John White
Sex: M
Individual Information
Birth Date: 13 Dec 1871 - St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada 42 Christening: Death: Burial: Cause of Death:Events
• Education: Jubilarian and Rhodes Scholar.
• Occupation: Barrister.
Parents
Father: Phillip D. White 42,109,168,2943 Mother: Catherine Carroll 109,2443
Notes
General:
From Richard Sullivan email 24/05/01:
ii. BARRISTER JOHN WHITE, b. Abt. 1870.
Notes for BARRISTER JOHN WHITE: John White was a Barrister and 1st Jubilarian and Rhodes Scholar of Newfoundland. Wrote an essay "Ferryland What Doth Not Appear in History" pp 11-12 Vol lV -1902
John White
Sex: M
Individual Information
Birth Date: 17 Dec 1877 - Cloughjordan, Tipperary, Munster, Ireland 806,7725 Christening: Death: Burial: Cause of Death:
Parents
Father: Michael White 2086 Mother: Margaret Quinlisk 900,2086,4138
Notes
General:
040607:
Not listed on the 1911 Census with the rest of the family. Had either moved (married?) or died at that time.
260325:
Name: John White
Sex: Male
Birth Date: 17 Dec 1877
Father's Name: Michael White
Father's Sex: Male
Mother's Name: Margaert Quinlisk White
Mother's Sex: Female
Event Type: Birth Registration
Event Place: Borrisokane, County Tipperary, Ireland
Event Place (Original): Borrisokane
HouseholdRole Sex Age Birthplace
Margaert Quinlisk WhiteMother F
Michael WhiteFather M
Digital Folder Number: 007720462
Image Number: 270
Citing this Record
"Ireland, Civil Registration, 1845-1913", , FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPT3-TNYD : Mon Mar 04 18:49:08 UTC 2024), Entry for John White and Michael White.
John White
Sex: M
Individual Information
Birth Date: Cir 1830 - Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada 13 Christening: Death: Burial: Cause of Death:Events
• Occupation: Farmer, 24 Jan 1900, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Spouses and Children
Children: 1. James Godfrey WhiteLiving
Sex: M
Spouses and Children
1. Living Children: 1. Living 2. Living 3. Living 4. LivingJohn Stanislaus White
Sex: M
Individual Information
Birth Date: Bef 20 Oct 1890 - Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada 785,918 Christening: 20 Oct 1890 - Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada 785,918 Death: 1926 - Lawrence, Essex, Massachusetts, United States of America 109 Burial: Cause of Death: Died in an epidemic of influenza and pertusis (whooping cough)Events
• Minister/Priest: L. K. Vereker, Holy Trinity RC Church, 20 Oct 1890, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Sponsors: L.K. Vereker and Ann Hacket, 20 Oct 1890, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Emigration: From Ferryland, 1914, Melrose, Middlesex, Massachusetts, United States of America.
• Naturalization: 7 Mar 1921, Lawrence, Essex, Massachusetts, United States of America.
Parents
Father: Alfred A. White 2943 Mother: Frances James 42,109,3546
Spouses and Children
1. *Mary Ann Mulrooney 42,617 Marriage: Jun 1923 - Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts, United States of America 42,109Marriage Events
• Witnesses: Gordon White (Brother) Is Best Man, Jun 1923, Boston, Suffolk, Massachusetts, United States of America. Children: 1. Calvin Joseph White
Notes
General:
Baptismal record from Holy Trinity Church on NGB website: WHITE John Stanislaus 20-Oct 1890 Alfred White Fanny James sponsors L.K. Vereker Ann Hacket d, due to an epidemic that hit the area.
He and his wife met at a Newfoundland Dance in Lawrence MA according to Richard and Roberta Sullivan
John William White
Sex: MAKA: John White 785, Johnny White 665
Individual Information
Birth Date: Bef 24 Nov 1872 - Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada 785,2505 Christening: 24 Nov 1872 - Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada 785,2505 Death: 8 Nov 1945 8505 Burial: After 8 Nov 1945 - Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada 8505,8506 Cause of Death: Heart Seizure 665Events
• Occupation: Bookkeeper, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Sponsors: John Kenney, Elizabeth Mary White, 24 Nov 1872, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Alt. Birth: From death certificate which gave his age as 71, Cir 1874, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Alt. Birth: 2 Mar 1878, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Census: Mixed household of Whites and Meaghers, 1935, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Occupation: Fisherman, Cod Fishery, 1935, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Uncle Howard contradicted this information saying that he only ever worked for a limited time as a clerk in St. John's and that his money must have been inherited from the Carters.
