David Airth & Margaret Beauchamp

~ GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ~
1845 - 1895
( recorded in the following article from the June 28, 1895 edition of the RENFREW MERCURY )

David played the bass drum in the Brass Band in Renfrew Village Renfrew Ontario.
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From 'The Story of Renfrew' by Smallfield & Campbell -- page 120 -- 1920

"In the 1860s, David AIRTH had practical control of the farm
of his father, pioneer Sgt Henry AIRTH -- although he was alive most of this period.

With the help of his younger brothers,
David developed the property and became affluent as the years passed.

To him and his excellent life partner were given a bright home life
as their family grew up during this period
and even began to move off into homes of their own.

Hard-working, industrious man as David AIRTH was,
he found time for taking a part in many of the recreations that were then in vogue,
few being able to master him at quoits in summer
or at a game of checkers in the winter evenings.

His social qualities, also, made him popular,
as well as his general intelligence and acquaintance with good books.
Thus, he was often honoured by his fellows
with such positions as Village Councillor, School Trustee
and others in connection with the church and various associations.
Well worthy was he too of all these marks of favour and esteem,
for he was ever a reliable man
who enthusiastically and carefully discharged all such duties.

As the 1870s wore on, the Curling Club was started.
After that, his winter amusement was found at the rink,
where he spent so much time and was so keen
that he became an adept curler of renown indeed,
-- and when he was on the ice, the worst llooking end was never decided against his side
till 'Davie' had played his last stone,
for he had a way of slipping in where none else could go.

So to the end he kept it up --
and when he laid down his work and play,
we mourned him as the 'good man' that he always was in a high sense
and as the old man who was to the end
'young in heart and spirit' beyond any in our midst.

His trusty son Robert, to whose guidance his father committed the farm in the 1880s
was suddenly cut off in the prime of manhood.
Thus David took hold again, seeing the century out in harness, then soon passing.

His good helpmeet is still with us, but is getting frail
and the days pass quietly now at the old homestead
to which so many delighted to go,
for that we would be heartily welcomed was ever sure."

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"Margaret BEAUCHAMP, relict of the late David Airth,
died at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. William Scott, on Plaunt Street,
Friday, December 24th, aged 95 years.

Another of the pioneers of this district has passed away
for Mrs. Airth's history is associated with that of the town and county for nearly a century.

She was the oldest surviving,
as she was one of the first members of St. Andrew's church,
from which edifice at her special dying request
and as a tribute to her long and faithful connection with the congregation
the funeral was held last Sunday afternoon.

The deceased was the last of the original family
that took such an active part in the pioneer life of this district.

Her husband, who died about 17 years ago,
was a son of the late Sergeant Henry Airth, who with his wife and 7 children
came from Scotland to Renfrew county in the early part of the last century.
David, one of these sons, was married to the deceased in 1843.
He had control of the farm of his father in the sixties
and with the co-operation of his life partner made it one of the best farms in the district.
The material properity of the Airth family dates from the earliest records in local history.

In the 1880s Mr and Mrs Airth gave up the farm to their son Robert
but resumed active work again on the death of the latter who was cut off in his prime.

The late Mrs Airth had made her home with her grandaughter for the past year.
Despite her advanced years she enjoyed the best of health and was mentally bright to the last.
Failing sight was the only affliction that old age brought her
and she was able to take an interest in all local questions
and especially in the work of St Andrew's church to the very end of her life.

She rarely missed a service up to last August,
when she had a fall which partially incapacitated her
and since the accident she had gradually wasted away.

The deceased outlived all but two of her children,
the survivors being Mrs Malcolm (Margaret) MacDermid
and Mrs Harry (Marion) Jamieson,
the latter living near Calgary,
and who was unable to come to Renfrew for the funeral of her mother.

Police Chief and Fire Chief Airth are nephews
and a large circle of friends are left to mourn the death of the deceased.

Mr Stanley Stewart, of Toronto, a grandson,
was one of the out of town relatives who attended the funeral Sunday.

The pall bearers were:
Robert E & George Jamieson
David Barr Jr
Gregor McIntyre
John Airth
Robert McLaren

A short but impressive service was held in the church
of which the deceased had been for so many years a devoted and consistent member.
Rev. Dr. Horne in his discourse praised the sterling virtues
of one who while strength was spared her had never failed in her attendance at public worship.

The late Mrs Airth became a member of St Andrew's church 76 years ago (in 1844)
and took part in the first communion.
She had attened the induction ceremonies of the 4 clergymen
who have held the pastorate of that congregation since its organization.

Return to AIRTH Direct Ancestor Line

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