1 10 2 https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/40cb064949d743a53a839ca7beb369f0.pdf d16691fed25b9df00d7c1f73a93b0397 PDF Text Text John Strickland Diary 1843 Transcribed by Jan Roberton, the great-great-great-granddaughter of John Strickland the space between 1831 and 1843 I spent in Rosedale although I had left my Native Land once and it may be thought by some in a hard and unfeeling manner I just simply deny it by saying every hart know,s its own sorrow, although, not the same way of exprefsing it. I have no thought of writing my life as some may think but as my Friend,s desired me on my second setting out to keep account how we spent every day while on our journey I reluctantly Comply knowing that I am not able to write and spell Properly still for the sake of those I,m leaveing I,ll do my best and those that know better may mend it to connect my former voyage with the second I just give a slight run through the space between I shall not say much how I,ve live,d when I look back I see I might have done different and been no worse. on arriving a home I went to work with my Mother in latter part of 1831 one of my sisters Died and in the forepart of 1832 my youngest Brother died in 1832 on the 28 of April I was married and went to live in Old T. Peirsons house that we had bought, time rowl,d on and in 1835 or 6 I begun on the Thurgill Farm for my self in 1842 Mother was left with only one son I saw that if I ever return,d to America it was time I was going so in 1843 I sold the Farm to Brother Thomas and on May the 10th 1843 I again left Rosedale for America I shall not mention any thing respecting my feeling I know them my Family consisted of self Wife and 5 children all Girls we went to sister Elizabeth,s at Aiselby that day �21 11th visit,s cousin John Scoby at Wrelton where several of our Friend,s and Old acquaintance saw us most likley for the last time in this World 12th left Aiselby for York J. Watson accompani,d us to take back horse and Carr (carriage?) we arrived safe at York where we stay,d all night 13 Left York Railway station for Manchester at 1/4to 8 o,clock in the Morning the Children are all well between York and Manchester there are 12 Tunnels of which one is not lefs than 2 3/4 miles through the Children kept the Account of the Tunels and were delighted with the Country and scenery when we arrived at Manchester we had to waite 1 1/2 hours for a Train it would be 5 O,clock when we arrived in Liverpool we went through a Tunnel about 1 mile when we got the station Mr. Cafsin and 2 other men met us and afsisted us in going through the town we went to the Office and Left the Children and went to the Ship she was Lying just in the North end of Princes Dock we thought very well of her her Name is Carroll of Carrollton 695 tons Regester we then Paid our Balance and as our Lugage will not arrive till Monday we went to Lodge with Cafsins when we got into our Lodging Room we Parted what Money we had between us for fear either of us should be Robb,d as it is very good to see that money is a very usfull articual in Liverpool 14 sunday morning little Mannah is unwell gave her Pil she was soon better after Breakfast took a walk on the Pier head and saw 3 ships go out for New York with a great Number of Pafsengers on Board went on board our own Ship we liked her very well went to Seacome and Egermont while on Board our ship we found a man of the name of Pattrick Related to Old Wm. Jaques Munday 15 at Cafsins still our Lugage did not come as it ought so we were obliged to stay where we where though we did not like Tuesday 16 this morning our Lugage came got it on Board and was charged 2L9s for extra Lugage in the afternoon we got most of our Boxes to rights and some of our store this morning Little Hannah was unwell Wednesday 17 went to the Goverment officer to know if I was not imposed on he told me I was and he would look after it but has not this day and I think it is not likely he will we have been getting a few things on Board this day towards Night I wrote a letter to my mother. Watson from Pennyholm Wardle frome Hutton and others arrived today Thursday 18 it is afine morning many of the Pafsengers has been drawing there 1s/= per head for the ship staying over date. at Noon a ship of the name of Edenborough was going out for Qubec as they were going through the Dock Lock the second Mate fell over board and was drown,d in the evening we had some squabling on board. at Night me and another man that Pray last night went to Prayer again May the 19 afire Broke out a short Distance from where we are about 3,o,clock in the morning it burnt all day I wrote a letter to Robert in Northdale I was unwell all day �22 May 20th it is afine day if all is well we shall be out to day ll,o,clock got the ship into the Lock 2 to 3,o,clock went into the River it Blows Fresh the Pafsengers many of them are giddy the Anchor is lett go the Roll is call,d the Europe isout of sight a ship that came into the River at the same time in which Watson from Pennyholm, Wardle from Hutton Graystock from Farndale and others are going in we can get no water Boild had Prayer. some more Pafsengers a great Throng Children not very well Sunday May 21 f ine Morning Still at Anchor the Fire is still burning that broke out on Friday there is many ships come in to day we are very much Crowded almost to suffocation we had Prayer both forenoon and afternoon amay God bring us in safety to our destind place Prayer again at Night Monday May 22 under sail by 5 in the Morning it is a fine day the Children and Mother is sick by 10. sick myself many of the Pafsengers is sick out of sight of England by l0,o,clock Continues a fine day Came in sight of Isle of Man. Tuesday 23 fine morning very little wind but Fair Children a little better little hannah niver sick yet last Night I dream,t that I was in Company with Eleanor Peirson Brother Thomas Author Peacock and Wm. Peacock and John When I awoke it was a dream many a time I,ve dream,t of being on the sea and when I awoke I was still among Friends but how different I could not reconcile myself to sleep any more through the light Wedensday May 24 the Mother is sick and Margaret and Nancy it Rains most of the day we made good head way in the forenoon at noon the wind drop,t Thursday 25 this day we Pafs,t Cape Clear the ship Roll,d till we were nearly all sick toward night it was very stormey Friday 26 fine day but no wind so late as noon Mother and Children rather better the wind Blew by night and we went at a good rate Sterday 27 Ruff day many sick again saw some Purpises and 2 or 3 vefsels Sunday 28 afine day those that were sick the day before is alittle revived to day. feels the weight of Crofsing the Atlantic with a Family of small Children we have had Prayer at least Morning and Night till yesterday and to day the storm prevented us for 2 or 3 Nights I have been very much desturb,d in my mind about the safety of the Children oft I dream,t that they in there sleep had wander,d over the ship side and were lost when I awoke I could not rest till I had an answer from them all that they were safe had Prayer again and went to rest Munday 29 stormy day towards night we saw some Large Black Fish have seen ships almost every day the wind keeps very much a heard of us Tuesday 30 heavy sea but not so stormy have seen 3 ships to day Recolected Mother and and all our Friends the wind is the same as before the Cook backed us a Pudding the Children most of,em liked �it well 23 Wedensday 31 Calm in the morning the wind sprung up before noon but much to the heard of us. all well Thursday June 1st fine day and good wind got a Cake Baked which went of well Mrs sick in the morning got better soon all apears well Friday 2 morning Fair wind up by 4 o,clock stunsails out at 6 going a heard well Continued all day Saterday 3 the wind got Contrary towards night it came on a storm Sunday 4 soon this morning before it was light it took away our jibb sail some of the Catholic Faith lighted a Holy Candle and Call,d stoutly on the blefsed Virgin the storm continued all day in the afternoon it broke our Maintopgallant Yard I was standing underneath but it furtonatly mifs,t me and every body else Munday 5 storm continues towards night Clears a little Tuesday 6 Calm in the morning but soon as bad as ever toward Night it was a real storm after I got the Children to bed I went upon Deck I think I hardly ever saw it worse Wedensday 7 this day we expected to have had a spice cake it being Kirby Fair but Hannah falling unwell Prevented us it is a fine day but Wind Contrary Thursday 8 stormy heavy weather Hannah is unwell yet towards Night Real storm sea runing very high Friday 9 this day at noon we were 1460 miles from New York by what the mate said the wind is still Contrary the sea rough and very Cold Yesterday the Theometer was as low as 55 to day 50 Saterday 10 the cold is as low as 41 Hannah is still very unwell and little Hannah too we Pafs,t too ships the mate thought they were the Europe and Shakespear Sunday 11 stormey weather yet we have had a week of very heavy weather and to day it is if ought worse both Hannah,s is very ill at Night we had a Prayer meeting the wind has been Contrary almost all the way yet Munday 12 this Morning it is quite calm the wind is rising in the west again afternoon a real storm Tuesday 13 stormy day Hannah is geting better wind Contrary 14 Wedensday a fine day we Clean,d out the ship Elizabeth was rather unwell yesterday this day she grew worse at Night we thought she was dying but she recover,d again Thursday 15 thick fogg all day Elizabeth a little better �24 Friday 16 fine day but Contrary wind Elizabeth worse to day we wash,t our Cloths Saterday 17 fine day Elizabeth somethink better very little wind and that in the west Sunday 18 Fine day Wind in the west Elizabeth better and little Hannah worse Munday 19 very warm day. Calm in the fore part a breeze in the afternoon by which we sail,d on our course Tuesday 20 fine but cold this morning as I was laying awake I heard the mate call out Carpenter you must come upon deck Directly it struck me by the manner he expres,t himself that some thing was the matter I call,d Wm Peacock but he was to late there was the appearance of 2 Large Lamps at the head of the fore and main masts the day has been very cold but with all the bad Omen,s respecting the Light,s we still live the Children all of them have been afflicted with bowel Complaint Margaret and Nancy are now begun all of them are in a bad way and the mother too Wedensday 21 thick