1685 Andrew Fortay and Sephiah Laing - Forgan, Fife, Scotland

Going back as far as we have records in the Fortie line we find that it is not Fortie but Fortay, as in Andrew Fortay. The information is a bit sketchy but we will start there.

Based on a marriage record Andrew was most likely born in or near Forgan, Fife, Scotland somewhere around 1685 to 1690.
Sephiah Laing was probably born around 1690 also near or in Forgan, Fife, Scotland. No more information is known.

The marriage record from Scotland (I don't know in what church they were married in yet) tells us that Andrew Fortay and Sephiah Laing were married in Forgan Fife Scotland on 30 November 1704.

We have no death date for either person but a normal life would have taken them to about 1850 to 1860. 

They had 5 or 6 children, 2 or 3 girls and 3 boys. I say 2 or 3 girls because one was born a year before they were married and the second was born 10 months after their marriage. The first child has a different last name (not the mothers maiden name) but is close enough that it could have been a misreading of Fortay. Also the first names are very close (though the same name was often used if the first child died as an infant, in order to avoid a name tax for a new name). The day and month of christening is exactly the same just two years apart (1703 and 1705 and 3's and 5's can sometimes be misread). Here is the information we have so far:
1. girl - Christean Faley, christened 9 September 1703.
2. girl - Christian Fortay, christened 9 September 1705.


So, there was possibly a different father and/or marriage before their marriage and the two girls are separate or the two similar names are actually the same person.
3. Anyway, the third (or second) child was a boy, John Fortay, christened 13 March 1707.
4. The fourth (or third) child was their last girl, named Agnass Fortay, christened 1 May 1709.
5. Then they had their fifth (or fourth) child, another boy, named Alexander Fortay (my ancestor). My genealogy records say he was born in 1710 and was christened 15 April 1711 (this christening date seems to be rather far from the birthday (the babies are usually christened within days of birth to avoid having the child die without being blessed which would send it straight to purgatory - according to their beliefs.) I'm not sure why this year was put in as the birth year and I don't have a birth year for the others (this is all from genealogy that has already been done but no sources were given). I haven't seen the actual records to know the accuracy of this information.
6. Their last child was another boy named Patrick Fortay, who was christened 28 February 1714.
All the children were born in Forgan and other than that there is no further information about this family. We have no other locations or any death dates for any of them.

St Fillans Church in Forgan

St Fillans Church

A small church or memorial in the center of a graveyard in Forgan where many people from the area were buried. It was nearly six centuries old when Andrew and Sephiah were married. I don't have a record of where they were married but if not here then perhaps a larger church nearby. There are other newer churches along the coast on the north edge of Forgan in a few towns where they could have lived.

Leng Memorial

Leng memorial, Vicarsford cemetary, Forgan near Newport-on-tay

There is a clan named Laing (Sephiah's last name) in Scotland and I found this information on the BYU genealogy website.


Laing is a descriptive name referring to 'long' or 'tall'. There is no certainty to the first prominent family of Laing, however, Black lists Thomas Laing as promising in 1357, that Dumfries would pay part of the ransom for the return of David II from England.

James Layng, who was the rector of Newlands, became bishop of Glasgow and treasurer to James III between 1473 and 1474. Laing is frequently found in the books of the diocese of Glasgow during the sixteeth century. In 1785 Malcolm Laing, a lawyer and historian from Orkney, was admitted to the Scottish Bar. In 1800, he published a history of Scotland and the poems of Ossian,who was Celtic bard.

The most reverend Cosmo Gordon Land, descended from a Scottish family was Archbishop of Cantebury from 1928 to 1942. He officiated at the coronation of George VI and in 1942 was raised to the peerage as Baron Lang of Lameth.

Clan Crest

Clan Seat

Clan tartan

(Much of the following information has been copied from Wikipedia)


Forgan is a civil parish in the Scottish county of Fife. It extends 4 miles in length along the north coast of Fife and is at the southern mouth of the River Tay. It is bounded by the other Fife civil parishes of Ferryport-on Craig, Leuchars and Balmerino. It contains the towns of Newport-on-Tay and Wormit. The roads and railways leading to the Tay Bridges pass through the parish. Of course, just across the water is the larger town of Dundee. I suppose Andrew and Sephiah could have lived in any of these towns, we just don't know right now. Kilmany is just a few miles south-west where Margaret Touk was christened (Andrew and Sephiah's daughter-in-law). It is also interesting that a St Fort Estate is about 2 miles south-west of the towns along the waterfront. It would be worth finding out (the next time I'm in Scotland) if that has anything to do with the FORTay name... so much to learn about.

Fife (pronounced /ˈfaɪf/; Scottish Gaelic: Fìobha) is a county and council area of Scotland. It is situated between the Firth of Tay and the Firth of Forth, with inland boundaries to Perth and Kinross and Clackmannanshire. It was originally one of the Pictish kingdoms, known as Fib, and is still commonly known as the Kingdom of Fife within Scotland.

It is a lieutenancy area, and was a county of Scotland until 1975. It was very occasionally known by the anglification Fifeshire in old documents and maps compiled by English cartographers and authors. A person from Fife is known as a Fifer.

Fife was a local government region divided into three districts – Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy and North-East Fife. Since 1996 the functions of the district councils have been exercised by the unitary Fife Council.

Fife is Scotland's third largest local authority area by population. It has a resident population of just under 360,000, almost a third of whom live in the three principal towns of Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes. Kirkcaldy is Fife's largest town by population (48,108 in 2006), followed by Dunfermline (45,462 in 2006) and then Glenrothes (38,927 in 2006).

The historic town of St Andrews is located on the northeast coast of Fife. It is well known for one of the most ancient universities in Europe and is renowned as the home of golf.

 

History

Legend has it that upon the death of Cruithne, the Pictish realm – known collectively as "Pictavia" – was divided into seven sub-kingdoms or provinces, one of which became Fife. The name is recorded as Fib in A.D. 1150 and Fif in 1165. It was often associated with Fothriff.

King James VI of Scotland described Fife as a "beggar's mantle fringed with gold" – the golden fringe being the coast and its chain of little ports with their thriving fishing fleets and rich trading links with the Low Countries, ironic given the much later development of farming on some of Scotland's richest soil and the minerals, notably coal, underneath. Wool, linen, coal and salt were all traded. Salt pans heated by local coal were a feature of the Fife coast in the past. The distinctive red clay "pan tiles" seen on many old buildings in Fife arrived as ballast on trading boats and replaced the previously thatched roofs.

In 1598 King James VI employed a group of 12 men from Fife, who became known as the Fife adventurers, to colonise the Isle of Lewis in an attempt to begin the "civilisation" and anglicisation of the region. This endeavor lasted until 1609 when the colonists, having been opposed by the native population, were bought out by Coinneach, the clan chief of the MacKenzies.

Historically, there was much heavy industry in the century or so following the Victorian engineering triumphs of the Forth and Tay rail bridges. The Fife coalfields were developed around Kirkcaldy and the west of Fife, reaching far out under the Firth of Forth. Shipbuilding was famous at Methil and Rosyth. The world centre for linoleum production was in Kirkcaldy (where it is still produced), and flax grown in Fife was transformed into linen locally too. Post-war Fife saw the development of Scotland's second new town, Glenrothes. Originally to be based around a coal mine, the town eventually attracted a high number of modern Silicon Glen companies to the region. Fife Council also centred its operations in Glenrothes.

Geography

Fife is a peninsula in eastern Scotland bordered on the north by the Firth of Tay, on the east by the North Sea and the Firth of Forth to the south. The route to the west is partially blocked by the mass of the Ochil Hills. Almost all road traffic into and out of Fife has to pass over one of three bridges, south on the Forth Road Bridge, west on the Kincardine Bridge or north-east via the Tay Road Bridge, the exception being traffic headed north on the M90.
There are extinct volcanic features, such as the Lomond Hills which rise above rolling farmland, and Largo Law, a volcanic plug in the east. At 522 metres (1,713 ft), the West Lomond is the highest point in Fife. The coast has fine but small harbours, from the industrial docks in Burntisland and Rosyth to the fishing villages of the East Neuk such as Anstruther and Pittenweem. The large area of flat land to the north of the Lomond Hills, through which the River Eden flows, is known as the Howe of Fife.

Looking across the farmland of North East Fife to the distant Lomond Hills

North of the Lomond Hills can be found villages and small towns in a primarily agricultural landscape. The areas in the south and west of Fife, including the towns of Dunfermline, Glenrothes, Kirkcaldy and the Levenmouth region are lightly industrial and more densely populated. The only area which could claim to be heavily industrial is Rosyth, around the naval dockyard.

The east corner of Fife, generally that east of a line between Leven and St Andrews is recognised throughout Scotland as the "East Neuk" (or corner) of Fife, small settlements around sheltered harbours, with distinctive vernacular "Dutch" or craw (crow) stepped gabled and stone-built architecture – an area much sought after as second homes of the Edinburgh professional classes since the Forth Road Bridge was built. The fishing industry on which the East Neuk settlements were built has declined in recent years with the main fishing fleet now operating from Pittenweem and the harbour in Anstruther being used as a marina for pleasure craft.

Looking across the farmland of North East Fife to the distant Lomond Hills

Towns and villages

Cupar took over as county town from Crail in the early 13th century. This has since been transferred to Glenrothes with the decision to locate the headquarters of the newly established Fife Regional Council in 1975. The county has three main towns – Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline and Glenrothes. According to the 2006 estimate, Kirkcaldy is the largest settlement with a population of 48,108. The largest settlement in terms of area is Glenrothes.

Culture

Fife is home to 4,961 listed historical buildings and 48 conservation areas. Domestic sites of importance include Falkland Palace (hunting palace of the Scottish Kings), Kellie Castle near Pittenweem, St Andrews Castle and Kirkcaldy's Ravenscraig Castle, Dysart Harbor area, Balgonie Castle near Coaltown of Balgonie, Hill of Tarvit (a historical house), St. Andrews Castle (with a gruesome bottle dungeon) and St. Rules' Tower. Fife is home to a number of ecclesiastical sites of historical interest. St Andrews Cathedral was home of the powerful Archbishopric of St Andrews, and later became a centre of the Scottish Reformation, while Dunfermline Abbey was the last resting place of a number of Scottish kings. Balmerino and Culross abbeys were both founded in the 13th century by the Cistercians, while a century before Lindores Abbey was founded by the Tironensians outside of Newburgh, : all were highly important sites.

Below are a few famous people from Fife who lived around the same time period as Andrew and Sephiah. Perhaps my ancestors knew them or at least knew of them (perhaps they played after school together or swapped stories down at the pub):

Alexander Selkirk (1676 – 13 December 1721} was a Scottish sailor who spent four years as a castaway when he was marooned on an uninhabited island. It is probable that his travels provided the inspiration for Daniel Defoe's novel Robinson Crusoe.

The son of a shoemaker and tanner in Lower Largo, Fife, Scotland, Selkirk was born in 1676. In his youth he displayed a quarrelsome and unruly disposition. Summoned on 27 August 1695 before the Kirk Session for his "undecent carriage" (indecent behavior) in church, he "did not comper [appear], having gone away to þe [the] seas: this business is continued till his return".

At an early period he was engaged in buccaneer expeditions to the South Seas and in 1703 joined in with the expedition of famed privateer and explorer William Dampier. While Dampier was captain of the St. George, Selkirk served on the galley Cinque Ports, the St. George's companion, as a sailing master serving under Thomas Stradling.

Castaway

In October 1704, after the ships had parted ways because of a dispute between Stradling and Dampier, the Cinque Ports was brought by Stradling to the uninhabited archipelago of Juan Fernández off the coast of Chile for a mid-expedition restocking of supplies and fresh water. Selkirk had grave concerns by this time about the seaworthiness of this vessel (indeed, the Cinque Ports later foundered, losing most of its hands). He tried to convince some of his crewmates to desert with him, remaining on the island; he was counting on an impending visit by another ship. No one else agreed to come along with him. Stradling, who was tired of Selkirk's troublemaking, declared that he would grant him his wish and leave him alone on Juan Fernández. Selkirk promptly regretted his decision. He chased and called after the boat, to no avail. Selkirk lived the next four years and four months without any human company. All he had brought with him was a musket, gunpowder, carpenter's tools, a knife, a Bible, some clothing and rope.

Life on the island

Hearing strange sounds from the inland, which he feared were dangerous beasts, Selkirk remained at first along the shoreline. During this time he ate shellfish and scanned the ocean daily for rescue, suffering all the while from loneliness, misery and remorse. Hordes of raucous sea lions, gathered on the beach for the mating season, eventually drove him to the island's interior. Once there, his way of life took a turn for the better. More foods were now available: feral goats – introduced by earlier sailors – provided him meat and milk, wild turnips, cabbage, and black pepper berries offered him variety and spice. Although rats would attack him at night, he was able, by domesticating and living near feral cats, to sleep soundly and in safety.

Selkirk proved resourceful in using equipment from the ship as well as materials that were native to the island. He built two huts out of pimento trees. He used his musket to hunt goats and his knife to clean their carcasses. As his gunpowder dwindled, he had to chase prey on foot. During one such chase he was badly injured when he tumbled from a cliff, lying unconscious for about a day. (His prey had cushioned his fall, sparing him a broken back.) He read from the Bible frequently, finding it a comfort to him in his condition and a mainstay for his English.

When Selkirk's clothes wore out, he made new garments from goatskin, using a nail for sewing. The lessons he had learned as a child from his father, a tanner, helped him greatly during his stay on the island. As his shoes became unusable, he had no need to make new ones, since his toughened, callused feet made protection unnecessary. He forged a new knife out of barrel rings left on the beach.

Two vessels had arrived and departed before his escape, but both of them were Spanish: as a Scotsman and privateer, he risked a terrible fate if captured. He hid himself from these crews at one point in a tree at the bottom of which some of the Spanish crews who were pursuing him urinated but did not discover him.

His long-anticipated rescue occurred on 2 February 1709 by way of the Duke, a privateering ship piloted by the above-mentioned William Dampier. Selkirk was discovered by the Duke's captain, Woodes Rogers, who referred to him as Governor of the island. Now rescued, he was almost incoherent in his joy. The agile Selkirk, catching two or three goats a day, helped restore the health of Rogers' men. Rogers eventually made Selkirk his mate, giving him independent command of one of his ships. Rogers' A cruising voyage round the world: first to the South-Sea, thence to the East-Indies, and homewards by the Cape of Good Hope was published in 1712 and included an account of Selkirk's ordeal.

Journalist Richard Steele interviewed Selkirk about his adventures and wrote a much-read article about him in The Englishman.

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John Forbes (5 September 1707 – March 11, 1759) was a British general in the French and Indian War. He is best known for leading the Forbes Expedition that captured the French outpost at Fort Duquesne and for naming the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania after British Secretary of State William Pitt the Elder.

Forbes was born on his family's Pittencrief Estate in Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland in 1707. The son of an army officer, Forbes intended to study medicine, but in his second year as a medical student, he decided to become a soldier. He was accepted and commissioned, in 1735, as a lieutenant in the Scots Greys. He saw action in the War of the Austrian Succession. He later served in the Jacobite rising of 1745 and served under the Duke of Cumberland as acting quartermaster-general.

Late in his career Forbes launched an attack on a French fort named Fort Duquesne but the French abandoned the fort and burned it. Forbes occupied the burned fort on November 25, 1758. He immediately ordered the construction of a new fortification to be named Fort Pitt, after British Secretary of State William Pitt the Elder. He also named the settlement between the rivers "Pittsborough," which is the location of modern Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Forbes’s health, which had been poor for much of the campaign, began a rapid decline during his occupation of Fort Pitt. On December 3, 1758, now gravely ill, Forbes began the arduous journey back to Philadelphia leaving Colonel Hugh Mercer in command of Fort Pitt. General Forbes died in Philadelphia on March 11, 1759. He was buried in Christ Church in Philadelphia.

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1710 Alexander Fortay and Margaret Touch or Touk

As was stated in the previous page, Andrew's son, Alexander Fortay, was born in 1710 (or possibly 1711) in Forgan, Fife, Scotland. He was christened on 15 April 1711, again, in Forgan Scotland. There is no death date recorded as of yet.

Margaret Touch or Touk was born in 1714 in Forgan, Fife, Scotland and was christened on 2 January 1715 in Kilmany, Fife, Scotland. There is also no death date found for her as of yet.

