Moody, William | genealogyhistory

William Moody (Mar. 10, 1781 - 1886)

Excerpted from an article which appeared in April 10, 1888, in Moncton in The Times

William Moody (Mar. 10, 1781 - 1886) was born in Dundee, Scotland, son of Barbara and George Moody, an officer of HM navy.

At age 16, he took up an apprenticeship in Leith learning ship carpentering. This lasted until he was 23. He worked at his trade in Leith until, at age 25 in 1806, he enlisted on the revenue and excise cutter “Royal George” as carpenter’s mate. His father was the second officer.

In 1809, he took passage on the brig “John of Leith” to load ton lumber. After 34 days at sea, Pugwash harbour was entered. Pugwash was at that time one unbroken forest saving one or two small clearings on which Barclay Brundage and Stephen Seaman had erected dwellings of primitive character. On the day he landed, Mr. Moody enlisted in Capt. Forshners’ company of volunteer militia and on his removal to Wallace less than a year later, he was transferred to Capt. Datton's company and served as militiaman until the difficulties of 1812 were settled, acting as company corporal, warning out the men. Others who served with him and were granted pensions were Donald Ross, John McIvor, John McKenzie, and John Munro of Gulf Shore, John McIvor of Fox Harbor and John McPherson of Pugwash River. The company used to drill at Wallace in a large field near Squire Oxley's residence.

On March 17, 1811, William Moody married Isabella Nicholson (1791 - Dec. 19, 1867) d/o Kenneth Nicholson and Catherine MacLennan who had come from Scotland some years previously taking up residence at what is now known as North Wallace. They had 11 children.

Shortly after moving to Wallace, William secured a government grant near Dewar's Mills, about three miles East of Wallace which he shortly afterwards sold, living at Fox Harbor until he moved up the Gulf Shore about four miles from Pugwash in 1847. Ship building and caulking kept him in steady employment except what time he spent clearing his farm at Fox Harbor. His work took him from home considerably and time was spent 'all long shore' from Cape Tormentine to Pictou. He worked on the first vessel built in Pugwash (by Geo. Oxley) and in Wallace (by James Davidson).

His wife of 57 years died of an abscess in 1867. William continued to farm. In 1871, he was living with daughter Mary as well as daughter Catherine and son in law George Millberry and their two children Louisa and William. In 1881, he was living with his youngest daughter Mary and husband Smith or Senif Jamieson and daughter Bella who had moved in to the homestead with him. His health and memory remained excellent with the exception of having to wear glasses once in a while until his death at 106 years of age.

Children of William Moody and Isabella Nicholson

1. George Moody (c1811 - ) married Janet Robertson of Fox Harbour on Mar. 9, 1836. They had John Moody, Isabella Moody and William Moody.

2. Donald Moody moved to the western USA

3. William Moody (c1815 - Oct. 17, 1886) married Margaret Nicholson. They had Bella Moody, Murdock Moody, Christy Moody, James B. Moody and Nellie Moody. He died suddenly at Amherst leaving a large family at Fox Harbour

4. Barbara Moody (c1830 - ) married James Boyce and moved to McLeod, Minnesota. They had W. A. Boyce.

5. John Moody moved to Doherty Creek

6. Kenneth Moody moved to Sonora, Colorado

7. Roderick Moody (c1824 - May 7, 1914) married Isabella and moved to North Wallace. They had William H. Moody, Emma Moodie, Roddy Moodie and Margaret Moodie.

8. Alexander Moody moved to Los Angeles, CA

9. Catherine (Kate) Moody (1837 - ) married George H. Millberry on April 25, 1867 and moved to Advocate Harbour after 1871. They had Louisa Millberry and William Millberry. In 1871 they were living with William and his youngest daughter Mary.

10. Murdock Moody (Jan. 31, 1840 - ) moved to Sonora Colorado in 1861 and married Mary. In 1870, he was working as a teamster. They had Ada Belle Moody and Alice Moody.

11. Mary Moody (March 15, 1845 - Feb. 13, 1925) married Gilbert Smith/Sniffen/Sniffin Jamieson on Nov. 13, 1873 and lived on the homestead taking care of her father. They had Isabel Jamieson who married William Langille and had six children.