Donald & Elizabeth McBeath and Descendants

Alexander was bequeathed the title and interest in a Leasehold tract of 50 acres adjoining the farm to the west. This land was purchased from Charles Palmer in 1867. The farm then boasted 150 acres.

One distinguishing feature of the farm as it was passed down was that Scotch thorns had been used as fences. Each five-acre field was surrounded by these thorns. The generations following have gone to great lengths to rid the farm of these thorns that would very stubbornly reroot and continue to grow. Now they are all gone except some along the laneway through the farm.

Many of the first settlers in this area chose land bordering on the St. Peter’s Road which was one of the first roads built by the Militia, others preferred to settle on farms along the East River. The McBeath property extended from the East or Hillsborough River to the St. Peter’s Road and their dwelling was built close to the river.

In 1844 records show an agreement for a road between William Scott, adjoining farm to the east, and Donald McBeath. Early records show that the farm was known as “Rosevale” but it is not know when or by whom the property received its name.

As events were not always recorded there are many gaps in the dates as well as in the family members of this generation. They were a pioneer family and each member of the family had to contribute his or her help. The conveniences which we take for granted were unheard of so all chores were done manually. The water had to be carried from a spring and later pumped from a hand dug well, land had to be cleared, animals tended, the planting and harvesting done as well as the work of a garden which provided most of their food.

The girls of this era seldom, if ever, left home to seek employment — there was lots to do at home. The spinning was done after the wool from the sheep was washed and carded. Then the knitting-sweaters, stockings, mittens, caps and even underwear were knit. Their clothing was all hand—sewn and many of them made from their own hand-woven material. They made their own soap and their own candles. As a respite from these busy days picnics, dances, plays, skating and sleighing were all popular amusements.

The children of Donald McBeath and Elizabeth Scott are: Margaret McBeath, Isabella McBeath, Elizabeth McBeath, Catherine McBeath,

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Alexander Athol McBeath, Jessie McBeath, Grace McBeath, Marjorie McBeath, Christy McBeath and Jane Ann McBeath. Stones bearing the names and dates of Donald and Elizabeth are found in the Marshfield Pioneer Cemetery.

It is interesting to note that a hair-wreath was once made from the locks of hair from the nine McBeath sisters and was in the possession of the youngest girl.

Margaret (1814-1905) unmarried, was the first daughter born to Donald and Elizabeth McBeath. She was born in Marshfield and attended school there. Being the eldest in the family she was probably her mother’s main helper as the family grew. When her brother, Alexander, was married another house was erected for a home for the unmarried daughters. This house was known in later years as “The Cottage”. A memorial stone is in the Marshfield Pioneer Cemetery.

Isabella (1815-1900) was the second daughter born to Donald and Elizabeth McBeath. She was born in Marshfield and attended school there. She was married to Donald MacDonald (1818—1881) who, according to the 1880 Atlas of Prince Edward Island, owned a farm of one hundred acres adjacent and to the west of the McBeath property. Family of Isabella and Donald MacDonald: Edward operated the family farm; Elizabeth (Lizzie) married John Thomson of Charlottetown, General PassengerAgent of the Prince Edward Island Railway; John James died in 1872 at the age of sixteen years. Memorial stones in the Marshfield Pioneer Cemetery.

Elizabeth (1817-1878) unmarried, was the third daughter born to Donald and Elizabeth McBeath. She was born in Marshfield and attended school there. We found a discrepancy in dates relating to Elizabeth. The Public Archives record of St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Charlottetown shows her birth date to be 1817. However, the Memorial stone has this inscription: “age 69 years, died in 187 ”. We assume the church record to be accurate. Memorial stone in Marshfield Pioneer Cemetery.

Catherine (1818-1875) married to John Scott (1816—1892), was the fourth daughter born to Donald and Elizabeth McBeath. She was born in Marshfield and attended school there. No other information was available on this family. Memorial stone in Marshfield Community Cemetery.

Jessie (1820—1901) unmarried, was the sixth child and fifth daughter born to Donald and