Ron Barkhouse
Ronald T. Barkhouse was a businessman, politician, and local historian.
Ron operated Barkhouse's General Store and Lumber for many years.
He was the first Chairman of the Board of Trustees of New Ross Consolidated School and a 60 year member of Norwood Masonic Lodge and long serving Shriner.
He was active in municipal politics, serving as Councillor for the New Ross area on the Chester Municipal Council for over 20 years.
Ron was the Chairman of the New Ross Centennial Committee, formed to officially commemorate Canada's 100th anniversary. The committee went on to promote a project for 150th anniversary of the founding of New Ross, culminating in the opening of Ross Farm Museum in 1970.
He served three terms as Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the riding known then as Lunenburg East.
He was first elected to the legislature in 1974, and again in 1978, and 1981, and was appointed Minister of Mines and Energy in 1979.
Ron served as President and CEO of the Tidal Power Corporation from 1984 to 1993, always maintaining a strong belief in the future development and role of tidal energy in Nova Scotia.
In retirement, he was active in genealogy, and was founding President of the New Ross Historical Society.
Who are the Barkhouses?
Welcome to the Barkhouse Book. This website is all about the descendants of Nikolaus and Gertruda Berghaus, early immigrants to Nova Scotia, whose descendants are widespread and are now known as Barkhouses.
The main source for the genealogical facts presented in this database is the book 100 Day Voyage to Freedom by Ronald T. Barkhouse and Vernon S. Keddy. The book is a result of Ron's 30-year research and Vernon's expert multi-faceted assistance.
Readers are welcome to contribute new information or corrections to the research presented here. This is meant to be a living book. Readers can likewise request permission to fill out their branches of the tree by obtaining an account.
If you found this website useful you are highly encouraged to mail a donation to the New Ross Historical Society (address below) or to donate via PayPal to Ross Farm Museum (website below which features a donation button). Ron wanted his research to support these two organizations. In the cheque memo or PayPal comments field please mention the donation is via ronbarkhouse.ca
SEND DONATIONS HERE
New Ross Historical Society
PO Box 35
New Ross, NS B0J 2M0
Canada
PURCHASE THE 100 DAY BOOK ONLINE HERE
INTERESTING LINKS
New Ross, Nova Scotia (Canada)
150th Anniversary of New Ross (Video from 1966, see Ron at 6 minutes 50 seconds)
INTERESTING DOCUMENTS
The Olden Days and the Olden Ways
In 2011, Ron finished writing a stream of consciousness style manuscript about the way things used to be in the community.
You can purchase a hard copy of this book here:
The Olden Days and the Olden Ways
In 2016, Ron's lifelong friend Canon Russell Elliott wrote a book on the subject of New Ross history.
A page on notable Barkhouses is maintained here.
How does the website work? How is privacy protected? Find out here.
Nikolaus Berghaus
According to 100 Day Voyage to Freedom, Nikolaus Berghaus and his wife Gertroud, were passengers on the Sally, which sailed from Rotterdam on May 30, 1752. 18% of these died and the rest reached Halifax on September 6, 1752, before being quarantined for three weeks. The voyage was so perilous that some of the seamen died of fatigue and exhaustion. The captain himself died on the voyage.
Please enjoy reading the various lines tracing back to this couple who survived the journey. It is said that nearly all Barkhouses of the region descend from them.