James Eliol Mercer is a first time author whose roots are
entrenched in Conception Bay North. He was born in Upper Island Cove, moved
with his family to Bishop’s Cove in 1954 and has lived there ever since.
In his debut book, James tell the true story of his great
grandfather and namesake, James Eliol Mercer, who was born in Upper Island Cove
in December 1853, and died under mysterious circumstances while enroute to
Harbour Grace in December 1883. His death occurred just before his 30th
birthday. He left behind a pregnant wife and two little girls.
The story of Eliol was told and retold throughout the community
of Upper Island Cove for over 100 years. James heard it from both his father
and grandfather. Eliol’s name has never died. To this day, it continues to be
carried by family members.
The information for this book was gathered over time through
written family records and actual memories. Also researched were documented church
and government records, the internet and other external sources, i.e.
descendants of friends and neighbours from that era.
The present day James Eliol Mercer says unlike so many true
stories from our rich past which become a blurred memory and often disappeared
forever, the story of Eliol has withstood the test of time and his is pleased
to now present to readers the true and heartbreaking story of his great grandfather.