There is a marriage record that is apparently difficult to read, it is 17 November 1735 or 1738 (most likely 1738 since their first child is born in 1739). If it was 1738, Alexander would have been 27 years old and Margaret 23. They had 11 children with another Alexander as the second to the last child who is my ancestor. They are as follows (with ages of parents at their birth on right):

1. James Fortay - christened 9 December 1739 in Forgan, Fife, Scotland (Alexander 28 Margaret 24)
2. Helen Fortay - christened 20 September 1741 in Forgan, Fife, Scotland (Alexander 30 Margaret 26)
3. Jannet Fortay - christened 10 July 1743 in Forgan, Fife, Scotland (Alexander 32 Margaret 28)
4. Lucretia Fortay - christened 24 March 1745 in Forgan, Fife, Scotland (Alexander 34 Margaret 30)
5. Margaret Fortay - christened 12 April 1747 in Forgan, Fife, Scotland (Alexander 36 Margaret 32)
6. William Fortay - christened 22 January 1749 in Forgan, Fife, Scotland (Alexander 38 Margaret 34)

Their first 6 children were born in the Forgan area and it appears that they made a move from there to Kilmany sometime between the births of William and Jean around 1750. It was a move of only about 4 to 5 miles south-west of where they and their parents had lived all their lives. Perhaps a job took them there or a bigger home, we just don't know. Their last 5 children are born in Kilmany.

7. Jean Fortay - born 16 October 1751 and christened 20 October 1751 in Kilmany, Fife, Scotland (Alexander 40 Margaret 36)
8. Agnes Fortay - born 1 March 1754 and christened 3 March 1754 in Kilmany, Fife, Scotland (Alexander 43 Margaret 39)
9. Walter Fortay - born 8 July 1756 and christened 11 July 1756 in Kilmany, Fife, Scotland (Alexander 45 Margaret 41)
10. Alexander Fortay - My ancester - born 27 March 1758 and christened 2 April 1758 in Kilmany, Fife, Scotland (Alexander 47 Margaret 43)
11. Cicel Fortay - born 2 June 1761 and christened 7 June 1761 in Kilmany, Fife, Scotland (Alexander 50 Margaret 46)

We have no death dates for anyone in this family. If Alexander and Margaret lived a normal life they would have died in the late 1770's or early 1780's. We do have a record of Margaret (the 5th child), and of course Alexander (the 10th child), having families.  (Margaret married David Honeyman and had 6 children and Alexander is on the next page.)

An old home in Kilmany Scotland not far from the church.

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Famous people born in Fife that Alexander and Margaret may have known or known about.

Adam Smith (baptised 16 June 1723 – died 17 July 1790 [OS: 5 June 1723 – 17 July 1790]) was a Scottish moral philosopher and a pioneer of political economics. One of the key figures of the Scottish Enlightenment, Smith is the author of The Theory of Moral Sentiments and An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. The latter, usually abbreviated as The Wealth of Nations, is considered his magnum opus and the first modern work of economics. Smith is widely cited as the father of modern economics and capitalism.

Smith studied moral philosophy at the University of Glasgow and the University of Oxford. After graduating, he delivered a successful series of public lectures at Edinburgh, leading him to collaborate with David Hume during the Scottish Enlightenment. Smith obtained a professorship at Glasgow teaching moral philosophy, and during this time he wrote and published The Theory of Moral Sentiments. In his later life, he took a tutoring position that allowed him to travel throughout Europe, where he met other intellectual leaders of his day. Smith returned home and spent the next ten years writing The Wealth of Nations, publishing it in 1776. He died in 1790.

Smith was born to Margaret Douglas at Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland. His father, also named Adam Smith, was a lawyer, civil servant, and widower who married Margaret Douglas in 1720 and died six months after Smith was born. Although the exact date of Smith's birth is unknown, his baptism was recorded on 16 June 1723 at Kirkcaldy.

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Robert Adam (3 July 1728 – 3 March 1792) was a Scottish neoclassical architect, interior designer and furniture designer. He was the son of William Adam (1689–1748), Scotland's foremost architect of the time, and trained under him. With his older brother John, Robert took on the family business, which included lucrative work for the Board of Ordnance, after William's death. 

Adam was born at Gladney House in Kirkcaldy, Fife.

(For a rather lengthy list of buildings built by Robert Adam check it out on Wikipedia (includes pictures).

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1758 Alexander Fortay and Margaret Melvil

As is stated on the previous page,
Alexander Fortay was born 27 March 1758 to Alexander Fortay and Margaret Touk (most likely in Kilmany) and christened 2 April 1758 in Kilmany, Fife, Scotland. No death date or place is recorded.

An old home in Kilmany Scotland

Another old home in Kilmany Scotland

Near Kilmany

Margaret Melvil was born 2 November 1760 as the third of four children (2 boys and 2 girls) to David Melvil and Agnes Gilchrist and christened the same day - in Kemback, Fife, Scotland. No death date or place is recorded. Kemback is a little over 4 miles, as the crow flies, south south-east of Kilmany.

A church in Kemback Scotland

Near Kemback

There are 2 dates recorded for their marriage.

One is on 30 June 1780 in Leuchars, Fife, Scotland. Leuchars is about 4 miles east of Kilmany and 4 miles north-east of Kemback.

This church was built in 1183 and was renovated in 1745 so it was already very old when they were married (they may or may not have been married here I still have to find out).

St Athernase Church - Leuchars, Fife, Scotland

The other date is 28 July 1780 in Logie, Fife, Scotland. Logie is less than 2 miles south-east of Kilmany and 3 miles north of Kemback so it could have been in either church (more research is needed).


Alexander would have been 22 years old and Margaret would have been 20 when they got married.

An old church in Logie Scotland

They had 10 children:
1. Alexander Fortie - son (my ancestor) born about 1780 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland and christened 21 September 1782 in Logie. (It is interesting that he is the only one born in Edinburgh and so long before his christening - this may not be correct- again, more research is needed.)
(Note that Alexander's name is Fortie and the rest of the children are Fortay. This could have been an assumption on someones part perhaps because when his grandson came to America the people at Castle Garden wrote his name down as Fortie as the best spelling for what they heard Alexander tell them (often the family didn't know how to write or there was no set way to spell in those days) and people assumed his father and grandfather were Fortie as well, I don't know (more research is needed).) (See more on his son, Alexander, and grandson, also Alexander, on the next few pages.)
2. Jannet Fortay - daughter, born May 1781 and christened May 1781 in Logie. No marriage or death date or place is known at this time.
3. John Fortay - son, christened on 11 July 1784 in Logie. No marriage or death date or place is known at this time.
4. Margaret Fortay - daughter, born 15 March 1786 and Christened 19 March 1786 in Logie. No marriage or death date or place is known at this time.
5. David Fortay - son, born 27 August 1789 and christened on 30 August 1789 in Logie. No marriage or death date or place is known at this time.
6. Ann Fortay - daughter, born 18 February 1791, christened 20 February 1791 in Logie. No marriage or death date or place is known at this time.
7. James Fortay - son, born 28 March 1793, christened 31 March 1793 in Logie. No marriage or death date or place is known at this time.
8. Helen Fortay - daughter, born 8 October 1795, christened 11 October 1795 in Logie. No marriage or death date or place is known at this time.
9. Mary Fortay - daughter, born 6 June 1797, christened 18 June 1797 in Logie. No marriage or death date or place is known at this time.
10. Christian Fortay - daughter, born 15 May 1799, christened 19 May 1799 in Logie. No marriage or death date or place is known at this time.

Everything for this family seems to be within a 5 to 6 mile area in Fife Scotland, more research is needed.

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Famous people born in Fife. Alexander and Margaret may have known these people or their families or at least known about them.

Born in Carskerdo, near St. Andrews, Scotland to William Wilson and Alison Landall. James Wilson (September 14, 1742 – August 21, 1798) was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence. Wilson was elected twice to the Continental Congress, and was a major force in drafting the United States Constitution. A leading legal theoretician, he was one of the six original justices appointed by George Washington to the Supreme Court of the United States.

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James Clephan (1768–1851) was a lieutenant in the Royal Navy who took part in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. He rose from the ranks to become a Captain. Born in Scoonie in Fife in Scotland in 1768, Clephan was originally a weaver but joined the Merchant Navy when the weaving industry went into decline. He was involved in the war of 1812 with America. 

Clephan retired to Edinburgh and died there in 1851 aged 83.

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1782 Alexander Fortie and Mary Steedman

Alexander Fortie was born on 1 September, 1782 about 60 miles north east of Edinburgh Scotland in Logie, Fife, Scotland. (One genealogy record (no sources) has him born in 1780, if he was born the same year as his christening it would be 1782 (as above) and based on the 1841 census he was born in 1791 (most likely wrong).

His parents were:

Alexander Fortay (reason for last name change is unknown to me at this time) of Kilmany Scotland
and
Margaret Meville of Kemback, Fife, Scotland.

An old home in Logie Scotland



Near Logie



Historical note -

Logie is just across the river from Morphie where there is an old stone monument that is "Traditionally said to mark the grave of a son of Camus, killed in a battle between the Scots and the Danes". Local tradition claims the site as an alternative burial site for a leader of a Viking army that was decimated by the Scots army at the apocryphal Battle of Barry in 1010 AD.

Stone of Morphie

We don't know anything about Alexander's youth but he certainly took his time getting married. He most likely spent his time working and perhaps a little bit of time looking for the right girl. Finally, at the ripe old age of 34, a girl named Mary Steedman, age 21, caught Alexander’s eye. She was born in Dunfermline in 1798, about 10 miles north of Edinburgh (month and day are unknown at this time, this is based on genealogy records that have no sources and one record has one christening date at around 11 years old, if you go by the 1841 census she was born in 1811 but that is certainly wrong as it would put her at age 6 on her wedding day).

One source says, "Dumfermline, Fife, Scotland: Robert STEADMAN weaver Nethertown and Lille ANDERSON his wife had a daughter born 17th Dec baptized 1 Jan 1809 named Mary., birth and christening entery." 

This must also be the wrong Mary as this would also make her way too young on her wedding date. More research to be done.

Dunfermline

They were married on 28 March 1817  in Edinburgh (some genealogy records say 21 February, 1817 but give no sources).

Edinburgh

The information we have from Scottish marriages 1561 to 1910 includes very little detail (perhaps seeing the original record would be helpful - I'm trying to locate a copy of that).

Here is the Ancestry.com transcript:

Groom's Name: Alexander Fortie

Groom's Birth Date:

Groom's Birthplace:

Groom's Age:

Bride's Name: Mary Steedman

Bride's Birth Date:

Bride's Birthplace:

Bride's Age:

Marriage Date: 28 Mar 1817

Marriage Place: Edinburgh Parish, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland

Groom's Father's Name:

Groom's Mother's Name:

Bride's Father's Name: Robert Steedman

Bride's Mother's Name:

Groom's Race:

Groom's Marital Status:

Groom's Previous Wife's Name:

Bride's Race:

Bride's Marital Status:

Bride's Previous Husband's Name:

Indexing Project (Batch) Number: M11983-4

System Origin: Scotland-ODM

Source Film Number: 1066690

Reference Number:

Collection: Scotland Marriages, 1561-1910

Five years after they were married they had their only child, a little boy, on 9 July, 1822 there in Edinburgh. They named him Alexander (1822) after his grandfather, Alexander (1758), as was the tradition. Alexander (1782) was almost 40 and Mary was about 24. 

We only have the record of this one child. He grew up in Scotland and at the age of 20 he ran into some Mormon missionaries. Perhaps somewhere in an attic in Utah, lies an old dusty journal from a missionary who went to Scotland in 1843. If one were to open that journal there might be an entry that goes something like, “We taught the Fortie Family this week and Alexander Fortie accepted the restored gospel and I baptized him on Monday, 28 August, 1843.”

A few weeks after his baptism Alexander (1822) married an Irish girl named Christina Isabella Cuthbert who was born 19 November, 1822 in Ballymackenny Ireland.

Near Ballymackenny

More on Alexander (1822), my ancestor (of course - since he was an only child), on the next page.

We have very sketchy information on Alexander (1782) after that. One genealogy record (that doesn't have any sources) says he died around 1865 and another says he was buried in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland 13 February 1842. Obviously one of them is wrong. Further research is needed.

With Mary it is the same. The only record I have says she died around 1871 (no sources given), anywhere from 6 to 29 years after her husband died and just one year after her only son left for America. One wonders what her thoughts might have been as her only son and her grandchildren boarded those ships on their way to a country that seemed so promising yet so far away. Were all the stories true about this new country? How long had a move to America been a dream of Alexanders? Did his mother have family near by that could be there to help her during those last few years? Did Alexander get a chance to take his family from their home in England up to Scotland to visit his mother before they left? Did she come down to see them off?  Census records are all we have and they are just numbers and statistics, a tiny window into the complex lives of our ancestors. How much better it would be to know the emotions of the best times and the worst times for those ancestors, how much that knowledge can help us as we go through similar trials and experiences. Perhaps, as we search for our ancestors we learn the importance of keeping records to help our great grandchildren as they struggle with the same things we go through in our lives.

Well, Mary's son, Alexander (1822), went on to live a good and sometimes difficult life in America. We can only hope his mother had comfort in her last few years here on earth without the comfort of family nearby. One has to believe that they were able to write to each other a few times before she passed away. If only we had those letters.




______________________________________________________________________

Someone famous from Fife Scotland that Alexander and Mary may have known or at least known about.

Sir David Wilkie (18 November 1785 – 1 June 1841) was a Scottish painter.

Wilkie was the son of the parish minister of Cults in Fife. He developed a love for art at an early age. In 1799, after he had attended school at Pitlessie, Kettle and Cupar, his father reluctantly agreed to his becoming a painter. Through the influence of the Earl of Leven Wilkie was admitted to the Trustees' Academy in Edinburgh, and began the study of art under John Graham. From William Allan (afterwards Sir William Allan and president of the Royal Scottish Academy) and John Burnet, the engraver of Wilkie's works, we have an interesting account of his early studies, of his indomitable perseverance and power of close application, of his habit of haunting fairs and marketplaces, and transferring to his sketchbook all that struck him as characteristic and telling in figure or incident, and of his admiration for the works of Carse and David Allan, two Scottish painters of scenes from humble life. Among his pictures of this period are mentioned a subject from Macbeth, Ceres in Search of Proserpine, and Diana and Calisto, which in 1803 gained a premium of ten guineas at the Trustees' Academy, while his pencil portraits of himself and his mother, dated that year, and now in the possession of the Duke of Buccleuch, prove that Wilkie had already attained considerable certainty of touch and power of rendering character. A scene from Allan Ramsay, and a sketch from Macneill's ballad of Scotland's Skaith, afterwards developed into the well-known Village Politicians, were the first subjects in which his true artistic individuality began to assert itself.

Alexander Fortie 1822-1900 Christine Cuthbert 1822-1870

As was stated on the previous page, Alexander Fortie (1822) was born - 9 July 1822 in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland
to
Alexander Fortie (~1780) of Edinburgh Scotland
and
Mary Steadman of Dunfermline, Scotland.

(This part is also from the previous page) Alexander (1822) grew up in Scotland and at the age of 20 he ran into some Mormon missionaries. Perhaps somewhere in an attic in Utah, lies an old dusty journal from a missionary who went to Scotland in 1843. If one were to open that journal there might be an entry that goes something like, “We taught the Fortie Family this week and Alexander Fortie accepted the restored gospel and I baptized him on Monday, 28 August, 1843.”

A few weeks after his baptism Alexander (1822) married an Irish girl named Christina Isabella Cuthbert who was born 19 November 1822 in Ballymackenny Ireland.

Near Ballymackenny

Old church in Ballymackenny Ireland

They married in Glasgow Scotland on 15 September 1843. Alexander was 21 and Christina was 20 when they married. She was baptized into the LDS church a few months later on November 7th and soon after that they started their little family. 

Glasgow

They had four children, the first three were born in Glasgow and the last was born in Bolton England.

Children:

1. Alexander Fortie: born 21 July 1846 Glasgow, Lanark, Scotland - died  23 April 1890 Heber City, Wasatch, Utah, United States. Married Rachel Howarth and had 3 children.

2. Christiana Fortie: born about 1849 Glasgow, Lanark, Scotland - death unknown. Married Henry Sutherland children unknown.

3. John Campbell Fortie (my ancestor): born 13 May 1851 Glasgow, Lanark, Scotland - died 11 March 1918 Heber City, Wasatch, Utah, United States. Married Charlotte Jowett 31 December 1884 and had 2 children.

4. Margaret Fortie: born 9 May 1857 in Bolton, Lancashire, England - died 24 March 1912 Filmore, Millard, Utah, United States. Married Jefferson Trimble 8 or 18 December 1875 in Filmore Millard, Utah United States or 5 June 1876 in Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah, United States.

