Autobiography of John Balmer (1819-1898)

and

Margaret Ann (Carey) Balmer (1831-1890)

of Hillsboro, County Down, Ireland and Oshawa, County Durham, Ontario, Canada

Transcribed by Curt N. Balmer Newton, New Jersey 2013

Page- 1 I was born in the parish of Hillsboro, County Down, Ireland, near the town of Hillsboro, on the 8th of March, 1819. My Fathers name was John; born in County Antrim; was a Farmer; burned and sold lime on the farm, the lime was largely used as fertilizer. He died in the year 1833, age 62. Cause of death was asthma. Was a member of the Church of England. His parents were off the stage of action before I was born. They were farmers. Irish. Church of England. I knew my maternal grandmother; Mrs. Johnston. She died over 60 ago. About 1826, aged 90. Died of old age. The Johnstons were farmers. Presbyterian of Scotch descent; of florid complexion with yellow hair. Mothers name as you know was Catherin Johnston; as good a mother as ever lived. I Remember going to sleep on her lap when spinning that fine yarn of which they make the fine Irish linin. She never parted from me without requesting me to pray to God to bless me and Mark me with Grace. She and Father lived and died in the Lord. They had Methodist preaching in the house frequently on Sunday mornings. Cant say whether weekly or fortnightly. I was very young at the time and was in bed sometimes during the service. She used to take me to class meeting with her, and when up speaking she expressed her anxiety about her children, that God would take care of them and bless them. She was of large physique, healthy and strong, and died at the advanced age of93, (in the year of1873). She was about 40 years a widow. Page -2 My father sold his farm in Co. Antrim and bought one in Down; larger with a mortgage on it; having subsequently lost his health he failed to pay principal or interest until the amount was large, when he sold it off and paid all claims. When this was done there was little left. I remember my Mother crying day & night for a long time, not because everyone had been paid his just dues, but because she was left without the means of maintaining and educating her children. She had five sons living and two who died before I was born, also four daughters living. Their names are; Joseph, Hugh, John, Thomas, William, Ann, Phoebe, Eliza., and Jane. Myself, Jane, and Thomas are the only ones now alive in the flesh. Jane is age 72 and Thomas 68. (John was 81 @ this writing.) The only mistake my dear Mother ever made and one I regret very much was that she was too proud to allow her children to attend a free school, because it was called a poor School supported by Lord Downshire. His son was styled Lord Hillsborough. There was no free public schools in those days, and private ones were very expensive. The first teacher I had was named John Fisher; he told Mother, if she kept at school it would be all the fortune I would need. He was a single man and dined with the parents in rotation. I do not know what his charges were. In cold weather the scholars had to bring a dry Turf, each to build a fire. This fuel is taken from one of the many Irish Bo gs and when dry burns well. Near the school, one summer day, in a field of wheat, a young man shot and fatally wounded himself, and lived only a day or two. I was with Mother, who went to see and sympathize with the family. When asked why he did it, the dying young man replied; it was the devil made me do it. I have been thinking ever since that the devil is a bad companion, and try to shun him. The first Scripture lesson I remember my Father giving was about Ananias and his wife; ever since that T have abhorred a lie, and pitied those who made use of one.

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I love the truth. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Glory to his holy name forever. After the farm (less the house & garden) was disposed of, the children were scattered. The older ones were able to choose for themselves. I lived several years with my uncle; Joseph Johnston, a farmer. I was always sober, quiet, obliging and industrious, and thereby gained and retained the good will of all. I worked for twelve months as Gardener, for a Presbyterian Minister, who had become heir to his Fathers farm. He laid out an acre of it as a beautiful garden. His name; Rev. Robt Moorhead. His brother was our Mothers family physician, and knew her all her life. When reduced in circumstances he had great sympathy for her. He was about forming a company to establish in the town of Hillsborough an Infirmary, Dispensary and lying-in hospital. For resident keeper and Matron he sent Mother to the great City of Glasgow, Scotland, to become qualified for the situation. She had much practical experience there in the City Lying-in Hospital, and learned to use the Latin terms of medical practical in her departmental business. I went with her to Glasgow and worked at the harvest as long as it lasted. I greatly distressed Mother by enlisting in the Queen of Spain service against Don Pedro, the Queenss uncle, who objected to the Law permitting female succession to the Throne. Queen Victoria assisted the Queen of Spain by permitting enlistment into her service. Mother declared she would never return home without me, and said I must try and settle with the recruiting party at any cost. If I had been wholly initiated I would have had to pay $20, but fortunately I got off by paying 20 shillings, The Smart. These recruiting parties sometimes list fellows who would not pass any medical examination for service, and try, if they themselves simple enough, to make them pay The Smart. This was in the fall of 1837. Queen Victoria was siding Queen of Spain by recruiting for her Army Page- 4 Mother having completed her special education and I my Queen of Spain service, we returned to Ireland. She got comfortably quartered in the Hospital, with salary and perquisites. Every poor woman of the town, in case of needing a Mid-wife, applied to the Doctor for, and received a ticket which always secured the kind attention and sympathy of Mother. She lay by these tickets till she wished to collect their value from the Treasurer of the Establishment. There was a loan and savings department connected therewith. She continued in this situation even long after the old Doctor died, I dont know how many years. CHAPTER TWO I worked for an old farmer two years, till 1839. I then made up my mind to join and serve in Her Majestys service. My main reason for this was; I had full control of the little farm, and I had two men working, one of them an Army pensior. He obliged me by working when I needed him, but did not need to work constantly, and seemed to be comfortable and independent. The other man had to work every day, was poorly clothed, and dependent on a days work, and seemed to belong to a poor class. You will give me credit therefore for some forethought, young as I was. I enlisted in Her Majesties 38th, or first Staffordshire Regiment of Foot, at Belfast, 7th November 1839. Questioned by Sergt: Are you free, able and willing to serve Her Majesty, her heirs and successors, during the term of 21 years, or until legally discharged? Ans. - Yes, I am. The next step was to undergo doctors inspection, to see if I were sound in wind and limb, and not subject to fits. After undressing he made me walk, nude, backwards and forwards along the room, and step on and over benches ; draw long breaths ; raise and extend my arms several times and go through some other

movements too minute to be explained here, such as coughing while his hand was place on different parts of the body.

Page- 5 This over I was marched to the Adjutant and Sergeant Major; the latter, after I had signed the register, and received my regimental number; 1911, presented me to the Color Sergeant of the company to which I was assigned. A corporal of that company placed me in his room where he and a dozen men sleep, live, eat, and drink. Here there is a folding iron cot, (i.e.-narrow bedstead). For every man, with an iron shelf and pins for placing and hanging things on. I was then supplied (in duplicate) with everything necessary to wear, called a Kit. I need not mention drill or barrack room affairs, as you know all about them. When I got my regimental dress I was coaxed by some who wanted to desert to sell my plain clothes, and others urged me to sell them and go on a drinking spree with them. Thank God and good training, I had Divine Grace enough to resist fully all such wiles of the devil. I obtained six days leave and took my good suit home and left it with Mother, and also some money I had in the bank. I left a chest full of good clothing for Mother to do with them as she liked. Having spent a month in Belfast, the Regiment was ordered to Dublin, where we stayed only a few days and proceeded to Temple More, county Tiperrary. During our stay in this town we witnessed a green scene. From the surrounding country and villages, tens of thousands gathered to take the temperance pledge from the celebrated Father Mathew. The good natured, dear Irish souls determined to have a parting glass with each other before taking the pledge. The tavern keepers had a big day; when the whiskey began to warm them, they sang and shouted and cheered for Father Mathew, till one would think the roof would fall through the sky. The troopers were called out in readiness for a big row, but nothing serious occurred. I did not see the night proceedings as I was too young to bear arms. I.E. - had not been thoroughly drilled. The recruits were confined to barracks. __________________________________________________________________________________ Page- 6 His Eminence had a good supply of Pewter Medals, suitably stamped on each side to present to each good Catholic who signed, (I think they were all of that persuasion) for which they paid (I think it was 50cents). All night was spent delivering them, a very large number kept the pledge and thereby great good was done. Dan. OConnell was flourishing at this time, agitating for the repeal of the Union. I finished my instruction at drill within three months, and was permitted to join my company on parade and duty, of which I was very proud. After three months in Temple More we moved to Limerick, a large city on the river Shannon, two days march from Cork. This is, for green meadows, silk and butter, the finest place in the world. But never the less there was much poverty among the people. I had to stand along with a party, on guard with fixed bayonets, to keep hungry poor from breaking into a store of provisions, which the Government was distributing to them. While here I had some hard probationary work. The companies on the outskirts of the City would have to turn out on parade, be inspected by Squads: then form company and be inspected by the Captain: then march a mile and a half to the Royal Barracks, Join out regiment there, be inspected again by Sergeant Major, Adjutant and Colonel, then march out two or three miles to a great common, be again inspected by the General or Brigade Major, and go through a field day of drill, in heavy marching order, full

