Job Hughes, Friends’ Minister of Yonge Street, 1805-1807

Ethel Willson Trewhella (1882-1959)

The sufferings of early Friends, because of early minute books could be endowed with their non-conformity, is well known. Their the power of volition and would speak of persecution during and following the Ameri- much which lies behind the brief entries on can Revolution is a record of history, but the the yellowed pages - what volumes of human years which have elapsed vividly portray the interest might they reveal; what vast move- change in thought since the then-prevailing ments had their beginnings in the weighty attitude towards war. From the beginning of decisions recorded in those epitomes of lan- Quakerism, George Fox and his followers guage! At once, would the years fall away. believed that if Christianity did not destroy Behind the gossamer veil again would pass war, then war would destroy Christianity. those valiant spirits who in the long ago had Looking back across the centuries, that testi- acted their roles in the drama of history! mony of Friends regarding respect for human Extant is a book of minutes which certifies life and rights of the individual which was that on the eighth day of the ninth month accepted in those earliest days is still the tes- 1682, at Shackamaxon, on the banks of the timony of the Society. The final minute of a Delaware River, “At this time Governor Penn historic meeting held by Friends in London and a multitude of Friends arrived here and during the crisis of 1938 re-affirms this inter- erected a city called Philadelphia” (from pretation: Janney’s Life of William Penn). Since the occasion which prompted the above minute, We have looked over the world and at several centuries have passed. At that time, home, and we have seen everywhere forces were set loose which in their silent way the denial of those standards of human have brought fundamental changes to every relationship which Jesus Christ showed corner of the North American continent. to us. Some evils stand out clearly, In a book of records of the early Friends on some we know that we are only begin- Yonge Street is another concise minute. It ning to recognize. God has met us here, appeared to be significant. From it, was and in His presence we have re- pieced together the story of that courageous affirmed the testimony of our Society Friend, Job Hughes, a Friends’ minister of against all war for whatever purpose, Yonge Street, , which was re- and have determined to make that tes- traced to the mother settlement of Friends timony our own today! across the border in Pennsylvania USA.

Two world wars have demonstrated unmeas- 1808-01-14 The Meeting appointed ured evidence of this conviction. Amos Armitage and Thomas Linville Historians have long realized that the im- to prepare a memorial concerning our portance of the minute books of the Society deceased friend, Job Hughes, for the of Friends cannot be over-estimated. If those approbation of next Meeting.

Canadian Quaker History Journal 71 (2006) 75 Job Hughes

1808-02-10 Memorial produced and lets) Hughes, was born the 15th of the 7th approved. Directed to be forwarded to month 1740. He was a birthright member of Meeting for Sufferings. Exeter Monthly Meeting, and in 1799 he was recorded as a minister of Catawissa Monthly A résumé of the genealogy of Job Hughes Meeting. Job Hughes was twice married - shows that his ancestors were all Welsh first, to Esther Wright, daughter of Thomas & Quakers. His great-grandfather was born in Sibilla (Pearson) Wright. Esther died about 1652 in the district of Gwynedd, Merioneth- 1771. Then, on the 16th of the 5th month 1776, shire, North Wales. John ap Hugh left the land in the Friends’ Meeting House at Exeter, he of his birth with his wife, Martha, and the married Eleanor, daughter of Thomas & Elea- company of a group of their countrymen, nor (Ellis) Lee. sailing from the port of Liverpool on the first In this saga of Welsh-American Friends, of May 1698. Their journey lasted nearly these colonists of the Gwynedd settlement eleven weeks - and a sad one it was - for no later made their way across country to the less than forty-five of the little party died of New Indian Purchase in northern Pennsylva- dysentery. An account by one of the company, nia. The name of Hughes is frequently found Edward Foulke, states that two or three among those of the earliest settlers in the corpses were cast overboard every day while neighbourhood of Exeter and Catawissa. it lasted. The voyage came to an end on the Prominent among these settlers was Moses 17th day of July 1698 when their ship, the Roberts, a young man who had presented a “Robert & Elizabeth,” arrived at the port of certificate of removal from Gwynedd to Exe- Philadelphia where they were warmly re- ter Monthly Meeting. In this Meeting, he mar- ceived by a number of their countrymen who ried Jane Lee, a sister to Eleanor, wife of Job had come earlier. This particular group Hughes. Some five years earlier to 1780, this founded the community of Gwynedd in Penn- young man had purchased land from Ellis sylvania, naming it after their home district. Hughes, a brother of Job. Moses Roberts kept Ellis Hughes, the son of John ap Hugh, was a Journal which contains an account of his born in Wales in 1687 and died in Pennsylva- concern for removal to Catawissa where he nia in 1764. At Gwynedd Meeting, on the 4th later was joined by Job Hughes. of the 5th month 1713, Ellis Hughes married When reading the Journal of Moses Rob- Jane Foulke, daughter of Edward Foulke. He erts, one is touched with a feeling of tender- and his wife were both staunch Friends. Jane ness towards the underlying spirit of meek- was an Elder of Exeter Monthly Meeting for ness and transparent sincerity which were about thirty years, and the same Meeting characteristic attributes of the Friends of that published a testimony to the high qualities of day. It well illustrates that in-dwelling mysti- the character and work of her husband. The cism of spiritual guidance and illumination of second son of Ellis & Jane Hughes was Wil- the divine way - that obedience to the dy- liam Hughes, born 1716 and died 1760. At namic revelations of the Inner Light. From Exeter Meeting, on the 4th of the 1st month the inception of the Society, individuals have 1738, he married Amy Willets. Our subject bowed to this compelling force; they have was their second child. steadfastly maintained the efficience of that Job Hughes, son of William & Amy (Wil- unique Sermon on the Mount as the criterion

