Images of William Bemister (1823-1902)

Some confusion has arisen over images of two brothers with similar names. Both inherited a portion of their father's name

William Bemister (1823-1902) and his brother Capt. Willis Bemister (1819-1869) were sons of William Willis Bemister (1789-1863) who immigrated to Carbonear, Newfoundland in 1803.

Hopefully this will assist with identifications of the three individuals - first the brothers and lastly the father

Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland

From Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland
By E. Seary, William Kirwin
pg 33

BEM(M)ISTER, surnames of England, from the English place name Beaminster (Dorset), so pronounced locally. (Reaney). Traced by Matthews in Poole (Dorset) and Christchurch (Hampshire).

In Newfoundland:

Family traditions: John Banister (1747-1832), probably the first Bemister to winter in Carbonear, started the family which survived there until recently, and was buried at Cork Mullen (Dorset) (MUN Folklore), William Henry, from Brighton (Sussex), settled at St. John's between 1865-1875 (MUN Folklore).

Early instances: George, schoolmaster of Bonavista, 1791 (USPG); William Bemister, from Christchurch (Hampshire), planter of Green Bay, deceased 1814 (Royal Gazette 10 Nov 1814): Thomas Beaminster, of Greenspond, 1815 (DPHW 76): W.W. Bemister, of Harbour Grace, 1817 (D'Alberti 27); Edward, planter of Freshwater (Carbonear), 1823 (DPHW 48); Reuben, of New Perlican. 1859 (DPHW 59A); William, of Hare Bay (Bonavista B.), 1871 (Lovell).

Modern status: At St. John's and Ragged Harbour (Fogo district).

2010 Bemister Family Reunion

Come Ye One and All !

to the

2010 Bemister Family Reunion

to be held

August 6th to 8th, 2010

at

The Royal Canadian Legion

Carbonear

Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada

In celebration of the 263rd Birthday of John Bemister of Corfe Mullen!

• Meet distant cousins from all over North America and UK
• Explore Bemister genealogy and family history
• Experience traditional Newfoundland hospitality
• Enjoy guided bus tours of Carbonear and nearby communities
• Take guided tour of cemetery to commune with ancestors
• Savour wonderful grand Newfoundland Feast and Kitchen Party
• Marvel at Bemister travelling museum
• Participate in Bemister Music Festival and Choir
• Share Church Service at traditional home of Bemisters
• Tour historic and archeological sites and provincial archives; and enjoy
whale watching, as well as cultural and social events with Bemister
cousins before and after the main celebration if you would like this option

contact bemister2010@gmail.com for more information.

New Pictures Surface

It was a real surprise to discover pictures that were previously unknown which have recently surfaced. These include very early images of Bemister relatives as well as letters.

Of the letters:

• The first is from W W Bemister [dated 21 Aug. 1855] to his daughter Maria Shepherd. It's very brittle and is of the type where the full sheet of paper was folded up and addressed on the outside -- no envelope.
• The other letter was written by 6 or 7 year old Mary Lavinia Shepherd to her older brothers, William and Charles. [She wrote to Will on one side of the sheet of paper, and to Charley on the other side] .

Copies will be available at the Carbonear reunion in August.

Edward Bemister's capture by American Privateer in the War of 1812

We are still finding new Bemisters, both the quick and the dead. The live ones seem to be delighted to be found - like the descendants of Mary Shepherd and James Howell Shepherd, not to mention Willard Bemister Wiltse who was the grandson of Bart and Emma Bemister's brother Lad.

As for the ancestors, well, I guess they are happy too. The latest is more new info on Edward Bemister's unfortunate capture by an American Privateer in the war of 1812. Upsetting as it was, it turned out to be his ticket to Carbonear (after a year and a day on a prison ship in Salem). Edward is no more happy about that than he was 150 years ago - but it all adds to the story and that we are happy about that for sure. Next time you are having delays at an airport, remember Edward!!! Nowadays you can be pretty sure you will fly to Newfoundland without being captured by American privateers!!! In 1813 it was no sure thing at all.

