Fonds MG H 25 - Henry Harvey Stuart

Title proper

Henry Harvey Stuart

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  • Textual record

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Fonds

Reference code

CA UNB MG H 25

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2 m of textual records

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Name of creator

(1873-1952)

Biographical history

Henry Harvey Stuart, son of John Palmer Stuart of Canning and Margaret Craig of Harvey, was born on August 9, 1873, near North Minto, New Brunswick. His mother died when Stuart was two years of age, and he was sent to board with a widow, Mrs. Lewis Allbright, in Newcastle Stream. During Stuart's eight year stay with Mrs. Allbright and her three children, he was exposed to many different forms of literature -- from the classical literature and various forms of history that his father brought him on his frequent visits, to the Bible, Gospel Temperance Magazines, and other such religious-oriented reading that was to be found at the Allbrights.

Although he passed his High School entrance in July, 1888, financial stringency meant that Stuart would never be able to attend high school. In the years that followed, he took jobs in numerous printing offices, until he was finally able to attend the Provincial Normal School in September, 1893. While attending Normal School, Stuart was editor of the school paper, the Normal Light. He earned his second class licence in 1894, followed by a first class licence in 1895, and a superior licence in 1896. Although he studied law in his spare time, and was fairly successful upon writing Law Examinations, this was not a path that he followed. Instead, he became a teacher -- a career choice made in 1894, which he pursued until his retirement in 1933.

In pursuit of higher income, Stuart moved from one school to another for most of his career. He was extremely vocal in his opinions about the education system, especially the role of the teacher, and above all, equal opportunity for all students. Stemming from these beliefs, he founded some of the earliest branches of Parent-Teachers Associations in the province. Perhaps most importantly, however, Stuart played an integral role in the organization of the New Brunswick Teachers' Association, for whom he acted as secretary-treasurer from 1903-1908.

In 1900, H.H. Stuart became a licenced lay preacher of the Methodist church, and took on the responsibility of both teaching Sunday school and preaching for Methodist, Presbyterian and Baptist churches. In 1925, he was also licenced by the United Church of Canada. In all of the communities in which he served, he attempted, usually successfully, to either start or re-kindle local temperance societies, and often served as their secretary.

From his social gospel background, Stuart emerged in the early eighteen-nineties to become a vocal political radical who combined devout religious beliefs with socialism in the advocacy of numerous social reforms. In 1902, Stuart organized the first socialist party in New Brunswick, the Fredericton Socialist League, with himself acting as president, and his friend, Martin Butler, as secretary.

Aside from his professional and political life, Stuart also placed great importance on his personal, family life. He married Bertha Alexander, and together they had a family of seven children: Eulah M., Edwin A., J. Walter, Eileen B., Henry W., Charles R. and Allan P.

Henry Harvey Stuart died on October 21, 1952, at his home in Fredericton Junction.

Source:

Chapman, James K. "Henry Harvey Stuart (1873-1952): New Brunswick Reformer", "Acadiensis", vol. 5, no. 2, 1976

Custodial history

Scope and content

This fonds documents the personal, professional, and reform activities of Henry Harvey Stuart. In particular, it highlights his involvement and interest in socialism, unionism, politics, education, religion, temperance, and labour.

The fonds contains correspondence, 1869, 1895-1955; letterbooks, speeches, copies of published articles, education records, newspaper clippings, scrapbooks, genealogical materials, and scattered issues of newspapers and periodicals (many on socialist, labour and Christian themes).

There is also a description of Benton and Benton graded school with a list of pupils with their age and birth date. Also includes minutes of Newcastle Methodist Men's Union, Newcastle Town Improvement League, and Fredericton Junction Discussion group as well as two addresses by Stuart "World Federation or More World Wars?", 1943, and "The Church and Post-War Reconstruction", 1943; several speeches including those to Northumberland County People's Union and to Fredericton workmen; and a record of "the doings" of the Branch Bible Society of Waterborough.

Physical condition

The physical condition of the material in this fonds allows for limited and selective reproduction. Permission from archives staff is required on an item by item basis.

Immediate source of acquisition

The material in this fonds was deposited in the UNB Archives at different intervals. The first instalment, from the Stuart family, arrived in 1945. It consisted of 18 scrapbooks and two cartons of newspaper clippings relating mainly to the Maritimes. Between the years 1945 - 1985, Edwin A. Stuart and Eileen Cram, (née Eileen Stuart) intermittently deposited books and some manuscripts. In 1985, Mary L. Stuart, widow of Allan P. Stuart, deposited letterbooks and correspondence. After this date, Dr. James Chapman periodically deposited published material.

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Language of material

  • English

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An inventory is available.

Associated materials

Records relating to Henry Harvey Stuart can also be found in the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick MC724 "A catalogue of documents about the CCF Party in New Brunswick" and MC1009 N.B. Farmer-Labour Union fonds

Related records can also be found in MG H120 Co-operative Commonwealth Federation, York County Constituency Council fonds in the University of New Brunswick Archives.

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