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Quebec; as widely known as a
Journalist, a Legislator and in 1822, our worthy Ambassador to England—as
he was respected as a patriot.
Samuel Neilson had died in 1793
;—his young brother and
protege, John, born at Dornald in Scotland, in 1776, being in
1794 a minor, the Gazette was conducted by
the late Rev. Dr. Alex. Sparks his guardian until 1796.
When John Neilson became of full age, he assumed the direction of the
paper for more than half a century, either in his name or in that of his
son Samuel. Hon. John Neilson, closed his long and spotless career, at his
country seat (Dornald) at Cap Rouge, on the 1st February 1848, aged 71
years. Who has not heard of the Nestor of the Canadian Press, honest John
Neilson? May his memory ever remain bright and fragrant—a beacon to guide
those treading the intricate paths of journalism—a shining light to
generations yet unborn!
In a pretty rustic cemetery, the
site of which was presented by himself to the Presbyterian Church of
Valcartier, near Quebec, were laid, on the 4th February, 1848, the remains
of this patriotic man—escorted by citizens of every origin, after an
eloquent address had been delivered by the Rev. Dr. John Cook, the present
pastor of St. Andrew’s Church.
We are indebted to his son John
Neilson, Esq., of Dornald, for this relic, the iron lever of the first
Press used at Quebec in 1764—a precious one to Canadian journalism.
There are indeed many Scotch names
associated with our press. Space precludes us from enlarging more on this
subject. We cannot, however, close this portion of our enquiry, without
naming Daniel Wilkie, LL.D., the
editor of the Quebec Star,—a literary gazette founded in 1818—still
better remembered as the esteemed instructor .of Quebec youth for forty
years.
Dr. Wilkie was born at
Tollcross, in Scotland, in 1777, |
