Bethune, John

  • DICTIONARY OF CANADIAN BIOGRAPHY ARTICLE: E. A. McDougall, “BETHUNE, JOHN (1751-1815),” in Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 5, University of Toronto/Université Laval, 2003–. https://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/bethune_john_1751_1815_5E.html
  • DCB profile notes:
    • Church of Scotland clergyman; b. 1751 in Brebost (probably near Orbost), Scotland, son of Angus Bethune and Christian Campbell; m. 30 Sept. 1782 Véronique Waddens, daughter of Jean-Étienne Waddens, in Montreal, Que., and they had nine children; d. 23 Sept. 1815 in Williamstown, Upper Canada.
    • The Bethunes arrived in North Carolina in 1773, and on 14 June 1775 John was recruited as chaplain to the 1st battalion of the Royal Highland Emigrants. He was captured by the rebels and imprisoned. He possibly was released in 1776 and made his way to New York City.
    • He is not heard of again until his arrival in late 1778 in Halifax, N.S., where the 2nd battalion of the Royal Highland Emigrants was stationed. The following year Colonel Beverley Robinson asked him to act as chaplain of the Loyal American Regiment. 
    • After reaching Nova Scotia, Bethune acted as chaplain to the 2nd battalion, assisted recruitment amongst Scottish Highlanders, and ministered to the loyalist settlers. By August 1779 he had moved to Montreal to take up his appointment as chaplain to the 1st battalion of his regiment.
  • Proven Loyalist listed in Loyalist Directory –https://uelac.ca/loyalist-directory/detail/?wpda_search_column_id=565
  • Find a GRAVE: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/70066671/john-bethune