knapsack and account remints, with sixty rounds of ball ammunition; then march home, and when my turn for guard came parade then and there for all that duty. And if no one of Guard, or first for Century, had to walk about two hours more under same load. This exercise closed at 2 PM., and it was 8AM when we first turned out. A fellow is ready for dinner after exercise like that. You will say this was all physical exercise. Well I can tell you, on a quiet beat one can do a great deal of thinking, which helps to pass away the time Page- 7 Many a piece of composition I elaborated and many a lesson I learned from print while on watch duty, sometimes with only moonlight. I wish my sight were as good now. I am sorry I am not able to make this brief story more interesting: you: will have to be content with some plain facts, poorly written. Having spent the summer of 1840 in Limerick, which was enlivened by other Regiments of foot and also of cavalry, hussars and Lancers, we marched in two days to Cork. There were no railroads in Old Ireland in those days except six miles, from Lisbon to Belfast, and another little bit at Dublin. The last days march was 21 Irish miles, about 30 English. When close to the City we had a frightfully steep hill to climb, or march over a mile to shun it. I with others walked right up. The band always plays when leaving and approaching a station. Music always made me jump for joy and feel as fresh as when I started. ( Kate can understand this.) I have seen old chaps and young ones too lie down on the road and have to be helped into a baggage wagon. I often carried another mans gun on the march, one in each hand. We rested here a few days in the City of Cork, while the Officers were making up six full companies, out of ten companies. The Captain of the Grenadier Company had the first choice. He, walking the ranks of the regiment on parade, tapping every man he wanted, on the shoulder, saying, Fall out. The man stepped to the rear and the Grenadier Color Sergeant took each mans name, and kept them together till the full number was obtained. Nearly one hundred, including officers, noncommissioned officers, Drummers, Buglers and Pioneers. Next, and last choice, fell to the Captain of the Light Infantry (so called) the left flank company. This company is picked, not by size but by good looks and smart active appearance. No round shoulders, knocknees, dog ears nor swivel eyes are admitted in this company. Page- 8 They are generally used for skirmishing: covering the front of the whole regiment, and have to run like lamp lighters, in case of Cavalry charge. The other four companies were made up out of the remainder. I was the shortest man in the Grenadier Company, 5 Ft, 9-3/4. (Note added by Curt N. Balmer: my Father: Emerson Marshall B. great G-son of the writer was 5 Ft 8 . Ronald & I both measured 5 Ft 10-1/2 .) The culls, not selected for the service abroad remained at home and were called The Depot. Four skeleton Companies, to which are every year reduced by sickness, death and desertion. The service Companies, having been completed, they embarked under command of our Colonel, Sir John Campbell, for the Island of Zante , in the Mediterranean. When on board the troop ship every man was supplied with sea soap, needles, thread and tobacco. Also, a gill of rum, every day. A few declined to take it, other, boys: drank it as they would medicine, and soon became fond of it. This stuff is not given as a ration now.

CHAPTER 111 (3) We passed Gibraltar in about ten days, into the Great Mediterranean Sea. Algeria on the right, and Spain on the left. This is a beautiful sea, crowded with commerce. I one day counted fifty ships in sight, in full sail. Did not touch Malta, or any other Island, till we arrived at Zanta early in October. It was so much warmer here than at Cork, though a month later, that our men astonished the Greeks by plunging into the water, to swim. The latter were wrapped in their winter cloaks. Wines and fruits are very cheap here. And what astonished us was that when paying for a glass of wine we got in exchange, eight pieces of coin, called and stamped with a Griffin. 10 Griffin for a penny. Two Griffin for a gill of good wine. Cook shops were numerous, with front, and tables or stalls, open to the streets. Page- 9 Among the fruits; Olives Grapes and currants are the most important. In these cook shops one can buy a good lunch, as follows; a gill of wine, 2 grs. A bun, 2 grs. A bunch of grapes, 2 grs. (6 grs.)A total 10, griffins= one penny. You would say this is a good cheap place for a pensioner or any other discharged soldier to live on these Islands. Yes, but they would not allow you to live there, unless you be able and willing to deposit the amount of your fare by steamer to your native country. Shortly after arriving here we were startled and well shaken up by an earthquake, which would have killed me, had it happened in the night. The stone wall of the Barracks fell in on my Cot-Bed. Every brick or stone house was more or less damaged. Wooden buildings stood the shake. We were moved into a theater, built of boards and other light lumber. We were comfortable in this; the weather being mild. No frost or snow in these sunny regions. There were frequent shocks during the winter. We had only one big storm during our sail through the Mediterranean, but it was not near as severe as that which hid sun, moon and stars, when St. Paul was on his Missionary trip, a prisoner to Rome. This is, as in Italy, a very beautiful climate. During the summer of 1841 a few men and a corporal were sent on detachment to the Island of Ithaca, to assist the Deputy in enforcing the Law in the collection of Harbor dues. I was one of the number. This is the place where Homers grave is said to be. I was shown the very grave, said to be his. In sailing into the harbor, we saw down in clear water the wreck of houses of a town, which had been suck by an earthquake. At this place I learned to swim, at the age of 21, an exercise which everyone should learn when very young. There was a beam extending from the wharf out over the water, and it would spring when on it (note-today its called a diving board-cnb) So that one could spring up and enter the water head first, and in deep water (no fear of touching bottom), have a lovely dive in the warm salt water. Page- 10 I had real happy, pleasant times on these stations. A young man, a fellow soldier, named; Isaac Watts, a namesake of the poet, and quite as heavenly minded, exhorted me and others to give our hearts to God, and be wise and good, holy and happy. I agreed to all he said and joined him in his devotions, in caves and dens and subterranean passages, round and through these islands. This is the way he spent his spare hours, and he kneeled in prayer at his bedside night and morning. Always had with him a small Bible and Hymnbook.

A few months after this we were called to join our Company, and embark for Corfu, another and largest of the Ionian Islands. There were at this time & location very strong Fortifications, and made stronger by us. There is beautiful sailing around these Islands, in summer, when not too hot. Before the British gave up the protection of this place to Greece, they destroyed the Forts and Fortifications. There is a mixed population here of Greeks, Jews, Maltese, Albanians and others. The language is impure Greek. Their Religion is that of the Greek Church. They have a Patron Saint called Spiro, kept in a decorated cage. He is carried around the city on certain feast days, as the Host is carried in Quebec. The British used to furnish a guard of honor, and fire a salute, if not for the honor of the Saint; to please the people. This was discontinued long before the enlightened days when we arrived there. A Baptist missionary stationed here boldly denounced idol worship at the procession and would have been stoned to death had not the Troops interfered in his behalf. He was put on board the mail steamer and taken somewhere for safety. Such is the prejudice of will worship. Chapter -4 Early in 1843 we sailed for Gibraltar, back over this beautiful island sea. After a month on board a troop ship we arrived at Gib. There were no big steamers at this time. A sail ship and calm weather kept us a month on board looking at scores of ships and speaking to some, together with fine warm weather, made the voyage very pleasant. Page- 11 I counted fifty sail ships all in one sighting. This is a great sea for commerce. On landing on the Rock we were received with military honors, by the other Corps: Royal Artillery, Sappers, Miners and the 77th foot, 79th Highlanders, with their Bag-Pipes. I love the Pipes and all other good music. This is a wonderfully strong place, with tiers of guns along the face of the Rock, invisible from the harbor. But many are seen on the batteries, and on bastions, something in the shape of baywindows, but square facing along the outskirts of the main battery, so as to shoot any party trying to scale the walls. There is a very strong guard constantly on duty. A number from each regiment, detailed from the brigade office, Dailey, several of the guards, commanded by a commissioned officer. The guard is about 600 strong, one third of which are out on beat, or sentry. At night after tattoo or bed time, every sentry calls out in a musical tone Alls well beginning with no. 1 and following in succession, one at a time, till each and all have called. This is repeated every quarter of an hour. When the last has done it is time for the first to call again. tis funny to listen to over a hundred voices trying one at a time to call in a long musical tone. The nicest call was the one who made the last word short. Alls well. (This is the only way I can write music) A big gun is fired three times a day-at sunrise, at noon, and at sunset. The people are under strict martial law, and at the evening gun they all vacate the fortifications and promenades for their homes. After tattoo, 9:30 PM no person is allowed in the streets without a written permit, and a lantern to enable the sentry to read it. The first bugle for tattoo sounds at 9 and the last at 9:30 PM. At quarter to 10 is sounded lights out. Lights out does not apply to the civilians, only to soldiers. The Officers on duty visit the different guards at any time during the night Page-12

One is a Major, and is called, Field Officer. The other is a Captain or Lieutenant called Visiting Officer. When the Field Officer approaches with the escort the sentry cries out in a loud voice Who comes there? AnsRounds., What Rounds, Ans Grand Rounds, Stand Grand Rounds, Advance and give the counter-sign. One advances to the point of the bayonet and whispers the word. If correct the sentry calls out Pass Grand Rounds, all is well. If next the Guard house, the cry is Stand Grand Rounds, Guard turn out!, instantly follows a tremendous noise of mens feet off the guard bed, running for hat and gun, and out into line for inspection. Corporal, Sergeant and officer get the men in line, then the corporal and two men go to meet the Rounds and challenging is gone through. Then the corporal says to the commander of the Guard All correct, the commander shouts: Advance, Grand Rounds, Alls well. The Rounds asks, Is all present. Ans. All present and correct. The Guard salutes by being ordered to present arms! The same formality is gone through in the other case; only Visiting Rounds is used instead of Grand Rounds. The gates are closed and locked at sunset. A team Sergeant is appointed for that purpose. He goes to the Commandants office and brings the Keys, walking between two soldiers, to and fro, with fixed bayonets, locking and opening them, night and morning. There are hundreds of cactus plants on the rock, bearing delicious fruit, commonly called Prickly Pairs a very significant name. I couldnt take one in my hand. The fruit is inside the rough rind. The vendor with a knife takes off the skin for you. Monkeys are numerous on the precipitous parts of this Island Rock. And what is very remarkable, they have no tails. The Rock is about three miles long and about seven in circumference. The North end of the Rock is 1300 feet high. The face is perpendicular caused by blasting and cutting, from top to bottom, getting stone for building batteries etc. Page-13 There is a gallery cut through the heart of it, in which troops could live. At intervals are gun rooms, with guns pointing out of each room, northward toward Spain. Over what is called neutral ground. (An added comment by Curt B. at this typing of this copy of the original) When I served as a civilian Inspector, working for the DOD (in-1999) and Brown and Root I had occasion to fly in a helicopter south to Sarajevo, Bosnia. This occurred once each month for inspection work. On one trip we were riding with an English Army Major. As we were waiting to de-part I spoke with this Major about The Rock,Gib. He informed me he had been stationed there and that Gib. Contains a Jogging track within the rock that is one mile per one trip around. He also spoke of the tail-less monkeys. They are major pest! Being a protected species nothing can be done about the fact that they love to take windshield wiper blades and anything they are able to grab from parked cars.) At the North side is a line of Spanish sentries, and at the South side near the rock, there is a row of British soldiers posted on guard night and day. I often planted sentries here, and often read to them the orders, as follows Give the alarm, in case of fire or on the approach of an enemy. Allow no one to disturb the oyster beds, as they are the property of a poor man. * This is as much to say-Dont touch them yourself. This neutral ground is barren sand, three or four hundred yards wide, and five or six hundred long, from the harbor on the West and the Mediterranean Sea on the East. This land is for the use of the people, some have fine gardens with the use of irrigation. A great water wheel is turned by an ox or a cow, and the water brought by little channels along the level ground through the gardens. The Jews Cemetery is out here. The Spanish population is dense in Gib. Many families in one house. Before one is allowed to build, he has to cut a large cistern under the foundation to hold a big supply