- by Cameron Hopkins

2010 Bemister Family Reunion - History

Since we first began this Bemister voyage of discovery in the spring of 1997, we have had picnics, dinners, lunches, reunions and fun from coast to coast in Canada – and a wonderful 1995 reunion on the old sod at the home of John and Mary Bemister in Corfe Mullen, Dorset. More than 500 Bemisters have gotten involved for activities in Carbonear, Vancouver, Toronto area (twice), St John’s and Dorset. Our cousins have not only enjoyed the events, the genealogy, the history and the artifacts – they have enjoyed each other! Many who come to our 2010 event in Carbonear will be meeting lots of old friends; some will be discovering distant cousins with a common heritage for the first time. But ALL will say they are glad they came! You will be too

Sincerely,
Cameron Hopkins
on behalf of the Organizing Committee

2010 Bemister Family Reunion - Transportation and Accommodations

You can easily fly into St. John’s International airport by major airlines and from there it will take just over an hour to drive to Carbonear. West Jet and Air Canada have been running seat sales with discount fares right up to the period of our reunion. Currently you can fly return from Toronto for under $500. For our American cousins it may be worth making a connection through Vancouver or Toronto or a border city to take advantage of Canadian air line discounts. However you can easily drive from Ontario or the Boston States in 3 days, including a ferry ride from North Sydney, Nova Scotia. The East Coast ferry to Argentia takes about 14 hours overnight (ask for dormitory accommodation) followed by a 2 hour run to Carbonear. Check with Marine Atlantic for schedules and fares. Also you will need to book a rental vehicle – and book early! Several of the chains have kiosks at the airport and for security you should book well in advance.

Accommodations in the Carbonear area are somewhat limited and we advise you to book early because this will be a very active tourist season. The Carbonear web site and the provincial tourist sites have links to the web sites for motels and bed and breakfast establishments. There are at least three inexpensive motels and several excellent B & B’s in the Carbonear – Harbour Grace – Brigus area. Don’t be shy about staying a bit out of town; it’s only a 20 or 30 minute run from Heart’s Content or Cupids to Carbonear, and even St. John’s is only an hour away. If you book a St. John’s hotel ask for a view of the harbour and Signal Hill if such a room is available. But again, we urge you to book early. And check the web sites for information up-dates on travel and tourist information, not to mention the Bemister Blog for the latest information.

Getting out the word!

At this point the most helpful thing any of you can do – besides sending in your registration form and cheque – is to get the reunion information to others in your immediate family, to your adult children, first and second cousins and anyone else you think is related through your Bemister line. Forwarding our e-mails to all these folk would be a big help. We are mailing by Canada Post to some 400 households, and we think our e-mail coverage is much greater than that. If you send us contact information on your relatives we will be glad to send out hard copies of the notice. This may well be the LAST MAJOR REUNION of our generation in Carbonear, a last great opportunity to meet your cousins from near and far in the town that was the birthplace of Maria 200 years ago, the town that nurtured your Bemister ancestors and welcomes you back this summer with open hearts and unparalleled hospitality. You will never forget it and neither will they! We look forward to seeing you in August.

Sincerely,
Cameron Hopkins
on behalf of the Organizing Committee

2010 Bemister Family Reunion - Activities

Our program of activities will be fleshed out in more detail closer to the event. But following on the pattern of past events and your feedback we have produced a tentative agenda which is on the attached sheet. When your send in your registration form it would be helpful if you would also let us know what your preferences are from the list supplied for tours, workshops and other activities , and for that matter, to make other suggestions and we will try our best to accommodate you in every way.

Our pre and post reunion activity schedule will only be activated if we get enough expressions of interest. But don’t come all that way to Carbonear and miss some of exciting attractions that are available in the area at that time of the year – from whales and icebergs, bird colonies and nature parks, historic sites and museums, folk festivals and live theatre – it’s all there to be discovered on the Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism web site. The Cupids 400 celebration is of particular interest because of its focus on the West Country Migration and the birth place of Capt. Bob Bartlett at Brigus is well worth a visit.