Glasgow Scotland

Glasgow Scotland

It appears the 1851 census was taken right before John Campbell was born and little bit before they moved to Bolton England. Here is the transcript from Ancestry.com:

1851 Scotland Census

Name: Alexander Fortie

Age: 30

Estimated birth year: abt 1821

Relationship: Head

Spouse's name: Christina Fortie

Gender: Male

Where born: Edinburgh, Midlothian

Parish Number: 644/1

Civil parish: Glasgow St Mungo

County: Lanarkshire

Address: 5

Occupation: Joiner

Household Members: Name Age

Alexander Fortie 30

Christina Fortie 29

Alexander Porter [or Fortie] 5

Christina Fortie 2

These appear to be borders:

Margret M'niel 17

William Russel 36 

ED: 31

Page: 18

Household schedule number: 69

Line: 17

Roll: CSSCT1851_159

St Mungo Parish, Glasgow, Scotland

St. Mungo Parish, corner of Bedford Place and Bedford Ct. in Alloa, Scotland.

So, it appears that Alexander (1822) was a Joiner or a craftsman who works with wood, a skilled carpenter. and there are 2 of his 4 children in this census. Alexander, age 5, and Christina age 2. It also appears that they had two borders Margret M'niel age 17 and William Russel age 36. Sometimes these boarders were relatives and sometimes they were just renting a room while they worked nearby or even as a house keeper or they went to work with the head of the home. More research is required about the boarders. 

Somewhere between the census of 1851 and the birth of their last child, Margaret, in 1857, the family moved to Bolton England, about 160 miles to the south (interesting they named their last child basically the same as the 17 year old boarder, which may indicate she was a relative or someone who was very close to the family). Perhaps there was not enough work in Glasgow or perhaps Bolton was a gathering place for the Saints before going to America, we just don’t know. 

Bolton was a boom town in the 1800's with 216 cotton mills and 26 bleaching and dying mills at its zenith. There were also iron foundries and other engineering works related to the cotton industry, so there was plenty of work there. The fact that he changed his occupation from Joiner on the 1851 census to Engineer, Fitter, Smith on the 1861 census is a good indication that he simply found a job in one of the mills in Bolton. It may have just been for a better position or he might have received better pay and was trying to save up some money to get his family to America. There also may have been a stronger community of Saints in Bolton, we just don't have enough information about their move and Alexander's (1822) new job.

Bolton England

Bolton England

According to church records on 9 February 1860, they baptized their oldest son, Alexander (1846); he was 14 (we are not sure why they waited so long to baptize him).

The 1861 census has a few changes. Here are a few shots of the census and then a transcript of the information:

1861 England Census

1861 England Census part close

1861 Census part close 2

1861 England Census

Name: Alexander Fortie

Age: 39

Estimated birth year: abt 1822

Relation: Head

Spouse's name: Christianna Fortie

Gender: Male

Where born: Edinburgh, Scotland

Civil parish: Great Bolton

Town: Bolton

County/Island: Lancashire

Country: England

Street Address: 9 Railway St.

Occupation: Engineer, Fitter, Smith (?)

Condition as to marriage: married

Registration district: Bolton

Sub-registration district: Bolton Western

Household Members: Name / Age / Occupation / birthplace

Alexander Fortie / 39 / Engineer, Fitter, Smith / born - Scotland, Edinburgh

Christianna Fortie / 37 /  / born - Ireland, Derry

Alexander Fortie / 16 / Turner of Iron / born - Scotland, Glasgow

Christiana Fortie / 12 /  Scholar / born Scotland, Glasgow

John Fortie / 11 / Scholer / born - Scotland, Glasgow

Margaret Fortie / 3 / Scholar / born England, Bolton

Railway Street Bolton, England

So, according to the 1861 census they lived on Railway Street and Alexander (1822) and his son Alexander (1844) worked as Engineer, Fitter, Smith and Turner of Iron respectively. Apparently both worked in one of the mills in Bolton. The boarders seemed to stay in Scotland and John and Margaret are now a part of the family. 

Now here is an interesting little twist to our story. In my research I found a court document that has a Christiana Fortie on the list, it says, "Return of all Persons committed, or Bailed to appear for Trial, or Indicted at the General Quarter Sessions held at Bolton on the 31st day of March 1864, showing the nature of their Offences, and the result of the Proceedings."

Name:        #34. Christiana Fortie 

Offences of which those tried were Convicted or Acquitted, and of which those discharged without Trial were charged on Indictment or Commitment:      Larcony (two convictions) 

Convicted and Sentenced - (blank)

Death - (blank)

Penal Servitude - (blank)

Imprisonment; (state if also Whipped or Fined) -    6 months upon each to commence at the same time.

Acquitted and Discharged - (blank)

Now that was in 1864 when Christiana was 15 and a year later, on 13 July, 1865, it seems she was baptized along with her sister Margerat. Christiana was around 16 years old (don't know her exact birthday) and Margerat was 8.

Then, the crazy thing is, a year after that, she is brought in again for the same thing. This time however, the papers say that she is NOT GUILTY.

What the reasons for this are not known. Was Christiane a typical 15 year old who made some mistakes and straightened up after that or were they in difficult circumstances and she was taking food to help the family, we just don't know. This was shown very well in the story of Oliver Twist in that same general area and time period. Whatever the reason this may have helped them decide to somehow get to America and gather with the Saints where things had to be better. However, sadly, it appears Christiane did not go with them. It seems she married a Henry Sutherland in England and we have no other records. Perhaps, though she was baptized, her heart was not changed and she didn't want to go to America with the other Saints. More research is needed on where she went and why.

It looks like Alexander's (1822) two sons, Alexander (1846), and John Campbell, were the first to leave for America to settle in Utah. They departed Liverpool on 30 May 1866 on the ship Arkwright. Alexander (1846) was 19 years old and John turned 14 just before leaving They arrived in New York on 6 July 1866, a few weeks before Alexander (1846) turned 20.



Here is the record of the ship and it's passengers.

Alexander and John Fortie to America

Liverpool to New York

Ship: Arkwright

Departure: 30 May 1866

Arrival: 6 Jul 1866

Church Leader: Justin Wixom

# LDS Passengers: 451

Source

BMR, Book #1048, pp. 267-287 (FHL #025,692); Customs #766 (FHL #175,624)

Accounts

•A Compilation of General Voyage Notes

•Autobiography of Ellen Burton Beazer

•Diaries of Justin Chancy Wixom

•Letter of Daniel P. Caulkins - July 6, 1866

•Letter of Justin C. Wixom - July 6, 1866

•Summary of a Letter from Justin Chancy Wixom

A Compilation of General Voyage Notes

"The fourth ship, Arkwright, chartered for the emigration of a portion of the Latter-day Saints, cleared from the port of Liverpool for New York, on the 30th ultimo, having on board 395 American adults, or 451 souls, as passengers. Elder Justin C. Wixom was appointed president, and Elders Harry Luff and Hyrum P. Folsom his counselors: these appointments were unanimously sustained by the vote of the passengers. The captain of the ship, D. P. Calkin, and other officers, called the crew to order, when general instructions from several of the elders, were imparted to the Saints who were exhorted to preserve good order, and cleanliness; to live prayerful and upright lives; to be patient and forbearing one towards another; to render assistance to the weak and feeble; and to hearken diligently to the counsel of those appointed to preside over them: on condition of faithfulness they were promised protection and safety throughout the great journey which was before them. Immediately upon the sailing of the ship a fresh breeze sprang up from the east, and the vessel was wafted swiftly upon her voyage towards the promised land."

"Wed. 30. [May 1866] -- The ship Arkwright sailed from Liverpool, England, with 450 Saints, under the direction of Justin C. Wixom. It arrived at New York July 6th."

Autobiography of Ellen Burton Beazer

. . . We were getting along very well financially until the customers heard that we were Mormons. Some people were very bitter toward the Mormons in those days and they would not buy their supplies from us. Those who owed father would not pay their bills, so at last we were forced to close our store.

In 1865 my father sailed for America, leaving his family in England. The following year he sent for his family consisting of mother, three brothers and myself. I well remember leaving England. We went to the train with my oldest brother Joe, who had to remain in England two years to finish his apprenticeship as a shoemaker. We all felt very badly about leaving him. I remember how mother cried. We sailed on the ship Arkwright leaving Liverpool May 30th, 1866. There were 450 Latter-day Saints, & we were seven weeks on the ocean. I was eight years old, but I remember the trip very well. The company traveled steerage & had facilities for cooking their own meals. We had many storms to interfere with the crossing. When it was bad weather & the wind would start blowing us back in the opposite direction, the chaplain, Daniel P. Calkins, [Caulkins] would come below & say, "You Mormons had better hope that the wind changes or you will never see Brigham Young." One day the wind blew us back as far as we had traveled the day before. The captain told us before we left that we would have seven deaths & we did. The first one to die was a member of our company. The captain did not want any burial services held, but the people insisted. The funeral services were held at the front of the ship, then the officers would rush to the other end & slide the bodies over the side. The bodies were first wrapped in a material similar to canvas & had weights tied to them. The sharks followed the ship all the time & the officers were afraid that if they came too near the boat there would be trouble.

We finally landed in New York and went by train to Nebraska, where Father met us. I remember how happy we were as it had been over a year since we had see him. He had come from Utah to help us cross the plains. He had a covered wagon and five or six yoke of oxen. We joined the Horton D. Haight Company. There were 65 wagons altogether and we had a very hard trip. . . .

. . .I had my ninth birthday just before we arrived in Salt Lake City.

We left England in the spring and arrived in the Salt Lake Valley just in time for October Conference, October 15, 1866. . . . 

BIB: Beazer, Ellen Burton, [Autobiography.] Our Pioneer Heritage, comp. by Kate B. Carter, vol. 10 (Salt Lake City: Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 1967), p.50-51. (CHL)

Diaries of Justin Chancy Wixom

Monday, 28th at 8:23 Myself Brother Coatman & family, Elisabeth Praiter, Caroline Heane, Harriett Painter, & Ann Jackson took train from the Lans Down Station to Liverpool. Arrived about 4p.m.. We then had our [-] placed on a luggage van or cart & we proceeded to the Bramley Moor Docks to the ship Arkwright. Where Brother Coatman & family stayed all night, also Elizabeth Praiter [Praitar] myself & the rest including: Alice Townsend, who came into Liverpool after we did all took lodgings at 22 Hunters Street.

Tuesday 29th I Hired a cab, took Alice her luggage & other girls to the docks, got their things taken on board, after which their berths were shown them. I done some business at the office, slept at 22 Hunters & the folks slept at ship in their berths.

Wednesday 30th At 9 a.m. went on board & the ship cleared from the docks, anchored in the river where we laid during the day where the ship's passengers were inspected by the Government officials & in the afternoon President B. [Brigham] Young, Jr., his brother, John W. & a number of the brethren came on board & organized the ship's company. Appointed myself, president; H. Luff, first counselor; & Hyrum P. Tolsom, second counselor; Hatch Smith & B. [Brigham] Young gave us some good teaching. Dedicated the ship & company to the Lord, blessed the Saints & promised them a speedy, a pleasant & safe voyage if they would do right & hearken to those placed over them. They then bid us farewell & went to shore. Myself & the brethren then gave those berths that had not yet got them & arranged the luggage & attended to other business matters.

Thursday 31st at 7 o'clock The steam tug "Constitution" fastened onto the ship Arkwright & towed us out into the sea, left us about 9 a.m.. Meanwhile Mr. Halifacts [Halifax], a man not in the church desired to go to the shore. We told as he was on board that he had better continue the journey. He said he would not & unbeknown to us he took his departure in a small boat for the shore. We then organized the ship's passengers into 8 wards & appointed Jonathan Jackson president of the guard & William Smith, Clerk. We then appointed another ship's passenger cook. Ship's name Arkwright, name Captain Daniel Caulkins; 1 mate's name, David. C. Huntley; 2 mate, King; 3 mate, Griswould. The same day after the organization I became very seasick. Emptied my breadbasket several times & went to bed. Good wind during the day. Provisions served out.

Friday 1 of June A good breeze. The pilot left in a small boat for shore. We moved on, most all on board seasick.

Saturday 2nd Rather calm, passengers all much better.

Sunday 3rd We held a meeting on deck, myself, Elders Luff, & Folsome [Folsom] addressed the congregation. We had a very profitable & pleasant day. 

Monday 4, ,Tuesday 5, & Wednesday 6 Good winds, but most of the passengers sick. Less winds on Thursday 7th & Friday 8th. The Saints all much better.

Saturday 9th Quite calm, the Saints mostly well & up on deck.

Sunday 10th at 11 a.m. We held a meeting on deck. Misty during meeting hours, but rained at the close. Brother Jonathan Jackson & myself addressed the congregation. A good spirit in the evening. We held two meetings below. Myself & Elder Luff attended one & Brother Folsome the other. Had fine times.

Monday 11th to Wednesday 13th Tolerable good wind, many seasick again. 

Thursday 14th to Sunday 17th Calm, the majority of the Saints well & feeling well. Opened our meeting at 11 a.m.. Elder Folsome & myself addressed the congregation, a good spirit prevailed. In the evening I attended the meeting held in the young men's ward. Addressed them on the destiny of the followers of Christ. Brothers Luff & Folsome attended the meeting held at the aft end of the ship.

Monday 18th to Tuesday 19th Not much wind. Misty, the mostly well.

Wednesday 20th Misty, not much wind in the morning. Saw 2 whales & some porpoises. Wind rose, quite favorable. 

Thursday 21st Head wind & rough, many seasick, not well myself. About half past 7 a.m.. Eliza Richards died age 6 years. At 4 p.m. I called a meeting. We sang a funeral hymn & I made a short prayer & we then committed her to the mighty deep, depressed the spirits of all present.

Friday, 22nd Head wind, nothing special occurred. Most all in good health & spirits.

Saturday, 23rd A heavy sea, but the vessel was very steady. Wind unfavorable. At 4 p.m. May [POSSIBLY, Mary] gave birth to 2, boy & girl.

Sunday, 24th Foggy, we held 2 meetings below on & at the forepart & the other after part. At 11 a.m. I & Brother Folsom attended the meeting held at the after part of the ship, had first rate time. Brother Luff attended the meeting held in the forepart. The captain attended in the evening. Brother Luff attended the after part, & myself & Brother Folsome attended the forepart meeting, opened at half past 6. The captain & first mate attended. I addressed the congregation on the subject of faith, after for which Brother Folsom spoke a short time. A good spirit prevailed, captain & mate were pleased with our doctrine. A good spirit prevailed throughout the day. The majority in good health & spirits.

Monday 25th at 9 a.m. I attended council as usual. Wind favorable, cold weather, meddling clear. At 8 a.m. May Ann Taylor gave birth to a fine boy, named him Daniel Arkwright.

Tuesday 26th Died Jane Althem [Altham] daughter of Mary Althem, buried at 7 p.m. I performed the service on the upper deck. The corpse was laid on a board at the close of the prayer, committed to the deep. In the evening I attended a meeting held in the young man's ward.

Wednesday 27th For 20 minutes to [-] nine. [Ellen] Egunson (Mrs.) gave birth to a girl. 

Wednesday 27th Head wind, foggy. I attended meeting held in the after part of the ship. Nothing special occurred during the day.

Thursday 28th Damp, foggy for part of the day. Favorable wind. After part of the day, calm. Nothing special occurred during the majority. In good health & spirits. My meddling good. [UNCLEAR]

Friday, 29th Rained all day. William Airmet died at 7 a.m. of bronchitis, age 2 years. Buried at 7 p.m.. I performed the service on the lower deck. Provisions was served out as usual. My health tolerably goo[d], no special complaints. I visited the sick below as usual & administered to their wants. 

Saturday, 30th A wet foggy day. Sailing very slow in the day. The [-] fell on Harriett Painters head & hurt her very bad. Might have killed her had it hit on some other part of the head. The [-] was blown down by a [UNCLEAR, POSSIBLY heavy] squall of wind, after which we had a calm & the sea being rough, the ship reeled to & fro like a drunk man's bones. Barrels, tins & every [thing] not lashed, was rolling & dancing from one side of the ship to the other. Also men, women & children sliding with them, sometimes sliding under their berths. Two young ladies considerably hurt, but not dangerously. No bones broken. Most of the Saints laughing at the top of their voice, but however the rolling did not last long. 

Sunday, July 1 1866 Still somewhat damp & disagreeable. Held a meeting at each end of the ship. I attended one held at the forepart. Brothers Luff & Folsome with me. The after part at 2 p.m.. At half 6 p.m. held a meeting at each end of the ship. Myself, Brother Luff & Folsom all attended the one at the after part & blessed the 4 children born on board. I was mouth in blessing the first which we named John Arkwright. Brother Luff mouth to the second & we named it Annice Ubaldina [Hubaldina] Hodgson. Brother Folsome was mouth for the 3rd. We named it Rubina Egison [Egunson] & I was mouth to the 4th, named it Daniel Arkwright Taylor. I will just add that the 2 first were twins. After the blessing of the children, I directed a funeral address which tended to do good, gave some instructions of temporal matters & concluded the meeting. The weather looked much better & the vessel did not roll so bad as on the previous day. A good spirit prevailed throughout the day.

