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The Scot in New France (1535-1880)


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,


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