5/28/2015The Merikins: Free Black Settlers 18151816 Home About Us You are @ Research Libraries Subject Guide Services Collections The Merikins: Free Black Settlers 18151816 Research FAQs Sign In : Thursday, May 28, 2015 The Merikins: Free Black Settlers 1815‐1816 History of the Merikin Settlers | Trinidad in the 19th Century | Free Black Land Owners | Company Villages | Obstacles Faced by the Merikin Settlers | Notable Merikins and Merikin Descendants | Merikin Traditions | Merikin Religion | Merikin Institutions Today | Merikin Poetry | References LANDS CONFERRED BY THE BRITISH The story behind the arrival of the Merikins in Trinidad goes back to the American War of Independence, 1775 – 1783 when runaway slaves were first encouraged to join the British fighting forces. A major enticement for their enlistment was the promise of freedom by Lord Dunmore, the then Colonial Governor of Virginia. At the end of the war these exsoldiers were granted their freedom and taken to Nova Scotia in Canada, Sierra Leone, Jamaica and the Bahamas. During the War of 18121814, known by some historians as “The War of Faulty Communication”, the British made similar promises of freedom to slaves who joined their naval or military forces. These black soldiers were told that at the end of the war they would remain free men and earn 16 acres of land per head of family. Historians document that these black soldiers/marines were runaway slaves of the American slave owners who made up the British army and that they were recruited into a total of six (6) military companies. They were recruited mainly from Chesapeake Bay, shores of Virginia and Maryland, as well as from the coast of Georgia. The following Proclamation was made: A PROCLAMATION By the Honourable Sir Alexander F. I. Cochrane, K.B. Vice Admiral of the Red, and Commander in Chief of His Majesty’s Ships and Vessels, upon the North American Station. Whereas, it has been represented to me, that many Persons now resident in the UNITED STATES, have expressed a desire to withdraw therefrom, with a view of entering into His Majesty’s Service, or of being received as Free Settlers into some of His Majesty’s Colonies. This is therefore to Give Notice, That all who may be disposed to emigrate from the UNITED STATES will, with their Families, be received on board His Majesty’s Ships or Vessels of War, or at the Military Posts that may be established, upon or near the Coast of the UNITED STATES, when they will have their choice of either entering into His Majesty’s Sea or Land Forces, or of being sent as FREE Settlers to the British Possessions in North America or the West Indies, where they will meet with due encouragement, Translate This Page Select Language Powered by Translate OPAC Quick Search Search Quick Links Access Our Databases Ask NALIS Browse Our Catalogue Digital Library Download NALIS Forms eBooks on EBSCOHOST eBooks on OverDrive External Resources Find a Public Library Internet Use Policies Join the Library My Library Account Open Library eBook Service Search Our Subject Guide Services to Differently Abled Staff Webmail Given under my Hand at Bermuda, this 2nd day of April, 1814, ALEXANDER COCHRANE. By Command of the Vice Admiral WILLIAM BALHETCHET. GOD SAVE THE KING TRINIDAD IN THE NINETEENTH CENTURY Trinidad in the early 1800s was described as a “melange of ideologies, cultures, colour and status.” It was different from most West Indian islands in respect of the high proportion of free coloured people. Notably, when Britain took Trinidad in 1797 there was already a large intermediate group of free coloured people, in the middle of the ruling white elite and the growing number of slaves. The following British figures played a significant part in the arrival and success of the Free Black Settlers: Sir Ralph Woodford In 1813, Sir Ralph Woodford arrived as governor. In 1815, he acknowledged the chief obstacle to the development of Trinidad was “the want of a labouring population." He was responsible for the introduction of the Colonial Marines/exsoldiers and ensured the establishment of the Company Villages in South Trinidad, in spite of opposition from wealthy Naparima planters. http://www.nalis.gov.tt/Research/SubjectGuide/TheMerikinsFreeBlackSettlers18151816/tabid/563/Default.aspx?PageContentMode=1 1/7 their plots were “Blood Lands”. There is a story that the early settlers bartered their wives for much needed