• Alt. Death: Cir 1945, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Census: Household of John J & sister Philomena White and William J & Johanna & Angus Maher, 1945, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. 6
6 WHITE John J No Entry M S 73 Ferryland Ferryland
WHITE Philomena Sister F S 45 Ferryland Ferryland
MAHER William J. Brother in Law M M 62 Ferryland Ferryland
MAHER Johanna Sister F M 59 Ferryland Ferryland
MAHER Angus Nephew M S 24 Ferryland Ferryland
All members of household are RC.• Occupation: Retired, 1945, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Alt. Death: Event Description: Return of Death as found on FamilySearch, 9 Nov 1945, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Parents
Father: Richard Henry White 42,168,665 Mother: Margaret O'Driscoll 5,109 Marriage Did Not Marry
Notes
General:
Remained Single according to Richard Sullivan's notes (email dated 24/05/01).Medical:
201009: Email from Uncle Howard: JOHNNY WHITE I THINK HE WAS SHAN MAHERS AND PHIL WHITE'S BROTHER. HE LIVED IN THE OTHER END OF BILL JACK'S HOUSE AND HE HATED BILL JACK WITH A PASSION. HE TOLD DAD ONE TIME THAT HE DIDN'T CARE WHEN HE DIED BUT WANTED TO LIVE 5 MINUTES LONGER THAN BILL JACK. TO ME HE WAS ANOTHER MYSTERY MAN. HE ONLY WORKED IN ST JOHNS AS A CLERK AND DIDN'T MAKE ENOUGH TO RETIRE ON. HE WAS SOME FOND OF LIQUOR ALTHOUGH I NEVER SAW HIM DRUNK OR EVEN HAVE A DRINK. I DO REMEMBER HIM COMING TO THE HOUSE AND DROOLING WHEN HE SAW A PICTURE OF A BOTTLE OF LIQUOR IN A MAGAZINE. THAT IS PROBABLY WHY HE CAME BACK TO FERRYLAND TO LIVE TO GET CLEAR OF EASY ACCESS TO LIQUOR. HE AND PHIL LIVED TOGETHER AND SHE NEVER WORKED A DAY IN HER LIFE. AND MIKE WHITE UP THE HARBOUR THE SAME THING. THE CARTERS MUST HAVE HAD SOME STASH OF MONEY. HUGHIE WHITE, MIKE'S SON, MARRIED ESSY COSTELLO AND HAD AROUND A DOZEN KIDS AND HE DIDN'T BREAK HIMSELF UP WORKING EITHER, AND SPENT A LOT OF HIS TIME DRINKING.
101213: In her book, Over The Fence, Laura Morry Williams paints a somewhat kinder portrait of Johnny noting he was a natty dresser and that he courted the priest's housemaid. However on one point she was in agreement with Uncle Howard - Johnny's drinking. He apparently would not give it up for his love and she would not have him because of it.
