Stranica 288 [288]
168
He visited England with his father, and with him
returned to Canada, settling on the present site of
Prescott.
He was elected representative for the Eastern
District in the Legislative Assembly of the Province.
In January, 1800, he was appointed by Lieutenant¬
Governor Hunter,Clerk of the Peace for the District
of Johnstown.
issued to him a commission as Lieutenant-Colonel
of the 1st Regiment of Leeds Militia. Mr. Jessup
died at Prescott in the year 1815, leaving a wife and
Lieutenant-Governor Gore, in 1809,
seven children,
PRESCOTT.
Edward Jessup, the place being laid out in town
lots in 1810, the present fort (Wellington) standing
upon the homestead of the original pioneer.
The oldest house is owned by the Buckley brothers,
it being one of the three buildings first erected by
the Colonel. Within its walls the plans were laid
for the capture of Ogdensburg, in the War of 1812,
and for some time it served as officers’ headquarters.
In 1810, William Gilkinson purchased four plots,
where the centre of the town now stands. Mr.
Gilkinson built a wharf and warehouse, and entered
actively upon business as a forwarder.
The place soon assumed an important position,
in consequence of its being situated at the head of
the rapids, and at the lowest point upon the river
to which large boats could be brought with safety.
Among the early forwarders were McMillan, Mc¬
Lean & Co., Averell & Hooker, McPherson & Crane,
and Timothy Buckley.
In 1834, the place was incorporated, public affairs
being under the control of a Board of Police. The
first Board comprised the following gentlemen :—
Alex. McMillan, President; Thomas Fraser, John
Holden, Moses Murphey, and Timothy Buckley.
R. Headlam, Clerk.
The following remarkable memorandum has been
preserved among the town records in reference to
the first seal :—
MEMO.
‘‘ That it seems an undoubted fact that the handle of this corpora¬
‘<tion Seal, mentioned above, has been formed from a part of a yew
‘‘tree in which Mary Queen of Scots sat to witness the battle of
9 ; and which has been imported by Mr. McDougall, an
a
sc intelligent mechanic, now residing in this place.”
In 1847, the Board of Police gave place to the
Town Council, the Mayor being then elected by the
Council. The first mayor elected by the people was
Major B. White, who also occupied the civic chair
in 1852—55—59.
The appearance of the town from the river is that
of decay and ruin, but behind crumbling walls and
dilapidated warehouses the town hides a smiling
face. ‘The principal street boasts a beautiful Town
Hall, erected some four years since, at a cost of
$40,000, Near at hand is a commodious market
and engine house, fitted with the latest conveniences.
Several fine business blocks grace the street, which
would be a credit to any city. Many of the private
residences are models of taste and architectural
beauty.
FORT WELLINGTON.
This fortification was built in 1812, and during
the war was strongly garrisoned. It was the objec¬
tive point in the campaign of 1838, the intention
the army of invasion was to be dispatched. The
original building was of timber, but it was rebuilt
The entrance is by a massive
gateway, on the north side. On the south there is
an earth-covered stone sally-port. The fort proper
is surrounded by an earthwork, the sides of the
parapet being protected by cedar posts, sharpened
Four pieces of cannon
in stone in 1837-8.
at the projecting point.
formerly furnished the principal defence, one being
planted at each corner of the enclosure. The lower
part of the fort is furnished with vaulted chambers
for storing arms and ammunition.
The entire structure appears to have been built
in imitation of the original French outposts, when
the enemy consisted of savages. With modern
appliances of warfare, it would not be tenable for
troops within the range of a single mortar.
THE WINDMILL.
This structure, situated on Windmill Point, a
readers of Canadian history in consequence of the
important part it played in the battle fought
between the invaders and the loyal Canadians in
the year 1838, was erected by a West India merchant
named Hughes, in 1822. Several buildings of a
similar character were at an early date built upon
the banks of the St. Lawrence, but were soon super¬
ceded by mills driven by water power. In 1873, it
was converted into a light house.
Among the first municipal officers of Prescott were
the following : James Newman, Asahel Geralds, Jr.,
Michael Hartnett, and John Hallam, Bailiffs; Alex.
McMillan, Collector; Patrick Welsh, Poundkeeper.
In 1835, R. Headlam held the offices of Clerk, Trea¬
surer, Assessor, and Collector, Thomas Fraser being
at that time President of the Board of Police.
The first Town Council :—
B. White, Mayor.
James Sweeney, William Dunn, Joseph Cowan,
Alex. Smith, and Alex. McMillan, Councillors.
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