Canadian Quaker History Journal 71 (2006) 76 Job Hughes of social re-adjustment. As such, this sketch much into the New Purchase, and with of the activities of Job Hughes must present the consent of Friends I several times him as an integral part of the great movement visited them and had meetings for wor- of Friends when, from the time of George ship near Catawasey aforesaid, and Fox, heroic souls had held the torch aloft. always felt the sweet return of inward They faced the horrors of primitive ocean peace with God in my soul for my obe- travel to a new land; they trekked across the dience. And still it often worked in my frontiers to the rugged Indian country of mind, both day and night, that I should northern Pennsylvania; and again to a still endeavor to settle a meeting for wor- more recent wilderness in Upper Canada. ship of the Lord Almighty in the New Through these intrepid Quakers time has Purchase. I removed with my family made manifest a distinctive purposeful lead- and settled on a piece of land near ing through avenues of philanthropic service Catawasey, and we concluded to meet to an awakening of a militant public con- together twice in the week to worship science. the Father in Spirit and in Truth, ac- “So at this roaring loom of time we ply, cording to Christ’s direction to the And weave the garment, ye see God by!” woman of Samaria. To quote the Journal - This small group consisting of the families My mind and inclination drew me of Moses Roberts and Job Hughes together

Thomas Moran (American, 1837–1926) On the Catawissa Creek, 1862

Canadian Quaker History Journal 71 (2006) 77 Job Hughes with neighbors and friends formed the origi- nal body of Friends to settle and found a Meeting in those remote regions around Catawissa. Both Moses Roberts and Job Hughes were outstanding leaders in this pio- neer settlement as well as in the establishment of the Meeting - they were intimately associ- ated in the events of that place and time. The traditional site which Job Hughes se- lected for his home lies about three miles to the south of Catawissa in the Roaring Creek Valley where the Susquehanna River peace- House at Catawissa, the building of which Job Hughes had been a zealous helper. Here, fully curves through a country of lush farm and meadow land. It is literally a ‘watered he and Eleanor had joined with Friends in quiet worship. garden’ surrounded by hills and wooded slopes which stretch far beyond in a pano- Incidently, this Meeting House, built in rama of scenic beauty. In the Indian language, 1789, is still standing. It is very well- preserved, largely due to an intelligent inter- Catawissa is a corruption from Gattawissa - ‘growing fat’ - probably from the Indians est by the council of Catawissa and its public- spirited citizens who have long realized its having killed a deer along the creek when the deer fatten. (From the Reference Library, historical association. In addition, this Meet- quoting “The American Indian” by Elijah M. ing House is one in which the ancestors of many of the families of York County, Ontario, Haines, Chicago 1888) worshipped more than two centuries ago. The background of this Friend, Job 2 Hughes, probably would emerge in better An account of a Quaker pioneer could not relief if some contemporary incidents, com- mon to both young men, were recalled as they be complete if, from the background, the Meeting House were omitted. Temporarily, are recorded in the Journal of 1780 by Moses Roberts. A further excerpt continues with a the first small gatherings were held in the cabins of the settlers. This concern was first more intimate picture of the sufferings and for a central place of worship. Meetings of difficulties of the young settlement. Discipline convened here. As a symbol of ultimate permanency, it fostered a community And I remained there quiet till the Bat- tle of Wyoming going on two years spirit which lessened the feeling of isolation. Due consideration was given to the selection ago, when the New England people of the site and, with approval of the Monthly came down the river and some of them told us we would not be safe 24 hours Meeting, a primitive building fashioned in true Quaker architecture, was erected. It was longer. Some said one thing and some another; so, they frightened most of the an altar in the wilderness. Gently, the spirit of the wilderness responded to the spirit of the neighbors away. After, some of them altar. Such a one was the little log Meeting importuned me greatly to go too, to

Canadian Quaker History Journal 71 (2006) 78 Job Hughes

which I at length agreed, although with amiss in removing and if I went further great reluctance, for it did not feel to I would be in danger of losing my me that danger was so near. So, I went peace with God. So, I concluded to re- with my family and some of the neigh- turn at every outward hazard so I might bors toward Philadelphia, to a house enjoy inward peace. about six miles off, where the people So, in obedience to what I believe to be were removed out. And coming on a the great Master’s Will, I returned with shower of rain, we concluded to remain my family and found His Peace to ac- there all night. But I had little rest that company me; and I remained there and night, for my conscience was troubled attended meetings as usual, endeavor- and it seemed to me that I had done ing to live every day and every hour as