290816:
I believe that this man is the "John William White" who wrote an article in the Newfoundland Quarterly in March 1902 telling the story (real or apocryphal) of the collapse of a sea cave in Ferryland killing many fishermen who had taken refuge there. The sea cave subsequently became known as Dead Man's Gulch. I have never been able to substantiate this story with any solid historical sources and it may be a figment of his imagination or an old tale he heard as a boy and took literally. Dad Morry mentioned the same story in his 1965's memoirs but even he treated it as a likely tall tale, and he was an expert at those! There have been numerous accounts of this in books and scholarly articles, not one of which can point to any historical evidence to support the story. Here is the information on this incident found on a Government of Newfoundland (Department of Natural Resources) website (http://www.nr.gov.nl.ca/nr/mines/outreach/disasters/rockfalls/1823.html):
Rockfalls
Date: 1823
Location: Ferryland, Dead Man's Gulch
Easting: 358550
Northing: 5209200
Latitude: 47° 02' 00" N
Longitude: 52° 53' 00" W
Fatalities: 42
Injuries: 0
Source: Newfoundland Quarterly, March 1902, Ferryland (what doth not appear in history) John W White,
White writes:
"On the southwest of the narrows of Ferryland there's a deep gulch in the side of the cliff. The casual observer can see nothing extraordinary in this, and therefore does not make any enquiries. Nethertheless there's a sad story connected with it. It is called by every fisherman "Dead Man's Gulch" and its history may be told in a few words. As it now appears it shows as if a semi-circular piece were cut out of the cliff extending from its top, inclusive, to its bottom to about two to three feet from the surface of the sea at high tide. In 1823 or thereabouts it did not thus appear. It was then a mammoth cave, with an entrance to the ocean, in and out from which fishermen were accustomed to go from time to time to secure bait fish that used to frequent the gulch. But in the year of which I write forty-two fishermen in about 14-15 boats entered the cave to avoid being swamped by a severe storm of wind and rain, accompanied by the usual heavy sea which had overtaken them while on the fishing ground. They ran as far as the cave, and there all took shelter. They waited for hours but still the storm abated not. As it grew late peals of heavy thunder could distinctly be heard but no-one ever knew how these poor creatures listened and heard with fear and trembling. No one from shore could attempt a rescue; and even if they could, it is doubtful if they would, as no safer place than the cave could be thought of as long as their food held out. But in the night the watchers on shore heard a louder peal of thunder than any previous one, and nearer, and then all was quiet. The distant rumbling previously heard still periodically went on, but there was nothing heard similar to the very loud and near one which had frightened them all so much. When daylight came the wind had died away and several set out to see how their friends in the cave had fared during the night. They arrived at the Gulch (as gulch it was then) and discovered that during the night its roof had fallen in, burying the 42 fishermen - not one having been rescued. None of the bodies were ever picked up; having been buried, no doubt, beneath the crushing mass of stone which had fallen on them. This had been the loud peal of thunder heard by the people during the night. The present floor or landing place of the Gulch was formerly the top of the cave's roof. The Gulch, itself, is tenanted by saltwater pigeons, hundreds of them having nests in cliffs on the side of the Gulch."
White tells the story in considerable detail but does not indicate the source of this information. Corroboration of the story has proved difficult - few newspapers were published in this period, and those that were published have much of 1823 missing in the archived copies.
White describes the events at "Deadman's Gulch", a feature now clearly apparent on aerial photographs as a gulch or notch in the cliff edge, extending several hundred metres inland from the coast on the south side of the Narrows that lead into Ferryland Harbour.
If this story is authentic, this is the worst geologically related disaster in the Province of Newfoundland (with 14 more deaths than the Burin Peninsula tsunami), and the third worst landslide disaster in Canadian history (Evans 1999), with more people being killed only in the Frank slide (75 fatalities in 1903) and in Quebec City (50 killed in 1889).
The site was visited in the summer of 2002. It is apparent that a major rockfall has occurred at this location. The mouth of the gulch is choked with large, angular boulders ranging from 1 to 7 m in diameter. The bedrock in this area consists mainly of sandstone of the Ferryland Head formation (King 1988), dipping to the east at 75°. The Gulch appears to have formed when wave action exploited a more easily erodible bed, forming a sea cave extending back from the coast over 100 m. The current floor of the Gulch contains a well grassed area on the surface of which well rounded erratic boulders are found. These boulders are not found elsewhere in the gulch. This may be the upper roof of the cave, preserved after collapse. Thus there is sound geological evidence of a major cave collapse and rockfall in the gulch that lends some credence to White's account.
A full transcript of White's article is enclosed in the Media Gallery.
It turns out that a more or less exact transcript of the above plus White's other anecdotes on the history of Ferryland was published by H. F. Shortis without attribution in his own "Fugitive History" series of articles found at The Rooms and the CNS. Specifically, Volume III, File 43, entitled "Ferryland - What Does Not Appear In History" with his own By-Line beneath but no mention of John William White or the Newfoundland Quarterly as his source - a blatant example of plagiarism on his part. Makes me wonder how much of what is creditted to Shortis is in fact the work of another person whom he neglected to credit.
