When We Both Got to Heaven

When We Both Got to Heaven places James Atkey (1805-1868) on the shores of Georgian Bay at the time of treaty negotiations between the First Nations people of the Saugeen, Nawash and Colpoy's Bay areas, and the Colonial government. A Methodist lay preacher, Atkey leaves the Isle of Wight and arrives at Colpoy's Bay with his family in 1855. There he takes up the position of teacher for the Anishnaube children of the area.

The great-great-great-grandson of James Atkey, author Mel Atkey engaged in extensive research of both primary and secondary sources. His efforts provide considerable insight into both the influence of Wesleyan Methodism of the time and the background context of the treaty negotiations that ultimately led to the surrender of much of the Saugeen Peninsula for pioneer settlement. People with leadership roles of the past, such as Chief Kegedonce, Kahkewaquonaby (Rev. Peter Jones), Laurence Oliphant and Sir Francis Bond Head, as well as many others, are part of Atkey's story.

Reverend Maggie McLeod of the Cape Croker United Church provides a thoughtful Foreword. This quite remarkable book is a compelling read for those interested in Ontario history, First Nations history, genealogy and the role of religion at the time of European settlement.

Mel Atkey has done history a service ... He has crafted a clear, sometimes heart-rending vision of an indigenous people coming to the end of one time and the beginning of another. -- Andrew Armitage, Owen Sound Sun-Times, October 17, 2002

Great period flavour... tinged with touches of humour, Atkey brings forth questions and hypotheses, inviting the reader to delve into their own thoughts and surface with answers to problems that have gripped us for numerous decades.... A compelling read. —Deborah Quaile, Destinations and Discoveries Nov/Dec. 2002

When We Both Got to Heaven can be purchased online from Amazon.