Ancestors of Christopher John Augustine Morry

Living

Sex: M

Parents

Father: Frederick Carter ¹³⁵⁴ Mother: Sarah Lavinia Parsons ¹⁰⁹⁷

Spouses and Children

1. Living

Reginald Gordon Carter

Sex: M

Individual Information

Birth Date: 15 Feb 1922 - Greenspond, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada ¹³⁵⁴ Christening: Death: 23 May 1943 - ( at age 21) ¹³⁵⁴ Burial: Cause of Death:

Parents

Father: Allan Carter ²⁹⁵⁶ Mother: Lenora Elkins ²⁹²

Living

Sex: M

Spouses and Children

1. *Evelyn Elizabeth Annette Tessier Marriage: Children: 1. Living 2. Living

Living

Sex: M

Parents

Father: Living Mother: Living

Living

Sex: M

Parents

Father: John D. Carter ¹⁰ ^,3008 Mother: Living

Spouses and Children

1. Living Children: 1. Living 2. Living

Robert Carter

Sex: M

Individual Information

Birth Date: 1965 - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada ³¹⁶¹ Christening: Death: 2002 - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada ( at age 37) ³¹⁶¹ Burial: 2002 - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada ³¹⁶¹ Cause of Death:

Parents

Father: Living Mother: Living

Notes
General:

181121:

Note that the dates of birth, death and burial are from a niche in the columbarium at Forest Rd. Cemetery and I do not know if this is the same Robert Carter.

Robert Carter JP

Sex: M

Individual Information

Birth Date: Cir 1752 - Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada ¹⁴² Christening: Death: Between 3 Jun 1810 and 16 Aug 1810 - Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada ³¹⁶² ^,3163 ^,3164 Burial: Cause of Death:
Events
• Alt. Birth: 1755, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Alt. Birth: 1768, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Alt. Birth: 1768, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Documentation: Letter from Robert Carter in Devon to William Carter in Ferryland, 10 Mar 1776, Dartmouth, Devon, England. This is MG 31.1 in the Carter Papers at The Rooms.
• Property: Lands in Cape Broyle, 27 Nov 1777, Cape Broyle, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. (Witness)
• Appointment: Justice of Peace, Ferryland District, 1793, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Occupation: Mariner and Merchant and JP, Bef 1800, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. In 1800 (Census of Ferryland) Robert Carter Junior is shown as the employer of 5 ships' crews each with a crew of two or three men, including the master.
• Appointment: Justice of the Peace, 1800, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Appointed by new Governor, Admiral Pole.
• Census: Owner of 5 small fishing vessels, 1800, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. In 1800 (Census of Ferryland) Robert Carter Junior is shown as the employer of 5 ships' crews each with a crew of two or three men, including the master.

.
• Will: Will of George Hutchings found in GN169, Vol. 1, Page 26, 2 Jan 1807, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Downloaded from the website of the FHSNL.
• Alt. Death: 1810, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Will: Version of Robert Carter's Will filed with Supreme Court GN169-1-140, 3 Jun 1810, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Will: Will of Robert Carter In the Surrogate Court, Southern District records, 3 Jun 1810, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Parents

Father: Surrogate Robert Carter JP ¹⁰ ^,78 ^,168 ^,454 ^,1991 Mother: Ann Wylly ¹⁶⁸

Spouses and Children

1. *Elizabeth Harris Howe ¹⁰ ^,109 ^,292 Marriage: 3 Feb 1789 - Dartmouth, Devon, England ¹⁰⁹ ^,1799 ^,3165 ^,3166
Marriage Events
• Witnesses: Granville Smith and Joan Tessier (groom's sister), 3 Feb 1789, Dartmouth, Devon, England. Marriage Notes

Email from Enid O'Brien 151206 - information from Jean Stirling:

References: Dartmouth, St Petrock, 3 4/8 Marriage solemnized in the parish of Dartmouth, St. Petrock, in the County of Devon, Robert Carter, Mariner, of St. Saviour's, Dartmouth, and Elizabeth Harris How (spinster) of this parish. Married in this church by license this third day of February in the year one thousand seven hundred and eight nine by me Wal---? The marriages was ( Robert Carter solemnized between us ( Elizabeth Harris How

In the presence of
( Granville Smith
( Joan Tessier

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

090418 from FindMyPast:

Devon Marriages Transcription

First name(s)Robert
Last nameCarter
Marriage year1789
Marriage date03 Feb 1789
Spouse's first name(s)Elizabeth Harris
Spouse's last nameHow
DenominationAnglican
ParishSt Petrox
City or townDartmouth
PlaceDartmouth, St Petrox
CountyDevon
ArchiveSouth West Heritage Trust
Record setDevon Marriages
CategoryBirth, Marriage & Death (Parish Registers)
SubcategoryParish Marriages
Collections fromEngland, United Kingdom
Devon Family History Society

Transcriptions © Devon Family History Society
Children: 1. Robert Carter JP 2. Eliza Howe Carter 3. James Howe Carter

Notes
General:

Carter, Robert, Jr. (175?-1810). Justice of the Peace. Born Ferryland. Second son of Robert Carter Sr. qv. Carter was appointed Justice of the Peace for Ferryland District c. 1793 and as such was part of his father's court. He held the position until his father's death in 1800 when Robert, Jr . took charge of the family business. He was later appointed Deputy Naval Officer at Ferryland and died there in 1810. [Harcourt Gardiner GEDCOM notes]

[NB: The above information contains many inaccuracies and misunderstandings, nontheleast of which is his date of death, which is unknown.]

Email of 26/03/02: Enid O'Brien connected Robert Carter married to Sarah Rendell as the son of Robert Carter married to Elizabeth Harris Howe.

210806:

BDM reports that a death notice appeared on 16 Aug 1810 in: 1) Gazette (Royal Newfoundland Gazette) 1807- reading: "ALL Persons having just demands against the Estate of ROBERT CARTER, late of Ferryland, Merchant, deceased, are desired to apply to WM. CARTER or THOS. STABB, Ex'rs. St. John's, 16th August, 1810."

050910: According to the Census his father was responsible for compiling in 1800, this Robert's household over the winter of 1799-1800 included 3 servants and 5 dieters while his father, Robert, was only supporting two servants and no dieters and his grandfather (William) one servant that year.

200314:

Subject: Re: mar 14 draft
To: "Chris Morry" <fr307@ncf.ca <mailto:fr307@ncf.ca>>
Cc: "Enid O'Brien" <enidobrien@yahoo.com <mailto:enidobrien@yahoo.com>>, "jritcey@mun.ca <mailto:jritcey@mun.ca>" <jritcey@mun.ca <mailto:jritcey@mun.ca>>
Received: Thursday, March 20, 2014, 4:05 PM

Enid, according to the Last Will & Testament of Robert II (son of the surrogate) dated 3 June, 1810 he died in 1810. He made this will on his deathbed and the witnesses had to attest in probate court, after his death, that it was his true signature, which they did 8 Nov. 1810. His son Robert (our diarist) was just 21 and acting as his executor, wrote a letter dated 10 July, 1810 to a businessman (Stabb) about transporting fish, and asking for an order of dipt candles (I have a typed copy). Unfortunately nowhere did I find Robert Carter II's age at death given. I suppose he was almost certainly buried in Ferryland but we have no record of a gravestone. Jean

210614:

In her family history notes Jean observes: "Robert Carter (2nd) died unexpectadly at Ferryland; will made on his deathbed; his son Robert (3rd), 21, was with him. (Carter wills & letters). Nevertheless, he lived in Dartmouth, Devon and to and fro'd quite a bit."

150816:
Joey Smallwood's Carter family tree and other documents which have drawn upon it as an authoritative source suggested that there was a line descending from this Robert through a son name Arthur, who had a son named William who in turn had a daughter named Blanche. I always suspected that this whole line was erroneous because there is no record of a son named Arthur in this family. Today I am confirming this suspicion. What Joey evidently did was mistakenly carry over the information on Arthur Hunt O'Brien Carter, the son of Robert's brother, Judge William Carter, including that Arthur's son named William and his granddaughter named Blanche. Therefore I am deleting this spurious line of descent from my family tree file today. Note that the quality of Joey's research was abysmal and it was rife with errors of this kind.

160517:

I just discovered that I made a photograph of the registered copy of the Will of Robert Carter at The Rooms in 2015. It is in the collection of the Surrogate Court, Southern District -- GN 5 1 C 1. I am enclosing a copy in the media gallery now, along with a transcript.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
220717:
In Chapter 2 of his book "Garrison Town to Commercial City", Ronald Rompkey presents an article from the Christmas Review, 1892, 2-4 by Sir Robert Pinsent (MLA and Supreme Court Justice) entitled "St. John's, Newfoundland, A.D., 1800-4". In that article, Sir Robert Pinsaent reports that one of the first duties of the new governor, Admiral Pole, in 1800 was to appoint members of his Commission of the Peace (Justices of the Peace), including Robert Carter, Sr. and Robert Carter, Jr. for Ferryland. Robert Carter, Sr. was also appointed as Surrogate for the Southern District based in Ferryland. It is noteworthy that in this capacity, Robert Carter, Sr. was responsible for compiling a most comprehensive census of the population of the Ferryland District for Governor Pole as his last official act before he died later that year. None of the other Surrogates followed through on the request for such a census and thus the only census of Newfoundland in 1800 is that for the Ferryland area.

!MARRIAGE: County Devon Cntrl Lib.Dartmouth,St.Petrox
Records 1653-1837;from SDS Fam.Hist.Library film 0917191;
"Carter, Robert of St. Saviour's,Dartmouth, Mariner
and Elizabeth Harris How, 3 Feb. 1789, by licence;
witnesses: Joan Tessier, Granville Smith." [Their three
children were born in Dartmouth.]

!DEATH:Made his will Ferryland, 3 Jun 1810, probated 8 Nov 1810,
St. John's "Merchant, deceased..."