071017:
Elsewhere records show a man of roughly the same age and year of death named John White or John J. White in Ferryland. I don't know if there was more than one man named John White in Ferryland at this time or if the various records are simply at odds with one another and there was only one man of this name.
Laura Morry said he died of Pneumonia in her book over the fence. Lou Giovanneti's death return stated he died of a heart seizure.
John William White J. P.
Sex: MAKA: William John White 459,1530
Individual Information
Birth Date: Bef 5 May 1811 - Dodbrooke, Devon, England 33,42 Christening: 5 May 1811 - Dodbrooke, Devon, England 459,1530 Death: 25 Oct 1893 - Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada 33,2943 Burial: After 25 Oct 1893 - Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada 42,493,8507 Cause of Death:Events
• Religion: Anglican Church, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Appointment: Deputy Clerk, Southern Circuit Court, 1852, Ferryland, Newfoundland.
• Property: Indenture from Alice Gorman for £11, 6 Mar 1858, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Court: List of Grand Jurors in SDC, Between 11 Oct 1859 and 12 Oct 1859, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. (Juror)
• Property: Transfer of property to Elizabeth Forristal, 1 Nov 1859, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Sold to Elizabeth Forristal for £11 the same as paid to Alice Gorman when purchased a few months before.
• Occupation: Fish Merchant, 1864, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. From "A Study of the Settlement of Ferryland" by Sister Esther Moore at the MHA we learn that there were at least 3 merchants in the fish trade in Ferryland in 1867, including John Carter, John White and Henry Winsor. The John White to whom she refers is almost certainly this man.
• Occupation: merchant, Between 1864 and 1865, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Court: Member of Grand Jury, Southern Circuit Court, 3 Oct 1864, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Court: Member of Grand Jury, Southern Circuit Court, 4 Oct 1865, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Court: Member of Grand Jury, Southern Circuit Court, Oct 1866, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Court: Member of Grand Jury, Southern Circuit Court, 7 Oct 1867, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Court: Member of Grand Jury, Southern Circuit Court, 8 Oct 1868, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Court: Member of Grand Jury, Southern Circuit Court, 5 Oct 1869, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Court: Member of Grand Jury, Southern Circuit Court, 4 Oct 1870, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Appointment: Board of Road Commissioners, 23 Jun 1874, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. June 23, 1874
His Excellency in Council has been pleased to appoint -
The Rev. M.A. CLANCEY to be a member of the Board of Road Commissioners for Cape Broyle and Brigus, in the room of the Revd. John CONWAY, left the Country; and the following gentlemen to be Board of Road Commissioners for the place set over their names respectively: -
Bay Bulls - Messrs. William G. WILLIAMS and Richard MOCKLER
Ferryland, Capline Bay & Aquaforte - Revd. M.A. CLANCEY, Edmumd HANRAHAN, John WHITE and James CARTER, Esquires (Ferryland). Messrs. Patrick POWER, Edward KOUGH, Sr., Benjamin MORRY (Caplin Bay), Peter WINSER & M.L.? MEAGHER (Aquaforte).• Religion: Converted To Be Roman Catholic by Father Clancy, 12 Apr 1876, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Residence: Near the Pool on the South Side according to Maher plan of Carter Properties, 1877, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Court: Indenture "gifting" all his property to wife Catherine and son John Henry, 14 Dec 1883, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. A photocopy of this "deed of gift" is also found in the suitcase containing Aunt Phyl's memorabilia which Fredi Caines is holding onto.
• Court: Indenture to sell property to John White, 20 Dec 1884, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. (Party)
• Occupation: J.P., 1886, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Occupation: Justice Of The Peace, Owner Of General Store, 1886, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Alt. Death: From Aunt Jean's research notes, 7 Oct 1893, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
• Will: 24 Oct 1893, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. To whom it may concern;
In the name of God Amen- I John White of the village of Ferryland in the district of Ferryland in the Island of Newfoundland, plantation.Being sick and weak in body but perfect mind and memory of my body, and knowing that it is approach for all men once to die. That is to say principally and first of all I give and recomend my soul into the hand of almighty God that give it and my body I commend to the earth, to be buried in decent Christian burial at the discretion of my executors. Nothing doubting but at the general Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God, and as touching such worldly Estate where with it has pleased God to bless me in this life. I give devise and dispose of the same in the late following manner and form.
first- I give and bequeath to my son Alfred the dwelling house in which we live together with shop, stores, flakes also the edifice contents of each and every one together with the property on which they are erected. Also I give and bequeathed to my said son Alfred the piece of land on the south side off Ferryland known as the Beach Garden and that piece of and known as Howetts Garden. Also I bequeath to my said son Alfred my pass book and all monies belonging to me deposited in the Goot Savings Bank St. John's (of which Edward Shaugnessey is manager).
