Meadville [PA] April 8 /67 [1867]
Dear Children, Mase and Arvilla
Your welcome and kind letter dated March the 25th was rec'd yesterday.
Thank you very much for that. Hope you will favor me with another when
convienient. I have entirely given up hearing directly from Mase or your
Uncle Charles or any others from that section of the country. Nothing
could have been more welcome or acceptable than your letter informing me
how you have all getting along. Making your passage ( and by the way,
most of us are compeled to take a deck passage and that on what the
mariner calls Hurricane Deck) [in] this truthfully called this dark and
unfriendly world. Arvilla I often feel as Alexander Selkirk express
himself "I am out [of] humanity's reach I must finish my journey alone
etc. etc.”
We have all had a glorious this winter Maria, Charley and little Lura the
hired girl and myself all sick in the house together. A very interesting
time I assure you. We are all improving in health and poverty I think.
I am still with Hull & Whitney in the music store at a salary a little
less than $50 per month. If my expenses are not awful I might lay up a
little something.
I wish I could see that sweet little Emma and little Wille. Kiss each of
them a dozen times for me. If I can get away from the store long enough
to slip down and see you all one of these days perhaps I may.
I sent Samuel Nuntty a book of Sabath School songs. Has he rec’d them if
so, please say to him I would like him to acknowledge it by letter. All
business in this section of country is dull to quiet. My kind regards to
Mase, to your Uncle Charles and family also our friends up on the hill
and others who may take the trouble to enquire about me. Tell little
Emma for me that she must be good girl and learn rapidly and in a few
years after your nice house is built and properly furnished and her
Father will furnish a part of the money that Grandpa will do something
towards procureing for a splendid piano. I can get them at first cost
any one of the best and most popular makes of pianos.
I would really like to send a good No. 3 Florence Sewing Machine to
Ellicottville and sell it to Aunt Em’s next door neighbor with a tip top
operator with it. Compare the stitching and work of each together and
she would not want a Grover & Baker as a gift could she see them tested
by competent operators. But it is all right as it is. Goodbye to all.
Write me again when convenient.
As ever your affectionate Father,
W. E. Harrison [William E. Harrison]
A letter from William E. HARRISON (b.1817 d.?) to his daughter Arvilla ALLEN(b.1842 d.1932) and her family then living in Ellicottville, NY. The spelling is the original. "Mase" is Mason Hicks ALLEN (b.1833 d.1905), Arvilla's husband.
"Uncle Charles" is Charles GALLOWAY who resided with the ALLEN family and was related to William and Arvilla.
"Alexander Selkirk" was the real-life model to Defoe's book, ROBINSON CRUSOE.
"Maria" is William's second wife. (William's first wife and Arvilla's mother Lydia Fish died in 1858.)
"Charley and Lura" are probably William's and Maria's children.
"Emma" (Emma I. ALLEN b.1860 d.1934) and "Willie" (William C. ALLEN b.1866 d.1892) are Arvilla's and Mason's children.
Submitter: David A. WOOLLEY daw@lawoolley.com
Find your roots and hear your ancestors' words across the generations. Discover your origins in old letters as ancestors tell their stories and reveal family relationships, past events, moments in time and details of family history. Add branches to your family tree as you search your ancestry and build your genealogy.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
John Haig Letter 1835 Upper Canada
JOHN HAIG LETTER
1835
Gananoque (1)
Feb 8th 1835
Sir: (2)
I take the opportunity of writing you a few lines tho’ not the pleasure of informing you of good health. But still we have reason to thank God that we are still in the land of the living, when we have seen so many of his deliverances by sea and when so many of our countrymen have suffered by the hand of death this year. Death is awful in any form but more so on steam boats and wharfs in a strange land, not a bed to compose themselves on. (Note: There were cholera epidemics amongst the settlers in both 1832 and 1834).
As for my part I think if people saw the hardships I do not think so many would take the road if they saw five or six hundred packed on a steam boat like as many hogs. But it is wonderful how soon they forget all this, when they have good health afterwards. I received a letter from my brother Thomas (3) informing me of the state of health he is now in. He is now a little better. He has not shaked with the ague this two months but complains of pain in the small of his back and is swelled over the body. (This is probably a description of malaria, which was common in
southern Ontario in the early 19th century).
He is stopping with Thomas Haig (4) and his sister Margaret (5) at Coborg (6) and he says he has suffered much from the cold of the season and trouble. He has not done anything for 20 weeks. He was three weeks very bad and got something (7) from the doctor that removes the trembling and when we took our journey up the country (8) he thought that the changed air could do him good but he could go no further than Coborg and when we came back he was much worse and could not come back with us. I have not seen him since but he says little about the country. He is very dull.
He cannot advise James Purves (9) to come out. Miller’s wages are good if they can get them paid. Peter Haig (9) has 45 pounds per year but he was a month before he fell in. Places are not waiting on people here any more than at home. I received your letter on the 12th December at Gananoque and sent it up to Thomas (11) and George Mitchell (12) as he is there this winter and told him to answer it as I did not think of writing before I was a year in the country.
I am happy to hear that you are all well and was highly pleased with your arrangement of country news. I showed Alexander Lindsay (13) the letter and he was highly pleased with the news. I received in my brother’s letter a draft bill from George Mitchell (14) to be sure and write home immediately with this bill in my letter and tell them who I sent my letter to, and give it to his mother, Christian Mitchell (15). He says he wrote a month ago and sent one bill but as the Bank gives two this is the second and I hope this will reach you before she starts.
John Haig (16) wishes me to tell his brother Joseph (17) to send out with her a set of harrow teeth and sharp them, one set of best traces, and kitchen tongs. He has bought another farm of 50 acres for which he pays 6 dollars an acre, a good house and barn, mostly cleared, and 100 fruit trees on it. Near about where he is John Fish (18) has bought land in the London district (19) very cheap. I hear there is no fear of a man that has got money to spend here. He will get land for anything if you can let them see the cash.
I am to receive a letter from George Mitchell (20) in March to let me know whether I am to go up the country or them to come down concerning Christian Mitchell (21) coming out. I hope George will have given her proper directions. Bring plenty of flour (for the boat), you can bake it. It is better than so many biscuits, and pot barley, and if you sail from Berwick a few Swedish turnips is good for broth. Anyone coming on the halving system ought to bring a good spade and shovel with him as I have never seen any good ones here. Plenty good scythes here and axes are far better than the old country. I see nothing as much wanted as scythe stones. If Mitchell could bring out 3 of them and three straks they would be very useful.
I come now to give you my thoughts of America. There are a great difference betwixt those that go out to spend money and them that go to make it. You say that John Haig (22) still gives good accounts of the country but it is all about land buying. He spoke of his family all getting good wages but he will not have told you where your money is tocome from. His son Thomas (23) told me when I was up that he had not got
one pound of American money yet.
As for my part I cannot complain for I have had plenty work and as goodwages as any I hear of in the country and our money sure. But the work isvery rough here; a man has everything to find, clothes and lodgings arehigh 9/- and 10/- a week for board and you will wear as many againclothes here as at home. Besides you undergo a scorching sun in summer;you work from daylight to sunset, and a dreadful frost in winter. I haveseen it that strong this winter that the cup and saucer froze together
the time we were at breakfast.
We have not seen the face of the earth this 10 weeks. I like the climatemore than anything. I have not seen yet what place a working man can havehere. Robert Waddy (24) and I have been threshing a lot all winter, a jobI would not have done at home. We have the 8 bushel of wheat. It is 3/- abushel 2s cheaper than ever it was known so I conceive we are working for2s a day less than men did last year.
There are the good times in America so much spoken of. This is a goodplace for tradesmen. As yet their wages are much the same as they used tobe reported and women servants are well off here … 4 dollars a month arethe common wages. I have spoken on the men with money and the poor man,and will leave you to guess which gets best on at home.
Concerning farming a man with a small family can make a living byindustry, but the land takes a deal of labour before it will grow much. Ithink it is 8 years from cutting before you can plow much of it. You canget hay off it all the time. The people here are mostly very poor. I donot think much of them at all. People does not think like George Mitchell(25); he lies the country well and I hope he will take good care of hismother when she comes out. He wishes to have a farm.
Isabel Waddy (26) wishes me to tell Abraham Waddy (27) to send her out aquantity of needles and a chamber pot as she can get none here. When Ihave told you all these stories you will say he has got that sicknessthat Robert Lister (28) speaks of, but give my best regards to R. (29)and Alistair (30) and tell them I am much obliged to him for his advicebut we have been up the country and have seen many of our acquaintancesthat have the sickness and knows the cure ( 7) that they cannot pay the
doctor for. But of that voyage I have said nothing as you had a fullaccount of it in Robert Waddy’s (31) letter.
Give my best wishes to my brother Joseph (32) and all my sisters (33) andthey are to think no more about America; to James Haig (34) in Duns andsay that they are as well at home for anything that I have seen. TellJohn Martin (35) that I think he could not drive oxen for they are mymaster-piece. I just had them one half day and I was that hoarse that Icould not speak. Give my respects to all my old neighbors and friends.Charles King (36) and family, not forgetting Jennet (37), and if youhave an opportunity of seeing her tell her that George Mitchell (38) andI drank tea with her old neighbor Mrs. Fish (39) at Coborg and had somechat about old country affairs.
We have never seen anything of Hugh Crow (40), but we hear that he is upthe country. We were surprised to hear of Andrew Waddell (41) in thiscountry. We saw a man last week who said he was working at the canalbelow Prescott (42). Thomas (43) has his best respects to you all, totell his old masters that he has had very little pleasure in this countryand to William Martin (44) and happy to hear that he landed safe. Waddey(45) has well wishes to you all. I can do no more as my candle is done
and my ink is hard frozen. I remain your friend and well wisher,John Haig (46)
NOTES
(1) Gananoque Town on St. Lawrence River, in Leeds County, Ontario,Upper Canada. Between Brockville and Kingston.
(2) Sir Letter was written and addressed to Mr. David Gray at Preston,Dunse (Berwickshire, Scotland), grandfather of the Miss M.D. Gray ofBarnton, Eyemouth who found it among family papers and published it inthe Berwickshire News (c1953) from which it was later picked up andpublished in the Gananoque Reporter (c1954). There is no trace of a DavidGrey in Berwickshire in the 1841 Scottish census.
(3) Thomas Thomas Haig born 17 Aug 1803 at Buncle & Preston,Berwickshire, Scotland, son of John Haig (b.1765) and Margaret Sligh(b.1769), married Margaret Woods (1818-1881), died 25 Nov 1887 in LeedsCounty, Ontario. Brother of letter-writer John Haig (#46).
(4) Thomas Haig Most likely the Thomas Haig listed in the Dictionary ofScottish Immigrants to Canada (Vol-1), born c1807, Berwickshire, brotherof James Haig (who also came to Canada), arrived in Seymour Township,Northumberland County, Ontario in 1836, discharged soldier. Later marriedMargaret Buchanan (b.1821 in Canada) at Burnbraie in 1841; Children -Samuel, John, Thomas Allan, William, Peter, James, David, Isabella,
Margaret.
This Thomas Haig (#4) was probably the son of John Haig and Agnes Craig(#16). If so, however, the 1836 arrival date would be in error as thisletter was written in 1835 and the Dictionary of Scottish Immigrants ToCanada records that Thomas Haig, son of John Haig (#16), arrived with hisparents in 1833.
