Annual Report from Indian Agent Rev. John Mcleod. Contains information on various aspects of life at Fisher's Grant Reserve, and makes special mention of Sally Paul, an elder who had passed away after living for over one hundred years. Also mentioned that many from the community worked on the construction of the "new car works" near New Glasgow.
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NOVA SCOTIA,
MICMACS OF PICTOU COUNTY, NEW GLASGOW, April 11, 1913.
FRANK PEDLEY, Esq.,
Deputy Supt. General of Indian Affairs,
Ottawa.
SIR, - I have the honour to submit my annual report and statistical statement for the year ended March 31, 1913. Tribe. - All the Indians of this agency are Micmacs.
Reserve. - There are two reserves in this agency. The larger reserve at Fisher's Grant, near the mouth of Pictou harbour, comprises 200 acres. About 40 acres are cultivated. The other reserve, near Merigomish, consists of two small islands.
Population. - The population at present is 170.
Health and Sanitation. - The general health of the Indians has been good. Three died of pulmonary consumption. A remarkable case of longevity was that of Sally Paul, who died during the year. She was over 100 years old, and saw five generations of descendants growing up about her.
Occupations. - The Indians of this agency are employed at farming, fishing, making pick handles, butter tubs and moccasins. Quite a number during the past year have worked at the construction of the new car works near New Glasgow, where they are considered a good class of labourers.
Buildings. - The Indians have a large church and a school. They have nearly all frame buildings for dwellings.
Stock. - They own a few horses.
Farm Implements. - There are a few ploughs, harrows, sleighs and wagons owned on the reserve.
Characteristics and Progress. - These Indians are as a rule industrious and all law-abiding. They are intelligent.
Temperance and Morality. - They are, with two or three exceptions, men of temperate habits, and are in general of good moral character.
Your obedient servant,
J.D. MacLEOD,
Indian Agent.
Note
Annual Report of the Department of Indian Affairs for the Year Ended March 31 1913 (Ottawa: C.H. Parmelee, Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty, 1913), 72-73.