Surrogate Robert Carter JP

Sex: M

Individual Information

Birth Date: 15 May 1722 - Sidmouth, Devon, England ⁷⁸ ^,454 Christening: 29 May 1722 - Sidmouth, Devon, England ¹⁰⁹ ^,1991 Death: 18 Oct 1800 - Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada ( at age 78) ⁷⁸ Burial: After 18 Oct 1800 - Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada ¹⁰⁹ Cause of Death: After a long illness (undefined)
Events
• Immigration: From Sidmouth, Devonshire, England by his own account, Between 1738 and 1742, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. In his support of Matthew Morry's petition for a grant to occupy a ship's room in Caplin Bay in 1784, Robert Carter testifies that this spot of land has not been occupied in his 42 years in the country. This implies he came to the country in 1742, at least on a seasonal basis. Permanent emigration seems to have occurred a few years later but before 1750. Gerald Pocius's Book - "A Place to Belong" quotes Robert as saying he came over in 1749 so this must be the year he moved permanently with his family.
• Occupation: Merchant, Between 1742 and 1800, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Appointment: Said to have received Commission of Justice on board a vessel with Rodney, later the Governor of Newfoundland, 1748, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Occupation: Justice of the Peace, After 1749, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Occupation: Justice of the Peace and Keeper of the Rolls, Between 1750 and 1751, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Court: Petitition from Robert Carter for Grant of Land - Point of Beach, 27 Aug 1750, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 135-139

31 Aug 1750

Gov. Drake (Ferryland)

Court Proceedings in Ferryland

-petition on Robert Carter heard

-petition of Richard Pasmore against James Hutchins and Thomas power regarding debt owed

-petition of creditors of William Brewers

petition of Elizabeth Gobbett regarding patent granted for a plantation

-petition of Lieut. Nathaniel Jones

-petition regarding creditors and debtors.
• Property: Purchase of plantation from Edward Lee of St. John's, 21 Sep 1750, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 177-178

21 Sept 1750

Edward Lee (St. John's)

Robert Carter (County of Devon)

Selling of property of Edward Lee of St. John's to Robert Carter of County of Devon. Includes plantation, storehouses, and fishing rooms.
• Appointment: Justice of Peace, 1751, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Appointment: Justice of the Peace, 26 Aug 1754, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 101

26 Aug 1754

Gov. Bonfoy (St. John=s)

John Benger is appointed as Keeper of the Rolls. Richard Ball, William Land, Robert Carter, and Peter Weston Esq are appointed Justices of the Peace for the District of Ferryland.

Thomas Warden, and John Blake Esq are named Justices of the Peace for the District of Trinity.
• Property: Petititon for room to dry fish, 2 Sep 1754, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Interesting: Suffered the loss of a son and all his house, stores and goods in fire, 24 Dec 1756, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. NL GenWeb
Avalon South Region ~ Southern Shore District
Historical Information
Extract of a Letter from Mr. Robert Carter, dated at at Ferryland in Newfoundland, Jan. 12:
Source: The London Chronicle Vol 45, April 12-14, 1757. Transcribed and contributed by Linda Elkins-Schmit

"I have the great Misfortune to acquaint you, that on the 24th of last Month, by some Neglect in heating Mr. Benger's Oven, a terrible Fire broke out about One in the Morning. I was waked out of my Sleep, and ran thro' the Fire in my Shirt with two of my Children, my Wife followed in her Shift, but my Son, the Maid-Servant and an Apprentice-Boy were all consumed in the Flames, The Store-Houses and Dwelling Houses were all entirely destroyed; and all the Goods, Furniture, and Provisions whatever, for not a single Thing was saved. Valuing my Goods at prime Cost, I have lost full 2800l. exclusive of the Buildings, for I had in the Store 2400 Quintals of dry Fish, which I purposed to send to Spain in the Spring. Mr. Benger and his Family lost their All; and we were reduced to the greatest Distresses for Want of Provisions and Cloaths till we had a Supply from the neighbouring Harbours."

© Linda Elkins-Schmit & NL GenWeb
Southern Shore
.
• Military: Right to fly the White Ensign - for valorous service to HM in combatting French, 1762, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Family lore suggests two things that have never proved possible to prove: first, that Robert Carter had a grant to Isle au Buoys before the outbreak of the Seven Years War; and second, that as a reward for assisting the British Navy to defeat the French at the Battle of Signal Hill, the last battle between French and English in the Summer of 1992, Robert Carter and his family were awarded the honour of flying the White Ensign in perpetuity.

David A. Webber, who then worked for the Newfoundland Naval and Military Museum (precursor to the Rooms) published in 1966 a book entitled "Voyage to defeat : a history of the French and British campaigns at Newfoundland in 1762". On page 51 of that book, examined by Jean Carter Stirling in 1997 at the MUN Library (one of the few places where a copy can be found), this is what he had to say on that subject:
""Lord Colville has provided a number of shallops to bring our stores around from Torbay to Kitty Vitty, so soon as we have taken post and opened it. There being no anchoring for the Men of War or transports off here, the getting (of) these Shallops was almost absolutely necessary for the landing of everything, the path from Torbay to St. John's being narrow and bad, for a great part of the way, I desired his Lordship to get as many of these Shallops as he could." (This must be a quote from Amherst.)

Webber's comment:
"In this `necessary measure' Colville was helped by two Newfoundlanders, Robert Carter, a merchant of Ferryland and owner of the Isle of Bois who had been on board the "Northumberland" since she sailed from Halifax; and Colville's friend from Bay Bulls, Nathaniel Brooks. They not only collected 56 shallops from Ferryland and Renews at a cost of £742.4.2 but provided 37 more volunteers bringing the total of the Newfoundlanders serving in the fleet to over 100 men. For this service, the two men and George Davis received a certificate: `of having been very useful to the Expedition against St. John's' and, according to tradition, acquired the right for the Carter family to fly the White Ensign in perpetuity, which his descendants do to this day. Robert Carter also earned the nickname of `Old Admiral Carter' from his neighbours on the Southern Shore, a name by which he was known until the day of his death."
After this aside, Webber continues to quote Amherst:: "Later on the morning of the 12th the wind freshened ......."
1. ADM 50/22 Lord Colville's Journal September 29, 1762. Copied (by Webber) BR August 27, 1984."

It would seem that Webber was only quoting the family lore and had no solid evidence even then to support this story.
.
• Military: Robert Carter and his wife Anne were largely responsible for saving Ferryland from the French, Between 24 Jun 1762 and 9 Oct 1762, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Seven Years War.
• Court: Richard Nason reduces rent due on account of evacuation during French attack, 10 Sep 1763, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 186-188

10 Sept 1763

William Brown, Esq. Surrogate to Gov. Graves (Ferryland)

Court Proceedings:

Richard Nason presented a petition against 6 renters of his plantation who owe him rent (Carter, Moore, Shea, Brasill, Kelly, and Hollohan). It was decided that each person would have to pay half of their rent, since they left on account of the enemy.

-Tosias Seal appeared in court against Henry Tucker, found invalid.

-Samuel Roberts claimed property which is immediate to his plantation, found invalid and in possession of another.

-Bridget Wyett bought property from Thomas White, who then changed his mind. Court found the purchase was undervalue and not just, thus invalidated it.

-Henry Tucker put a complaint against Tosias Seal for keeping animals from him. After Tucker made an oath to his mark and property, ordered that Seal should immediately give them to Tucker.

-William Senders appeared regarding his plantation (Peggen's Room) being destroyed by a fire from Robert Carter's premises.

-Richard Nason states that Richard Benger's ancestors had not complied with their agreed upon covenant. Also, Michael Shea and Michael Brasil were intended to [? Microfilm scratched, information missing].
• Court: William "Senders" appears in court re his plantation, "Peggen's Room" being destroyed by Robert Carter's fire., 10 Sep 1763, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 186-188

10 Sept 1763

William Brown, Esq. Surrogate to Gov. Graves (Ferryland)

Court Proceedings:

Richard Nason presented a petition against 6 renters of his plantation who owe him rent (Carter, Moore, Shea, Brasill, Kelly, and Hollohan). It was decided that each person would have to pay half of their rent, since they left on account of the enemy.

-Tosias Seal appeared in court against Henry Tucker, found invalid.

-Samuel Roberts claimed property which is immediate to his plantation, found invalid and in possession of another.

-Bridget Wyett bought property from Thomas White, who then changed his mind. Court found the purchase was undervalue and not just, thus invalidated it.

-Henry Tucker put a complaint against Tosias Seal for keeping animals from him. After Tucker made an oath to his mark and property, ordered that Seal should immediately give them to Tucker.

-William Senders appeared regarding his plantation (Peggen's Room) being destroyed by a fire from Robert Carter's premises.

-Richard Nason states that Richard Benger's ancestors had not complied with their agreed upon covenant. Also, Michael Shea and Michael Brasil were intended to [? Microfilm scratched, information missing].
• Property: Robert Carter and Peter Weston give up their rights to Isle au Bois, 29 Aug 1764, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 241

29 Aug 1764

Gov. Hugh Palliser (St. John's)

Responding to the 24 Aug letter. He will be paid for the house by Captain Gualy and a Bill upon the Ordnance office, after which the Island aux Bois and the buildings on it belong to the Crown. Carter is also to quit rights to the property after rent is paid to him, as is Mr. Weston Justice at Ferryland, whose house(s) are now being used as barracks. Record of Weston and Carter being paid included.
• Appointment: Naval Offiicer for Ferryland, Fermeuse, Renews and Trepassey, 4 Nov 1764, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 273

04 Nov 1764

Gov. Hugh Palliser, Jonathan Horsnaill (St. John's)

Robert Carter, Nicholas Gill: Naval Officer of St. John's, and Robert Edgcomb of Great and Little Placentia

Appointing Robert Carter as Naval Officer for the ports of Ferryland, Fermeuse, Renews, and Trepassey.

277

04 Nov 1764

Gov. Hugh Palliser, Jonathan Horsnaill (St. John's)

Robert Carter, Deputy Naval Officer for the ports of Ferryland, Fermeuse, Renews, and Trepassey

Seize illicit traders, especially from St. Pierre and Miquelon. Same as above documents to Nicholas Gill in St. John's and Edgcomb in Placentia.
• Appointment: Appointment recalled as Deputy Commissary of Vice Admiralty Court, 5 Sep 1768, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 117

05 Sept 1768

Gov. Hugh Palliser (St. John's)

Michael Gill, Esq., Commissary of the Vice Admiralty Court (St. John's)

He must comply with a previous order to recall the commission appointing Robert Carter as Deputy Commissary of the Vice Admiralty Court (Ferryland).
• Property: Claimed to have ownership of all the Downs, Cir 1770, Ferryland, Newfoundland.
• Appointment: Commission of Peace; Proclamation re barbarous murders of natives, 15 Jul 1772, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 19-21

15 July 1772

Shuldham

Robert Carter, Ferryland

Sending him a Commission of the Peace together with several proclamations and orders. Beneath is a list of the documents enclosed, including an order against the "barbarous murders committed on the natives".

