JOHN BUCKSTAFF FAMILY

One of the earliest settlers in this area was that of John BUCKSTAFF, Senior, whose coming to Rolling Dam may have coincided with or even preceded that of the McFARLANES--but exact dates are about impossible to determine.  John BUCKSTAFF Sr. is the one believed to have built the home in which Mr. and Mrs. Foster BLACK now live.  The BUCKSTAFFS must have arrived in this area around 1818-1820, acquired their land, cleared it and built their home thereon, as their first son to arrive in their their new home was George H. born in 1822. This bit of personal history is borne out by Mr. George H. BUCKSTAFF'S own testimonial when he visited his old home in 1905.  After being away for the greater part of his life and now living in British Columbia, he returned to his old home for one last glance.  The RICHARDSON'S had, only a year earlier moved into this home and one day a team drove down the lane bearing a gentleman of some 83 years who identified himself, and before entering described the total interior of the house as he remembered it and then, pointing to an upper window exclaimed, "I was the first male child born in this house--and in that room." John and Lucy BUCKSTAFF, his parents, were prominent citizens and dedicated workers in the construction and life of the Baptist Church.  John acquired his land from Joseph MOORE of St. David's Parish in a grant to John CATTERELL dated 26 August, 1823, and registered the following day.  All of which implies much earlier occupation.  It is believed that two generations of BUCKSTAFFS lived on this farm.  These were followed by two generations of PEACOCKS, followed by the RICHARDSONS, and presently Mr. and Mrs. Foster Black.

Written by Rev. Charles M. Smith, Rollingdam, NB
Found in August 17, 1972 edition of the Saint Croix Courier.
By permission of the Saint Croix Courier Page Loaded July 12 2002
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