Marshfield as I Remember from 1860

The house was noted for its hospitality and their kind scotch nature was often imposed upon. They lived a very simple life not mixing with outsiders unless forced to do so.

Mr. Ross took a great interest in military matters and was Captain of the volunteers as Captain of the “Thistle Co.” whose training was held on his farm. He was the possessor of several band instruments which was always heard from when the company was on parade . Mr. Ross took suddenly ill and his death soon followed and in a short time one of the sisters and about a year later the remaining sister died. The property was disposed of by W.S. Stewart (atty) to Fred Turner who built splendid farm buildings. The property has passed through several hands and is now owned by Tuenter.

Charles Small (shoemaker) lived at and carried on a shoemaking business on the North East corner of the William Scott farm. Mr. Small married Miss MacDonald daughter of -—?-- MacDonald of Frenchfort. Their family comprised one son James and daughters Jessie, spinster; Annie (a Mrs. MacEachern) and Mrs. McCoubrey.

Duncan Fergusson, don’t know his history suffice to say he as well as his family can justly be styled outlaws. He married Miss Stewart of “Tullock” an estimable person who died in early life leaving a family of one daughter -—?—- and sons John, James, Peter, and Duncan all given to the use of intoxicants to excess. They sold their farm to William Scott and left for Greek River which was very agreeable to residents of Marshfield.

William Scott (mill maker) lived with his father on the farm now occupied by William J. Scott and his son Peter. William Scott married —-?-— Stewart of Appletree and had family W.J. Scott, Charles and one daughter, the last two died when young. I have no knowledge of their ancestry. He bought the Duncan Fergusson farm and its addition gave him one of the best farms in the country, his grandson Stanley has established a beautiful house almost on the sight where Duncan Fergusson’s house stood.

Donald McBeth, have no knowledge when they arrived from the old country. Mrs. McBeth was a Miss Scott a sister of Mrs. John Stewart of

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Frenchfort and Mrs. Neil Stewart of Marshfield. The McBeth family consisted of one son Alexander who settled on the old home and daughters: Mrs. John Scott (carriage builder, city). Mrs. Dan MacLeod. Mrs. William MacLeod. Mrs. John Scott (Somerset Cottage). Mrs. John Scott (Happy Thought). Mrs. D. McDonald. Miss Jessie (spinster). Miss Margaret (spinster). Miss Betsy (spinster).

Mr. A.A. McBeth now resides on the property. Mr. McBeth had a close neighbour called Auntie Bell Robertson who resided in a comfortable house near the line of McDonald farm below the McBeth home. They also had a farmer Mr. Proctor whose house was some twenty chains up their lane.

The Presbyterian St. Columba Blair Athol Church is situated on the McBeth property as also the manse and cemetery. This used to be one of the best congregations in the Province and could boast of some noted pastors and we look back with pride to the day when the Rev. George M. Grant occupied the pulpit for his holidays when he was a student. He afterward was the Principal Grant of Queens College, Kingston. Those were the good old days when everybody attended divine service and bible class and Sabbath school. Mr. Haythorne afterward, Senator Hawthorne a strict Anglican, conducted the Bible class which showed his broadmindedness.

The Baptist Free Church occupies the same building opposite the Presbyterian Church. The Marshfield Hall is close by on the farm now owned and occupied by John Stetson. Those two congregations are greatly reduced as the younger generation mostly attend the Presbyterian or the United Church which is situated in the Dunstaffnage district.

James MacDonald (Hamish), I have no knowledge as to when or from where he came. His son Donald MacDonald married Isabel MacBeth and their family consisted of two sons, Edward in Charlottetown and John who died as a school boy; and Catherine, Mrs. John T. Fergusson, Lizzie, Mrs. John Thompson. Donald MacDonald had a