horses in order to work their plantations. during crop season from January to April and it is said that by 1825 they were producing 2. Teesdale Road and Samuel Cooper Road. women and children. Governor Lord Harris Lord Harris served as Governor from 1846–1854. It is said that these Free Black American settlers brought rice to Trinidad for the first time. an application was made. that in one case the passengers drowned and in another. a Naparima planter who handled much of the operation of settling the exsoldiers and their families. These Merikin settlers worked both their own lands. Rice was especially valued for its durability.000 barrels of corn and over 400 barrels of rice.aspx?PageContentMode=1 2/7 . The word American went through a similar mutation; they meant to say that I am American but instead they said I am “Merikin”. Hard Bargain or Williamsville. remains of which are said to be still visible. OBSTACLES ENCOUNTERED BY THE MERIKIN SETTLERS http://www. The following is an example. La Retreat and La Resource. THIRD COMPANY Usually referred to as “Indian Walk” and has an interesting story. It got its name from being the pathway of the Guarajoon Indian who came from Venezuela through Moruga to trade in the Mission known as Princes Town. such as Hackshaw. which was attained by either dropping the first letter or two. Sampson Ridge and Lengua. Brankar Trace. Mother Kelly. Each ship delivered a number of exsoldiers and their families. His vision was described as an economic one by author Mr. It is said that the ship never made it to Trinidad. The ten years between 1817 and 1827 were successful years for the company villages. such as supplies for the women and children. Significant areas include Fort George Road that is named after an old Fort. out of which 574 were the disbanded exsoldiers. bananas. He was instrumental in improving the infrastructural development and was sometimes described as being too “Planter friendly”. Mitchell's reports documented the progress of each village and he petitioned for needed resources. each showed that there was a great imbalance. cassava and rice were the crops planted. First Comapny land also covers the area called Hindustan. Corn. attest to the fact that this company did arrive and were initially placed in Laventille and Caroni. He felt that the success of the estates was essential for the prosperity of the whole island. or the last letter off words.nalis.tt/Research/SubjectGuide/TheMerikinsFreeBlackSettlers18151816/tabid/563/Default. It is well known for its rich agricultural land and oil bearing areas. Significant area: Piparo Mud Volcano. Streets named after settlers include Williamsville and Gobin village. hence. potatoes.5/28/2015 The Merikins: Free Black Settlers 18151816 Mr. some twenty years after their arrival in Trinidad. Robert Mitchell Governor Woodford credited much of his success to Mr. Brewer and Atwater. Many of the “Merikin” Company Villages have completely changed their original names with the exception of Fifth (5th) and Sixth (6th) Companies. the new name “New Grant”. FIFTH COMPANY Retained its original name. Thus they added to the diversification of the economy and gave the island a valuable staple crop. The total number of Merikin settlers who arrived in Trinidad between May 1815 and August 1816 was approximately 781 men. COMPANY MEN WOMEN CHILDREN TOTAL First Company 61 18 7 86 First Company Many in this batch were recorded as aged or infirmed Third Company 32 14 17 63 Fourth Company 404 83 87 574 They were settled in the South of Trinidad. allotments earned by military service.gov. Michael Anthony. Other authors/researchers. that is. in the Naparima District/Savanna Grande (now Princes Town). To the Merikins. The men outnumbered the women. SECOND COMPANY Many stories are told about this company. they were blown off course to Jamaica. and government granted new areas of land adjacent to the old. because it could be stored all year round without losing its nutritive value or taste. during the times the men were forced to leave the villages to work on other farms. such as Jackson Block and Lewis Trace. Lord Harris’ support of the Merikin land settlers’ petitions resulted in them eventually being given deeds to their lands with the proper titles. and on neighbouring estates. Streets or areas named after settlers include Mitchell Block. Example of street names include Loney Road. FOURTH