NOTE: That family lore suggests either Robert Carter or another of the early members of this family did in fact murder one or more natives.
• Property: 60 feet of ground adjacent to Nason's property on the Pool, 15 Oct 1773, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Number 4, Vol. 1, Page 115 Number 5, Vol. 5, Page 193 and Vol. 6, Page 164 Robert Carter's petition on record 60 feet of Ground granted him alongside Nason's property in Pool. 1750 to 1753 to 1776

AND

Vol. 5, Page 193 Robert Carter Grandfather of the present Messieurs Carters of Ferryland and St. John's admits Mr. Nason's property in Pool 1773 and was his tenant in 1763 as appears on the records in Page 2 and this also. By His Excellencies Command, Governor Shouldam, Commander in Chief over the Island of Newfoundland and its dependancies etc. It has been represented to me by James Holley Jones, my Surrogate that Mr. Robert Carter, Merchant of Ferryland intends building a stage 60 feet in length front of Admiral's Beech at the Eastern side of the Pool of Ferryland if he can be secured in the possession thereof to his use and benefit and its also represented by my Surrogate that the stage when built is no wise injurious to said beech or to the Priviledge of fishing ships as its been from high water mark out in the water adjoining the plantation belonging to Mr. Richard Nason. The said Robert Carter is hereby authorized to build said stage not exceeding more than 60 feet in length provided same don't obstruct the ships fishery coming up with their boats to said beech and said stage as he shall build he shall enjoy to his own use and benefit without molestation, let or hindrance from any persons whatever so long as he uses the same to the advantage of the fishery. Given under my hand and seal in St. John's 15 th of October, 1773 M. Shouldam By his Excellencies command Edward Bragg

And

193-194

15 Oct. 1773

Shuldham

Permitting Robert Carter to build a stage in front of a small beach at Ferryland..
• Appointment: Confirmation of appointments as Commission of Peace, Dep. Judge Vice Admiralty Court and Naval Officer of Ferryland, 21 Jul 1775, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 3

21 July 1775

Duff

Robert Carter, JP at Ferryland

Thanking him for his account of the fishery and other observations, and promising to continue him in his commissions of the peace, of deputy to the Judge of the vice admiralty, and deputy to Mr. Gill as Naval Officer of Ferryland.
• Appointment: Orders concerning throwing offal in harbour and Commission of Peace, 18 Aug 1775, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 14-15

18 Aug. 1775

Duff

Robert Carter (Ferryland)

Ordering a stop to splitting fish beside "the bait sayns" (seines) and throwing the offal overboard, which is damaging to the said sayns, and therefore to the fishery. Also, Asking him to try and settle disputes there, as he will not here anymore litigious complaints brought out of his district. Telling him he will send him a commission of the peace, and in the meantime asking that he publish several orders and publications, and also that he will collect certain dues on his behalf.
• Appointment: JP, Sep 1775, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
GN 2/1A [Microfilm Box No. 2]
Volume 6 (1774-1777): Orders & Proclamations

Page 83.
• Appointment: Continuing of appointment as JP, 16 May 1776, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 62-63

16 May 1776

Montagu

Robert Carter (Ferryland)

Continuing him as JP for his district.
• Appointment: Ratification of appointment as JP; forbidden to rind many trees, 13 Jun 1776, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 82-83

13 June 1776

Montagu

Robert Carter (Ferryland)

In response to his request that he permit people to rind as many trees as they shall have need of to carry on their business in the fishery, her says that the order came from the King, and that he therefore cannot provide exception to it. Also, ratifying and confirming Duff's appointment of him as JP.
• Property: Property possessed and used for long time on Northside - Montagu's Peninsula, 22 Jul 1776, Aquaforte, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 134

22 July 1776

Montagu

Securing Robert Carter, as per his petition, in his fishery at Aqua Fort.

135

22 July 1776

Montagu

Granting Robert Carter a piece of land, hereafter to be known as Montagu's Peninsula, North of Aqua Fort.
• Property: Claims Isle aux Bois in right of the Governor, 24 Jul 1776, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 91

24 July 1776

Montagu

Robert Carter

Claiming Isle of Bois as the Governor's, he asks that he harvest the grass therefrom and make it into hay for the Governor's flocks, using the rest for his own. Anyone posing a claim on land from that Island must present themselves before the Governor.
• Interesting: Governor satisfied with his administration of district, 25 Jul 1776, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 92

25 July 1776

Montagu

Robert Carter

Expressing his satisfaction with his work there, and the good order and peace of his region.
• Military: Inability of Governor to provide for defence of Ferryland, 23 Sep 1776, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 115

23 Sept. 1776

Montagu

Benjamin Lester and the rest of the merchants at Trinity

Saying that he is unable to comply with their request for a Man of War to winter in the port, as they are apprehensive of damage to their property from American Privateers. Advising them to make their port as defensible as possible.

116

23 Sept. 1776

Montagu

Robert Carter and the principal merchants of Ferryland

ditto for Ferryland etc.
• Military: Governor to provide One Nova Scotia Volunteer to assist in defence, 29 Sep 1776, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 121

29 Sept. 1776

Montagu

one each to Jeremiah Coghlan, Gervais Grossard, William Keen, John Follett, Robert Carter

Authorising Captain Cunningham of the Nova Scotia Volunteers arrived from Halifax to recruit as many men into his regiment as he can find between 10 Oct. and 31 March, but no longer. He may only enlist such men as are entirely free.
• Property: Reconfirmation of right to 60 feet on the beach at the Pool in Ferryland, 15 Oct 1776, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Vol. 6, Page 164 This grant to Mr. Robert Carter, Grandfather of present Messieurs Carters of Ferryland and St. John's is the same as above noted. The only record that appears to them or either of them for property in Ferryland though said parties claim the chief part of Ferryland as their property. It appears on record that Governor Shouldam did on the 15 th October 1773 grant unto Robert Carter, Esq., Merchant of Ferryland, the priviledge of erecting a stage on eastern side of Pool.Its also represented in consequence of said grant built the stage as above. Mentioned employed same to his own use and benefit least any Interruption may be given him in the enjoyment thereof. Prays my confirmation and security to be kept on said premises to his own use and emolument. I do confirm the Grant of Governor Shouldam to Robert Carter, Esq. in erecting said stage on the eastern side of Pool provided same don't exceed more than 60 feet on the ground fronting said beech and command all persons not to give said Robert Carter any obstructions , let or hindrances in the quiet and peaceable enjoyment thereof as they will answer to the contrary. Given under my hand this 15 th day October, 1776 J. Montagu By His Excellencies Command, Robert Atkinson .
• Property: Lands in Cape Broyle, 27 Nov 1777, Cape Broyle, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Property: Granted land near North East River he had cleared, 24 Aug 1780, Aquaforte, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 59-60

24 Aug. 1780

Graham for Edwards

Robert Carter, J.P. of Ferryland is granted land on the North East River flowing into the sea at Aquafort which he had cleared. (See D'Alberti transcript, Vol. 1, p. 119.).
• Appointment: JP's in Ferryland - Robert Carter, William Carter, Henry Sweetland, Between 4 Oct 1782 and 2 Sep 1784, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 27-29

4 Oct. 1782- 2 Sept. 1784

A list of the JPs serving in Newfoundland between 1782 and 1784. Robert Forsyth and Moses Cheater (Fogo). Alexander Wilson and John Brown (Great and Little Placentia). Robert Carter, William Carter, and Henry Sweetland (Ferryland, Renews, Capelin Bay, Cape Broyle, "Brickas" [Brigus]). John Waldron (Fortune Bay). Nicholas Gill, Dewes Coke, George Williams, & Archibald Buchanam (St. John's). Charles Garland, Robert Gray, and Conway Hergington (Conception Bay).
• Property: Lease of various spots of unoccupied ground in Ferryland, 14 Apr 1787, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. This is an indenture between Robert Carter and Stephen Moore, the Surgeon in Ferryland. The latter had purchased some unoccupied pieces of land from Thomas White, the executor of the estate of his brother, John White, who had been granted these lands by Capt. John Knight, Commander of HMS Saltash in 1749. The document shows that Carter kept up his rent payments annually right up to the month that he died in October 1900. It is not clear if his son William Carter, a major land owner, continued the arrangement after that.

Note that it is quite likely that these properties are the ones referred to in Kevin Reddigan's summary on NGB website of the Crown Lands Grants - Ferryland District (1748-1926):

White Johnnear Burrying (sic) Ground and path to Gays" (sic) 174908-Sep Ferryland Court

It is also summarised by Ray Curran under Ferryland - District Court Actions Late 1700s to Early 1800s:

September 8, 1749White, JohnGranted land near Burrying Ground and path to Gays (Gaze)

However, nowhere have I been able to find an actual copy of that original grant if it still exists.

That said, I did find this additional reference to the same piece or pieces of ground in Ray Curran's summary:

April 13, 1787Moor, StephenCame forward with document proving he had been granted piece of land in 1749 that was now being granted to: Whelan, James

It seems likely that the court action in 1787 was intended to allow the rental of these properties by Carter without interference by James Whelan.

So the document did exist and was presented to the court as recently as 1787 though it may have been lost since then.
• Appointment: Resignation of appointment as Magistrate, 12 Oct 1788, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 401-403

12 Oct 1788

Gov. Elliot

Robert Carter
(Ferryland)

Carter is resigning as a Magistrate in the District of Ferryland; he is to submit his resignation to Capt Pellew. Carter is also to pay the fines and forfeitures in his hands, £15, to Mr. Sweetland, the treasurer, and directs him as well to send Elliot an account of all fees received by the Justices within the time specified in his letter, and he will make sure that Carter receives his proportion of it.