On Friday, August 6, we will be conducting registration all day, and early arrivals will be able to take in walking tours, a bus tour around the Carbonear – Harbour Grace area, a boat ride to Carbonear Island, and of course meet your cousins and view the family pictures and memorabilia as well as the family tree which well be an impressive display connecting all of the participants up to seventh cousins or even 4th cousins three times removed! We will have an excellent souvenir package that will include a souvenir book with new information about our family and about the reunion itself including schedules, tour details and so on. At the end of the reunion we will ensure you get a souvenir CD recording your participation for posterity and containing lots of pictures and information.

2010 Bemister Family Reunion - Registration

2010 Bemister Family Reunion
REGISTRATION

Now is the time to reserve your berth on the Brigantine Bemister, time to let us know you will be taking part in this grand celebration of the 263rd birthday of John Bemister of Corfe Mullen, time to commit to take part in a celebration of our whole family – all eight generations! A registration form is attached and you should fill it out and submit fees based on the actual number of close family members who will be coming; please pay by cheque payable to the Bemisters of Carbonear. The basic fees will be:

Adults: $100 Youth (8 to 18): $50 Children (7 and under): FREE

Additionally there will be charges of ~ $7.50 per adult (and less for younger family members) for bus tours, and ~ $20 pp for 1½ to 2 hour boat rides to Carbonear Island and vicinity. This is all subject to review as we approach the event. The budget has to ensure we break even. No red ink! In 1999 the fees only covered about half the total costs and we were heavily dependent on donations. We need to cover more of the costs from fees this time. But at this point, please pay only the basic fees and tell us your preferences for tours and other activities; we can assess any additional charges when you get to the Legion in Carbonear based on current information at that time. These will not be excessive for sure.

Even if you are not attending, you might like to make a $10 contribution for membership in the Bemisters of Carbonear which would help to pay for some of our overheads and keep you in touch with a post reunion newsletter. If you would like to make a larger donation that would be appreciated too, and for any donation of $50 or more we will send a beautiful 2010 Newfoundland and Labrador calendar or the reunion souvenir package (your choice) and for $100 or more we will send both. Family members with businesses, professional services or arts and crafts may like to post advertisements in our souvenir booklet (anything from business card size to full page); contact us to talk about rates and copy.

2010 Bemister Family Reunion

Now just 8 months away - the 2010 Bemister Family Reunion looks like it will be the largest gathering yet. It is being held, August 6th to 8th, 2010, at the Royal Canadian Legion in Carbonear, Newfoundland & Labrador.

The event will be in celebration of the 263rd birthday of John Bemister of Lambsgreen Farm, Corfe Mullen, Dorset, England - the founder, along with his wife Mary Willis of the Bemisters of Carbonear family. The reunion will also be an opportunity to:

• Meet distant cousins from all over North America and UK
• Explore Bemister genealogy and family history
• Experience traditional Newfoundland hospitality
• Enjoy guided bus tours of Carbonear and nearby communities
• Take guided tour of cemetery to commune with ancestors
• Savour wonderful grand Newfoundland Feast and Kitchen Party
• Marvel at Bemister travelling museum
• Participate in Bemister Music Festival and Choir
• Share Church Service at traditional home of Bemisters
• Tour historic and archeological sites and provincial archives; and enjoy
whale watching, as well as cultural and social events with Bemister
cousins before and after the main celebration if you choose this option

Correspondence, interest forms, genealogical information, and cheques should be mailed to:

Bemisters of Carbonear,
Suite 185, 38 Pearson Street,
St. John’s, NL A1A 3R1

If cheques are not involved you could reach us by e-mail at: bemister2010@gmail.com

Please contact us as well for more information or to make suggestions,
and don’t forget to follow this blog for more up to the minute information: bemister.blogspot.com

2010 Bemister Family Reunion

To be held August 6th to 8th, 2010

at The Royal Canadian Legion

Carbonear, Newfoundland, Canada

In celebration of the 263rd Birthday of John Bemister of Corfe Mullen!

