Miss Euphemia Jane Ferrier of Arichat

Nova Scotia # 10 on January 25, 1864, cover from Antigonish, Nova Scotia to Arichat, Nova Scotia. Addressed to Miss Ferrier, Arichat. Manuscript cancelled stamp. Backstamps from Antigonish, N.S., JA 25 1864, and Arichat (presumed), date illegible 1864.

Euphemia Jane Ferrier was 32 years old and living with her recently widowed mother, (her father had died December 27th, 1863) in Arichat, Nova Scotia when she received this letter from Antigonish.

Euphemia was born August 16th, 1832, in Arichat, Richmond County, the daughter of John and Margaret Ferrier. Her father, John Ferrier was born in Scotland in 1792. He married Margaret Wright on March 1st, 1825, in Durris, Kincardine, Scotland. John and Margaret immigrated to Nova Scotia shortly after their marriage. He was a merchant in Arichat. In Canada, Seafarers of the Atlantic Provinces, 1789-1935, John Ferrier, merchant, Arichat, Richmond, as listed as the owner of the schooner Margaret built 1825 and the schooner Messenger, built in 1826.

John and Margaret had several children baptized at St. John's Anglican in Arichat: John Charles, born November 15th, baptized December 1st, 1828, Euphemia Jane, born August 17th, baptized September 6th, 1831, and James Alexander, baptized November 10th, 1834.

The 1838 census for Arichat Township lists John Ferrier and wife, merchant, head of a household of 11 including 1 male < 6, 1 female < 6, 2 males < 14, 3 males > 14, and 2 females > 14.

A.F. Church Map of Arichat. The Ferrier house is on the east side of town.

In the 1861 census, John Ferrier is head of a household of four: 2 males and 2 females.

John Ferrier died December 27th, 1863 (aged 70–71) and is buried in St. John's Anglican Church Cemetery, Arichat.

Hutchinson's Nova Scotia directory, 1864-65, for Arichat lists Ferrier, Margaret, wid John.

Euphemia never married. In the 1871 census, she was living with her mother Margaret and her brother James. Her mother, Margaret Ferrier, died May 11th,1878. In 1881, Euphemia is living with her brother James, a carpenter, both single. So also in 1891, where James is called a "house carpenter". In 1901, she and James are still single and living together in Arichat.

Euphemia died of "old age" on November 7th, 1918, at the Old Ladies Home on Gottigen Street in Halifax.

Another postal cover mailed to Euphemia Ferrier is documented at https://www.flickr.com/photos/allmycollections/53111996025/

Arichat

Arichat has a deep and protected natural harbour which made it an important fishing and shipbuilding centre in the 1800s. Jerseyman Island, which protects the harbour, was visited by Europeans fishermen as early as the 1500s.

The village was sacked by John Paul Jones during the American Revolutionary War, after which two cannons were installed above the village.

The first classes of St. Francis Xavier University began at Arichat in 1853, later moving to Antigonish.

The Catholic Cathedral of Notre Dame de l'Assomption was constructed in 1835, is the oldest surviving Roman Catholic Church in Nova Scotia.

St. John's Anglican Church was built in 1828, destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1895. Considered to be the second oldest Anglican congregation in Cape Breton, the Church is noted for its amazing acoustic properties, a signature of its architect.

Two lighthouses were built in the 1850s.