COMPANY This area includes Sherring Place. exsoldiers. These Land Deeds clearly stated: The name of the original settlers The number of acres granted Established the fact that the lands were also granted to the heirs of the settlers for the “time in perpetuity” FREE BLACK LAND OWNERS These exslaves. This company is now known as the Petite Café and Matilda Boundary areas. now land owners. Since this was a heavily populated and farmed area. Weston Road. Famous areas include: Cane districts La Cabee. It must be understood that geographically the areas also overlap each other. FIRST COMPANY Originally called Grant because it was the area of land granted to the first settlers and it was rich soil. Many of the streets were named after settlers. Robert Mitchell. spoke an abbreviated version of the language. It is famous for its mixed farming and large virgin forest areas such as Cata Hill. SIXTH COMPANY Also retained its original name. since they were Englishspeaking and Protestant. SOME NOTABLE MERIKINS William Richardson Samuel Webb Amphy & Bashana Jackson Augustus Lewis John Milton Hackshaw Arthur Sampson Ebeneze Elliot (Papa Neezer or Neza) William Hamilton PAPA NEEZER (1901–1969) Born Ebenezer Elliot. those with ownership of land in oil producing areas were able to benefit from oil rights and lease rents. According to Ms. and became an accomplished drummer and adherent to the religion.” In light of that. when no streams were available for laundering. lined with leaves.tt/Research/SubjectGuide/TheMerikinsFreeBlackSettlers18151816/tabid/563/Default. He was a direct descendent of original Merikin settlers George Elliot. sugar the exking and oil the future emperor. which was mainly Frenchspeaking and Catholic. These included: Administrative (few resources plus the inability to read and write. from which he would prescribe according to his revelations. the big market day. Increasing skills in preparation of herbal remedies Even with the lack of proper building materials. who was sociable. Hillary Bobcombe. son of Egbert Bobcombe. Making soap from ashes.gov.) Social (where the men outnumbered the women) Both the British and the Merikin settlers worked relentlessly to overcome the obstacles by: Supplementing the low ratio of women with liberated African women from French slave ships and other islands. MERIKIN TRADITIONS Gayap System http://www. Dudley Bobcombe’s father. which attracted many from the neighbourhood and region. "Obeah" is not about doing bad from the long time point of view but it was about helping people. Cooking in a hole in the ground.aspx?PageContentMode=1 3/7 . Brewer noted in his thesis that these settlers experienced success in spite of several upheavals: (i) the flight from slavery; (ii) then military service with limited resources (iii) little time to recover physically and psychologically in order to adjust to their new situation in Trinidad. etc. The Merikin settlers had difficulty identifying with the surrounding population. but a helper and healer. clothing and rations for the women and children left behind when the men went out of the villages to work. Bobcombe is also of the opinion that ‘Merikins’ displayed a high level of fierce independence and this. He is said to have special powers to heal the sick. “Cocoa was the reigning queen. which was a tub made by burning and scooping out the inside of a log – used to wash in. They also felt a marked pride in their freedom and in their independent status. on his mother’s side. he was employed as a road builder. his granddaughter. Merikin descendants were also involved in sugar cane cultivation on a smaller scale as well as other forms of agriculture. he was not an Obeah man. He had a special liking for Shango religion. He was a family man. who still has the 16 acres of land which was granted to his original ancestor. no schools and worship buildings) Physical (poor access roads. he had good religious training and was a devout member of his faith from the time he was baptised and accepted membership. Petitioning for the much needed tools.5/28/2015 The Merikins: Free Black Settlers 18151816 Many obstacles were encountered by the Merikin settlers of these remotely located company villages. he says. Dr. According to another female descendant. Leonis Roberts. he was well known for his prophecies using the ‘Obee Seed’ and bible passages (especially the Psalms). He never took money. at