• Meet distant cousins from all over North America and UK
• Explore Bemister genealogy and family history
• Experience traditional Newfoundland hospitality
• Enjoy guided bus tours of Carbonear and nearby communities
• Take guided tour of cemetery to commune with ancestors
• Savour wonderful grand Newfoundland Feast and Kitchen Party
• Marvel at Bemister travelling museum
• Participate in Bemister Music Festival and Choir
• Share Church Service at traditional home of Bemisters
• Tour historic and archeological sites and provincial archives; and enjoy
whale watching, cultural and social events with Bemister cousins both
before and after the main celebration if you choose this option

Bemister Reunion in Newfoundland

In exactly one year from this week, family will gather in Carbonear as the Bemisters of Carbonear hold a reunion in the community that connects all descendants of the two pioneer brothers (William Willis Bemister and his younger brother Edward) who moved there in the early 1800's.

The Steering Committee have been working on plans which are well underway, and will be distributed within weeks.

We will also post updated plans on this Bemister Blog so stay tuned for more news.
Looking forward to seeing everyone in Carbonear in August 2010.

Sincerely
Cameron Hopkins

Welcome To Cameron Hopkins

Anyone involved with Bemister of Carbonear research and events will know Cameron Hopkins as he has been a driving force behind the organizing of family events across North America, and the UK over the last decade.

I had the opportunity to attend the first major event organized in Toronto in 1998 - which was totally by accident as I was in town on business and had decided to stay over for the weekend and visit with my sister and her family. We all ended up going to the reunion - and that followed with attending the 1999 reunion in Carbonear, Newfoundland and the trip to Corfe Mullen, in Dorset, UK in 2004.

Thanks to Cameron's efforts plans are well underway for 2010 in Carbonear once again (see below) -- but we need your ideas and input.

I was honoured to have Cameron recently join the Bemister Blog as contributing editor.

Welcome Aboard Cameron !!

Bemisters of Carbonear - New Email Contact Point

With mobility these days, web based email has become increasingly helpful.

As well, easy to remember addresses come in handy - thus a new address is now in place to assist with reunion planning for the Bemisters of Carbonear Family Reunion 2010. And what more appropriate address than bemister2010@gmail.com, as a point of contact. All mail sent to the address will go directly to Cameron Hopkins, the chair of the organizing committee.

Hope everyone is making their plans for 2010.

Cheers
Ian

Bemisters of Carbonear 2010 Family Reunion

William Willis Bemister (1789-1863)

Planning is well underway for the Bemisters of Carbonear 2010 Family Reunion, to ensure that it will be a grand opportunity to discover family roots and meet family members from across the North American continent. Bemisters of Carbonear because of a pair of brothers by the name of Bemister who headed out from Corfe Mullen in Dorset, England. Like many Newfoundlanders since - opportunities took them to many other locations but as the family became established and prospered in Carbonear area first it remains an ancestral home for all descendants.

Beginning with genealogical research in the 1990's, a few family members established new connections with relatives they didn't know. Once people had a chance to meet fellow descendants they began organizing reunions in Toronto, Newfoundland and Vancouver and quickly realized the value of holding larger events in ancestral home lands, as well as local events across the country. Local reunions and the major gatherings have become important events for family members with organizing committees working several years in advance. In 1999 an international reunion was held in Carbonear, Newfoundland and in 2004 the family returned to Corfe Mullen, England, for a reunion there. In all of these reunions local travel has been arranged so that sites of family significance can be visited.

The first member of the Bemister family arrived in Carbonear from Corfe Mullen Parish, Dorset. William Willis Bemister (1789-1863) was fourteen years old, and arrived as an apprentice clerk for a local export firm. His younger brother Edward joined him in 1812, and they eventually went into business on their own as they became young men.