Monday 2nd A pleasant day. Favorable wind, but not very strong. Sea calm. David Jones died at half past 10 a.m. Buried at 2 p.m. Elder Luff performed the service. Overhauled the storehouse articles & took & [UNCLEAR] inventory of the same.

Tuesday 3rd Calm & warm. Sister Egison [Egunson] died at 9 p.m. Laid out at about 12 o'clock most of the Saints well & feeling well myself & Brother Smith began to collect the money for exchange from the Saints.

Wednesday 4th Warm weather & favorable wind. At 9 a.m. Brother Luff performed the service over Sister Egunson & she was committed to the deep. Many shed tears of regret. Brother Smith & myself finished collecting the money. In the evening the captain sent up several fire rockets which were very beautiful & several nice songs were sung & general enjoyment.

Thursday 5th The pilot came on board. As we neared to land, all on board were filled with joy &c.

Friday, 6th Landed in Castle Garden had our names registered & the tug then took us about one mile to a steamer by the mane of "City Elm" where we all got on board. The steamer left New York 11 p.m. Proceeded till daylight when we landed at [-].

Saturday 7th Took the cars & traveled by rail up to St. Joseph. There we took the steamboat and traveled up the Missouri River, a distance of 200 miles.

Wednesday the 18th Landed at Wyoming. Tarried there 5 days, one of which I visited Nebraska City. Done some trading & returned the same day. I will also say that during the 5 days I was appointed chaplain in Captain Thompson's and emigrant train. Took my passage in my brother's wagon, or at least the one he drove 8 others besides myself namely: John & Mary Price, Ann Jackson, Harriett Painter, Alice Townsend, Henry Larland, & Henry Russell, also Caroline Heane who apostatized &stopped on the road a little this side of Fort Kearney. I traveled in Captain Thompson's train till we came 200 50 miles west of Wyoming during which time I acted as Kaplan, doctor, & every other capacity I could for the benefit of the Saints in general. I then hired out to drive ox team for Joseph Slagle from here to Salt Lake City for 25 dollars per month. William Green was our captain. . . .

. . . I arrived in Salt Lake City Oct. the 10th 1866.

BIB: Wixom, Justin Chancy. Diaries, vol. 4 (Ms 2559 3-4) pp. 25-42. (CHL)

Letter of Daniel P. Caulkins - July 6, 1866

Ship Arkwright,New York Harbor,July 6, 1866. Mr. B. [Brigham] Young, Junior.

Dear Sir, - At the conclusion of my first voyage with a cargo of Latter-day Saints I cannot refrain from expressing my regret in parting with Elders Wixom, Luff, and Folsom, who have presided over those on board the ship Arkwright. They have behaved as gentlemen at all times, and I have had no trouble at all with the ship's passengers; indeed, I never went a voyage with less responsibilities, so far as passengers are concerned; and I shall only be most happy to convey another load of Latter-day Saints on my ship at your earliest convenience. - I remain, sir, yours very respectfully,

Daniel P. Caulkins,Captain of the Arkwright.

BIB: Caulkins, Daniel P. [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 28:32 (August 11, 1866) p. 509. (CHL)

Letter of Justin C. Wixom - July 6, 1866

Ship Arkwright, July 6, 1866.President Brigham Young, Junior.

Dear Brother, - As our sea voyage is now at an end, we write to inform you how we get along.

In ours of June 1st, we gave you particulars of our organization into wards, appointments, &c. Since then everything has gone along well with us, and although it has taken us 36 days, we realize that God has been with us, and abundantly blessed us. The Saints on board are a good people, humble, obedient, and grateful to God for their emancipation from Babylon, with but very few exceptions. We have met with little or no trouble among them, but have been agreeably disappointed by the unanimity and good feeling which have at all times existed in their midst.

We number 450 souls: men, women and children, and have been blessed with four births Sister Hodgson, wife of Henry Hodgson, from Halifax, of twins, on the 23rd of June, a daughter, Annice Hubaldina Hodgson, and a son, John Arkwright Hodgson; Sister Taylor, wife of WilliamTaylor, from Liverpool, of a son, on the 25th of June, Daniel Arkwright Taylor; and Sister Ellen Egunson, (but recently a widow), from Birmingham, on the 27th of June, of a daughter, Rubina Egunson. The captain was sponsor to the first three, and the doctor to the last named.

We regret to report five deaths: Ann Eliza Richards, aged 7 years, daughter of sister Hannah Richards, from Mountain Ash, Glamoreganshire, on the 21st of June, of Scarlatina; Jane Altham, aged 6 years, daughter of Sister Altham, from Carlisle, on the 25th of June, of heart disease; William Airmet, aged 2 years, son of Brother J. D. Airmet, from Glasgow, on the 29th of June, of bronchitis; Brother David Jones, from Swansea, on the 2nd of July, from general debility or old age; and Sister Ellen Egunson, from Birmingham, on the 3rd of July, of milk fever, and weakness from hemorrhage after childbirth.

Provisions have been served out weekly, and their quality has given general satisfaction. The only difficulty has been, that the people sometimes have found it hard to get sufficient cooked.

The first ten or twelve days we had good weather, but since then head winds and squalls, which have length-  ended out our voyage; although we have not had any very rough weather.

Seasickness affected nearly all on board for the first few days, and a few have been ill all the voyage; but, on the whole, we have enjoyed general good health.

Meetings have been held each Sabbath on the upper deck, when weather permitted, and when not so, below; also, twice in the weekdays, and oftener when necessary. At them we have enjoyed ourselves by the outpouring of the Good Spirit, which has enabled us to speak what was necessary for the comfort and convenience of the Saints.

In the week evenings, when the weather was fine, we got up concerts and other entertainments on deck, and we have a pretty good brass band, so that our time has passed very merrily. On the evening of the 4th July the captain celebrated the day by letting off some fireworks, rockets, guns, etc.

The captain, Daniel P. Caulkins, has won the good feelings and wishes of all the Saints, by his constant endeavors to promote our convenience and happiness; and had we command of the ship, we could not have been better accommodated. The captain has been ably assisted by the first mate, David C. Huntley, the other officers and crew. Nor must we omit the doctor, Mr. S. Millar, who has been indefatigable in exerting himself for our health and happiness.

How far our labors have been for the good of the Saints we will leave others to say; but we have labored in unison for the general good and well-being of all on board, and have been among the Saints as often as possible, administering to their wants and conveniences as far as in our power.

We will now conclude with kind love to yourself and all the brethren laboring with you in the ministry, praying God to bless and qualify you for your arduous duties. - We remain, your brethren in the gospel,

J. C. Wixom, President of Ship's Company. Harry Huff, Counselor. H. P. Folsum, Counselor. Charles Smith, Clerk of Ship.

P. S. - We have just landed at Castle Garden, 6 o'clock p.m., and met with Elders Cain and Stenhouse (Elder Taylor being at Wyoming), who have made arrangements for us to proceed on our journey this evening, per steamer to New Haven.[p.509]

BIB: Wixom, Justin C., [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 28:32 (August 11, 1866) pp. 508-9. (CHL)

Summary of a Letter from Justin Chancy Wixom

We are in receipt of a letter from Elder Justin C. Wixom, president of the ship's company of Saints on board ship Arkwright, dated June 1st, from which we learn that they were progressing finely. They had, up to the morning of June 1st, made a run of 200 miles. The wind was then favorable, and everything was in a prosperous condition. A full and complete organization had been effected, and was in good working order. We also learn that nearly all the Saints had been seasick, but had much revived at the time Brother Wixom wrote, and were, as he says, calling loudly for their rations, which were then being served out.

He says all appear to be satisfied, and that a cheerful spirit prevails among the people. He speaks highly of the captain, D. [Daniel] P. Calkin [Caulkin], and mate, who, he says, manifest every care for the comfort and well-being of the Saints. May the winds and the waves be propitious unto them. 

BIB: Wixom, Justin Chancy, [Summary of a Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star, 28:24 (June 16, 1866) p. 379. (CHL)

