SYLV CONNORS:

Sylv was born in Merasheen in 1883 and worked as a fisherman starting in Merasheen at the age of twelve or thirteen years. He fished most of his life in the Fox Harbour boats at Cape St. Mary’s. However, he also fished in Joe Hayden’s boat out of Petite Forte and with old Mr. John Ennis in Merasheen. He married Betsy Houlihan of Merasheen, who is now a very smart eighty-seven year old woman living in Placentia.

BILL ENNIS:

Bill  was born in Merasheen and a fisherman all his life, he spent most of his life there. However, he also fished at Cape St. Mary’s in Bess’s boats, and at one time was skipper of the “Nellie Grey". Bill was noted for his strength and could easily handle himself in a scrap. The story is told of the time he and his father were fishing in the dory on Bennett's Bank, when a sudden northeaster came up. By the time everybody got into the harbour and realized Bill had not come in yet, it wasn't fit to go out through the narrows to search for them, and there was some fear for the safety of the two men. However, the two men somehow managed to pull all the way from the Bank, and made it safely back to the harbour.

Johnny the Trawler

(This song was sung by Bill Wilson)

Now Johnny the trawler came a courting of late
A rich farmer's daughter, her name it was Kate
A rich farmer's daughter and a seafaring man
A jolly young tar and his name it was John.

Now John he came to her for to let her know  
That on a long voyage to the Indies must go
But when he returned, he would make her his dear
And they would be married in good splendor and cheer.

Well John he was gone for six months and a space
When a jolly young tailor she chanced to embrace
He told her fond stories, they both did agree
And for to get married prepared with great speed.

As Jack he was walking up fair London Street,
A jolly old shipmate he chanced for to meet
“Welcome home, brother shipmate, you're quite welcome home
And l do believe it's the right time you‘ve come".

“Oh do you remember, you courted a maid?
It's by your long absence she's going to be wed
For tomorrow at Bristol, the wedding will be
And I am invited the same for to see".

Well John he turned round with a joke and a smile
Saying, “Tomorrow at Bristol, some sport l will spoil
For although they don't think it in none of their hearts
You'll see this young trawler and he acting his part".

Now John he took lodgings that very same night
And started for Bristol just at the first light
In fair Bristol churchyard he waited a while
When John saw her coming, stepped out with a smile.

Now John he stepped to her, took her by the hand
Saying "You're going to be married love, l understand
I came here this morning to mock your design
And l full intend love that you will be mine".

Said the lady to the tailor, "Oh, what shall l do?
I know l was faithfully promised to you
But this trawler's my true love and I'll be his bride
No man on this earth will l marry beside".

Come all you young tailors, take warning by me
Beware all misfortune, take warning by me
If you court a young girl, marry her while you may
Some jolly young trawler may steal her away.