The major family lines were established by the 18 children of these two brothers and their wives.
William Willis Bemister (1789-1863) m. Ann Howell (1789-1851)

1. Maria Ann m. Richard K. Shepherd (9 Children)
2. John G. m. Jane Taylor (5 children)
3. Louisa -
4. Willis m. Mary Elizabeth Bartlett (7 children)
5. Mary m. Mark William Forward (8 children)
6. William m. Dorcas Charlotte Bartlett (3 children)
7. Frederick Thomas m. Emily Louisa Taylor (5 children)
8. Reuben James m. Emily Jane Pike (3 children)
9. Sarah Jane m. Stephen B. Pike (5 children)

Edward Smith Bemister (1796-1878) m. Susannah Grant (1803-1859)

1. Thomas Grant -
2. Mary Amelia 1m. Joseph Drover (1 child) 2m. James Forward
3. Emma m. James Drover (6 children)
4. Julianna m. Robert Joyce (9 children)
5. John Ridout m. Mary Anne Cannon (10 children)
6. Elizabeth Susannah m. William S. Parsons (2 children)
7. Stella Jane -
8. Caroline m. James Hutchings (1 child)
9. Edward Fredric m. Elizabeth Clarke (5 children)

Bemisters of Carbonear 2010 Family Reunion Post-Reunion Activity

Ideas for post reunion activities are being solicited
Draft - open for suggestions

Sunday - Aug 8, 2010 - late afternoon

4:30 pm Meet at Brigus or Cupids
See museum or Hawthorne Cottage, Tunnel etc
Have dinner here at pre- arranged restaurant

Monday, - Aug 9, 2010 - St. John’s

9:00 am Need bus transport
meet at convenient spot where there is parking
Bus to Cape Spear
Then to Ferryland via Petty Harbour
Tour Colony of Avalon
Have lunch on site - pay your own

2:00 pm head for Bay Bulls
Take O’Brien’s 3 hr whale watching tour
Have dinner on site - could be lobster or other scoff - pay up front

Back in St. John’s by 9:00 pm - all of the above for less than $80

Tuesday - Aug 10, 2010 - am in St. John’s

9:00 am tour of General Protestant Cemetery and lunch at George Street Church if available or other

OTHER SITES in or near St John's - Signal Hill, Cabot Tower, Geo Site, NF Heritage Store - Joan Parson Woods Exhibit, Water St, War Memorial, walking trails, Quidi Vidi Village, Marine Drive, Bowering Park, - we can recommend

Bemisters of Carbonear 2010 Family Reunion Pre-Reunion Activity

Pre Reunion Activity
Draft - open for suggestions

It is suggested that we provide opportunities for sight seeing with a Bemister flavour before and after the reunion - on a pay as you go basis. We could consider some sort of pre-registration so folks would have name tags and buttons for easy identification. Possibilities are given below. It is especially important for St. John’s committee members to give thought to the feasibility of these suggestions.

(These activities are for people who come as early as Wednesday Aug 4th and stay Wed and Thurs night in St; John’s; Woods family descendants in particular could be invited to stay at Everton House B & B on Kings Bridge Road and some activity can be based there) Group activity provides opportunity to give Bemister buttons and name tags for easy ID We wouldn’t do actual registration here.

1. Thursday morning; 9:00 am. Self guided walking tour of Old St. John’s (optional Bemister group walking tour) including Colonial Building (where Hon J B was an MHA), Cochrane St Church (where his family and Woods family attended; war memorial, site of old Methodist College where Bemisters attended and JB and HGBW were on the Board; Gower Street Church (where Rev. Charles Ladner and Rev. George Payne preached), The Rooms (archives, art gallery and public records of births, deaths etc are stored). Time permitting also the Basilica, the Anglican Cathedral of St. John the Baptist,. LUNCH at The Rooms (with a view!) OR Ches’s Fish and Chips (ie folks can either go with the group or go on their own or with the group, and connect at Rooms at 10:30 if they want or at Ches’s or Rooms Restaurant at 1:00pm