Passenger List

•Ann AIRMET

•David AIRMET

•David AIRMET

•Elizabeth AIRMET

•John D. AIRMET

•Susan AIRMET

•Susan AIRMET

•William AIRMET

•Jane ALTHAM

•Mary ALTHAM

•William ALTHAM

•Henry AMOTT

•William ANDREWS

•Agnes ARCHIBALD

•Isabella ARCHIBALD

•Robert ARCHIBALD

•John ASHWORTH

•Sophia ASHWORTH

•Mary BAIN

•Mary Ann BAIN

•William BAIN

•Richard BARNS

•William BARNS

•Emma BATES

•Harriet BATES

•Joseph BATES

•Mary BATES

•Menia BATES

•Thomas BATES

•Agnes BEARD

•Ellen BEARD

•Janet BEARD

•Robert BEARD

•Sarah BEARD

•Ann BEARDALL

•Emma BEARDALL

•John BEARDALL

•Mary Ann BEARDALL

•Jane BENNETT

•John BENNETT

•Maria BENNETT

•Richard BENNETT

•Mary BENTLEY

•Jane BERRY

•Elizabeth BETTS

•Joseph BETTS

•Tobitha BETTS

•Priscilla BIRKENHEAD

•Elizabeth BOARDMAN

•Ellen BOARDMAN

•Jane BOARDMAN

•Margaret BOARDMAN

•Mary BOARDMAN

•Mary BOARDMAN

•William BOARDMAN

•Ambrous BONEHAM

•Elizabeth BONEHAM

•Heber J. BONEHAM

•John BONEHAM

•Julia BONEHAM

•Mary BONEHAM

•James BOWEN

•James E. BOWEN

•Elizabeth BRADBURY

•Sarah BRADBURY

•Ellen BRASINALL

•Henry BREWER

•Benjamin BRINDLE

•Sarah BRINDLE

•Elizabeth BROADBENT

•George BROADBENT

•Mary BROADBENT

•Susan BROADBENT

•Edward BROUGH

•Eliza BROUGH

•Frederick BROUGH

•Jane BROUGH

•John BROUGH

•Elizabeth BROWN

•Harry BURROWS

•Mary BURROWS

•Parley BURROWS

•Willard BURROWS

•Ann BURTON

•Ellen BURTON

•Frederick BURTON

•John BURTON

•Robert BURTON

•Emma CHEATHAM

•Infant CLAIR

•Mary A. G. CLAIR

•Mary COLLIER

•Charles COLLINGWOOD

•Eliza COLLINGWOOD

•Mary Ann CRAYTHORNE

•William CRAYTHORNE

•Ann CROMPTON

•Selina CROSSLEY

•Mary CROWTHER

•Shepherd CROWTHER

•Sutcliffe CROWTHER

•William CROWTHER

•Francis CRYNE

•Ann DANIEL

•Daniel DANIEL

•James DANIEL

•James DAVIDSON

•James DAVIDSON

•Maria DAVIDSON

•Matilda DAVIDSON

•Sarah DAVIDSON

•Eliza DAVIES

•Emma J. DINSDALE

•James DINSDALE

•Margaret DINSDALE

•Sarah Ann DINSDALE

•Selina DINSDALE

•Alexander DUNCAN

•Moroni DUNCAN

•Sophia DUNCAN

•Hannah EASTWOOD

•John EASTWOOD

•Laura EASTWOOD

•Ellen EGUNSON

•Emily EGUNSON

•Sarah Ann FARR

•John FAULKS

•William FAWCETT

•Hannah S. FAWDON

•Thomas FAWDON

•John FEREDAY

•Elizabeth FOGG

•Samuel FOGG

•Alexander FORTIE

•John FORTIE

•Ann FOSTER

•Emma FOSTER

•Sarah FOSTER

•William FOSTER

•John FOWLER

•Elizabeth FRANCIS

•Samuel FRANCIS

•Archibald FREEBAIRN

•Archibald FREEBAIRN

•Jane FREEBAIRN

•Ann FRISBY

•Elizabeth FRISBY

•Ephraim FRISBY

•Esther FRISBY

•Lorenzo FRISBY

•Rachel FRISBY

•William FRISBY

•Ann P. GARRETT

•George GARRETT

•Henry GARRETT

•Lucy M. GARRETT

•Maria GARRETT

•Mary Jane GARRETT

•Susannah GARRETT

•William GARRETT

•Rachel GIBBS

•John GILLESPIE

•Albert GLOVER

•Eliza Ann GLOVER

•Elizabeth GLOVER

•Emma GLOVER

•George GLOVER

•Hyrum GLOVER

•James GLOVER

•Jane GLOVER

•Joseph GLOVER

•Mary GLOVER

•George GOATMAN

•Henry GOATMAN

•Lucy GOATMAN

•Mary GOATMAN

•Sarah Ann GOATMAN

•Agnes GODDARD

•Sarah GODDARD

•Hannah GRIMSHAW

•Margaret GRIMSHAW

•Andrew HAIG

•Christopher HALIFAX

•Christopher HALIFAX

•Harriet HALIFAX

•Harriet C. HALIFAX

•Charlotte HARTSHORN

•Ann Eliza HAWKER

•James HAWKER

•Robert HAWKER

•Rosannah HAWKER

•Permelia HAWORTH

•Caroline HEANE

•Betsy HENRY

•Ann HERBERT

•Elizabeth HERBERT

•Keziah HERBERT

•Thomas HERBERT

•Thomas HERBERT

•Alfred HESLINGTON

•Harriet HIGHMAN

•Joseph HIGHMAN

•Louis HIGHMAN

•Andrew HILL

•Andrew HILL

•Elizabeth HILL

•George HILL

•William HILL

•Henry HINCHY

•James HINCHY

•Louisa HINCHY

•Maria HINCHY

•Moroni HINCHY

•Paul HINCHY

•Grace Ann HODGSON

•Hannah HODGSON

•Henry HODGSON

•Mary HODGSON

•Mercy HODGSON

•Miriam HODGSON

•Moroni HODGSON

•Nephi HODGSON

•Oliver HODGSON

•John HOLDER

•Joseph HOLDER

•Elizabeth HOLT

•Hannah HOLT

•William HOLT

•Emma HONE

•George HONE

•Henry HONE

•Josiah HONE

•Mary HONE

•Mary HONE

•Ann HORRICKS

•John HORRICKS

•Mary HORRICKS

•Rachael HORRICKS

•Roger HORRICKS

•Ann HOWARTH

•Elizabeth HOWARTH

•John HOWARTH

•Peter HOWARTH

•William HUGHES

•Caroline HULSE

•Caroline M. HULSE

•James HULSE

•James H. HULSE

•Ann INGRAM

•Charles S. INGRAM

•Edward INGRAM

•Edward INGRAM

•Hyrum S. INGRAM

•Ann JACKSON

•Jonathan JACKSON

•Ann JONES

•David JONES

•David JONES

•David JONES

•Mary JONES

•William KETTLE

•George KINGSBURY

•Henry KINGSBURY

•John KINGSBURY

•Joseph KINGSBURY

•Mary KINGSBURY

•Thomas KINGSBURY

•Rachel LEWIS

•William LEWIS

•Henry LEYLAND

•Elizabeth LLOYD

•John LLOYD

•John LLOYD

•Harriet LONGMORE

•William LONGMORE

•Alice LYOINDS

•David LYOINDS

•Ellen LYOINDS

•Gihon LYOINDS

•Hannah LYOINDS

•Jane LYOINDS

•Mary LYOINDS

•Walter LYOINDS

•Reuben MARRIOTT

•Elizabeth MARSH

•James MARSH

•William MARSH

•Thomas W. MATCHITT

•Edward MCDONALD

•Elizabeth MCDONALD

•Elizabeth MCDONALD

•Elizabeth MCDONALD

•Isabella MCDONALD

•James MCDONALD

•Jessie MCDONALD

•John T. MCDONALD

•Mary MCDONALD

•William MCDONALD

•Dinah MEADS

•Dinah MEADS

•Eliza MEADS

•Hannah MEADS

•Job MEADS

•Joseph MEADS

•Agnes M. MILLER

•Andrew MILLER

•Anne MILLER

•Margaret Y. MILLER

•Mary MILLER

•Janet MITCHELL

•William MITCHELL

•Margaret MONTEITH

•Matilda MONTEITH

•Christena MOORE

•Christena MOORE

•Henry MOORE

•Hannah MORENCY

•Hannah MORENCY

•Ann MORRIS

•Ann MORRIS

•Gwenllian MORRIS

•Jacob MORRIS

•Margaret MORRIS

•Mary MORRIS

•Elizabeth MOYES

•John MOYES

•Margaret MOYES

•Stewart MOYES

•William MOYES

•Agnes MUIR

•Annie MUIR

•David MUIR

•James MUIR

•Mary MUIR

•Walter MUIR

•Agnes NEIL

•Marion NEIL

•William NEIL

•Charles C. NEWBY

•Elizabeth NEWBY

•Isabella NEWBY

•Margaret NEWBY

•Mary Ann NEWBY

•George OSTLER

•Harriet PAINTER

•Ann PATTEN

•George PATTEN

•Henry PATTEN

•Ellen E. PICKERING

•Franklin H. PICKERING

•Simeon PICKERING

•Willard R. PICKERING

•Elizabeth H. PREATOR

•John PRICE

•Mary PRICE

•Agnes RAWLINS

•Betsy RAWLINS

•John M. RAWLINS

•Mary A. RAWLINS

•Jane REID

•William REID

•Ann E. RICKARDS

•Hannah RICKARDS

•John RICKARDS

•Lorenzo RICKARDS

•Henry RUSSELL

•Ann SHAW

•Charles SHAW

•Jane SHAW

•Jemima SHAW

•Joseph SIMONS

•Reuben SIMPSON

•Ann SLANEY

•Sampson SLANEY

•Sarah SLANEY

•Charles SMITH

•Clara L. SMITH

•Emma SMITH

•Margaret SOLOMON

•Mormon SOLOMON

•David STEPHENS

•David STEPHENS

•Evan STEPHENS

•Jane STEPHENS

•Betty STONE

•John STONE

•John E. STONE

•Hannah STONES

•Jane STONES

•John STONES

•Joseph STONES

•Rachel STONES

•William STONES

•Charlotte E. TAYLOR

•James TAYLOR

•Mary TAYLOR

•Richard TAYLOR

•William TAYLOR

•John L. TEMPEST

•Eliza THOMPSON

•Harry THOMPSON

•Leonard THOMPSON

•Mary Ann THOMPSON

•May THOMPSON

•Alice TOWNSEND

•Amelia TRISTRAM

•Eliza TRISTRAM

•George TRISTRAM

•Lucy TRISTRAM

•Lucy TRISTRAM

•Mary TRISTRAM

•Thomas TRISTRAM

•Thomas WADDUPS

•Andrew WALWORK

•Janet WATSON

•Harriet WHITWORTH

•Holstead WHITWORTH

•James A. WHITWORTH

•Jeffrey WHITWORTH

•Rosannah WHITWORTH

•Sarah WHITWORTH

•Sarah WHITWORTH

•Abednego WILKINSON

•Bathsheba WILKINSON

•Mary Jane WILKINSON

•Benjamin WILLIAMS

•Jane WILLIAMS

•Margaret WILLIAMS

•Richard WILLIAMS

•William WILLIAMS

•William WILLIAMS

•Mary WILSON

•Elizabeth WOOD

•Joel WOOD

•Margaret WOOD

•Samuel WOOD

•Sarah WOOD

•George WORLEY

•John WORLEY

•Henry WORTHINGTON

•John WORTHINGTON

•Joseph WORTHINGTON

•Mary WORTHINGTON

•Mary Ann WORTHINGTON

•Ruth WORTHINGTON

•Samuel WORTHINGTON

•Sarah J. WORTHINGTON

•Lucy WRIGHT

•Mary YATES

•Richard YATES

•Thomas YATES

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I do not have a record of where they went when the two brothers arrived in Utah but it seems that they must have gone to Heber fairly soon upon arrival. Alexander was married to Rachel Howath in Salt Lake City on 31 December, 1868, at the age of 23, about 3 1/2 years after they arrived. She was from Lostock England, a small town about 1 mile west of the center of Bolton where Alexander lived. They were sealed 6 months later in the Salt Lake endowment house on 29 June, 1869 and they were in Heber by the 1870 census. It is interesting that there were 4 Howarths on the ship (not Howath as the one record says), Ann, Elizabeth, John and Peter but no Rachel. So, there are some questions here. Are Howath and Howarth the same family and the name is spelled wrong on one of the records I have? Did Ann or Elizabeth go by a middle name of Rachel so Alexander's girl friend/ fiance was on the ship with him? More research is needed.

Christine, and her youngest daughter, Margaret, both left for America on 28 July 1869, about 3 years after the boys. Again, no record of why Christiana didn't go with them. I don't know exactly what happened to her but it seems that she was 20 when her mother left and 21 when her father left and was, except for her grandmother in Scotland, alone in England. Below is an account of Christine and her daughter, Margaret's journey.

1869 Christine and Margaret Fortie to America

Liverpool to New York

Ship:  Colorado

Departure:  28 Jul 1869

Arrival:  10 Aug 1869

Church Leader:  John E. Pace

# LDS Passengers:  382

Source

BMR, Book #1041, pp. 61-76 (FHL #025,692); Customs #938 (FHL #175,672)

Accounts

•A Compilation of General Voyage Notes

•Diary of Joel Grover

•Journal of Richard E. Egan

•Letter of John E. Pace - August 10, 1869

•Letter of John E. Pace - July 29, 1869

•Reminiscences of Joel Grover

A Compilation of General Voyage Notes

"A COMPANY OF SAINTS, mostly from England and Scotland, in charge of Elder John E. Pace, and comprising 365 souls, exclusive of the returning elders, sailed in the 18th of July, in the steamship Colorado. They were in excellent health and spirits, and have the faith and prayers of their brethren that they may be speeded to their destination in peace and safety, appreciate their deliverance, continue faithful in works of righteousness, and be abundantly prospered and blest in their new homes in the quiet vales of Utah." "Wed. 28. [July 1869] -- The fine steamship Colorado sailed from Liverpool, England, with 365 Saints, in charge of John E. Pace. The company arrived at New York about Aug. 10th, and at Ogden Aug. 20th." 

Reminiscences of Joel Grover

. . . Wednesday, July 28th, 1869,

After a sojourn of two years and two days in the British Isles, I again find myself ready to take my departure for home sweet home. I spent a pleasant forenoon visiting with Bro. [Brother] Carrington Lot, Joseph S. Rodgers, Jacobs Shurtliff Shop, and others, and at 1 P.M. bid them goodbye. And in the company with Elders Jack E. Pace, Egan Teasdale, Ursenbach Richards, W. B. Baldwin, Moore, Howard & Lady as cabin passengers and 358 list as steerage passengers, set sail for New York in the Fay Steamer Colorado under the captain of J. Williams. All things seem to indicate a pleasant & prosperous journey. The Saints below seem quite comfortable and so the cabin passengers have all things so agreeably arranged, that none could find any fault.

On leaving behind the land I have lived in for the two past years, I am led to reflect back and can but acknowledge that while I have been there, the Lord has greatly blessed me and made my labors extremely agreeable. My labors have been such a nature that I have continually had to seek unto the Lord for His assistance. And I have not sought in vain; as I have labored my testimony of the truth has continuously increased, thus engrossed all the day long.

Thursday, July 29th, 1869,

We had a pleasant ride last night and this morning until about breakfast time, when through the roughness of the sea, most on board began to get sick, I among them. I wrote to Bro. Park & by the time last stroke was made, I was as sick as anyone need be. We stopped at Queenstown Harbor for a few hours to take on passengers, and late in the afternoon steamed on past Fast Net. Lost sight of land and 310 miles from L’pool [Liverpool]. Long [longitude] 12-23 west, lat [latitude] 51-16 north about 10 P.M.

Friday, July 30th, 1869,

Sick and at sea, oh. Horrible headwinds. Set in 12 o’clock A.M., measurement as per logbook shows as follows: in longitude 12-23 west, latitude 50-52 north and 141 miles from last measurement, vis [viz.], Fast Net.

Saturday, July 31st,

Remained very sick but done scarcely any throwing up, having thrown up nearly all but my boots yesterday and last night. Headwinds continue. Our jolly capt [captain] says caused by so many ministers being onboard. 12 A.M. measurement as per logbook; distance last 24 hours 208 miles and in long. 17-55 west, and lat. 50-52 north.

Sunday, August 1st, 1869,

Arose still feeling poorly and indulged the prescription of friend, as a glass of water with a stick in it, which improved my case materially, and so far felt like myself again as to be able to take breakfast in the saloon, having absented myself since last Thursday morning. The food was tempting and I indulged freely. Continued to improve throughout the day. The capt read prayers in the saloon. And a meeting was held with our people below. I was indifferent as to attend neither. Logbook today shows as follows: Distance made 216 miles, long. 23-33 west, & Lat. 50-22 north. Headwinds continue. Most of the passengers are feeling all right again.

Monday, 2nd,

Sea life is beginning to be a little more agreeable, especially in the cabin. Logbook shows as follows: Distance made 249 miles and in long. 22-43 west & lat. 49-05 north.

Tuesday, 3rd,

Quite rough this morning and some a little sick. Logbook shows as follows: Distance made 252 miles, long. 35- 48 west, lat. 48-02 north.

Spent a very pleasant day. All on board feeling fairly, no serious cases of sickness as yet.

Wednesday, August 4th, 1869,

A slight headwind continues, but weather beautiful and clear, the nicest day yet experienced. Logbook shows as follows: Distance made 256 miles and in long. 41-50 west, lat. 46-43 north. In the after part of the day, wind changed sufficient to warrant the hoisting of more sails than in any previous occasion.

Thursday, 5th,

In arising this morning, found sails still up & ship going at the rate of 12 ¼ knots per hour. A heavy fog set in. Logbook shows as follows: Distance made 283 miles, long. 48-20 west, lat. 45-20 north. During the day, passed the Banks of Newfoundland. Held meeting below in the afternoon; having a very good time. Spent a pleasant time in the saloon listening to some very nice singing accompanied by music from the piano.

Friday, 6th,

Got a slight fog this morning, which soon cleared up, and a warm day followed. Logbook is as follows: 282 miles, long. 54-32 west, lat. 43-37 north. I felt quite unwell during the afternoon and was administered to by the brethren and felt much better. Had a nice evening in the saloon in songs and music.

Saturday, August 7th 1869

Rained heavy most of the night, but cleared up this morning, and a nice day followed. Logbook as follows: Distance made 258 miles, long. 60-03 west, & lat. 42-40 north. A concert took place in the saloon in the evening in Gentile style; the majority (Mormons excepted) got on a bender.

Sunday, 8th,

I attended divine worship in the saloon; the capt officiating as minister, the Church of England service was went through. I thought of the saying, “Use not vain repetitions as the heathens do.” In the afternoon, we held meeting with the Saints and enjoyed ourselves under the good influence present. Logbook for today as follows: Traveled 266 miles, long. 65.44 west, & lat. 41.19 north.

Monday, 9th,

A lovely day was this, our last at sea. Logbook at 12 A.M. as follows: 282 miles last run and at said time in long. 71.50 west, lat. 40.20 north and 105 miles from Sandy Hook, which latter place is 25 miles from New York City, U.S.A. At 2:30 P.M. we came in sight of Long Island and off to the right. Patriotic feeling swell my bosom as we sail along America’s fair shores. Passed Sandy Hook at 9 P.M.; signals exchanged and we passed on word, anchored near Staten Island at 10 P.M., 4 miles from the city.

Tuesday, August 10th, 1869,

After passing close examination, we steamed on up to the city of New York. Met our agent W. C. Staines, N. Dusenberg, J. A. Young, and others. Passed the custom house. And spent a busy day getting the Saints ready for the railway. In the evening took a stroll up Broadway, put up for the night at the Stephen’s House, Lower Broadway.

Wednesday, 11th,

I was busy during the forenoon making arrangements for my homeward journey. At 2 P.M., I in company with our shipload of Saints, the brethren going home and Bro. Dusenberg [-] to be our capt as far as Omaha. Crossed by steamer to Jersey side, where at 6 P.M. we took train on the Jersey & Trenton Railway for Philadelphia. A pleasant ride followed through the nice state of New Jersey, and at 11 P.M. we arrived in Philadelphia; we merely stopping for water and then on the Pennsylvania Central RR for Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania is well worth seeing and I should like much to have spent one day there, but with our company of Saints (which by the by no. about 400 souls), it was impossible.

Thursday, August 12th, 1869,

On awaking this morning I found we were having a pleasant ride along the Susquehanna River; scenery beautiful. After breakfasting in Harrisburg (capital of Penn. [Pennsylvania]) we journeyed on, following the Susquehanna in the direction of the Allegany Mountains. And in due course of travel reached them, and on the summit called for a short time at Altoona just before reaching the summit. The first 12 miles after leaving Altoona we raised 1000 feet. After gaining the loft of the mountains, we began to descend, and about 11 P.M. we landed in Pittsburgh, where we were destined to stop for a while & change cars.

Friday, 13th,

Early this morning, we took train on the Fort Wayne Railway for Chicago, leaving Pittsburgh behind us; and about 10 A.M. we crossed the dividing line from Pennsylvania over into Ohio, continuing our journey westward. A pleasant day followed, and about 6 P.M. we called for a short time at Crestline, Ohio, and on for Fort Wayne, where we arrived sometime in the night, calling only for a short time. During the night we passed through a portion of Indiana.

Saturday, August 14th, 1869,

Arrived at Chicago about 7 A.M. and was detained till near noon changing cars and luggage, at which time we took train for Omaha. A pleasant afternoon’s ride followed. Late in the afternoon we passed through Dixon, the place where I am led to understand where Joseph Smith had his last trial and was acquitted.

At 9 P.M., we crossed the Mississippi River at Clinton and on we sped through Iowa, leaving old Illinois behind us. (Passed Clinton July 4th, 167, & took breakfast.)

Sunday, 15th,

Traveled pretty fast during the night and also today. All goes fairly with one exception, that being a young girl got out at a station and got left behind, but arrangements were made for her to come on the next station. About 4 P.M., we landed at Council Bluffs, crossed the Missouri River, and after getting our people comfortably located for the night, we went in town (Omaha) & put up for the night at a hotel. 

Monday, 16th,

Bros D. M. Stewart & Dusenberg (our agents), after making all the necessary arrangements, bid us goodbye, and a company of over 400 souls of us took train about noon on the U. P. Railroad for Ogden City. A pleasant afternoon followed.

Tuesday, August 17th 1869,

On awakening this morning, found we had left the beautiful cultivated parts of Nebraska & speeding along the plains. At 12 A.M. we crossed the Platte River and called for a short time at Platte City, and then on, passing Julesburg just at sundown and on up the Poole Break in the direction of Cheyenne.

Wednesday, 18th,

Called for a short time at Cheyenne about 8 A.M. and then on through the Black Hills. The ascent after leaving Cheyenne caused our progress to be slow. Arrived at Sherman (top of Black Hills and highest point on the road, being 8500 ft above sea level) about 1:30 P.M., and at 3 passed Ft. Sander, and about half an hour after, Laramie City. Just as we were leaving this place, a stowaway fell off the train and got his foot cut off. He was taken back to the fort and we continued our journey westward.

Thursday, 19th,

Traveled slow during last night, passing several stations, also crossing North Fork of the Platte, and continued our journey. About the time we were at bitter Creek Station, a lady onboard gave birth to a nice boy baby, making our journey one of gain instead of loss. Journeyed on, passing Green River, Brian, Bridger and landed at Wahsatch [Wasatch]. Just at night and during a [-] of a heavy rainstorm just setting in; laid by for the night.

Friday. August 20th, 1869,

Left Wasatch about 9 A.M. and journeyed on down Echo and along the Weber, entering Weber Valley (my old stomping ground) about noon, and while the train stopped at Weber Station I had the pleasure of seeing Parker, Eliza Ann, Caroline and some of the children. Our journey continued down the valley, through the canyon and into Salt Lake Valley, and about 8:30 P.M. we arrived at Ogden; saw Taylors Nieles nearby. . . .

BIB: Grover, Joel, 1849-1886. Reminiscences and Diary, 1847 May-1878 Aug, pp.171-180.

Journal of Richard E. Egan

Tuesday, 27th July. I was very busy all the forenoon today preparing for my homeward journey & attending to other business pertaining to the emigration. At noon I went down to Lime Street Station to meet the Birmingham Saints. Found they had arrived ok & were well. I hired [-] cabs to take their luggage down to the Princes landing stage for ten schillings. We got there all on board ok but of course there was more or less confusion as there always is in such cases. Our people showed much patience. After working hard all day till 9:00 we concluded we would leave the ship till tomorrow (when it is to sail). So we jumped on board the tug and came to the office half worn out & I had then to sit up till half past one to pack my own things up & get my things ready. Brother Napper who came down with me the Birmingham Saints helped me.