.
• Appointment: JPs Robert Carter, Henry Sweetland and Nicholas Brand, 10 Oct 1790, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Robert Carter made Keeper of the Rolls.
• Court: Catherine Ondle vs John Murry Sr. - paternity case, 3 Apr 1791, Ferryland, Newfoundland. Robert Carter and Nicholas Brand, JPs presiding.
• Appointment: JPs Robert Carter and Nicholas Brand, 14 Sep 1792, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 149-150

14 Sept. 1792

Gov. King

Robert Carter

Appoints Robert Carter, Capt. Manley, HMS Syren, Nicholas Brand, and Peter Romney as Justices of the Peace for the district of Ferryland. Requests Carter to send regular correspondence outlining inhabitants, their denominations, and the state of the fishery. (See D'Alberti transcript, Vol. 4, p. 217).
• Appointment: Surrogate, 11 Oct 1793, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 210-11

11 Oct. 1793

Charles Brewer for Gov. King

John Brown, Placentia

Brown is to serve as Surrogate in Placentia, as per Judicature Act of 1793. NB: that same day, King appointed the following as surrogates: John Clinch, Trinity, Charles Garland, Conception Bay, Robert Carter, Ferryland, Isaac Follett, Trepassey. (See D'Alberti transcript, Vol. 5, pp. 15-17).
• Will: Transcript of Will of Robert Carter I, 20 Mar 1795, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. This transcript was found in the Newfoundland Ancestor 7, 4 and was submitted by Ronald J. Fitzpatrick. He had a considerable interest in Ferryland for some reason, though he was not from there. I have modified his transcript consulting the original and my transcript and copied to the Notes. The original page of the Will from the Carter Papers at The Rooms are also attached.
• Interesting: Correspondence from Robert Carter to Governor Waldegrave, 20 Jul 1797, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 21-"26" [sic; p. 23]

8 June 1797

Robert Carter, Ferryland

Waldegrave

Ferryland was peaceable over the winter. Some boats fished to the west (Placentia, St. Mary's) over the winter, while a few fished the banks. But all that the fishery can produce won't be enough supply the Portuguese markets. Submits an account of the 1796 winter inhabitants & dieters, He wishes to keep his position as Supreme Surrogate & Keeper of the Records as he has worked as a Justice since first appointed by Richard Edwards in 1749, 48 years ago [D'Alberti transcript erroneously identifies the year as 1738]. "I am the oldest magistrate in this Island"; he is 75; "my hearing is dull, my eyesight very good, and my memory very good." A list of masters, servants & dieters in his district is appended, as is a list of fees, licenses, fines. (See D'Alberti transcript, Vol. 6, pp. 1-2; the lists provided by Carter do not appear in the D'Alberti trabscript).
• Census: Household of Robert and Ann Carter, 1800, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Including daughter, Ann Carter Sweetland (widow) and her son Benjamin Sweetland, aged 11.

On the list of servants and dieters it lists the following as servants: John Gacy, John Kelly and William Harris; and the following as dieters: Andrew & Walter Fewer, Edmund & William Doherty and William Walsh. Separately, it lists as servants Richard Gorman (clerk) and Michael Tree (?).
• Occupation: Fish Merchant, 1800, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. From "A Study of the Settlement of Ferryland" by Sister Esther Moore at the MHA we learn that Robert had 3 Three Hand Skiffs, 1 Two Hand Skiff, 11 Fishermen and 4 Landsmen in 1800.
• Appointment: JP, Keeper of the Rolls and Surrogate of the Southern District, Bef 18 Oct 1800, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Alt. Death: After 1800, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Probate: Announcement in Newfoundland Gazette and Public Advertisor, Nov 1910, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Parents

Father: William Carter ¹⁰ ^,78 ^,168 ^,454 Mother: Joan Hill ¹⁰ ^,78 ^,168 ^,454

Spouses and Children

1. *Ann Wylly ¹⁶⁸ Marriage: Children: 1. Anne Carter 2. Judge William Carter Esq. 3. Robert Carter JP 4. Carter 5. Joan Carter 6. Mary Carter 7. Sarah Carter

Notes
General:

15/9/99:

Information on parents of Ann(e) Carter was provided by Enid O'Brien in email to Gillian on Sept. 8, 1999 and has not been verified by us.

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180703: Notes on George LeMessurier's family tree of the Carter/Morry/LeMessurier clan at PANL (MG 289) indicate that Robert was given a grant to Isle au Bois or Little Bog Island in 1753. "He fortified the island and furnished it with supplies from 24 June to Oct. 1762." On the 25th of August 1750 he applied for liberty to build a store on the beach in front of the Beach Richard Benger's Plantation and the Point of Beach of Thomas Dobell; also to build a flake on the back of the beach below the high water mark.

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060906: According to the Carter Paper's in PANL (the family tree supposedly prepared by Joey Smallwood) they had 3 sons and 4 daughters: Ann, William, Joan, Mary, Robert, Eliza Howe, James Howe.

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261106: Notes on George LeMessurier's family tree also indicate that he bought Hunts Plantation at Petty Harbour from Edw. Lee for 60.0.0 pounds on 1 Sept. 1750

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210707: Robert Carter and his wife Ann were the defenders of Ferryland during attacks by the French in 1762. According to B.D. Fardy in "Ferryland - The Colony of Avalon", Carter personally armed Isle au Bois and moved the entire population of Ferryland there when word of another French attack was imminent. He and the men went off to help defend St. Johns and in their absence the French attacked and Robert's wife Ann led the other women in firing the cannons and inflicted enough damage on the French ships that they withdrew and Ferryland was saved that time at least, though it was razed several other times by the French and the Dutch.

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280212: This extract of a letter from Robert Carter was discovered today on the Newfoundland Genweb website (also on NGB site). I do not believe that anyone in the family had ever seen this before and I certainly do not know which of his sons it was who died in the conflagration. I will share this with others to see what more I can learn:

Extract of a Letter from Mr. Robert Carter, dated at Ferryland in Newfoundland, Jan. 12, 1757: Source: The London Chronicle Vol 45, April 12-14, 1757. Transcribed and contributed by Linda Elkins-Schmitt

"I have the great Misfortune to acquaint you, that on the 24th of last Month, by some Neglect in heating Mr. Benger's Oven, a terrible Fire broke out about One in the Morning. I was waked out of my Sleep, and ran thro' the Fire in my Shirt with two of my Children, my Wife followed in her Shift, but my Son, the Maid-Servant and an Apprentice-Boy were all consumed in the Flames, The Store-Houses and Dwelling Houses were all entirely destroyed; and all the Goods, Furniture, and Provisions whatever, for not a single Thing was saved. Valuing my Goods at prime Cost, I have lost full 2800l. exclusive of the Buildings, for I had in the Store 2400 Quintals of dry Fish, which I purposed to send to Spain in the Spring. Mr. Benger and his Family lost their All; and we were reduced to the greatest Distresses for Want of Provisions and Cloaths till we had a Supply from the neighbouring Harbours."

© Linda Elkins-Schmit & NL GenWeb

A copy of the page from the London Chronicle is included in the Media folder.

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Transcript of Robert Carter's testimonial supporting Matthew Morry's petition - Page 3 These Certifie that the spot of ground Matthew Morry now occupieth in Capling Bay for the Fishery appears by the ancient Inhabitants testimony never to have been occupieth before by any Fishing Ships, Boatmen, or Inhabitants since their Remembrance nor hath it been occuppied since mine, now 42 years but cut and cleared from the Woods, by the Petitioner who hath this year two Briggs, a shallop and a Skiff in the fishery the benefit of Air that attends the Ships-room from this Spot being cleared in the manner aforsaid is very great. In testimony to which I have set my Hand in Ferryland. 8th Sept. 1784 Robert Carter Justice Peace

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190614
These are Jean Carter Stirling's notes on Robert:

"BIRTH: Parish Register of Sidmouth,Devon, copied by Jean (Morry) Funkhouser and
IGI microfiche Batches 8128932,7306002,7307502. Parents William Carter of
Sidmouth and his wife Joan nee Hill, formerly of Bicton, Devon.

MARRIAGE: As of 1991, no record found by me, decendent-compiler /jcs

DEATH: Carter Research by J.R.Smallwood: - Letter to the Governor from Rev.John
Dingle, from Ferryland dated 19 Oct,1800 says, in part "....last night after a
lingering illness Robert Carter Esq.,Keeper of the Rolls and Surrogate for the
District of Ferryland, departed this life....."

WILL: Written 29 Mar.1795, it mentions wife, Anne, sons William and Robert,
daughters Anne Sweetland, Joan Tessier.

This Robert Carter came to Ferryland, Newfoundland sometime prior to 1754, and
established himself as a businessman and surrogate magistrate for the district.
His children spent a lot of time moving back and forth across the Atlantic, so
that it is difficult to trace their records.

He is famous in Nfld. history for his exploits during the French battles over
St. John's in 1762."

She also notes his date of death (incorrectly I think) as October 19 in this entry:

1800, October 19 - Robert Carter (1st) of Ferryland died aged 78 after a long illness. He was Keeper of the Rolls and Surrogate in the District of Ferryland. [s]

The "[s]" was Jean's way of indicating her source to be "J.R. Smallwood's books" but this looks to me to be a direct copy of one of Gert Crosbie's abbreviated excerpts of births, marriages and deaths in Newfoundland newspapers and therefore the date given would have been the date the notice was published, not the date of death.

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200614:

In his support of Matthew Morry's petition for a grant to occupy a ship's room in Caplin Bay in 1784, Robert Carter testifies that this spot of land has not been occupied in his 42 years in the country. This implies he came to the country in 1742, at least on a seasonal basis. Permanent emigration seems to have occurred a few years later but before 1750. Gerald Pocius's Book - "A Place to Belong" quotes Robert as saying he came over in 1749 so this must be the year he moved permanently with his family.

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260614:
I have often heard tales that Robert Carter shot and killed one of the last Beothuks on the Avalon Peninsula. In fact my late brother Tom wrote a poem on this subject many years ago. I have never seen credible evidence to support this story and it may simply be apocryphal. But in his book, Riots and Religion in Newfoundland, David Dawe amplifies on the tale in this manner:

"One interesting yet controversial feature of the tale of the Masterless Men is the supposed contact between them and the Beothuks. During the late 1700s an English planter from Ferryland named Robert Carter supposedly shot and killed THREE [my emphasis] Indians who appeared on the hills just west of the town."