Princes Town." MERIKIN DESCENDANTS One Merikin descendant. Dr. charitable. were just two (2) of the sugar cane farmers from the villages. Mr. remembers his father (who died in 1954) and his grandfather. and George Blackwell. was not about the money. and Annie Saunders Missette’s father. Eric Williams said of Trinidad in 1911. The “Batelle” invention. is of the view that the American exsoldiers played a very important role in the promotion of Trinidad’s indigenous economy. her father owned a horse. the settlers who had the experience of building shelters for themselves in Chesapeake were able to construct rudimentary shelters which saw them through the rainy seasons. animals. According to Huggins. John Saunders. they carried through all walks of their lives. no animals to farm or transport. He later participated in his own meetings. equipment and proper roads. very approachable and because he established undying friendships and acquaintances. they developed a strong sense of group identity. Ruben Bobcombe. One can still find descendants of these ‘Merikins’ peddling provisions they had planted on Sunday mornings. he was more popularly known a Papa Nezer or Neza. he became known as ‘Papa’ or ‘father’. As subsistence farmers they were pioneers in the growing of shortterm crops.nalis. on his father’s side. cast off evil spirits. He did much to promote his religion and was very influential in the construction of a modern church in his community. In addition to being a cocoa farmer he was also involved in the official construction of the Moruga Road. Described as a dynamic person. as cocoa planters. donkey and a mule and he would use these animals to transport his produce to Port of Spain to be sold. As a result. Brewer indicates may have mostly been introduced by African slave women who were sent to marry the men. including pastors. Cowen. The following progress has been made: Three (3) Primary Schools: (i) Marac Baptist Primary School (1952). and their children remained loyal to the Baptist profession. They elected their own pastors and maintained some sort of Church life. named the ‘London’ Baptists. Modesty in dress respect for elders.tt/Research/SubjectGuide/TheMerikinsFreeBlackSettlers18151816/tabid/563/Default. which Dr. and elders. there was probably little more than the practice of adult immersion to mark them as Christian communities. It currently has a main hall and women’s dormitory.T. Brewer indicates that. Much more needs to be explored with regards to the rich history of the Merikin Baptist. John Bramble. (iii) Webb Memorial Baptist Primary School (1958) One (1) Secondary School: Cowen Hamilton Secondary School (1962) One (1) Senior Citizen Home: Mary Jenny Poole Senior Citizen’s Home One (1) Princes Town Early Childhood Centre Vocational Training Centres United Baptist Theological Institute Camp Site: Camp Ebenezer. no selfadornment or secular entertainments. John Hackshaw immigration also contributed to the variations in their religion.5/28/2015 The Merikins: Free Black Settlers 18151816 They brought this “each one. that strong spiritual justification was needed to make it acceptable. Rev. whilst Dr. one of the major groups who worked with the Merikins to raise their standard of living was the English missionaries from the Baptist Missionary Society. preachers and deacons. Other influences included African tribal beliefs.) which governs the London Baptist Churches. Brewer’s research shows that as literacy increased so too did the empowerment of the spiritual leaders and the Merikin community. (ii) Fifth Company Baptist Primary School (1967). a Replica Village and Museum Will be fitting tribute to hallowed ground http://www. John’s Baptist Church (1845) Third Company Baptist (previously in existence in since 1840. But gradually old African practices and beliefs crept back. located in Piparo. influenced the structure of the villages. flowers. According to Mr. cultivation and reaping of crops and the burial of the dead.nalis. official building constructed in 1850) Fifth Company Baptist (1843) MERIKIN INSTITUTIONS TODAY One of the many strong institutions today is the Baptist Union of Trinidad & Tobago (B. Brewer states that the Merikins arrived with their Baptist faith.aspx?PageContentMode=1 4/7 .gov. Obeah The ‘Obeah man’s’ business was a most important practice to the Company Villages and profitable trade which supplied a lucrative source