Fogg Children rather better Mother worse this day I should think we are about the George,s Banks but we know little about our course any further than the wind is generaly in the west 22,23,24 Thick Foggs with wind a head of us Children Continue better Sunday 25 fine day Fogg out wind Contrary Wm Peacock ill 5 week,s out and no Land to see Munday 26 very hot day no wind saw some Large Fish Tuesday 27 this morning we had a very strong wind but was Contrary it tore away our jibb and had very near taking our fore top sail Wm P. is geting better Wedensday 28 Thick Fogg in the morning Clear,d out in the Cours of the day went on our course saw 2 sherks and 1 Whale and several Large quantitis of wreck all well Thursday 29 Calm almost all day saw several sherks and other Fishes towards night the wind blew from the north east for the first time Friday June 30 and saterday July 1st the wind Continued well hopes we shall soon get over last night a young man was taken very sick but is better this morning Sunday July 2 very fine morning the little wind we have is fair we saw a great number of Fishing Boats and several ships Munday 3 Fine day and fair wind we made Land in the afternoon and got a Pilot in the evening we had got to the south of New York _ Tuesday July 4 out of sight of Land but it soon made its appearance again all is well but no wind by 10,o,clock we got a �25 Fair breeze and was soon at Quarranteen were the Docter came to Examin us we were counted over as I have done sheep after the Docter left us we Past the day at Anchor besides Stattan Island it being the 4th of July there was great doings on shore the American Flag was Flying in all directions and in the evening such a Display of Fireworks as I never saw before Wedensday July S Past the Costom and arrived in New York by noon got our lugage on board the Towboat and then got our dinners I then went to see Mr T. Cook Mr. and Mrs Cook,s come to see the Children on board the Towboat 5,o,clock the Boat begun to move off for Troy. Thursday 6 all well the scenery is delightful it is a fine day and the trouble ot Crofsing the Atlantic will soon be forgotten July 7 this morning we arrived at Troy we left Albany just in the Break of day it is a very Beauti[ul] City when we got to Troy the boat did not go off till late in the afternoon I took a walk in the city with Hannah and Children they were Delighted with the Grander of the place towards evening we left east Troy for West Troy and then went forward on the Erie Canal Saterday 8 this Morning when I awoke I got out of the Boat to take a walk alittle below the second Aquiduct saw a railway train pafs on the other side of the river the Towns we Past were Hansome and the Country scenery Delightful as England and more so. Sunday 9 the weather is very fine but warmer than in England this day we past through a delightful Country saw people going to Places of worship. 13 years has made a great alterations in the appearance of the Country in the way between York in England and Liverpool it is a fine Country but the scenery on the Erie Canal far exceeds it in my opinion 10 and 11 Pafsing on the Canal nothing of great importance the scenery much the same the eye,s is glutted with fresh sights most of us are not very well yet not so bad but, we can take pleasure our journey I have not kept account of the towns nor even the City,s that we have past through as I did in my former voyage. I could give in many instances a correct discreption of Both towns and Country before we came at them I could recolect almost every turn in the Canal there is a new canal in the way of making with Double Locks Wedensday 12 Landed this morning before daylight in Rochester took our fare to Toronto the steam Boat would not be of till 11 o,clock at night so we walked down to the Landing it is a very warm day we look,d about the town a little and went to see the Fall,s once more were Sam Patch jump,t down the Fall,s is greatly diminish,t in my eyes owing to the many Mill streams that is taken from the River and Fall,s in below the general Fall,s made some enqurie about Wm Wardel did not find him 11 o,clock at night the steamboat is come and will be of in too or 3 minutes all hurry throng and bustle and dark as a dungeon all on board and safe Lamps litt up and suffocating warm with the fire,s got Hannah and Children laid down to rest in a midling cool place the stuard show,d us a good deal of kindnefs in the way of getting a good place Allen Peirson and Family were in my mind �all the time we were on board the boat 26 13 Thursday Landed in Toronto by 7 o,clock this morning had to undergo the Custom once more then left Hannah and Children with the Boxes on the warf till I went into the town and took a house I should be an hour or more before I found one to my mind then got our Boxes in in the afternoon I got the Family some things that they were in want off 14 this morning I left my Family in Toronto and by steamboat to Creditt Port and on my feet from there to my old Companion J. Simpsons I found them all well saw Walter Davison Isaac Chapman and several more old Aquaintance 15 Simpson and I took a ride round the Countery to look at the apearance of thing I saw some places I liked very well I thought most likely I should settle somewere up there in the afternoon I went to see Joseph Rickaby his Family was in a middling state of health staid all night with them Isaac Garbutt of Farndale was there and well 16 came Back to J. Simpsons did not stay long came through the Township of Toronto got my diner at an Englishman,s house of the name of Blanchard J. Simpson set me with a horse saw Wm. Brown that used to run in England, and John Chapman from the Low end of Bransdale Past by the house were I. Petch used to live but now is dead was at his house when in America before Past on and came to were Robert Dawson did live when I was here before saw the log barn that we help,t him to raise when we got to Dundas street I got over took a light waggon I got to it and rode to within 9 miles of Toronto I walked out the rest and found the family much as I left them 17, 18 and 19 in Toronto the first day was spent in a fruitlefs atempt to get my Check Cash,t the 18 I managed to get it done throughthe afsistance of George Harbron the 19 was spent in doing nothing butwating for a ride the next day. I learnt in those 3 days that I could get almost any thing for money in Toronto. 20 this morning I set out on foot down the Kingston road and a man of the name of Thomas Gibson would over take me and give me a ride he over took me when I had got about 7 miles I have travell,d so much in America till I think its all of a seam lik,t lad Pie. Pines and Oaks swamps and dry Land hard wood and soft, Level and mountanious and so on Mr. Gibson overtook me on the top of some Pine Land just before entering into a middling good Country he has a farm in the Township of Pickering between George Days and I. Saddlers call,d to see days and then went to saddlers went with Saddler to a Prayer meeting and stay all night with him 21 went from Saddlers to John Watsons old Bobb Watsons son of Rosedale stay,d all day there and at Night J. Watson set me in the waggon to within a mile or so of Old Thomas Peirsons of Thorgill Rosedale England or Old Tom at Mill,s. it was late in the evening when I got there and Old Thomas was gone to bed but the new,s that I was come soon brought him out again my feelings just at time of meeting may be better imagined than told �27 22 this day me and Old Mr. Peirson spent our time in going to see the different Branches of his Family which is married and lives round in the neibourhood I could not have met with any one whose company I should have liked so well to hear his tales and exploits since he had become a Canadian was quite a treat to me we went to see Windsor Bay he had me to see the first house they slept in in america he told me of the first Black Bear he saw and manner in which they succeeded in killing him. he got himself so elate,d with telling over his Adventures that at times he forgot but what he was in England again Sunday 23 went to the Methodist Chapel in Oshawa in the forenoon it is a good Brick Building Galleri,d on both sides and one end it felt like home to hear them sing and pray and I felt I think in some measure like the Children of Iseral when they sat by the Rivers of Bablon they sun a tune known in England by the name of Susanna I tried to sing the Bafs but when I heard my own voice among straingers it almost made one shudder we had a very good discourse and in the evening a Mr. Ryerson was to Preach in the same Chapel went to hear him as we were returning home it begun to Lighten very much before morning it rain,d heavy 24 went to see James Blackburn in the Township of Clarke Robert Peirson went with men when we got there James Blackburn took a horse and went with us to look among the Farms that were for sale after spending the day in riding about the Country we spent the evening in talking and singing over old tunes. did not like the look,s of Clarke and Darlington as well as Whitby 25 left James Blackburn,s for old T. Peirson,s arrived there about noon after noon went to see a Farm or 2 at 2,o,clock took the stage at Whitby Post Office for Toronto when we had got about 5 or 6 miles one of the Pole(?) horses laid it self down the Coach would have upset had not me and another man jumpt out and prop,t her up with 2 rail,s of the fence after riding 18 miles from Blackburn,s and rambling 4 or 5 on foot and riding about 30 in Coach I arrived in Toronto about l0,o,clock at night almost wore out I found my Family well 26 had a restlefs night thought my travling had done me hurt not well kept the house all day 27,28 and 29 has been unwell all this time today I think I,me rather better it has been 2 or 3 days of rainy weather Sunday 30 went to the English Church in the forenoon spent the rest of the day in the house Munday 31 set out this morning for Hamelton by the steamboat arrived at Hambleton by noon from Hambleton to Dundas on foot 4 miles people are cuting wheat had a letter for a Martin Stonehouse met with Michael Stonehouse that left England just before us stay at Martin Stonehouses all night he live,s about 3 miles from Dundas on the top of the Mountain only went slowly between Hambleton and the top of the Mountain because it was ground that I had seen when in America before and reflection,s of bygone days made me loiter and look around when I got up to the �28 top of the mountain I had a good Prospect I could see as far as