WILSONS of ROLLINGDAM

        Hugh WILSON came from Ireland in 1819 (and he used to enjoy identifying this fact by stating that upon his arrival in Canada he learned that Victoria, England's later Queen, had been born.)  Hugh landed at St. Andrews where he joined a sister who had preceded him to Canada.  He also had two other sisters somewhere in New England.  While at St. Andrews he married Elizabeth, called Eliz. Ann (HILL) and moved along the shore toward St. George and settled temporarily in the neighborhood of Bethel, Charlotte County.  It is believed that Eliza Ann was born in New Brunswick.  Here they met John and James CATHCART.  Hugh WILSON and John CATHCART bought adjoining blocks of land on the old St. Andrew - Fredericton road in the Rollingdam area.  The WILSONS coming first, arriving on horseback with their personal effects and settling in 1826; and the CATHCARTS following the next year in 1827.  Hugh forthwith built his fine home which is used today.

         The 1851 census reports the following children and ages: " James, 20;  Sarah, 18;  Ann M.,16;  Mary, 13;  Hugh, 11;  Elenor, 7;  and Hill, 4."  There  may have been others;  also "ages" may only be approximate and thus require confirmation;  but such information is always most helpful.  (This family apparently was not related to the WILSONS of Sorrel Ridge (these came from England).  Their grave markers read as follows;  "Hugh WILSON (Dec. 25, 1797--October 27, 1887);  Wife, Elisa Ann (Died February 20, 1878, age 76")" Hill M. WILSON (December 21, 1846--November 17, 1929);  Wife, Annie (BELL)  (October 14, 1845-January 9, 1918)"