Donald & Elizabeth McBeath and Descendants

Alexander Athol McBeath #2 (1878-1953), oldest son of Alexander and Ann McBeath and grandson of Donald McBeath, was only ten years of age when his father died. So, at a very early age, he had a great deal of responsibility and he and his mother Ann carried on the farming operation.

As a young man Alexander made two trips to the western Provinces on the harvest excursions. In years to follow he raised hogs, built a herd of milking Shorthom cattle, and had the contract to haul the milk to the cheese factory in Dunstaffnage. For a number of years he was Secretary—Treasurer of this cheese factory and also held many other responsible positions within the church and community. He grew potatoes and was one of the early certified-seed potato growers. About this time he bought a steel-wheeled Ford tractor, one of the first tractors used in the area. His first car was a Star, possibly a 1925 mode1.In 1925 Alex married Jean Godfrey, daughter of William and Elizabeth Godfrey of Marshfield, one son was born to them. They continued with the herd of milking Shorthom cattle and with the growing of potatoes. As a hobby Alex and Jean raised Clydesdale horses and were much in evidence at Exhibitions around the Province. In later years the milking Shorthoms were replaced by a beef Shorthom herd. Some of the sires from this herd brought high prices at Atlantic Auction sales.

One of the most outstanding decisions was made by Alex in the 1940’s at which time his son Athol was farming with him. The decision was made to move the house from the site by the Hillsborough River to the present site at the north end of the farm and close to the St. Peter’s Highway. This was accomplished in 1949 and a modern new barn was build on the new site in 1948—1949. The lumber for the barn was all cut on

Photo by Barb Morgan Crank telephone of Athol MacBeath. Still in his home that had been by the River.

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the property and the extensive cement work was all mixed by hand. Alex lived only four years after this major accomplishment but he did experience the convenience of having the use of electricity both in the home and in the farming operation. Alexander Athol McBeath and Jean Godfrey (memorial stone in Marshfield Community Cemetery) had one son, Alexander Athol McBeath.

At this point in time there were only two direct male descendants of Donald McBeath, Donald Blair, son of Royal McBeath and Alexander Athol #3 son of Alexander McBeath #2. Donald and Athol both being great—grandsons of Patriarch Donald. At this time the “a” was unofficially added to “Me” to spell the name MacBeath,

D l l ir B n F '

Donald Blair MacBeath was the only son of Royal and Myrtle McBeath. He was born in Charlottetown and attended school there. He was a graduate of Prince of Wales College in Charlottetown, PEI and of Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia from where he received his bachelor of Arts Degree and his Bachelor of Education Degree. Later he completed his course requirements for his Master of Education Degree from St. Francis

Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Donald was a

member of the Canadian Armed Forces and upon discharge began his career as a school teacher and a Principal. He taught school in various communities in Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. He was an active instructor and leader in various youth organizations including Cadets, Boy Scouts and the Digby Rifle Club.

In 1948 he married Sara MacDonald of Smith’s Cove, Nova Scotia, also a school teacher.