Also I give and bequeath to my son Alfred one half of all monies to my credit in the Union Bank at St. John's. The balance after all expenses of funeral and other are paid, is to be divided equally between my remaing Son's and Daughter's.
In witness wherof I have hereunto set my hand this 24th day of October in the year of our lord 1893 John White
Witnessed by: Rich'd F. Sullivan Wm. Cullock M. D.
.• Probate: Probate Petititon by son Alfred, 25 Nov 1893, St. John's, Newfoundland. From Edward Chafe on Newfoundlanders and Genealogy Facebook, 200225:
Probate Petition, 25 November 1893 - The estate of John White, planter, of Ferryland
John White, a native of Kingsbridge, Devon, died on 25 October 1893, aged 82 years. He was predeceased by his wife Catherine (O'Sullivan) in 1890. John was survived by seven children: Philip D. White (residing at St. John's); Henry and Alfred White (both residing at Ferryland); Kate,, wife of Thomas G. Morry (residing at Ferryland); Matilda, wife of Richard Prior (residing at Liverpool, England); Anne, wife of William Craig (residing at Montreal); and Elizabeth, wife of Thomas O'Driscoll (residing at Mobile). John White left an estate valued about $6000. Alfred A. White asks the Court for permission to administer his father's estate.
.
Parents
Father: Richard D. White 42,168,459 Mother: Frances 109,168,459
Spouses and Children
1. *Catherine O'Sullivan 33,42,168,1108 Marriage: 20 Jan 1838 - Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada 33Marriage Events
• Alt. Marriage: 20 Jan 1838, Renews, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Children: 1. Richard Henry White 2. Phillip D. White 3. George G. White 4. John William White 5. Alfred A. White 6. Elizabeth Mary White 7. Maude White 8. Annie Irene Mary White 9. Catherine Frances White 10. Mathilda F. White
Notes
General:
Email from Lanny Morry 07/06/01 based on data provided on NLGS website.
2. John White, who married Catherine Sullivan, was born in England according to the record of his marriage. He and Catherine married on January 20, 1838 at Holy Apostles Church in Renews. Record shows Matthew "Morris" (Obviously Morry) as the witness.
According to Roberta and Richard Sullivan they married in 1837 in Ferryland but they later corrected this.
Infromation provided by Roberta Sullivan in email dated May 24, 2001:
1. JOHN WILLIAM2 WHITE (RICHARD D.1) was born May 05, 1811 in Dodbrook, Kingsbridge, Devon, England, and died October 25, 1893 in Ferryland, Nfld. He married CATHERINE O'SULLIVAN 1837 in Ferryland, Nfld, daughter of RICHARD O'SULLIVAN and UNKNOWN O'SULLIVAN. She was born Abt. 1813 in Ferryland, Nfld, Canada, and died February 03, 1890 in Ferryland, Nfld, Canada.
Notes for JOHN WILLIAM WHITE: John White was a Justice of the Peace in Ferryland. He was a member of the Anglican Church in Ferryland. He is buried in the Ferryland [RC] Cemetery, grave 126. Family home is pictured in the photo at the top of the Group sheet. Last owned by son Alf who went to MA.
Parents' name Richard D. White & Frances.
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Had an email exchange with Roberta Sullivan in late February 2002 about the fate of the White house:
-----Original Message----- From: RoRinc60@aol.com [mailto:RoRinc60@aol.com] Sent: February 23, 2002 2:43 PM To: chris.morry@sympatico.ca Subject: Re: Data on my Grandfather's birth
Chris, It sure is an old photo / painting. I think Bill will know who it is since it came from his house. Could even be Pat's family.
