'ChRee James and Margaret moved to the property in Mermaid , which became known as Doyles Point, in the year 1836. A sublease on the property had been purchased in 1831 by John Doyle , the tailor. A member of the B.I.S ., John had leased this farm, then believed to be 100 acres, from John Mutch of Mermaid . Perhaps there was a blood relationship between James and John Doyle. Their home towns in Wexford , Adamstown and Oulart respectively, being within thirty-five kilometers of one another. John Doyle was to die on January 17, 1833. His ornate grave-stone still exists in the Roman Catholic Cemetery #1 on the St. Peter 's Road in Parkdale , near that of Piery and William Laccy . When James and Margaret first occupied the farm on Fullcrton's Creek, in 1836, about thirty-five acres would have been cleared, the Patrick Daleys having lived there since 1798. The land had been previously cleared by the French, using oxen, prior to their expulsion in 1758. The French occupied lands had to be cleared of "second growth*—alders and smaller spruce which had grown on the once cleared land. The farm fences, built by the Daleys , would have to be mended and new ones built. Since the farm fields bordering the water had a vertical drop often feet to the shore in some places, they had [to be well fenced to avoid accidents. Young animals would be tethered to a Stake. Cutting wood for firewood and fenceposts and all planting and harvest¬ ing would have to be done by James, with occasional help from his wife [Margaret, when she could spare the rime from her domestic duties. In any case, by 1840 the Doyles had a farming operation which probably j provided them with all they needed to survive. They had sheep for woolen ftlothing, cattle for milk and meat; and wheat for flour. Pigs could also I provide a somewhat inexpensive source of meat as they were often fed table | scraps and potatoes. We can imagine the awe of the children as they watched I the billowing sails of the ships going up the Hillsborough River to pick up goods at Apple ( French Fort ), ( Fort Augustus ), And Mount Stewart . They would pass again on their return journey to pharlottctown. Mount Stewart was also the most productive ship building center on P. F.I . during the age of sail. All vessels built at Mount Stewart would have to pass the Doyle homestead. Later, steamers like the Heatber Belle would ply these waters. 21