of water, to serve in case of a siege when outside supply is cut off. Along the West side (The harbor and town side) there is much gently sloping and some level made ground with beautiful walks and gardens. The reason one can hear the Alls Well so clearly is because the distant men are so high on the slopes above every obstruction to sound, and there is a dead stillness at night, and all wakeful ears are alert. I saw one of Don Pedroes defeated generals seek refuge at Gib., but was not allowed inside the gates. He had to stay outside on the wharf (with his baggage); shivering in the cold, and hungry, afraid to eat from friend or foe least he might be poisoned. Much are the chances of War, and the fruits of ambition! Page- 14 We being a neutral power could not succor or defend him and among the Spaniards, he could not tell who was his friend or enemy. All had access to him during the day. Ah! He looked so miserable! We had a ration of wine a pint per man every day for dinner. If one refused it he got a penny a day instead. (Two and a sixpence a month) Some who took the money at the end of the month would drink it all in one night and come home drunk. I took my ration of good wine, the pure juice of the grape. It was carried to the men on guard every day, with their dinner. The wine was discontinued long ago. I must now prepare to leave Gib. For Jamaica, only I forgot to say, in the summer of 1843 the Missouri, an American steamer, was burned in the harbor, no lives lost. In the same year my dear friend and brother Isaac Watts, with whom I took sweet council, took fever, died and entered into Eternal Life, all his goodness and fitly spoken words, after his departure, were as angels of mercy in my mind and heart continually until God folded my soul with Heavenly Light and fed me with Hidden Manna, day by day. Glory be to his name for ever and ever! Amen! I joined the Methodist church. The first day I was off duty I attended Church. The Methodist Minister, Rev. Mr. Rule, announced the text: Isa. 42:11:-Let the inhabitants of the Rock sing. I thought it was to celebrate the joy of my salvation. My joy was so great I could hardly sleep for a time. Everything thing seemed bright and beautiful and thank God my path grows brighter and brighter to this day. The grain of mustard seed grows to a tree, and I feel strong in the Lord. The water which Jesus gives is A well of water springing up into Everlasting Life. Glory be to His Holy Name forever! Bless the Lord O my Soul and forget not all His benefits. I spoke of the gardens between the neutral ground and the Rock, but their supply is little compared with what is brought from Spain and from Morocco. Page-15 The supply of fish was enormous, of all shapes and sizes. What is not sold of fish has to be cleared away at night, smell and all. There are no dead letters in military regulations. Things are cheap in consequence of smugglers being protected by the guns of the Rock. When chased by Spanish Revenue Cutters they make for Gib., and when in range of the guns they are safe and very glad to run in and unload, and sell it off at any price. A doz. cigars for a penny. I saw tobacco leaves blowing over the market like straw, a strong wind having carried some of it off the great cases in which it was exposed for sale. Pure wine at 3s. (73cts.) for a three gallon keg. 24cts. A Gal. Everything of semitropical production is equally cheap. The Methodist Minister preached in both Spanish and English, when necessary. He had a good many Spaniards in attendance at Church and Sabbath-school. Had a good circulating Library, at a small

charge. There is in Gib. A good number of English, Irish and Scotch inhabitants in addition to the Military. The troops are marched to Divine Service by denominations, at such time as May have been directed by orders. Ships and people of all Nations come and go. I can hardly stop writing about Gib., but I must stop. Chapter 5, Page-15: continued In December 1845 we shipped for Jamaica, after some pleasant sailing we entered the harbor of Tenneriff. (Tenerife?) A peak of some name runs up into the clouds. I know not how many thousand feet. I very much miss some books of reference which I once possessed. On moving I had always to make away with an accumulation of books, which I could not carry. We spent Christmas on board and suffered with tropical heat. Early in Jan. 1846 we arrived at Kingston. Had some fun looking at long tailed monkeys playing in the trees, and pulling off cocoanuts and other fruits. The heat was so intense here we had to move up the Blue Mountains. Not to the top, but only about 15 miles up, where barracks had been erected. Page-16 At Kingston there is a Regiment of native blacks who can stand the heat all right. In the harbor at Kingston sharks are so numerous that none are allowed to bathe. But there is a good bathing house, where a constant stream of pure water runs in and out. (Fresh water, of course.) This tank is deep and wide enough for a dozen to swim in. Built of masonry. A most comfortable place to bathe: Up the mountains are water falls under which a shower bath can be enjoyed. When bathing in the pool I tried a shower bath, but found it rather cool and heavy. The fall was too high for a gentle shower bath. The rocks and water clean and pure, and abated by large trees. There is fine coffee plantations here spread over the hills and far up the slopes of the mountains. The planters have wooden troughs, down which the coffee rattles and runs to a wide level of platforms, on which it dries in the sunshine. The colored women furnish vegetables and fruits up here. They carry everything on their heads. Even a dish of eggs, or a cup and saucer. They have a soft pad or wad, platted so as to fit on the head, and level on top, on which things sit nicely, the carriers walking as upright and steady as possible. This habit makes them square and straight in back and shoulders, and improves their general appearance. I did not see it but was told that a colored man when carrying supplies to the troops had to take a wheelbarrow, and took it up the mountain on his head, till he was showed the use of the wheel. They carry on their heads planks, boards, boxes and all kinds of stuff, even a bail of hot water. These blacks, you know, got their freedom August 1st, 1838. Their anniversary every year is a high day for them. They are thankful and happy, civil, kind and religious. They have native and local preachers. Earnest and enthusiastic, who lead prayer and other meetings with great acceptability. The Churches are well filled on Sabbath. Missionaries did good work long before emancipation. Page-17 When the fruits are ripe on the low lands the trees are in blossom on the high slopes, so great is the difference of temperature. It is most beautiful to see the trees, covered with flowering creepers in full bloom. They run to the and down again in perpetual growth and bloom. Two year old leaves keep falling, but the trees are always green and growing. Nearly every night sheet lightning flashes along the horizon, most beautiful to behold. And glow worms flash and shine in the grass, and up in the trees, when they get wings. In high trees you might fancy you were looking at stars. These things

make the warm nights pleasant. Sometimes there is a thunder storm and heavy rain, which rushes down the mountains in torrents, cutting deep gullies, where the earth is not rocky. A great number of soldiers die here of yellow fever. The commanding general died here at Kingston, and we had to attend the funeral, marching 15 miles under tropical sun, with side arms and rifles. Some fainted on the way. One was carried to the hospital and died. All the troops, black and white formed in a double line, facing inward and presenting arms as the funeral procession passed through. Minuet guns firing during the proceedings. A strong firing party marched in front with arms reversed. That is: The gun under the left arm, with the muzzle to the rear sloping downwards. Troops march at night in this hot climate, but the funeral was urgent and formed an exception to the rule. The Regiment returned to the barracks on the hill at night: but I and two more were left to see the comrade buried the next day, and preceded home at night. This man, who died so suddenly, was a good French and English scholar. His Mother was French. He was promoted several times, but lost his standing through strong drink, which is the ruination of thousands. I must not forget to record here a blessed revelation I had from Heaven. A number of men were in a quarry working, their some distance from them I was praying for them myself, when in my soul a voice as distinct as words said: Thou shalt reign with me in Glory. The Saints shall judge the World. In every dark hour and season of trial I am encouraged and cheered by this assurance, and can approach the throne of grace with boldness because I believe the promise. Page 18 I had a severe turn of sickness here. Nine weeks in Hospital with diarrhea. Was quite happy. Had no fear of death. And witnessed for Jesus as occasion required. There was a comrade sick in the same ward. A Roman Catholic and not expecting to recover. He sent for the Priest to prepare him for death. When the ceremony was over and the Priest gone, the sick man sighed and said: Thank God that is over. I dont know how God looked upon the ceremony, but the man didnt seem to enjoy any spiritual life, or knowledge of the gospel. Christ is a blessed pattern of humility, goodness and truth. (See Father Chiniquys work, 50 years a Priest of Rome.) I wish I could stick to my Biography, and arrange it right. I intend, if spared to get through with this to suppliment it with additional matter where I have abbreviated in this writing. I fear if I were to write it now more fully I might not live to finish it, and leave you and others disappointed. You will excuse my want of clearness and fullness if I do my best. The Lord raised me up after nine weeks illness. One of the Officers congratulated me on my recovery, and asked me how I felt. I told him I missed the allowance of brandy I had in the Hospital. He kindly took me with him to his cellar, and gave me a bottle, which I used as was prescribed, and I thought it did me good. I was very weak and I thought it made me strong, but you know I was never fond of stimulants. Brandy is like other medicine in one particular, there is poison in it. That was 43 years ago, and I never had any desire for Brandy since. In a few weeks the Lord restored me to full vigor of health and strength, and sometime after gave me the greatest earthly blessing man can enjoy a good wife and in time a good and respectable family. (More on this in proper time.) There was a grate and fire-place in the sick wards. I could tell twelve oclock by the sun shining down the chimney on the grate.

