Chisholm (nee Grant), Jannet | Student Researcher: Emily Neil
TO THE MEMORY /
OF MRS JANNET /
CHISHOLM REVD COLIN /
GRANTS SISTER /
WHO DEPARTED THIS /
LIFE THE 8th OF /
SEPTEMBER 1845 /
AGED 62 YEARS
Quite unusual is the inscription on the stone featuring Rev. Colin Grant’s name. Clearly his status within the local Catholic community was noteworthy; giving greater prominence to his sister Jannet’s passing. Most of the data gleaned on Jannet’s parentage is from her brother’s biographical. Jannet Grant was born at Glenmoriston, Strathglass, Scotland c.1783, the daughter of Duncan and Helena (nee Chisholm) Grant.[1] One sibling we can confirm is that of Catherine [2] married to Donald ‘Mor’ Chisholm. Another sibling has been identified “…one of his sisters was the first wife of the late Duncan Grant, Antigonish…”.[3]
That sibling would have been Nellie Grant.
It is probable that Jannet’s childhood and early married life was spent in Scotland.[4] Her husband is identified as Alexander ‘Ban’ Chisholm.[5] Family tradition indicates that Alexander was born c. 1775 at Muckerach, Scotland and identifies the children of Jannet and Alexander Chisholm as Anne born c. 1808; Mary born c. 1812; Catherine b. 1815; Duncan b. 1816 at Salt Springs.[6]
Little is known of the three daughters of Jannet and Alexander, but Duncan becomes well-known as a merchant and Justice of the Peace.[7] He marries Margaret Power in 1855.[8] They have two daughters Janet Catherine and Ellen born in 1857 and 1859 respectively. Their mother, Margaret tragically dies in 1860.[9] Their father, Duncan dies prematurely at age 49 May 11, 1867.[10]
[1] History of Antigonish Vol 2 – Edited by R.A. MacLean – Pg. 34; Footnote 33.
[2] A History of the Catholic Church in Eastern Nova Scotia Vol 1 – by A.A. Johnston – Pg. 381
[3] History of Antigonish Vol 1 – Edited by R.A. MacLean – Pg. 52
[4] The History of the Town of Antigonish – by D.G. Whidden – Pg. 126
[5] History of Antigonish Vol. 1 – Edited R.A. MacLean – Pg. 52.
[6] Antigonish Heritage Museum – Roots Magic Database
[7] The History of the Town of Antigonish – by D.G. Whidden – Pg. 126
[8] St. Ninian Parish Records – Marriage – 1855.
[9] The Casket – Obituary – May 3, 1860.
[10] NS Vital Records – Death – Year: 1867 Book: 1802 Pg: 15 No: 93