No other possible Thomas Haigs have been indentified. Relationship toJohn and Thomas Haig of Leeds County unknown.
(5) Margaret Margaret Haig apparent sister to Thomas Haig (#4) livingat/near Coborg. Thomas Haig (#4) and his sister Margaret were probablythe children of John Haig (#16) and Agnes Craig.Relationship to John and Thomas Haig of Leeds County unknown.
(6) Coborg Town on Lake Ontario in Northumberland County, Ontario,Upper Canada.
(7) Malaria/Quinine The “Ague” referred to is malaria, common insouthern Ontario in the 1830s. The “something” provided by the doctor toThomas and the known “cure” is a reference to quinine. Quinine becameavailable in Upper Canada in 1825 but was at first available only throughdoctors and very expensive at 1/6 d per grain. Later, however, it wassold directly through shops and the price by 1832 had dropped to a pennya grain. Why John suggests quinine was very expensive in 1835 is unknown.
(8) Up the Country Refers to traveling west from Gananoque, Ontario,i.e. up-stream along the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes system.
(9) James Purves Unknown: Possibly a brother to Andrew Purvis (b. c1805)who married Agnes Waldie (1806-1892) and emigrated to Leeds County.
A James Purves was born to parents James Purves and Margaret Fish (#18)on 26 May 1769 at Foulden Parish, Berwickshire.
In the next generation a John Purves (b. c1833), the son of Andrew Purvesand Agnes Waldie, married Agnes Haig (1842-1928) the daughter to ThomasHaig (#3) in 1861.There was a large clan of Purvis/Purves familes at Duns & Puncle/Prestonin Berwickshire during the early 19th century. As this James Purvis seemsto be a miller by trade, he may be connected to Purvis/Purves familyassociated with a mill at Chirnside on the Whiteadder River,Berwickshire.
(10) Peter Haig Uncertain: Possibly Peter Haig (b.1811) son of John Haig(# 16) and brother to Thomas Haig (#4) and Margaret Haig (#5 above).Relationship to John and Thomas Haig of Leeds County unknown.
(11) Thomas Thomas Haig (# 3).
(12) George Mitchell George Mitchell (1799-1886), later settled in LeedsCounty. Married Jane Brown (1824-1908), daughter of George Brown (1796-1881) and Janet McDougal (1798-1869) and sister to Anne Brown (1818-1904)wife of John Haig (#46), the letter writer.
(13) Alexander Lindsay Alexander Lindsay (1775-1866), settled at LindsayPoint, on the St. Lawrence River, Leeds County, Ontario, Upper Canada.Married Marion Murray (1782-1847). Father of Isabella Lindsay (# 25).(14) George Mitchell See (# 12).
(15) Christian Mitchell Mother of George Mitchell (#12). She did emigrateto Upper Canada as discussed in the letter.
(16) John Haig John Haig, listed in the Dictionary of Scottish ImmigrantsTo Canada (Vol-1) as born c1780, probably from Preston, Berwickshire andemigrated to Colborne, Northumberland County in 1833 with children;David, Joseph, Thomas, James, Samuel, Alexander & John. Wife isidentified as Agnes Craig in the appendix to Vol-2 of the Dictionary ofScottish Immigrants.
In the IGI this John Haig (#16) is listed as the son of Thomas Haig andJulian Cowin, who were married 15 May 1778 at Westruther, Berwickshire.He was born 16 June 1779 and married Agnes Craig 19 Jan 1810 at DunsBerwickshire; Children – Margaret (b.????), Julian (b.????) Thomas(b.1811), Agnes (b.1815), Janet (b.1815), John (b.1818), James (b.1821)Peter (b.1823) and David (b.1826).
Note: Sons Joseph, Samuel & Alexander listed in Dictionary of Scottish Immigrants but not on the IGI list. Daughters Margaret, Janet & Julianon IGI list but not on the Dictionary of Scottish Immigrants list.Place of residence uncertain in 1835, but letter says has purchased landsomewhere in/near the London District (# 19).Son Thomas (b.1811) must be Thomas (#4) and daughter Margaret (b.????)must be Margaret (#5).Relationship to John and Thomas Haig of Leeds County unknown.
(17) Joseph Joseph Haig brother to the John Haig of Coborg (#16).John Haig (#16) was the son of Thomas Haig and Julian Cowin, who weremarried 16 May 1778 at Westruther, Berwickshire, and there is a “oneWorld Tree” record for a Joseph Haig (b.1784) to parents Thomas Haig andJulian Cowin, but no other documentary support.This is not likely the Joseph Haig son of John Haig (#16) because,according to the Dictionary of Scottish Immigrants, that Joseph Haig cameto Canada with his parents in 1833.
(18) John Fish Uncertain. Lives near John Haig (#16) somewhere in theLondon District (#19). Apparently married (see #39).No one named Fish is listed in the Dictionary of Scottish Immigrants toCanada nor in the Duns or Buncle/Preston OPRs. However this is probablythe John Fish, aged 91, born in Scotland, who appears in the Ontario census of 1871 resident in Burford Township, Brant County (near Brantford and about 70 Km east of London, Ontario) A James Purves (see #9) was born to parents James Purves and MargaretFish on 26 May 1769 at Foulden Parish, Berwickshire … confirming there
was a family named Fish in Berwickshire.
(19) London District The London District of Ontario in 1835 comprised the modern counties of Middlesex, Norfolk and Oxford. The town/city of London was the District headquarters.
(20) George Mitchell See (# 12).
(21) Christian Mitchell See (# 15).
(22) John Haig See (# 16).
(23) Thomas Probably Thomas Haig (b.1811), son of John Haig (#16).
(24) Robert Waddy Robert Waldie (c1803-1887), son of John Waldie &Elizabeth Hoggarth of Ayton Berwickshire, brother to Abraham Waldie
(#27), William Waldie (1798-1805) husband of Isabella Lindsay (#26) andAgnes Waldie ( 1806-1792) who married Andrew Purvis (see # 9). Waddy andWaldie are variations of the same surname.
(25) George Mitchell See (# 12).
(26) Isabel Waddy Isabel Lindsay-Waldie (1805-1893), wife of William Waldie (1798-1896), daughter of Alexander Lindsay (1775-1866) and Marion Murray (1782-1847). Waddy & Waldie are variations of the same surname.
(27) Abraham Waddy Abram/Abraham Waldie (1804-1892), son of John Waldie &Elizabeth Hoggarth of Ayton Berwickshire, living in Scotland, brother toRobert Waldie (#24), William Waldie (1798-1805) husband of Isabella Lindsay (#26) & Agnes Waldie (1806-1792) who married Andrew Purvis (see #9). Waddy and Waldie are variations of the same surname.
(28) Robert Lister Unidentified.
(29) R. Unidentified.
(30) Alistair Unidentified.
(31) Robert Waddy See (# 24).
(32) Joseph Joseph Haig (1793-1882), eldest brother of letter-writer John Haig (#46). Joseph was married twice, first to Mary Aitken and then Isabella Grey and is, therefore, most likely the Joseph Haig who appearsin the Scottish census of 1842 living at Bunkle with wife Isabella andchildren Christina, Margaret and Jane. In that census he is living nextdoor to a Peter and Margaret Sligh. According to his death registration,signed by his daughter Jane as reporter, Joseph Haig had worked as a carter.
(33) Sisters Sisters of letter writer John Haig (#46) – Isabel (b.1767) &Margaret (b.1770), living in Scotland.
(34) James Haig Unidentified living in Duns, Berwickshire. This could be letter writer John Haig’s (#46) brother James (1763-1840) but, if so, it is curious that he refers to him by his full name rather than as “my brother James” as in the case of “my brother Joseph”. This could be the James Haig aged 50 (b. c1791) who appears as resident at Duns in the Scottish census of 1841.
(35) John Martin Unidentified. Probably related to William Martin (#44).
(36) Charles King Charles King (1776-1846), married to Janet Sligh (1769-1846), sister to Margaret Sligh (b. 1769), mother to letter writer John Haig, and therefore his uncle. Most likely the Charles King aged 60 and Janet King aged 70 of Preston/Bunkle appearing in the 1841 Scottish census … and on the same page (apparently neighbors of) Joseph & Isabella Haig (#17). The 1841 census rounded ages to nearest 5 years.
(37) Jennet Most likely Janet Sligh-King, wife of Charles King (#36), the letter writer’s aunt. Alternately may be Janet King born 07 April 1807 at Duns, Lanton, Berwickshire, daughter of Charles King (# 36) and Janet Sligh-King. Janet King (b. 1807) married John Brown on 26 Feb 1836 at Duns, Berwickshire.
(38) George Mitchell See (# 12).
(39) Mrs. Fish Apparently wife of John Fish (# 18).
(40) Hugh Crow Unidentified. A Julian Crow (1751-1821) and her husband Thomas Haig (1753-1818) are buried in Preston Churchyard. A George Crow (1786-1843) and his wife Alison Purves are buried at Chirnside. (See Purvis # 9).
(41) Andrew Waddell Unidentified
(42) Prescott Town on the St. Lawrence east of Gananoque, Ontario. The canal in question would have been the Lachine Canal constructed around the rapids of the same name in the 1830s.
(43) Thomas Thomas Haig (# 3), brother to letter writer John Haig (#46).(44) William Martin Uncertain. May be the William Martin, age 40 (b.c1801), who appears as a bookseller resident at Shamble Wynd South Side,Duns, Berwickshire, in the 1841 Scottish census.
(45) Waddey Probably Robert Waldie (# 24).
(46) John Haig John Haig, born 17 May 1796, Buncle & Preston Parish,Berwickshire, Scotland, son of John Haig (b.1765) and Margaret Sligh(b.1769), emigrated to Leeds County, Ontario, Upper Canada 1834, married Anne Brown (1818-1904), died 02 April 1880 at Gananoque, Ontario.
Submitter: Ron W. Shaw
scdhrcda@perth.igs.net
1835
Gananoque (1)
Feb 8th 1835
Sir: (2)
I take the opportunity of writing you a few lines tho’ not the pleasure of informing you of good health. But still we have reason to thank God that we are still in the land of the living, when we have seen so many of his deliverances by sea and when so many of our countrymen have suffered by the hand of death this year. Death is awful in any form but more so on steam boats and wharfs in a strange land, not a bed to compose themselves on. (Note: There were cholera epidemics amongst the settlers in both 1832 and 1834).
As for my part I think if people saw the hardships I do not think so many would take the road if they saw five or six hundred packed on a steam boat like as many hogs. But it is wonderful how soon they forget all this, when they have good health afterwards. I received a letter from my brother Thomas (3) informing me of the state of health he is now in. He is now a little better. He has not shaked with the ague this two months but complains of pain in the small of his back and is swelled over the body. (This is probably a description of malaria, which was common in
southern Ontario in the early 19th century).
He is stopping with Thomas Haig (4) and his sister Margaret (5) at Coborg (6) and he says he has suffered much from the cold of the season and trouble. He has not done anything for 20 weeks. He was three weeks very bad and got something (7) from the doctor that removes the trembling and when we took our journey up the country (8) he thought that the changed air could do him good but he could go no further than Coborg and when we came back he was much worse and could not come back with us. I have not seen him since but he says little about the country. He is very dull.
