1852: An Acadia Tragedy Unfolds (Part 10, Jun 9/25)

William Grant’s body found on June 9

“All with the exception of Grant (who sunk at once) and Professor Chipman, of whom presently, clung to the boat, and endeavoured to get up on it…” (Distressing Calamity, Christian Messenger extra, 11 June 1852, 1) The story told by Charles Benjamin and recounted in the newspaper by Dr. Cramp helps us know that Mr. Grant drowned immediately. Archivist Wendy Robicheau found more tributes to William Grant than any other person on that boat. William was loved.

He was born in 1826, on the Northwest Arm of Sydney, Cape Breton. The newspapers indicate that Grant’s body was discovered on 9 June 1852, but the exact location and time is not specified. There was a Coroner’s inquest, for which no records exist, that the newspapers stated ‘accidental death’ on June 9 and he was buried immediately. T.S. Harding of Wolfville performed the service. William Grant is buried in the Old Burying Ground, at Wolfville, next to Isaac Chipman. The text of the stone is obscured by lichen, moss, and other plant life.

After spending time with Rev. William Chipman, Grant entered Horton Academy in 1849, but it is not clear if he matriculated. There is some evidence that he was in New Brunswick at one point, but for what purpose is unspecified. He attended Acadia College in 1851, most likely as a candidate for the Christian ministry. He probably took classes in Classics (including Greek and Latin), Evidence of Christianity, Rhetoric and Elocution. In the 1851 academic year, the Theology department, under the direction of Dr. Cramp, studied the Book of Matthew and Hebrew grammar translating Genesis. His College roommate was Isiah Wallace. A letter in the 20 February 1852 Christian Messenger reflects that he was preaching in Preston during the December break of 1850.

Grant was described after his death as having a meek and sweet personality. He was pious and gentle and enjoyed learning. His obituary in the Christian Messenger of 23 July 1852 continues with the “College bell rings for classes, but where is our beloved Grant? Where are the others who so often met with cheerful countenances.” Rev. J. Rowe commented by saying, “death’s cold grasp has withered these promising flowers, that only bloomed to die.” Dr. Cramp expressed that Grant was a strong preacher, devoted to the Christian ministry. Grant was likely involved with the local singing school, but this only substantiated by a report that on one of the evenings before his death, he insisted that a local meeting at Annandale (in Wolfville) end by singing “Blest Be the Ties that Bind”. William Grant’s paper given on 4 June 1852 called “Heroes of the Nineteenth Century” was reprinted in the 19 November 1852 issue of the Christian Messenger. His memoir was printed in that publication on 10 December 1852.