2. Thursday am, alternative tour guided and transportation needed, to General Protestant Cemetery followed by Wesley United Church where Rev. Joe Joyce set up NF’s first radio station, VOWR, South side home of Capt Edward and Emma (Bemister) White, LUNCH at George St Church Would have to meet at convenient central place(s). Could include Signal Hill if we were using a bus, followed by run down Duckworth, Water St, Harbour Drive with possible stop at war memorial

3. Thursday pm, short tour of Colonial Building and proceed to Everton House for afternoon tea at 4:00 in H. G. B. Woods drawing room - with ghosts of the past! Especially of interest to descendants of Hon John Bemister. An alternative with large crowd might be a garden party instead.

4. Thursday evening, tour of General Protestant Cemetery, meet at East Gate on Old Topsail Road at 8:00 pm followed by drinks at St John’s pub (eg Ship Inn)

5. Suggest supper at some St John's restaurant - pay your own way - say Velma’s on Water St for excellent fish or The Battery for the view !!! OR the time of this could be later to allow for the view of the City at night - then go up Signal Hill when really dark. The cemetery tour could be dropped or scheduled earlier in this case.

6. NO organized activity Friday am; People expected to make their way to Carbonear at latest for 7:00 pm and as early as noon

2010 Bemister Family Reunion - Carbonear, Newfoundland

2010 Bemister Family Reunion - Carbonear, Newfoundland
Draft - open for suggestions

Game Plan - First Draft -
Schedule of events for the Carbonear Reunion.
Our objectives are:

∙ to celebrate the history and heritage of the Bemister family rooted in Carbonear and Freshwater, Newfoundland expressed through the lives of the ancestor as reflected in stories, artifacts, grave stones and historical documentation
∙ to provide an enjoyable and informative occasion to meet family members from far and wide
∙ to expand our knowledge of family genealogy and to disseminate this to our participating family members; to engage family members of all ages in building the family tree
∙ to show off some of Newfoundland’s historic sites, communities, local culture, and beauty spots with particular attention to the ancestral connections to same
∙ to enhance our knowledge of the West Country connection to Carbonear and the Bemister connection to it; to develop an appreciation of why the Bemisters came to Carbonear 200 years ago and why over time so many of them left
∙ to have one hell of a good time

Tentative Program of Activities

Most activities are scheduled for the Royal Canadian Legion

Friday, Aug 6, 2010

11:00 am Meeting of organizing committee
12:00 noon Lunch for organizing committee
1:00 pm Registration begins and continues through the day, sale of T-shirts etc
NL tourist info available, info on Carbonear
2:00 pm Activities;
∙ Roots, Trunks and Branches; how to read the family tree,
exchange of genealogical information
∙ Local bus tour; Carbonear, Harbour Grace, Freshwater
∙ Short bus tour to Brigus/Cupids
∙ Boat ride to Carbonear Island
∙ Walking tour of Carbonear; or self guided tour
∙ Youth program (?)
5:00 pm Free time
7:00 pm Reception
Meet and Greet
to Grand Opening
Greetings by public officials (Mayor, MHA, MP etc)
12:00 pm Newfoundland Time - Kitchen Party

Saturday, Aug 7, 2010

7:00 am Traditional Newfoundland Breakfast Buffet
8:00 pm Registration
8:30 pm Long bus tours
A. to North Shore
B: to Brigus and Cupids
Box lunches provided
9:00 am Activities
∙ Boat ride to Carbonear Island
∙ Workshop; The Bemisters and the Carbonear Fishery
(could include panel of knowledgeable people - eg Alan Perry who could be invited as our guest - and be guest speaker!!!
∙ Walking tour of Carbonear

12:00 noon Lunch
2:00 pm Activities
∙ Story time: who were the Bemisters? Show and tell, the Bemister’s Travelling Museum on display
∙ Bus tour of Carbonear, Harbour Grace and Freshwater
including Bemister’s Hill, Sheila’s grave, museum etc
∙ Boat ride to Carbonear Island
∙ Youth program

5:00 pm Free time
7:00 pm Dinner and Social Evening
Group Photo (?)
Traditional Newfoundland dinner - banquet style
Choice of seafood or turkey
Toasts
Stories
Guest Speaker (who?)
1:00 am DJ ?