He cannot advise James Purves (9) to come out. Miller’s wages are good if they can get them paid. Peter Haig (9) has 45 pounds per year but he was a month before he fell in. Places are not waiting on people here any more than at home. I received your letter on the 12th December at Gananoque and sent it up to Thomas (11) and George Mitchell (12) as he is there this winter and told him to answer it as I did not think of writing before I was a year in the country.
I am happy to hear that you are all well and was highly pleased with your arrangement of country news. I showed Alexander Lindsay (13) the letter and he was highly pleased with the news. I received in my brother’s letter a draft bill from George Mitchell (14) to be sure and write home immediately with this bill in my letter and tell them who I sent my letter to, and give it to his mother, Christian Mitchell (15). He says he wrote a month ago and sent one bill but as the Bank gives two this is the second and I hope this will reach you before she starts.
John Haig (16) wishes me to tell his brother Joseph (17) to send out with her a set of harrow teeth and sharp them, one set of best traces, and kitchen tongs. He has bought another farm of 50 acres for which he pays 6 dollars an acre, a good house and barn, mostly cleared, and 100 fruit trees on it. Near about where he is John Fish (18) has bought land in the London district (19) very cheap. I hear there is no fear of a man that has got money to spend here. He will get land for anything if you can let them see the cash.
I am to receive a letter from George Mitchell (20) in March to let me know whether I am to go up the country or them to come down concerning Christian Mitchell (21) coming out. I hope George will have given her proper directions. Bring plenty of flour (for the boat), you can bake it. It is better than so many biscuits, and pot barley, and if you sail from Berwick a few Swedish turnips is good for broth. Anyone coming on the halving system ought to bring a good spade and shovel with him as I have never seen any good ones here. Plenty good scythes here and axes are far better than the old country. I see nothing as much wanted as scythe stones. If Mitchell could bring out 3 of them and three straks they would be very useful.
I come now to give you my thoughts of America. There are a great difference betwixt those that go out to spend money and them that go to make it. You say that John Haig (22) still gives good accounts of the country but it is all about land buying. He spoke of his family all getting good wages but he will not have told you where your money is tocome from. His son Thomas (23) told me when I was up that he had not got
one pound of American money yet.
As for my part I cannot complain for I have had plenty work and as goodwages as any I hear of in the country and our money sure. But the work isvery rough here; a man has everything to find, clothes and lodgings arehigh 9/- and 10/- a week for board and you will wear as many againclothes here as at home. Besides you undergo a scorching sun in summer;you work from daylight to sunset, and a dreadful frost in winter. I haveseen it that strong this winter that the cup and saucer froze together
the time we were at breakfast.
We have not seen the face of the earth this 10 weeks. I like the climatemore than anything. I have not seen yet what place a working man can havehere. Robert Waddy (24) and I have been threshing a lot all winter, a jobI would not have done at home. We have the 8 bushel of wheat. It is 3/- abushel 2s cheaper than ever it was known so I conceive we are working for2s a day less than men did last year.
There are the good times in America so much spoken of. This is a goodplace for tradesmen. As yet their wages are much the same as they used tobe reported and women servants are well off here … 4 dollars a month arethe common wages. I have spoken on the men with money and the poor man,and will leave you to guess which gets best on at home.
Concerning farming a man with a small family can make a living byindustry, but the land takes a deal of labour before it will grow much. Ithink it is 8 years from cutting before you can plow much of it. You canget hay off it all the time. The people here are mostly very poor. I donot think much of them at all. People does not think like George Mitchell(25); he lies the country well and I hope he will take good care of hismother when she comes out. He wishes to have a farm.
Isabel Waddy (26) wishes me to tell Abraham Waddy (27) to send her out aquantity of needles and a chamber pot as she can get none here. When Ihave told you all these stories you will say he has got that sicknessthat Robert Lister (28) speaks of, but give my best regards to R. (29)and Alistair (30) and tell them I am much obliged to him for his advicebut we have been up the country and have seen many of our acquaintancesthat have the sickness and knows the cure ( 7) that they cannot pay the
doctor for. But of that voyage I have said nothing as you had a fullaccount of it in Robert Waddy’s (31) letter.
Give my best wishes to my brother Joseph (32) and all my sisters (33) andthey are to think no more about America; to James Haig (34) in Duns andsay that they are as well at home for anything that I have seen. TellJohn Martin (35) that I think he could not drive oxen for they are mymaster-piece. I just had them one half day and I was that hoarse that Icould not speak. Give my respects to all my old neighbors and friends.Charles King (36) and family, not forgetting Jennet (37), and if youhave an opportunity of seeing her tell her that George Mitchell (38) andI drank tea with her old neighbor Mrs. Fish (39) at Coborg and had somechat about old country affairs.
We have never seen anything of Hugh Crow (40), but we hear that he is upthe country. We were surprised to hear of Andrew Waddell (41) in thiscountry. We saw a man last week who said he was working at the canalbelow Prescott (42). Thomas (43) has his best respects to you all, totell his old masters that he has had very little pleasure in this countryand to William Martin (44) and happy to hear that he landed safe. Waddey(45) has well wishes to you all. I can do no more as my candle is done
and my ink is hard frozen. I remain your friend and well wisher,John Haig (46)
NOTES
(1) Gananoque Town on St. Lawrence River, in Leeds County, Ontario,Upper Canada. Between Brockville and Kingston.
(2) Sir Letter was written and addressed to Mr. David Gray at Preston,Dunse (Berwickshire, Scotland), grandfather of the Miss M.D. Gray ofBarnton, Eyemouth who found it among family papers and published it inthe Berwickshire News (c1953) from which it was later picked up andpublished in the Gananoque Reporter (c1954). There is no trace of a DavidGrey in Berwickshire in the 1841 Scottish census.
(3) Thomas Thomas Haig born 17 Aug 1803 at Buncle & Preston,Berwickshire, Scotland, son of John Haig (b.1765) and Margaret Sligh(b.1769), married Margaret Woods (1818-1881), died 25 Nov 1887 in LeedsCounty, Ontario. Brother of letter-writer John Haig (#46).
(4) Thomas Haig Most likely the Thomas Haig listed in the Dictionary ofScottish Immigrants to Canada (Vol-1), born c1807, Berwickshire, brotherof James Haig (who also came to Canada), arrived in Seymour Township,Northumberland County, Ontario in 1836, discharged soldier. Later marriedMargaret Buchanan (b.1821 in Canada) at Burnbraie in 1841; Children -Samuel, John, Thomas Allan, William, Peter, James, David, Isabella,
Margaret.
This Thomas Haig (#4) was probably the son of John Haig and Agnes Craig(#16). If so, however, the 1836 arrival date would be in error as thisletter was written in 1835 and the Dictionary of Scottish Immigrants ToCanada records that Thomas Haig, son of John Haig (#16), arrived with hisparents in 1833.
No other possible Thomas Haigs have been indentified. Relationship toJohn and Thomas Haig of Leeds County unknown.
(5) Margaret Margaret Haig apparent sister to Thomas Haig (#4) livingat/near Coborg. Thomas Haig (#4) and his sister Margaret were probablythe children of John Haig (#16) and Agnes Craig.Relationship to John and Thomas Haig of Leeds County unknown.
(6) Coborg Town on Lake Ontario in Northumberland County, Ontario,Upper Canada.
(7) Malaria/Quinine The “Ague” referred to is malaria, common insouthern Ontario in the 1830s. The “something” provided by the doctor toThomas and the known “cure” is a reference to quinine. Quinine becameavailable in Upper Canada in 1825 but was at first available only throughdoctors and very expensive at 1/6 d per grain. Later, however, it wassold directly through shops and the price by 1832 had dropped to a pennya grain. Why John suggests quinine was very expensive in 1835 is unknown.
(8) Up the Country Refers to traveling west from Gananoque, Ontario,i.e. up-stream along the St. Lawrence and Great Lakes system.
(9) James Purves Unknown: Possibly a brother to Andrew Purvis (b. c1805)who married Agnes Waldie (1806-1892) and emigrated to Leeds County.
A James Purves was born to parents James Purves and Margaret Fish (#18)on 26 May 1769 at Foulden Parish, Berwickshire.
In the next generation a John Purves (b. c1833), the son of Andrew Purvesand Agnes Waldie, married Agnes Haig (1842-1928) the daughter to ThomasHaig (#3) in 1861.There was a large clan of Purvis/Purves familes at Duns & Puncle/Prestonin Berwickshire during the early 19th century. As this James Purvis seemsto be a miller by trade, he may be connected to Purvis/Purves familyassociated with a mill at Chirnside on the Whiteadder River,Berwickshire.
(10) Peter Haig Uncertain: Possibly Peter Haig (b.1811) son of John Haig(# 16) and brother to Thomas Haig (#4) and Margaret Haig (#5 above).Relationship to John and Thomas Haig of Leeds County unknown.
(11) Thomas Thomas Haig (# 3).
(12) George Mitchell George Mitchell (1799-1886), later settled in LeedsCounty. Married Jane Brown (1824-1908), daughter of George Brown (1796-1881) and Janet McDougal (1798-1869) and sister to Anne Brown (1818-1904)wife of John Haig (#46), the letter writer.
(13) Alexander Lindsay Alexander Lindsay (1775-1866), settled at LindsayPoint, on the St. Lawrence River, Leeds County, Ontario, Upper Canada.Married Marion Murray (1782-1847). Father of Isabella Lindsay (# 25).(14) George Mitchell See (# 12).
(15) Christian Mitchell Mother of George Mitchell (#12). She did emigrateto Upper Canada as discussed in the letter.
(16) John Haig John Haig, listed in the Dictionary of Scottish ImmigrantsTo Canada (Vol-1) as born c1780, probably from Preston, Berwickshire andemigrated to Colborne, Northumberland County in 1833 with children;David, Joseph, Thomas, James, Samuel, Alexander & John. Wife isidentified as Agnes Craig in the appendix to Vol-2 of the Dictionary ofScottish Immigrants.
In the IGI this John Haig (#16) is listed as the son of Thomas Haig andJulian Cowin, who were married 15 May 1778 at Westruther, Berwickshire.He was born 16 June 1779 and married Agnes Craig 19 Jan 1810 at DunsBerwickshire; Children – Margaret (b.????), Julian (b.????) Thomas(b.1811), Agnes (b.1815), Janet (b.1815), John (b.1818), James (b.1821)Peter (b.1823) and David (b.1826).
Note: Sons Joseph, Samuel & Alexander listed in Dictionary of Scottish Immigrants but not on the IGI list. Daughters Margaret, Janet & Julianon IGI list but not on the Dictionary of Scottish Immigrants list.Place of residence uncertain in 1835, but letter says has purchased landsomewhere in/near the London District (# 19).Son Thomas (b.1811) must be Thomas (#4) and daughter Margaret (b.????)must be Margaret (#5).Relationship to John and Thomas Haig of Leeds County unknown.
(17) Joseph Joseph Haig brother to the John Haig of Coborg (#16).John Haig (#16) was the son of Thomas Haig and Julian Cowin, who weremarried 16 May 1778 at Westruther, Berwickshire, and there is a “oneWorld Tree” record for a Joseph Haig (b.1784) to parents Thomas Haig andJulian Cowin, but no other documentary support.This is not likely the Joseph Haig son of John Haig (#16) because,according to the Dictionary of Scottish Immigrants, that Joseph Haig cameto Canada with his parents in 1833.
