1852: An Acadia Tragedy Unfolds (Part 17, Jun 18/25)

Rev. E.D. Very, a College Governor

“Brother Very having a taste for geological pursuits felt desirous of obtaining specimens from Cape Blomidon, so well known as Professor Chipman’s favourite resort for that purpose. They agreed to form a party for a visit to the spot.” (Distressing Calamity, Christian Messenger extra, 11 June 1852, 1) Archivist Wendy Robicheau knew little about Rev. Very before this research but soon learned that he was respected and loved within his parish.

As the editor of New Brunswick’s Baptist newspaper, Rev. Edward Dwyer Very was well-known in that province. The newspaper referred to him as a powerful advocate of the Denomination. I can only guess that is why Rev. Very sat on the College’s Board of Governors.

His wife, Eliza, and three children had recently moved into their own home outside of Saint John. Evidence of this appeared in a letter from Rev. Very, dated 25 November 1851, when he wrote,

I have the past year built me a house and have not a charming little home of my own, and hope with the Lord’s blessing to continue to labour here. The brethren in every part of the Province have cordially entered into my plans. If you could spare a week or two next spring or summer to make me a visit my wife as well as myself would be delighted to see you or any of your’s. I hope your family are well remember me very kindly to them all. (Christian Visitor, 23 July 1852)

The reprinted letter was accompanied by expressions of deep grief, saying “And even that form which went down beneath the gurgling waters of the mighty tides of your noble bay, in that dark hour of storm—the Saviour will one day bring with Him arrayed in unsullied brightness and glory.—And if our poor faith fail now, we shall greet him there.” (Christian Visitor, 23 July 1852) Several issues of the newspaper have thick, black lines around the columns to communicate mourning.

Although Rev. Very was buried in Wolfville next to William Grant, a funeral was held in Saint John on July 4. Rev. I.E. Bill of that city gave the funeral sermon and it was published later in July. The intention of his family and parishioners was to bring Rev. Very’s body back to New Brunswick, which the newspaper reflects upon in April 1853.

IT appears that the friends of the late Rev. E.D. Very, desirous of paying every respect in their power to his memory, have lately had his remains removed from Wolfville, where they were first interred after their recovery from the deep, to St. John, N.B., the place of his residence and of his labours. We observe in the Christian Visitor of the 25th ult., a notice of the obsequies attendant on the occasion of consigning the body to its last mortal resting place. The services were attended by brethren Robinson, Bill, and several other Baptist Clergymen, and a large concourse of friends, and appears to have been peculiarly solemn and impressive. (Christian Messenger, 8 April 1853)

How the body traveled from Wolfville to Saint John is not described. Cremation was not practiced in Nova Scotia at the time. I suspect the stagecoach carried the coffin from Wolfville to Windsor and then it boarded the steamer from Windsor to Saint John, but this is pure speculation. Regardless, it must have been a gruesome journey.

The next post will introduce you to President J.M. Cramp, who is now alone to run the College.

If you have been mindful of the timeline, you will realize that one accident victim is still missing. He is buried later in the month. Let me tell you about a historical commemoration being planned on 27 June 2025. 173 years after his funeral, Professor Chipman, along with the other victims, will be commemorated at the Wolfville Baptist Church and the Old Burying Ground in the style of an 1852 funeral service. The family-friendly commemoration is open to everyone. Please join us at 6:30pm in the Wolfville Baptist Church to hear Rev. Dr. Cramp give a short funeral sermon before we process to the graves of Isaac Chipman and William Grant.