Page -19

We will leave this hot climate now and take a trip to Halifax, Nova Scotia. While in the harbor of Kingston, Jamaica and getting a supply of clothing for a Canadian winter, black men were employed throwing water on the sides of the ship to prevent the tar from running out of the seams. We did not wait till winter to don the winter clothing. Before we were a week at sea we were shivering with the cold. This was the first week in April, 1848. The wind comes down off the sails, rushing over the deck and makes it feel cold. This was before the time of steamers. We arrived in Halifax on the 23rd in cold foggy weather, having been nearly three weeks on board. Men who were lingering in consumption did not linger long, but soon went the way of all flesh. The change of climate hastened their death. It was July before we tropical birds felt weather warm. Soldiers always find something to do. We helped to build batteries on the Mediterranean Islands and on the Rock of Gibraltar, and some barracks on the mountains of Jamaica; and now we helped to finish Fort George, in Halifax. Our chief work was the Glacis. (These are the slopes leading up to the fortifications.) There is a splendid view from here over the city and surrounding country. We were so tanned that compared with the Blue noses we seemed the color of Indians. We dont mind color when we enjoy good health. The officers and commanding officers were the same color as their faithful men. The 79th Foot and 23rd fusiliers were here before us, also Royal Artillery and sappers. I enjoyed class meeting at Gib. and in some parts of Jamaica, but the city of Halifax was blessed place for the means of Grace. The first Methodist sermon I heard here was from the text: Heb. II: 3:-How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation. Page -20 In addition to the means of Grace we had here an abundant supply of the thing that perish in using. Old men and women came around the barrack rooms with cooked fish, coffee, etc. A plate full of fish for a penny. Enough for two men. I saw carcasses of mutton piled in the early winter and sold by the cord, as wood is piled and sold. Fodder is scarce and therefore they would eat more than their worth if kept. A Halifax shilling was 20 cts., to 1d 2. , and the latter 15 d., or 30 coppers, (1 s. & 2d.) We round this out by buying three pence (Thrupins) worth of anything and getting in change 12 d. This was financial joy, not having been schooled in Halifax currency. $1.00, 5 s, and $4.00= $1. 1-4 dol.= 15d. You may think this is silly talk. (Tom Thompsons news) but I cant avoid its recall. The Chaplain Rev. Dr. Twining: Church of England was a man of God and a real Evangelist. I called on him about the Baptism of a friends child. He talked to me as no Chaplain ever did before about my soul. I was glad and gave him my experience as if in class meeting. I did not look down as if into a pit, and say Yes and No to every question, as some would have done. The Kingdom of God Consisted in Righteousness, Peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. We had a nice conversation together, and then he invited me to the Lords Table, next Communion day. I remember I had not been confirmed by a Bishop, and was not legally qualified for that rite. He said: Never mind that, youll do as you are. I agreed to go, and did go. There is a Military prison in the Fort. I was detailed for the prison guard and was picked out as orderly to the prison chief. It was he who sent me to Dr. Twining about the Baptism. When the Christening was over, they had a chat about myself. Ever after when on that guard I was Chiefs Orderly. Orderlies have only to walk about with a cane in hand, and attend any call of the party to whom he is orderly, and is dismissed any time during the day, when the commander may no longer need him. Page-21

I was so sure of this distinction when going on that guard that I always put my nice cane in the barrel of my rifle, with a bright muzzle stopper over it. We all had stoppers to keep out the wet. When the guard was on parade, the command was given: fall out, Balmer. Sometimes it was a look, or a nod or a touch with a gold-headed cane. Then I would lay off my heavy pouch. Put my rifle in rack, having first taken out my smooth, jet black cane, and start walking about as happy as a son of a King, which I am. We often sing it, and will each sweet day while we live. In the Army they lose no time in calling first names. They call: Able, Adams, Baldwin, Carey, Collins, etc. Edward Smith, John Smith, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, as the case may be. We had four John Smiths in the Grenadier Company. Rev. Dr. Twining and some retired officers conducted a Bible class in the general hospital. A large building with spare rooms in it. I attended regularly every Sunday afternoon, and was much pleased and profited thereby. Every teacher had a class of 6 to 10 at a table6 X 10 Ft. My teacher, a good old soul, Captain Hall was a first rate teacher. He had his texts and references on a card. He would discourse on a text, and then tell us to turn to so and so: and when each scholar would hunt up a place, the first one finding it would read aloud: and so on from portion to portion, each text throwing light on and corroborating the others. I was nearly always first in finding and reading the given text. These meetings were opened with prayer and solemnity. Our schoolmaster (every regiment has one) was in the class with me. We joined the regiment together as privates. He was a good scholar and improved so much by study and private tuition that he became inspector of the Army Schools in Canada, about 35 years ago. He thought so much of me that he wanted to have me appointed assistant school master. The commanding officer objected to this as I was not sufficiently educated. The school master, whose name was Sergeant little, said I had the other qualities he liked, and would soon make me scholar enough. He did not get me. He had a professor of Mathematics every night as tutor, and he succeeded amazingly. Page-22 The winters in Halifax are made of different kinds of weather, raining and freezing, alternately. The streets being hilly, when rain freezes on them it is impossible to walk without: Creepers, I. e. Iron spikes, under the feet. There was a great centenary celebration here in the summer of 49. The settlement of Halifax being 100 years old. It was a first rate, high and dry place for settlement. There is scarcely any need of plank walks, the streets and sidewalks are gravelly and dry. You know what a beautiful and extensive harbor is here, completely sheltered from the Atlantic. On the other side there is a nice town called Dartmouth. On Fort George there is a high signal station, from which Vessels can be seen and reported 50 miles or more out to sea. There is another station out near the ocean, which facilitates signaling in dull or foggy weather. The people can see what ship is in sight, by looking at the balls on the flagstaff, by day, and lamps, by night. Each of the people can have a key to the signals, by paying a few cents at the book store for a copy. It shows that the vessel is: English mail steamer, a three Mast ship, a sloop. Brigantine, schooner, or man-of-war, etc. and sometimes a troop ship with soldiers on board, as during the Trent affair. My wife and I visited Halifax in October 1885, 35 years having expired since we saw our friends. The city was somewhat larger, but just as frim and smoky as it was in 1850. Rev. Ephraim Evans, (since DD) was my pastor in 48 to50. He was a good preacher and earnest, but slow and long winded. He often got anonymous letters, complaining of too long sermons: but he did not heed them, kept on as usual. He was then gray, and what some would call an old man. He is still

alive and well yet. (1890) He must be close to 90 years old. His daughter was then a young woman and she is Miss Evans still, unless she has got married recently, but that is none of my business. Page-23 I spoke of Halifax being grimy & dirty. This is mostly caused by burning soft coal, the smoke of which, mixed as it sometimes is with a dense fog, is abominable! It sticks to the roofs and walls of the houses, leaving black and gray streaks, like tear marks on the face of an unwashed child. The buildings are nearly all made of wood. Bricks are scarce in a rocky country, but stones are plentiful. They have some stone houses. They think it almost labor in vain to paint the outside of the dwellings, except when first built. A newly painted house looks odd beside the others. The reason we visited dear friends here in 1885, was because we were invited to be at the marriage of their only daughter , who was but a baby when we parted in 1864, at St. Johns, lower Canada, or Canada East as it was then called, now called Province of Quebec. The dear friend mentioned above is color-sergeant John Ovary, (Spelled: Overy in my copy) late Musketry Instructor of the Royal Canadian Rifles, and Mrs. Ovary, his wife, who is a good as himself, if not better. They are prominent members of the Church of England. The brides name was Sophia L. Overy, and the bridegroom is J.G. Smith. They were married in the church, attended by a large party of friends. The supper was arranges in the large school room adjoining the church. After supper the Sabbath school children had a grand time having their will of two or three barrels of apples. The parlor tables and sideboards were crowded with wedding presents of most beautiful and costly kind. Mrs. Overys maiden name was Sarah L. Fortune. Her aged parents have recently gone to their home in heaven, leaving her considerable property. May God bless and prosper Mr. and Mrs. Overy, and their one daughter and three sons, and give them when this life is over a happy lot with all the sanctified in the better world above. Amen! Commissary General Robinson. A pious gentleman, was teacher in Rev. Dr. Twinings class, and knew me well. When I was leaving Halifax for St. Johns, Canada, East, and the Commanding officer of the R.C.R., to whom I was going as a volunteer. Page-24 For some time before leaving Halifax, I was assistant Garrison Librarian. The good old soldier who was leaving it lived in the same room with me, and saw me kneeling in Prayer, night and morning, spoke to the Librarian, whose name was Cahill, about me, saying I was fit and proper to fill the position. My old friends name was Manus McGonnigal (McGonagall??) a Roman Catholic, and Cahill was a Catholic, never the less I was taken and retained till I volunteered. It was a large and elegant Library. The officers and staff of the different regiments were all paying members. My duty was to collect the quartely fees from the officers and render an account thereof, to cut and sew the newspapers as they came in, and arrange them on the reading desks and tables and to do the same with magazines and other periodicals. I saw the Library kept tidy and in good order, and assisted Mr. Cahill in every way I could. We got along nicely together. I dont remember what my salary was, but it was not very large. I had my board and lodging, clothing, and pay in my company as before, also free doctor, hospital and medical comforts, when required. I was comfortable in the Army and content; this with the Grace of God is the main source of happiness. Content will always happiness supply. And Virtue calls a blessing from on High. Oh! How stupendous is the Power that formed me with world, and every day and every hour I lean upon the Lord. (School book of 1825 & 6)