of income.U. Upon arrival churches were formed and a leadership structure set up. which they applied for almost every complaint and felt that the cure for disease lay in the application of herbs which possessed special medicinal properties – leaves. Variations in these Evangelical Baptists include: The London Baptists The Independent Baptists The Fundamental Baptists The church. on a ten (10) acre parcel of land acquired from Texaco. Bush Medicine They had a special art of “Bush medicine” preparation. unswerving execution of domestic duties. EARLY CHURCHES BUILT St. Merikin Baptist settlers’ genesis is in the Orthodox Baptist denomination and was evangelical in nature. such as Virginia and Georgia. This code required total abstinence from extra marital sex. THE MERIKIN BAPTISTS INITIAL STANDARDS Dr.” THE MERIKIN BAPTIST According to Rev. Anslem Warrick reminds that the American missionaries also played a fundamental role. the evangelical Baptist denomination was the major religion. economic selfsufficiency. Once in Trinidad. It is in close proximity to the now famous mud volcano. and he notes that in their recruitment places of origin. intense piety and total participation in rituals of worship where the required standards” THE MERIKIN BAPTIST CHANGES “The older immigrants were Baptists. Dr. no consumption of alcohol. with future construction plans. help one” system which was observed in house and church building. MERIKIN CROCK OF GOLD Lands that lie fallow do nothing for anyone Lands that lie fallow do not add to the economic fabric of the nation We need help to burnish our thoughts How to develop the lands to which our forebears were brought Agriculture as an industry we must be made to see Is the activity that will bring wealth for you and me 16 acres of land were given to the head of each household Together with freedom that was their crock of gold The history and the land are the legacies Left by men who built villages called the Companies A Heritage centre. bark and roots.T. so when these villages were visited by Mr. along with the Merikins' military training. Construction of this camp began in 1993. "In daily life ‘the cross’ translated into a moral and behavioural code so strict. gov. West and East By: Augustus Lewis © The Minister of Quarrel CARIBBEAN WOMAN Caribbean woman how do you do Caribbean woman I’m in love with you An amalgam of different groups Caribbean woman that is your roots Evolution has played its part To make you temptress of my heart Caribbean woman I watch you sway As you walk down the street from day to day Long hours and toils around the great hall And labour and toils around the great hall Your compañeros in the cocoa plantation Also made a sterling contribution In every walk of life you played a part From the cradle to the grave you were the spark Caribbean woman you bear no hate Woman of the year we appreciate On islands between Cuba and Trinidad You display qualities that make me glad http://www.aspx?PageContentMode=1 5/7 . there will be growing pains Something we will experience as we break the chains As Trinbagonians we have a duty To love and care for our country And know our rights and responsibilities In order to develop our country Protect zealously our heritage And guard against wanton theft and wastage Be on guard for distorters of history Who for selfish reasons will sell out this country Rather than share with our brothers in the Caribbean Some of the wealth that was bestowed on this nation Let us bring economic relief To compatriots North. how say you About 1200 miles from north to south Caribbean in content that’s what we are about As slaves the Middle Passage was a horrible experience And is the legacy of men who caught and sold us without conscience As Indentured Labourers we kissed this shore That changed us from untouchables forevermore We have evolved as Trinbagonians with a new identity No more mother Africa no more mother India for me Lebanese. French and Spanish too Are important ingredients in this callaloo The blending agent in this unique dish Is the catalytic action of the English As we move forward and upward as a nation.5/28/2015 The Merikins: Free Black Settlers 18151816 The role of the Merikin Diaspora is the cornerstone In the development of this land we call our own Tourism is another industry that can easily flourish In a region blessed with scenery and virgin forest With it must