Marshfield as I Remember from 1860

James Robertson (Roslyn Cottage) came to the Province from the city of Perth in 1819 and married Elizabeth (Betsy) Fergusson of Craggan. Had one daughter Lizzie (Mrs. Neil Stewart) and three sons:

Alexander, at Bonshaw; James who died single on his way home from Scotland; John who lived on the homestead.

Mr. Robertson carried on a large establishment that included farming, tannery, shoemaking and a general store and employed a number of men. He was kicked by a horse in later years and was left a cripple. The first church was located on the South East comer of this farm and later was used for a singing school and other gatherings. This farm is now owned by 100.1563 inn.

Alexander Stewart (Appletree) Big Alex married Miss McLean of North River. They had 10 sons and four daughters:

Donald, farmer.

Allan, farmer and merchant. John, blacksmith.

James, carriage builder. Robert, farmer.

Alexander B., tobacconist. William Snodgrass, judge. David Bruce, farmer. Alfred, farmer.

Ambrose, farmer. Elizabeth Jane, single. Evalina, Mrs.Harry Henderson. Jemima, single.

Flora Helen, single.

At the death of Mr. Stewart the farm was sold to Frederick Turner who later sold it to Mr. William Godfrey, who now occupies the place.

Donald Stewart (Appletree) married Miss Vickerson daughter of George Vickerson. Their family:

George, farmer at Marie.

David, in the USA.

John, on the RBI. Railway. Alexander, section man on Railway. Peter, farmer.

Jessie, unmarried.

Mrs. Charles Munn.

Peter Donald is on the old homestead.

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Thomas Preedic (merchant) of Charlottetown kept a shop in the hollow where the willow trees are yet to be seen. Family consisted of one son who lived with the father and two daughters, Mrs. W.A. Weeks of Charlottetown and Mrs. Roome Halifax. After Mr. Preedic closed out the store, John MacLeod son of John Scott MacLeod Dunstaffnage opened a tannery and a small store there. Mr. J. W. MacLeod married Miss Wyatt daughter of James Wyatt Dunstaffnage.

John Fergusson Sr. “Hill Side” lived where Alex Stewart now lives. Mr. Fergusson married as his first wife (don’t know) and their family was: David who built the market building, a wooden two story building.

John, “Long Johnnie.”

Ellen, Mrs. Thomas Hardy.

Jane, Mrs. John Gibson. Barbara, Mrs. Alex McLaughlin. Lizzie, in USA.

After the death of his first wife he sold out the farm and went to town and began a business but failing to make a success of it he returned to Marshfield and built a shop on his son John’s farm and did a successful business. He married as his second wife Susan Heartz.

James Fergusson Sr. (Red Jim) lived at the big hill St. Peters Road the last house in the Marshfield district. He had a game leg. His house was where W. R. Dennis now has his residence. He was married but his wife died before my time. The family consisted of:

Alexander (Black Alex).

James who lived near the station. Mrs. George Burnett.

Mrs. Daniel Roper.

Mrs. McGregor, lived at the shore where H. Dennis now lives, she had a son Robert who left for the USA. and lost sight of him. Thomas Stetson who lived near Freetown was a brother—in- law and he purchased the farm and removed there.

David Ross arrived in this Province from Scotland accompanied by his two sisters, Annie and Lizzie. Mr. Ross was a writer in Sir Walter Scotts office in Edinburgh and was not accustomed to farm life and was not ashamed to admit it. Mr. Ross was well informed being an extensive reader and delighted to converse with anyone coming his way.