My paternal ancestors arrived in Nova Scotia from New England in 1760 in a group known as Planters. They were pre-Loyalist but became known as Canada’s first immigrants from the continent of America.
Similar to current situations, they needed land and freedom, which they saw as possible in the colony of Nova Scotia.
My maternal ancestors arrived in Victoria in 1862 during the gold rush. My great-grandfather, James Muirhead, decided he could best use his skills as a carpenter to build homes and other necessities for the many who were landing here.
He and James Mann formed the Muirhead and Mann Planing Mill 1870-1908 in the area where Capital Iron now sits on Store Street.
My grandfather, James McLaren Muirhead, survived the Point Ellice Bridge disaster of 1896 by swimming out through a window.
My ancestors were resilient, hard-working people who ventured to an unknown land in search of a better life for their family. They made contributions to their communities and helped friends and neighbours. They were part of shaping Canada and British Columbia.
Six generations of Muirhead descendants have called Victoria home. — Linda Denton