Wednesday, 28th. Several of us boys got ready to leave the office about 9:30 a.m. for the ship Colorado on which we are to take passage for New York. We took cab in order to get to the landing stage in time for the 10 o'clock tender (tug) to go out in the river to the ship. All went well with the Saints, they passed the doctor all ok. The last tug came out to the ship at 1 o'clock. Brother C. Napper came out on it & brought 40 or 50 beds & a lot of tins that the Saints had ordered for the voyage, but before he had time to collect the money for them the ship started & he had to jump off on to the tug. I paid him for them & run the risk of getting my money back again which fortunately I did, all but a few schillings. We set sail just after one o'clock p.m. & had a beautiful sail down the channel and the rest of the day. We divided the part of the ship we occupied into seven wards, appointing good men over each of them to look after the welfare of the Saints, & to keep order, peace, & cleanliness. Brother Pace was appointed president of the company & myself chaplain. I appointed the time for prayers, seven in the morning and eight at night. There was eleven of us Utah folks came cabin passage free, 10 returning missionaries & Sister Howard. The names are as follows: Elder John E. Pace, George Teasdale, Joel Grover, H.J. Moore, John R. Claussen, Willard Richards, Octave Ursenbach, N.B. Baldwin, William Howard, and R.E. Egan.

Thursday, 29th. The weather was fine all night last night & until about eight o'clock this morning when almost all hands on board began casting up their accounts owing to the heavy sea. We arrived at Queenstown about two o'clock & remained there for a few hours which was quite a relief to us as the waters were still in the harbor. Our stomachs got nicely settled while we were there only to get stirred up again when we put out into the open sea again. Queenstown harbor is a very beautiful one indeed & Queenstown looks in the distance to be a pretty place, we left there again at about 4:30 after taking on & letting off passengers. The weather was very rough & heavy sea all day. Our appetites were entirely lost. I lay in my bunk all day half gone up & did not even go down to prayers, for if I only raised my head I began to vomit.

Friday, 30th - It is still rough & I am still unable to get up. Have to scribble as I lay in my birth. Many of the Saints are very seasick & the most of the returning missionaries too. I still eat nothing. About 7:30 in the evening the steward brought me a small piece of chicken and a cup of tea. I managed a little of it & turned in for the night.

Saturday, 31st. I did not feel like going down in the steerage to prayers so I remained in bed. After breakfast I got up & went on deck to get the fresh air & see if I would not feel better. I remained there until it began to get cold & rain, when I retired to my state room The steward very kindly brought me in some very nice pastry by way of surprise & I relished it nicely. The sea was very rough today so much so that a lot of the Saints were very cozily seated together in a corner on deck, enjoying themselves as best they could under the circumstances. A large wave rolled over the bulwarks almost drowned half of them. Quite a number of the Saints are still seasick. Head wind yet. We are now only sailing about 8 knots per hour. In the evening I felt rather under the weather, so I sent the steward to the doctor for a dose of pills. I am much troubled with costiveness since leaving Liverpool.

Sunday, August 1st. The sea is not quite so rough today & we sail a little faster, about 10 knots per hour today. They had held religious service in the cabin today & there being no minister on board except Latter-day Saints, the captain read the service himself. In the afternoon the Saints had a good little meeting down in the steerage. I still felt too ill to go down. Brother George Teasdale and John E. Pace preached. In the evening I felt a little better so I went upon deck for awhile, also down among the Saints. Some of them were very ill but I think it is nothing but a severe turn of seasickness. I got the steward to bring me some nice tarts & cakes and took them down to try & tempt the appetites of the sick ones.

Monday, 2nd. I eat no breakfast this morning. I felt none too well as we had a rough night last night. We still have head winds. We saw the large sailing vessels today at one time, was close enough to signal one. The most of the Saints are feeling pretty well today.

Tuesday, 3rd. Head winds & ship rolling tremendously, we sailed 252 miles from noon yesterday until noon today. The passengers all had to pass the officers today & give up their tickets. There were no stowaways in our portion of the ship. The Saints mostly are feeling well today, as the weather is fine enough for them to go up on deck & get the fresh air. In the afternoon we had a very nice little meeting with the Saints in the steerage. I spoke for a while after which Brothers Joel Grover and John R. Claussen followed, a good spirit prevailed.

Wednesday, 4th. Another fine, fair winds in the evening. The Saints are feeling well, we had a nice little concert in the afternoon, all things are going on fine.

Thursday, 5th. Weather still fine, fair winds part of the day though scant. We sailed at the rate of 12 1/4 per hour part of the day. We came to what they call the banks of Newfoundland about 2 p.m. where it was very foggy indeed, they had to blow the steam whistle every few minutes, to prevent having a collision in case there should be a sail ahead of us. We had another good meeting in the evening when Brother George Teasdale spoke, feeling well & giving good instructions. We sailed 283 miles in the last 24 hours, making the best run yet.

Friday, 6th. Weather fine. Fog cleared away about noon & it turned quite warm. I feel better & the Saints are getting on fine. We sailed the last run in 24 hours, 286 miles, best yet. In the afternoon we saw a small black cloud in the distance which looked very trifling at first but before they could get the sails furled, it was upon us, wind & rain, & we had quite a squall for a short time only, there was no harm done.

Saturday, 7th. Rough sea last night & heavy swells this morning, but as the wind had fell the sea soon got calm. Several sails in sight in the forenoon. We had a grand concert in the saloon in the evening. The pilot came on board this afternoon. He said that the "City of Antwerp" which started one day after we did was now fifty miles ahead of us. It is a faster steamer than the Colorado.

Sunday, 8th. They held religious service in the cabin again at 10:30 a.m., the captain read it again, it was so dry that I hardly had patience to stay until it was over, [p. 14] at 2 o'clock we held our meeting with the Saints in the steerage. Brother George Teasdale preached, weather fine today but no fair winds. I saw six sails at one time, in the afternoon. In the evening we held another good meeting. Brother T. preached again.

Monday, 9th. Very fine weather today & many sails in sight through the day. We came in sight of land, (Long Island) about noon. The sights were lovely after seeing nothing but the blue waters for eighteen days. We anchored off Staten Island near New York City at 10 o'clock p.m. and will go ashore tomorrow.

Tuesday, 10th. The inspecting officers came on board early & found everything all right so they weighed anchor & steamed near into one of the piers & the cabin passengers got onto a tug & came ashore, myself & some of the brethren unfortunately went with him. We should have mixed up with the steerage passengers & got our luggage with theirs in order to pass the customs house officers without having our luggage examined, but we were in for it. Our boxes were all ransacked & everything pulled out & hauled about. I had to pay $27.59 in gold for three pieces of goods I bought for Brother Carrington. The Saints landed a little after noon at Castle Garden & had to prepare to remain there all night as they could not get them off today. They did not have the best of beds, but had to put up with it as it could not possibly be helped. We were all very busy the rest of the day, changing the Saints money into American money & settling up other business for them. I put up at the Stevens House where Brother Staines lodges, also Brother Teasdale, it is a very fine hotel, every accommodation that could be wished for, they have. Brother Teasdale & I took a room together with two beds in it.

Wednesday, 11th. We were all very busy today getting the emigration off. . . . 

. . . I started for Salt Lake in company with the Saints who came on the "Minnesota." We had a very pleasant trip of about 10 days & only had one death on the trip & that was an infant who had been sick a long while. We laid over several half days at different points to take in provisions, change trains & to wait for the regular trains to pass &c. We also laid over a day & night at Omaha. It was terribly muddy while we were [-] and raining like mischief . The company were camped in some of the Union Pacific Railroad box cars, but some of them leaked which made it miserable for some. Myself & some of the return missionaries went up into Omaha and took lodgings as we had no bedding. We had no accident on the trip to amount to anything, but were greatly [p. 44] blessed on the whole trip. After we left Omaha one of the freight cars caught fire from some unknown cause, but was soon extinguished and there was little or not harm done.

September 16th We arrived at Taylor's switch last night & laid over till this morning. When we proceeded on to Ogden and disembarked feeling very thankful that our journey was ended as we had to set up day and night for the ten days with very few exceptions.

Here at Ogden I found my father in law (Brother Fisher) and my eldest son (Erastus) who had come with a carriage & pair of horses to meet me. We started off immediately for home where we arrived Q. A. [UNCLEAR] after a very dusty ride of thirty miles, which we made in about 5 hours including the time we stopped at Farmington. . . .

BIB: Egan, Richard E. Journal (Ms 8795 reel 13 #5), pp.4-17, 44-45 (CHL)

Letter of John E. Pace - August 10, 1869

New York, August 10, 1869.President A. [Albert] Carrington.

Dear Brother, -- I am happy to inform you that we have arrived safely at New York. We have had a very prosperous voyage, and have realized that the hand of the Lord has been over us for good. We have experienced the greatest kindness at the hands of the ship's company. Mr. Davis, the chief officer, and Mr. McCaskie, the head stewart, have exerted themselves to make our company as comfortable as they possible could. Indeed, we could not have asked them to be more kind and obliging than they have been. Captain Williams is a gentleman. Our trip has been a pleasure trip, notwithstanding we had considerable seasickness when we started, in consequence of coming into what is called a chopping sea, produced from the effect of a gale that occurred about the time we left Liverpool.

The brethren have been one with me in laboring for the welfare of the Saints. We have held meetings on Sabbath, and on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. We have also had two or three concerts. The strictest attention has been paid to good order and cleanliness, for which we have been complimented.

At a meeting that we held in the evening before we left the ship, it was resolved that a committee be appointed to express our satisfaction with the conduct of the stewards, which was drawn up and presented to them the next morning.

I feel very grateful to be enabled to report so favorably. We are all well and in good spirits. We expect to leave here in the morning.

The brethren join me in kind regards to yourself and all associated with you in the ministry. Wishing you every success,

I remain, yours faithfully [p.550]

John E. Pace

BIB: Pace, John E. [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 31:34 (August 21. 1869), p. 550 (CHL)

Letter of John E. Pace - July 29, 1869

Steamship Colorado Off Queenstown, Noon of July 29, 1869. President A. [Albert] Carrington.

Dear Brother, -- After getting the Saints all comfortably berthed last evening, we organized the company into seven wards, and appointed a teacher to each ward to see that all things are kept in order.

We all had a very comfortable night's rest, and everything has passed off admirably with us thus far. I have not heard a cross word in the whole company. The officers and stewards are very kind and obliging, and I think we will have a first rate voyage.

The sea is beginning to heave a little, which is causing seasickness among the greater portion of the passengers, but I hope that all will soon be able to take their rations again.

Please excuse the brevity, as I am very seasick.

I remain your brother in the gospel,

John E. Pace

BIB: Pace, John E., [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 31:32 (August 7, 1869) p. 516. (CHL)

