My Family Tree

David was born on 29 March 1863, in New Brunswick, the son of Moses Dyment and Maria Bryant. He married on 8 Aug 1888, in Malden, Massachusetts, Edith Lydia Murray. Edith, born in Spring Hill, P.E.I., was the daughter of Joshua Murray and Janet Holmes. David was living in Massachusetts at the time of his first marriage, and at least two of his daughters may have been born in Massachusetts. His family was not in the 1891 Canadian census, or in the 1900 US census. David had found work as a hostler in the States.

By the time of the 1901 census, the family was back on the Island. David had bought 100 acres of land from the government on 10 April 1901. At home were Pearl (11), Margaret (10), Janetta (8), Mattie (6), Edith (4), Alicia (2) and Ralph (8 months). Edith died 15 Apr 1907. David married again, to Nettie the daughter of Charles Stuart and Isabelle McKinnon. They had two children who died young.

In the 1911 census, David and Nettie were living with his children Janetta A, Martha J, Edith B, Alicia M, Ralph A , Wesley (Chesley) and Stanley D. Nettie died of cancer 2 September 1914, in Stoneham, Massachusetts. David was a widower in 1921, living with his sons Stanley and Chesley.

In 1953, the Summerside Journal extended greetings to David Dyment, "the grand old man of Springfield, PEI, on the occasion of his 90th birthday." In 1954, the paper noted that he gave a demonstration of his step-dancing at his birthday. On his 93rd birthday, the Journal Pioneer published a picture of David (Friday, April 6, 1956 page 13). David's frequent visits to friends and family were noted in the social pages of the Summerside papers. Earle Dyment remembers David as a wonderful man.

David died February 1958. There is a gravestone in the Tyne Valley Presbyterian Cemetery with the names of David's two wives and two infant children, but David's name was not on the stone. He was buried in Victoria West Cemetery.

The death occurred at his home in Springhill on sunday morning February 16th of Mr David Dyment at the age of ninety-five years. The deceased had been in ailing health for the past three months. He was a well known farmer and will long be remembered for his honesty, pleasant sense of humour and unassuming manner. He took an active part in everything pertaining to the betterment and advancement of the community and was always ready to assist in any worthy cause. In spite of his advanced years he retained all of his faculties and will be greatly missed especially in the home by his son Stanley his daughter in law and three grandchildren. He is survived by one son Stanley at home and five daughters, Margaret, Mrs Earle Hayes, California; Jannetta, Mrs Turner Moore, Enmore; Martha, Mrs Rodney Hart...(clipping ripped)

Guardian : "Sympathy is extended to the family of -the late Mr. David Dyment, Springhill, who passed away Sunday, February 16th. Mr. Dyment was one of the oldest and a most respected citizen..."

Charlottetown Guardian (Charlotte, PEI), 4 March 1958, page 12
Funeral service was held February 18th for the late David Dyment in Victoria West Church. Despite a bad storm a large crowd gathered to show their respect to the deceased. Service was conducted by his pastor, Rev. L. M. MacNaughton of the Presbyterian Church. Internment in Victoria West church cemetery.

David's farm, in the 1928 Cummings Atlas, was in the same location as Moses Dyment's farm in the 1880 census.