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if it was to be the last, and labored to old. keep conscience void of offence to- A committee of men and women wards God and man. Friends was appointed by the Meeting for Sufferings held in Philadelphia who From extracts and other authentic data, it represented the petitions of Jane Rob- appears that most of the Catawissa settlement erts and Eleanor Hughes respecting of Friends remained during the Battle of their plight and situation and that of Wyoming. Quoting from a History of their husbands to the Chief Justice, Catawissa by J.E. Eshelman and published by Thomas McKean, but he would afford the Berwick Historical Society, further inter- no relief and was full of bitterness and esting matter is related. reviling. These frontier Friends suf- fered greatly on the charge that they In the morning of the 9th day of the 4th gave information to the hostile Indians. month 1780, Moses Roberts and some Exeter Monthly Meeting records this of his neighbours were taken prisoners minute on the 25th day of the 10th by several armed men from the town of month 1780. Sunbury, without proof against them or Exeter representatives report that their any witness being brought to charge meeting thought proper to propose to them with anything prejudicial to any this Meeting the case of our friends, man or to the community. Being taken Moses Roberts and Job Hughes who, in a boat from the mouth of the we believe, are unjustly confined in Catawissa Creek down the Susque- Lancaster jail, and who, they appre- hanna River, they were confined in hend, require the care and attention of Sunbury jail for ten days where they this Meeting. On consideration were persecuted to some degree. At the whereof, Samuel Lee, Gaius Dacken- end of that time, they were again taken son, and Moses Embree are appointed down the Susquehanna River to Lan- to visit them, enquire into their situa- caster jail where they were confined tion with respect to necessities and ad- nearly an entire years without trial. The minister as occasion may require, and wives of Moses Roberts and Job this Meeting will reimburse them. Hughes remained at their habitations, In the 11th month, 29th, 1780, at the waiting with impatience the return of Monthly Meeting held at Maiden Creek their husbands, when on the 15th of the Meeting House, we read, Samuel Lee 6th month 1780, a number of armed informs the Meeting that he with other men from Sunbury turned them out of Friends appointed visiting our friends, their homes, destroyed most of their Moses Roberts and Job Hughes, and possessions and took four horses from they do not find that there is any neces- the several families. They were not sity for this Meeting to advance any- even permitted time enough to bake thing towards their support at present, bread to eat through the wilderness. being otherwise supplied. Nevertheless, They had seven children between them, think it necessary Friends should con- one of which was not yet five weeks tinue to visit them and inspect their

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case; the same Friends are continued to Many years ago, there lived in Penn- that service. sylvania in the County of Northum- At the Monthly Meeting held 1st berland, in Roaring Creek Valley, a month, 31st, 1781, appears this minute. Friend by the name of Job Hughes, an One of the Friends appointed to visit approved minister of Catawissa and assist Moses Roberts and Job Monthly Meeting. This Friend, on go- Hughes reports that he has visited them ing out to his fields one morning, dis- accordingly and is of the mind that five covered that his horse had escaped pounds should be raised before next therefrom and having purchased them a Monthly Meeting for their use; the rep- short time previous from some dis- resentatives of each Preparative Meet- tance, he supposed the creatures had ing are desired to take care that the endeavored to reach their former home. same be raised between this and next He immediately set out in pursuit, Monthly Meeting and brought thereto. hoping to overtake them soon but, contrary to his expectations, he trav- The Exeter Monthly Meeting minutes are elled many miles before he found them. silent in regard to the time Moses Roberts and On his return, he called next day to an Job Hughes were released from jail but it is inn to refresh himself and horses, generally believed that it was in the third or where he observed a stranger whose fourth month 1781. appearance caused him to feel some- During the years immediately following what suspicious that his intentions were the release of these Friends from imprison- not good. After his refreshments were ment, the name of Job Hughes is several taken and Job was about to start, he times met in the minutes of Catawissa Meet- requested the landlord to wait for his ing where apparently he was a very active pay until he came that way again, it member and on different occasions was ap- being a road he frequently travelled, as pointed to positions of responsibility. In 1787, he had come from home unexpectedly he was one of a committee to enquire into the and had no money with him.. About conveyance of ‘a lott of ground’ for use as a this time, the stranger put on his hunt- burial place. Again, at a Monthly Meeting ing accoutrements, saying he would go held at Maiden Creek, the 26th of 11th month out and try to find a deer - at which Job 1788, Job Hughes informs that Friends at felt some uneasiness as he started the Cotowessey request the continuance of their same road he was going. As he rode Meeting which is granted under care of the along, the stranger walked with him, committee until the next General Spring sometimes by the side of the horse and Meeting. sometimes behind, often changing from That Job Hughes testified to an abiding one to the other. These actions helped faith in the leadings and protection of a Di- to excite Job’s fears, as he said when vine Providence is made evident from the the man was by his side he thought he following which is copied from the Friends intended to strike him from the horse Intelligencer of 1860. with his tomahawk - and when he walked behind him that it was his in-

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tention to shoot him; but he endeavored changing his position several times, his to keep his mind quiet, looking to Him courage failing him, he bethought him- for protection who is able to say, “Thus self that he might run across the woods far shalt thou go and no further!”. and get ahead of him, as there was a After travelling in this way nearly two turn in the road and shoot him from miles, the hunter said he would go into behind a tree. Accordingly, he left the the wood and try to get a deer. As soon road for that purpose, and ran some as he was out of sight, the Friend, distance, when suddenly he became feeling at liberty, rode on quite fast for very tired and coming up to a large log, two or three miles when all fear left he attempted to climb over it but could him and he saw no more of the not. His strength was nearly all gone stranger. and he sat down and shed many tears When he arrived at home, he told his but knew not the cause. It was some wife the circumstance, remarking that time before he sufficiently recovered he had no doubt but that that man his strength to leave the place and, on would take the life of some person as the next day, he committed the awful he believed he had such designs in his deed for which, according to the laws heart. This proved to be true, for not far of the country, he suffered death. from the same place, the next day he took the life of a pedlar, and the ru- This is written from the memory of a sur- mour being spread of the missing man, viving daughter of Job Hughes who well re- suspicion rested on the stranger and the members her father bringing home with him a aforesaid landlord, and they were both printed copy of the murderer’s confession. arrested and imprisoned. When brought Calling his family together, he read it to them, to trial, the hunter confessed his guilt after which he, for the first time, rehearsed to and was condemned and sentenced to his children the imminent danger their father be executed. Previous to his execution, had been in and by what power he was pre- he made a full confession of how he served - his eyes overflowing with tears at the executed his cruel design, and how he recollections, in gratitude to Him whose pow- was tempted, the day before, to take the erful arm had kept back the blow of the assas- life of an old Quaker - he knew not sin. - Eleanor Bowerman. what for, as he was aware he had no Casual sophistication might dismiss the money with him, for he heard him re- above as indicative of untutored psychology. quest the landlord to wait until he came But the Psalmist of old and Job Hughes of the that way again. Still, he was tempted to 18th century were at one in the knowledge that murder him with the intention to exe- it was an unequivocal truth. How often, mid cute his design and walked by his side the difficulties and hardships of those hazard- intending to strike him from the horse, ous years had Job Hughes looked beyond the but when he looked in his face his heart gleaming waters of the river, absorbed in failed him. Then, he thought to walk tranquil contemplation of the calm majesty of behind him and shoot him which he those Pennsylvania hills - to draw strength vainly endeavored to perform. After from their strength, to learn silence from their

