Title and statement of responsibility area
Title proper
General material designation
- Textual record
Parallel title
Other title information
Title statements of responsibility
Title notes
- Source of title proper: Title based on provenance of fonds
Level of description
Reference code
Edition area
Edition statement
Edition statement of responsibility
Class of material specific details area
Statement of scale (cartographic)
Statement of projection (cartographic)
Statement of coordinates (cartographic)
Statement of scale (architectural)
Issuing jurisdiction and denomination (philatelic)
Dates of creation area
Date(s)
-
1777-1785 (Creation)
- Creator
- McMillan, Alexander
-
1775-1785, 1797-1818 (Creation)
- Creator
- Chappell, Benjamin
-
Microfilmed 1973 (Reproduction)
Physical description area
Physical description
2 reels 35 mm microfilm
Publisher's series area
Title proper of publisher's series
Parallel titles of publisher's series
Other title information of publisher's series
Statement of responsibility relating to publisher's series
Numbering within publisher's series
Note on publisher's series
Archival description area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Benjamin Chappell was born in London, England on 5 March 1740 to Richard and Rachel Chappell. He was raised an Anglican but, after becoming well acquainted with John Wesley, he converted to Methodism. He became a lay preacher and when he emigrated to Prince Edward Island in 1774, he was the first Methodist to do so. Like many immigrants, Chappell became an indentured servant for a four-year term in exchange for his passage and provisions. Chappell settled in New London with his wife Elizabeth whom he had married in February of that year. They had at least four children: Elizabeth (19 November 1775 - 28 November 1775); Richard (1777-1835); Theophilus (1778 -1847) and another daughter. In 1778, Chappell and his family moved to Charlottetown. As there was no Methodist minister on the Island at that time, Chappell often held prayer meetings of the Methodist Society in his home which was located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Prince and Water Streets.
Chappell was trained as a wheelwright and machinist. He was a skilled craftsman who specialized in constructing spinning wheels, coaches, and sleighs. He was active within his community holding such positions as overseer of public pumps and wells, overseer of streets, overseer of the poor, and undertaker. He was elected to the third House of Assembly in 1779. He was churchwarden for the Anglican church as early as 1788 when he wrote a letter to Governor Edmond Fanning requesting payment for his past several years of service in that position.
Chappell was also one of the early Post Masters of Prince Edward Island. He was first appointed in 1802 at the age of 63 when he succeeded John Ross who had been appointed in 1800. Chappell first served between 1802 and 1807. He was reappointed on 12 November 1812 and continued in that position until his death on 6 January 1825. He was 86 years old. Chappell's son Richard and a granddaughter Elizabeth later also served in the position of post master.
Name of creator
Biographical history
Custodial history
Scope and content
This fonds consists of a day book (1775-1787) and a diary (1797-1818) kept by Benjamin Chappell in which he recorded his work and daily activities. Information includes who he worked with, the type of work involved, and for whom he was working. He describes the early conditions in the settlement at Elizabethtown (New London), reports the arrival of much-needed supplies, and mentions arrivals and departures of individuals to the settlement. He also records the occurrence of deaths, marriages, births, illness, fires, accidents, and the weather.
The latter volume appears to have originally been the account book of an Alexander McMillan who recorded the purchase and sale of general dry goods in Halifax, on board ship, and on Prince Edward Island. Entries, dated between 1777 and 1785, are organized by the name of the client. Chappell appears to have crossed out McMillan's account entries and then written in his own journal entries on the blank sections of the pages.
The original volumes were microfilmed in 1973. The first reel of microfilm contains copies of both volumes while the second reel only contains the day book.
This fonds also contains a photocopy of a transcription of a letter written by Benjamin Chappell to Mr. McGregor of Pictou, Nova Scotia in 1802. This letter has a religious theme, but also makes inquiries as to the discoveries of astronomer Sir William Herschel (1738-1822).
Notes area
Arrangement
Language of material
- English
Script of material
Location of originals
Availability of other formats
Restrictions on access
Terms governing use, reproduction, and publication
Finding aids
Associated materials
Related materials
Accruals
General note
General note
General note
Alternative identifier(s)
Standard number area
Standard number
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- McMillan, Alexander (Creator)
- Chappell, Benjamin (Creator)
Genre access points
Control area
Description record identifier
Institution identifier
Level of detail
Language of description
- English