the fall,s of Niagra or nearly that is eastward and westward I had an extencive view this day I travil,d among Oak and Ickery it made me fancy my self in Michigan a well digger a gain Tuesday August lst set out from Martin Stonehouses for Guelph a distance of frome 24 to 30 miles I got there just in the dark I went through a rugged Countery I have been very unwell all this day and still I have walked from 24 to 30 miles I stop,t all Night at Joseph Jacksons son of Old Joseph Jackson that went from the Low end of Farndale Wedensday 2 Joseph Jackson set me with a horse was not much better arrive,d at Aunts about noon it is about 12 miles from Guelph I belive they call the Township Arymosey this day I took 2 oz of Bee,s was boil,d in milk with an egg in it. it was to cure any thing I thought it did me good Aunts are all well William has had a narrow escape from drownding Thursday 3 this morning my Cusin William and I took a ride round in the Countery we saw my Uncles grave he is buried besides the Methodist Chapel we saw some very good land but I have no thoughts of ever living up hear in the afternoon I help,t to make hay Friday 4 left Aunt,s this morning for Toronto again Cusin William set me with a horse about 16 or 18 miles Came through the township of Nafsiguaw I niver saw such a rugged Country in my life I think before I would settle in this part I would go to Vandeman,s Land and Back again After my Cousen left me I thought sometimes I would trie to give some description of the Countery but it baffels all description for Rock,s and trees the Land neither is nor niver will be good for anything saw some of the roughest scenery to day that I ever saw in my life I arrived at Night at Wellington Square in the Township of Nelson stopt there all night Saterday 5 has been very unwell all night left Wellington Square for Toronto by the steamboat arrive in Toronto about noon found the Family well John Simpson came into the house just as I went in Wm Peacock & Jame Ward has got to work. George Harbron came to see me advises me to go to the Docter Sunday 6 went to the Church in the forenoon is no better 7.8.9.&10 this time has been spent in Toronto I still am unwell we should have left Toronto to day but owing to my sicknefs Friday11th J. Simpson was in Toronto to day I think I,me geting better 12 left the house we took for a month and went to Harbron,s 13 went to the Chapel in the fore noon spent the rest of the day in the house. 14 left Harbron,s at noon for the Township of Whitby it rain,d in the morning & prevented us from starting sooner Hired G. Harbron Team to carry the Family & part of our Lugage �15 Arrived at Old T. Peirsons about 1 o,clock this morning 29 April 6th 1845 has been 1 year a Farmer in America we have had very good health at least as good as could be expected I have travel,d nothing of any concequence since we came to the township of Whitby we have had a deal of trouble ever-since we came with one thing or other the worst was the dispute with the Board of Work,s respecting the side line on the West side of our Land which is not yet settel,d April 25th 1847 still living on Lot No. 24 5 Con. of Whitby the Dispute mention,d above is settel,d in my Favour its a very backward spring has got very little Ploughed and nothing sown yet �ORDER BOOK 1840 Meat Box Onions Balm Sago Rice Prunes Raisons Peppers Caster Oile Tea Coffee Sug Treacle Biscits Beef Bacon Floor Itch Ointment Opening Pills Blackbear Lemmons Oranges Apples Vinegar Peppermint mint Candles Matches Sealing Wax Wafers Pen and Ink Tartaric Acid & C.b.s Nutmeg Cinnimon T.k.y. Rhubarb Ep. Salts Magnesia Pinefores Stuff Frocks Petticoats Bonnet,s Stays Stocking Shoes towels Shirts Nightgown,s Shift,s Umbrellas Fireiron,s China (?) Beds & Beding Tins & Needles Fishhook,s & Nets Warming Pan Steel Pins Jarr,s Screw Stock,s Book,s Strainer,s Flat Iron Talion Litre (?) Prickercase (?) Shoe Brushes Clock Stone Hammer Walling (?) Box No. 1 1 woman,s Saddle 1 man,s Do. skirts 1 Pillion Seat Mans coat Riding girths 3 Pair Bed Hangins 2 Pair Saddles & Dobble Do. 2 Rugs l Quilt 1 Jarr 6 spoons Cullender Old Cloths Table Cloth & Carpet at the top not wanted in the voyage Box No. 2 Clock Case 4 Quilts work Box Looking Glafs Blanket Riding whip Clock pendulum 1 Doz Listshoes 1 Frock 1 Pairskirts 3 Tippets 4 Pair Leather Slipers Toys a number of little Plates Both Delf (Z) & Glafs Book,s 1 shirts 2 Pair Skirts 1 Blind 3 Pair Skirts 1 shift 1 Frock 2 Pair stockings 3 Cloths 2 slips 1 Pair skirts �2 2 Pillow Cases not wanted in the voyage Punchen No. 12 2 Beds 6 Pillows 4 Quilts 6 Blankets 1 strainer not wanted in the voyage 3. Boulsters 2 sheets No. 6 1 Trunk 2 Setts of China 1 Bottle ½ Doz. Ching 1 spying Glafs 2 Frocks & Window Vallen wrapt in sack and not wanted in the voyage Shaving Box 14 Silver spoons 2 Pair Sug.Tongs and Pens 3 Pair sifsers l Raiser not wanted in the voyage Box 4 Brace & Bitt,s 2 Hitters (?) Clock weight Hack(?) Flat Stone Hammer walling Do. Hay spade 3 calf Chains sicle 2 Pair shears W. stones B. Needle Warming Pan & Tin,s Cutters Smoothing Box & c. saddle sturips. Hatt Pins Fireiron Knives & Forks Pattens Tailers Bag 1 Bible 1 Prayer Book & others 3 Candlesticks 2 Bridles Tallion Drink Tin & Glafses Milk Measure Plates Patches Cushens Ricken(?) Crock & Recken & C. 1 Hankf �3 Box S No . 1 Top coat 4 Pair Trowsers 1 Quilt l Top Coat 2 W. Coats 2 White Frock 2 Parcels of Infant,s Cloths 3 Dishes 3 Frocks 3 Dishes 1 Frock 7 Plates 1 Dish 1 Coat 10 Spoons 1 Testement 1 Silk Hankf. 1 Stuff(?) Apron 2 umbrellas 3 Pair Silk Gloves 1 Do. Leather 1 Cap 1 Collor schenel Hankf. 1 Hankf. 3 Pair Gloves 1 Coat 3 Cashme Hankf. 4 Parcels of Edgin Riband & Thread 1 Cloack 1 Work Box 1 Frock 1 Cloack 5 Pillow Cases l Cap 4 Hankf. 4 sheets No. 8 2 Blankets 12 Children Frocks 1 Basket Shaving Box little Trunk Parcel of Book,s 4 Dishes Tea Tray 5 Tea Pots 2 Waiter Fender 3 China Pitchers Bed Hanging Holland Slips and others of Light Collour slate NO. 10 Trunk Bonnets & C wrapt in a sack Floor Tub 1 sack 1 Brafs Pan with Sunderis(?) Copper Tea Kettle 1 sack Frying Pan 1 sack 1 little Pan 1 sack Almnack and other articles Box No. 7 1 Bed 4 Jarrs with Preserves 1 Do. with same 1 Pitcher & seasnings sampler 2 Blank �4 Peacock Box 1 sheet Man,s Coat aprons Tea pot,s Nightgowns Caster Oil in Locker drawer Letters in middle Locker Butter Claranet Knives & Forks Raiser in Near Locker (?) Bacon Coat and W.Coat and trowsers N. 9 Mensuration Scale Handsaw Gin (?) 8 Pair Mans Stockings 7 Pair Elizabeth Stockings 5 Do. Hannah,s (?) Pair 4 Pair Stays 16 Nightcaps 8 Shirts 2 Tea Caddys 1 Candlestick Mrs 6 shifts M & N 13 Do. 2 Flannels M & H 15 shifts E. 6 Do. 2 Nightgowns 5 Towels 2 Do. 12 Hankfs. 27 slips N N N N N N 12 N 4 N 3 2 N 5 N 15 Trunk 10 (?) 9 Barrel 11 Do. 3 2 Trunks 13 Boxes ’ 7 8 9 11 14 Do 6 Tub 13 Ball 1 3r Barrels 2 Bag s � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource John Strickland Diary Collection Subject The topic of the resource Immigration from England to Upper Canada and initial settlement there. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource John Strickland Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Private Donor Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1830-1831, 1843-1847 Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Ocean crossing, travel through New York State to Ontario County, Whitby Township, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. John Strickland Diary Transcription, 1831-1831 John Strickland Diary Transcription, 1843-1847 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource John Strickland Diary Transcription, 1843-1847 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource John Strickland Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Private Donor Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1843-1847, largely 1843 Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Ocean crossing, travel through New York State, and searching for land in Upper Canada Date Created Date of creation of the resource. May 11th, 1843 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. John Strickland Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Typed Transcription UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done transcribed https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/f9eddc97d691ab0bb9f3e8939216eaff.pdf 932c0e795a047d11252632f302b97e96 PDF Text Text DIARY OF JOHN STRICKLAND Transcribed by Jan Roberton, the great-great-great-granddaughter of John Strickland On the 5 day of April 1830 I set out for america with John Simpson for my comanion we went that day as far as Tadcaster and there Loged the first night 6th we set out on foot again and went about a mile and a half to the other side of Hallifax 7th we set out on foot and when we had got to this side of Blackstone it rained very heavy and I was begining to to be foot sore we still kept pasevering on till we came to Rochdale and then we took our Fair to Manchester on the coach we then took to foot again we did not walk far before we got into a cart and rode to Warington we then went 3 or 4 miles and stoped at a Lodging house 8th we set of early and this morning we came to Liverpool our Boxes did not this day so we both took over to Chefshire 9 this day Being good friday our Boxes did not come so we went to the Roman Catolic Chapel were I was suprised to see what superstision reained in the world 10 we went this day to all the cariers we could find and still could hear nothing of them we were then tired of walking and as we were walking on the pear we thought we would go to the light house in Chefshire to pafs the time so we did and then came back and went to our old logings again 11 this day John Simpson set out to seek our Boxes I pafs the day as I could the forenoon I walked on the shore the afternoon I went to the church and at night I went to the Methodist meeting 12 I spent this day in walking about 13 I spent this much like the rest 14 wedensday this day John came back I had for got to mention that the Boxes came on monday John had been as far as Leeds we then took our fare in water street No. 22 for america 15 this day we got our beds in and loged at Night in the ship 16 this day we got in most of our store 17 we are doing on like the rest and the ship will go out sumtime 18 this day I wrote a letter and directed it to Emanuel at forenoon and at the afternoon I went to the church 19 this day we past in the ship 20 we should have gone out to day but the Weather being so rainy