come the essential infrastructure That will make tremendous changes in scenic Moruga It’s the oil in the soil our famous bard did claim That lies in the South from whence the Merikins came Men of the Diaspora what ideas have you To revive the economy and bring life anew Our forefathers fought for freedom and liberty Let us roll back the evils of ignorance and poverty Men and women of the Merikin Diaspora Their Excellencies from America. South.nalis.tt/Research/SubjectGuide/TheMerikinsFreeBlackSettlers18151816/tabid/563/Default. Britain and Canada have come together To wreak change in the land of our forefathers Sleeping giants just dream a while Of the things that are possible and wake with a smile Their Excellencies have conspired and touched base after 200 years Merikins let us stand up and say three cheers By Augustus Lewis © The Minister of Quarrel 2007 I AM CARIBBEAN I am Caribbean can’t you see Fellow man that’s my ethnicity I am Caribbean through and through Compatriot on that score. Hackshaw. A History of Rio Claro since 1900 8.gov.Trinidad and Tobago. 1813 and 1814. Tracing East Indian Roots 23. Bridget 1979.aspx?PageContentMode=1 6/7 . The Saga of The Companies 18. Campbell. Reverend Fitzroy. Hart and Abercromby Streets. Hackshaw. Donald 1986. 1978. A History of the War between Great Britain the United States of America During the years 1812. 2. Land Tenure & Social Mobility in the Company Villages 1815/16 to Present. The Baptist Churches of South Trinidad and their Missionaries 18151892. A. W.tt/Research/SubjectGuide/TheMerikinsFreeBlackSettlers18151816/tabid/563/Default. John Milton. Stanfield. Free Black Settlers 18151816. LeeSing. Profile Trinidad: A Historical Survey from Discovery to 1900 16. 9. The March to Liberty Through Jesus Christ 13. John Milton.55: pp 89 10. Mc Nish Weiss. Brereton. Vol. Lisa. Eator 1977. 1814. Carli. 3. London Public Records Office. John’s Baptist Church 150th Anniversary (1845—1995) 21. The Origin of the Christian Religion: The Baptist Faith: The Independents & the Spiritual Baptist Churches 15. St. The Baptist Denomination. Jamaica and Guadeloupe too Islands all nestled in the Caribbean Sea Islands that share a common history Caribbean woman you are the beacon With which a people’s destiny has to recon Light your lights for all to see As you sail the Caribbean Sea Tell us stories about unity And the importance of integrity Oh Sepia woman of seas so blue This sepia man is in love with you By: Augustus Lewis © The Minister of Quarrel 1. Port of Spain. Moruga Tales 14. Brereton. 4. Towns and Villages of Trinidad and Tobago 22. Michael 1975. Land Tenure and Management of Land in Trinidad and Tobago 12. Trinidad in Transition: The Year after Slavery 24. Montigue. Md. Printed In Easton. Michael 2001. Richardson. Auchinleck. Voices in the Street Image sources The Merikins: Free Black Settlers 18151816 Exhibition Photo Gallery The Merikins: Free Black Settlers 18151816 Presentation National Library and Information System Authority National Library of Trinidad and Tobago. Republican Star. A Free Mulatto. Sir Alexander’s Cochrane’s Proclamation Source: Admiralty Archives 1/508. B.. Peter David. Shimshu. Capt H. 7. 6. Wood. Eric Eustace. Dean. Williams. John Milton (1993). Bridget 2009. Bible Facts One Should Know About the Learned & the Unlearned.5/28/2015 The Merikins: Free Black Settlers 18151816 Caribbean woman I salute you In Cuba. http://www. Slavery Days in Trinidad: A Social History of the Island from 1797– 1838 20. Bladensburg. Olga J. Ottley. Huggins. 11. 5. May 03. Gilbert 1972. 19. The History of Modern Trinidad 17831962. Brewer.B. David 1993. 1974. John. Hackshaw. George 1988. Khan June 2011. I. Carlton R. Two Among Many 25. The Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research.579. 1977. Race Relations in Colonial Trinidad 1870—1900 17.nalis. Anthony. Anthony. Mavrogorato. Atwater. NALIS Terms Of Use : Privacy Statement http://www.30am to 4.tt Business Hours: Monday to Thursday 8.00pm and Saturday 8.gov.aspx?PageContentMode=1 7/7 .15pm and Friday 8.00pm Library Hours: Monday to Friday 8.00am to 4.tt/Research/SubjectGuide/TheMerikinsFreeBlackSettlers18151816/tabid/563/Default.30am to 6.00am to 4.5/28/2015 The Merikins: Free Black Settlers 18151816 Telephone: 1(868) 6236962/7278/9673 | 1(868) 6241130/4466/5075 | Fax: 1(868) 6256096 | Email:
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