Introduction

The benefits and pitfalls of immigration were often given public scrutiny in the nineteenth century. The profound effect the tide of Irish emigration had on New Brunswick is reflected in the newspapers published during that era, as they illustrated the state of the province and issues affecting residents. Newspapers covered immigration matters in New Brunswick, such as ships arrivals and quarantines, and discussed politics and affairs abroad in length. The province was developing an Irish immigrant audience which supported the development of newspapers devoted solely to Irish culture, issues, and affairs. Newspapers begun by prominent Irish immigrants in New Brunswick included the Saint John Weekly Freeman, published by the Hon. Timothy Anglin, M.P.P, ca. 1861-1866. After immigrating to New Brunswick from Ireland in 1849 he began to publish the voice piece for the Irish Catholic of the city. Others instigated by Irish immigrants included the Saint John True Liberator, published by Patrick Bennett on a weekly basis from 1 May 1847 to 1850 and the tri-weekly Saint John Morning Journal, published by William Elder, an Irish immigrant from 1853 and a Member of the House of Assembly during the 1870s. The influence of Irish culture and immigration and the far reaching effects of these developments are demonstrated in the newspaper articles provided here.

Researchers may browse newspaper articles by newspaper (including date and brief description), or by subject index or full text search. A selected result will display the transcription and an image of the original scanned from microfilm.