorded 45 Scottish families, mostly from the Isle of
Skye, came to the Stanley, NB area that year. (Another 15 families from England
also settled in the area now known as English Settlement.)"
In the spring of 1838, many of
the remaining immigrants pushed on to Stanley and the nearby communities. Of
the survivors was a family of McDonalds. The daughter Mysie McDonald remained
until a few months prior to her death. She is buried in the old Catholic
cemetery in Stanley. Mysie was a strong woman determined to survive. She cut
logs and built her own cabin shingling the roof with cedar bark. She carried
her dead brother on her back to Stanley for burial. It was reported she was
honest and never begged but would accept a cup of tea or a hot meal. Her
ability to tell the future resulted in her being called a witch. Some people
poked fun at her. Mysie was an incredible woman, a survivor.
A 1861 Canadian census in Stanley listed James as a
brother and farmer and head of household, a Margaret as a mother, a brother
Donald who was a Trapper and a brother Charles who was a laborer and then a
Mysie who is listed as an "Idiot." How sad to be listed as such. She
was no "idiot" as this census reflects if she was able to live off
the land, build her own home, etc.
Women had to be strong to be on their own then, come to think of it, women still have to be strong to be on their own now.....
If you are looking for women this weekend---- go to this site www.sepiasaturday.blogspot.com
Well-that didn't sound real good, but, you know what I mean!
There is such strength in that photograph and such strength in that story as well. We have things very easy these days, let us not forget it.
ReplyDeleteSo true Alan, so true.
DeleteLove your ending but the story was great. Women had to be that much tougher than the men back then - and they had to do it all in skirts and petticoats.
ReplyDeleteA photo full of character that grabs your attention. What a way t designate a human being.
ReplyDeleteThose early pioneer and settler women were made of strong stuff.
ReplyDeleteFor me, it's her eyes. Penetratng, yet kind, plus a hint of a smile as if to tell you she knows the secret. Great photo. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteShe sounds like she had mental problems but wasn't what we would call an idiot.
ReplyDeleteCarrying her dead brother on her back for burial...now that's a story. Wow! What a great story. Thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteThat was fascinating. Do you know was it pronounced Missie. And do you know if they all came from the one area of Skye. I had to go to Google Earth to find out where Miramichi is. I always think of the Canada/US border as a straight line - interesting to see how Canada "snuggles into' the US in places. like jigsaw pieces.
ReplyDeleteCanada and the United States share the longest border in the world, might I add--a friendly border! True, the border zig zags in and out in some places. Miramichi which is in New Brunswick borders Maine, USA.
DeleteHer name was Maisie pronounced (may-see). Lots of stories told about her as she was quite a memorable person in our history.
DeleteMy- zee.
DeleteWonderful feature.
ReplyDeleteSomeone who can build her own home (and out of cedar to boot) and carry a brother to bury him is someone I think I would like to know and share a cup of tea with.
HA -- I'm not looking for women, but I'm glad to find this one. Inspiring story.
ReplyDeleteSo many people were categorized as "idiots" and "crazy" when mental health was so poorly understood. Don't know how to help someone? Just put them in an institution. Sad. But this lady sounds like she defied the label and lived a long and productive life.
ReplyDeleteI think i can see from the photo why people thought Mysie was a bit mad, but she had such a hard life and an amazing sory of survival!
ReplyDeleteMysie must have been a very strong and wise woman, to survive in those conditions. You cannot build your own cabin when you are stupid. I have great respect for her.
ReplyDelete