Passenger List

•Elizabeth ADAMSON

•Susanna AGNEW

•Aribella ANDERSON

•Caroline ANDERSON

•Robert ANDERSON

•Zennie ANDERSON

•James ARBUCKLE

•David ARCHIBALD

•Sarah ARCHIBALD

•William ARCHIBALD

•Agnes ARNOTT

•Betsy ARNOTT

•William ARNOTT

•Thomas ASTLEY

•Eliza BADCOCK

•Anna BAGULY

•Elizabeth BAGULY

•N. B., Jr. BALDWIN

•Elizabeth BALL

•Elizabeth BALL

•George BALL

•Henry BALL

•Kate BALL

•Mary BALL

•Minnie BALL

•Robert BALL

•William BALL

•Elizabeth BARKER

•Elizabeth BARKER

•Josiah BARKER

•Thomas BARKER

•Mathew BARNES

•Mathew, Jr. BARNES

•Sarah BARNES

•Jane BAUGH

•Heil BELL

•Jane BELL

•Janet BELL

•June BELL

•Robert BELL

•William BELL

•William BETTERIDGE

•John BILLING

•Joseph BILLING

•Margaret BILLING

•Robert BILLING

•Phoebe BIRKENHEAD

•Jane BOOKER

•George BRINDLEY

•George W. BRINDLEY

•Howard BRINDLEY

•Jane BRINDLEY

•Sarah BRINDLEY

•William BRINDLEY

•Alice BROUGH

•Jonas BROUGH

•Anne BROUGHTON

•George BROUGHTON

•Joseph BROUGHTON

•Sarah BROUGHTON

•Sarah BROUGHTON

•Thomas BROUGHTON

•William BROUGHTON

•William BROUGHTON

•Mary BUDGE

•Alice BUTTERWORTH

•Eliott BUTTERWORTH

•Elizabeth BUTTERWORTH

•Lucy BUTTERWORTH

•Emily CAINE

•Elizabeth CALVERT

•Mary CALVERT

•Sarah CARRUTH

•Edward CASHMORE

•Maria CASHMORE

•James CATHERSON

•Sarah CATHERSON

•Brigham CHAMBERS

•Rose CHANDLER

•John CHAUNTRY

•Charles CHECKETT

•Reuben CHECKETT

•John R. CLAWSON

•John COATS

•Alma COMPTON

•Elizabeth COMPTON

•Emma COMPTON

•Moroni COMPTON

•Elizabeth COOK

•William COOK

•Emma COPE

•Francis COPE

•Ruth COPE

•Mary COY

•Robert COY

•William Henry COY

•Grace CROLL

•Elizabeth DALE

•Joseph DALE

•Willford DALE

•Catherine DAVIDSON

•Alice DEAN

•James DEAN

•Catherine DICK

•Elizabeth DICK

•Janet DICK

•Margaret DICK

•Mary DICK

•Mary DONALD

•Allen DONALDSON

•Archibald DONALDSON

•Grace DONALDSON

•James DONALDSON

•James, Jr. DONALDSON

•John DONALDSON

•Mary DONALDSON

•Mary DONALDSON

•Amelia DUELL

•Henry DUELL

•Mary A. DUELL

•Agnes DUNCAN

•Ann DUNCAN

•Catherine DUNCAN

•David DUNCAN

•Erastus DUNCAN

•Grace DUNCAN

•Jane DUNCAN

•Jane DUNCAN

•Lorenzo DUNCAN

•Mary DUNCAN

•R. E. EAGAN

•Edward EARDLEY

•Edward ELLIS

•Aaron FARMER

•Emma FARROW

•Christina FORTIE

•Margaret FORTIE

•Janet GALLACHER

•Mary GALLIFANT

•William J. GAMMALL

•Alexander GILLESPIE

•George GILLESPIE

•James GILLESPIE

•Jane GILLESPIE

•Mary GILLESPIE

•Peter GILLESPIE

•Robert GILLESPIE

•Robert, Jr. GILLESPIE

•Andrew GLENN

•Ann GLENN

•Ann GLENN

•John GLENN

•Mary GLENN

•Cyrus GOLD

•Francis GOLD

•Joseph GOLD

•Charlotte GOULDER

•William GRAIN

•Albert GRAINGER

•Charles GRAINGER

•Franklin GRAINGER

•Joseph GRAINGER

•Mary A. GRAINGER

•William GREENHILL

•Joel GROVER

•Annie HAIGH

•Arthur HAIGH

•Harriette HAIGH

•John HAIGH

•Lavina HAIGH

•Sarah HAIGH

•Margaret HALLADAY

•Rebecca HAMPTON

•Elizabeth HANKS

•Sarah HARDY

•Rebecca HARRIS

•William HAYES

•Annie HAYNES

•Ann HORROCKS

•Elizabeth HOWARD

•Elizabeth HOWARD

•William HOWARD

•William HOWARD

•Ann HOWARTH

•Elizabeth HOWARTH

•Elizabeth HOWARTH

•Jane HOWARTH

•John HOWARTH

•John HOWARTH

•Emma HOWELL

•Ann HUGHES

•Elizabeth HUGHES

•Thomas HUGHES

•Ann HUSBAND

•Bertha HUSBAND

•Dan HUSBAND

•Felix HUSBAND

•Francis HUSBAND

•Heber HUSBAND

•Rose HUSBAND

•William T. HUSBAND

•Susan HUTCHISON

•Elizabeth HYSLOP

•John HYSLOP

•John HYSLOP

•Margaret HYSLOP

•John INGLES

•Ann IRELAND

•Elizabeth IRVINE

•Catherine JENKINS

•Elizabeth JENKINS

•George JENKINS

•James JENKINS

•Jane JENKINS

•Thomas JENKINS

•William JENKINS

•Elizabeth JONES

•Moses JONES

•Sarah JONES

•Thomas JONES

•Duncan KELLY

•John KENNEDY

•Harriet KERSHAW

•Elizabeth KNIGHT

•Martha KNIGHT

•William KNIGHT

•James LATTMER

•Alfred LAURENSON

•Mary Ann LAURENSON

•William LAURENSON

•Mary A. LAVER

•Allison LAW

•George LAW

•Margret LAW

•Agnes LEGGAT

•Alexander LIVINGSTON

•Jane LONSDALE

•William LONSDALE

•John T. MAKIN

•Elizabeth MAXWELL

•James MAXWELL

•Daniel MCLEOD

•Duncan MCLEOD

•Jane MCLEOD

•Josephina MCMEEKAN

•Wilhelmina MCMEEKAN

•William MCMEEKAN

•Charlotte MCMEEKEN

•Andrew MCMEEKIN

•Mary MILLER

•Mary MILLER

•Joseph MILLIGAN

•Henry J. MOORE

•Thomas E. MOORE

•Eliza MORRIN

•Jessie MORRIN

•Martha MORRIN

•Thomas MORRIN

•Elizabeth MOUNTFORD

•William MOUNTFORD

•Emma MULLHALL

•Elizabeth NICHOLSON

•John NICHOLSON

•John G. NICHOLSON

•William A. NICHOLSON

•Sarah OPENSHAW

•Mary ORROCK

•John E. PACE

•Betty PLATT

•Betty PLATT

•William POLLARD

•Elizabeth POWELL

•Ann PRICE

•Ann PRICE

•Joseph PRICE

•Myrah PRICE

•Thomas PRINGLE

•Mary PROBERT

•Richard PROPHET

•Jane RADFORD

•Isaac RAMSAY

•Willard B. RICHARDS

•Charles ROBERTSON

•John ROBERTSON

•Alma N. RUSSELL

•Elizabeth RUSSELL

•Elizabeth J. RUSSELL

•Heber RUSSELL

•Henry RUSSELL

•Naomi RUSSELL

•Sarah A. RUSSELL

•Jane RUTHWELL

•John RUTHWELL

•Susan SAVAGE

•Rhoda SAVILLE

•Elizabeth SCOTT

•Margret SCOTT

•Emma SHAW

•William SHAW

•George SIMPSON

•George SIMPSON

•Isabella SIMPSON

•Christina SMITH

•George A. SMITH

•James SMITH

•John SMITH

•Joseph SMITH

•Joseph SMITH

•Mary SMITH

•Peter SMITH

•Rose SMITH

•Sarah SMITH

•William SMITH

•William SMITH

•Edmund STANSFIELD

•Mary E. STANSFIELD

•Elizabeth STEEL

•Hamilton STEEL

•James STEEL

•James STEEL

•James, Jr. STEEL

•Janet STEEL

•Jean STEEL

•Jean STEEL

•Mary STEEL

•Amelia STEWART

•Ann STOKES

•Ann STOKES

•James STOKES

•John STONE

•James SWAN

•George TAYLOR

•George TEASDALE

•Betty THECKSTON

•James THECKSTON

•James, Jr. THECKSTON

•Jane THECKSTON

•John THECKSTON

•Joseph THECKSTON

•Martha THECKSTON

•Robert THECKSTON

•Jean THOM

•John THOM

•Alice H. TIMMS

•Annie D. A. TIMMS

•Burnett TODD

•Janet TODD

•Margret TODD

•Rebecca TODD

•Agnes WALDRUM

•Alfred WALDRUM

•Lorenzo WALDRUM

•Maria WALDRUM

•Orson WALDRUM

•Sarah WALDRUM

•Charles WANLESS

•Lorenzo WARLDRUM

•Emily WARREN

•Mary A. WARREN

•Nephi WARREN

•Caroline WARRILOW

•William WASDIN

•Eliza WHITEHEAD

•Sarah J. WHITEHEAD

•Eliza A. WIDDOWSON

•Ellen WIDDOWSON

•James WILKINS

•Mary WILLIAMS

•Mary WILLIS

•Ann WINTERTON

•Thomas WINTERTON

•John WOOLEY

•Agnes WRIGHT

•Harry WRIGHT

•Isaac WRIGHT

•Margaret WRIGHT

•Sarah A. WRIGHT

•Eliza WRILLEY

•Johan WRILLEY

•Agnes YOUNG

•Robert YOUNG

•William YOUNG

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

That has to have been a tremendous challenge to uproot a family like they did, traveling halfway around the world to start a new life in a foreign country.  It took almost 5 years but they did it, they followed the prophet, along with many other saints from several countries and headed for Zion. So, with his wife and 3 of his 4 children in America, on 13 July, 1870 Alexander (1822) boarded the SS Manhattan bound for America, never to return to England or Scotland again. There were 290 Saints on board from Switzerland and England and several returned missionaries, including Karl G. Maeser (who was returning from a mission in Switzerland). Alexander (1822) had missed his son, Alexander's (1848) wedding in Salt Lake City by over half a year and was now about to leave his widowed mother, age 72, in Scotland, never to see her again. Alexander's (1822) father, Alexander (1782), had passed away in 1842, and his mother, Mary, who never joined the church, died just 2 years after he left, on 6 August, 1872 in Edinburgh. It appears he also left his oldest daughter, Christiana, who was 21 and could have been married by then (I don't have very much information on her), never to see her again as well. Heart wrenching for sure.

Here is a record of Alexander's voyage:

Fortie, Alexander (1822)

Age 48

Origin: Steward, England

Occupation: Mechanic

Note: BMR, p.118

Liverpool to New York

Ship: Manhattan

Departure: 13 Jul 1870

Port of Departure: Liverpool, England

Arrival: 26 Jul 1870

Port of Arrival: New York, New York

Church Leader: Karl G. Maeser

LDS Immigrants: 269

# LDS Passengers: 290

Source

BMR, Book #1041, pp. 117-129 (FHL #025,692); Customs #711 (FHL #175,688); Der Stern, vol. 2 (1870), p.112

Accounts

•A Compilation of General Voyage Notes

•Journal of Josiah Marsh Ferrin

•Kenneth Wendel Godfrey Account

•Letter from G. H. Knowlden - July 13, 1870

•Letter from G. H. Knowlden - July 26, 1870

•Letter from Karl G. Maeser - July 14, 1870

•Letter from W. C. Staines - July 29, 1870

•Letter to David and Ann MacNeil

A Compilation of General Voyage Notes

"DEPARTURES. -- A company of 269 souls of the Saints, 87 of them from the Swiss and German Mission, and the rest from this country [Engalnd], left this port, on the steamship Manhattan, Captain Forsyth, July 13, for New York, in their way to the Territory of Utah. In addition to that number, and on the same vessel, were the following returning missionaries -- Elders Karl G. Maeser, Lewis W. Shurtliff, Winslow Farr, Josiah M. Ferrin, Nephi Pratt, George H. Knowlden, Howard O. Spencer, Thomas Richardson, Joseph S. Richards, Levi Garrett, John Tuddenham, Samuel M. Price, William H. Pidcock, H. B. Clemons, Thomas Rodgers, Charles Shumway, junior, and Lewis M. Grant. Elder Maeser presided over the company."

Journal of Josiah Marsh Ferrin

. . . Wednesday 13th [July 1870] At 10 a.m. went on board the S. S. ship Manhattan, in which we were emigrating about 250 souls. The following elders were among the number, Brother Carl Measer [Karl G. Maeser], H. Farr, L. W. Shurtliff, L. M. Grant, J. T. Richards, Charles Thurmway, Levi Garret, George [-], John Luddmen, Samuel Price, William Pidcock, Nephi Pratt, H. B. Clemonds, H. O. Spencer, Thomas Rogers, Thomas Richardson and myself all cabin passengers. At 11:25 a.m. we cast off the tender and let laid waving our handkerchiefs on farewell to our friends & we started on our voyage over the great Ocean. It was a pleasant day, and is as nice cabin. Down the Irish Channel passed Hollyhead at 5:30 p.m. I then wrote some letters back to the Saints in the evening. Several of the Saints began to be seasick. At 8 p.m. we assembled for prayers. Went to bed and enjoyed a good nights rest.

Thursday 14th Most on board were well, but some complained of seasickness. It was a fine day, and at 9:30 we sailed into the bay at Queenstown, which is situated on a nice little bay on the Coast of Ireland. At 11 a.m. we made our way out to sea again and found it very rough with a headwind. And soon a good many were very sick, I was sick all night. [p. 78]

Friday 15th Still a headwind. I was very sick all day and many of the brethren were suffering in the same manner, and many of the Saints also.

Saturday 16th A head wind and a very rough sea. Lots of seasickness both in the cabin and below.

Sunday 17th I got up and went on deck, felt a little better. Went below found some of the Saints recovering. At dinner I discovered that my appetite was returning. Slept well at night.

Monday 18th I arose feeling much better, I have myself, and cut off my mustache. 2 years today I sailed from New York on my way over to England. I just begin to enjoy my meals. Ship fare as follows in the cabin, breakfast at half past 8 a.m., lunch at 12:30 p.m., dinner at 4, tea at 7 p.m. Everything that a man need to wish for, at on the table. Saw some porpoises, passed 2 ships, one of the National Steamline bound for Liverpool.

Tuesday 19th Had a fare wind during the night. At 9:30 this morning a little German child died, 7 months old. It was very sickly when they left home. There was also on German child born this morning, its name is Christian Julius Feller. At 10 a.m. we met in the steerage and held meeting and several of the elders were called on to speak, and we had a good time. It was so cold, and wet Sunday that we had no meeting. [p. 79]

Wednesday 20th It is a fine day and all on board is feeling much better. Passed several vessels, some fishing smack. Also at night sister Eliza Gleddhill gave birth to a fine daughter, and its name is [-].

Thursday 21st The Saints are generally feeling in good spirits. Nice smooth sea. Today saw a black whale not far from the ship. We amuse ourselves with pitching quilts upon deck also with checkers in the cabin and reading, writing &c the pass off the time.

Friday 22nd Passing the banks of Newfoundland and all is progressing nicely on board. We have prayers in the steerage every morning at 9 a.m. the evening at 8. The brethren officiating in turns as they are called upon by President Maeser. There is an excellent spirit that prevails among the elders and also among the Saints on board. The officers of the Manhattan are also gentlemen in every sense of the word. At least to every appearance. The ship is commanded by Captain William Forsythe first mate Mr. Morgan second, Mr. Lasley 3rd , Mr. Gibson 4th , Mr. [-]. The Manhattan is a ship of 210 tons burden and is a nice ship.

Saturday 23rd All is moving along nicely and all on feeling will the sea is nice and calm today.

Sunday 24th A fine day, at 10:30 a.m. We attended the an Episcopalian service in the cabin and at 2 p.m. we met for our service in the steerage and several of the cabin passengers came down to listen to us. Brother Masear [Maeser] Shurtliff addressed meeting in a very [p. 80] interesting manner. We enjoyed the the [SIC] meeting very much, (The 2 children that were born Tues., were blessed. The girl was given the name of Anna Manhattan, the boy's name was changed from Christian Julius to Orsen Manhattan. At prayer time in the evening, there was some good council given to the Saints about their journey home. After landing at New York I was called into preside at prayer.

Monday 25th The sea is very rough this morning, and the consequence is there is considerable of seasickness. Brother [Edwin or Ephraim] & Sister [Josephine] Hinger [Inge] from London, lost their little babe [Edwin or Ephraim] this morning at about half past 9. It had been sickly from it's birth, but had been very bad for some days passed. The mother takes it very hard, to think that her little one must be consigned to a watery grave.

We seen this morning 15 fishing smacks at one time. We also passed the "James Foster," a sailing ship, bound for New York, but it seemed a very slow process as we steamed by, and left her in the rear, as she was making her way against a head wind. We have had a head wind all the time since we left Liverpool, except one night. Therefore, we have had to make all of our heading by steam.

Tuesday 26th At 4 a.m. we cast anchor at Statan Island. At 6, raised anchor and sailed in to the Harbor at New York , landed at 9 a.m. Myself and Elder Rodgers was sent off with the cabin luggage. We all put up with the Stephen House, had dinner, then we went to see Brother Staines. We then proceeded to Castle Garden, and assisted the Saints to get their luggage through the custom house. After this was all accomplished, I went in company with Brother Pidcock, Farr Richards, Rogers, Grant, & Sisters Campbell and Fanny to see the Central Park, we went up in a street car, distance 6 miles. We hired a carriage to drive us around the park which we enjoyed very much. After spending a few hours there we returned by the street car. We went and saw that the Saints were as comfortable as they could be under the circumstances in the Castle Gardens. Then returned to the Stephen House where we remained all night.

Distances of each day sail from Liverpool to New York:

Wed. July 13th and

Thur. July 14th        497 miles

Fri. July 15th           205 miles

Sat. July 16th           222 miles

Sun. July 17th          209 miles

Mon. July 18th         263 miles

Tues. July 19th         216 miles

Wed. July 20th         268 miles

Thur. July 21st         265 miles

Fri. July 22nd           267 miles

Sat. July 23rd           257 miles

Sun. July 24th          230 miles

Mon. July 25th         165 miles

------------------------- Total Distance from Liverpool to N. Y. 3064 miles

Wednesday 27th We got all preparations made for our journey on the cars & at 1 p.m. we crossed the river to the Jersey side, and at 5 we started homeward bound. We lay at Philadelphia 3 hours and left at 12 o'clock at night.

Thursday 28th We stopped 20 min. at Harrisburg for breakfast, then proceeded and arrived at Pittsburgh at 10:30 p.m. Here we had to change cars, and the Saints had to lie in the station on the floors until 6 next morning, when we resumed our journey again. L. W. Shurtliff and myself slept at the Union Hotel, paid $1.00 a piece for a bed.

[Though this next section has nothing to do with Alexander, it is still interesting to read about some of the things the Saints who were traveling did.]

Friday 29th I went with the company as far as Homewood Station. Then I took leave of them and went to Erie City, Pennsylvania, distance about 100 miles. Arrived at 1:30 p.m. at Eric Station then proceeded to hunt up Aunt Maria Landen, and found them at 116 Fourth West Street. Introduced myself and was received very kindly by my Aunt. I soon had a good wash and change of clothing, and felt much better after my long ride. Found Aunt and family all well, and during the afternoon and evening we had a very pleasant chat. Uncle Daniel G. Landen was not at home, he was away at work, and also the eldest daughter was not at home.

Saturday 30th I arose in the morning feeling much better after a good nights rest. In the afternoon Aunt and myself visited the Erie City water works. These works is for the purpose of raising the water of the Lake for the use of the city. For this purpose they have a powerful engine which raises 182 gallons, at each stroke, a height of 300 feet. Which amounts to about one million gallons per day. To hold this water they have a large tube or standpipe 240 feet above ground, and this is surrounded by a brick wall with steps inside so the visitor can go on top. And here he can have a beautiful view of the city, and surrounding country. At 8 p.m. I visited the Iron works and saw them make a run of ore. They make two runs a day of 14 tons each one at 8 a.m. the other at 8 p.m.

Sunday 31st I went to the Methodist Church with Aunt Maria, to hear the reverend Mr. Dobs preach. In the afternoon we took a walk through the city, I found Aunt very agreeable company.

Monday Aug. 1st 1870 At 10:25 a.m. I took train for Albion 25 miles, walked to Welsburg 2 miles, and went to Aunt Olives. She married a man by the name of Charles Sherman. After dinner Uncle and me took a walk. Visited the cemetery then went to the Cheese factory. The afternoon was spent very pleasantly as I was received very kindly by them all. I remained all night.

Tuesday 2nd I arose early feeling well and when cousin George, Uncle Richard's son, came over to the factory with the milk, I rode home with him to Lundgs Lane. I went in and introduced myself to Aunt Nancy Powell, & cousin Maria. They wanted some fun with Aunt Nancy Rush, she being sick , they introduced me as the doctors student. The joke took well after some prescriptions for the sick, &c, explanations were made and we had a good laugh over the matter. After a while I went over to Aunt Mary Ann Winchesters, she was much pleased to see me. She had heard that I had arrived. I enjoyed the day very much as all of my relations received me very kindly.

Wednesday 3rd In the afternoon, Uncle Isaac & his son Adelbert came along and I went home with them in the carriage. Found Aunt Susan very sick, the fever was broke, but she was left very low, but was recovering slow. I stayed all night.

Thursday 4th At 10 a.m., as cousin Edgert was going, passed Uncle Richards. I returned with him to the carriage & spent most of my time with Aunt Nancy Rush as she is sick and very nervous. She is at Uncle Richards at present.

Friday 5th After breakfast cousin Maria and me went out to pick blackberries, and got 9 quarts in about one house and we enjoyed the pleasure very much. She is nice intelligent young lady. She is the youngest daughter of Uncle Spain Powell. After dinner I went over to Aunt Mary Ann's, had a good chat. I then wrote a while in my journal. I remained there all night.

Saturday 6th I went and got Aunt Nancy R. [Rush] in the carriage, and took her over to Aunt Mary Ann. We had a very nice visit, during I wrote 3 letters. In the evening I went over to Albion with Uncle Richard. I returned with him and stayed all night with him.

Sunday 7th Uncle, Aunt, cousin Friddy, & myself went to Crainsville to a Sunday school concert. The singing & reciting was very good. There was several very nice essays read just previous to closing. They called upon me to address the school a few minutes, which I did. We remained to the service in the afternoon and heard the Reverend Mr. Hammer (of the Methodist persuasion.) I returned home with Uncle Richard.

Monday 8th Remained at Uncle Richards all day visiting.

Tuesday 9th After breakfast, Uncle R. [Richards] went with his team and took cousin Maria and me to Welsburg as we were going to Erie City. We then took the hack to the station and at 12:30 we took train for Erie. When we got to Aunt Maria's we found them just pulling down their kitchen to rebuild. After tea we had a walk to see the ships and boats on the lake and in the docks. The latter were much inferior to the English docks.

