McAdam, Margaret

Burial Information, St. Ninian’s Pioneer Cemetery

McAdam, Margaret

McAdam, Margaret | Student Researcher: Faith Welsh

I H S /
In Memory of /
MARGARET /
Daughter of /
Donald & Isabella /
McAdam /
Died Nov 5. 1864 /
Aged 17 yrs. /
May she rest in peace /

In perusing The Casket Obituary Index, we can find no entry for Margaret McAdam. Also, no evidence has been found in St Ninian records documenting baptismal or birth of Margaret. However, based on the inscription on the stone we can estimate 1847 as her date of birth.

The history of the McAdam family is detailed from the Pioneer, Hugh / Ewen, to John, to Donald and then to Margaret.[1] The census confirms what has been published. One sibling of Margaret has her birth and baptismal dates documented in the St Ninian records.[2]

From the Nova Scotia 1871 Census, Antigonish Division 3, Household #35:

  • McAdam, Donald | Age 51 | Occ. Farmer
  • McAdam, Isabella | Age 47
  • McAdam, Ann | Age 20
  • McAdam, Mary | Age 18
  • McAdam, Sarah | Age 12 | born 12 December 1857; baptized 30 December 1857
  • McAdam, Hugh Archy | Age 10
  • McAdam, Catherine Jane | Age 08
  • McAdam, George | Age 04

Subsequent Census provide assurance that the oral and written traditions are strong and we can follow Margaret’s siblings and parents over the coming years–1881, 1891, 1901, and 1911. We observe the approximate location for where the McAdam family lived at Brierly Brook, West River District. Neighbours include McKennas, Sallengers, Grants and Chisholms and those names readily appear along with the McAdams on the A. F. Church map found online through Novastory.[3]

From the 1881 Census, Antigonish Division 2, Household #43:

  • McAdam, Donald | Age 63 | Occ: Farmer | Married
  • McAdam, Isabella | age 56
  • McAdam, Annie | Age 28
  • McAdam, Mary | Age 26
  • McAdam, Sarah | Age 21
  • McAdam, Hugh | Age 19
  • McAdam, Catherine J | Age 17
  • McAdam, George | Age 13 [4]

From the 1891 Census, Antigonish West End, Household #80:

  • McAdam, George | Age 23 | Occ: Farmer | Married
  • McAdam, Isabella | age 66 | Widowed
  • McAdam, Hugh | Age 30 | Occ: Telegraphy Employee
  • McAdam, Annie | Age 32
  • McAdam, Sarah | Age 28 | Occ: Housekeeper
  • McAdam, Jane | Age 26 | Occ: Nurse [5]

From the 1901 Census, Antigonish Division 2, Household #81:

  • McAdam, George | Age 32 | Farmer | Born June 8, 1868
  • McAdam, Sarah | Age 38 | Born December 10, 1862
  • McAdam, Annie | Age 48 | Cook | Born August 11, 1852
  • McAdam, Mary | Age 46 | Born May 2, 1854 [6]

All members of the household are Gaelic speakers.

From the 1911 Census, Antigonish Co. / Antigonish Town, Household #32:

  • McAdam, George D | Age 44 | Occ: Farmer | Born Jan 1866
  • McAdam, Annie | Age 59 | Born October 1851 [7]

As usual, there are gaps in records and there are unanswered questions, such as … What was Margaret’s cause of death? Some day an old family bible or notebook may surface and shed more light on this story.

[1] A History of the County of Antigonish by D.J. Rankin, pg.163-164

[2] St. Ninian Parish Records – Baptism – 1857

[3] NS Vital Records Year: 1869; Book: 1803; Page: 23; Number: 94 | Topographical Township Map of Antigonish County Nova Scotia – Antigonish County Maps – NovaStory Antigonish and Pictou County Digital History and Culture

[4] 1881 Census, Antigonish Division 2, Household #43.

[5] 1891 Census, Antigonish West End, Household #80.

[6] 1901 Census, Antigonish Division 2, Household #80.

[7] 1911 Census, Antigonish Town, Household #32.

Pioneer Cemetery Heritage Project

It is only in recent years that we have come to the realization that we have neglected our ancestors and the contribution they made to our society. We must tell the story of these courageous men and women in words that will inspire our children to take pride in the mighty accomplishments of their forebears.

Burial Information