Gerrish, Moses

  • DICTIONARY OF CANADIAN BIOGRAPHY ARTICLE: L. K. Ingersoll, “GERRISH, MOSES,” in Dictionary of Canadian Biography, vol. 6, University of Toronto/Université Laval, 2003–. https://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/gerrish_moses_6E.html
  • DCB profile notes:
    • Settler, jp, and office holder; b. 10 June 1744 in Byfield Parish, Newbury, Mass., son of Moses Gerrish and Mary Moody; m. 13 Oct. 1774 Ruth Ingalls in Andover, Mass.; d. 30 July 1830 off Grand Manan Island, N.B.”
    • Moses Gerrish’s loyalty to the British cause was constant. Forced to leave his home in Massachusetts during the American revolution, he found shelter under British protection in the District of Maine. When at the end of the war that territory was ceded to the United States, he was again forced to relocate.
    • He settled on Grand Manan Island in the Bay of Fundy. For three decades it was uncertain to which of the former combatants, Great Britain or the United States, the Fundy islands belonged. In another statement he noted that, had there been any insinuation in 1783 that Grand Manan belonged to the United States, he would have withdrawn his petition for a grant of the island. He wanted no part of the republic, and much to his relief the island was ceded to the British crown later in 1817.
    • Forty-six years of Gerrish’s life had been devoted to obtaining settlers for Grand Manan and helping to build what is today a thriving fishing community. That he had been unusually gifted for his role is more than evident. One man who knew him well said, “He would spread more good sense on a sheet of paper than any person of my acquaintance.” A later historian commented, “Life on Grand Manan must have had a peculiar charm for this solitary man, who could have filled with honour a much higher place in society.” Gerrish’s love for that magnificent island and his loyalty to Great Britain were what mattered most of all.”
  • United Empire Loyalist listed in Loyalist Directory: https://uelac.ca/loyalist-directory/detail/?wpda_search_column_id=3142
  • Find a GRAVE: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/158635945/moses-gerrish