From what I know, there were quite a few houses that were owned by White or someone connected to White. John White married Catherine Sullivan and had Catherine White who married a Morry. OK ? Now John's house was left in his will to his son Alfred & Fannie (James) White in the 1890 ca. It was located on the beach where the "Gentlemans Garden" is today. in front of Bern Kavanaugh building. Near the "Dig" center (Old School) Alfred died before 1920 and Fannie and her son left to go to the USA very quickly...."leaving dishes on the table with food on them". Many have said they would look in the windows and be amazed at the way things were left. I heard that Bill and his father had it torn down. I think he told me/ us. The Government finally owned it and I think Bill just stept in and had it demolished. As far as the Holtsworth house, I did not realize it was on the same site as Bill & Pats house I thought it was nearer to Dr. Peters house. There was a big Green house out there some where that is pictured in the museum that was there too. The White also had a house near the old cemetery on the main road and a little one is there now.
The Morry's have grandparents named White so it seems like all the one family to me!!! LOL
Thanks for Bills address I think I will pick his brain a little.
Keep me posted on your findings.
Later Roberta
From: Chris Morry [chris.morry@sympatico.ca] Sent: February 24, 2002 10:49 AM To: RoRinc60@aol.com Subject: RE: Data on my Grandfather's birth
Roberta:
I can add a bit to your story about the Whites leaving for the states and not taking a thing.
My Dad remembers this well. His grandmother was Catherine White as you note. And when they were kids (in the early 1920s) the house was just as you describe it, abandoned with everything in it. This is the same house you describe. The one in the picture you put on the Newfoundland's Grand Banks website.
Because the Morrys had some interest in the property (Catherine may have been the only surviving child left in the village - she died in 1927) they did try to keep an eye on the place. Dad says they were more than a little put out by the fact that the ones who left never had the consideration to tell them they could have what they had left behind. In the end, neighbourhood children began to break in and take things just for fun. Dad remembers kids parading around with top hat and tails and the like. The Whites were quite well to do. Eventually all the furniture began disappearing. No one would admit to this as they had no right to it but it was all gone in a few years. I guess it was about that time the house would have had to be torn down since, after the windows were knocked out of her it wouldn't have taken many winters for the place to be ruined.
If you like I'll ask my dad if he knows who actually tore it down.
Cheers
Chris
From: Chris Morry [chris.morry@sympatico.ca] Sent: February 25, 2002 10:24 PM To: RoRinc60@aol.com Subject: RE: The White's House
Dear Roberta:
Well the old fella [Dad] called me at work this morning so I put your question to him. He loves to reminisce so he went on a bit but I'll give you the short version!
First of all, the rumour that Uncle Bill might have had something to do with tearing the White's house down is just that - a rumour. The house was taken down in or around 1930, when Uncle Bill was only a boy and was invalided for almost two years with the after effects of a bad bout of scarlet fever.
The house was abandoned for quite a few years before the vandals got at it. But when they did it wasn't long before almost everything of value was taken. The Royal Nfld. Constabulary did have a police officer stationed in Ferryland but he complained to Dad Morry (Howard) that it was impossible for him to keep an eye on the place 24 hours a day and he should try and get the matter settled for once and for all with the owners. Dad Morry wrote to them several times evidently but as far as my father knows his letters went unanswered. Dad doesn't know why the Whites left in such a hurry or why they never came back, but once they left the village it was as if they never wanted to have anything more to do with the place.
The police did arrest two looters one time. Dad says he remembers seeing them being hauled off to jail with their cart and all the furnishings they had taken and one of them (whose name Dad gave me but told me not to pass on [Frankie Ryan], since his family is still in the village) was brazen enough to be playing the Victrola he stole while being taken away. Dad says it was playing "Nearer my God to thee"! Makes a good story even if it isn't true - my father is a great one for embellishing the truth - a Morry trait I'm afraid.
Anyway, after that Dad Morry was persuaded by the police to take what furniture was left as it would only be stolen anyway. All that Dad can remember was a dresser and bed. The house continued to deteriorate and was getting to be a hazard to neighbourhood children so the government finally ordered it torn down. Neither Dad Morry nor Uncle Bill had anything to do with it.