Dawe goes on to say that, if true, this would lend support to the rumour that Beothuks joined the Masterless Men, but he concludes that most scholars believe the Beothuks had disappeared from the area long before the end of the 1700s.

Dawe's sources for this specific account are not mentioned. But one of them quite probably was Harold Horwood. He had written on this topic some years ago and his words were used in a publication that came out in his name posthumously in 2011 entitled Plunder and Pillage: Atlantic Canada's Brutal and Bloodthirsty Pirates and Privateers. In this book he says:

"One or two Mi'kmaq people may have been associated with the Masterless Men. By their time the native Beothuk inhabitants of Newfoundland were nearly extinct, and the few remaining were hiding out in the most remote parts of the island where they would soon be sought out by white men and murdered. They had been replaced by Mi'kmaqs from Nova Scotia, an aboriginal tribe that was better able to deal with Europeans. The Mi'kmaqs lived mainly in the central and south part of the island, but some of them ranged all over the 42,000 square miles of Newfoundland, including the Avalon Peninsula. According to the Oral History of Ferryland, Robert Carter, the most prominent landowner of the Ferryland settlement, shot and killed an aboriginal in the hills above Ferryland, and it would seem that the aboriginal in question must have been Mi'kmaq because by that date there were no Beothuks in eastern Newfoundland."

From:
Plunder and Pillage: Atlantic Canada's Brutal and Bloodthirsty Pirates and Privateers by Harold Horwood; published posthumously by James Lorimer and Company in 2011 and now available in Kindle form from De Marque Inc.

The document referred to as the Oral History of Ferryland was in fact a cultural study compiled from notes of conversations with Howard Morry of Ferryland and John Hawkins of Cape Broyle in the 1950s according to Horwood and also Eldon Drodge in his book entitled Kerrivan, a novelized version of the history of the Masterless Men. According to Drodge, it was from these two sources that what little is known of this band of outlaws was compiled but it was later embellished by authors like Harold Horwood in an article in the Newfoundland Quarterly and of course by Drodge and, one could now say, by David Dawe in this latest treatment. This being the case, it can be concluded that the whole affair concerning Robert Carter shooting an aboriginal person, or three, is part oral history that can be credited to Dad Morry and John Hawkins and part embellishment by later authors who were playing around with these few bare facts for greater effect.

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190714 from Jean Carter Stirling:

From J.R.Smallwood research 1937, on assignment from Cyril Carter re Carter family Tree:
(Unfortunately, Joey's typed copy only)……... Excerpt from letter written by Robert Carter, Surrogate for Ferryland, NFLD:

"June 8, 1797
I have been forty eight years in the Commission of the Peace. I received the first Commission from his excellency George Bridges Rodney, Esq. (Commodore) hoisted his broad pendant on board His Majesty's Ship Rainbow, 1738. (signed) Robert Carter"

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170715:
From "A Study of the Settlement of Ferryland" by Sister Esther Moore at the MHA we learn that Robert had 3 Three Hand Skiffs, 1 Two Hand Skiff, 11 Fishermen and 4 Landsmen in 1800.

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220717:
In Chapter 2 of his book "Garrison Town to Commercial City", Ronald Rompkey presents an article from the Christmas Review, 1892, 2-4 by Sir Robert Pinsent (MLA and Supreme Court Justice) entitled "St. John's, Newfoundland, A.D., 1800-4". In that article, Sir Robert Pinsaent reports that one of the first duties of the new governor, Admiral Pole, in 1800 was to appoint members of his Commission of the Peace (Justices of the Peace), including Robert Carter, Sr. and Robert Carter, Jr. for Ferryland. Robert Carter, Sr. was also appointed as Surrogate for the Southern District based in Ferryland. It is noteworthy that in this capacity, Robert Carter, Sr. was responsible for compiling a most comprehensive census of the population of the Ferryland District for Governor Pole as his last official act before he died later that year. None of the other Surrogates followed through on the request for such a census and thus the only census of Newfoundland in 1800 is that for the Ferryland area.

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301218:

It has been a long-held tradition in the Carter family, and it has often been repeated as historical fact in many sources, that Robert Carter was rewarded for his defence of Ferryland, Bay Bulls, St. John's and indeed the Colony of Newfoundland in general during the French attacks in the early 1760s with a title to Isle au Bois and the right to fly the White Ensign. Harry Shortis reports this amongst many others in his "Fugitive History" (MG 282, Vol. III, File 2, Pg 6-7 at The Rooms, and in other articles no doubt) which I photographed in July 2018. But he was no doubt only reporting what he had read in print by earlier historians. He did not do any in-depth research on any of the eclectic topics on which he wrote.

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040419:

The following information comes from Larry Coady's book now in preparation, provisionally entitled "The Faltering Sea":

' Jukes [Joseph Jukes] also mentioned a conversation with Judge Carter of Ferryland who 'told me of an animal having been seen in his father's time and drifted dead into the harbour which was a gigantic squid, and when cut up filled one or two barrels.'

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180419:

There is a bio of the Carter Family accompanying the online index to the Carter Papers (MG 31) at The Rooms. It reads:

Carter (family)

Biographical sketch
The Carters represented in the records were a prominent Protestant family, resident in Ferryland, Southern Shore, Newfoundland, with extensive influence in the mercantile, judicial and political history of Newfoundland. The principals included Robert Carter (1722-1800), wife Ann (Wylley). The family records span four generations.

Robert Carter (1722-1800), merchant, justice of the peace, was born in Sidmouth, Devon, England. He married Ann Wylley (fl. 1740-63) and they settled in Ferryland in the 1740s. Carter conducted business along the Southern Shore, with fishing properties at Renews, Petty Harbour, Isle au Bois (Little Bog Island) and farm land at Aquaforte. In the summer of 1762, Robert and Ann Carter actively defended Ferryland against the French invaders. Carter served as justice of the peace (1749-1800) and keeper of the rolls until his death on 18 October 1800. His children included Robert and William.

Son Robert Carter (d.1810) also served as justice of the peace for the Ferryland district (1793-1800) and later as deputy naval officer. He assumed control of the family business in 1800 and died a decade later. Robert Sr.'s oldest son, William Carter (1751-1840), was appointed judge of the Vice-Admiralty Court (1788-ca.1830) and served as chief advisor to the governors until the 1820s, including an important role in the defence of St. John's in 1796. Carter retired to Ferryland where he died on 18 March 1840. His family included wife Catherine (O'Brien) Carter, William (d.1812), Robert (1791-1872), Peter Weston (1786-1871), Arthur Hunt O'Brien, and daughter Catherine.

Son Peter Weston Carter served in several civil and judicial offices: Deputy naval officer at St. John's (1806-21), registrar and scribe of the Court of Vice-Admiralty (1810-15), magistrate (1815-53), clerk of the Probate Court (1823-29), clerk of the Central Circuit Court (1829-53) and chief magistrate (1853-69).

Carter family (Ferryland) collection
Collection MG 31
1759-1927

Level of descriptionCollection

Accession424 77 15 92

Extent 13 cm textual records
2 drawings
1 map

Consists of
[Series ] Correspondence and family materials
[Series ] Legal documents
[Series ] Sketches and plans

Record typeNon-Government Records

Custodial historyThe papers were in the custody of the Carter family until donation to the Provincial Archives in 1977 and 1992.

Scope and content Collection consists of textual records and cartographic items relating to the Carter family of Ferryland and St. John's for 1759-1927. Collection includes correspondence, wills, indentures, grants, a family tree and other family memorabilia. Two sketches and a plan of Carter property at Ferryland are also included.

Collection is arranged in three series: Correspondence, 1765- 1908; Legal documents, 1759-1927; Sketches and plan, 1822-1888.

Variations in titlePreviously described as two collections: Carter papers; James Carter [papers].

Source of titleTitle is based on the subject of the collection

Immediate source of acquisitionDonated to the Provincial Archives by Mrs. D.N. MacGillivary in 1977 and 1992.

ArrangementDuring redescription in 2003, the James Carter fonds ( MG 891) was incorporated into the Carter family collection. No original order. Fonds arranged chronologically

CopyrightCopyright expired

Related recordsMG 247 Carter (Benger/Nason) fonds consists of documents relating to Carter properties at Ferryland: 1750-1860. The Robert Carter fonds (MG 920) consists of diaries recording weather, family and local information.

Provenance access point
Carter (family) -

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Information taking from Jean Carter's family tree when I merged it with my own on June 4, 2021

!BIRTH: Parish Register of Sidmouth,Devon, copied by Jean (Morry) Funkhouser and
IGI microfische Batches 8128932,7306002,7307502. Parents William Carter of
Sidmouth and his wife Joan nee Hill,formerly of Bicton, Devon.

!MARRIAGE: As of 1991, no record found by me,decendent-compiler /jcs

!DEATH: Carter Research by J.R.Smallwood:-Letter to the Governor from Rev.John
Dingle, from Ferryland dated 19 Oct,1800 says, in part "....last night after a
lingering illness Robert Carter Esq.,Keeper of the Rolls and Surrogate for the
District of Ferryland, departed this life....."

!WILL: Written 29 Mar.1795, it mentions wife,Anne, sons William and Robert,
daughters Anne Sweetland, Joan Tessier.

This Robert Carter came to Ferryland, Newfoundland sometime prior to 1754, and
established himself as a businessman and surrogate magistrate for th e district.
His children spent a lot of time moving back and forth across the Atla ntic, so
that it is difficult to trace their records.

He is famous in Nfld. history for his exploits during the French batt les over
St. John's in 1762.

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090621:

Family lore suggests two things that have never proved possible to prove: first, that Robert Carter had a grant to Isle au Buoys before the outbreak of the Seven Years War; and second, that as a reward for assisting the British Navy to defeat the French at the Battle of Signal Hill, the last battle between French and English in the Summer of 1992, Robert Carter and his family were awarded the honour of flying the White Ensign in perpetuity.

