Properties and People

In 1961 a transition was made from the Shorthom beef cattle to Holstein dairy cattle with milk being shipped by can to a local dairy. Athol continued in the production of seed potatoes until 1968 after which he concentrated on raising and breeding dairy cattle.

In 1969 Athol purchased fifty acres of land from Lorne Scott of Lower Marshfield, it is interesting to note that this SO-acres was originally part of Rosetta Farm, the home place of Ann Stewart, second wife of the first Alexander Athol. In 1975, the 100—acre farm, immediately across the St. Peters Road from Rosevale farm was acquired by Athol. This farm originally owned by John T. Ferguson, was purchased from the Dunning family. At the same time 40 acres of land formerly part of the Mill farm on the Jenkins Road was also purchased from the Dunnings.

Gordon, who married Merle Hamm has two sons Christopher and Colin who are active on the

farm. Malcolm, is married to Valerie Herring and they have a son Brodie and a daughter Taylor.

Rosevale Farm continues today under the incorporated name of MacBeath Farms Ltd. Gordon and Malcolm have enhanced the quality of their herd of Holstein cattle, with many animals receiving a high classification from the breed association and achieving recognition at Holstein shows and sales.

The St. Columba Church manse is adjacent to the church property donated by Donald McBeath and also lies within the original boundaries of Rosevale farm.

Submitted by Peter Boswall

Source Athol and Doris MacBeath

FERGUSON TO SCOTT & BEAU VIEW FARMS (Sl3 & 814)

Alexander Ferguson and his son Duncan settled the north part (513) of this property. Duncan was married to Nancy Ann Stewart of the “Five Mile House Stewarts.” After his wife’s death Duncan and family moved to Greek River.

On October 9, 1813, William Scott instrumented a conveyance of eighty acres of land from James Montgomery.‘ This was for the portion (814) near the river. Twenty five years later the land, bought by Scott for £ 89 was officially registered on June 7, 1837. Eventually, William acquired the north section which is today still in the Scott family.

William Scott had emigrated from Strathbrand, Scotland where he worked as a labourer, on the Clarendon, which sailed from Oban, Scotland to Charlottetown in 1808. Five years later he had settled on this farm in Marshfield. In the 1841 census, William’s occupation is listed as a “distiller” and his family totaled thirteen members, two of which originated from Scotland and eleven from PEI. Like almost everyone at that time he also farmed and was listed as a member of the Royal Agricultural Society in 1847.2 When William died on February 6, 1870 The Islander wrote a lengthy and complementary sketch of his life:

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“Died, on the 6’h inst. in the 84‘h year of his age, Mr. W. Scott, farmer of East River. He emigrated from Scotland to this Island in I 808. On his arrival he settled on East River and now he has died there after a residence of sixty-two years. He stood high in the esteem of the community and was most honored where he was best known. In his last years he was a firm temperance man, and a sincere and zealous Christian; and now he has fallen asleep in Jesus; and rests in the hope of the Gospel. The memory of the just is blessed. ”3

William’s will, registered two months after his death, bequeathed everything to his spouse. William stated that if his son William (the 2““) “shall continue as a dutiful and affectionate son, laboring and cultivating the farm during my and his mother’s natural lives,” would inherit the farm. William senior also stated that William (2“) would have to maintain his sisters, Grace and Jessie, if they chose not to marry. Another son, John Scott, a wagon maker in Charlottetown, was appointed executor of the will.4 William (senior)Scott’s wife Jessie died ten years after her husband on August 6, 1880 at eighty-seven years of age. At this time her son William (2“) inherited the farm.