That's the version from Dad for what its worth. You could also ask Uncle Bill for his memory of events but as I say he was ill at the time that the house was finally destroyed and might not be able to provide much in the way of first hand information.
Bye for now,
Chris
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Email from Cal White 10/03/02: -----Original Message----- From: bigcal2001@aol.com [mailto:bigcal2001@aol.com] Sent: March 10, 2002 2:10 PM To: chris.morry@sympatico.ca Subject: (no subject)
Hi Chris here is the copy of John William White's will
To whom it may concern;
In the name of God Amen- I John White of the village of Ferryland in the district of Ferryland in the Island of Newfoundland, plantation.Being sick and weak in body but perfect mind and memory of my body, and knowing that it is approach for all men once to die. That is to say principally and first of all I give and recomend my soul into the hand of almighty God that give it and my body I commend to the earth, to be buried in decent Christian burial at the discretion of my executors. Nothing doubting but at the general Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God, and as touching such worldly Estate where with it has pleased God to bless me in this life. I give devise and dispose of the same in the late following manner and form.
first- I give and bequeath to my son Alfred the dwelling house in which we live together with shop, stores, flakes also the edifice contents of each and every one together with the property on which they are erected. Also I give and bequeathed to my said son Alfred the piece of land on the south side off Ferryland known as the Beach Garden and that piece of and known as Howetts Garden. Also I bequeath to my said son Alfred my pass book and all monies belonging to me deposited in the Goot Savings Bank St. John's (of which Edward Shaugnessey is manager).
Also I give and bequeath to my son Alfred one half of all monies to my credit in the Union Bank at St. John's. The balance after all expenses of funeral and other are paid, is to be divided equally between my remaing Son's and Daughter's.
In witness wherof I have hereunto set my hand this 24th day of October in the year of our lord 1893 John White
Witnessed by: Rich'd F. Sullivan Wm. Cullock M. D.
Chris it does sound as tho the family was in good shape at this time,but whatever befell them after that seems to be the mystery? Mabe times were so bad that my grandfather just couldn't keep it together? I have a feeling that that is the reason why my father and Aunt Lulu came to the states - why they gave up everything and left no forwarding address or notice to other relatives as to what to do with the house is really strange- maybe it was just plain embarassment ? Get back to me soon, Cal
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271103: From Cal White's Family Timeline: "In the census of that year [1890] John William is listed as owner of a general store, and is the local Justice of The Peace."
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130104: From Roberta Sullivan's White Family Tree: "Notes for JOHN WILLIAM WHITE: John White was a Justice of the Peace in Ferryland. He was a member of the Anglican Church in Ferryland. He is buried in the Ferryland RC Cemetery. grave 126 Family home is pictured in the photo at the top of the Group sheet. Last owned by son Alf who's family went to MA. and left the dishes on the table!!!! Parents name Richard D. White & Frances. Information from Jean Funkhouser. April 12th. 1876 Tuesday. In Rev O'Driscolls diary= Dull day. Mr. John White received into the Church by Father Clancy."
111208 from Dad Morry's 1965 memoirs: "Well from there to a granite boundary stone with an H for Holdsworth on it - it was the mark between Holdsworth's property and property at that time owned by an Englishman named Wright, who went over to England in his ship in the fall and was never heard of or seen again. He was supposed to have been captured by pirates.
My mother's father John White carried on the business and eventually owned it all, as the heirs never turned up. The eastward boundary is marked by another granite boundary stone. These stones, so tradition says, came from England."
030711: This is the summary of the will as found on NGB website: WhiteJohn 1893 79 Ferryland Admin. c.t.a. Volume 5
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190319:
There are a number of Indentures in the SDC records at the ROD that reference John White of Ferryland. Since they date from about 1858 to 1884 I suspect that they all refer to this man. The other potential candidate would be his son John William White, but he was only born in 1846 so the earliest of these Indentures could not have been in reference to him, though some of the later ones might have been.
See Media Folder for transcripts of these Indentures.
Also, there is a supposed indenture by which he "gives" all his personal possessions to his wife Catherine and son Richard Henry White, in trust for his mother, dated December 14 1883. There is another like this instituted by his son Richard Henry in favour of his wife, dated Jan. 15 1879. This form of indenture was used to protect the personal property of business people from creditors trying to collect on debts.
