The DeCoursey Family View Family Tree

Nathaniel DeCouresy’s first documentation on PEI was in the 1881 census. In this document, Nathaniel is listed as Wesleyan Methodist and his place of birth is listed as “Barbados.” Two of his three children were listed as having been born in Nova Scotia.

Some of Nathaniel DeCoursey’s life can be traced through newspaper references throughout the late 1880s. An article appeared in the Patriot in 1886, which stated, “Mr. Nathaniel DeCoursey of this city entertained the colored crew of the barque George Peake by giving them a fancy ball on Wednesday evening last.” Two months later, however, another article appeared in the newspaper, outlining a court case against DeCoursey who had shot a man. An interview with Charlottetown resident, Wilf McCluskey, recalled that it had been Bailey Power, a man with a wooden leg, that Nathaniel Decoursey had shot.

Nathaniel again appears in the newspaper two months later, but not because of his court case. In 1887, a lengthy and interesting article appeared in the Patriot concerning Nathaniel DeCoursey of Charlottetown. In this article, DeCoursey makes an appeal for application to the Detroit Lime Kiln Club and expresses his desire to establish a club for the colored citizens of PEI.

Frederick’s 1889 PEI Directory lists Nathaniel DeCoursey as a “truck man” living on Rotchford Street. In the 1891 census, Nathaniel’s occupation was listed as “Seavenger.” Here, he listed his birthplace as the “West Indies.” He and his wife Fanny, had one more child by this time, totaling four kids. It is unclear what Fanny’s maiden name was. The 1891 census indicates that she was born on PEI. She passed away sometime between 1891 and 1895, as Nathaniel married Jane Bowen of Halifax on the 5 December 1895. They were both listed as “Widows.” McAlpine’s 1900 PEI Directory lists Nathaniel DeCoursey as a “Laborer,” residing at 45 Spring Park Road.

His son, Charles DeCoursey, was also listed as a “Laborer,” living at “bds., 45 Spring Park Road,” indicating he lived in his father’s residence.

The 1901 census return documents Nathaniel , Sarah A.J,, and Charles DeCoursey were all living together in Charlottetown. Nathaniel’s occupation was listed as a “truck man” and Charlie’s as a “laborer.” Sarah listed her religious affiliation as Baptist. In April of 1903, Nathaniel DeCoursey passed away and the Patriot newspaper printed a nice tribute which appeared on the 18th April 1903. This particular article noted two interesting pieces of information about Nathaniel DeCoursey. It stated he had been born into slavery in South Carolina and that the title of knighthood had been conferred on him. In order to prove the latter, the British Museum has been contacted for confirmation of this title, but as of yet, no response has been received. Another interesting fact about Nathaniel DeCoursey is that his will was published in the Patriot newspaper on the 28 March 1903. Nathaniel proved to be a very interesting contribution to the Black community in Charlottetown.

There are no known descendants of Nathaniel DeCoursey living on PEI today.