Footsteps Across The Bridge 211

Starting at the northern end of the road and travelling in a southerly direction, the first home we come to is on the west side, and is owned by Kenneth Clark. It is known as the “Rolling Bank Cottage.“ The first people to live on the property were the Doulls.

DOULL

George Doull (Oct. 8, l818-Feb. 2, 1894) came to P.E.l. from Scotland in 1830. He married Hannah Butcher (Dec. 27, 1822-Sept. 15, 1882) on Oct. 4, 1842. Hannah had emigrated from Suffolk, England in 1829. They came to Wilmot Valley in 1850 and built the “Rolling Bank Cottage.” Mr. Doull was a farmer, carpenter and furniture maker, as well as a carriage builder. In 1861 the census shows that he built four carriages that year. Mr. Doull was a very active man in this community with his trades as well as with church work. He and his wife, Hannah, taught Sunday School at the Wilmot Valley Hall.

During the time the Doulls lived in Wilmot Valley it was the rule for the minister to make visits from one community to another for church ser- vices. While in Wilmot Valley it was the custom for the minister to make his home with the Doulls.

There are several references to the Doulls in the “Summerside Journal”:

Sept. 13, 1883 — “Messers. Doull Bros. have dissolved partnership. G.M. Doull, the Senior member of the late firm continues the business.”

Aug. 30, 1899 — “The Doull Bros. have finished a very handsome set of pulpit furniture which is to be presented by Wm. Hayward Esq. of Mill River to the Presbyterian Church of Bloomfield."

As well, a unique article that Mr. Doull made was a wheelchair, which had a long and useful career and is presently in retirement at the P.E.1. Heritage Foundation, Charlottetown.

Between 1872 and 1875 Mr. Doull sold his property to Charles Clarke and the Doulls moved to Summerside where Mr. Doull constructed a building later to become the Queen Hotel.

George and Hannah had fourteen children:

William (1844-May 12, 1868) went to Mount Allison University to study for the ministry. He became ill and died at Sackville, N_.B. He is buried in Freetown.

Martha Betsey (Sept. 13, 1845) Maria (Sept. 18, 1849) did not marry.