John Connor (mariner) facts for kids
John Connor (1728–1757) was a sailor who made history in Nova Scotia. He started the very first ferry boat service in Halifax Harbour. He was also involved in a conflict known as the Attack at Mocodome during a time called Father Le Loutre's War.
Connor arrived in Halifax in 1749 with Edward Cornwallis. He later moved to a nearby town called Dartmouth. During a difficult time, some stories say his family was lost during a conflict in Dartmouth in 1751. In February 1752, the Nova Scotia Council asked John Connor to set up the first ferry service in Halifax Harbour. This ferry helped people travel between Halifax and Dartmouth. By December 1752, he passed on his ferry business to two other sailors.
John Connor was later involved in the Attack at Mocodome. He reported that he acted to escape being captured during this event. Some stories from the Mi'kmaq people suggest his involvement was a way to get revenge for what happened to his family in Dartmouth. A record from July 1752 shows John Connor living in Halifax with two other adult males and one adult female.
On December 16, 1757, John Connor passed away at the age of 29. He died during the French and Indian War and was buried at the Old Burial Ground in Halifax.
What He Left Behind
- A street in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia is named Connor Street in his honor.
