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Prince Edward Island Tourism Region : Points East Coastal Drive
Description From Owner:
- The cape extends into Rollo Bay between Rollo Point and Howe Point. First named Eglington Point by surveyor Samuel Holland for Alexander Montgomerie (1723-1769) 10th Earl of Eglinton.
- (The spelling of Eglinton was incorrect on Holland's map). In the early 1800s it was renamed Abells Cape for land agent Edward Abell who was murdered here by tenant farmer Patrick Pearce.
- Edward Abell was a land agent whose job was to collect rents from tenant farmers for absentee landlords.
- His wife coveted a black carriage horse owned by Patrick Pearce of Red House, one of the tenants of Lord James Townshend for whom her husband collected rent.
- Pearce wouldn't sell her the horse so Mrs. Abell prevailed upon her husband to immediately demand the rent or seize the horse. Pearce didn't have the money handy so he raised it from neighbours.
- Upon returning home, he found one of Abell's men holding his horse, and a constable present. Abell refused to accept the rent money. Pearce went into his house and returned with an old musket equipped with a bayonet.
- While he attempted to get back his horse he stabbed Abell in the arm and then the groin. Abell died several days later.
- Despite a substantial reward offered by the colony for Pearce's capture, neighbours hid him until spring when he fled the colony on a ship bound for Annandale. He was never captured.
- With permission from 'Prince Edward Island Place Names' David E. Scott 2011
Address of this page: http://pei.ruralroutes.com/21318.html