they cargo could not be got in 21 we are here yet �2 22 O how long the time looks that we were off 23 this day it rained all the day through 24 the canada should have gone out to day I met George Wood of Nutholme 25 this day I was stalled with being in the town and did not go to church 26 the Captan came to take the hospitle money and to1,d us we should go of to morrow 27 I this day wrote any last farewell to my Mother sisters and Brothers telling them I was going at 3 oclock but we went at 2 there is a 156 of us in number we this day went out into the river I was in the best hart that I had been in since I left home 28 the Wind Blows fair it is a fine Morning all seems to be in good hart here is both English Irish Welch Scotch Etalicks americans and Duch we are a very jovil lot all together about 12 o'clock the anchor was heaved in and we set sail with a soath east wind I stoped on deck till my head ached looking towards my native shore I then went between decks and with a kind of joy mixed with hope and fear I lay myself down on my bed with the thoughts of all my old acquaintances in my mind and put down these few words I then went on deck again to see if I still could see old England but it was then out of sight we were on the coast of wales 29 I awoke this morning in a midling state of health I har,d some say we were pafsing Holy heard so I got up to see it I then got the Brecfast fit but falling sick I was not able to take any we has a good south east wind and this day we came in sight of the coave of man and Ireland 30th this morning we were both of us very sick the wind was much the same May the 1st this morning the wind was west and it came on a storm and the wind being contrary we made but a little progrefs I this day saw what I oft har,d tell of here the waves rowl,d so high that when a vefsill was pafsing us we were often out of sight one of the other 2 sunday morning this was a very fine day the wind being south east we got on at a good rate 3 this morning the wind was the same this day we saw a bird hovring over the ship at last it lef in the riggin and still keep,t ventering nearer till at last it let on the deck and was soon pick,d up it was land bird we all thought it was a corlew 4 the wind still keeps south east and we keep rowling on �3 5th we have been a week the first that ever I was on the sea before and we have had a prospofs jorney so far this morning the wind had got North east and Blew a good breeze they heaved the log and found we were going at the rate of 10 miles a hour 6 this day the wind had got near North west and we if ought were rather stopt in our progrefs 7th this morning the wind had got North and we sailed west south west and went at a good speed it has been rough for a day or two we had seen neither birds nor ships of 3 or 4 days and this day we have seen Both 8th this day the wind was north west and we sailed south west by west it blew a good brees and we came within 100 miles of the western Isles 9th this morning the wind was west and we were obliged to sail north the wind altred before night and we sailed north west I this day saw sume purpus pigs this forenoon we were saying that the cuckoo would be singing it was so fine a morning so I made the following lines No cuckoo have we got to sing No lark sweet marbles of the spring But all that we can hear or see Is gulls and mothercaries flee Then let us hasten to the shore Then we will come to sea no more Then we shall hear them sing always And so with pleasure end our days 10th this morning the wind was south west but turned soon north west we sailed slowly westward this day we saw several fishes 11th this morning the sea was as calm as a pond in the afternoon the wind Blew from the soath west and we sailed north west 12th this day the wind was much the same and at night it came on a storm and awoake us all I thought at irst that the ship was sinking 13 this morning the ship rouled till one could hardly it was a calm after a storm we had no wind this day we say some purpuses to day 14th this morning the wind blew south west and we sailed north west is came on roughish today 15th this morning the wind was much the same it was a real storm today towards night the wind changed north west and we sailed west south west in the morning the wind was so violent it tore away the fore sai1 and threw the man down at the Whee1 16 it was a fine day today the wind was north west and we sailed west south west this day we saw a pice of wood flote by us we see fishes every day �4 17th this morning the wind Blew south and we sailed west north west the sea was very calm and we glided on with pleasure we saw toa kind of fishes today one find from a foot and a half to 2 feet in lenth and the other ones were much larger this day we had all cleaned out and the Captan burnt Vinegar and sugar in the howl to prevent sicknefs 18th this day the wind was north west and we sailed south west by west 19th this day the wind was much the same we held the Asises to day. towards night the wind got more west 20th this morning when I got up I went to the Compos to see what way we were going when I found we headed almost south at 8 oclock they altered the tack and with a west wind we sailed almost full north I was not very well today. 21th the wind was nearly west all this day we sailed about. north west in the forenoon and came to the banks of New Newfoundland fishery in the afternoon we turned nearly south west there is one thing I had forgot to mention a few nights ago I went upon deck after it was dark and was surprised to see all round us like sparks of fire fly out of the sea and this night I went on deck as I often did and to my great astonishment as far as I could see on both sides all seemed to be on great fiers like burning Ling what the reason of this was I can not tell so I must let it go to where all the rest of unfoundout misteries do I dream’t this night Margaret was dead which made me wonder in my mind how you all were geting on and put in my hart a secret wish to know if you were all well 22th we left the Banks this morning the wind was much the same we sailed northward in the forenoon and south ward in the after noon. we saw 3 ships to day we had not seen one of 6 days before the wind keeps very much a heard o[ us and our pafsage seems as if it would be a long one 23rd this day we had a fair wind and a smouth sea we tuched on the torrent which runs from Gulf Florida this forenoon the Captan gave a glafs of Brandy to all on Board about 6 o'clock at night the wind got north and we sailed 1 point south 24 the wind this morning was nearly the same but before noon it got east and we sailed on with pleasure this day the Captain gave a Hogshead of fresh warter to wash with towards night the wind got south and we went at a good rate 25th this day the wind was south this morning between 12 & l o'clock I was a woke out of my sléep With a voice saying 0 poor lad he is dead the voice at first struck me with terror I being half asleep and half awake I thought it was my Mother that was murming about me but when I awoke I found that a little boy belonging to a poor taylor was dead he was about 9 months old in the afternoon he was sowed up and put into a Cask they filled the Cask coles and water and all being ready he was commited to the deep a man of the name of Thomas Batty read the Buiral servis �we saw the Cask flote on the surface but was soon out of sight 26 this morning the wind was south but soon turned north and contuined to all the day and was extreamly coold 27th this morning the wind was north it was a very fine day it came on a storm last night and broke down many of the beds I think it was the roughest bit we have had 28th this day the wind was north east and we sailed west it a very fine day we saw 3 ships and had not seen one since last mentioned last night we saw fishes by hundred's skiping about like shiip you may think when you read this that I was in the old way as I wrote this on the Bowspreet this day towards Night we saw a shaul fishes I think I may safely say there were more in number than ever I saw sheep at a fair in my life 29th this morning it rained very hard but faired up by 10 oclock and was a very fine day we saw a ship a heard of us by six in the morning she was stearing the same way that we were and we came up with her by 5 or 6 at night the wind was fair and it was a fine chase we saw several fishes today there were sum very large ones rowled by us 30th this morning the wind was south east and blew a good breeze this forenoon we swarms of fishes sevral that were of an enormos sise they plom'd today but found no bottom toward's night we saw a shark lying on the water 31st it rained very heavy all night and in the morning it was thick and foggy the wind had got into the west but soon got north me and the second mate sounded this morning and it was 33 fathoms and at noon they sounded again and it was 45 fathoms to the bottom and found that it was a sandy bottom the plum fetched up in the morning pieces of shells and at noon it was black and white sand June 1st this morning the wind was fair this morning me and my companion went to the foretop gallent yard to see for Land which we thought we saw at a great distance the steward went about 1/2 an hour afterward and called out Land a her,d the mate went up afterward,s but the fogg prevented him from seeing it. it was a pleasing sound to us but the fogg came in so thick that we could not see far at night they sounded again it was 25 fathoms and a sand bottom 2nd this morning is a morning ever to be remembered by us all at 12 the second mate sound and it was 15 fathoms it then being the first mate Watch and not being on his gard he fell asleep and but for one of the sailors we had run a shore as soon as the danger was made known they got her put about they then sounded and found that it was only six fathoms we then sailed eastward and after the danger was over we turned on our corse again It was the North end of Long Isle were we had like to have run ashore we saw several brigs and sum fishing boat to day and had Land in view most of the day I was not very well and it being Kirby fair we got a bottle of Brandy �6 3rd this morning all was calm till about noon it then blew a south wind and in about an hour or so we came in sight of Land again we soon came in sight of sandy hook and every eye glem,d with pleasure at the sight it was but a small breese and we could not go fast in the evening they hoisted the Coller (?) for a Pilote and after it got dark we hung a light to