(18) John Fish Uncertain. Lives near John Haig (#16) somewhere in theLondon District (#19). Apparently married (see #39).No one named Fish is listed in the Dictionary of Scottish Immigrants toCanada nor in the Duns or Buncle/Preston OPRs. However this is probablythe John Fish, aged 91, born in Scotland, who appears in the Ontario census of 1871 resident in Burford Township, Brant County (near Brantford and about 70 Km east of London, Ontario) A James Purves (see #9) was born to parents James Purves and MargaretFish on 26 May 1769 at Foulden Parish, Berwickshire … confirming there
was a family named Fish in Berwickshire.
(19) London District The London District of Ontario in 1835 comprised the modern counties of Middlesex, Norfolk and Oxford. The town/city of London was the District headquarters.
(20) George Mitchell See (# 12).
(21) Christian Mitchell See (# 15).
(22) John Haig See (# 16).
(23) Thomas Probably Thomas Haig (b.1811), son of John Haig (#16).
(24) Robert Waddy Robert Waldie (c1803-1887), son of John Waldie &Elizabeth Hoggarth of Ayton Berwickshire, brother to Abraham Waldie
(#27), William Waldie (1798-1805) husband of Isabella Lindsay (#26) andAgnes Waldie ( 1806-1792) who married Andrew Purvis (see # 9). Waddy andWaldie are variations of the same surname.
(25) George Mitchell See (# 12).
(26) Isabel Waddy Isabel Lindsay-Waldie (1805-1893), wife of William Waldie (1798-1896), daughter of Alexander Lindsay (1775-1866) and Marion Murray (1782-1847). Waddy & Waldie are variations of the same surname.
(27) Abraham Waddy Abram/Abraham Waldie (1804-1892), son of John Waldie &Elizabeth Hoggarth of Ayton Berwickshire, living in Scotland, brother toRobert Waldie (#24), William Waldie (1798-1805) husband of Isabella Lindsay (#26) & Agnes Waldie (1806-1792) who married Andrew Purvis (see #9). Waddy and Waldie are variations of the same surname.
(28) Robert Lister Unidentified.
(29) R. Unidentified.
(30) Alistair Unidentified.
(31) Robert Waddy See (# 24).
(32) Joseph Joseph Haig (1793-1882), eldest brother of letter-writer John Haig (#46). Joseph was married twice, first to Mary Aitken and then Isabella Grey and is, therefore, most likely the Joseph Haig who appearsin the Scottish census of 1842 living at Bunkle with wife Isabella andchildren Christina, Margaret and Jane. In that census he is living nextdoor to a Peter and Margaret Sligh. According to his death registration,signed by his daughter Jane as reporter, Joseph Haig had worked as a carter.
(33) Sisters Sisters of letter writer John Haig (#46) – Isabel (b.1767) &Margaret (b.1770), living in Scotland.
(34) James Haig Unidentified living in Duns, Berwickshire. This could be letter writer John Haig’s (#46) brother James (1763-1840) but, if so, it is curious that he refers to him by his full name rather than as “my brother James” as in the case of “my brother Joseph”. This could be the James Haig aged 50 (b. c1791) who appears as resident at Duns in the Scottish census of 1841.
(35) John Martin Unidentified. Probably related to William Martin (#44).
(36) Charles King Charles King (1776-1846), married to Janet Sligh (1769-1846), sister to Margaret Sligh (b. 1769), mother to letter writer John Haig, and therefore his uncle. Most likely the Charles King aged 60 and Janet King aged 70 of Preston/Bunkle appearing in the 1841 Scottish census … and on the same page (apparently neighbors of) Joseph & Isabella Haig (#17). The 1841 census rounded ages to nearest 5 years.
(37) Jennet Most likely Janet Sligh-King, wife of Charles King (#36), the letter writer’s aunt. Alternately may be Janet King born 07 April 1807 at Duns, Lanton, Berwickshire, daughter of Charles King (# 36) and Janet Sligh-King. Janet King (b. 1807) married John Brown on 26 Feb 1836 at Duns, Berwickshire.
(38) George Mitchell See (# 12).
(39) Mrs. Fish Apparently wife of John Fish (# 18).
(40) Hugh Crow Unidentified. A Julian Crow (1751-1821) and her husband Thomas Haig (1753-1818) are buried in Preston Churchyard. A George Crow (1786-1843) and his wife Alison Purves are buried at Chirnside. (See Purvis # 9).
(41) Andrew Waddell Unidentified
(42) Prescott Town on the St. Lawrence east of Gananoque, Ontario. The canal in question would have been the Lachine Canal constructed around the rapids of the same name in the 1830s.
(43) Thomas Thomas Haig (# 3), brother to letter writer John Haig (#46).(44) William Martin Uncertain. May be the William Martin, age 40 (b.c1801), who appears as a bookseller resident at Shamble Wynd South Side,Duns, Berwickshire, in the 1841 Scottish census.
(45) Waddey Probably Robert Waldie (# 24).
(46) John Haig John Haig, born 17 May 1796, Buncle & Preston Parish,Berwickshire, Scotland, son of John Haig (b.1765) and Margaret Sligh(b.1769), emigrated to Leeds County, Ontario, Upper Canada 1834, married Anne Brown (1818-1904), died 02 April 1880 at Gananoque, Ontario.
Submitter: Ron W. Shaw
scdhrcda@perth.igs.net
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Schenectady, New York 1906 Letter
My Dear Little Woman, I have just filled up the stove with coal preparatory for ironing it is a lovely morning. I wish you and Jesse and the horse and wagon were .... drive out and get our dinner to ... but I might as well wish for a nugget of gold from the moon. Well I wonder how Jess is did the oil make him feel any better.
I reached home 10.20 Monday and I tell you between Troy & Sohen... dy it was a breezy ride the old gent had retired he is quite calm. I think it done him good to let him see that there was not rope on one .. staid on the oar and rode down to the marting room I got off at Harlett St so there was about half hour difference in our return did you know you put your comb in my back hair and I have it when I go down St. I will get you one like they wear here do not go and buy one.
Saty hon I wish you were here this morn and I would let the ironing go and we would go on the trolly to Ballston spa and look around then take another trolly and go over to Saratoga Springs and have a days outing or hire a horse and wagon and drive over to the burrying plot where the Hubbells lay for the last two centurys where your
great great and your great grandfathers have lain and rested in there last sleep your great great grandfathers name was Joseph and his wife was Ruth and your great grandfathers name was Inessimus and his wife was Charity and your Grandfather's name was Henry and his wife Sarah now you have the names of your ancestors for 2 generations if we all live we may some time be able to visit the burry plot they all have stones to mark there resting spots now Saty I will get ready for ironing hopeing I may realize what I would like and you with me I would like to have your
children see where there way back ancestors lay to your children Joseph Hubbell down to you is 5 back of them.
I do not know wether verry many can tell back as far as that or not I will close now for this time saying everything is quiet at present yesterday morn he laid out 12
dolars for rent I put 5 with it and paid the rent for 1 more month Do not buy you a comb I will go as soon as I can to get you one Your loving Mother
I reached home 10.20 Monday and I tell you between Troy & Sohen... dy it was a breezy ride the old gent had retired he is quite calm. I think it done him good to let him see that there was not rope on one .. staid on the oar and rode down to the marting room I got off at Harlett St so there was about half hour difference in our return did you know you put your comb in my back hair and I have it when I go down St. I will get you one like they wear here do not go and buy one.
Saty hon I wish you were here this morn and I would let the ironing go and we would go on the trolly to Ballston spa and look around then take another trolly and go over to Saratoga Springs and have a days outing or hire a horse and wagon and drive over to the burrying plot where the Hubbells lay for the last two centurys where your
great great and your great grandfathers have lain and rested in there last sleep your great great grandfathers name was Joseph and his wife was Ruth and your great grandfathers name was Inessimus and his wife was Charity and your Grandfather's name was Henry and his wife Sarah now you have the names of your ancestors for 2 generations if we all live we may some time be able to visit the burry plot they all have stones to mark there resting spots now Saty I will get ready for ironing hopeing I may realize what I would like and you with me I would like to have your
children see where there way back ancestors lay to your children Joseph Hubbell down to you is 5 back of them.
I do not know wether verry many can tell back as far as that or not I will close now for this time saying everything is quiet at present yesterday morn he laid out 12
dolars for rent I put 5 with it and paid the rent for 1 more month Do not buy you a comb I will go as soon as I can to get you one Your loving Mother
Notes:
Addressed to: Mrs. J.T. Carpenter, Bennington, VT. It was postmarked from Schenectady, New York on September 5, 1906. Letter writer is Mother of "Saty". Saty and her husband Jesse apparently had moved away. Mother is lonely and misses them! Mother shared that their ancestry is the Hubbell Family. Great and poignant letter. I found this in an antique store.
Natalie
E-mail piraticalmomof4@yahoo.com
Sunday, May 25, 2008
North Carolina Letter from James Fordham 1898
Cadiz, Lenoir County, North Carolina
Sept. 30, 1898
J.D. Fordham
Dear Cousin:
Yours of September 20th to hand and contents noted. You did not say whether you were a son or daughter of Benjamin Fordham so I am at a loss to know how to address you. I am glad, however, to hear from one of Uncle Bill's family. This is the first letter I have ever read from any of his folks. I had a letter from Joel Fordham last spring and one from Cousin Benjamin Fordham. He is 80 years of age and son of old Uncle Benjamin. I appreciated his letter very much, indeed, and hope to hear from him again. I am a son of John Fordham. I have two brothers and three sisters living out of thirteen. We five constitute all except children and grandchildren which are right numerous. The Fordhams are very prolific stock as you are no doubt aware. My father married three times. His first wife had thirteen children, his next none, the third, my mother, had thirteen. I have thirteen living children myself and one of my living brothers C. C. Fordham, has had in all nineteen, several are dead. I have my third wife. My oldest brother has no children. He has his second wife.
Old Uncle Ben and Uncle Bill went to Georgia eighty or ninety years ago and a half brother Elias Fordham. He did not live long. He left two sons, Stephen and John. Stephen is yet living, John is dead. You no doubt know more about that than I do.
Excuse digression. Crops are poor in North Carolina, expecially cotton and the price shameful. Tobacco seems to be the coming crop, but it may be like cotton, boom a short time only.
My health is very poor, indeed. I am very nervous at times. I am sixty-seven years of age and can't live a great while at best. Hope to hear from you again at an early date. Tell me all about Old Uncle Bill's family and all others of the Fordham family that you know of. Accept my kindest regards to you and all the family or families.
Yours kindly,
A. J. Fordham, M.D.
This letter was written by Andrew Jackson Fordham (b. Jan 27, 1832 in Jones Co., NC d. May 19, 1906 in NC). The letter is obviously to his cousin, though I'm not sure what J.D. stands for. "Uncle Bill" I presume to be William Fordham (b. Apr 20,
1791). The Benjamin Fordham he refers to as being 80 years old would be Benjamin A. Fordham (b. Feb. 22, 1818 in Toomsboro, GA). There were at least six generations of sons named Benjamin Fordham. Andrew Jackson's brother C.C. that he refers to is Christopher Columbus Fordham. A.J. Fordham, as he said, was married three times. The first marriage was to Harriett Matilda Hammond, of which five kids resulted: Oscar, John Minnie, Frank, and Harriett. The second marriage was to Frances
Elizabeth Miller and resulted in 10 children: Walter, Albert, Montgomery, Ralph, Samuel, Beulah, Iola, Florence, Annie, and Hugh. The final marriage was to Carrie Pough and no children resulted.