210225:
It is noteworthy the the application for probate submitted by son Alfred does not contain the same list of living siblings as I had mainly from Roberta Sullivan. I suspect that Roberta may have made some assumptions concerning the extra named members of the family based largely upon their common surname. This will require more research to set straight since Roberta is now deceased and no one is carrying on her Sullivan research.
Here is the full wording contained on both pages of the application:
"To the Honourable the Supreme Court
of Newfoundland or to one of the Honorable
the Judges thereof.
The Petition of Alfred White of Ferryland
in the Southern District of the Island of
Newfoundland Planter
Humbly Sheweth
That John White of Ferryland aforesaid
Planter died at Ferryland on the twenty fifth
day of October one thousand Eight Hundred
and ninety three having previously made
his last will and testament.
That the said John White at the time of his death
was possessed of property within the jurisdiction
of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland of the
probable value of about Six thousand dollars.
That the said John White left him surviving the
following children namely Philip D. White
residing at Newfoundland [crossed out] St. John's, in Newfoundland
aforesaid, Henry White and your petitioner
Alfred White residing at Ferryland aforesaid, Kate
now the wife of Thomas G. Morry residing at Ferryland
aforesaid, Matilda now the wife of Richard Prior
residing at Liverpool in England, Anne now
the wife of William Craig residing at Montreal
in the Dominion of Canada and Elizabeth
now the wife of Thomas O'Driscoll residing at
Mobile in Newfoundland aforesaid.
That under the said last will and testament of the..."
SECOND PAGE
"said John White no executors or executor were
nominated or appointed.
That no probate of the said will and no letters of
administration to the estate of the said John
White have been granted forth of this Honorable
Court.
That your Petitioner is a son of the said John
White and is a legatee under his last will
and testament.
Your Petitioner therefore prays that this
Honorable Court will be pleased to grant to
him letters of administration with the will
annexed to the estate and effects of the
said John White and as in duty bound
Your Petitioner will ever pray, &c. &c. &c.
Dated at St. John's this 25th Day of November 1893
Alfred A. White [his signature] "
THIRD PAGE
"In the Supreme Court
of Newfoundland
In the Matter of the Estate of John White
late of Ferryland Planter deceased.
Newfoundland
St. John's
I Alfred White of Ferryland
aforesaid Planter make oath and say that
I am the petitioner in the above written petition
named and that the several matters and
things therein contained are just correct
and true to the best of my Knowledge and
belief.
Sworn before me at
St. John's this 25th day Alfred A. White [his signature]
of November 1893
Geo. A. Adams [his signature]
Commissioner of Affidavits of the
Supreme Court of Newfoundland."
The list of names provided to me by Roberta Sullivan included:
Richard Henry White ca. 1843-1895
Philip D. White 1844-1894
George G. White 1845-1886
John William White 1848-1868
Alfred White 1849-1920
Elizabeth Mary White 1850- Bef. 1923
Maude White Unk- After 1850
Anne Irene Mary White 1851-1930
Catherine Frances White 1852-1927
Matilda F. White Ca. 1866-Unk
of these 10, 7 are mentioned in the application for probate. It appears that George G., John William Jr. and Maude were all deceased at that time.
John William White
Sex: M
Individual Information
Birth Date: 1846 - Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada 42 Christening: Death: 20 Nov 1866 - Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada ( at age 20) 3044 Burial: 20 Nov 1866 - Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada 42,2908,7954 Cause of Death: Heart DiseaseEvents
• Alt. Death: Event Description: Heart Disease, Bef 20 Nov 1866, Ferryland, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.
Parents
Father: John William White J. P. 33,168,618 Mother: Catherine O'Sullivan 33,42,168,1108
Notes
General:
From email from Richard Sullivan 24/05/01:
v. JOHN WM WHITE, b. 1846, Ferryland, Nfld; d. November 1866, Ferryland, Nfld.
Notes for JOHN WM WHITE: died of heart disease age 20yrs 4th son of John White of Ferryland. MUN Bks. 3044
Living
Sex: M
Parents
Father: Living Mother: LivingLiving
Sex: M
Spouses and Children
1. Living
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