the Bowspreet but still the Pilote did not come we were then coming so near the shore and water running shallow they did not think it proper to go any further so they the mate then fired of a report and a Vefsel that we saw behind us soon made up to us it was the news Boat they then fired for 10 or more times at last we saw a Boat coming toward us which proved to be the Pilote they sailed on a little distance and then heaved the Anchor it was a very fine moon light night and a uncommon sweet air as is of a clover feild I went to bed about 12 at night 4th this morning about 4 o,clock the Anchor was heaved in and we proceeded up the Hook the wind was contrary and we did not get far before the Anchor was heaved again within sight of 6 or more dwelling houses and several feild,s and woods which made our journey look pleasenter than ever it had done before it was a calm all the rest of the day and rained very heavy the costom house officer came on board about 12 o;clock 5th this day about 10 o,clock a breese came on and we set sail and about 12 o,clock we reached the Corenteen and the doctor came on board we were all in good hearlth and so we went on till we came to New York after the Docter had pafsed us me and my companion sent into the howl to Drefs and when come out we had just got to New York as we went up the river it was very delightful to see the Forts on both sides of the river as soon as the anchor was heave we both we went on shor with sum other pafsengers and went to a Groecer shop and sum sider and milk and bread we then went a crofs the east river to Brooklin to Thomas Cook,s and after we had got our tea we took a walk through town and then came back and Lodged at Thomas Cooks that night 6th this morning we went acrofs the river for somethings John went to the Freind meeting we came back to Mr. Cooks and in the afternoon we took a walk into the feild,s the corn and grafs got up so high we wondred were we had spent the summer everything looked as pleasent as in England and sumthink pleasenter in the evening we both went to the Methodist Chapel and then retired to rest 7th this morning me and my companion left Brooklin for New York and when we had got aboard the Ferry we meet with William Frankland we were very glad to see one another again as we all in Liverpool together he wanted sum help to get his Thrashing musheen out of the Warehouse so we went with him we then got our Baggage of the Envoy and put them on board a tow boat to go to Albany on Tusday we had been throng and did not get over to Brooklin tonight so we stoped on the tow boat 8th this day was a busy day with us we went over to Brooklin in the morning to write a letter and in the afternoon we came to New York to get the price of sum things and finished our letter I got sum soverings changed for 4 Dollors and 70 sent a piece �7 we posted our letter in the old Liner Packet Office and then went on board the towboat William Frankland came to bid farewell to us the boat did not got out till it was dark 9th O what new world is this with Rocks and Crags on either hand and now and then a wooden house if america be all like this well might poor Noble come home again it is a fine day and still for all its barren and ruged apearence it is very pleasent there was two tow boats and the stemer all together was 28 yard acrofs it was like a little Isle all moving together it keeps growing pleasenter as we get further up I think there would be between 2 and 300 of us but nearer 3 than 2 we had a band of Music among us and when we went by Newburg they played a few tunes and the people on shore fired two or 5 time it is very mountainous but still it grows better when we came as far as Hudson the Correct run very raped against us we have not seen much very large wood yet. 10 we arived this morning between 12 and 1 oclock at Albeny it rained very heavy all this morning and we took our fair to Utica for 90 sent we went into the market before we went of and bought a Quarter of veal at 2 and a 1/2 sents per lb. Beef was from 4 sent to 8 sents per lb. re then set out for Utica we were 21 in Number and two of us were Children that went free we were all of the ship Envoy but a man and his wife as we went on the land we saw sum midling good Land we saw sum people clearing a feild they had hewn down the trees about knee height and was harring among the stumps when we had got a little further we saw a field of Wheat shot out we have now got among plenty of wood about 6 o,clock we pased Troy it was a pleasent night and me and my Companion set out on foot time they got through the Lock,s we walked up by the Canal side till we came to the Mohoak we then left the side of the Canal and walked through the wood till we came to the Bank,s of the river it was moon light and we coald not see as much as we wished to do after we had walked éa little way up we came to the Falls were we both were astonished to see what a tremendious crash it fell into the Chasm below and caused a spray to raise that would soon have wet us through our Clothes we then went till we meet the boat and I went to bed but had not been there long before I was called up to see the aquaduct where the canal crofsed the Mahoak I don,t now how many arches there was it being dark 11th this morning when I got up we had got up to the second aquaduct there was 17 arches we walked on the canal was cut out of the solid rock we came to Conectuct about 9 oclock the Land here in general is good one of our pasengers had 95 Dollers bidden for a year but did not axcept it about 11 oclock we came to a smal aquaduct acrofs a smal stream in the afternoon we came to 2 or 3 lock,s so me and my Companion and another Pasenger took a ramble up in the wood,s were there was Grape trees and sugar Mapels and we got sum strawBerris which grew in abundance we then returned to the Boat again we went along sevral small aquaducts in the evening we came to Squohary Creek were is a Bridge of 3 Arches and each arch has 52 yard span or more the Land all about here is very good. 12th this morning is a very fine one we came to the little falls �in the corse of the forenoon the town is bilt on a solid rock here being sum lock,s me and simpson went to see a Saw Mill which struck uncomon quick we thought there was a good deal of improvement in her we also saw a Corn Mill which was different to those in England there one Curosity I had forgot a little before we came to the falls we saw a spring of water which streamed for 6 or 8 feet stright up this was a great Curosity to me as I allaways delighted in Romantic things when we had got a little further we saw sum people rearing a house so me and other 2 pasengers went and helped them up with the main Booms we got sum whiskey and then went on till we came to Utica were we arived about 7 oclock I had a letter to liver here to William Rooks we got a Glafs of wiskey with them and then went to the Boat again here we experinced another Parting the person,s we had been with us all the way from Liverpool had to leave us which was like a second leaving home we shook hands and parted they stoped and we went on most of the Land we saw to day was very good 13th this is sunday I just write sunday to keep in memory there is one there is little difference between sunday and working days here this day we pafsed New London New Boston and sevral other little villages here the canal runs for above 60 miles without one lock the Land here was mostly woods and swamps toward Night we came to very good Land again 14th this morning we arised at Syracuse here the Boat stopet awhile and we went to see a tanners house they were both tanners and Curiers when we left Syracuse we pased the salt vats and lake onondaga we also saw aplace called Liverpool and another called Jordon and sevral other little villages by the side of the canal the Land is good but rather mountainous the dwelling houses in general are are better than in England 15th this day was the hotest we had experinced since we came about midnight the driver and horses all went into the canal together this was the second time we were in danger of being ship wereck,d although this time we are sum hundreds of miles of the sea the horses were in the canal for nearly an hour about 7 oclock we came to Clyde and about 10 oclock to Lyons the Land is all very good but we think it is both better and cheaper further west this afternoon we arived at Palmira 131 miles distant from Utica our Boat was going no further so we embarked on another ship which is the 4th 16th this morning we arived at Rochester here our Captain had to atend the Grand Juery me and my Companion went to see the Genese Falls which is just below the town it was both awful and grand it was here where poor sam that we heard of to England jumped down and niver rose again the place he jumped of was 20 feet higer than the Falls and they are said to be 100 feet themselves the Canal crofses the Genese River in an Aquaduct made of stone we went to see a Mill were was 9 pair of stones in one floor we were struck with astonishment to see Mills in all directions and of all discreptions and water to suply as many more about 9 oclock we left Rochester it was avery fine day and every thing looked neat and delightfull �9 17th we arived between 11 &12 oclock at Night at Gaines Bason the Boat was going no further so we had once more to go among fresh fases we wated till 5 oclock in the afternoon one came the land all about here is very good but dear it is from 15 to 20 dollars per acre from Palmira to Gaines Bason it is 66 miles we arived in Reynols Bason about 19 miles from Gaines Bason we left our Boxes in a store and walked about 2 miles to Michaels Robinson where we were kindly intreated we spent the forenoon Walking in the gardens and fei1d,s the afternoon we helped to haw Indian corn and at night we took a walk on the Ridge Road which I had so oft heard tell off to England it is a fine ridge with a reglar decent Both ways and just wide enough on the top for a tonpike road it is aboutmiles in length 19th. this morning we went to haw Indian corn again and in the after noon we intended to go a Squarel shuting but it came on a rain and stoped us I think the land about here is not so good as sum that we have seen but still it,s midling good 20th this morning it rained very heavy but it Cleared up about noon and we set of to Richard Dales about 8 miles west James Robinson having to come that way in the morning we left our bundels to come in the Wagon when we arived at Richard and his wife was standing at the door of their