That Catholic McConnigal, never knew him to interfere with anybodys religion: but he did know me to stand up for Jesus, when any one blasphemed His Holy Name, or spoke disparagingly of his people. I always felt strong on that line, but weak and slow in a religious meeting, feeling I was unable to give adequate expression to the feelings and thoughts of my Heart. Page-25 I could pray with the Poet: O for a thousand tongues to sing My Great Redeemers praise, the glories of my God and King, The triumphs of His grace. Jesus says: I will have a Golden Harp in Heaven, on which I can play at night. It is strung and tuned for endless years, and built by power Devine, to sound in God, the fathers Ears, no other name but Thine. What a blessed thing is the Religion of Jesus Christ. I take great pleasure in the Michigan Christian Advocate, the Christian Guardian, also is very good. I am sorry that so many Methodists dont take it. I was a subscriber to The Wesleyan over 40 years at Halifax and at St. Johns until The Montreal Witness took my attention. (The semi-weekly) I have digressed. Havent done with Halifax yet. In charge of part of the duties of the Gassison Hospital, in which the Bible class assembled every Sabbath evening, was an old Corporal who attended the class. He was very kind to me. Inviting me to tea, and to his pew in the Methodist Church. I attended the English Church with the troops in the morning and Methodist Church in the evening, but had no pew of my own, and instead of allowing the usher to show me to a seat, he beckoned me to his pew. He had a daughter, fine young women, whom I could not but admire. Though I never asked him for her yet he knew by my conversation that I wanted a wife. He told me he knew a good, pious young woman, a member of the Methodist Church who make a suitable companion for me. He told her that same kind of a story of me, and as he knew we both were going in the same ship to Canada, we consented through him to be introduced to each other. As we both have full confidence in friend Chittock, we thought it might be the work of a kind providence. Page-26 During our stay in Halifax there came an order from the General Commanding the forces in British North America, for volunteers for Newfoundland. I volunteered. A certain number was required, and many over that number volunteered. Well, our Colonel picked out the men to be sent, and these were the worst characters he could find, with whom he was not sorry to part. I felt very much disappointed; as I would there have done with frequent moving, as in the regular Army. My intention was to get married when settled in the Newfoundland Companys service. I found from letters from volunteers that the climate was very severe. Nine months winter and three months bad weather in the year. I proved this in 1857 when going to fort Garry, via York Factory. In July of that year between Newfoundland and Labrador-straits of Bell-Isle, we had to cast anchor three or four days until the fog cleared, so that we could steer shy of the ice-bergs. This in July, close to the place I hoped to make my home had I been allowed to go. Disappointments are often for our good. How I have thought of this ever since, when a disappointment crossed my wishes or plans. Start of Chapter VII & page 26 continued. NOTE: from start of chp.5 on pg. 15 to this point has NO Chap 6 In April, 1850 an order for volunteers came for the Royal Canadian Rifled, no man to be taken unless he had ten years service completed, and wearing two good conduct badges. As many as could

be found of this class were needed and the Colonel had no power to stop them. I put my name down for Canada, and succeeded in getting there and marrying that good young woman, to whom Bro. Chittock introduced me. Her name was Miss Margaret Ann Carey. Before leaving Halifax, my Captain: James Platon Sparks gave me a written statement saying: Grenadier John Balmer has served in my company from Nov. 1839 to May 1850, and has conducted himself during that time as a good soldier and an honest man. After taking leave of my friends, we embarked for Quebec. Miss Carey was on board before I was, and I was delighted to see her there. A head wind prevented the ship from sailing for some time. Margarets friends concluded to take her ashore till the wind changed. Page-27 When she got in the skiff, which tossed on the waves like a cork, she seemed so frightened that I feared my dear Maggy would never return, but the next day being fine, her friends brought her back, and sailing as the morning sunshine she looked beautiful, and I was very glad to see her coming, enjoying the row on smooth water. I felt sure she was to be my wife. She had nice quarters with some female friends on board. We were three weeks on the voyage. It was a sail (driven) vessel, and slower than a steamer. I had many a chat with *Maggy (*spelled as was original) on the promenade deck in fine weather. She looked on me as a true friend, but I seemed her to be more than a friend, and actually proposed to be married at Quebec. She modestly replied: she had to go to Toronto, to see her brother. I think she believed there were worse fellows than I looking for a wife. I asked her for her address, in order that if I felt bad I might let her know. Before parting at Quebec she gave me her address, and having agreed to make it a matter of prayer, we parted. I heard afterwards that she had lost her valise and everything it contained. But this did not trouble me much when she was safe herself. It was now June 1850. I did not see her again till July 1851. During these 13 months we kept up a correspondence, and I indulged a good deal in trying to make poetry. I dont believe that any but a born poet can be one, for if I had kept on by Maggies absence, writing love letters, and trying my head and heart at poetry, I think by this time I would have been well on in poesy. This exercise helped to keep me warm during cold nights on duty, and made my spell of two hours seem very short. Well Im glad I did not have to keep on at this business. We got married on the 9 th of July, 1851, by Rev. George Henry Davis, Methodist Minister, at St. Johns, C.E., P.Q. Rev. G.H. Davis is now superannuated at Peterboro, Ont. My wife and I were at a love feast at Peterboro, Ont. Br. Davis was present. Rev. I. Tovell was pastor. We were visiting Johnston Cary, about the year 1884. In relating my experience very briefly, I alluded to our happy marriage, by the Rev. G.H. Davis, nearly 30 YEARS ago. Bro. Tovell stood up next, and among other things said, Bro. Balmer was an old time Methodist, and one of the first he met in class in Toronto, when pastor there, and that he has two sons in the ministry, God prosper them. Page- 28 I may say here that our slow voyage from Halifax to Quebec was caused by waiting in the river at St. Lawrence for flow tides. Except there be a good fair wind little headway can be made only with this tide. I need not express my admiration on coming in sight of the historic city, with all its wonderful surroundings, and the heroic deeds of the two great generals of undying fame; Wolf and Montcalm.

I dont know much about my wife and kin before our personal acquaintance, but she tells me her Fathers name was Robert Carey, born in Ireland. Was clerk in the Mayors office. Was a Methodist and class leader in the town of Sligo, died in 49 of Cholera, aged 52. Her Mothers maiden name was Jane Hall: English, Methodist, died in 1848 of fever, aged 49. They had two sons and eight daughters. Three of them died in childhood. Margaret Ann came to Halifax in 49, a few months before her Father died. She left him in good health, but cholera broke out and carried him off. As stated above: we were joined in Holy Matrimony: July 9th, 1851. And lived at St. Johns two years. On June 9, 1852 the Lord gave us a beautiful boy named William John. He was baptized by Rev. G.H. Davis. We attended class meetings in this town regularly. Our leaders name was William Thompson, a very old man who seemed to be kept alive by the joy and love of God. Although hardly able to walk by infirmity and age, he would brighten up when speaking of Devine things, so that I thought that he might fly way and leave us and his old body behind. O! He was so happy. It thrilled my soul to see and hear him. He was a poor man, though rich in Faith, and lived, he and a maiden daughter, by keeping a little shop. When speaking in a Love Feast he would turn to people and talk to them till they were spell bound. Page- 29 On July the 25th, 1855 our first born. William John died at Kingston. The tender plant but withered here, to bloom a stately thee, before the throne of Him who said Let Children come to Me. In the summer of 1853 we moved from St. Johns to the Limestone City: Kingston. September 2nd of 53 our second son, Robert Henry was born in Fort Henry. On June 7th, 1855 our third son was born. We intended to call him Francis Stewart, but before he was baptized, his brother William John died: So he got his deceased brothers name: William John. He was baptized by the celebrated Dr. Douglas. Robert Henry was baptized the Rev. Father Douse. I must not forget that in 54 we were visited in Kingston with a sever grip of Asiatic cholera. A large number died. They were attacked with cramps and black vomit. Each sick man had two men rubbing him to ease the pain of the cramps. When one died he was ordered to be immediately buried. If married, his wife was not allowed to see him. I know several married men who went on guard duty in the morning in good health, took sick, died and were buried. Their wives never again seeing them. How sad! When the disease was killed by strong medicine the man too was all but killed. The patients had to be kept from sleeping for a considerable time lest if allowed to sleep they might never awake. I took sick myself and knowing what was the matter went straight to the hospital and was put to bed. The doctor sent me a dose of medicine by the steward, who said: Take this, it will kill or cure you. I drank it and within an hour I felt it warm me from head to foot, and in another hour I was well. I got up and was allowed to go home and was alright. I had neither cramps nor black vomit. I was not afraid. Fear is apt to make people sick. In 1856 I was appointed commander of a boat on Cedar Island, a very short distance from Fort Henry. Our duty was to arrest any soldier attempting to desert. Page- 30 Catherine, (Katy) was born on this Island January 6th, 1857. This was a very mild winter. The duty of the boat party was to patrol over the ice on the Bay, occasionally at night. One night we were nearly patrolling under! The ice broke, letting some of the men in the water. They scrambled on the ice again. I

then took them to home, and bidding farewell to ice patrol the remainder of the winter, we walked about on terra firma. I had a good time nursing my new born and only daughter. She was baptized by Rev. Dr. Douglas. Her voice was not as musical then as it is now. I dont mean to say she was cross. Not at all, she was a sweet good child. One night during the summer of 1856 a great sight appeared on the lake, south of the island. It was a steamer on fire, coming with the current, burning to the waters edge and ground on the South end of the Island. The captain and crew had all taken to the boats and escaped. No lives were lost. The owners , or insurance agent soon appeared and took away all that was worth taking. We had a glorious time here in Kingston in celebrating the fall of Sebastopol, in 1855, shortly after William Johns birth. The city was illuminated and a splendid display of fireworks was enjoyed at night. A complete uproar of joy took hold of all classes of the community. The Brigadier Major, called Town Major gave the time (with three cocked hat in hand) for cheering. He was about the size and shape of Alderman Baxter. He swung round the cocked hat shouting: Hip, Hip, H U R A H! , followed by the whole city. The Major shouted: come let them hear you at Cape St. Vincent! Hip, Hip H U R A H ! In all military rejoicing there is another side to the question. There were thousands of lives lost and many widows and orphans made to mourn the loss of husbands and fathers. Our own joy was not unmixed with sorrow, at the then apparent loss of our dear first born son. He was not for God took him. I will give a short account of his sickness and death. We had him for a walk on a beautiful afternoon. Page 31 He took suddenly ill after and had to be carried home. His stomach and brain were affected. The Doctor said it was sunstroke, and ordered his beautiful hair to be cut off. His Mother would not disfigure his beautiful curls. He kept raving in mind and finally fell into convulsions. He remained insensible two or three days with frequent fits and finally passed away home with little suffering. At this time (1865) the Grand Trunk Railway as far west as Kingston and on towards Toronto and Hamilton was being built. There was great business on the Lakes before the G.T. and other Railways came in use. I might say a good deal more about Kingston, Cedar Island and the Towers, in and out of the water, but I hasten on from place to place lest I may not live to finish. Should I be spared to finish this rambling account of my pilgrimage, I will commence (as said before) a duplicate of every page, which may need enlargement. Chapter VIII (Pg-31, continues.) There is now a call for volunteers at Fort Garry, via Hudsons Bay and York Factory. I was always willing to go anywhere in her Majestys service and so I volunteered. The Hudson Bay Company needed help against the tribes of Indians, who were at War, and in care of hunger were sure to rob the Companys stores. The British Govt gave the H.B. Co. 100 men, including all ranks: Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, Privates, Buglers, Drummers and Pioneers. The Company furnished a ship, well provisioned, and bore all other expense. There were only 12 married men allowed to go. I was one of the twelve. I was acting Sergeant but before we embarked I was made full Sgt. We had to make a way with all our furniture, utensils and baggage, except what was absolutely necessary, packed in a large canvas bag, well painted and water proof, 6 ft. long & same in circumference. This held a lot of stuff, and would

