History of Presbyterianism

CHAPTER VI.

STRATHALBYN.

The first settlement of this extensive and interest— ing section of country was commenced in the Spring of 1830 by about twenty Highland Presbyterian families, principally from the Isle of Skye, who set— tled at Springton, Lot 67. After each family had cleared a small patch of land, in which they planted potatoes and other vegetables, they erected such houses as their circumstances would permit to shield them from the much dreaded approaching winter. The next great care was to provide for the intellec- tual culture of their children. At the opening of the following spring by united effort they erected a snug log schoolhouse and secured the services of Mr. Al- exander McLeod—Alister Beag—Who had just ar— rived from Scotland, as their first teacher. At the date of writing Mr. McLeod still lives and is re- spected by old and young as the father of education in that district.

These early settlers had to contend with many of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. One of their great difficulties was the want of roads on whichto convey their necessary supplies. Shortly afterwards the Anderson road was opened up. Their nearest neighbors were a few settlers along the banks of the North River on the one hand, and a few scattered settlers along the Malpeque road on

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