It was onthe afternoon of April 2nd, 1929 when the quiet settlement of Snug Corner,Acklins was filled with joy, on the birth of a bouncing baby boy to theparentage of Genetta and Livingston Farquharson. He was amongst the eldest ofthe clan and they named him Michael Sylvanus.
Michael grewup in Snug Corner and attended the Acklins All Aged School until grade six andwas taught by Frank Walkine, Chandler Thompson and Hester Tynes. Like mostyoung boys during that era, Michael was raised by the entire community andspent his early days on the farm and on the seas. At a young age, Michaelworked on his family sail boat that sailed en route between Acklins and NewProvidence. A strict disciplinarian, Michael’s father Livingston or “PapaCountry” ensured that his children were brought up in the St. John’s BaptistChurch, Snug Corner and from an early age were taught to fear the Lord andacknowledge him in all things. “Old Country” instilled in Michael many lifelongprinciples like, “the importance of an honest day’s work for an honest day’spay” and “if you spare the rod you would spoil the child”
As life in Acklins was difficult,Michael left his native land and followed his older brothers, Luther, Johnnyand Nevis and traveled to the United States to work on “The Contract.” He wasable to work and send funds to his parents to assist in taking care of hisyounger siblings. It was in the fields of Florida and North Carolina pickingfruits and cotton that Michael was able to put those life- long principles andgood home training to use. He learnt new lessons like “ All men are createdequal” and “ if I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living would notbe in vain.”
Michaelreturned to his country where he worked at the Immigration Department for twoyears and three months. This was followed by his employment at The BahamasCustoms Department where he served for 36 years & 10 Months. He also workedat the Princess Margaret Hospital as a Male Nurse and a Reservist PoliceOfficer for 12 years. Michael also worked for Bacardi for 7 years but his bibleand his conscience persuaded him to leave.
As a man ofgreat faith who loved his God, Michael became a member of the Annex BaptistChurch under the pastorate of the late Rev. Issac Pinder, the late Rev.Alexander Black and until his demise, Apostle Mitchel E. Jones.
In 2019during the threat of hurricane Dorian we moved him from his homestead toGleniston Gardens. There he was able to assist in many activities from breakingcoconut for Euris to weeding the yard, to climbing the mango tree.
Over thenext few years it was amazing to watch him work and assist where possible, hestill caught the bus to go on his “errands' and it was a joy to see that at hisage he had so much energy. At our family gathering during Christmas, he told usthat this would be his last Christmas with us. He encouraged us to staytogether as a family and always look out for each other.
Michael haslived a full life and has never had to visit the hospital or attend a doctoruntil recently when his steps got slower and changes were noticed in his body.He has fought a good fight and has finished his course. On Saturday, May 28,2023, after ninety-four (94) years on this side, Michael Sylvanus Farquharsonwent on to receive his reward. Sleep on Uncle Mike, we love you, but JesusLoves you best.
Left to cherish his memory and keephis legacy alive are his Brother: Rev Prince A Ferguson
(Synthiest) of Miami Florida; Sisters-in-law:Majorie Farquharson and Rev Betty
Ferguson-Parrimore (Shephard) ofMiami Florida; Nephews: CliftonCulmer, Bevan, Clayton, Jeffery and Rupert Moss, Alvin (Angela), Cresley,Wellington (Beatrice), Lionel, Craven Jr.,
Kenneth (Lakeisha), Osbourne(Camisha) Ferguson, Dr. Delton (Bernadette), Arlington Jr.
(Roslyn), Director of Labour,Robert (Desarie), Kirkwood (Dianne), Sgt. 1421 Noel (Samantha), Supt. Joel(Denise) Farquharson, Mark and Maxwell Cox; Nieces: Dorinda Moss, Vellamae Casey, Isadell Howells, Coralee andMalariae (Millie) Ferguson, Gennie (Larry) Bradley, Gwendolyn (Craig) Charlow,Euris (Kenneth) Morrison; Numerousgrandnieces and grandnephews and a hostof other relatives and friends including: George Moss, Edna Albury,Louise Bowleg, Rev. Reginald Ferguson, Leatha, Stephanie, Ernestine, Patishamae,Joy and Stephanie Sargent, Rose Smith (caretaker), Apostle Mitchel Jones andLady Julia Jones, The Annex Baptist Church Family and the neighborhood of YorkAve, Gleniston Gardens.
