Notes copied from "My Pioneer Ancestors" by Matthew George Burris
John Dean, an English gardener, was the ancestor of the Dean Family of Musquodoboit, and one of the earliest settlers of that district. "He was a native of London, England" and in that city was employed by a gentleman whose name was Kirke. In the Dean family tradition, this Mr. Kirke was spoken of as "a rich nobleman." His wife was "a lady of rank". Her family name was Kirkby. They had one child only, a daughter named Susan. Mr. Kirke kept a stable of fine horses with groomsmen and coachmen, had a garden of twelve acres and, in his home, a retinue of many servants. On this gentleman's estate, John Dean was employed as the head gardener "with twelve men under him". He is described as a handsome featured" man of quiet manner and speech. From his work in this country, his is known to have been skilled in his calling.
There was trouble brewing between the English and French about 1795 and John thought it was time to move on to join his two brothers in New York. Along with his wife and eight children they set sail for the New World. The American ship was flying a Britsh flag to avoid being captured. To no avail. The English captured the ship and brought them into Halifax harbour. Having no choice, they wintered about Halifax.
John Dean
b. 1755
d. September 1, 1832 in Dean, Upper Musquodoboit, Halifax County, NS
m. 1777 in London, England
s. Susan Kirke
daughter of Mr. Kirke and Susan Kirkby
b. 1760 in London, England
d. 1796 Halifax County, NS
8 children
* 1. James Dean 1778 London, England
2. Eleanor Dean 1779 London, England
* 3. John Dean 1780 London, England
4. William Dean 1783 London, England
5. David Dean 1784, Dundee, Scotland
6. Susan Kirke Dean 1787 Ellon, Aberdeen, Scotland
7. Charles Dean 1794 Ireland
8. Esther Kirk Dean 1794 Ireland