Submitter: Jason McDaniel
jnmcda0@yahoo.com
Sept. 30, 1898
J.D. Fordham
Dear Cousin:
Yours of September 20th to hand and contents noted. You did not say whether you were a son or daughter of Benjamin Fordham so I am at a loss to know how to address you. I am glad, however, to hear from one of Uncle Bill's family. This is the first letter I have ever read from any of his folks. I had a letter from Joel Fordham last spring and one from Cousin Benjamin Fordham. He is 80 years of age and son of old Uncle Benjamin. I appreciated his letter very much, indeed, and hope to hear from him again. I am a son of John Fordham. I have two brothers and three sisters living out of thirteen. We five constitute all except children and grandchildren which are right numerous. The Fordhams are very prolific stock as you are no doubt aware. My father married three times. His first wife had thirteen children, his next none, the third, my mother, had thirteen. I have thirteen living children myself and one of my living brothers C. C. Fordham, has had in all nineteen, several are dead. I have my third wife. My oldest brother has no children. He has his second wife.
Old Uncle Ben and Uncle Bill went to Georgia eighty or ninety years ago and a half brother Elias Fordham. He did not live long. He left two sons, Stephen and John. Stephen is yet living, John is dead. You no doubt know more about that than I do.
Excuse digression. Crops are poor in North Carolina, expecially cotton and the price shameful. Tobacco seems to be the coming crop, but it may be like cotton, boom a short time only.
My health is very poor, indeed. I am very nervous at times. I am sixty-seven years of age and can't live a great while at best. Hope to hear from you again at an early date. Tell me all about Old Uncle Bill's family and all others of the Fordham family that you know of. Accept my kindest regards to you and all the family or families.
Yours kindly,
A. J. Fordham, M.D.
This letter was written by Andrew Jackson Fordham (b. Jan 27, 1832 in Jones Co., NC d. May 19, 1906 in NC). The letter is obviously to his cousin, though I'm not sure what J.D. stands for. "Uncle Bill" I presume to be William Fordham (b. Apr 20,
1791). The Benjamin Fordham he refers to as being 80 years old would be Benjamin A. Fordham (b. Feb. 22, 1818 in Toomsboro, GA). There were at least six generations of sons named Benjamin Fordham. Andrew Jackson's brother C.C. that he refers to is Christopher Columbus Fordham. A.J. Fordham, as he said, was married three times. The first marriage was to Harriett Matilda Hammond, of which five kids resulted: Oscar, John Minnie, Frank, and Harriett. The second marriage was to Frances
Elizabeth Miller and resulted in 10 children: Walter, Albert, Montgomery, Ralph, Samuel, Beulah, Iola, Florence, Annie, and Hugh. The final marriage was to Carrie Pough and no children resulted.
Submitter: Jason McDaniel
jnmcda0@yahoo.com
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Elizabeth Richards-Busher Letter of 1837, Upper Canada
Captain William Richards (1)
Perth (2), Upper Canada
Quebec (3)
June 7th 1837
Dear Brother,
I embrace this opportunity of riting these few lines hoping to find you
in good health as it leaves me in dispaire. At present I am all most in
dispaire. Never had the happiness to receive a letter from you these
three years past to August, which give me totale of truble to think you
would be so ungrateful to me in a strignge country.
If you would only rite to me it would be consolation to hear from you. If
I never receive the smallest favor from you I would be happy to hear from
you. Me and my children joins in love to you and Mary (4) hoping to find
you in good helth as it leaves us at presssent thanks be to God for it.
This is a poor place at present. I am sorry to inform you Captain Elgee
(5) is gone home to Ireland (6). He was the best frind I had here.
If you write to me direct your letter to Elizabeth Busher, Hopes Street,
Number 6, Quebec.
Dear brother I wish it was in my power to get home to Ireland again. I
might find some frinds there as I find none here since Captain Elgee is
gone away.
This is my son Thomas (7) hand writing age 11 years next August. This is
4 letters I wrote since I had a letter from you. Dear brother I get very
bad health.
No more at presssent,
from you effecttionate sister,
Elizabeth Busher (8)
(1) William Richards Captain William Richards (c1790-1854). Born in
Wexford County, Ireland. Seems to have gone to sea around age 12, served
in the British Navy in the Napoleonic & American wars, and later became a
merchant ship captain. He married Mary Richardson in about 1815, in
Ireland. They moved to Nova Scotia Canada in about 1817 and to New
Brunswick about 1818. From the east coast of Canada he sailed a schooner
in the West Indies trade and later built and commanded his own brig, the
“William & Mary”, in the same trade until the brig and her cargo were
lost in a storm. He and wife Mary moved to Perth, Ontario sometime prior
to 1832. William built and commanded the Tay & Rideau Canal steamer
“Enterprise” until 1836 and then the steamer “George Buchanan” on Chats
Lake for a year or two.
(2) Perth Military Settlement of Perth, founded in the summer of 1816.
Captain William Richards & wife Mary moved to Perth sometime prior to
1834 and purchased a 14 acre plot and house on Concession-3/Lot-1 of
Drummond Township next door to Mary Richardson-Richards’ mother, Dorothea
Blake-Richardson-Greenley (????-1828). John Greenly (1775-1854) and wife
Dorothea Blake-Richardson-Greenly had settled on Conc-3/Lot-1, Drummond
Township, in 1816 and William and Mary Richards seem to have purchased
their Perth home at the same location.
(3) Quebec City Quebec City, Lower Canada, where Elizabeth Richardson-
Busher is apparently resident in 1837.
(4) Mary Mary Richardson-Richards (c1791-1861) who married sea Captain
William Richards (c1790-1854) in about 1815, in Ireland. She was the
daughter of Dorothea Blake-Richardson-Greenley (????-1828) by her first
marriage (father unidentified). After being widowed her mother married
John Greenley (1775-1854) in about 1801, at Ferns, Wexford County,
Ireland and moved to Perth, Ontario, Upper Canada in 1816.
(5) Captain Elgee(?) Spelling of the last name not clear. The name looks
like “Elgee” but this could be George Edge who married Dorothea Blake-
Richardson-Greenley’s sister Ann, the same man referred to as “uncle
Edge” in the Dorothea’s letter of 1818 to her daughter Mary. (See notated
Dorothea Greenley letter of 1818). This man seems to be another sea
captain.
(6) Ireland The Richards, Richardsons, Blakes & Greenleys were all
natives of Wexford and Wicklow Counties in Ireland.
(7) Thomas Thomas Busher (b.1826), son of Elizabeth Richards-Busher &
Patrick Busher. Patrick and Elizabeth Busher also had a younger daughter
Elizabeth.
(8) Elizabeth Busher Elizabeth Richards-Busher, sister of Captain
William Richards (c1790-1854), see # 1 above, and wife of Patrick Busher
who apparently died prior to the 1837 date of this letter. Elizabeth
Richards-Busher died at some date prior to 1853.
Submitter: Ron W. Shaw scdhrcda@perth.igs.net
Perth (2), Upper Canada
Quebec (3)
June 7th 1837
Dear Brother,
I embrace this opportunity of riting these few lines hoping to find you
in good health as it leaves me in dispaire. At present I am all most in
dispaire. Never had the happiness to receive a letter from you these
three years past to August, which give me totale of truble to think you
would be so ungrateful to me in a strignge country.
If you would only rite to me it would be consolation to hear from you. If
I never receive the smallest favor from you I would be happy to hear from
you. Me and my children joins in love to you and Mary (4) hoping to find
you in good helth as it leaves us at presssent thanks be to God for it.
This is a poor place at present. I am sorry to inform you Captain Elgee
(5) is gone home to Ireland (6). He was the best frind I had here.
If you write to me direct your letter to Elizabeth Busher, Hopes Street,
Number 6, Quebec.
Dear brother I wish it was in my power to get home to Ireland again. I
might find some frinds there as I find none here since Captain Elgee is
gone away.
This is my son Thomas (7) hand writing age 11 years next August. This is
4 letters I wrote since I had a letter from you. Dear brother I get very
bad health.
No more at presssent,
from you effecttionate sister,
Elizabeth Busher (8)
(1) William Richards Captain William Richards (c1790-1854). Born in
Wexford County, Ireland. Seems to have gone to sea around age 12, served
in the British Navy in the Napoleonic & American wars, and later became a
merchant ship captain. He married Mary Richardson in about 1815, in
Ireland. They moved to Nova Scotia Canada in about 1817 and to New
Brunswick about 1818. From the east coast of Canada he sailed a schooner
in the West Indies trade and later built and commanded his own brig, the
“William & Mary”, in the same trade until the brig and her cargo were
lost in a storm. He and wife Mary moved to Perth, Ontario sometime prior
to 1832. William built and commanded the Tay & Rideau Canal steamer
“Enterprise” until 1836 and then the steamer “George Buchanan” on Chats
Lake for a year or two.
(2) Perth Military Settlement of Perth, founded in the summer of 1816.
Captain William Richards & wife Mary moved to Perth sometime prior to
1834 and purchased a 14 acre plot and house on Concession-3/Lot-1 of
Drummond Township next door to Mary Richardson-Richards’ mother, Dorothea
Blake-Richardson-Greenley (????-1828). John Greenly (1775-1854) and wife
Dorothea Blake-Richardson-Greenly had settled on Conc-3/Lot-1, Drummond
Township, in 1816 and William and Mary Richards seem to have purchased
their Perth home at the same location.
(3) Quebec City Quebec City, Lower Canada, where Elizabeth Richardson-
Busher is apparently resident in 1837.
(4) Mary Mary Richardson-Richards (c1791-1861) who married sea Captain
William Richards (c1790-1854) in about 1815, in Ireland. She was the
daughter of Dorothea Blake-Richardson-Greenley (????-1828) by her first
marriage (father unidentified). After being widowed her mother married
John Greenley (1775-1854) in about 1801, at Ferns, Wexford County,
Ireland and moved to Perth, Ontario, Upper Canada in 1816.
(5) Captain Elgee(?) Spelling of the last name not clear. The name looks
like “Elgee” but this could be George Edge who married Dorothea Blake-
Richardson-Greenley’s sister Ann, the same man referred to as “uncle
Edge” in the Dorothea’s letter of 1818 to her daughter Mary. (See notated
Dorothea Greenley letter of 1818). This man seems to be another sea
captain.
(6) Ireland The Richards, Richardsons, Blakes & Greenleys were all
natives of Wexford and Wicklow Counties in Ireland.
(7) Thomas Thomas Busher (b.1826), son of Elizabeth Richards-Busher &
Patrick Busher. Patrick and Elizabeth Busher also had a younger daughter
Elizabeth.
(8) Elizabeth Busher Elizabeth Richards-Busher, sister of Captain
William Richards (c1790-1854), see # 1 above, and wife of Patrick Busher
who apparently died prior to the 1837 date of this letter. Elizabeth
Richards-Busher died at some date prior to 1853.