old Log house they were very glad to see us and hear from old England having got our tea we went for the Cows to Millk & when that was done we sat down over a good Log fire and talked about all the old sprees and old aquaintance that our memries could recall till very near 2 o'clock we then went to bed not because we were out of talk but because we thought it was bedtime and after we had got to bed we still kept talking on till it struck 3 we then wished that both our relations and they's knew what a pleasent night we had enjoyed and fell asleep 21th this morning we took a walk round the Farm which is in genral very good Land we could get Land here from 11 Dollars to 20 Do per acre which depended mostly on being cleared and building about noon James Robinson came and when we had got our dinner,s we set out again acompanied with Richard Dale and James Robinson to Locport a distance of 4 miles were we saw a very handsum Mill with 4 stones time we were walking about together the time went pleasently on but we soon had to part we left Locport about 4 past 2 o'clock and walked on toward,s the falls of Niagara it rained very heavy all the afternoon and our bundels being heavey and we being wet we only went 11 miles we Loged at a tavren were we met with very good accommodations 22 this morning it was raining still and had done all Night when we had got our breakfast,s it did not look like clearing up so we set of as it was it rained very heavy most of the forenoon and about noon it faired up a fine day the Land all on the Bank of the Niagara is of strong nature when we came within a mile or so of the Falls the ground almost trembled under us with the Falling of the water we arived in the Village about 3 o'clock the american Falls is just below the village we went and took a view of them and then went acrofs the river and went down among the shrubs and briers till we came to the Canada or horse shoe Falls here we were entertained with Maganeficent view of the �10 Fall all together they are quite as wonderful as I expected and are better described than I can pretend to do we saw the place were sam Patch leapt down. when we came to the plase were people pretend to go under the stream we first one went and then the other we went with our umbre1la,s up and as fast as we could and as far as we could we thought we were as far as most had been we both of us got well wet with the spray after we had seen all we could at the bottom we asended up sume old broken steps to the top we looked about there a while and set out for Fort George a distance of 14 miles it was about 7 oclock when we left the Falls we walked about 7 miles and came to a village called Queenston were we stoped that Night it was very dark and mudy and we har,d the Wo1f,s runing in the woods in all directions 23 this morning we left Queenston for Fort George were we arrived about 8 oclock and about 1 oclock we left Fort George and went on board the steam Boat for little York which is about 30 miles acrofs the Lake Ontrio we meet with William Porter of Gillemoor and Parker of Welburn crofsing the Lake at the same time we arived at York about 6 oclock and then set out on foot up Young Street the Land we saw this Night was mostly Pine Land and we thought not very good we walked 7 miles and Lodged at an English man,s house 24 it was a fine morning and we set out in good time and when we had walked about 6 miles further wecalled at a Tavren to get sum refreshment when we went in they asked us if we were from England and on telling we where they asked us from what part saying they where from Lastingham there is Millburn and they left England 13 years ago they were very pleased that we had called we stop,t and got our breakfast,s and dinner,s with them we then went about 2 miles further to one Jame,s Marsh,s who Married one of old John Atkinson,s daughters the Land we saw to day was better than that yesterday but there is more Pines in it than we liked to see we Lodged at Marshes at Night 25 this morning we went to see young John Atkinson he has got a Mill with 2 run of stone,s and is semingly doing well we then went to see old John Atkinson we got our dinner,s with him and then set out to see the Quaker settlement we went for 6 mile over a ridge of Mountain called the Oak Ridges the Land on these Ridges is in genral light and sandy we at last came to were the Land grew better we went to a place called New Market about 30 miles from York the Land after we got to the Quaker settlement was very good it is the best that we have seen in Canada we stop,t all Night at New Market 26th this morning I was awoke with it Thundering I think I never heard it Thunder nor saw it Lighten so in my life before when we got up we walked about 2 miles and called at a house to see a Trashing Masheen which was made nearby like these in England we arived at Mr. Marches about 2 oclock and after we had got our dinner we went to see a Farm that was to sell we liked the situation very well the Land was good and a Creek runs through it as we returned through the Bush we shot a Partridge we also got a Pidgen as we went 27 this morning we set out for Robert Dawson,s they told us it �11 was about 18 miles it Thundred and rained most of the way and we rambled in the wood sum times right and sumtimes Wrong from 7 in the morn to 9 at Night were we found a kind of a Tavrin about 4 miles of still we were both tired and wet and so we took our Lodgings no little pleased with our day journey for when we got a fair calculation we found we had gone the 14 miles in 14 hour 28 our night,s rest was as good as our day,s journey for we were so bitten with Buggs that we could not sleep we got up in good time and paid ls and 6d each for our refreshment and then Paddled out the other 4 miles I sat in the house most of the day Robert Dawson,s were all well and in good spirit,s 29 this day we ment to have had a Bee but our men disapointed us so we walked round the farm to see the crops which looked very good in the afternoon Francis Dawson and his wife came and we got a good talk about Old England and the poor slaves that still remained theirin 30th this day we had our Bee this was the first Log house that ever I helped to build at night I was at one of the name of Knagg,s that came out of Bransdale I cannot speak much in the favour of this man for poor fellow he has got bit by a venomos worn called the stilling worm and I think that it will prove fatle July 1st we ment to have proceed on our journey to day but hearing that John Petch from Bransdale lived not far we went to see him but when we got their we saw nobody but his he being at York and would not be back before it was dark we then went to one Francis Dawson and spent the afternoon the Land that we saw to day was mostly very good and all that I wanted was my Mother and of the Famely and then all that ever I saw in my life before should niver make me leave america as we were returning home we meet a woman who asked if we were the two new comers on telling her we were she asked if we knew William Webster at Bellend we told her we did she then said he is my husband,s Brother so we went into the house and got a sup Bitter,s with them as they call it George Webster,s wife is sumthing related to Chapman,s of the Ewy Caat (?) 2nd this morning we prepaired for our journey again and before we got of John Petch came to see us we stop,t an hour or so talking the old over again and then set out Robertt Dawson went with us a few miles when we came to Dundas street we Called to see one Boyes that went out of Bilsdale we then proceeded on our way we thought as we had been at York we would go by Land round the Lake head we walked this day up Dundas street about 30 miles above York the Land by the road is sandy in sum places and swampy in other,s 3rd this morning we arived in Hambleton about 40 miles from York here we were both of us foot sore so that we could not walk any further so we determined to take the stage and either go to the Black Rock and then take the Lake or else go through by Land acordingly we took our fair by Land from Hambleton to sandwich about 200 miles for 5 Do each the Land about here is of a light �12 sandy nature we spent the rest of the day on the shore of the Lake 4th this forenoon I went to the Methodist chapel the Coach did not go of till 2 after we had got two or or three miles of the Land grew better and kept mending all the way we went to a place called Bradford which is situated by the side of the Grand river about 25 miles from Hambleton we stoped to night 5 this morning we got up about 2 oclock to go on journey but to our sad misfurturn our Coach had turned into a Waggon but however it was very well she turned into nothing wors as there was nothing better we went about 22 miles before they changed the Land here mostly belonged to the Government sum of it was sandy loomy nature and the rest was hard wood Land and very good it might be bought of the Goverment for 2 Do per acre and is with in 20 miles of Bradford were there both a good Market and water convance our next stage was 18 miles through the Township of Oxford this is an old setteled Country and here is good Land but at a Dearer rate there is a market in Oxford and wheat is almost as dear there as at York but they make nothing of there Butter our next stage was about 20 miles the first 9 miles I neither know what Township nor wether it was Goverment Land or on but it was all Pine and good for nothing the rest of the way it was mostly take up and much better we came into the Township of Westminster before we stopt at night 6th we set of again at ½past 2 in the morning we got a fresh Waggon the road was very rough the Land this stage which was 18 miles was of a sandy nature our next stage was 13 miles this Crowned all the traveling I ever saw in my life our Waggon had no cover and we Winded about first by one tree and then another and every now and then a piece of Cordoy Roy fit to Clash the very Breath out the Land was sumthink better it was most of it goverment Land and very thingly settled our next stage was 25 miles on the Bank,s of the River Thames the Land was midling good in sume places and light and sandy in others sume of this belonged to the Goverment and sume to the Indian,s we crofsed over a plain were was onse an Indian village but was burnt down in the war by the Yankes there is now a Village belonging to the Indian,s on the south side of the road called the Moravian Village after this we came to some fine feilds of Wheat almost Ripe at last we came to the inn where