Sunday, Aug 8, 2010

9:00 am Boat tour to Carbonear Island
11:00 am Bethany United Church Service

12:00 pm Lunch at the Church (pay as you go)

2:00 pm Activities
∙ Cemetery Tour
∙ Boat tour of Carbonear Island
∙ Boat tour Dildo Island Archeological Site
Cog jigging if possible

4:00 pm Formal end of reunion

Building the family tree and telling the family story

We would like to ask for your help in building the family tree and telling the family story. We are attaching a family group record form, which you could use as a guide to recording information on your own immediate family. Please enter full names, given names, dates, places, etc. Photocopy to produce other forms as needed - one for each nuclear family. We will be updating our wall charts from previous reunions - and producing a mini family tree to show how all those at our events are related.

It would be a great help if you could send us names and addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of other family members who might be interested in attending any of these events. And it would be a real boost if you could pass on the information to others in your family and bring a group!

We would be delighted to get feedback on future activities - including a dinner in Vancouver in 2008 a picnic there as well in 2009 and a proposed major weekend reunion in Carbonear in 2010. We hope you will continue to support our Bemister family project that will certainly leave a proud legacy for our children.

Yours sincerely

Cameron Hopkins
For the Organizing Committee

OTHER EVENTS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA & NEWFOUNDLAND

We are planning to hold further reunions in Vancouver, BC in May 2008 and in Carbonear, Newfoundland in August 2010. The event in Vancouver will likely be a dinner similar to the one we held in 2003. We have an active organizing committee in Newfoundland doing preliminary work on a major weekend event to be held in St. John’s and Carbonear two years down the road. Do tell us if you are interested in either of these activities and we will be sure to keep you informed.

Over the past 10 years since the first small Bemister event at Lorne and Martha Innes’s home in Mississauga, we have had no less than 8 Bemister events in Ontario, British Columbia, Newfoundland and England with a total participation of about 400. We now have within our extended family 7th cousins! We have an amazing diversity amongst the progeny of John and Mary Bemister of Corfe Mullen who have spread all across North America – and who seem to have had a wonderful time getting to know one another at our various reunions.

So we will be thrilled to have you and your immediate family take part in our grand project, help build our family tree and keep our family traditions alive!

TO REGISTER

To register or to express an interest in our Bemister Pot Luck Supper please return one of the enclosed forms with a cheque or money order payable to the Bemisters of Carbonear as soon as possible - and certainly not later than July 15. To register please send $20 per adult and $10 per youth along with your registration form. Children under 12 can attend for free. If you cannot attend, do sign up in the Bemisters of Carbonear anyway - and stay in touch! A family membership of $10 keeps you on the mailing list and we will send out further information as plans unfold

We welcome donations which will help to support these events and otherwise promote the objectives of the Bemisters of Carbonear - such as advancing our knowledge of family history and genealogy, producing regular newsletters, and setting up a Web site, repairing older headstones and organizing future family reunions. If you make a donation of $50 or more we will be glad to send you a beautiful Newfoundland pictorial calendar. For a donation of $100 or more we will provide you with a copy of Elizabeth Squire’s “They Lived by the Sea” which has lots and lots of information on our ancestors – especially Bemisters and related families in the Carbonear area.

Contact - Bemisters of Carbonear,
lchopkins@shaw.ca
c/o Cameron Hopkins, 246 River Street, Ganonoque, ON
Cameron Hopkins (BC) (250) 962 1967
(After Jun 1, ON) (613) 382 7166