BANNON, EDWARD J. (1848-1920)

BANNON, EDWARD J., Catholic parish priest, Barnaby River, 1905-20; b. Chatham, 6 Aug 1849, s/o John Bannon and Catherine Keane; brother of Thomas John Bannon; ordained 1874; d. Chatham, 26 Dec 1920.

Edward J. Bannon studied at St Michael's male academy in Chatham and was trained for the priesthood at the Grand Seminary in Montreal. Following his ordination he joined the diocesan staff at Chatham and served the mission at Bay du Vin, until being appointed parish priest at Dalhousie in 1876. In 1881 he was transferred to Richibucto. He spent twenty-four years there, ministering to the needs of the Micmac people as well as the non-Indian population. In 1905 he was named parish priest at Barnaby River, and he served in that capacity until the onset of his final illness in 1920. He was described as "a very holy and saintly person" who was "gentle towards people and had a great sense of humor."