Dreams of freedom short-lived for Black Loyalists

For Black Loyalists, the dream of a free life in a country where they would be granted land and have an opportunity to prosper was short-lived. Once here they discovered that the deals that they had made with the king’s representative were biased and flawed.

Land grants and area designations as illustrated by the 1867 Church map were distributed according to rank, race and social status. Grants of land for Loyalists were dependent on completion of a survey, which was the responsibility of the grantee. This process was rife with corruption. Hence, it wasn’t until the early 1800s that the survey was actually completed for most of the white Loyalists.

Only one survey is recorded in Upper Clements for Blacks, although the land was never granted. Free Blacks were segregated into specific areas that were generally less desirable and with little agricultural promise. One well-documented segregated community near Digby was Brindley Town, now known as Jordantown. It contained approximately 100 families. Other Black Loyalists scatted to areas near Weymouth and Annapolis Royal.

Another irony of this settlement is that this convoy also carried Blacks who continued to be considered property of their masters, as it would be almost 40 more years before slavery would be legally abolished in the British Empire. Even then indentured servitude was a reality. Deep betrayal>/b>

Loyalist Blacks felt a deep betrayal, as the conditions were difficult. Many eked out a living as general laborers on government projects. In response, some Digby blacks were among the 1,190 men, women and children who left Halifax in 15 ships for the long voyage to Sierra Leone. Yet others remained, raised families, established churches and built communities. Their descendants have made a phenomenal commitment to our area, our province and our country.

As part of the Admiral Digby Library and Historical Society’s Gathering of Loyalist Descendants event on July 10 there will be several presentations pertinent to the Black Loyalist experience. Keynote speaker in the morning will be distinguished author and historian, David W. States who will speak on Loyalist history and genealogy.

I understand the response for the July 10 gathering at the Digby Pines has been extraordinary and if you are interested, contact Sheryl Stanton at the museum at 245-6322 as space is limited. kristy@ns.sympatico.ca