This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list.
Author: alison2kennedy
Surnames: Chalmers; Metcalf
Classification: biography
Message Board URL:
http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.chalmers/268.2.1/mb.ashx
Message Board Post:
Hi Alexandra
I saw your message left on the Rootsweb Message Board sometime ago. The following is
taken from The Buchan Observer, dated Friday, June 2, 1871, and I have replicated it here
in case it is of help or interest to you or anyone else. I have also e-mailed a copy of
the article to the Old Scotch Church for their information. I have no known connection to
the family.
NEW BYTH - Presentation to Mr and Mrs Chalmers, Oldwhat - A Committee of the subscribers
for a testimonial to Mr and Mrs Chalmers, Oldwhat, met them by appointment on the evening
of Wednesday week, and presented to them a gold watch and gold ring. On the watch was
inscribed - "Presented to Mr Chalmers, along with a gold ring to Mrs Chalmers, on
their leaving Scotland for Oregon, U.S., as a mark of esteem. New Deer, 24th May,
1871." The presentation was made by Mr Leith, Millfield, who, on handing the ring to
Mrs Chalmers, said, in the name of the subscribers, that they hoped she would long be
spared in health in the Far West to display, both by her precept and example, the many
admirable qualities and Christian virtues she had so well cultivated in her native land.
On presenting the watch to Mr Chalmers, Mr Leith, referring to Mr Chalmers' energy and
perseverance on the farm of Oldwhat as an improving agriculturist, and successful breeder
of short-horns, said that he had!
left such marks on that farm that there was no risk of his being forgotten in this
locality by the present generation - having reclaimed the greater part of it during his
tenancy from the barren heath. He assured Mr Chalmers that he carried along with him the
good wishes of all his numerous acquaintances; and although it was painful to part with
old friends, yet Mr Chalmers had brought his characteristic energy and forethought to bear
so strongly on this matter, that the event of his leaving was looked upon almost as if he
were only going home, having so many members of his family already located on his estate
in Oregon, that they had laid down the current year's crop, which would be almost
ready for the sickle before he could arrive there. Mr Leith concluded by wishing Mr and
Mrs Chalmers and family a safe arrival at their destination. Mr Chalmers made a very
feeling and appropriate acknowledgement.
(My Note: William Chalmers married Catherine Metcalf 9 March 1845, New Deer,
Aberdeenshire.)
Regards
Alison
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