Footsteps Across The Bridge 207

It is not certain to whom the farm was sold when the Gays left the community. John Barwise was believed to have farmed here for a few years. (See Barwise). The next people who are remembered to have lived on the farm were the Murphys.

MURPHY

James Murphy was born in Long River, where he farmed most of his life. The Murphys later moved to Freetown for a short time, and then bought the former Gay property in Wilmot Valley. Mr. Murphy was known as an intelligent and friendly man with a keen interest in politics. He was a staunch Conservative-party follower. He married Christine MacKay. Their family were:

Jessie

Mary went to Boston and married Edward Chedney of Roxbury, Mass. Their children were Jessie, Leila, James and Cecil.

Andrew married Laura Walker. They lived in Wilmot Valley when first married and farmed. They later moved to Mill Valley, and Andrew was killed at the electric-power plant. Mrs. Murphy later married Bert Hogg of Kelvin Grove. Andrew and Laura had three children: David of Charlottetown, James, living in Kensington, and Ira who lived in Toronto.

After James died at the age of sixty—five years, Charles Huestis bought the farm. This purchase was made about the year 1913. Ira Huestis lived there following his marriage.

HUESTIS

lra Willard Huestis (Jan. 12, 1900-1952) was the son of Charles ()tto and Rachel (Stavert) Huestis of Wilmot Valley. He married Harriet Withers Craswell on Nov. 11, 1925. She was the daughter of Eugene and Barbara (MacGougan) Craswell. Harriet was born in St. Eleanor’s and was a schoolteacher. lra and Harriett had two children. After Harriet’s death lra married Etta Jean Stavert, daughter of John and Margaret (Stewart) Stavert of Kelvin Grove. Etta was born on March 9, 1908, and she and Ira were married on November 7, 1934 in Kensington. Ira farmed and he and Etta had three children. After Ira’s death on May 1, 1952, Etta continued farming with the help of her sons. She later married George Mayhew of Margate. The children of Ira and Harriet are:

George Willard (Nov. 26, 1926) worked as an office-clerk and is retired in Clermont.

Charles Withers (April 3. 1929—July 23, 1951) lived at home.