Jesus in the Home of Mary and Martha

David Edgar Bastedo was born in Woodstock, Ontario, in 1860 and was of United Empire Loyalist stock. He moved with his family to Muskoka, settling on a farm near Baysville at Pleasant Point when he was 12 years old. The following year, he became an apprentice with the Northern Advocate printing office. While still a youth, he formed a partnership with Mr. Harry Oaten to publish the Muskoka Herald. He later bought out his partner and published the paper for about 20 years. Mr. Bastedo was very interested in politics and was a strong supporter of the Conservative Party. In 1906, Mr. Bastedo was appointed Sheriff of Muskoka and held this position until the formation of the Drury Government in 1920. He was chairman of the local School Board, leader of the Methodist Choir, Secretary Treasurer of the South Muskoka Agricultural Society, and a member of the Masons, the Oddfellows, and the Orange Society.

David Edgar Bastedo married Elizabeth Ann Oaten in 1884, and to this union were born three daughters and five sons. After completing their post-high school education elsewhere, Burleigh Bastedo returned to Bracebridge and joined the staff of Bracebridge High School, Dr. A.F. Bastedo returned to Bracebridge to set up a practice as a general practitioner, and Frank Bastedo moved to Saskatchewan to practice law, where he was later appointed Lieutenant-Governor of the Province. 

Elizabeth Ann Oaten was born in Brighton, England, in 1862, and moved with her family to Bracebridge in 1872. At the age of 16, she received her second-class professional certificate and began teaching at Ullswater. She later joined the staff of the Bracebridge Public School where she continued teaching until her marriage. 

Mrs. Bastedo was noted for her gentleness, patience, and nobility of character. Even while raising a family of eight children, she was able to take an active part in the work of Knox Presbyterian Church and give her services to The Women’s Christian Temperance Union, The Patriotic League, and the ’98 Club. 

At the time of her sudden death in 1918, not all of her sons were able to attend her funeral. Both Robert and Will were overseas in France on active duty.