Canadian Quaker History Journal 71 (2006) 82 Job Hughes silence! Did the music from those Welsh gen- These frontier Pennsylvanians had reluc- erations in the soul of this intrepid Quaker tantly conceded that the government had, in join with that ‘sweet singer of Israel’ in those reality, become a republic, with a new flag to ageless words - “I will lift up mine eyes unto which they were asked to declare allegiance. the hills from whence cometh my help”. To distressed and loyal hearts in this little colony of Catawissa, it had indeed become a 3 ‘corner of a foreign field that was forever England!’. “We will go by the King’s highway.” Job and Eleanor Hughes, with their neigh- (Numbers 20:17) bours, had suffered severely from these con- ditions. Their loyalty had been outraged. The In the aftermath of the revolution, mob spirit of the northland beckoned. A feeling hysteria was still rampant. Political contro- was gaining that in that land lay opportunity versy was mounting to fever pitch. Shrieking for all, opportunity to again witness for peace. above this hurly-burly again could be heard Above all, it was a land of British institutions the clamor of threatening war. Of those who where enduring homes might be established. remained neutral or were not in sympathy The log Meeting House doubtless witnessed with prevailing ideas, property was confis- gatherings of these disturbed Friends - the cated, cattle and horses were stolen; trouble sense of serious decision must have worn developed with the Indians who were drunk heavily on those upon whom the responsibil- from this orgy of savagery. A price was on ity lay, and who were seeking guidance men’s heads; many fled to the woods and through quiet waiting and solemn delibera- lived there. Little respect was shown for those tion. sober-minded people who attempted to bring A strong migration of Pennsylvania order from chaos. Friends to Upper Canada began in the closing years of the 18th century and continued until about 1808-10. As for these Catawissa Friends, their roots for four generations had been deeply planted in the beautiful land they were leaving. Staunch principles and brave hearts had been severely tested. They had burned their bridges. Canada was the magic word which breathed of free- dom! The hegira was under-way! At length, the question was decided. One by one, the “Fare-Thee-Wells” were spoken. After weeks of hazardous travelling, bringing their cattle with them, milking them on the way, the Friends of this caravan of canvas- covered wagons drawn by weary

Canadian Quaker History Journal 71 (2006) 83 Job Hughes horses, with a yoke of stout oxen to drag them grape hung its chalice of purple from branch across the streams, reached the settlement at and stump - when the sumach bore its clusters Little York, Upper Canada. There, against the of burning tapers, and that, far and away, blue of an inland sea, floated the crimson of across the tops of the maple trees ran the the old flag! No shouting - no lip patriotism. gypsy fires in sacrificial orgy of crimson and They were thankful to again be on soil where gold. In retrospect, one can be certain that to Friends’ way of life was respected. these tired men and women little in the world On the high-ground to the north of York could have been more welcome than the open stretched a stand of magnificent timber, un- doors and hospitality of those Friends who derbrushed only by the bear and the lynx, the had come earlier. News of the recent home- timid deer and the skulking wolf - penetrated land - experiences in the new land - to the only by trail that through the centuries had newcomer and established settler alike - must been worn deep in the soft humus by the feet have been precious! of the red man and the explorer. Governor What were the thoughts of Job Hughes Simcoe had had the road surveyed in 1794 when he looked about him at the fresh habi- but so little had been cleared that the road was tation, one can but guess. To the west lay the even more difficult of passage than the trail Township of King, its acres of rolling country which, to avoid the tremendous hills and the still unshorn of their timber wealth. Turning oozing swamps had followed the line of least to the east, the Township of Whitchurch re- resistance. Most incoming settlers followed ceded in beauty of arable land, streams, and the trail. An examination of the map shows uncut forests. clearly the windings of this early Canadian In the County Registry Office is “A Memo- highway. All traces of it have not yet been rial pursuant to an Act of the Legislature of obliterated - one interesting bit, known as Old the Province of Upper Canada for the Publick Yonge Street, and still in use, is opposite St Registering of Deeds, Conveyances, etc” of Andrew’s College, Aurora. an Indenture of bargain & Sale bearing Date, Job Hughes could no longer be called a the 12th day of November in the year of our young man. Years of hazardous life spent in a Lord 1804, made between Henry Crone of the frontier country must have taken their toll. As Township of in the County a minister and as a leader of experience, the of York in the Home District of the Province cloak of responsibility bore heavily upon him. of Upper Canada, Yeoman, and Margaret his But, with co-patriots to face the unspeakable wife, of the one part, and Job Hughes of the struggle of beginning anew in the wilderness, Township of Whitchurch in the District and in the year 1804 he arrived at Yonge Street, Province aforesaid, Yeoman, of the other part- Upper Canada, with his wife, Eleanor, and his family of sons and daughters. Records found Whereby the said Henry Crone and thus far are silent as to the exact date when Margaret his wife have Granted Bar- Job Hughes and his family arrived at upper gained and Sold unto the said Job Yonge Street. Presumably it was mid-autumn Hughes His Heirs and Assigns for ever, - November 1804. One somehow is glad if the all that said Tract or Parcel of Land first view which the travellers had of their Situate Lying and Being in the said new home was in the season when the wild Township of Whitchurch known and