Page- 32 Stand any amount of rough usage. It served us both going and coming back. About the middle of June, after bidding good-bye to a crowd of friends we embarked on a river steamer for Montreal. We stopped a few days there and then boarded a great strong ship with a strong name: Great Britain, Captain Wilson commanding. All being ready, Capt. Wilson weighed anchor, struck sail and steered down the beautiful St. Lawrence past Quebec, Cross Isle, Anticosit- (Anticosti- ?), etc. What a mighty rush up and down the great river this season of the year. Dozens of ships and steamers making their way to & from Quebec & Montreal. We entered and crossed the Gulf the first week in July. We were now in the vicinity of Newfoundland & Labrador, and in sight of Hugh iceburgs for a short time till fog, thick and cold hid them from our wondering eyes. To avoid bruising one of them by collision we cast anchor and had 3 or 4 days of glorious enjoyment fishing and looking at the boat men filling their craft with big cod fish, as fast as they could pull them up. We caught lots of different kinds; Cod, fluke, flounder, etc. We had such a quantity that some of them were hanging in the rigging for months. As soon as Miss Fog drew up her curtains, revealing the clear water the anchor was raised to the cherry song of the Sailors, and off we sailed out through the straits of Belle Isle into the Atlantic, which was covered with floating ice. I will not dwell now on the long voyage, more than to say, we enjoyed a snow storm on the 28th of July, and arrived at York Factory at the end of August.. This country is low and flat around here, and the water shallow, from the immense deposit of mud brought by spring freshets, and the grating ice from the rivers. Having to cast anchor, not being able to see any sign of the settlement, we fired guns and shot rockets high in the air. By this means our situation was made known and a schooner was sent to bid us welcome. When the tide was out, nothing but mud is seen between the ship and the Land. No sand or gravel. A part of our people were told to be ready by next tide to board the schooner. When the tide arose it was after dark, never the less the work of loading with living freight went on slowly. All the women and children went first. Page -33 On passing children and parcels down the side of the ship, one bundle fell into the rushing tide. It was my wifes bonnet and other useful things. When the work of unloading was over, each Mother was trying to make sure of her own child. One woman could not find her beloved darling Katy and she began to think that the bundle that fell into the water was her child, for it was quite dark.Twas well I was not at hand for I might have dived after her in frenzy. I being Sergeant had to remain in the ship, to look after the work of disembarking. Mrs. Balmer ran around looking with dim light at every child in a state if distraction, when Lo and Behold! A voice was heard shouting: She is asleep in the cabin. Everyone was lending a hand, passing babies and other things along, and one of the crew of the boat had laid the sleeping child in a bunk in the cabin. The loss of the bonnet was nothing when the child was found, The tide was now going out when they made sail for York Factory, with a very light wind. We expected the craft back in the morning with full tide, but when we looked out in the morning we saw the schooner with her precious load of humanity lying on her side in the mud. They remained that way of course till the tide flowed. The Factory or Fort, not over a mile off in the mouth of Nelson River was not visible from the ship on account of the flatness of the country. We all got safely landed during the day: 31st August 1857. There was sharp frost this morning. The plank walks were slippery. We got securely if not comfortably housed for a couple weeks and supplied with everything needful, even with a Church and Devine service. The Hudson Bay Company people were mostly from Scotland, and they did not join

heartily in the English Church service. The Rector asked the Bishop at Fort Henry what was best to be done for the good of the people. He told them to use his judgment, and modify the ritual as best he could to evangelize the community. The Methodist Missionaries had accomplished a good work among the Indians and half-breeds. I was delighted to hear singing and prayer every day in the Wigwams of the Indian traders, who came long distances with their furs. Page 34 The residence of the Chief Factor, The residence of the employees, Stores and workshops, constitute the village called Your Factory. There is a big tinsmith shop that turns out a lot of work. There are lots of berries among the bushes, ripe this time of year. Raspberry, Blackberry, Buleberry and black currents, but vegetables are nearly nil. I saw some cabbage plants trying to grow. They were nothing but leaves. While here we some days had salt goose instead of beef for dinner. Geese are so plentiful here in the fall that one can bring down a dozen or more at a shot, when they rise out of the swamps a short distanced in front of you. The company has them salted down for provision. The Indians never get money from the company in payment for Furs. Nothing but goods, at over 100% beyond their value. The furs are also taken in exchange at perhaps one-third under value. No matter what amount a mans furs be worth, he has to take there and then what they were valued at in goods. The Indian would call for powder and shot, Tobacco and pipes, dried meat and Pemmican, some blankets and other goods. He asks: how is balance now? He has no idea how much he is to get. The reply is: you have more yet. The fellow thinks and looks around the store and calls for beads, needle and thread, etc., till he is told: Thats all. Not an article is done up in paper or in any way. A handkerchief or a yard of cotton is usually bought in which to tie the purchases. I have frequently seen a squad holding her dirty apron for tea, sugar, salt, cheese and butter. Talk of monopoly. This was monopoly sure enough. Sir George Simpson was the head Governor then, and lived at Montreal. Large Battoes (Twelve in number) were sent from Ft. Garry to convey the troops up the river; each boat had eight men as a crew. Six oarsmen, one man to steer at the stern with a long oar and one at the bow with a long pole and hook with which to shove clear of a rock ahead, or with the hook to catch hold of anything. When all the baggage was loaded, with provisions, arm and accoutrements, packed in dry good boxes, we at the cry All aboard, start from York Factory (Y.F.), not to be see it again for four years: 1861. Page - 35 Six boats formed a brigade. The brigades kept some distances apart to avoid crowding at the portages. We had twelve women, one in each boat. All but two or three had children. The hundred men were equally divided in the twelve boats, together with a large quantity of baggage and provisions. We had good protection from rain. Plenty of waterproof canvas! We left Y.F. about the 14th of September and arrived at Fort Garry on 13 Oct. We pitched tents at night and had meals on terra firma. No scarcity of fuel: wood everywhere we turned, dry and green. How glad I would be now if I had kept a diary. I cant give a correct detail of the river voyage, but Ill mention some things I now remember. This time of year the water is very low in places, so that the boats which were heavily loaded would touch the stony bottom a little to the right or left of center channel. At this 2 or 3 would jump into the water and put their shoulders to the boat and shove it over to deeper water. This operation was aided with poles pushing against the bottom on the shallow side. When the current was too strong in narrow places the oarsmen would attach a long line to the bow and walk on the bank and pull like horses. This time of year there is plenty of the river bed dry, high and dry to walk upon. Indians and half-breeds make excellent boatmen. Their food is Pemmican and flour, with tea: no additives. Pemmican is buffalo

beef, dried and pounded to small pieces. I might say almost pulverized and put into a leather bag of pig skin, then converted with melted fat, this then cold cuts like cheese. I mostly chopped with a hand axe. They can eat it cold and often do as they pull the boat, taking a bite now and again. When cooking on shore they melt the stuff in a very long handled pan over the fire and stir flour into it till it becomes well cooked. This makes substantial food. When the boats get into deep, smooth water with a fair wind the sail is hoisted and the oars have a rest. Page 36 Now is the time for pitching into the Pemmican, chopped, cold out of the bag. They eat till they go to sleep, all but the steersman and the guide at the bow. When we come to a portage every living soul gets out to walk, while the crew carries the baggage and stuff over the portage. Each piece is about 90 to 100 lbs. weight. At some portages the empty boat can be hauled through, at other places they have to be taken out of the water and moved along on rollers. The whole brigade to one boat. They are big and heavy. As the last boat is being forced along, two or three men are carring the loose rollers to the front and placing them in position. Thus the work goes on, and it is jolly fun. The Indians are happy when they have plenty to eat. Every evening I weighed out the soldiers rations for the next day. I was acting Quarter Master and had charge of the provision: Sea bread, biscuit, pork, beef, sugar, split peas, preserved milk, salt, pepper, mustard, vinegar, raisins, currents and rum. A gill (equal to pint, or 4 ounces) to each man daily. I slept with my head on the keg every night lest any dry customer might rob some. Near York factory the trees are stunted pines not worthy of the name of timber, but as we get two or three hundred miles south there is a change and some handsome fir trees raise their heads, as green as a leek. When we approach a wide swampy place in the river where nothing in front was visable but tall rushes, I asked the guide what this place was. He said it was Hairy Lake. There was plenty of water to sail the boats, though you could not see it in front, rear or sides more than five yards. There was plenty of ducks, geese and other game. The rushes are slender and dont delay the boats. We came across other brigades carrying settlers merchandise, some of which had been two years in transit. Some seasons there is so much traffic that there cant be found conveyance enough, therefor what is left behind has to be Left over till next year. That is slow work. The dealing settlers send their orders every year, twelve months in advance, and as I said, sometimes two years before they receive them. Page -37 With one of these brigades there was a Catholic Priest, a passenger. I used to see him when on shore by himself and God, when he erected his little portable alter, and performed Mass. I suppose to his own satisfaction. One night we had to sleep in a swamp, by falling trees (they grow in swamps) and putting branches under canvas to sleep on. One Chief Guide, an old French Canadian had been 39 years on this duty. At sun rise he would rouse his men by shouting: Lib, Lib, Lib as hard as he could shout. These Indians and half breeds when at hand will use a clean flat rock for a bake board. When the cake is hardened in the pan, its placed in front of the fire to finish baking. Two or three minutes on the pan can harden it, so they can turn out a lot to stand at the fire in a short time.

