MRS. KATE WILSON  

Mrs. Kate Wilson came to Merasheen from Fox Harbour, the daughter of Jack Murray and Stash Tucker. She married Bill Wilson and being left a widow with nine children when Bill died, still found time to be on hand when her friends needed her. Mrs. Kate borne more than 600 babies, often times travelling under very rough conditions to Isle Valen and Red Island, as well as in Merasheen. She picked up many songs in her years and was always good for a few at a time. One of her favourites was“Peter Emberly”.

Peter Emberley

My name is Peter Emberley, as you may understand
Born in Prince Edward lsland, that bright and happy land
Twas in the year of sixty two, when the meadows were green and new
I left my native country, my fortune to pursue.

I landed in New Brunswick, in that lumbering country
I hired to work in the lumbering woods which proved my destiny
I hired to work in the lumbering woods where they cut those tall trees down
Where a loaded sled slipped from the iron, I received my deadly wound.

Here’s a word about my father, t’was he that got me here
I did not like his treatment, l thought it too severe
A father should not press his son, or try to keep him down
Or force from him his native home when he is still too young.

There‘s danger on the oceans where the angry waves roll high
There is danger on the battlefields where the musket balls do fly
There's danger in the lumbering woods and death is solemn there
And I have fallen a victim to that great monster there.

Here's a word about the island girls, those island girls so true
That they may live to enjoy the land where my first breath l drew
This world it shall go round again, as is oftimes did before
What signifies one mortal soul, when death comes at the door.

Here's a word about a brighter friend, l mean my mother dear
She raised a son so guiltful when he left her tender care
But little did she ever think when she sang hush-a-bye
What country he should travel in or the death that he should die.

Here's a word about Prince Edward Island, it is a garden in the sea
No more I’ll walk its flowery beds in a soft cool summer breeze
No more I'll watch those gallant ships as they go sailing by
With banners waving in the air above all canvas high.

Comrades l am dying, there’s one more thing I crave
Get some good and holy father to bless my peaceful grave
Down in the city of Ives town, my mouldering body will lay
Waiting for our Saviour's call to come, on that great Judgment Day.