David A. Webber, who then worked for the Newfoundland Naval and Military Museum (precursor to the Rooms) published in 1966 a book entitled "Voyage to defeat : a history of the French and British campaigns at Newfoundland in 1762". On page 51 of that book, examined by Jean Carter Stirling in 1997 at the MUN Library (one of the few places where a copy can be found), this is what he had to say on that subject:

"Lord Colville has provided a number of shallops to bring our stores around from Torbay to Kitty Vitty, so soon as we have taken post and opened it. There being no anchoring for the Men of War or transports off here, the getting (of) these Shallops was almost absolutely necessary for the landing of everything, the path from Torbay to St. John's being narrow and bad, for a great part of the way, I desired his Lordship to get as many of these Shallops as he could." (This must be a quote from Amherst.)

Webber's comment:
"In this `necessary measure' Colville was helped by two Newfoundlanders, Robert Carter, a merchant of Ferryland and owner of the Isle of Bois who had been on board the "Northumberland" since she sailed from Halifax; and Colville's friend from Bay Bulls, Nathaniel Brooks. They not only collected 56 shallops from Ferryland and Renews at a cost of £742.4.2 but provided 37 more volunteers bringing the total of the Newfoundlanders serving in the fleet to over 100 men. For this service, the two men and George Davis received a certificate: `of having been very useful to the Expedition against St. John's' and, according to tradition, acquired the right for the Carter family to fly the White Ensign in perpetuity, which his descendants do to this day. Robert Carter also earned the nickname of `Old Admiral Carter' from his neighbours on the Southern Shore, a name by which he was known until the day of his death."

After this aside, Webber continues to quote Amherst:: "Later on the morning of the 12th the wind freshened ......."

1. ADM 50/22 Lord Colville's Journal September 29, 1762. Copied (by Webber) BR August 27, 1984."

It would seem that Webber was only quoting the family lore and had no solid evidence even then to support this story.

211122:
Last Will and Testament of Robert Carter of Sidmouth/Ferryland, March 29 1795
Based on transcript by Ronald J. Patrick in the Newfoundland Ancestor 7, 4; Winter 1991
With minor revisions resulting from comparison with original at The Rooms (MG 31.41)

I Robert Carter of Sidmouth in the County of Devon now living
and resideing in Ferryland in the Island of Newfoundland being
Weak of Bodie but of sound mind & memory do make this
my last Will and Testament

My Will and desier (within forty eight hours after or less
after the Breath of Life depart my body, to be Buried in the
in the common Bureing ground the south side of the Harbour
of Ferryland.) If I depart this life in the month of may June
July, August or September, to be buried between the hours of ten & twelve
in the forenoon (Private Burial) in Manner & form as follo'th
for the Woman that Wash my Bodie to pay her Two dollars -
to the Carpenter for makeing a plain Coffin of pine board one dollar -
no paint, Lacker or Varnish etc. on any part of the Coffin) - my Grave
to be diged five feet deep from y^e Spine) the man for diging the Grave
and Bureing me ^ ^{pay him} Two dollar -- for six common Servants to Bare me
to my Grave, & lay me in the grave one dollar for each -- Barrer - -
for the parson, or Person who reads the Burial Service to give ^ ^him two
dollars) no hatbands or gloves to any person nor any sort mourning
whatsoever) - further my Will and desier that my wife nor either
of my sons or daughters ware any mourning for me - therefore
I hope they will ^ ^{full fill} my desier -- the Spirit of all mankind which
is the breath of Life ^ ^returns to God who gave it) the Body return unto its
mother Earth -This hath ben the Lott of the Generations of old -
and will be the lott of futture Generations -- there is no
^ ^distinction between the Rich, or the Poor in the Grave --

If I depart my Life in the Months October, November, December
January, February, March, April to be Buried in Forty Eight Hours -
between the Hour of Eleven In the forenoon, & three afternoon - in
a private Manner) -- further my Will and desier that my body may be
put into the Coffin and Screw down the cover with Screws.
no Wakings of my Bodie. I protest ^ ^against such practices, its very
Indecent -

I give ^ ^{& bequeath} unto my Wife Ann Carter an annuity of thirty pounds
& Annum Yearly & Every Year ^ ^{to be} paid on the first day of November
during her Widdowhood, all my Estates goods & Chattels etc.
shall be Liable in the first place ^ ^{to pay the said annuitey as it become due}also I give and bequeath
to my wife the use of all my house hold furniture, without Exception
of any part thereof dureing her Widowhood) if She Marrie
the forfit her Annuiety to gather with all my househould furni^ture

to be forfited. My son William Carter my Executor of this my Last will &
Testament to take expedient possesion of all & singler my Estates -
on the Island of Newfoundland goods & Chatles, etc. etc. -

Item I give & Bequeath unto My son Robert ^ ^Carter all my wareing apparel
Woolen & Linning etc. etc. ^ ^& one Guinea.

Item I give and bequeath to Ann Sweetland Smolett's History of England
three Vol^e. folio - Stern's Sermons 6 Vol^e. & One Guinea.

Item I give my daughter Joan Tessier one Guinea

all my Estate or Estates^{^ in the Island of Nf}all my goods^{^ & Chattels etc.} I give & Bequeath unto my son Willm
Carter makeing him my Whole & sole Executor of this My last Will &
Testament - - I do hereby revoke all former Wills - desiring my
Executor to full ^^this my will -in Witness hereof I have here unto set my
hand and Seal In Ferryland Newfoundland March ye Twenty
ninth one thousand Seven Hundred Ninty five.

Signed Seald in the presence
of usRobert Carter L S

Thomas Norris
John Aylward

James Kuffe

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
140824:
Milt Anstey posted on this day a testimony of the ancient residents of Aquadforte that attested to the fact that no one had occupied any area of Aquaforte as a fishing room nor operated from that harbour before Robert Carter and John Benger during the time that the signatories had been there including one whose 50 years of experince dated back to 1738. ³⁰⁹¹

Hon. Lt. Commander Robert Carter RN, MHA

Sex: M
AKA: Foxy Bob Carter ¹⁴²
Individual Information

Birth Date: 19 Sep 1791 - Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada ²⁹² Christening: Death: 25 May 1872 - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada ( at age 80) ²⁹² ^,3167 ^,3168 ^,3169 Burial: 28 May 1872 - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada ³¹⁷⁰ Cause of Death: After a Protracted Illness ³¹⁶⁹
Events
• Census: Household of William and Catherine Carter, 1800, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. (Household Member)
• Census: Household of William and Catherine Carter, 1800, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Including children Samuel, 12, Robert, 9, Arthur, 5 and Catherine 18.
• Military: Lieutenant then Commander In Royal Navy - Ship Mary a.a. (?), Between 5 Jun 1811 and 1855, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Occupation: Stipendiary Magistrate & JP, Between 1815 and 1832, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Interesting: The last Surrogate appointed in Ferryland, 1816, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Appointment: Surrogate, 1817, Ferryland, Newfoundland.
• Documentation: Sample of offbeat court cases heard, 1817-1826, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. From "Treasured Memories - Then and Now", the Ferryland 2019 Come Home Year Book
.
• Occupation: Lieut. in R.N. and Magistrate, 6 Nov 1823, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Appointment: Deputy Sheriff, 2 Jan 1826, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Court: Dep. Sherrif; Inaugural Sitting of the Southern Circuit Court, 12 May 1826, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Hon. Augustus Wallet DesBarres, Presiding Judge of Supreme Court
Benjamin Greer Garrett Esq., Clerk and Registrar (appointed 2 January 1826)
Robert Carter, Esq. R.N., Deputy Sherrif (appointed 2 January 1826)
Magistrate William Carter, C.R.
Justices of the Peace, Rev. Charles Blackman, John Preston and Andrew Morrison
Gaoler, Richard Gorman
Constables Roichard Sullivan, Michael Devereaux and Sisk, William Maher.
• Court: Deputy Sheriff, Second Sitting of the Southern Circuit Court, 30 Oct 1826, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Officers of the Court:

B. G. Garrett, Esq., Clerk and Registrar
Robert Carter, Deputy Sheriff
A. Morrison, Magistrate
G. Garet [sic], W. Maher and R. Sullivan, Constables
R. Gorman, Gaoler.
• Residence: 1827, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Arrival: 21 Jul 1828, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Court: GN-5-1-C-1 King for Robert Carter vs John Kearny & Patrick Fennely Assault, Nov 1828, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Kearny acquitted by the Grand Jury, Fennely found guilty and fined £5.
• Court: Member of officials at 4th sitting of Southern Circuit Court, 4 Nov 1828, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. (Witness)
• Occupation: Lieut. R.N., and J.P., 10 Jul 1831, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Court: Member of officials at 7th sitting of Southern Circuit Court, 10 Oct 1831, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. (Foreman)
• Election: Member for Ferryland in Newfoundland's first House of Assembly, Between 1832 and 1836, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Election: Member for Ferryland in Newfoundland's first House of Assembly, 1832, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Occupation: Colonial Treasurer, Member of House of Assembly, Between 1832 and 1836, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Residence: Freshwater - "Southside House", Between 10 Oct 1832 and 24 Jul 1833, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The term "Southside House" is apparently a reference in the Carter diaries to his cousin, Robert's place in Freshwater.
• Court: Presentment before Southern Circuit Court, 21 Oct 1833, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Complained to the court over the state of the jail in Ferryland.
• Election: Defeated in Ferryland election for House of Assembly, 1836, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. He was defeated by Peter Win(d)sor of Aquaforte, whom he had defeated in the first election in 1832. Winsor was able to seize the seat by capturing the RC vote with the help of Father Duffy.
• Will: Supreme Court Probate Office, 8 Apr 1836, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. (Heir)
• Appointment: Road Commissioners for Ferryland area, 3 Aug 1836, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. This was not the date of appointment but rather the date of one of their meetings to agree to build a bridge on Spout River. Robert Carter J.P. presiding; Commissioners - Robert Carter, RN, Thomas Wright, T. Congdon. Matthew Morry was also a Road Commissioner at this time but did not attend this meeting.
• Appointment: Justic of Peace, sworn by James Bayly and Robert Carter, 23 Aug 1836, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. (Appointee)
• Court: Brien, Michael and Patrick a.t.s. Robert Carter, R.N. at 1836 sitting of Southern Circuit Court, Between 1 Nov 1836 and 10 Nov 1836, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. £7.17.10 for goods and supplies delivered in 1835. Petty Jury sworn and vefrdict for Plaintiff, £6.18.10.
• Court: Carter, William v Catherine Dullanty at 1838 sitting of Southern Circuit Court, Between 31 Oct 1838 and 7 Nov 1838, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. (Power of Attorney)
• Court: Cannon, Thomas a.t.s. Robert Carter, R.N. at 1840 sitting of Southern Circuit Court, Between 21 Oct 1840 and 31 Oct 1840, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Trespass to recover £40.0.0. damages sustained by Defendant spreading large quantities of fish on Plaintiff's property.Settled between parties, Defendant agreeing to pay30 shillings to cover expenses.
• Court: Member of officials at 1840 sitting of Southern Circuit Court, Between 21 Oct 1840 and 31 Oct 1840, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. (Justice of Peace)
• Election: Elected Member for Bonavista to House of Assembly, Between 1842 and 1855, Bonavista, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Membership: Member of the Committee to establish the Native Hall, 1845, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. (Member)
• Occupation: Colonial Treasurer under nephew Frederick B. T. Carter, Between 1849 and 1855, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Election: Elected Member for Fortune Bay to House of Assembly, Between 1859 and 1861, Fortune, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Occupation: Colonial Secretary, Between 1861 and 1865, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Occupation: Acting Colonial Secretary, Colonial Building, Between 1864 and 1865, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. CARTER, Hon. Robert, R.N. Acting Col. Sec., Col. Bldg. Res: New Gower
.
• Residence: New Gower St., Between 1864 and 1865, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. CARTER, Hon. Robert, R.N. Acting Col. Sec., Col. Bldg. Res: New Gower.
• Retirement: From House of Assembly, 1865, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Will: Supreme Court Probate Office, Bef 1872, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Residence: Springdale Terrace, 25 May 1872, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Alt. Burial: 28 May 1872, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Alt. Death: 25 Jul 1872, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Alt. Death: 25 Aug 1872, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Parents

