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David Scott (1825-1906) - obituary

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The many friends of Mr. David Scott will regret to hear of this death which took place on Friday last, at his home in St. Croix.  Two or three years ago he experienced a very serious illness, from which, to the surprise as well as pleasure of his family and many friends he recovered and for a time was able to again take up some of his duties about the farm.  But a few months ago he had to give up work, and soon realized that his end was approaching.  During his declining days he was kindly and tenderly cared for by his family, and manifested throughout a wonderful degree of patience and resignation to the Divine will.

He was lovingly devoted to the Presbyterian church, and was foremost in the erection of the sacred edifice in St. Croix.  During all his illness, and when those of his family who attended service returned home, his enquiry was always about the sermon and the attendance. He was also devoted to the pastor.  He never allowed sacred things to be lightly spoken of, and his home influence for good is evidenced in the fact that his two sons are pillars in the Presbyterian church, the eldest in California, the youngest at home.

The deceased was well known throughout the County; possessed a sunny, kind disposition, and took a lively interest in Provincial affairs.  He was a Liberal in politics, and was a warm friend and admirer of Hon. Joseph Howe.  He was born in St. Croix, May 30th, 1825, and with the exception of a very few years in Halifax where he conducted a general business, had lived nearly all his days in the place of his birth.  We regret that we are not in a position to give many details to which we should like to refer, in connection with his younger days, during a most interesting period of the country's history. If report be correct he was in his early manhood appointed a Justice of the Peace, we have heard as far back as 1846.

With his death there passes away one of the old landmarks, a staunch, honorable citizen whose word was as good as his bond, and who has left behind a record for integrity and uprightness worthy of imitation.

He is survived by his wife (to whom his death is a severe blow) and five children-A.D., in California, John A., Alice and Annie at home, Ada, Mrs. L.C. Sperry, who resides at Petite Rivere.

There was a large attendance at the home on Sunday afternoon, people coming from distant points the obsequies of their old friend.  The service was conducted by Rev. M.G. Henry, assisted by Rev. W.R. Turner.  At the opening was sung, the hymn,

followed with scripture reading and prayer by Rev. W.R. Turner.

Rev. Mr. Henry read a portion of scripture and followed it with a touching address.  He said these sad occasions remind us of our mortality, for it was appointed unto men once to die.  Death was not looked upon as a friend, rather an enemy, because he severed our dearest ties, taking away our loved ones, whose removal we viewed with different feelings, varying from the death of the little helpless infants, up through the various stages of life - the young man and woman, in their prime, the middle aged, carrying the burdens of life, (whose removal is perhaps saddest of all) and the aged man or woman who had reached , or passed the allotted span of life, whose bodies had become enfeebled , and to whom life would be a burden under such conditions.  While we could not look on the face of our aged loved ones in death without keen sorrow, the Gospel of Jesus Christ reveals a glorious beyond, where departed ones will meet again to enjoy loved companionship and freedom from all the effects of sin. This glad Easter day tells us a glorious resurrection, new life and new hope springing up in our hearts.  We should cherish all the glad hopes of this Easter time, which tells us of the better life beyond, where friends and companions will meet again.

The Rev. gentleman referred in very kind terms to the departed .  He said the brother had reached a good old age, gradually fading away, realizing daily that his end was approaching, and confident that death would be to him a happy change. He was a kind and warm-hearted neighbour, had led a very active life, and always took a deep interest in all matters affecting the district in which he had lived so long as well as the Province generally.  He had been translated from an happy home here to a brighter and better home above.  This is only a very brief outline of a most excellent address, which the Rev. gentleman closed by hoping that all present might so live and die as to be forever with the Lord.

A touching prayer by the pastor closed the service at the home.  The remains were then conveyed to the cemetery for interment, the Rev. Mr. Henry conducting a brief service at the grave.

The funeral arrangements were under the charge of Wm. Curry & Sons. Ltd of Windsor.

[Death on April 13, 1906 (Good Friday)]