Submitter: Ron W. Shaw scdhrcda@perth.igs.net
Friday, May 23, 2008
WW 1 Letter Jamse Ritchie Martin, CEF
Dear Mother,
I arrived safe in Calgary this morning. Don’t worry about me I am OK. Give Jim my job. We are going right to Camp the seargeant (sic) is taking care of us and everything is all right. Hoping you have no ill feelings towards me when you now (sic) I have gone.
I remain
your everloving son John
XXXXX
Postcard from John Elder MARTIN to his mother, Mary Martin informing her that he joined the CEF (Canadian Expeditionary Force) Canadian military forces. The postcard has a picture of the Virgin Mary and Child with the words underneath “Mother of God”
Part of the postmark says: Field Post Office Calgary. No date is shown. Probable date is August 1915 when he enlisted.
In true sibling fashion,he gives his job to his brother Jim, aka James Ritchie MARTIN.
Card is addressed to: Mrs. David Martin, Box 729 P.O. (sic), Medicine Hat, Alberta
John Elder MARTIN was born in Dundee, Scotland on March 10, 1898 to David MARTIN and Mary Wighton ELDER. They immigrated to Canada about 1912. He was assigned to the 50th Battalion, CEF, #435516 soon to be joined by his brother, Thomas Elder MARTIN, #435847. Thankfully, both brothers survived the war. John immigrated in 1923 to Detroit, Michigan. He died in Detroit on June 21, 1962. We are very proud of his service.
Submitter Donna Cromwell Kinshipmatters@twmi.rr.com
I arrived safe in Calgary this morning. Don’t worry about me I am OK. Give Jim my job. We are going right to Camp the seargeant (sic) is taking care of us and everything is all right. Hoping you have no ill feelings towards me when you now (sic) I have gone.
I remain
your everloving son John
XXXXX
Postcard from John Elder MARTIN to his mother, Mary Martin informing her that he joined the CEF (Canadian Expeditionary Force) Canadian military forces. The postcard has a picture of the Virgin Mary and Child with the words underneath “Mother of God”
Part of the postmark says: Field Post Office Calgary. No date is shown. Probable date is August 1915 when he enlisted.
In true sibling fashion,he gives his job to his brother Jim, aka James Ritchie MARTIN.
Card is addressed to: Mrs. David Martin, Box 729 P.O. (sic), Medicine Hat, Alberta
John Elder MARTIN was born in Dundee, Scotland on March 10, 1898 to David MARTIN and Mary Wighton ELDER. They immigrated to Canada about 1912. He was assigned to the 50th Battalion, CEF, #435516 soon to be joined by his brother, Thomas Elder MARTIN, #435847. Thankfully, both brothers survived the war. John immigrated in 1923 to Detroit, Michigan. He died in Detroit on June 21, 1962. We are very proud of his service.
Submitter Donna Cromwell Kinshipmatters@twmi.rr.com
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Messrs Brown & Benson, Merchants, Providence 1786
Hewes & Anthony, Philadelphia, Aug. 9, 1786 - Two page handwritten merchant letter, postally sent to Messrs Brown & Benson, Merchants, Providence [Rhode Island]. The content pertains to the purchase of salt, and Menhadin [? ] which for lack of demand were put up in barrels and now "appear to have lost their pickle." Also mentions goods shipped to Providence on the Delaware in "a fine wind." The top of the third page lists the goods -- 12 Boxes Glass, flour, etc.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
1841 Major John H. Bills
Letter dated Feb. 4th 1841. This Letter is addressed to Major John H. Bills Postmaster, from Elijah M. Ringo. In short, it addresses the inheritance of land, 2 children(William & Elizabeth) and the "Negros" belonging to William & Elizabeth(obviously inherited as they are children). The author asks of John H Bills, advice concerning the certification of land papers and the best time for moving the Negros, so as they do not "suffer" due to the harsh winter travel. Item number: 160230951682
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
David Parker, Shaker Village 1866
This letter is signed by Canterbury Trustee David Parker and is on a rare Shaker letterhead with an engraved illustration.
A letter to Fellows and Davis of Albany, dated “Shaker Village, N. H.” September 17, 1866, signed “With Perfect Respect, David Parker”.
Brother David responds to what must have been an offer to sell land by stating (perhaps tongue in cheek) that he had not intended “my letter as an offer, but if he had named one dollar in greenbacks, I am inclined to think we might have taken it”.
He suggests that he have an opportunity to examine the land first and goes on to state that “we are inclined to believe the land is heap and would be willing myself to invest there…” He also suggests that the owners or agents of the land contact write Benjamin Gates at New Lebanon, N. Y.
A letter to Fellows and Davis of Albany, dated “Shaker Village, N. H.” September 17, 1866, signed “With Perfect Respect, David Parker”.
Brother David responds to what must have been an offer to sell land by stating (perhaps tongue in cheek) that he had not intended “my letter as an offer, but if he had named one dollar in greenbacks, I am inclined to think we might have taken it”.
He suggests that he have an opportunity to examine the land first and goes on to state that “we are inclined to believe the land is heap and would be willing myself to invest there…” He also suggests that the owners or agents of the land contact write Benjamin Gates at New Lebanon, N. Y.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
William J. Cheney of 1st Heavy Artillery Vermont
William J. Cheney of "D" Co. VT 1st Heavy Artillery writes on two pages of the letter, dated July 3,
then his Cousin Fannie writes the other two pages, dated July 4, 1865.
It appears he wrote "July 3, 1864" - but in keeping with the content and other date,
I'm sure he meant to write 1865. He writes of settling down to work, his discharge & Bounty pay and the obvious post-war effects of the fear of shells and bombs dropping around him.
Transcibed in part::
June 3rd 1864
Dear Cousins
Here I am once more at home in the long period of three years but not for good quite
I have got to Burlington & I get my discharge & pay I have not had any pay for six months & my Bounty which is $75.00. I have over $100.00 charged in the Regt. I could not get my pay till after the middle of next week or this week tis now so I thought I might as well come home for a week & spend the 4th as any way I thinking perhaps you would like to see some of my poor handwriting and once more I thought I would put a few words into Fannies letter...
...My health is good first rate...I am going to help Father Shewin at his haying this year...I expect to be what they call a light hand this year for it has been most three years since I have done any such work but it seems kind of good to get home & work some. Yesterday I hoed 1/2 day went first rate seemed much better than to hear a shell coming over Whicher Whicher Whicher Bumb - but then things have played us out I hope for they throw things rather careless.
Write me as soon as you get this...your own true cousin,
Wm J. Cheney
1st Vt. Arty
Bond mustered out.
Good Bye.
Cousin "Fannie" then writes:
Stowe, July 4, 1865
"..What gay times you are having keeping house by yourself. Well I am taking some comfort Will is at home again but not for good. Came last Thursday night & you may bet he was a welcome visitor. His Regiment arrived at Burlington at three O'Clock & he got a furlough & left that night. Charlie hardly knew his father & his father was about as bad off. The left George and Ed at Washington they are well. Chandler and Jane are at home.
...I am doing all sorts of work this summer have made a barrel of soap & white washed some and cleaned the the whole house now I am making Charlie some dresses will send you some pieces & when I get him rigged up I am going to quilt a bed quilt then weave my table linen just getting ready to be married...[more]
This letter is for sale on Ebay Item number: 290219681754. If you want to place a bid just follow one of the links to Ebay on this Blog.
then his Cousin Fannie writes the other two pages, dated July 4, 1865.
It appears he wrote "July 3, 1864" - but in keeping with the content and other date,
I'm sure he meant to write 1865. He writes of settling down to work, his discharge & Bounty pay and the obvious post-war effects of the fear of shells and bombs dropping around him.
Transcibed in part::
June 3rd 1864
Dear Cousins
Here I am once more at home in the long period of three years but not for good quite
I have got to Burlington & I get my discharge & pay I have not had any pay for six months & my Bounty which is $75.00. I have over $100.00 charged in the Regt. I could not get my pay till after the middle of next week or this week tis now so I thought I might as well come home for a week & spend the 4th as any way I thinking perhaps you would like to see some of my poor handwriting and once more I thought I would put a few words into Fannies letter...
...My health is good first rate...I am going to help Father Shewin at his haying this year...I expect to be what they call a light hand this year for it has been most three years since I have done any such work but it seems kind of good to get home & work some. Yesterday I hoed 1/2 day went first rate seemed much better than to hear a shell coming over Whicher Whicher Whicher Bumb - but then things have played us out I hope for they throw things rather careless.
Write me as soon as you get this...your own true cousin,
Wm J. Cheney
1st Vt. Arty
Bond mustered out.
Good Bye.
Cousin "Fannie" then writes:
Stowe, July 4, 1865
"..What gay times you are having keeping house by yourself. Well I am taking some comfort Will is at home again but not for good. Came last Thursday night & you may bet he was a welcome visitor. His Regiment arrived at Burlington at three O'Clock & he got a furlough & left that night. Charlie hardly knew his father & his father was about as bad off. The left George and Ed at Washington they are well. Chandler and Jane are at home.
...I am doing all sorts of work this summer have made a barrel of soap & white washed some and cleaned the the whole house now I am making Charlie some dresses will send you some pieces & when I get him rigged up I am going to quilt a bed quilt then weave my table linen just getting ready to be married...[more]
This letter is for sale on Ebay Item number: 290219681754. If you want to place a bid just follow one of the links to Ebay on this Blog.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Samuel Swett, Poland, Maine, 1796
Letter from Samuel Swett, a merchant, dated Poland, Maine, May 22, 1796, to Robert Boyd, a Portland, Maine wholesaler or importer. Swett is ordering brandy, rum, "good tea", cider and more.
This old letter from Samuel Swett is for sale on Ebay Item number: 200211010501.
This old letter from Samuel Swett is for sale on Ebay Item number: 200211010501.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
1865 CARROLLTON, ILLINOIS,
THE LETTER WAS WRITTEN FROM CARROLLTON, ILLINOIS , DEC 26TH, 1865 AND STARTS. " DEAR FRIEND MOLLIE,"
THE LETTER STARTS BY ASKING MOLLIE WHY SHE HASN'T WRITTEN IN RESPONSE TO A PREVIOUS LETTER, WONDERING IF SHE HAD JUST BEEN SO BUSY THAT SHE HAD THOUGHT SHE HAD. IT SEEMS THAT SHE MAY HAVE BEEN AWAY VISITING BECAUSE HE WARNS HER TO STAY AWY FROM THE "YANKEE MEN" IN HER TRAVELS
HE THEN GOES ON TO STATE THAT HE HAS ALSO BEEN VERY BUSY DO TO THE CHRISTMAS SEASON GOING TO EVENTS AT SEVERAL CHURCHS. ONE OF WHICH WAS AN OYSTER DINNER AT WHICH HE ATE SO MUCH THAT HE WAS SICK FOR A WEEK. HE STATES THAT HE FAILED TO ATTEND THE CATHOLIC TIME BECAUSE HE WENT TO A CONCERT BY A NOTED VIOLINIST "ALF HOWARD" AND HOW AT ANOTHER HE SAT AS THE CHILDREN MET WITH SANTA CLAUS.
HE SIGNS THE LETTER "AS EVER, CHARLIE" AND THEN CONTINUES WITH THE FOLLOWING :
"GEORGE DAVIS HAS GONE TO KENTUCKY TO GET MARRIED, YOU SEE MARRYING IS ALL THE RAGE. YOU BETTER STAY WHERE YOU ARE FOR IF YOU SHOULD RETURN AMONG US THE DISEASE MIGHT FORM CONTAGIOUS AND AWAY WOULD GO MOLLIE AND LEAVE ME IN THE LIST OF OLD B-'S AND AWAY DOWN IN THE LIST."
