Footsteps Across The Bridge 225

DARE

After Mary Brennan, Captain Samuel Dare took up residence in the cottage. Samuel Dare was captain of a schooner which ran from England to India, later from England to Montreal, and finally from Montreal to St. John. It is told that while at port in Summerside, he was drinking excessive- ly. The second mate took charge and the boat left port without him. He took up residence in Wilmot Valley and worked for many farmers in the area including the Caseleys and Charles Huestis. As well, he often fished trout from the river and walked to Summerside to sell them. Early in his life Captain Dare had his fortune told and it said he would go from the top to the bottom. Our picture of his life seems to indicate that this prophecy was fulfilled. John Curtis and Gordon Huestis later took Captain Dare to Beach Grove where he ended his years. Many people recall that he spliced rope for various farmers.

PALMER

In 1861 Gilbert Palmer appears on the census, and it seems that he lived in the second cottage south of the road. There were five members of the household, a male and female over sixty years of age (probably Gilbert and his wife), a female between the ages of twenty-one and forty-five years, (probably Rebecca, who is thought to have been Gilbert’s daughter), a male between the ages of five and sixteen years and a female under five years of age. In 1881 Becky Palmer (ca. 1833) appears on the census. Our informa- tion on her is scanty although she lived here for quite a few years.

BALDWIN

About 1911 a Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin and their daughter lived near Clark’s Mills for a short time. Mr. Baldwin had no arms. However. he could do a variety of things with his feet including writing, archery and playing a musical instrument. While in Wilmot Valley, he entertained in the community hall.

PETERS

About 1920 Isadore Peters, son of Isadore Peters, came to live in the cottage formerly occupied by the Baldwins. He married Vernetta (Vinnie) Blanchard (died in 1944) of the Rustico area. Mr. Peters worked as a labourer among the local farmers and also delivered fish around the com— munity. He later moved to Kelvin and then to Rustico. Isadore and Vinnie had three children:

Mabel (1900) did not marry.

Alice (1907) married Alyre Gallant and they lived in Bedeque with their three children.