Loyalists coming to Annapolis County

The Annapolis Heritage Society Genealogy Centre is launching five new Loyalist family genealogy books on August 9 at the Granville Ferry Hall. These books, part of the society’s new Loyalists to Annapolis County series, are the work of four volunteers (Ina Oliver, Denise Rice, Ruth Ritchie, and Frank Taylor) at the O’Dell House Museum. The researchers have traced the lines of the Durling, Gesner, John Ritchie, Merritt, and Williams families who arrived in Annapolis County at the end of the American Revolution.

At the end of the war, some 1600 refugees landed on the shores of the Annapolis Basin. These people, who in many cases had suffered numerous hardships and inhumanities, had chosen to stay loyal to the British Crown and were among a group who would become known to history as the United Empire Loyalists. Contrary to popular belief, the Loyalists represented all segments of 18th century society rather than just the Tory elite. In fact, the Loyalists include everyone from slaves and indentured labourers to governors among their ranks.

“We are very pleased that we have been able to create this series of books to celebrate our region’s Loyalist heritage” says Annapolis Heritage Society executive director, Ryan Scranton. “The Loyalists as a group have greatly influenced the development of Nova Scotia and it is appropriate that we commemorate the 225th anniversary of their arrival.”

The Annapolis Heritage Society Genealogy Centre is located at the O’Dell House Museum (136 St. George Street) in Annapolis Royal. The Genealogy Centre collects records and documents on families who have lived in the western part of Annapolis County. This material is available to researchers on a daily basis.