Page- 37 continued There is one Portage three quarters of a mile long and takes a whole day to do it. A few days after this big portage we can to an H.B. Co. station or fort, at the North end of the beautiful Lake. The company had all the advantageous places occupied, and they have possession of them yet, amounting to one seventh of the whole North West. This fort is called Oxford House. Here we were kindly helped to new potatoes, and they were very new, though about the first of October. They could never ripen because frost was near. If any of the supplies ran short they were renewed at this and other stations. At the North end of Lake Winnipeg is Norway House, 300 miles North of Fort Gary, now city of Winnipeg. At Norway House there is a nice settlement of civilized Indians: A Church, a school, missionary and printing house. Great business in furs is done here. All Barter i.e. exchange of firs for goods. This is a Methodist missionary station. The Great Saskatchewan River enters the Lake here. This Lake is Winnipeg, reaches nearly 300 miles to within a few leagues of the present city of the same name. It is noted for the production of White Fish, which are caught in the fall and kept frozen all through the winter. There is some splendid timber around this Lake. Page -38 We were delayed three days in the Lake by a head wind. Had a jolly time on shore. The boatmen started fires to commence baking, frying, eating and drinking. (Same as when hunting and have killed a buffalo.) They never stop eating, dancing and sleeping until all is consumed. The guide was afraid that if the wind did not soon change, the supply would run short, and starvation follows. We had a baby funeral here. A little girl child of Colored Sergeant McDonald died and was buried on the shore of the lake, in the presents of its weeping Mother. The mother having dried her tears and the wind changed, we got in the boats, made sail and were off again. There are several small islands in this Lake. One night we went to sleep as usual, the boats under sail and properly manned by steersmen, bowman and a man at the halyard to let go in case of a squall rising. At the word Let go down comes the sail and the wind has little effect, none on the sail. This evening while the stars were coming out one by one, I , my wife and three children stowed ourselves away to sleep. When we awoke next morning we found ourselves high and dry, on a small Island, and none of the other boats in sight. Having inquired the reason of this, we were told there had been agreat storm during the night, and that we were near being lost. The boats got scattered, and when the wind went down they each made for the nearest land. What a mercy! I never had a better nights sleep in my life. He giveth his beloved sleep, Rocked on the Cradle of the Deep. I had all the mens ration of rum. The other rations had been distributed the day before. I was informed they were all safe and dry for their grog. Our head man had seen all the boats after the storm subsided. They were a long way apart. Our guide having been 39 years on this duty knew his surroundings. After breakfast he made sail and steered for a sight of the others who had come together. Having all come together we started again by the mercy of God, safe and sound. When calm or slight wind we use the oars, and kept near shore, in order to land at night and pitch tents. Page -39 The weather is turning cold, but to go ashore and make big fires and have a warm meal drives off cold: besides we had plenty of clothing, bedding, and other wrapping. This Lake is long and narrow. During the last few days we had a direct line homeward along the West side of the Lake, and had the option of running along shore. I should have told you that the day we moved after the head wind ceased was Sunday, and the boatmen refused to break the Sabbath by working. They were all converted Christians,

through Methodist Missionary work. The Military Captain said they must obey, and ordered his men to Fall In I.E. Assemble in force and then commanded to Fix Bayonets with ball cartridge load. The poor fellows were told that as the provisions were running low it was better for them to start and not risk being shot. I dont know what the Captain would have done had they persisted in refusing to obey, but this I know: he was Monarch of all he surveyed, and off we sailed. We are now near the Red River of the North, which enters the Lake from the South. This is about the 10th od October, and on the 13th we made Fort Garry in good health, having been three months on ship board and now one month in the boats. We had a winter in Kingston, winter weather during the voyage in ice and snow some of the time, and now winter in Fort Garry. Three winters in succession. Chapter- Nine. Pg.39 continues. October 13th 1857, here we are in front of Fort Garry and the Indians in great glee, dancing their war dances. These are civilized Indians, not belligerent tribes from whom the H.B. Co. needed protection. A Major Seaton of our Corps had been sent in advance, via United States, in order to see preparation made for our accommodation, and right lovely he did his work. Several of the large store houses had been fitted up for the comfort and accommodations of the men and a separate apartment of each married man. We had our back pay to draw in full. Page 40 The H.B. Co. did not allow us to pay a cent for our keep during our long voyage. They had 6 or 7 acres of rich land plowed and divided between married and single men. The former division subdivided into family plots. This ground gave healthy exercise in working and produced an abundant supply of roots and other vegetables. In addition to this each family was furnished with a milch cow and free pasture. The progeny was to be our own, but the mother was to be returned to the heard from which she was taken. My garden raised cabbage, the largest I ever saw, and turnips weighing 16 pounds each. One of these with tops and roots cut close off and dried in the root house for some time was taken to the office of the newspaper the Nor Wester and weighed 16 pounds. This fact was published in that, newspaper published in that country. Sir George Simpson was the chief factor or general governor at that time. He came around once a year. One, Mr. Mc Tavish was local governor, and Judge Johnston was one of Fort Garry population then. Magnus Linklater was the chief store keeper. Dr. Bunn, a good old physician, acted as a magistrate, and was a real peace maker, turning enemies to friends. He did more good that way than by administrative punishment. Blessed are the Peacemakers etc. His end was piece. He rose one morning in usual health, but when called to breakfast didnt respond. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. Lord Bishop Anderson, of the English Church, was at this time stationed here. He was one of the best evangelical preachers Ive ever heard. He travelled the country as a missionary, visiting the people of his far extending diocese. I heard it said: he left himself bare of clothing by giving to the poor. When speaking from the pulpit of the suffering and patience of the Saints saved sinners he said, he knew a young women lying sick when he left England, and when he returned after eleven years, found her on the same bed of affliction. Patience worketh experience and experience hope so. Rev John Black: Presbyterian was another good preacher at Red River. I Love preachers. May God increase their number everywhere, and endow them with power from on High. Amen! Page 41

The Methodist Minister was stationed 300 hundred miles north of here at Norway House. Rev. Thomas Woolsey, Missionary at Edmonton House was visiting Fort Garry at this time. William knew Rev. Booking when he was at Cobourg, and was with Rev. Stringfellow on the Oxford Centre Circuit in 79. We had no trouble with the Indians. When the troops were on parade going through their bayonet exercise, and some other movements the Local Indians and others from a distance were amazed at the proficiency of the men, and deadly force of their weapons, if called into real use. During the summer of58 the contending tribes thought it most convenient to make friends, and smoke the pipe of peace. This was an important ceremony with them. The Chiefs and the select Braves were kindly received by Governor McTavish, and lodged during their stay in the court house, and supplied with plenty of tobacco and all necessary provisions. And surly they did enjoy themselves. They are good natured harmless people when not hungry. Hunger would vex most anybody. When they had gone through their ceremony of smoking the pipe of piece and burying the hatchet, they were escorted across the river by a guard of honor. When a couple of miles away the guard halted and formed a double line, allowing the braves to pass through. When through we fired a salute with small arms, and having two brass field pieces with us, they were fired too. The braves never heard a big gun before, and OH: they jumped with fright at the BANG-BANG of the big guns. Their alarm however soon turned to admiration, and they went on their way rejoicing, hoping to be ever on good terms with the British. Sometime after this we witnessed the destruction of the Catholic Church and Bishops Palace, by fire, across the Red River in a village called St. Boniface. The Bishops name was Tache. Her was disappointed because the rebellion of 70 did not succeed. (Read Father Chiniquy.) Page 42 The river freezes about the middle of November and breaks up at uncertain times during the month of March and April. An early breakup or sloppy weather is disagreeable in the extreme because of muddy roads. It is pitiful to see men, women and children wearing Moccasins in wet cold slushy weather: because they had nothing else to wear. This involves a majority of the civilians. Some winters hold out far into April. Hard and dry is which is much more comfortable. but in a very late spring there is danger of a flood. In the winter of 60-61 an accumulation of ice and snow continued to the end April. The snow was very deep, increased by several blizzards, during the month, and then suddenly it turned mild, melting snow faster than the river could carry off the water. At the junction of the Red and Assinaboia rivers the water overflowed the banks and soon spread for many miles over the country, filling the houses and carrying away many of them down the raging stream of ice, water, mud, lumber, fencing and rubbish of all sorts. The people had ample time to escape to the hills, not as at Johnstown calamity. Ft. Gary had been wisely built on the highest ground and escaped. The water came into the cellars however through the drains and rose within a few inches of entering the Gate, and no general order could keep it out. This was not the first flood witnessed here. Wiseacres who had marked the rise and fill of other floods knew when this one was about its height and sure to commence falling. Just then, knowing that the ignorant people would believe them, the Priests of St. Boniface started out in boats, singing and praying in order to stop the rising flood. They knew before they went out that it was about to return to its natural bounds between the banks. This is the way they get people to believe in their miraculous power. If an intelligent Catholic were to tell the people this, he would be persecuted and boycotted to perdition. True enough the water did fall as the priests told them, and they got great praise as well as pay. (Read Chiriqu.) Page 43 When the water retired the homes still standing were in a deplorable state with mud and dirt.