we had to stop 7th we set off about 8 past 1 in the morning and about 7 we got our breakfast,s with an Old Preist out of England I dont know how long this stage nor neither of the other 2 when we had done our breaktast,s we set of again like Christian and Pliable we traveled on the Land was good and the midows and Corn feild,s with the River on the right hand made it pleasent to behold we traveled on for a few miles and came to the edge of a swamp that is over flow,d with Lake st. Clair now like Christian and Pliable when they came to the slough of dispond there way lay through it and 10 miles did our,s through this it was about 4 miles through and we were for the most to the Wagon body in water when we had got to the midle our hind axle tree broke but happely we spied it before we were thrown into the mud we had to stop where we were till the driver went and brought with him another Carrage �13 we then got of in safety and the rest of our jurney we had better road we arived at a Tavren Opsit Detroit after it was dark it was 3 miles further to Sandwich but as it was there we wanted to be we did not go any further we then took the Boat and went acrofs the River to Detroit we paid 1s each for going over the River we got Lodgings just were we landed 8th this morning we went to the Land office to get directions for one George Boyes that went from Kirbymooreside after we had got Directions we set of and when we had got just out of the town we over took a dutch woman driving a cart we asked her if she could direct us to Shipman mill she did not rightly understand our Language and we did not under stand her but we thought we had to go the way she was going so we went but to our sad misfurton we were led wrong we went first from one house and then to another but they were all either French or Duch and we could get no information we at Last got into the right road and went on till we came to a Methodist Meeting that was left disolate the man that built it hath proved a hirling and it being in the wood the Wolf soon devoured the sheep the sight of this put me in mind of What I once was I was grived to see it so but I Was as bad I went into it an Wrote on the forsaken Pulpet Remember for all this thou shalt be brought into Judgement I took the hint and I hope that if ever he look,s in again he may too we then traveled on enquring the way of all we met till called at a tavren and enquired the way the we had got 3 miles past the road end allready we then like Christian were obliged to retrase our steps backward we went back a little way and took a crofs 4 or 5 miles we just got through before it was dark as the road was bad to hit we to our Lodgings at a Farmers house by the road side 9th this morning we went to Geroges Boyse it was about 2 miles of were we stopt we got our breakfast with them and then set of again as we were tredging along I gave John my umbrela and an Old stick in my hand and went into a yard and asked the master if I could get a few day work he asked me what I could do I told him I could do any kind of Farmers busnefs he told me he would give me 12 Do a Month for too or 3 months I told him it was too little he then said that he should want a man and if could do he would give me that the year round however we did not agree so I went on and over took John we then went on a few miles and as there was no tavren near we went into a thicket and lay down and fell asleep till morning 10th this morning we awoke in good spirits as if we had been in as house we went on about 8 miles further and came to Ypsalanti the so far is midling good but after got past here it was all openings and the timber that was on it was oak and Ickerly and of a light and sandy nature in the afternoon we called to see a English man out of the County of Kent but he was not at home we then went to the next tavren and stopt all the night 11th the joiner this morning went to work as on another day and so did we on our journey after we left the taveren we past sum poor folone looking huts in the forenoon but in the afternoon there was no houses but tavern,s and they were very thinly set the Land this day that we saw was good for nothin it was all �hills and Lakes we came at last to place called a tavren and stopt that night there was as many Lodgers as could stand in the house 12th this morning we set of again and traveled over plain,s and through wood,s there was was niver ahouse nearer one another than 5, 8 and 10 miles it was very lonesum and the Land not so good as we expected to find it 13 this morning we found a Rattle snake lying in the road John watched it till I got a stick and killed it soon after this we came to cold water river here hapned to be a cano which we paddled over in we came at 2 or more rivers without Bridges 14 this day we arived at the white Pidgen about noon we went through Sturgeses Prary which is a very good Prary when we got to the Pidgen we thought we would try for sume work Simpson qot work at well sinking and I went to a farmers house and got promise of work the next day 14 and 15 I was hawing corn 16 1this forenoon we had death among us in our little famely and took away a child I was at my old work in forenoon but in the afternoon I dug the grave I was the first but on Saxton in that part 17 this day we had a Sermon in the forenoon and then the Preacher took the coffin and we all followed to the grave which was just in the wood edge under an oak tree there was two sticks put acrofs the grave and the coffin set there on the parents looked on the it for a short time then the Father said put it in it was then let down and the grave fild in a minute the Preacher then thanked the compay for there atendance every one then returned home and the funeral was ended 18 and 19 I was at corn hawing and got done there had more for me to do but they said they wanted a well sinking 20 I undertook to sink the well 21 I got done again by noon the afternoon I spent in looking about me 22 this day I saw above 100 Indians of the scoces Tribe & it was the best show I ever saw in my life in the afternoon I set of to see scenery round a distance of 18 miles it got dark of me and I lost the road just before I got to the Prary it had been sume rain and I was afraid to lay down and I did not know what to do the wolves were runing on all sides in search of there prey and I was left alone I walked as fast as I could I knew where and keep groping with my hand for road at last I got to were I could see no trees I thought suerly on the Prary I walked till I was tired out and could nither find tree nor house so I lay down to rest I had not lay long before I heard the ringing of a cow bell I went by the sound till I found a little hut they were gone to bed but they readly turned out to see what was at the door, I told them I was lost they then got sum of the children �15 out of bed and lay them on a blanket on the floor I then got my super and went to bed 23rd I got up this morning in good spirits and gave them 1s and 6d for my refreshment I had a letter to carry to the justis of Peace they an Esquire and when I got to the house if the Esquire was in the house they said no did I want to see him I did not want to him but as he was the first Esquire I had heard of I thought I should like to see what Esquires were like in Michigan so I said yes I wanted to speak to him they told me that was him in yon feild when I got to him he was pulling flax without either shoes or stockings or hankerchief with his shirt neck sliping over his shoulders I livered my letter and then I had done I saw a little Difference between a squire in the Terrytory of Michagan and a squire in Yorkshire, the West side of the Prairy is most of it taken up I think it the best prairy that I've seen paticlar on the west side it is 8 miles 1ong and in sum places 6 miles broad about the middle stand a large Plump of trees and about 1 mile to the west there is another smaller it is about 48 miles round on the west side it is sorounded with hard wood such as white wood elm Beach Maple and Bafswood the rest that I saw Mostly Oak and Ickery having seen all I could I set of back again and came about 10 miles 24 this morning I got up as soon as I could see I was almost woired with Mifs Keetys I got to the white Pidgen in good time I got my dinner to day at Mr. Coatses and at Night I was at my old Lodging 25 this day I took sum wheat to cut 26 it came on rain to day I could not get to work 27 and 28 I finished my job and went to Sturges Prairy 30 and 31 you may think it rather odd I have not had the 29 day in my account but it is owing to me having 2 l4th days I had let it run a few day and had begun with the same I had left with those 2 days I got work with Simpson and Frankland to turn the windles friday night was the awfullest for lightning that I ever saw the air seemed to be one continual blase Agust 1st this day I wrote to my mother 2nd 3rd 4 5 I was working with Simpson and Frankland at a well 6 and 7 I was helping and English man of the name of Cade to dig a seller and took his well to dig for 50 sents per foot it is very hot weather 8th this was a very pleasent day but there is neither Church nor meeting to go to 9th this day we ment to begin our well but I was taken with the Ague 10,11,12,13,14 I was at the English man's house and got no better �16 15th this day Simpson went to the white Pidgen I still got wors it was rainy early in the morning 16th this day I sent for the doctor he gave me some physic and a puke for which he charged 2 Dollers 17,18,19,20 and 21 this week has got over and I,me no better yet Simpson is digging Cade well 22 this day I think I have been rather better I had not my Chills 23,24,25 and 26 I kept in a mending way till this day I had to get to the Grand Travis to get a well rope which brought it worse than ever 27 and 28 I am quiet of all again Simpson finished the well today 29 if we are not mistaken this is sunday but it is hard to tell sunday from any other day for here they draugh corn or hay or works at almost any other thing 3D this day Cade had his raiseing and I did myself a little hurt by trying to work 31 this day I thought I would try to work for my vitals but was to weak and made myself worse, September 1,2,3,4 all this time I was very weak and could hardly go about 5 this day I got to see Simpson who was digging a well about 2 miles of I had no chill today 6,7,8 I have kept in a mending way those 3 days I left Sturges Prairy this night and went to oxbow and slept with Simpson 9 this morning I set of for Jones Prairy about 8 miles