UE Loyalist History

The Loyalist connection of the Admiral Digby Museum  in Digby. Nova Scotia is clear.  It was named after Admiral Sir Robert Digby, appointed in 1781 the British Commander - in - Chief of the North American Station of the Royal Navy in New York. He oversaw in 1783 the evacuation of 1,330 Loyalist refugees from New York at the end of the American Revolution to settle the place in Nova Scotia that named itself after him. Admiral Digby Museum   The Admiral Digby Museum has items and artifacts on display as well as an archives for research purposes. When earlier this month I was elected President of the Admiral Digby Library and Historical Society which operates the Admiral Digby Museum, I decided to learn more about the history of the property and if there were other Loyalist connections to the building and the property on which it sits. On an Plan of Survey of the Town of Digby in 1785, lots of land are marked and the names of the occupiers. It indicates that Charles Coulbou...

On 23 September 1779, an important naval engagement took place off the north Yorkshire coast of England near  Flamborough Head . It demonstrated that conflict between the Americans and the British during the American Revolution was not limited to North America.  I was reminded of this while visiting nearby Scarborough in Yorkshire this week.                                    Flamborough Head Flamborough Head is a dramatic eight mile promonotary extending into the North Sea. A convoy of 40 merchant ships carrying supplies, protected by two British Royal Navy ships, was attacked off here by four ships commanded by John Paul Jones, often referred to as the Father of the American Navy .  The convoy escaped into Scarborough Harbor, where it was safe under the cannons of Scarborough Castle . Scarborough Harbour During my visit this week,  at Scarborough Castle, a guide explained to ...

What role did Edinburgh, Scotland play during the years associated with the American Revolution (1775 - 1783)? While visiting the city this week, I have been considering that question.  Along the Royal Mile, the historic street running between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, are impressive statues to Adam Smith (1723 - 1790) and David Hume ( 1711 - 1776). Adam Smith   These two residents of Edinburgh, through popular publication, expressed views that supported the independence of the colonies in North America.  In 1776, The Wealth of Nations , authored by economist Adam Smith, challenged traditional political and economic systems influencing American Revolutionary thought. David Hume   David Hume is renowned as one of the greatest philosophers of the English language and remembered for his radical empiricism and skepticism. He was good friends with Smith.  During the American Revolution, Edinburgh Castle was used as a detention centre wher...

Sometimes an interest in history and genealogy can inspire people to look beyond their own family experience to learn and share information about others.  This happened with Brian Nash who produced podcasts and YouTube videos with How We Got Here Genealogy.   It began as a hobby that he did on his time off from full time work and became a business.  I met him in 2021 when he contacted me to ask for an interview about my recently published book entitled  The   Loyalists of Digby. In subsequent years we spoke several times. He did other interviews including one on my book The United Empire Loyalists & You which was his first in a new series called Genealogy Happy Hour. Brian Nash interview Brian had a friendly and endearing manner that made him easy to like.   We became good friends.  Sadly,  Brian passed away on May 5, 2026 at the age of 55 in Summerside, Prince Edward Island. Below is a short video which I have prepared from some o...