This great old letter is for sale on Ebay. If you want to take a peek just follow one of the links on this blog.
THE LETTER STARTS BY ASKING MOLLIE WHY SHE HASN'T WRITTEN IN RESPONSE TO A PREVIOUS LETTER, WONDERING IF SHE HAD JUST BEEN SO BUSY THAT SHE HAD THOUGHT SHE HAD. IT SEEMS THAT SHE MAY HAVE BEEN AWAY VISITING BECAUSE HE WARNS HER TO STAY AWY FROM THE "YANKEE MEN" IN HER TRAVELS
HE THEN GOES ON TO STATE THAT HE HAS ALSO BEEN VERY BUSY DO TO THE CHRISTMAS SEASON GOING TO EVENTS AT SEVERAL CHURCHS. ONE OF WHICH WAS AN OYSTER DINNER AT WHICH HE ATE SO MUCH THAT HE WAS SICK FOR A WEEK. HE STATES THAT HE FAILED TO ATTEND THE CATHOLIC TIME BECAUSE HE WENT TO A CONCERT BY A NOTED VIOLINIST "ALF HOWARD" AND HOW AT ANOTHER HE SAT AS THE CHILDREN MET WITH SANTA CLAUS.
HE SIGNS THE LETTER "AS EVER, CHARLIE" AND THEN CONTINUES WITH THE FOLLOWING :
"GEORGE DAVIS HAS GONE TO KENTUCKY TO GET MARRIED, YOU SEE MARRYING IS ALL THE RAGE. YOU BETTER STAY WHERE YOU ARE FOR IF YOU SHOULD RETURN AMONG US THE DISEASE MIGHT FORM CONTAGIOUS AND AWAY WOULD GO MOLLIE AND LEAVE ME IN THE LIST OF OLD B-'S AND AWAY DOWN IN THE LIST."
This great old letter is for sale on Ebay. If you want to take a peek just follow one of the links on this blog.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Henry Wise Farley 1812
This letter home, from Harvard medical student HW [Henry Wise] Farley, contains a lengthy and detailed first-person account
Farley describes leaving Ipswich for his boarding house on Newbury St., Boston. He lugs his heavy trunk a quarter mile, has little sleep for a few days, and then attempts to bring the trunk up "three pair of stairs, high Boston stories."
"You might, perhaps, in a still time have heard my heart beat at their bottom. I was astonished, agonized; it seemed to be impatient of its narrow prison. In fact I had a serious fit of palpitation...I found next day that when I went up stairs I had pain or distress in my breast accompanied more or less with horrid forebodings. This distressed my mind exceedingly. It increased momently; I dreaded to go up a stair, my heart beat hard only at sight to them. By Saturday evening I was so violently affected that I with difficulty reached my room..."
"I was firmly persuaded I had an incurable disease of the heart. I had nothing but remorse for past excesses in exercise, excessive pain for the present, and gloomy apprehensions for the future."
Fortuitously, at this time Farley is visited by another boarding house student who had "a similar case". He advised Farley to "take no medicine, compared my own case with his own, called them both hysterics hyppo, told me he had recovered. In a moment I was nearly so, myself."
War of 1812 - AWOL Soldiers Executed at Fort
"As to going in a privateer or other vessel I have by no means given up the idea...yet as I am now considerably interested in the lectures I should like to get thro with them first."; "On Thursday last two unfortunate runaway rogues of soldiers were shot at one of the forts. This likely and will frequently happen...Two more I understand are sentenced for next Thursday."
Harvard Students
"About 60 attend the lectures among which are every sort of contour of countenance that ever happened, I believe, except handsome ones...proof positive that deep philosophic, thinking pates, seldom have the commonly much valued yet insignificant addition of a pleasing face. Among these heroes of science, your very humble servant cuts no very disrespectable figure."
Also mentions buying a five dollar half ticket in the Union Canal lottery.
Farley describes leaving Ipswich for his boarding house on Newbury St., Boston. He lugs his heavy trunk a quarter mile, has little sleep for a few days, and then attempts to bring the trunk up "three pair of stairs, high Boston stories."
"You might, perhaps, in a still time have heard my heart beat at their bottom. I was astonished, agonized; it seemed to be impatient of its narrow prison. In fact I had a serious fit of palpitation...I found next day that when I went up stairs I had pain or distress in my breast accompanied more or less with horrid forebodings. This distressed my mind exceedingly. It increased momently; I dreaded to go up a stair, my heart beat hard only at sight to them. By Saturday evening I was so violently affected that I with difficulty reached my room..."
"I was firmly persuaded I had an incurable disease of the heart. I had nothing but remorse for past excesses in exercise, excessive pain for the present, and gloomy apprehensions for the future."
Fortuitously, at this time Farley is visited by another boarding house student who had "a similar case". He advised Farley to "take no medicine, compared my own case with his own, called them both hysterics hyppo, told me he had recovered. In a moment I was nearly so, myself."
War of 1812 - AWOL Soldiers Executed at Fort
"As to going in a privateer or other vessel I have by no means given up the idea...yet as I am now considerably interested in the lectures I should like to get thro with them first."; "On Thursday last two unfortunate runaway rogues of soldiers were shot at one of the forts. This likely and will frequently happen...Two more I understand are sentenced for next Thursday."
Harvard Students
"About 60 attend the lectures among which are every sort of contour of countenance that ever happened, I believe, except handsome ones...proof positive that deep philosophic, thinking pates, seldom have the commonly much valued yet insignificant addition of a pleasing face. Among these heroes of science, your very humble servant cuts no very disrespectable figure."
Also mentions buying a five dollar half ticket in the Union Canal lottery.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
John Cushing Letters
Three letters addressed to JOHN CUSHING, ESQ. All letters are asking his help in their dire need for money and help.
The first letter., folded into a stampless cover, and hand carried to Cushing at Durham., portion of the red sealing wax still on the letter., written by an American patriot Jacob Rowell., [~~He was a Sgt in Capt. John Blunt's Company., defending the frontiers of Lincoln County.] His letter dated at Salesbury, March 1789 stating that he is nearly out of patience waiting for an answer to his last letter, stating too that he is in great straights.
The next letter dated at North Yarmouth, March 16, 1787 also saying he is in trouble and needs help., signed by William Buchnam.
The third letter is longer and from Jacob Boardman., dated Newburyport, Jan 20, 1800 also expressing need for help. .
The first letter., folded into a stampless cover, and hand carried to Cushing at Durham., portion of the red sealing wax still on the letter., written by an American patriot Jacob Rowell., [~~He was a Sgt in Capt. John Blunt's Company., defending the frontiers of Lincoln County.] His letter dated at Salesbury, March 1789 stating that he is nearly out of patience waiting for an answer to his last letter, stating too that he is in great straights.
The next letter dated at North Yarmouth, March 16, 1787 also saying he is in trouble and needs help., signed by William Buchnam.
The third letter is longer and from Jacob Boardman., dated Newburyport, Jan 20, 1800 also expressing need for help. .
Monday, March 17, 2008
Boston 1833, Mrs. Isham of Taunton
Autograph letter signed, "B B Wisner", Boston, April 11, 1833.
The letter, sent to an unknown recipient, regards an upcoming Convention of Congregational Ministers and reads in part:
"I wish, thro' you, to inform the Central Committee, & the Committee of the Congregational Charitable Society, that Mrs. Isham of Taunton deceased last fall. She has left one child, a daughter, 8 years old, with no means of support whatever; which has been taken by a maiden sister of Mrs. I., who supports herself by teaching school. An allowance is needed for this child.
This great old bosten letter is for sale on Ebay Item number: 170202111020.
The letter, sent to an unknown recipient, regards an upcoming Convention of Congregational Ministers and reads in part:
"I wish, thro' you, to inform the Central Committee, & the Committee of the Congregational Charitable Society, that Mrs. Isham of Taunton deceased last fall. She has left one child, a daughter, 8 years old, with no means of support whatever; which has been taken by a maiden sister of Mrs. I., who supports herself by teaching school. An allowance is needed for this child.
This great old bosten letter is for sale on Ebay Item number: 170202111020.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Seymore Connecticut, 1853
Seymore Connecticut, December 4 1853, from George B. Glendining to Charles W. Gillette.
[In part:]
"My Dear Charles,
The multiplicity of business must be my apology for not answering your kind letter
...the days pass so rapidly that everything appears a dream to me.
Every desk is occupied and more too as Paddy says continual applications are made by good fellows - old scholars - but there is not room -;
several take French, Spanish, Latin, Geometry, Surveying & Book Keeping in the evening, so that all my time is occupied. We have 13 Boarders, and all together a pretty large family.
George has not commenced yet, and were he anyone else, he could not come in, but I must accommodate him some way.
Charles Johnson is at home pursuing his studies on account of his eyes...
Did George or any of them give you an account of the very delightful time we had a little time ago? Such devastation and destruction must be seen to be realized for words would fail to characterize them. Out place had its share of troubles, but probably less than most others in the Naugatuck Valley.
I received the Catalogue...Now just exercise your Knowledge box and give me a nice long letter... George B. Glendining"
This Great old letter is to be found on Ebay Item number: 290213173741. If you want to see it or bid on it just follow one of the links on this Blog.
[In part:]
"My Dear Charles,
The multiplicity of business must be my apology for not answering your kind letter
...the days pass so rapidly that everything appears a dream to me.
Every desk is occupied and more too as Paddy says continual applications are made by good fellows - old scholars - but there is not room -;
several take French, Spanish, Latin, Geometry, Surveying & Book Keeping in the evening, so that all my time is occupied. We have 13 Boarders, and all together a pretty large family.
George has not commenced yet, and were he anyone else, he could not come in, but I must accommodate him some way.
Charles Johnson is at home pursuing his studies on account of his eyes...
Did George or any of them give you an account of the very delightful time we had a little time ago? Such devastation and destruction must be seen to be realized for words would fail to characterize them. Out place had its share of troubles, but probably less than most others in the Naugatuck Valley.
I received the Catalogue...Now just exercise your Knowledge box and give me a nice long letter... George B. Glendining"
This Great old letter is to be found on Ebay Item number: 290213173741. If you want to see it or bid on it just follow one of the links on this Blog.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Moses Jewett Burlington, Vermont Letter
18th Century letter from Moses Jewett, [of Burlington, Vermont], datelined New Ipswich, NH to his brother David Jewett of Jaffrey, NH.
Reads in part:
I tarryed to Peterboro three weeks after I left your house from thence I went to Fitchburg & tarryed there about the same time & have been at this place about a week...our journeywork is some lower than it has been...I am forced to exert myself the more
... with regard to my colt I have rested early thinking it was sold. I expect my mare is with fold now therefore you can get fourteen dollars for the red one, you may sell it...I will pay you for your trouble...
With regard to Sister Hannah's silk I have sent several times to Boston & have been a often disappointed there is not any in the country stores to be had & it cannot be obtained in Boston without the cash in hand. ...there is no cash to be obtained at present...I have engaged some hard ware for sisters saddles of Mr. Crosby...M. Jewett
Reads in part:
I tarryed to Peterboro three weeks after I left your house from thence I went to Fitchburg & tarryed there about the same time & have been at this place about a week...our journeywork is some lower than it has been...I am forced to exert myself the more
... with regard to my colt I have rested early thinking it was sold. I expect my mare is with fold now therefore you can get fourteen dollars for the red one, you may sell it...I will pay you for your trouble...