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described by the West half of Lot all as his act and Deed - also did see Number 91 on the East Side of Yonge Job Hughes, the Grantee, sign & seal Street in the First Concession of the the said Memorial for the Registry Township, containing by Admeasure- thereof. ment 100 acres be the same more or “Enos Dennis” Affirmed before me the less, which said 100 acres of Land is 8th day of June 1807, Thos Ridout, Butted and bounded or may be other- Registrar, County of York wise known as follows - that is to say - Commencing at the SouthWest Angle As noted in this deed, this was not Crown of said Lot, thence North Nine Degrees Land to Job Hughes. On May 17, 1802, the West Twenty Chains More or Less to Crown transferred to Stephen Barbaree, Lot the Limits between 91 and 92, thence No. 91 on the East Side of Yonge Street - 190 North 74 Degrees East Fifty Chains acres in all. On May 31, 1804, Stephen Bar- More or Less to the middle of said Lot, baree sold to Henry Crone the west half of the thence South 9 Degrees East Twenty same lot - 100 acres. Then, on November 12, Chains More or Less, thence South 74 1804, Henry Crone sold to Job Hughes the Degrees West 50 Chains More or Less same lot of land. This piece of land is know to to the Place of Beginning. Together most residents of this district as the Jonathan with All and Singular and Heredita- Bales property, less than the original hundred ments and Appurtenances thereunto by the northerly thirty-eight acres on the belonging or in any wise Appertaining south-west corner which contains a walnut and the Reversion and Reversions, grove. Remainder and Remainders, Rents Is- Mr R.L. Boag of the Registry Office has sues and Profits thereof - which said contributed to the interest of the lot that in Indenture is witnessed by Amos 1838 Joseph Pearson willed his property to Hughes (son) and Enos Dennis (son-in- Sarah Rogers and it remained in the Rogers law), Both of the Township of King. name until 1884 when Samuel Rogers sold it And is Hereby Required to be Regis- to Jonathan Bales. tered pursuant to the said Act by me, The following interesting item has been the said Job Hughes, the Grantee received from the Provincial Archives, from within mentioned. Whitchurch Township Papers. In witness whereof I Hereunto set my hand and Seal, this 12th day of Novem- These are to Certifye that Steven Bar- ber in the year of our Lord 1804. berie of the Township of Whitchurch Signed & Sealed in the Presents of hath a dwelling house Built on Lot No. Amos Hughes, Enos Dennis - Job 91 East Side of Yonge Street, 26 feet Hughes (seal). long and 44 feet wide and about Six I, Enos Dennis, Do affirm that I was acres cleared and 5 acres fenced of personally present and did see the Said Clearing and hath cut and cleared within Henry Crone sign seal and de- out Yonge Street two roads wide in liver the Indenture of Bargain & Sale in front of said Lot 91 in a hansom man- the before-written Memorial mention ner.

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Yonge Street, September 24th 1802 shillings each; To 2 Bushels of Lime at William Graham JP 1 - 6; To Scantling and Lath Delivered Endorsement: Stephen Barbaree’s Lot - 1 pound 1 shilling; 1813 2 mo 20 dy. No. 91 E side Yonge St Improved - Settled and Balanced - 24 pounds Certifiied by William Graham JP, 21st seven shillings. September 1802. The records of the township of King show The original patent of this property is in that there was a Crown Patent on Lots 34 and the Patents Office, Department of Lands & 35, 2nd Concession of King for 200 acres to Forests. Wing Rogers, which continue with “Sold to Mr Silas Armitage remembers the original Job Hughes, March 23, 1807.” This is not house very well, having been a frequent visi- very explicit but it is presumed that it was for tor during the Rogers’ occupancy. He tells it fifty acres as later his Will refers to it. An- was a clapboard building of unusual size for other entry on this lot is a grant dated July 4, that time It was burned while the Rogers lived 1807, from Isaac Penrose to Amos Hughes. It in it, and was rebuilt by them. John T. Stokes may be there is some Instrument which gives of Sharon was the architect of the new brick particulars of an agreement (to be mentioned residence. Mr Armitage has kindly offered later) between Job Hughes and Isaac Penrose. another piece of interest on the activities of In the Will of Job Hughes, reference is made Job Hughes. He has, in his possession, the to a saw mill which indicates it was on this Day Book of his great-grandfather, Amos quarter of Lot 34, 2nd Concession of King Armitage, which bears the date 1804. In this Township. book is the record of a business transaction In addition, Hughes owned Lot No. 37 in between Amos Armitage and Job Hughes. Its the 5th Concession of the Township of Ux- quaint wording of the itemized account sug- bridge. This activity in securing land, other gests some of the activities of the settlers on than his home place, presupposes that his Yonge Street. experience in a frontier country stood him in immediate good service and indicates as well Job Hughes - that he was personally endowed with unusu- 1805 6 mo 11 dy. To building his house ally perceptive business ability. - 15 pounds 1806 10 mo 11 dy. To one windmill - 8 4 pounds. 1807 2 mo 10 dy. To putting new fans “Sow the seed in the wide black earth in windmill - 10 pounds. and already the seed is victorious, 1807 5 mo 15 dy. To loging - 23 though time must contribute to the pounds, 10 shillings. triumph of the wheat.” - Antoine de St Contra - Exupéry. 1805 6 mo 11 dy. To cash - 12 pounds; To 2 Bells at 10 shillings each; To a Another concern was occupying the half day halling from the mill - 6 shil- thoughts of those recently-arrived Friends. It lings; 10 mo 22 d. To 2 sickles at 10 was for the establishment of a Monthly

