Many Loyalists had great need of the social and economic assistance offered them by the British government. In addition to the land granted to each family, a year's provisions, or the monetary equivalent, essential tools, building supplies, ammunition, medicine and even glass for the windows of their new homes assisted settlers in the colony to overcome the hardships of starting life anew. While there was great personal hardship, there was also considerable wealth and privilege for some. More prosperous Loyalists arrived with considerable material possessions including fine furniture, silverware, glassware, clothing, books and even entire houses. This transfer of material culture was an important part of the establishment of American taste in British North America.
One such fortunate was Ward Chipman (1754-1824), a young Massachusetts lawyer. Articulate and well-educated, Chipman came to New Brunswick in 1784 as its first Solicitor General, and the following year was named the first Recorder of the City of Saint John. This position, which combined the functions of City Solicitor and local magistrate, gave him considerable influence over the lives of less fortunate Loyalists. He later served in the Legislative Assembly, became a judge of the colony's supreme court and was named President of the Royal Council of New Brunswick (acting Lieutenant-Governor). He married the daughter of William Hazen, the wealthy pre-Loyalist merchant, and thus established one of the most prominent Saint John families. His son, Ward Chipman, Junior (1787-1851), became Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of New Brunswick. Here we see an engraving of Ward Chipman, Senior. Also shown is the cradle in which he was rocked as a baby. Chipman took the cradle with him when he left Massachusetts.
Courtesy: Provincial Archives of New Brunswick and New Brunswick Museum