walk I got there by little after noon but was very tired with my walk the place that I went to was fine Prairy called Jones Prairy or Uper Prairy Garten was the second man that setteled there he came from the same Place that Mr. Coats came from he was sick of the Ague at the same time 10 I this morning begun to try to work Garten had begun a well and not know how to finish it 11 this day me and Garten and Bengeman Burnel another young English man that had the Ague went to make Hay 12 this was a very cold day we all sat in the house 13,14,15 and 16 the 2 first days me and Garten tryed to finish the well but I was to weak so we got Simpson and did it the other 2 17 and 18 I was working for Simpson at a well on the same Prairy 19 it was a very fine day and I left that place for Sturges �17 Prairy again Jones Prairy is in Indiana I went to Cades that night 20,21,22,23,24 and 25 this week I was cutting corn when I was able 26 this was affine day me and Phillip Buck went to seek grapes and plumbs 27,28,29,30 Oct 1 and 2 this week I was working at the same place I was diging potatoes the 4 last days and cuting corn the other 2 x 3rd this day me and another Englishman took a pleasure walk if I may call it so but he was queit home sick and I was just the other way so we could not agree 4th I was sowing wheat this forenoon and in the afternoon I went a Bee hunting but found none 5 and 6 I was thrashing beans 7 I went one Jasen Thersting to dig a well I got it down 8 feet 8 I was at the same plase trashing Buck Wheat with George Thirsting we Both together Trashed above 100 Bushels 9 I was at the well the forenoon and in the afternoon I went to see Simpson 10 I spent this day in rambling about with an Englishman to seek a section stake 12 and 13 I got done my well and took another on Mangoquinon Prairy in the state of Indiana for a man of the name of Fobs from the state of Ohio 14,15 and 16 I was at my work the 14 and 16 and 15 I was at a raising it is rather inclined to wet 17 this day me and the servant man went to Sturges Prairy 18,19,20 and 21 I got the well down to water but could not finish it owing to not having brick 22 and 25 the 22 me and George Thirsting was trashing Wheat with 3 yoke of oxen we trashed more than 32 bushels and on the 23 we clean,d it up 24 this day I went to see Simpson and hear,d of a well that wanted bottoming on the east end of mangoquinon 25 I went and took the well 26 and 27 I got it down to water 28 I went and finished Fobs well �18 29 I came and finished out the other and took another on the same Prairy 30 I got it down 8 feet 31 this day I went to the Post Office to get the newspaper hoping to find some new,s from old England but there was nothing but a few pieces about the new King there was a little about a revelution in France November 1,2,3 and 4 I have got through my work again but I know of plenty more well yet 5 this day I took another well to dig on the same Prairy it was Gun Pouder Plot and in stead of a fine I got a hat ful of wall nuts 6 I was at my work as other day 7 I was at the Methodist Meeting on Sturges Prairy 8 and 9 I finished my well and none of my other being ready to begin I went to see how Simpson coming on he was digging a well for the Post Office master and was coming near an end so we set down we would leave that countery on the next sunday 10,11 and 12 I was working for Mr. Stuard the Post master the 2 first days I was at house rasing and the other day I was draughing corn 13 this day I was gathering in my money I had to lose about 2 Dollors 14 this morning we set out again for further west and went through the White Pigen once more which I never intended to do we still kept going we past the Grand Travis and the St. Joseph,s river and went about 1 mile and 8 and then took our Lodgings 15 we set out again and walked about other 12 miles to a Prairy called Youngs Prairy here we went to a house to get some dinner and told them we were well digers I had a large rope and Simpson had our bundel the dinner was not read so we he1ped to put some shingles on a shade they told us that they were going to have a husking Bee at night and if we would stop we perhaps might get some work so we did but did not get work they most of them had work but none had money 16 this morning we set out again and found work to dig 1 well and mend another 17 and 18 we got through at that place and took another 19 and 20 we got our well down better than 20 feet 21 it was a rainy day and we sat in the house most of the day and we wrote up our memorandum 22,23.and 24 we finished out our well and got 20 Dollers each �19 for 5 days work 25 we left Youngs Prairy which is the best Land of any of the Prairys I have seen it is all heavy Timber round it we then went west about 4 miles to a Prairy called Townson,s Prairy which is a midling good Prairy but not Well timber,d we did not seek work much here we went to a house at the south west side and asked the road west but they did not know the road so we looked one on the other and said com,d so far to see an old Log house and first look,d east and then west and then said to each other thus far shalt thou go and no further we then turned our heads and went south about 12 miles to a Prairy called Bardsley Prairy and stop,t all night at the tavren 26 this morning we,went about the Prairy seeking wells but found none this Prairy is midling good Land but very bad timber,d with bur(?) Oak black read and white Oak barens we now made a resolution to return to Michael Robsons we arived that night at Sturges Prairy about 12 at night 27 this day we to strghtin up with some of our old costomers and fix for our journey I shal now give a short account about the weather the first and second week after we arived at the White Pidgen was very hot without rain the third week we had som Thunder and rain about monday and Tusday Friday was the Thunder storm and the rest clear and hot it in general clear hot weather with some Thunder till about the 20 of september when we had a good deal of rain but nothing to what I've seen in England the Thunder and Lightnings is very aufu1 from the 20 of septber till about the 5 of November is what they call the Indian summer which is quit thick and smokey owing to the great fire that the Indians make most of this time fine steady weather there was a few pieces of rainy days not worth mentioning the rest of the time was more unsteady rainy days and fine day like England but finer for the time of year than in England the first flag of snow that I saw was on the 24 of Novber and the sun took it of in the morning 28 this morning we set with either of us a Bundel it was a fine morning but came on rain about noon and rained all the rest of the day 29 this morning it is very dirty walking but it kept from raining 30 this was a fine day and we kept trudging on this night we arived at Dicumcy and got some Apels the first I,ve got to year December 1 we traveled 18 mile through a wood were there was niver a house as we were walking along we heard sombody shouting in the wood so we went by the sound till we came to them it was some Indians that had made a fire and boiled some dear we eat some with them and then walked on till we came within 8 miles of Monuro and stopt all night 2 this day we arived in Monuro in the morning we did not stay there long we walk about 18 mile stay,d all night at a French man,s house next day arrive,d at Monro from we went to the City of Detroit on our way between Monro and Detroit we saw 1200 Pigs �20 in 2 Droves all fitt for killing left Detroit for Bufflo by the schooner Neapolian we had very rough pafsage of 4 days down Lake Erie from Bufflo to Lockport from Lockport we went the Richard Dales that came from Danby from their to Michael Robsons where we left our Boxes as we went out in the spring left Mr. Robsons for New York when we got to Lions the Canal was Frose up so we took the road to Geneva where we met with John Cook Brother to Thomas Cook of Brooklin and a Mr. White that just come from England there was a young woman come with them that J. Cook was going to marry after staying a day or too we took our fare in the Coach for Newburg and from there to New York in the Steam Boat from Geneva to Ithica about 30 miles it is a very fine Country after that I cannot say about the countery some parts was very poor Land we crofs,t a Part of the Catskill Mountains and in about 4 days & Nights arrived at New York we found Thomas Cooks all well the was not going of near 2 weeks so we took a tour of Philadelpha we soon came back and stay,d at T. Cook till the lst of January 1831 the Captan came on board by 10 O,clock and we set sail with a west wind we were out of sight of land by 4 O,clock Jan 2 the wind b1ow,s fair it is afine day a we are hurring home ward,s 3rd the Wind still keeps fair about 8 o,clock we Pafsed a ship with her keel upwards 4th it is a fine Morning and a fair wind 5th this day we had a fair wind and Glided on at a good rate from this last dat I have kept no more Account we had a very good Pafsage of 27 days and I arrived at my Mothers house on the 2nd day of February 1831 where I found them all much as I left them � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource John Strickland Diary Collection Subject The topic of the resource Immigration from England to Upper Canada and initial settlement there. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource John Strickland Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Private Donor Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1830-1831, 1843-1847 Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Ocean crossing, travel through New York State to Ontario County, Whitby Township, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. John Strickland Diary Transcription, 1831-1831 John Strickland Diary Transcription, 1843-1847 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource John Strickland Diary Transcription, 1830-1831 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource John Strickland Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Private Donor Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1830-1831 Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant Ocean crossing and travel through New York State to Upper Canada Date Created Date of creation of the resource. April 5th, 1830 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. John Strickland Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Typed Transcription UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done transcribed