St. James United Church Cemetery Stone #10 Rev. Thomas Trotter Dimensions: 9'1" in height, 24" wide at the top and 45" wide at the bottom, 11.5" thick at top and 26" thick at the bottom Orientation: The stone faces west towards the street in marked contrast to the predominant east/west orientation of most tombstones in St. James cemetery. Carver: Signed R.a.M'Kim on the bottom Inscription: The inscription on the front reads: "In Loving/Memory of/The Reverend/Thomas/Trotter/1782-1855". Further down, it continues: "This monument was/Erected by the/Congregation." The reverse side reads: "In Loving/Memory of/ELIZABETH/Wife of Rev. Thomas/TROTTER/1783-1866" Condition: This monument type of marker is in excellent condition. However, the scriptural verse on the side dedicated to Elizabeth Trotter is illegible. This handsome marble monument with its red-brown sandstone base differs significantly from other stones in St. James Cemetery. It does not conform to the popular door or portal type. Moreover, the elaborate detailing such as the crown, epitomizing the heavenly crown, and the thistle motif, emblematic of Scotland, presents a striking contrast to the plain austerity of early 19th-century grave markers. Clearly, this stone was a fitting tribute for Trotter and reflected his congregation's respect and pride. The Rev. Thomas Trotter settled with his family in Antigonish in June 1818. As the clergyman at St. James, he served Antigonish Presbyterians for thirty-seven years. He is better known as a prominent farmer and landowner, supervising an estate called "Hawthorne Farm" on the crest of the hill on Hawthorne Street and extending towards Brooklyn Street. He owned a number of houses and barns and was probably the first farmer in Antigonish to provide houses for his hired help. The censuses for 1827 and 1838 document Trotter's triumphant ascent. In 1827, it was noted that the Trotter household consisted of 6 persons. At this time, Trotter had 50 acres of cultivated land. Just over a decade later, the household doubled and the total amount of cleared acreage soared to 240 acres. The census for 1838 further notes that Trotter's assets included 120 acres of uncleared land, 40 cattle, 5 horses, 45 sheep and 21 pigs. Janley Grant [ Back ]