PAUL WILSON:

“Uncle Paul" as he was affectionately known, lived almost eighty years on Merasheen before moving to Torbay during resettlement. He married Jane McCarthy of Red Island and raised ten children. He loved his island home and welcomed all who came by "waiting for the steamer". He built his own schooner
“The Alice and Grace" in his wood yard in 1938, and boasted the fact that he "cut every stick in her" on Merasheen Island. He freighted from St. John's in her for several years. Fishing was his love, and in earlier years, he packed lobster and herring in his factory by the "Fender". He was jack of all trades and was involved in odd jobs for his neighbours from putting a new roof on the church to remodelling some old house.

He loved a good time, and played his tin whistle for special times in the hall and for the mummers and other visitors who frequented his home. We all remember the older folks dancing the figure eight in the hall to the sound of his whistle after Uncle Paul had first made all the younger generation under forty years sit while the elders dance. He had many favourite expressions - two of them being "do what you're told and come when you're called", and "make your hay while the sun shines".

The Lion’s Den

(This song was sung at many parties by either Jane Wilson or Mac Best)

There was a lady lived in this country
For wealth and beauty no one could excel
She was admired by Lords and Squires
And men of honor who knew her well.

She being so high and condescending
No man on earth could her husband be
Excepting some great Lord of honor
That never was conquered by land or sea.

There were two brothers being like two lovers
Whom she admired above all the rest
She being resolved to try their valor
To see which of them loved her the best.

One of them being a Captain's commission
On board with his crew of jolly tars
The other being a first Lieutenant
On board the “Tigress” man-of-war.

Early next morning the coach was ready
And ordered there at the break of day
And these two brothers being like two lovers
To London city they rode away.

When they came up to London city
She threw her fan in the lion’s den
Saying, "Where is the young man to gain my favour
By bringing me back my fan again".

The first to speak was the bold sea Captain
As he stood trembling by her side
Saying. “Rather than put my life in danger
I’d prefer for you not to be my bride".

With courage spoke the first Lieutenant
With a voice like thunder so loud did roar
“In the wars of danger l was no stranger
I often choose to bleed in gore".

He drew his sword from its sheath and then
Rushed into the lion's hall
T’was by his clever fighting so valiant
Four of the lions at his feet did fall.

When the lions saw what he had (IUPB
Down at their conqueror’s feet they lay
Then he stooped and the fan he brought
To his true love without delay.

When she saw her lover coming
And unto him no harm was done
She ran up to his arms saying
“Take the prize love, that you have won".

When the King heard of this brave sailor
And heard that all of his lions were slain
He did not seem at all to mind it
And even rewarded him for the same.

He married the Kings own daughter
And he was made an Admiral, too
And the moral of this tale will show
What the power of love can do.