Payson rumour? but some true Payson fact
Their are 2 Payson homes as Municipal Heritage Properties in Weymouth, Digby County, Nova Scotia.Both were built by brothers (sons of loyalist Nathaniel Payson)William and Stephen.These homes were built on the lands of their father:
Taken from an 1890 newspaper article:
"TREASURE TROVE -One of the most valuable "finds" that was probably ever made in this province, was made last week by James Brown of Weymouth Bridge.In the hollows of an old willow tree, which he was chopping down, he found a purse containing in notes and gold, the sum of $4,000.00.The farm on which the old willow tree was cut and the $4,000.00 found was formerly owned and occupied by William Payson, at one time a merchant at Weymouth, who died 12 years ago, leaving a widow and 2 sons - Walter and Randolph Payson, Walter now lives at the Joggins, Digby, and Randolph near Weymouth Bridge.Mrs. Payson was a sister to the late Hon. E. R. Oakes at one time M.P., for Digby, and later a member of the legislative council.Her mind became affected by the sudden death of her husband
(Derek's note - Alice (Payson) Powell's brother told me that William fell in a tannery across the road) and continued so until her death, about 9 years ago.Mr. and Mrs. Payson were supposed to be quite wealthy, and there was much surprise and disappointment at her death at the inexplicable disappearance of her money.There is now no doubt but that she hid her wealth in the trunk of the old willow tree.The farm was purchased from the sons some years ago by James Brown, the lucky finder.The question of the ownership of the money is a legal one.But as possession is 9 points of law and as Brown found it upon his own property, he will likely hold on to it - especially as the Payson heirs have no proof of how or by whom it was hidden there. The deceased William Payson was a brother to Adolphus Payson, who resides with his daughters, the misses Payson, proprietors of the Central Hotel, 73 Granville Street, Halifax."
3 weeks later.
"There is no truth whatever in the report going the rounds of the press to the effect that Mr. James Brown, of Weymouth, had found $4000 in the trunk of an old tree".
I believe if I was James Brown I would try to take the pressure off myself and say it was rumour also.Was it a rumour?It probaly was.But we will never know for sure.The rest of the info as far as relations go is believed to be true.William Payson was the builder of one of our Municipal Heritage properties.William's gg-grandaughter Alice (Payson) Powell and husband Hartley own the home today.It was built in 1840.It is a beautiful colonial home.