308-312 Water Street - Morris Division
The O’Neill Complex is designated a Local Historic Place for its architecture and for its 143 year association with the O’Neill family.
It may be that Irish immigrant Henry O’Neill had this complex built circa 1828, although some records suggest a much earlier origin. Many locals have wondered about this unusual elongated building which, at first glance, resembles some sort of barracks. The block upon which this building stands was known locally as the O’Neill Block in honour of Henry O’Neill. The complex is basically two homes put together, with the home on the left having an extra rank of windows on each side of the entrance. This was most probably the home of Henry O’Neill and his sons.
Henry O’Neill was one of the most successful early Irish settlers and he and his family became one of the most philanthropic families in the Town of St. Andrews. Henry immigrated to Canada in March 1818 from Tyrone County, Ireland, arriving in Saint John after a two month voyage. Having secured a sub-contract for supplying provisions to the troops quartered in the garrison at St. Andrews, he moved to this town in 1821.
Evidence of his popularity among the early Catholic immigrants is evident in the fact that the first Catholic mass in St. Andrews was held where he lived previously (at 119 Water Street) in 1822, where a collection of 30 pounds was obtained to build a church. He was a consistent advocate of total abstinence and his benevolent activities were numerous. He raised a family of 12 children and passed away in 1884 at the age of 92.
He was one of the last of the early Irish immigrants. Upon his death, the meat business that he had established in 1823 was carried on by his sons under the name of H. O’Neill. This residential building was owned by Henry O’Neill and his descendants for a total of 143 years.
Architecturally, this home consists of a simple common vernacular style. The simple roofline, low plan with symmetrical proportions, and multi-pane windows add to its charming rustic appearance. This block was used for O’Neill’s large farm which was once surrounded by a white thorn hedge from quicks imported from Belfast, Ireland. Large barns were located behind this building into the 1940s.
The character-defining elements of this property include:
Architectural Style: Double Cape Cod
Source: Charlotte County Archives - Old Gaol - St. Andrews, New Brunswick
It may be that Irish immigrant Henry O’Neill had this complex built circa 1828, although some records suggest a much earlier origin. Many locals have wondered about this unusual elongated building which, at first glance, resembles some sort of barracks. The block upon which this building stands was known locally as the O’Neill Block in honour of Henry O’Neill. The complex is basically two homes put together, with the home on the left having an extra rank of windows on each side of the entrance. This was most probably the home of Henry O’Neill and his sons.
Henry O’Neill was one of the most successful early Irish settlers and he and his family became one of the most philanthropic families in the Town of St. Andrews. Henry immigrated to Canada in March 1818 from Tyrone County, Ireland, arriving in Saint John after a two month voyage. Having secured a sub-contract for supplying provisions to the troops quartered in the garrison at St. Andrews, he moved to this town in 1821.
Evidence of his popularity among the early Catholic immigrants is evident in the fact that the first Catholic mass in St. Andrews was held where he lived previously (at 119 Water Street) in 1822, where a collection of 30 pounds was obtained to build a church. He was a consistent advocate of total abstinence and his benevolent activities were numerous. He raised a family of 12 children and passed away in 1884 at the age of 92.
He was one of the last of the early Irish immigrants. Upon his death, the meat business that he had established in 1823 was carried on by his sons under the name of H. O’Neill. This residential building was owned by Henry O’Neill and his descendants for a total of 143 years.
Architecturally, this home consists of a simple common vernacular style. The simple roofline, low plan with symmetrical proportions, and multi-pane windows add to its charming rustic appearance. This block was used for O’Neill’s large farm which was once surrounded by a white thorn hedge from quicks imported from Belfast, Ireland. Large barns were located behind this building into the 1940s.
The character-defining elements of this property include:
- elongated rectangular single-storey massing;
- two distinct forms of vernacular architecture in a single elongated complex;
- gable roof with flush eaves;
- multi-paned windows;
- wood cladding with narrow corner boards;
- exposed rock foundation;
- close proximity to the street.
Architectural Style: Double Cape Cod
Source: Charlotte County Archives - Old Gaol - St. Andrews, New Brunswick