Father: Judge William Carter Esq. ¹⁰ ^,109 ^,168 ^,305 ^,2987 Mother: Catherine Weston ²⁹² ^,305 ^,2988

Spouses and Children

1. *Ann Williams Hutchings ⁵ ^,10 ^,316 Marriage: 2 Jan 1821 - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada ⁶⁹ ^,141 ^,278 ^,481 ^,983 ^,3171
Marriage Events
• Minister/Priest: Frederick Harrington Carrington, A.B., Missionary, 2 Jan 1821, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Witnesses: Robert Carter, Mary Hutchings, 2 Jan 1821, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Witnesses: Sidney Carter, Peter Carter, Geo. Procter, Samuel Gormand Carter, Mary Hutchings, 2 Jan 1821, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Marriage Notes

{\\rtf1\\ansi\\deff0{\\fonttbl{\\fcharset0 Arial;}}
\\viewkind4\\uc1\\{\\rtf1\\ansi\\deff0{\\fonttbl{\\fcharset0 Arial;}}
\\viewkind4\\uc1\\030816 from NGB website by Jill Marshall/Kevin Reddigan:
1821 St. Johns Robert CARTER, Esq., bach, lieutenant, Royal Navy,
[Son of Judge William Carter and Anne Catherine Weston] Anne Williams HUTCHINGS, spin, St Johns Robert Carter, Mary Hutchings STJB [Robert Carter, b.1791, was Judge of the Surrogate Court for the District of Ferryland. Anne was the fourth daughter of George Hutchings, Esqr. of St. John's.]
is an actual transcript of the original Cathedral register entry:
1821
^{o. 272 Robert Carter, Esqr., Lieut. R. N. and
of the D. of Ferryland (bachelor)
Anne [sic] Williams Hutchings, of this Town
were married in this Church this
day of January, in the year, One Thousand
Hundred and Twenty-one, By me,
Frederic Hamilton Carrington, A.B.
Missionary
marriage was { Robert Carter
between us { Ann W. Hutchings
the { Sidney Carter
of { Geo. Procter
Carter { Samuel Gormand Carter
{ May Hutchings }}
Children: 1. Rev. George William Buchan Carter 2. Anne Catherine Weston Carter 3. Julia Mary Carter 4. Charles Carter 5. Jane Caroline Carter 6. Monier Hutchings Carter

Notes
General:

The gravestone data was transcribed by Jane Dowd of the Newfoundland and Labrador Genealogical Society in the early 1990's and is found on the "Newfoundland's Grand Banks Genealogical and Historical Data"website:

http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Heritage/NGB/Cemetery

I am arbitrarily setting the date of birth for his wife Ann to "Before 1800" based on the birthdate of their daughter(s).

Email from Enid O'Brien 26/03/02: Robert married to Ann joined the navy at a young age (15-16 yrs) when England was at war with France. He rose from midship to Lieutenant and retired with a part pension when he was 24 years old. He was appt judge following the death of his brother William in 1815 and probably remained a Judge until his election as MHA for Ferryland in 1832. (Ref. Newfoundland Miscellany, 1937).

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

171204:

This Robert Carter was a Member of the House of Assembly for some years. He was elected ro the first House of Assembly in 1832 on Monday, October 29, as attested in the diary of his first cousin, also Robert Carter: "Monday 29th October, 1832. Strong N. E. wind (a gale) cold and hard weather. This day being appointed for the election of a Member of House of Assembly - was busily employed to secure the return of R. Carter, which was done without opposition, except from Mr. Winsor who withdrew - cheered [or chaired] the Member, he being borne on men's shoulders seated on two chairs fixed on poles and carried through the Harbour with colours flying, etc. all of which passed off without accident or unpleasant occurrence except a few harsh words between some parties at the Meetings which were held in the Court House, the Returning Officer, Mr. Ewen Stabb. The Member pledged to support the wishes of his constituents, to consult their opinions and truly represent them, to support the trade, fisheries and agriculture, to promote economy in expenditure of public monies and rescind all taxes that tend to depress or lay heavy onthe poor man - not to accept of place while Member for this District."

[Note that the above transcript was prepared by Jean Carter Stirling and submitted along with a transcript of all of Robert Carter's diaries, to The Rooms, the Center for Newfoundland Studies and possibly also the Maritime History Archive but never published. In 2014, when a published version was put out by the Law Society of NL, there were extensive changes made based upon the reading of the original diaries by the editors. One such example was the word which Jean altered to "cheered" but which appears in the original as "charied". This was unboubtedly a term in use to describe the manner that the person being honoured was carried around on a chair, but not having heard that term before Jean assumed that Robert meant to write "cheered".]

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

210806:

BDM reports that marriage notice appeared on 04 Jan 1821 in: 1) Newfoundland Mercantile Journal 1816-1827 and reported "MARRIED - On Tuesday last, by the Rev. Frederick H. Carrington, Robert Carter, Esqr., Judge of the Surrogate Court for the District of Ferryland, to Miss Anne, fourth daughter of George Hutchings, Esqr. of this place." I assume "this place" is St. John's and have therefore designated the place of marriage as St. John's. If it were Ferryland they would have said so.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

150113:

2-Jan 1821 St. Johns Robert CARTER, Esq., bach, lieutenant, Royal Navy, Ferryland [Son of Judge William Carter and Anne Catherine Weston] Anne Williams HUTCHINGS, spin, St Johns Robert Carter, Mary Hutchings STJB [Robert Carter, b.1791, was Judge of the Surrogate Court for the District of Ferryland. Anne was the fourth daughter of George Hutchings, Esqr. of St. John's.]

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

180806:

BDM reports that the death notice appeared on 28 Aug 1872 in: 1) Gazette (Royal Newfoundland Gazette) 1807- 2) Times and General Commercial Gazette 1832-1895 3) Courier (Morning Courier & General Advertiser, Morning Courier) 1844-1878 4) Telegraph and Political Review 1856-1875

It notes that Deceased was Commander Robert Carter, Royal Navy. Aged 81

According to Harcourt Gardiner GEDCOM Ann Williams Hutchings, his wife, and Robert were 1st cousins. Until I know George Hutchings' wife's maiden name I will not be able to substantiate.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

281106:

Notations on George LeMessurier's family tree: Charges against him in Patriot 14/12 1842. Living at Freshwater Oct. 1832. Nominated for District for St. John's 1836 but withdrew during polling as did Keough. Gill, Green. 1816 Surrogate discontinued 1826.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

130808:

From National Archives naval records: "Comm. Robert Carter (B). Ship Mary a.a. (don't know what that means) St. John's. Entry 25 October 12. Quality: Acting Lieut. Discharge 25 June 1814. Lieutenant. Time. Years 1 Days 244.

Services not found.

7/olokute?? (can't make out)

Admiralty These are to Certify, that Commander Robert Carter (B), is borne on the Books of Her Majesty's Ships, above mentioned the Time and in the Qualities there expressed being Passed for Lieut. 5 June 1811. Lieut. 2 December 1812. Comm. 29 Aug. 55 (?1855)."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

111208 from NGB website, source unknown, but compiled by Daniel Breen:

"Lt. Robert Carter, born 19 Sep 1791, Ferryland, son of Judge William Carter and Ann Catherine Weston. Officer in the Royal Navy, J.P., magistrate, and first elected representative in the House of Assembly for Ferryland District. Died 25 May 1872, buried in the Forest Road Anglican Cemetery, St. John's."

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

0811211:

Frank Galgay, in his book "A Pilgrimage of Faith", records that Matthew Morry sat on the Board of Education for Ferryland from 1836 to 1841 when it was non-denominational and then on the Protestant Scool Board in 1845. By 1862, after Matthew had died, his son John was a Board Member. Other relations serving during these years included Robert Carter, H.M. Customs, Robert Carter, R.N., James Carter, Benjamin Sweetland, and Peter Windsor, MHA.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

280212:

Enid O'Brien provided me with the full list of Robert Carter's elections won and lost:

Robert Carter,who was involved in politics, was the son of Wm Carter and Catherine Weston (gdson of Robert Carter md Ann Wylly). He md Ann Williams Hutchings. Ann was called "Nancy". Robert had a naval career at a young age. His political career is as follows (ref Encl NL), etc.