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Meeting of Friends - a concern which was cates of those marriages, and fair min- deliberated on and accelerated during the utes of the proceedings on such other years 1804 and 1805. The minutes are re- business as is proper to a Preparative corded in the First Books of Records for Meeting. And at least every three Yonge Street Monthly Meeting. months transmit by appointment to the At a Yearly Meeting held in Philadelphia Monthly Meeting at Pelham requisite by Adjournment from the 16th of the 4th reports for its information and satisfac- month to the 20th of the same inclusive, 1804: tion. Extracted from the minutes, Jonathan 19th of the month and 5th of the week - Evans, Clerk to the Meeting this year. A report of the Committee who have Having received the foregoing extract been religiously exercised in care for from our Yearly Meeting granting and the preservation and help of our mem- establishing a meeting for worship and bers residing in Upper Canada being also a Preparative Meeting of Friends produced, we are thereby informed that on Yonge Street, our Monthly Meeting there are a number amongst the youth at Pelham uniting therewith, leave and others who appear tender and Friends at liberty to open the said hopeful and claim the sympathy of this Preparative Meeting when they think Meeting being subjected to inconven- most convenient. Agreeable thereto on ience for want of suitable schools, and the 5th day of the 21st of the 6th month as the number of families settled at 1804, Friends being generally met, it Yonge Street has, of late, considerably was unitedly agreed to open the said increased , the Committee having by a Preparative Meeting. selection from among themselves re- At Yonge Street Preparative Meeting cently paid them a visit unite in a belief held the 21st day of the 6th month 1804 that it might be safe to establish a - the Meeting appoints Nathaniel Pear- Meeting for Worship and a Preparative son Clerk at this time. Meeting at that place. And that the The committee appointed to consider business of the Meeting be transacted the request from Pelham Monthly by men and women in an united capac- Meeting in Canada produced the fol- ity - which being carefully deliberated lowing report - viz. on and the sentiments of many Friends We the committee appointed to con- freely expresst, this Meeting under pre- sider the request made by Pelham sent apparent necessity of affording Monthly Meeting for the establishment relief to those distant members, is easy of a Monthly Meeting on Yonge Street, in granting such an establishment, with after solidly deliberating thereon, agree this addition that the said Preparative to report as our sense that it may be Meeting have authority to take cogni- safe for the Yearly Meeting to grant zance of presentations on account of their request. Signed on behalf of the marriages and make due appointments committee, Philadelphia, 4th month 24th for their orderly accomplishment, that 1806, Benjamin Mason, Hannah Kirk- they keep regular records of the certifi- bride

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Which being read and considered is Ann Pearson, and Eleanor Hughes, to agreed to, and the Monthly Meeting unite with Men Friends in the oversight proposed to be established at Yonge of said Meeting until Monthly Meeting Street is to be held on the second 5th in the 3rd month next. day after the first 1st day in each month, to be called Yonge Street Monthly At a Meeting of Women Friends, 18th day Meeting, and the first opened in the 9th of 12th month 1806, the name of Eleanor month next. The Queries are to be read Hughes is again recorded with Martha Armit- and answered in the said Meeting age to enquire into the “clearness of other quarterly, agreeable to the direction of marriage engagements” of Mercy Chapman the Discipline and a report made in and Robert Willson who had declared their writing to this Meeting Annually. intentions of marriage. Her name is frequently Jonathan Evans, Clerk. met throughout these continuing minutes of the Women Friends. The first Monthly Meeting of Yonge Street The first record of Job Hughes occurs at was held the 18th day of the 9th month 1806. the meeting held the 16th day of the 10th Nathaniel Pearson was appointed Clerk. month 1806. On the 18th day of the 9th month 1806 is a minute recording their first public official act Women Friends request the assistance when an address of loyalty to the governor of this Meeting to join them in a visit to was read, approved, and signed by the Clerk. ___ who hath accomplished her mar- Timothy Rogers and Amos Armitage were riage by the assistance of a magistrate, appointed to attend on the governor therewith. to which service Job Hughes and Sam- On the 16th day of the 10th month 1806, a uel Lundy are appointed and report to minute records - next Meeting.

The Friends appointed to wait on the At the same Meeting, the minutes in exqui- governor reported they have performed site quill penmanship, read as follows: the service and produced a satisfactory answer in writing under his hand which Our beloved Friend, Job Hughes, laid a is directed to be kept among the Meet- concern before this Meeting that has ing’s papers. for some time accompanied his mind to pay a religious visit to Friends at and At the first meeting of Women Friends, on about the Bay of Quenty, with which the same date as the Men’s Meeting, is found this Meeting unites and leaves him at the first mention of Eleanor Hughes. liberty to proceed as truth may open the way, he being an approved Minister in The Men’s Meeting informs that great esteem and the Clerk is directed Friends of Whitchurch request a further to furnish him with a copy of this min- indulgence of holding their Meeting, ute. this Meeting uniting therewith appoints At the Monthly Meeting held the 13th Martha Armitage, Elizabeth Chapman, day of the 11th month 1806 -

