Family Connections

Census

Normally, the enumerator took reasonable pains to enter the information on the official form in clear handwriting. However, sometimes the microfilm of the original is smudged and blurry and the spelling...well, mostly the way the name sounds. Occasionally there are entries that cannot be traced through the Provincial Archives, Find a Grave, Ancestry, etc. In some cases, the individuals have moved from the area, never had a birth certificate, or other reasons. Certainly, there were changes within the two decades beginning the 20th century; people moved, died and new births. But most of the elders stayed put, it was some of the children who sought a living elsewhere as can be seen by perusing the database of Family Connections. Life may have been simpler back then, but it was hard work.

The Occupation column lists Farming for the majority. This is a bit misleading. Certainly, they had small self-sustaining farms, but the men also worked in the woods, guiding, trapping, and other odd jobs.

In 1891, the people of Maxwell were predominantly Irish while Forest City's residents came from neighboring Maine. Green Mountain and Fosterville settlers came from Sunbury County. All were seeking a better life. The tannery in Forest City employed a large work force with a spin off in mill work and lumbering along with a few stores and a hotel. Fosterville and Green Mountain attracted men in search of the white pine used in ship building and Maxwell offered plots of land which was welcomed by immigrating Irish during the potato famine. Although the majority of residents owned and operated small self-sustaining farms, the land did not lend itself to growing. The retreating ice age of centuries before left a wide swath of boulders, rocks and gravel.

Today, North Lake has no farms. Lakefront properties abound and people travel to major centers for work. Are they any better off than their predecessors? Matter of personal choice, I guess.

There may be errors, or typos, in the information as transcribed from the original forms. When in doubt, always verify from other sources where possible.

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