1832 Elected Member for Ferryland 1836 Unsuccessful in election for Ferryland 1842 Elected for Bonavista 1848 Re-elected for Bonavista 1855 Re-elected for Bonavista 1859 Moved to Fortune Bay where he was elected 1861 Re-elected Fortune Bay Retired 1865

Fred Carter. who became Prime Minister, was his nephew, being the son of his brother, Peter.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

280212: From the Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online:

(Volume X) CARTER, ROBERT, naval officer, magistrate, and politician; b. at Ferryland, Nfld., in 1791, son of William Carter, judge of the Vice-Admiralty Court, and Anne Weston; m. to Anne Hutchings by whom he had one son and three daughters; d. in St John's, Nfld., 25 May 1872. Robert Carter was the grandson of the first Carter to settle in Ferryland, where the family were prominent merchants and holders of the magistracy. He appears to have joined the navy at an early age, and was retired soon after the peace of 1815 with the rank of lieutenant. In 1843 he was promoted commander (retired). After the death of his elder brother William in 1815, Robert Carter was appointed surrogate magistrate in his place, probably early in 1817. He served in that capacity at Ferryland until early in 1826, when he retired amid subsequently unsubstantiated accusations of improper judicial behaviour. The first general election in Newfoundland was held in 1832, and Carter won the Ferryland seat. From that time his career was largely politically oriented and he moved to St John's. The years between 1832 and 1836 saw the rise of denominationalism in local politics, and Carter, a member of the Church of England, was defeated in the Catholic district of Ferryland in 1836. From 1842 to 1852 and again from 1855 to 1859 he represented Bonavista Bay, and from 1859 to 1865, Fortune Bay. Both these districts were largely Protestant. Throughout his time in the assembly, Carter was a prominent member of the Protestant Conservative party, which was, however, in a minority from 1836 to 1861. But since, before the introduction of responsible government in 1855, patronage lay in the hands of the governor and council, Carter received several appointments of ascending importance. He remained a justice of the peace for the Ferryland area and served as a road commissioner there in the late 1830s. Following the fire that devastated St John's in June 1846, he was appointed supervisor of streets, an important post which he held until the replanning of the town was completed in 1848. In October 1849 Carter became colonial treasurer and a governor of the Savings Bank. The tenacity with which he held to these posts slightly impeded the transition to responsible government in 1855. His demand for a retirement allowance being disallowed, Carter refused to resign. He argued that he had not been appointed as treasurer under the conditions imposed by the resolution, passed by the assembly in April 1849 and later approved by the Colonial Office, which stated that all executive appointees after that date would be liable to removal without compensation upon the introduction of responsible government. He received neither pension nor sympathy, and finally in May 1855 Governor Sir Charles Henry Darling had to order him from office. Carter's resistance to the change was typical of many of his class, who feared not only the loss of their positions but also a Roman Catholic political ascendancy. In 1861 a crisis within the largely Catholic government party led by John Kent enabled the Conservatives under the leadership of Hugh Hoyles, openly backed by the governor, Sir Alexander Bannerman, to seize power. Carter became colonial secretary in the Hoyles ministries of 1861 and 1861'96 65. When Hoyles resigned as premier in the summer of 1865 to become chief justice, Carter lost his post, but he remained a member of the Executive Council until just before the election that fall. The Conservatives were again victorious under the leadership of his nephew, Frederick B. T. Carter. Carter retired from public life at the same time and lived in St John's until his death. Never of outstanding importance in the political life of his time, Carter was a prominent member of, and spokesman for, the local establishment. Unlike his peers, however, Carter was neither in trade nor in the law; he had an economic dependence on political office which reinforced his resistance to responsible government but hastened his adaptation to the new order.

J. K. Hiller

PANL, Newfoundland, Dept. of the Colonial Secretary, letter books, 1815 27; Newfoundland, Executive Council, minutes, 1865. Newfoundland, Blue Books, 1832 65 (copies in PANL); House of Assembly, Journals, 1836, 1837, 1838, 1840. Gunn, Political history of Nfld. J. R. Smallwood, "The history of the Carter family in Newfoundland," unpublished typescript, 1937 (copy at PANL). E. A. Wells, "The struggle for responsible government in Newfoundland, 1846'96 1855," unpublished ma thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 1966. © 2000 University of Toronto/Université Laval

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

080312 from NGB Ang Cath Bur Reg:

Robert CARTER St Johns 81 yrs May 28 1872 Son of William Carter & Catherine Weston; married Anne Williams Hutchings; Commander Royal Navy, died Aug 25th. Resided Dartmouth Devon, Ferryland and St Johns.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

210313 from Newfoundland Ancestor 7-4 transcription of the Newfoundland Mercantile Journal, 1819-1821:

Thursday, 4 January 1821. Married on Tuesday last, (2 January) by the Rev. Frederick H. Carrington, Robert CARTER, Esq., Judge of the Surrogate Court for the district of Ferryland to Miss Anne, fourth daughter of George HUTCHINGS, Esq.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

280513 from Dictionary of Newfoundland and Labrador Biography:

CARTER, ROBERT (1791-1872). b Ferryland; son of William Carter, brother of Peter W. Carter; magistrate 1815-26; MHA Ferryland 1832-36, Bonavista Bay 1842-52, 1855-59, Fortune Bay 1859-65; Colonial Treasurer 1849-55, Colonial Secretary 1861-65; d St John's 25 May. Carter served in the British navy from 1800. In 1815 he retired, after the Treaty of Paris, and was appointed surrogate judge at Ferryland. After being accused of improper conduct, Carter resigned in 1826 and turned his energies to the family business. Carter entered politics in 1832 and was elected MHA for Ferryland. He was defeated by Liberal Peter Winser in 1836 and became a Justice of the Peace for Ferryland and later Road Commissioner for the district. Carter re-entered elective politics in 1842, as the Conservative member for Bonavista Bay. In 1849 he was appointed to succeed Patrick Morris as Colonial Treasurer. Carter retained his position until the introduction of Responsible Government in 1855. When Conservative Hugh W. Hoyles formed an administration in 1861, Carter joined the Executive Council as Colonial Secretary. He retired from politics in 1865, having briefly served as Colonial Secretary under his nephew, Frederick B. T. Carter. Carter retired from public life at the same time and lived in St John's until his death.
Never of outstanding importance in the political life of his time, Carter was a prominent member of, and spokesman for, the local establishment. Unlike his peers, however, Carter was neither in trade nor in the law; he had an economic dependence on political office which reinforced his resistance to responsible government but hastened his adaptation to the new order.
J. K. Hiller

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

170616:

Nimshi Crewe file MG281 records this obit:
From the Public Ledger, St. John's, 29 May 1872:
Died. At Springdale Terrace, on Saturday, the 25th inst., Robert Carter, Esq. Commander R.N., aged 81 years.

A copy of Nimshis Crewe's transcript is in the Media folder

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

150816:

Note that this was the man referred to in many accounts by Dad Morry and others as "Foxy Bob" presumably because of his red hair rather than any personality or behavioural traits. Red hair has carried down through the family intermittently to this day.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

200916:

Enid today pointed me to a website with a book entitled "Naval Biographical Dictionary" which contains the records of every naval officer up to the date of publication. She transcribed the record given there of Robert Carter:

"Carter Robert (Lieut., 1812, F-P., 10, h-p) .38

Robert Carter entered the Navy, 29 September 1799, as Admiral Servant, on board the Agincourt 64, Capt John Bligh, bearing the flag at Newfoundland of Hon. Wm Waldegrave, from which ship he was discharged in March 1800. He re-embarked, 16/5/1805 on board the Isis 50, flag-ship in succession of Vice Admiral's Erasmus Gower and John Holloway, on the same station, where he continued to chiefly serve, until the conclusion of the war, as Midshipman and Master's Mate in the Jamaica 28, Capt Arthur Lysaght, Antelope 50, bearing the flag of Sir John Thomas Duckworth, and Avenger sloop, Capt Johnson and as Lieutenant (Commission dated 2 December 1812) in the Hazard sloop, Capt John Cookesley, He has not been afloat since 1814".

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

241217:

The diary of Robert Carter (his cousin) has this to say:

Wednesday, 3 October 1832
"Attended meeting at the Court House about the Member for House of Assembly, favoured R. Carter's acting commissioner." Here we have another of the four Robert Carters in Ferryland being referred to without mention of their relationship. In fact, this is his first cousin, Lieut. Commander Robert Carter, ex Royal Navy, who became the Honourable Robert Carter when he was elected to the House of Assembly. This man was also a judge prior to his election. Such facts were so obvious to the writer that he seemed to have not considered that at some time in the future others might be reading the diaries and be confused.

Of all the Robert Carters in the Nfld family, this is the only known one outside the ROBERT line, being the son of WILLIAM, and is always identified as Lieut. (or sometimes promoted to Capt.) Royal Navy. In fact, it was more of an appointment than a career, but he carried the rank.
He was also known as Colonial Secretary and/or Col. Treasurer, and a third identification was Foxy Bob due to having reddish hair. He was elected to the House of Assembly to represent the Ferrylansd District . He died age 81 at his residence Springdale Terrace, St. John's.

Robert Carter

Sex: M

Individual Information

Birth Date: 1 May 1895 - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada ¹⁰⁵¹ ^,3107 Christening: 16 Jun 1895 - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada ¹⁰⁵¹ ^,3107 Death: 24 Nov 1914 - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada ( at age 19) ¹¹ Burial: Cir 1914 - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada ³⁰²⁶ Cause of Death: Tuberculosis ¹⁵⁰⁶
Events
• Minister/Priest: Henry Dunfield, 16 Jun 1895, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Residence: Hamilton St., 21 Apr 1897, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. (Occupant)
• Alt. Death: 1914.
• Alt. Death: 1919, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Alt. Death: 1932.

Parents

Father: James Charles Carter ¹⁰ ^,33 ^,142 ^,282 ^,983 Mother: Jeanie Deans Morison ¹⁰ ^,1177 ^,1518 ^,3025 ^,3026 Marriage Did Not Marry

Notes
General:

!BIRTH/DEATH: OACm'y family gravestone;Robert Carter,
1895-1914; he died of TB, aged 19.

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