The waters of the flood have gone down and so have nearly four years gone down the stream of time since we left Kingston, for the dangerous voyage here, via Hudsons Bay. In August of 1861, we in obedience to orders packed up and embarked in the large Battoes for York Factory where we waited a week for the ship which conveyed us to Quebec. Chapter Nine, Pg. 43 continued Our passage returning up river was a lot longer in time than was the downward. At the rapids the living freight had to leave the boats and walk. The boats were successively guided through by their expert crews. The weight of stuff was not as great as the prior trip. They will be loaded heavy with merchandise again, going back. We had had another spell here at York eating goose and plucking berries. Chiefly black berries. They are to be had at different places in abundance from York to Winnipeg. We had another lively scene here with encamped Indians of different brigades of boats, waiting for their second and last cargo for the season. They can make only two trips a year. It is delightful to see how the Indians are civilized and Christianized by Indians in the past. Our daughter Lena was born here on the 26th of August, 61 and baptized next day by Rev. Mr. Gardener, Minister of the Church of England. I heard her Mother say: she went aboard the big ship when Lena was only three days old. It was there for 29 Aug. when we embarked for our sea voyage home to Canada. We crossed the bay without meeting any ice. We had a snow storm early in September when passing through the Straits. Leaving the straits we came in sight of Icebergs in the Atlantic Ocean, some of immense size. One very large one caused the captain to take out his instruments to measure it. He said it was 28 miles in circumference, and a tremendous height. A mountain with peaks like that of Tenerife. Page 44 Every Sunday our Captain assembled his men for Divine service. After parade and inspection, Catholics dropped out of ranks and to Protestants he read the Church service, which is very good when heart and words go together. The crew had to keep a sharp look out for icebergs, especially at night. They are numerous in this part of the Atlantic. Having fair sailing we were only a little over a month on board coming home. (Going the ice delayed our passage.) On board ship I always like to have my bunk or hammock near a hatchway. I could see the rats running up and down the steps, every night when awake. When rain would come they would run up on deck for a drink. The least shower will give a collection of water on each side of the deck, and this is great comfort to the rats. All ships have rats, more or less. They get in over the gangways while loading, and hide among the bales, boxes and bags. They hardly ever appear except at night, and are only seen by those like myself who lie awake with one eye open. Men on watch all know they are for the purpose of working the ship (the men, not the rats.) and are told off in four watches. One is called Dog watch, from 6 to 8 PM. The dogwatch is to prevent the same men from being on duty at the same night hours. One man is put on watch for danger ahead, and one or more to the wheel, according to the weather. We got along nicely till near the Straits of Bell Isle, where we encountered some fierce Equinoctial Gales, but the Lord brought us safely through. All things work together for good to them that Love God. We arrived in Quebec once more. Tis a little over 11 years since we arrived here from Halifax in 50. Our rough day on this voyage through Hudsons Straights our Dear Little boy: William John fell down the hatchway, and broke his leg well, it was too soft to break, but it was badly bent. The Doctor put it to his knee and straightened it, as you would a green stick.

Page 45 Had there been no Doctor present, I suppose the leg would have remained bent to this day. The dear boy suffered severely, hopping round on one foot. If he happened to touch any hard substance in moving around, he would almost faint, which pained me very much. We took a Steamer from Quebec to Montreal and thence by train to St. Johns, 20 miles. I carried my lame boy in my arms from the station to our quarters and got him a crutch on which he hopped like fun and was quite well in a couple weeks. We left St. Johns in 1853, and now we are back again in 1861. I visited the grave of Father Thompson, my class Leader, during my former stay here. It was nicely fenced in. He was a devoted and holy man of God. I recalled while looking at his grave the many happy hours I spent in sweet fellowship with him and his little flock the class Brother Thompson was a very old man and frail, but was always rejoicing in the Lord, and having a gift of speech was always very useful in the Church. After eight years absence from St. Johns, I see little change in the place, except in the Barracks square. It had been nicely kept, with clean gravel but now it was six inches deep with grassy muck, weeds, and dirt thrown up by earth worms. We soon cleared it off and made it as nice as before. We were told it had been used part of the time as an asylum. It had an insane look about it when we returned. Rev. Dr. Dewart, now Editor of the Christian Guardian, was pastor here at this time, not because he was not qualified for a larger and stronger charge, but because of poor health. The population is mostly French Catholic. The Methodist congregation is small but improved under the care of Rev.Dr. Geo. H. Davis, Dr. Dewart and Rev. C.N.A.F.T. Dixson, now deceased. The latter was pastor when I left here in 64. At a Methodist funeral there used to be a goodly number of Catholic neighbors filling the church. On these occasions they heard a good Gospel Sermon. I was delighted with the sympathetic, earnest appeals of Dr. Dewart, to the poor to prepare to meet their God. Page 46 We met in Class meetings at one time in the parsonage. Dr. Dewarts Mother was a member and met regularly while able. The dear soul was blind before she died, and so was my own Mother blind for some years before her departure, at age 93.We had many happy seasons here with the brethren here. Mrs. Dewart was a noble Christian worker, and is to this day. My wife was never done praising her. She attended Mrs. Dewarts class in Sherbourne Street Church. Chapter -Ten, Pg. 46 continued In November 1864, my time having expired. (25 years in the Army) I received my discharge, and proceeded to Hamilton, Ont. I had previous decided for Hamilton on account of religious revival amongst the children under Rev. F.P. Hammond, in that city. Also on account of having heard of his little book Lambs in the Fold. We remained in Hamilton till the New Year: 1865. Employment having opened for me in Dundas, we moved there and remained till the winter of 1866, just after Abraham Lincolns assassination. Returning to Hamilton our son George was born here on March 5th, 1868. (P.S. added by C.N.B.6/2013- Geo. Francis Balmer became the father of 4 sons and one daughter: Alma. Emerson, the youngest, born 10/28/1909 in Savannah, GA was my father.) In the fall of 1870 we moved to Toronto, and in the spring of 1871, I was appointed Superintendent of the Necropolis, Toronto: over the head of many other applicants. I filled this responsible situation till the spring of 1889, 18 years. Finding myself unable to efficiently perform the jobs duties; I resigned in favor of my son: George,

Was appointed Superintendent and I as his assistant. These appointments took effect on the 15th of 1889 (no month noted!). The Trustees gratefully acknowledged my long and faithful services and expressed the hope that I might be spared many years to give my son the benefit of my knowledge and experience in the fulfillment of the duties of the trust. POSTSCRIPT, ADDED JULY 9TH, 1897 My wife (Margaret Ann Cary B.) and I lived happily together after my retirement, in our new home, on Carlton Street, opposite Riverdale Park, till her death which occurred Sept. 23rd, 1890. Page 47 We had just completed a visit to our sons, William (AKA: Wm. John= #2) and Robert (AKA: Robert Henry) in the States, and after a rest at home, went to visit our daughter: Kate (AKA: Catherine, DOD: 24 June 1949). While there we were invited out to tea a Bro. and sister Langmaids when my wife got on the carriage, having been helped up by her son-in-law: James, who was already in and standing holding the lines, the horse for some reason suddenly started as if frightened. This threw James out. My dear wife, being always nervous about horses, fainted and soon fell out on her head. On reaching her side, we found her unconscious. So sudden and sad was this sight that for the time being I forgot my own sorrow in the fear of its effects on my daughter: Kate, and it seems she felt the same concern for me. So that we each bore up under the shock for the others sakes. My dear wife breathed for about an hour, never regaining consciousness and passed away to the Home Coming she had been singing of only a short while before. She was always fond of singing, and while dressing for this journey, sang: It is not for me to be seeking my rest, in a region like this, be hushed my sad spirit, the worst that can come, but shortens my journey, and hastens me home. This was on Monday and strange to say at class meeting (the prior) Sunday she led in singing through another hymn prophetic of the end. Were Going Home Tomorrow. This was the greatest grief of my life, but the Lord graciously sustained me. Thinking of Jobs patience in piety, I said from my heart: The Lord gave and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord. Then and there He came down and into my soul and I was made happier in the Lord than ever I was in my life before. I had a feast of the Hidden Manna and felt the extreme blessedness of that place to which my wife had just gone, and not-with-standing my grief I was glad that she was safely there. Page 49 I am awaiting the glad reunion with my dear wife, and pray that our whole family circle may be reunited at last in Heave. POSTSCRIPT by William J. Balmer: The glad reunion came suddenly October 12th, 1898. After a happy stay with us in Morenci. Father visited at Robs in Millersburg, and from thence to Kates at Gahawa. Here he was enjoying himself as he ever did with Christian fellowship and activity. On the evening of the above date he was about to come down the stairs after Lighting his little old stove to heat his room when reaching the head of the stairs he missed his footing and fell heavily to the bottom. He lived about four hours being conscious about one hour. His last years were benediction to us all. So Heavenly minded did he become that everybody young and old were blessed with his happy sunshine spirited countenance. Sudden death was sudden Glory.

Page 50 Thank God for such parents, and for the hope of meeting them again in heaven. NOTE: The original manuscript copy of Fathers soldier Life, from which this typewritten copy is made is the property of Kate. DOD 24 June 1949 George F. Balmers copy of the above is the property Alma M. Balmer. This copy recopied Dec. 8th, 1933 to be given to the children of George F. and Susan Jane Balmer. 17 July 1960------------------Three copies made this date on board the U.S.S Fearless (MSO-442) while at Montego Bay, Jamaica, by Thomas Marshall Balmer. One copy will be retained by me, one for John Edwin Balmer, and one for George Thomas balmer. My Fathers (: John Stuart) copy will eventually become the property of Walter Stephen Balmer. Some of the typographical mistakes are as they appear in my Fathers typewritten copy, which is now the property of my brother; John Stuart Balmer, Jr. Signed: Thomas Marshall Balmer PS added by C.N. B.Emersons Father: George Francis Balmer died April 28, 1914, at age 46.Heart attack, in AM while shaving! Emerson M. Balmer, DOB Oct 28, 1909- DOD April 26, 2003, at age 93, his wife: Dorothy Cusack Balmer DOB Feb20, 1914-DOD Feb. 27, 2001, at agen87. Ronald Bruce Balmer DOB May 22, 1934DODDOD July 26, 2008, at age 74 yrs. My Cousin: Thomas Marshall Balmer DOB 5 July 1929---DOD May 12, 1988 at age 59. Bad Heart! Emersons siblings are: Alma May Balmer DOB 9-28-1889DOD 2-22-1961, age 72, John Stuart Balmer DOB 16 Aug.1891, DOD 7 Sept. 1937. George Francis Balmer (wife: Gladys Stringfield) DOB 8-6-1892, DOD Feb 6, 1976, William Clark Balmer (wife Elizabeth Harkness,RN) DOB 6-22-1903, DOD 4-27- 1976, age 73, children William (Deceased) Betty Rose. I being a member of the Masonic Fraternity want to add that my uncle (Wm.)Clark Balmer often made it known that every male member of the Balmer family were members of the Masonic Fraternity with the exception of only two : My father: Emerson M. and Brother: Ronald Bruce. Most of my fathers male siblings had joined Masonry in New York State prior to moving south. Geo. F. was a Past Master, as was Marshall. I too am a P.M. & P.G.C.