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Our beloved friend Jacob Winn opened New York, out of which we are de- in this Meeting a desire that has for scended, whether it might not be con- sometime accompanied his mind to pay sistent, with the openings of truth for a religious visit in company with Job us to be united and placed in a capacity Hughes to Friends at and about the Bay to meet together twice in a year, once of Quenty, this Meeting uniting there- the manner of Quarterly and once in with leaves him at liberty to proceed as that of a Yearly Meeting. In order to truth may open the way, he being an decide on appeals and other matters of approved Minister in good esteem, and weight and importance in the Church, the Clerk is directed to furnish him or in whatever other way may seem with a copy of this minute. most consistent with Divine Wisdom. At a Meeting held the 15th day of the The Report of the Joint Committee 1st month 1807 is a minute significant being read and after solid consideration to all Friends, and which had lain in the thereon, the meeting of men and mind of Job Hughes in his efforts to Women on the present occasion being complete the establishment of Friends in an united capacity, unitedly concurs in the new country. therewith and appoints Isaac Phillips A concern having arisen in the minds and Job Hughes to attend the Yearly of Friends in this Province for the Meeting therewith. The Clerk is di- prosperity and further advancement of rected to furnish the Committees from the Principles which we profess, which Adolphus and Pelham with copies of being spread through the several the proceedings of this Meeting in the Monthly Meetings, Committees were above case. appointed by Adolphus and Pelham A minute of the Monthly Meeting held Monthly Meetings to attend Yonge at Yonge Street on the 12th day of the Street where the subject being again 2nd month 1807 reports - opened, it spread with weight in the Our beloved friends, Job Hughes and minds of Friends, a committee being Jacob Winn, having returned their cer- appointed to unite therewith the above tificates obtained in the 10th and 11th committees in considering the most months 1806, with a few lines from likely way and means to affect the pur- Adolphus Monthly Meeting setting pose and report of this Meeting. forth that their labors of Love have The Meeting adjourns till tomorrow at been satisfactory. the 11th hour - 16th agreeable to the adjournment the Finally, at the Monthly Meeting held the Meeting being opened - 14th day of the 1st month 1808, is the minute We the committee appointed as above quoted in the beginning of this sketch direct- taking the matter into solid considera- ing a memorial to be prepared for our de- tion agree to report as our united sense ceased friend, Job Hughes. that it may be right for the three From a mountain in the lonely plains of Monthly Meetings to lay before the Moab, another leader of men had been per- Yearly Meetings of Philadelphia and mitted to view the promised land. Job Hughes

Canadian Quaker History Journal 71 (2006) 89 Job Hughes was led to enter the Canadian land of promise our being united into one Yearly Meeting, and but for a brief sojourn only. He, with Eleanor of requesting the privilege of holding a his wife, had borne the heat and burden of a Quarter which was unitedly concurred with. day of stern trials which he had met with the In the first month 1807 he was appointed to ‘weapons he was given - the Light, the Truth, attend the Yearly Meeting therewith. A few and the Love of Heaven’. Rather, he was a days previous to his journey, he spoke to sower of ‘Truth’s Holy Seed !’ some friends nearby in these words - From the Friends’ Intelligencer, Vol.16 - A Testimony from Yonge Street Monthly I have been favored to see the way on Meeting in the Province of Upper Canada, my journey as clear and as bright as concerning Job Hughes (late of Pennsylva- noonday, so far as my friend, Reuben nia), deceased. Lundy’s at Fishing Creek, but farther than there, all appears to me dark as We believe it our duty to commemorate midnight. Notwithstanding, I believe it the memory of this, our beloved friend, right for me to go, and my desire is that who removed with his family to this Friends may stand faithful for the cause Province and settled on Yonge Street in and testimony of truth in this place, for the 6th month 1805. (Later data sug- it seems to me as if I have now about gests this date to be incorrect.) During done with Yonge Street. his stay here, he was a diligent attender On the 24th of 3rd month he took a sol- of our religious meetings, both for wor- emn leave of his family as one never ship and discipline, wherein he was more to return, and by accounts, he careful to wait for and experience the arrived at the aforesaid Friend’s house arisings of truth whereby he frequently on the 11th of the 4th month, very much became qualified, though not in the indisposed though he was seldom heard enticing words of man’s wisdom but in to complain of any pain, but expressed the demonstration of the spirit and of entire resignation to the Divine Will, the power to unfold the hidden mys- and gave charge to avoid anything su- teries of Christ’s kingdom to the edifi- perfluous in regard to his interment. In cation and encouragement of many this resigned frame of mind he quietly present, at which times he was gener- departed, without sigh or groan, the 6th ally favored with a clear delivery , of the 4th month 1807 and was decently though at other times he was somewhat interred in the Friends’ Burying impeded in his speech. He was emi- Ground at Fishing Creek on the 28th of nently serviceable in meetings for dis- the same, aged 66 years. cipline, and labored therein, although Signed in and on behalf of Yonge he was very zealous against obstinate Street Monthly Meeting, held the 18th offenders, yet to those under affliction, day of 2nd month 1808, by Amos Ar- his words were as healing balsam. mitage and Phebe Winn, Clerks. A few months previous to his decease, he visited the different Monthly Meetings in this In his Will, made just previous to leaving Province wherein he opened his prospect of on the fateful journey, and which is permitted

