John Barss
Encyclopedia
John Barss was from a large family in Liverpool, Nova Scotia
, the son of Joseph Barss
and Elizabeth Crowell. His early training was on his father's ships and he became an expert ship's captain with an intimate knowledge of the trade and the seas from Labrador
to the West Indies.
Barss's trade involved the usual fare which centered around items such as fish, rum, sugar, lumber, coffee, etc. He lost his ship in 1811 to a French brig in the West Indies and turned to a career as a merchant. During the War of 1812
, he was a shareholder in several privateers including one commanded by his brother Joseph
.
The involvement with privateers was considered acceptable during that time in Nova Scotia history. John was a member of the House of Assembly
(1813 to 1820} (1826 to 1830}. He also had the opportunity to serve on the Legislative Council but did not accept. In addition he served as a justice of the peace and as a judge of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas. He was considered a leader within his community.
His brother James
also served in the Nova Scotia assembly.
Liverpool, Nova Scotia
Liverpool is a Canadian community and former town located along the Atlantic Ocean of the Province of Nova Scotia's South Shore. It is situated within the Region of Queens Municipality which is the local governmental unit that comprises all of Queens County, Nova Scotia...
, the son of Joseph Barss
Joseph Barss (politician)
Joseph Barss was a mariner, merchant and political figure in Nova Scotia. He represented Liverpool township in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly from 1799 to 1811....
and Elizabeth Crowell. His early training was on his father's ships and he became an expert ship's captain with an intimate knowledge of the trade and the seas from Labrador
Labrador
Labrador is the distinct, northerly region of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador. It comprises the mainland portion of the province, separated from the island of Newfoundland by the Strait of Belle Isle...
to the West Indies.
Barss's trade involved the usual fare which centered around items such as fish, rum, sugar, lumber, coffee, etc. He lost his ship in 1811 to a French brig in the West Indies and turned to a career as a merchant. During the War of 1812
War of 1812
The War of 1812 was a military conflict fought between the forces of the United States of America and those of the British Empire. The Americans declared war in 1812 for several reasons, including trade restrictions because of Britain's ongoing war with France, impressment of American merchant...
, he was a shareholder in several privateers including one commanded by his brother Joseph
Joseph Barss
Joseph Barss was a sea captain of the schooner Liverpool Packet and was one of the most successful privateers on the North American Atlantic coast during the War of 1812.-Early life:...
.
The involvement with privateers was considered acceptable during that time in Nova Scotia history. John was a member of the House of Assembly
Nova Scotia House of Assembly
The Nova Scotia Legislature, consisting of Her Majesty The Queen represented by the Lieutenant Governor and the House of Assembly, is the legislative branch of the provincial government of Nova Scotia, Canada...
(1813 to 1820} (1826 to 1830}. He also had the opportunity to serve on the Legislative Council but did not accept. In addition he served as a justice of the peace and as a judge of the Inferior Court of Common Pleas. He was considered a leader within his community.
His brother James
James Barss
James Barss was a ship owner, sea captain, merchant and political figure in Nova Scotia. He represented Liverpool township in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly from 1830 to 1836....
also served in the Nova Scotia assembly.