In the company of Robert Weir and John [Robert] Barr, James Stewart had the privilege of travelling "intermediate class" on board the Norman Morison, arriving in Victoria Jan. 16, 1853. Stewart, of Gifford Parish, Haddington County, Scotland, indentured, June 19, 1852, had engaged to work for five years for McKenzie as 'land steward' at the initial salary of f25 per annum.¹ Accompanying Stewart was his wife Isabella and one child of 16 months.² On arriving at Ft. Victoria, Melrose noted that certain protocol was followed for disembarking:

While still in temporary quarters at the fort Mrs. Stewart gave birth "to a male child" subsequently christened Daniel by Rev. Staines, May 29, 1853.³ Stewart and his family "removed to the farm" in July and the vent [chimney] for his house was erected September 20, 1853.⁴ In company with John Instant, Stewart was recorded as half drunk in mid November of that year.⁵

There is no evidence in Melrose that Stewart was discontent at Craigflower - or that he was unable to work with McKenzie. Melrose's final reference to Stewart is to note to the birth of another "male child", January 5, 1855, christened Henry, June 4, 1855.⁶

When Stewart's contract terminated in 1857, he remained in the Craigflower area, purchasing land in the vicinity of West Burnside. Another son, James, was born in 1858.

That Stewart's children attended Craigflower is documented in the class list of Claypole, 1863-64 which records the names of John, Daniel and Henry Stewart. 'H. Stewart' (presumably Henry who would have been eleven) attained a degree of excellence in the fourth reader and received a prize following the examination, July 20, 1866.⁷

1 Puget Sound Agricultural Company Agreements with Employees, 1850-52. In McKenzie's records, Stewart is listed as "grieve". Labourers received fl7 per annum.

2 "List of men, women and children engaged to go to Vancouver's Island with Mr. McKenzie, Aug. 1852", McKenzie's Daybook, 1867-68. The child is not named; presumably this was John Stewart - referred to by Russell in The Craigflower Story.

3 Melrose, Feb. 19, 1853; Baptismal Record, Ft. Victoria. The baptismal record states the birth took place Feb. 12 as opposed to Melrose's entry. It is significant that Melrose noted that the baptism was "English Chapel."

4 Melrose, loc. cit.

5 Melrose,. Nov. 17, 1853.

6 Baptismal records, Ft. Victoria. Rev. Cridge officiated; the ceremony was listed as private.

7 Alfred Waddington, Report, School Visits, 1865-67. The names Joseph and Annie Stewart appear in Newbury's class list, 1888. It is not clear whether these are James Stewart's children.

STEWART

James - land steward, Gifford, Haddington

Isabella

John - born April 1851

Daniel - born Feb. 12, 1853

Henry - born Jan. 5, 1855

James - baptised Aug. 16, 1858

- farmed in area W. Burnside

- children attended Craigflower School

Colonist, June 24, 1892 p. 8

Died

Stewart - At his residence. Sea View Farm, near Parson's Bridge, on the 23rd instant, James Stewart, a native of Gilford-Haddington, Scotland, aged 64 years and four months.

The funeral will take place on Saturday at one p.m. from the family residence as above. Friends will please accept this intimation.

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