David is an active member of the Peterborough community. In addition to attending ploughing and even sewing bees with Mary Cameron, he is a frequent nominee for the Peterborough Council. David’s day-to-day tasks are not unlike that of most farmers; however, the unseasonably cold weather in 1875 and 1876 are a source of great frustration. During those years, David finds comfort in the opening of a new Methodist church in Otonabee Township.