Canadian Quaker History Journal 71 (2006) 90 Job Hughes to be used in this account of this outstanding rest of the Lot. Quaker, one is conscious of the tender re- And to my son Joel Hughes and his sponsibility he must have felt in thinking of heirs and assigns, a minor, I give my his family’s future. His honor and keen sense Lot of one hundred acres in the Town- of business are evident throughout the whole ship of King, the Deed to be made by of the text. The Will bears the date - 23rd day Emery at Niagara as will appear per of the 3rd month 1807 - Bond, and if he inclines to stay with his brother and mother till he arrives at the And first then I give and bequeath to age of twenty-one, then Samuel do my wife Eleanor my house with all my deed him a lot in some of the new Beds and Bedding, Clock and Watch, townships; and in the case of death to and all my Kitchen Utensils and Fur- any of them before they leave issue of niture, together with my wearing ap- their own, then their part to be equally parel to be disposed of as she thinks divided between the surviving brothers best; also my Books to divide amongst and sisters. her children as she and they may agree, And furthermore, I do constitute or and all the Land within the fence sur- appoint my two sons, Amos Hughes rounding the House extending to the and Samuel Hughes, my whole Ex- Concession Road to be disposed of ecutors to this my last Will and Testa- when she has done with it as she and ment, and I do hope and believe that if my executors think fit. any part of this my last Will appears to And to my son Amos Hughes I have them to be unequal or unfair that they Deeded a Lot of Land in Uxbridge, and will be just enough to themselves and my Lot of fifty acres in King, together to me to make such alterations as ap- with my undivided half of the Saw Mill pears to them to be just and equitable, I give to him, he making good my con- which said Will is Witnessed by Char- tract with Isaac Penrose to hold the les Chapman of King and Enos Dennis same to his heirs and assigns. of Whitchurch. And to my son Samuel Hughes and to his heirs and assigns, I give and be- These witnesses were two old friends of queath the remainder of my Lot east- Catawissa days. ward and northward and adjoining my The graves of Job and Eleanor Hughes Wife’s Dowery which I wish him to who had shared so many trials and dangers take the management of and work it for are many miles apart. The body of Job her, which if rightly occupied will be Hughes lies in an unmarked spot in the sufficient to enable her to fit out our Friends Burying Ground at Fishing Creek, two Daughters yet unmarried in a com- Pennsylvania, which is about 14 miles north fortable way of Housekeeping, and also of Catawissa. The plot is well cared for, but that he may find his mother firewood regret has been expressed that he had not and every necessary to make her com- been laid to rest at Catawissa where he had fortable; and when her widowhood been of the very warp and woof of that ceases, that part to fall to him with the Friends’ community.

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Eleanor Hughes passed away on the 9th day press, Thursday, May 12th, 1949, p10. of the 3rd month 1825 at Gwillimbury East, 3. “Job Hughes Buys Homestead on Yonge Street, Upper Canada. She rests in the little burying Continuing Saga of Early Friends Minister”, The ground of which is Newmarket Era & Express, Thursday, May 19th, 1949, situated just below the village of Sharon. Her p10. son, Samuel Hughes, has left a very lovely 4. “Job Hughes: ‘Sowed Truth’s Holy Seed’ - Last of Series on Friends’ Minister”, The Newmarket Era & memorial in remembrance of his mother. Express, Thursday, May 26th, 1949, p10. This story of an epoch in the establishment 5. “Text of Address Sent Francis Gore by Yonge Street of Friends in Canada is prepared in tribute to Friends, 1806”, The Newmarket Era & Express, Thurs- Job Hughes who was used, through Divine day, June 2nd, 1949, p5. Guidance, to inspire and promote interest among Friends to organize a Canadian Yearly JOB HUGHES (1740-1808), son of William Meeting. It is likewise in equal tribute to Hughes (1716-1760) & Amy (Willets) Hughes those other Friends who faithfully and loyally Child of Job Hughes & Esther Wright: and eagerly supported the movement. Levi Hughes married Phebe Carpenter. Children of Job Hughes & Eleanor Lee: Sources: Rachel Hughes married Israel Lundy The early minute book from which arose the inspi- Sarah Hughes married Enos Dennis ration for the foregoing article is in the care of Mr Abigail Hughes married Judah Bowerman (1779- David Doan, Yonge Street. In its preparation, various 1869) sources were necessarily consulted, and my apprecia- Amos Hughes married Rebecca Chapman tion and gratitude are hereby expressed to the Librarian Samuel Hughes married i) Sarah Webster; ii) Mary at the Reference Library, ; to Miss Helen Doan; iii) Anna (Armitage) Wiggins McClung, Provincial Archivist; to Mr R.L. Boag & Amy Hughes married Stephen Bowerman staff, York County Registry Office; to Mr David Job Hughes died in infancy McFall for legal research; to Mr Elton Armstrong for Joel Hughes married Sarah Phillips locating a map of early Yonge Street; to Mr Silas Ar- mitage for his reminiscence material; to Mr Charles Ethel Willson Trewhella (1882-1959), born in Lewis, Yonge Street, to Mr T.L.D. Kinton, Toronto, for August 1882 in the Township of East Gwillimbury, genealogical data; to Mr Arthur Dorland, University of York County North, was the daughter of Robert A. & Western Ontario, in providing access to the first minute Sarah J. (Barker) Willson. Her family was of Quaker books of Yonge Street Friends, and to Mr J.E. Eshel- ancestry and she was a member of the Society of man, historian, Pennsylvania, for his generous permis- Friends in Newmarket, Ontario. After the death of her sion to quote from his History of Catawissa as well as husband in 1937, she took up the task of writing of other information, and without which it would have local Quaker history. Mrs Trewhella was among those been difficult to place the story in sequence. who established the Sharon Burying Ground Associa- tion in 1952 and was its first secretary. In June 1952, The 4 instalments in this series of articles were she was made an honorary member of the York Pioneer transcribed and edited by Sandra (McCann) Fuller. & Historical Society. She died in Newmarket in April 1. “Series Traces History of Job Hughes, Friends’ 1959 before completion of her last work, A History of Minister of Yonge Street, 1805-1807”, The Newmarket the Town of Newmarket. Era & Express, Thursday, May 5th, 1949, p4. 2. “Life of Friends Minister Job Hughes, Second Arti- cle Tells of Background”, The Newmarket Era & Ex-

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