Item

The Provincialist

Standard
March 4, 1868
Obituary of James H. Storey, 80 years old.
The melancholy duty devolved upon us to recording the death of an old and respected inhabitant, the oldest printer and publisher in New Brunswick, perhaps in the Dominion. On Thursday last the 27th ult., Mr. James H. Storey, departed this life in his 80th year, respected by all who knew him, and deservedly regretted by numerous friends.
Mr. Storey was a native of Halifax, NS, and served his apprenticeship in the office of the late John Howe, Esq., grandfather of the Post Master of Saint John. He in course of time became foreman of the office (then the Royal Gazette) and had as his pupils he late Mr. Pierce, and the Hon. Joseph Howe, whom he used familiarly to speak of as “little Joseph.” On the “Herald’s being established in this town, b the “association,” as the publishers termed themselves, he was sent for to take charge of the office, with the late David Howe as editor. His establishment afterwards fell into their hands and “Howe and Storey” were publishers. In a few years they sold the office to the late Peter Stubs, who with his son John afterwards continued the paper until 1830, during which period Mr. Storey was employed in the office, and also held the office of Clerk of all Saint Church. Mr. Storey’s religious views having changed, he read his recantation and became a devoted member of the Roman Catholic Church. He afterwards worked in the Courant, Standard, Charlotte Gazette and Provincialist offices, was considered a very correct compositor, and good foreman.
            During Mr. Howe’s visit here some years ago to lecture upon the “Union of the Colonies and Intercolonial Railway,” he enquired for his old friend, “Jimmy Storey.” and said I will call at your office and see him. Next day in company with the late Sheriff, John Wilson and H. Hatch, he fulfilled his promise, and enquired of him if he was still at the case.” Mr. Storey did not remember him, but when his name was mentioned, asked “are you little Joseph?” Mr. H. replied I am and turning to the gentlemen who accompanied hi, observed—“To this man more than any other am I indebted for whatever position or knowledge I possess, he was my father’s foreman, and my old master, and impressed upon me the necessity of reading and study.” On taking leave he generously dropped a couple of Sovereigns into his hand.
            His declining health for the past two years prevented his working, a d at his leisure moments he wrote some articles upon local matters. His protest against the Liquor Law was a lengthy and well written document, and we set up and published by him.

Standard
Aug 27, 1856
Fire. We have to record the occurrence of another fire in our town which took place last Wednesday night about 10 o’clock, on the premises of Mr. T. Berry in William Henry Street. It broke out on the outside of a building occupied by Mr. Berry and our contemporary Mr. Clinch, of the Provincialist, respectively as a carpenter’s shop and printing office; this, as well as an adjoining building, used as a school house were totally consumed, Mr. Berry losing all his tools, but he printing materials and other effects of Mr. clinch we are glad to say were saved, with a little damage. A small building occupied by a barber [Mr. Bounds?] was also partly burned and then pulled down, thereby arresting the further spread of the fire towards Water Street. The wind being easterly, the flying sparks and embers falling upon the roofs of the houses on both sides of Water Street had at first a very bad appearance, but a good supply of water from the tank in the immediate vicinity of the fire enabled Torrent Engine to arrest it, after the gap had been made by removing the Barber’s shop. Much praise is due the Fire and Hose men, and the young men who so gallantly assisted the regular firemen to serve the Engine throughout the whole occasion. It is much to be regretted that a full company cannot be obtained and kept up for this Engine, so that at all times it may be worked by an efficient crew of its own without being dependent upon casual aid, as the time may come when this sort of parsimony (if such it is) may turn out to be a very dear saving. The letter of Index in another column, will we hope be carefully read by those it most concerns. We certainly think that a volunteer company is better adapted to the exigencies of a fire engine, than an appointed company. With the solitary exception of this town, every other town and city in the province has its volunteer company or companies, and that they answer admirably we have every reason to know. The volunteer company which originally had this Engine was undoubtedly a very efficient body, and that the collision between them and the Fire wards, which broke it up, ever occurred, is a matter or regret.

Standard
Sept 17/1856
We beg leave to express our thanks to the many kind friends who assisted us so energetically, and successfully, in saving the Press, Type, and nearly all the effects of our Printing Office, on the occasion of the disastrous fire on the morning of the 12th inst. we are also desirous to add, that in consequence of the inconvenience to which we have been subjected by the compulsory change of office, and the unavoidable confusion into which our arrangements have been thrown, we are only able to issue a half sheet this day. We copy the following account of the fire from our contemporary of the Provincialist
            Fire. While the ruins are yet smoking, it our unwelcome task to record, as far as we are acquainted with circumstances the particulars of a serious conflagration, (the worst this town ever experienced) which happened in St. Andrews on the night of Wednesday the 10th inst. the fire as we are informed first caught in a building occupied by Mr. John Aymar, as a Spar and block maker’s shop—it was discovered between 12 and 1 o’clock, a most inconvenient time for waking people up, but notwithstanding which, the Engine companies, and indeed the whole town was promptly on the spot, and did everything that could be done to extinguish the fire; circumstances were unfavourable, the tide was down, and difficult to procure water for the Engines; the whole block was consumed; and it was only by most strenuous exertions that the fire was prevented from communicating to the buildings in the neighborhood. Mr. Pheasant’s extensive hotel establishment was in immediate danger, being on the opposite side of the street, and the wind blowing in that direction, the roof of his house, as also his stable, repeatedly caught and was put out again; but for the tall trees in front of his premises which partly intercepted the flaming embers, it is supposed they would have gone for it. The chief sufferers by the fire we understand are Mr. J. Aymar who has lost his stock in trade, as also his tools, and Mr. Quin, whose building was not insured. Our contemporary of the Standard is also burnt out, under much the same circumstances that we ourselves were about a month a go, that is to say, materials saved, only the time and trouble of setting up again—which is no trifle.
            There are now several gaps in the town caused by fire—we hope that ere long the improved state of business will cause them to be rebuilt.—Provincialist.

Standard
Dec 7/1859
Clinch's Provincialist will discontinue publication--dilatoriness of subscribers in making payments cause.