With regard to Sister Hannah's silk I have sent several times to Boston & have been a often disappointed there is not any in the country stores to be had & it cannot be obtained in Boston without the cash in hand. ...there is no cash to be obtained at present...I have engaged some hard ware for sisters saddles of Mr. Crosby...M. Jewett
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Nelson Linsley Letter, New Haven Connecticut 1860
Four page letter from New Haven, Connecticut, dated May 14, 1860,
from Nelson Linsley, a Melodeon Manufacture in New Haven operating under the firm of Treat & Linsley with rich political content discussing the upcoming election, the Charleston Convention, the "Negro" question pertaining to the Slavery, one that had divided the country at that point & would see the rise of Abraham Lincoln a few Months later to be the nominee and mark his landmark Presidency.
He writes to his friend Anderson. Transcribed in part:
"New Haven, May 14, 1860
Friend Anderson
It was with much pleasure that I received yours of the 25th of Apr I believe that I made out to get at the meaning generally & as regards the of the paper I concluded that it was some new fangled style some French of Spanish or some other fashion which had not reached this part of the world yet as I regard economy that I think is a good -- which prehaps (sic) it would do well for some to cultivate,
As regards your politics I am glad to hear that you are giving both sides your consideration & I think if you will carefully examine the merits & decide candidly that there yet some hopes for your salvation politically the Charleston Convention have broken up as you are probably aware without making a Nomination but it makes but little difference who the man is.
Principles are what we are after in reference to the Negro question
I for one do not think that they would trouble it at all if the Democratic party did not commence the agitation
I have watched the house & senate with considerable interest the present session & if you will observe whenever there has been anything said on the question it has been brought up by the Democrat Members in every instance
The Republican principle is not to extend, unless the new states want it, but let it remain where it is as long as its residents fit
then give it a fair chance to vote for or against it and not do as they did in Kansas.
I don't see how any candid man can find fault with this if they do
I cannot help it if that is all we must wait the result if the world was made up of men of Intelligence I should not fear for the result but there ar
for so many that vote who do not know their right hand from their left in politics that it is doubtful care to say the least
I shall have to stop for the present for I cannot see.
May 21...I am pretty tired we have packed and sent of 12 Melodeons today the largest number we ever sent in one day
but to the letter I told Mr. Treat what you said about his voting for you when you go up for Congress & he says that he will do it, if you are a Republican & I think he would, for he thinks you are about right otherwise & we have our hopes in this respect\
it is dark again so good bye
I am going to bring this epistle to a close this time Sartain...I have been to Branford...had a letter from Hough he intimated as if our Southern Friends might possibly come North this summer well if you do we have some grape wine of our own manufacture which if you get here before it is gone I will treat you so hurry up or you lose...
I have to go to Guilford to attend court tomorrow...One of my uncles the heirs are going to try and break the will...
Look for papers next mail...Nelson Lindsley."
This great old letter is up for sale on Ebay Item number: 290211312219. Just follow one of the links on this Blog if you want to take a look.
from Nelson Linsley, a Melodeon Manufacture in New Haven operating under the firm of Treat & Linsley with rich political content discussing the upcoming election, the Charleston Convention, the "Negro" question pertaining to the Slavery, one that had divided the country at that point & would see the rise of Abraham Lincoln a few Months later to be the nominee and mark his landmark Presidency.
He writes to his friend Anderson. Transcribed in part:
"New Haven, May 14, 1860
Friend Anderson
It was with much pleasure that I received yours of the 25th of Apr I believe that I made out to get at the meaning generally & as regards the of the paper I concluded that it was some new fangled style some French of Spanish or some other fashion which had not reached this part of the world yet as I regard economy that I think is a good -- which prehaps (sic) it would do well for some to cultivate,
As regards your politics I am glad to hear that you are giving both sides your consideration & I think if you will carefully examine the merits & decide candidly that there yet some hopes for your salvation politically the Charleston Convention have broken up as you are probably aware without making a Nomination but it makes but little difference who the man is.
Principles are what we are after in reference to the Negro question
I for one do not think that they would trouble it at all if the Democratic party did not commence the agitation
I have watched the house & senate with considerable interest the present session & if you will observe whenever there has been anything said on the question it has been brought up by the Democrat Members in every instance
The Republican principle is not to extend, unless the new states want it, but let it remain where it is as long as its residents fit
then give it a fair chance to vote for or against it and not do as they did in Kansas.
I don't see how any candid man can find fault with this if they do
I cannot help it if that is all we must wait the result if the world was made up of men of Intelligence I should not fear for the result but there ar
for so many that vote who do not know their right hand from their left in politics that it is doubtful care to say the least
I shall have to stop for the present for I cannot see.
May 21...I am pretty tired we have packed and sent of 12 Melodeons today the largest number we ever sent in one day
but to the letter I told Mr. Treat what you said about his voting for you when you go up for Congress & he says that he will do it, if you are a Republican & I think he would, for he thinks you are about right otherwise & we have our hopes in this respect\
it is dark again so good bye
I am going to bring this epistle to a close this time Sartain...I have been to Branford...had a letter from Hough he intimated as if our Southern Friends might possibly come North this summer well if you do we have some grape wine of our own manufacture which if you get here before it is gone I will treat you so hurry up or you lose...
I have to go to Guilford to attend court tomorrow...One of my uncles the heirs are going to try and break the will...
Look for papers next mail...Nelson Lindsley."
This great old letter is up for sale on Ebay Item number: 290211312219. Just follow one of the links on this Blog if you want to take a look.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Mr. Christopher W. Wilder Bridgeton ME
This great old letter is addressed to "Mr. Christopher W. Wilder Bridgeton ME" but you will also find the words "Haverhill Mass" written across the front but crossed out. It also says "To the care of Mr. Daviz Carriage Trimmer Please forward this." Then on the backside of the address is a handwritten note that says "I thought I would direct this so there might be no danger of it’s being miscarried."
As far as the letter is concerned it is a three page letter dated 1848 and written by his sister Elizabeth who is in Lancaster. I’ve quoted a small portion of it below to give you a better idea of the contents, as follows;
"Lancaster Feb.25th, 1848
Brother Christopher,
Nearly three months having elapsed since I wrote to you without receiving an answer to my epistle or any other tidings of your welfare. I can wait no longer, but again address you hoping to ascertain the cause of such delays. Has sickness debilitated your frame and prostrated your powers of mind? Or have you found one whose good fortune it may be to render the part a sister would wish to fulfill more pleasant and more faithfully performed. I have long feared that the former was the case of your neglect and thought how happy I should be if such were your misfortune if I could be so situated as to fulfill the office of that affectionate sister who was so early taken from you, but as misfortune of various kinds would have rendered that impossible, still I can assure you that you are not forgotten in any condition ……I know little of the society of Haverhill but suppose like all other large towns, it has it’s temptations as well as allurements to the path of virtue and happiness. But I am happy to find that you profess a turned up mind which is little calculated to relish the pleasures of that class who are ever looking to the scenes of gaiety for their happiness, for although I believe some amusements are necessary to refresh the worried mind at times and invigorate the physical nature of man, yet those who look for happiness from such a source are often lead to repent of their folly………Please favor me with a speedy answer as I shall wait with much anxiety to hear from you. This from your sister, Elizabeth B. Wilder."
This great old letter can be found on Ebay Item number: 170197656010. If you want to place a bid on the letter just follow one of the links to Ebay on this blog.
As far as the letter is concerned it is a three page letter dated 1848 and written by his sister Elizabeth who is in Lancaster. I’ve quoted a small portion of it below to give you a better idea of the contents, as follows;
"Lancaster Feb.25th, 1848
Brother Christopher,
Nearly three months having elapsed since I wrote to you without receiving an answer to my epistle or any other tidings of your welfare. I can wait no longer, but again address you hoping to ascertain the cause of such delays. Has sickness debilitated your frame and prostrated your powers of mind? Or have you found one whose good fortune it may be to render the part a sister would wish to fulfill more pleasant and more faithfully performed. I have long feared that the former was the case of your neglect and thought how happy I should be if such were your misfortune if I could be so situated as to fulfill the office of that affectionate sister who was so early taken from you, but as misfortune of various kinds would have rendered that impossible, still I can assure you that you are not forgotten in any condition ……I know little of the society of Haverhill but suppose like all other large towns, it has it’s temptations as well as allurements to the path of virtue and happiness. But I am happy to find that you profess a turned up mind which is little calculated to relish the pleasures of that class who are ever looking to the scenes of gaiety for their happiness, for although I believe some amusements are necessary to refresh the worried mind at times and invigorate the physical nature of man, yet those who look for happiness from such a source are often lead to repent of their folly………Please favor me with a speedy answer as I shall wait with much anxiety to hear from you. This from your sister, Elizabeth B. Wilder."
This great old letter can be found on Ebay Item number: 170197656010. If you want to place a bid on the letter just follow one of the links to Ebay on this blog.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Portland Oregon 1911 Letter
"Portland Oregon August 28th, 1911
Mr. Walter Beattie,
My Dear Brother,
I received your long looked for letter Friday so glad to hear once more from you and yours only so sorry to hear of Dear Mothers death, although I never remember her as my mother, yet I have still that daughter love in my heart that rightly belonged to her. I had a good cry when I read your letter because I had been thinking in my own mind so strongly that as soon as the girls had got a little larger, I should have tried so hard some way to have made the trip home to see Dear Mother and you folks, so it went pretty hard to think I shall never see her…..How is Anna now a days and all the dear little ones? We are all fine. Doctor is busy most of the time, he is real well, he weighs 196 pounds…..You all can remember her, but as for me you know just how it is better than I do…..Dear Brother tell me about mother’s sickness and death and tell me when she died, you know if you were away from all the home folks as I am your heart would ache as mine does many and many a times a week without any of the family knowing anything about what a heavy heart I have. You, nor anyone else can’t understand these things as I do. The only thing that keeps me up as I do, is the ever lasting arms of Jesus that are always ready to help us in our lonely moments……bye with any amount of kisses.xxxxxxxx"
Mr. Walter Beattie,
My Dear Brother,
I received your long looked for letter Friday so glad to hear once more from you and yours only so sorry to hear of Dear Mothers death, although I never remember her as my mother, yet I have still that daughter love in my heart that rightly belonged to her. I had a good cry when I read your letter because I had been thinking in my own mind so strongly that as soon as the girls had got a little larger, I should have tried so hard some way to have made the trip home to see Dear Mother and you folks, so it went pretty hard to think I shall never see her…..How is Anna now a days and all the dear little ones? We are all fine. Doctor is busy most of the time, he is real well, he weighs 196 pounds…..You all can remember her, but as for me you know just how it is better than I do…..Dear Brother tell me about mother’s sickness and death and tell me when she died, you know if you were away from all the home folks as I am your heart would ache as mine does many and many a times a week without any of the family knowing anything about what a heavy heart I have. You, nor anyone else can’t understand these things as I do. The only thing that keeps me up as I do, is the ever lasting arms of Jesus that are always ready to help us in our lonely moments……bye with any amount of kisses.xxxxxxxx"
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