A.E. MacLean
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against Confederation, at times alone, but undaunted, in his opposition. However, despite his resistence, P.E.I. became the smallest province of Canada. It is ironic that Howatt’s other chief political concern, the land question, was resolved by the union with Canada.
Island historian David Weale wrote the following about Howatt:
He was a very ‘ordinary’ Islander. Like most of the other inhabitants (of the Island) he was born and raised in the country, and lived and worked there most of his life. He had a farmer’s hands, a farmer’s way of looking at things, a fanner’s primordial attachment to the soil, and a farmer’s sense of independence and self- sufficiency.”
Cornelius Howatt died May 7, 1895. Alfred Edgar (A. E.) MacLean (1868—1939)
Alfred Edgar (A. E.) MacLean was born at Sunny Brae Farm, Southwest Lot 16 on May 8, 1868; the son of Roderick W and Rachel M. MacLean. After completion of public school, he enrolled at the Agricultural College in Truro, NS. While his brothers commenced to fann on nearby properties in Lot 16, A. E. chose to remain on the fami- ly homestead. In his youth, he worked with his father, acquiring a practical and valuable knowledge of the var- ious branches of the Island’s primary industry. At Sunny Brae Farm, A. E. and his father raised registered Hol- stein cattle and purebred hogs, and grew registered seed grain. For a time, the two men operated a lobster can- nery on the shores below their property.
As a result of a strong interest in the dairy industry, A. E. became secretary of the Lot 16 Dairying Company. He exhib- ited his cattle and grain at local fairs and exhibitions and fre— quently won awards for his high quality wheat, oats, and barley.
A. E. married Henrietta Stavert of Kelvin Grove. She was credited with contributing greatly to his success in that she
LOT 16 UNITED CHURCH AND ITS PEOPLE