Wednesday 10th Cousin Maria and me went up to the photograph galley, and had ourselves shot. We had 32 pictures each taken which cost $1.50 each. We then went into a jeweler's shop and I made a purchase of a gold ring, which was presented to me by Aunt Nancy Rush, price $6.00. After dinner we had a walk up to see the cemetery. It is the finest place of the kind that I ever visited. There is many large fine marble monuments. There was a large granite monument 30 feet high and 10 feet square at the base. We enjoyed the walk very much. When we returned I meet with Isaac Vanuleck of New York, one of my second cousins, he was out here on a visit from New York.

Thursday 11th At 9:30 I took my leave for Buffalo, by rail thence by stage. The "Springville," arrived there at 8:30 p.m. Inquired for Ferrins and Jones store, went in and found cousin Clark. There made myself acquainted, then he hitched up his horse and carriage, and took me out to Uncle Philip's, one mile. It being late when we arrived, they were in bed. We called them up, had supper, and a good chat. Then retired to rest, feeling quite tired after my long ride.

Friday 12th Arose in the morning feeling much refreshed. Uncle, and me took a walk out to see the farm. Philina Weber, Uncle Adney second daughter, she was just recovering from her conferment of a fine son. We returned to Uncle's in the evening.

Saturday 13th I was writing most of the day, so Uncle was busy hauling grain. In the evening we went down to cousin Wards. In the grass carriage. Ella played on the organ and cousin Elizabeth sang for me, they play and sing well. . . .

. . . Monday [Aug.] 29th The time having arrived for me to start home, I bid goodbye to Aunts Nancy, & Mary Ann and went over to Uncle Richards at 10 a.m. He hitched up his carriage, I said goodbye to the family, and he took me to the Albion Station and at 11:30 I took train for homeward, where I arrived at 3:30 p.m. We came down the Sharon River. At 4 I took train for Chicago by the Fort Wain line. Stopped at Alliance Ohio for supper then rode all night. [p. 90]

Tuesday 30th At 6 a.m. stopped at Plymouth, Indiana for breakfast, and arrived at Chicago at 9 a.m. And 10:30 left by the North Western Line for Omaha, stopped at Dixon for dinner 98 miles from Chicago. At 4 p.m. we crossed the Mississippi at Fulton, & Clinton. I made the acquaintance of Mr. Horis F. Clark on his way to Denver. At 2 a.m. the engine and on baggage car broke loose run of the line, and it took about 3 hours to get it on and ready for running again. We had not proceeded, for when the train broke in two, the engine and car running off and leaving the rest of us on the line. In about 15 minutes it returned, hitched on, and away we went.

Wednesday 31st We arrived at Omaha at 11 a.m., and had to wait until 6 p.m. before starting west. So I had a stroll around town. At 6 p.m., it rained like [-], and I got all wet going to the train. All got aboard and we started west, rode all night.

Thursday 1st Sept. At 8 a.m. found us at the Lone Tee Station. Stopped for breakfast 120 miles from Omaha. At 8 p.m. we arrived at North Platte 71 miles, here a Scotch women stopped to bury her baby. It died a few minutes before we stopped. We rode all night again.

Friday 2nd At 6 a.m. we stopped for breakfast at Sidney 123 miles. At 4 p.m. passed Cheyenne 102 miles, at 9 p.m. arrived at Laramie 57 miles. Left at 12 at night arrived at Medicine Bow at 6 a.m. 72 miles.

Saturday 3rd At 12 midnight we arrived at Fort Steel 48 miles, and 2 o'clock at night arrived at Bryan 162 miles. 

Sunday 4th 8 a.m. arrived at Evanston 99 miles, and arrived at Ogden City at 3 p.m. And found waiting at the station my wife, 2 sons James & Moroni, Brother W. Farr & family, also Brother Orson Bagger, waiting my arrival [-]. Were all very glad to see each other. We went home with Brother W. Farr, had something to eat, then made our way home. Arrived at Eden about 8 p.m., found the children all well and glad to see father after being gone 2 years 3 months, lacking 11 days. . . . 

BIB: Ferrin, Josiah M., Journal (Ms 12085), 5p. pp. 78-86, 90-92. (CHL) (HDA)

Kenneth Wendel Godfrey Account

. . . On 13 July 1870, Charles boarded the steamship Manhatten [Manhattan] under command of a Captain Forsyth. The ship on which he sailed home possessed three decks, an iron hull and a speed of ten knots. Charles traveled with 268 other Latter-day Saints, 87 of whom were migrating from the Swiss and German Missions. The company’s president, Karl G. Maeser, later became one of the Church’s most notable educators. Lewis W. Shurtliff, future father-in-law of Church president Joseph Fielding Smith, was also on board, as was Winslow Farr and Howard Spencer. A Millennial Star reporter wrote that the “whole company left in excellent spirits.” General Authority Joseph Young and his future General Authority son, Seymour B. Young, instructed the Saints just prior to their departure. Charles had baptized eight souls the year he had spent in England, but now he eagerly anticipated the voyage home and his reunion with those he loved. . . .

BIB: Godfrey, Kenneth Wendel, 1833-. Charles M. Shumway, 1994 [Ms 14507] (p. 28)

Letter from G. H. Knowlden - July 13, 1870

Steamship Manhattan, July 13, 1870.President Horace S. Eldredge.

Dear Brother,--In taking my departure from the British Isles for my mountain home, I feel that a line is due from me through the pages of the [Millennial] STAR, to acknowledge the many kindnesses I have received from the Saints while on my mission to this land, for truly can I say that I have traveled among a good, generous, and warmhearted people ever since my arrival here, and time I hope will not efface the very many pleasant associations I have formed while traveling among the good Saints of England.

On my arrival, in June 1869, I was appointed to travel in the London Conference, under the direction of Elder Platte L. Lyman, with whom I labored with much pleasure till his departure for the Valley in September last, and afterward under the watch care of Elder L. W. Shurtliff I labored with increased joy till my appointment to the Presidency of the Southampton Conference in October last. Since then I have endeavored, in my humble way, to spread the principles of truth among the people to the best of my ability, and have had much joy in my labor and although traveling a good deal and among poor people, so far as this world's goods are concerned, I have never regretted leaving all that was near and dear on earth to be a minister of life to the people who are in darkness regarding the great truths which have been revealed in these last days for the salvation of the human family. To the wise and fatherly counsels of President Carrington I am much indebted, and for which I feel truly thankful, also to all Saints that have kindly administered to my wants. May the blessings of God rest upon them, and may they have all the happiness and joy their hearts can desire in righteousness.

Thanking you for the courtesies shown me since your arrival, and the brethren in the office, and with kind regards to all Saints of my acquaintance and all who love the truth, I will say good-bye for the present and remain your brother in the gospel.

G.H. Knowlden.

Queenstown, 14th, 10 a.m.

We have but little seasickness on board. The weather is colder, the Saints are singing and rejoicing all the time, and merrily on the way we go.

G.H.K. 

BIB: Knowlden G. H. [Letter] Latter Day Saints Millennial Star 32:29 (July 19, 1870) p.460. (CHL)

Letter from G. H. Knowlden - July 26, 1870

S.S. Manhattan, New York, July 26, 1870President Horace S. Eldredge.

Dear Brother--We arrived here safely this morning, all well, and although our trip has been rather rough, still we feel thankful to our Heavenly Father for his protecting care over us thus far on our journey. In my last, written off Queenstown, I gave you an idea of the general health of the company, &c., and felt buoyant at the prospect of there being but little seasickness, the weather being so calm. But scarcely had we left Queenstown before the wind arose, the sea rolled, and everybody got the whirligigs, and over the side of the ship went breakfast, dinner and pretty nearly themselves, for they felt, after they had got through, that there was very little left except the hide. The brethren in the cabin were no better, for they could not contain the many good things they had taken in, and they had to share with the fishes; only three out of the seventeen returning missionaries could face the music at the table at dinner that day, namely, Brother Thomas Rodgers, father Tuddenham and myself--all the others were in their berths. The spirit was willing, but the flesh was very weak.

This state of things continued for several days, as the wind kept to our head and blew pretty strong most of the time. But after a while, seasickness subsided, and all went merry as a marriage bell, until the day before landing, when, in consequence of a very rough sea, the Saints had again to empty their trunks (stomachs), preparatory to a New York dinner.

We had but two deaths on board, and those of infants, who were sickly before leaving Liverpool. We also had two births, making our number, on arrival at New York, the same as when we started on our journey.

The captain, officers and crew showed us every kindness, and the chief deck steward, Mr. Parsonage, was untiring in his attention to the sick, for which they received an expression of our thanks in a testimonial. Good order was maintained throughout the entire journey, and I never heard anything from Saint or sinner that caused the least offence, everything went along charmingly, and we are [p.524] here to thank the giver of all good for his many blessings to us.

Hoping that this will find you and all in the office well, and that the remainder of the emigration this year will be prospered as we have been, with kind regards I remain your brother in the gospel,

G.H. Knowlden, Secretary. 

BIB: Knowlden, G. H. [Letter] Latter Day Saints Millennial Star 32:33 (August 16, 1870) pp.524-25. (CHL)

Letter from Karl G. Maeser - July 14, 1870

S.S. Manhattan, Queenstown, July 14, 1870 10 a.m.President Horace S. Eldredge.

Dear Brother,--Our little company generally are well and in high spirits. As you are aware, we left the Mersey at 11 a.m. yesterday. Brother Karl G. Maeser, president of the company, with L. W. Shurtliff and Lorin Farr his counselors, proceeded at once to organize the company. The following officers were elected--Secretary, G. H. Knowlden; captain of the Guard, Joseph S. Richards; with Lewis M. [p.460] Grant to preside over the German portion of the Saints. Two meetings are held each day, and of two kinds, namely, English and German, the English occupying the forward part of the ship, while the German occupy the middle. All seem to aim to make our journey pleasant, each extending the helping hand whenever necessary for the benefit of all. The returning elders are all at the table this morning, and many who had various complaints during the last half year are braving the storm and getting fat, our mutual friend Levi not excepted. The Saints appear determined to feed the fishes, if possible. We anticipate the best kind of a time on board, and realize the saying of Brother Joseph before leaving us, that we have a through ticket. The weather is calm this morning, and merrily on the way we go.

Wishing a kind remembrance to all the brethren at the office and all Saints, I remain your brother in the gospel,

Karl G. Maeser.per G.H. Knowlden, Secretary

BIB: Maeser, Karl G. [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 32:29 (July 19 1870) pp. 460- 61. (CHL)

Letter from W. C. Staines - July 29, 1870

New York, July 29, 1870.

President Horace S. Eldredge.

Dear Brother--The steamship Manhattan, with a company of Saints, arrived on Tuesday, 26th. The company were all well and felt first-rate. I saw them leave the railroad station on Wednesday, 27th, at 3:30 p.m., in a special train. All had plenty of car room, and all left apparently well pleased.

The president and brethren who had charge of the company, wished me to say to you that the captain and all the officers, doctor, and stewards did all they could to make the Saints comfortable.

The passengers coming only to New York gave us a great deal of trouble with their luggage, as is always the case. No one has any idea of the trouble the brethren have. In the first place the party owning the box or bag cannot be found, hoping to have it sent on, so that he can go too.

I found several who were expecting money here from Utah (but none had come), and who had nearly enough to pay their passage through.

The weather has been terribly hot here. All say they never knew it so hot before. A great many people are sick, and many are dying in consequence.

With kind regards to yourself and Sister Eldredge and all at 42 Islington, I remain yours faithfully,

W. [William] C. Staines.

BIB: Staines, W. C., [Letter], Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 32:33 (August 16, 1870) p. 525. (CHL)

Letter to David and Ann MacNeil

John MacNeil to David and Ann MacNeilNew York, 26 July 1870

Dear father & mother,

I take up my pen to let you know how I got across the ocean. We had a very rough voyage from [when] we left Liverpool. I have been sick & pitched up. Nearly all on board were sick. You must excuse my Queenstown letter, wrong dated, wrong everything. I never knew anything about Queenstown till we were within sight. We had morning & evening meetings on board. The weather was so very rough that it was miserable up on deck. I got wet to the skin several times attempting to stay on board deck. There was such a sickening smell below, I could not stay below. We had plenty of music on board.

I have eaten very little since I left. The food you get steerage fare a pig would not look at. We had coffee & bread to breakfast (sour bread). We had dirty water soup & boiled potatoes for dinner. We had coffee & sea biscuits for supper. You could not eat the meat we got. If ever your spared to come, do not come with the intention that you will have everything you require on board. You will have nothing, unless you treat the steward & you would have to always be dropping money into them. Some of them had everything they required with them, pickles, preserves, hern, ham steak, & everything nice while I was starving of hunger. Be sure to take oranges or lemons to taste your mouth after sickness. Be sure & fetch ham & cheese.

We got to the banks of Newfoundland on Thursday 21. I found Brother Richardson on the vessel & soon made his acquaintance. He says he had a note from Brother Douglas regarding me. He says he will see me all right.

There was about two hundred & fifty Saints on board, the most part of them Swiss Saints. There was one child died (Swiss) & was buried in the sea. There was two births amongst us. The Swiss are very dirty & lousy.

Be sure & fetch everything tasty for you will get nothing on the vessel. Warm clothing is very necessary till your within two days sailing of New York. When we were within two days sailing of New York it turned very warm & we could get up on deck & had games both with the sailors & with ourselves. Be sure and fetch bread.

We seen lots of fish on our trip, porpoises and whales. I do not know that I have got any more to say at present. You need not expect anymore word from me till I am landed and looks around a little. . . . Give my kind love to brothers and sisters and all inquiring friends. No more at present but remains yours forever,

John McNeil

John MacNeil to David and Ann MacNeil Smithfield [Utah] Tuesday 27 September 1870

Dear father and mother,

When I last wrote you we were in Castle Garden. We stayed a day and a night there and then got into the cars. I liked the cars better than the vessel. We were only two days traveling on the rail when two men coming along the line placed a railway sleeper [p. 99] [railroad tie] across the line and when we came up against it the cylinder of the engine burst into shivers. But the engine man struck it off an shunted us back to the next station with 1 cylinder. The block had to be cut out with an axe before we could get it out. There were three trains come meeting us at the time but they seen us in time to haul up. When we got back to the station they telegraphed to the next station and the two men were caught.

We were ten days on the rail. We landed in Ogden on the 6th of August. When we arrived there the smallpox were raging there so they thought it advisable to take us all luggage an all down to [Salt Lake] City. When we were about half way to the City we had to shunt to let a train past that came from the City. When they were passing they stopped and let out Brigham Young, George A. Smith & Daniel H. Wells. They stepped into our train and went right through shaking hands with everyone as they went along through the cars. . . . 

BIB: MacNeil, John [Letter to David and Ann MacNeil, July 26, 1870 and September 27, 1870] in Buchanan, Frederick Stewart, ed., A Good Time Coming: Mormon Letters to Scotland (Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1988) pp. 98-100.

Passenger List

•Gottfried AGENSTEIN

•Gottlieb AGENSTEIN

•Margaret AGENSTEIN

•Rosetta AGENSTEIN

•Rosina AGENSTEIN

•Susanna AGENSTEIN

•Susannah AGENSTEIN

•Marie ANDOLFINGER

•George BAKER

•Leah BAKER

•Mary A. BAKER

•Alfred BALL

•Elizabeth BALL

•Matilda BALL

•Orson BALL

•Richard BALL

•Susannah BARKER

•William BARNES

•Sarah A. M. BERFORD

•Adolph BISSEGGER

•Andreas BISSEGGER

•August BISSEGGER

•Christina BISSEGGER

•Jacob BISSEGGER

•Louise BISSEGGER

•Pauline BISSEGGER

•Alice BOARDMAN

•Abraham BRANSON

•Fanny BRANSON

•John BRANSON

•James BRIGHOUSE

•Henry BROUGH

•Henry, Jr. BROUGH

•Lois BROUGH

•Ann BROWN

•Elizabeth BROWN

•Phoebe BROWN

•William BROWN

•Elizabeth BUEHLER

•Louise BURGON

•Edward BURROW

•Ann BUTLER

•Ann CAMPBELL

•Mary Ann CARR

•Charles CHECKETTS

•Daniel CHECKETTS

•Eliza CHECKETTS

•Emily CHECKETTS

•Francis CHECKETTS

•Heber CHECKETTS

•Henry CHECKETTS

•Job CHECKETTS

•William CHECKETTS

•Alma CHIVRELL

•Florence E. CHIVRELL

•Joseph H. CHIVRELL

•Mary CHIVRELL

•H. B. CLEMANS

•Jane COMPTON

•Joseph COMPTON

•Charles S. COOK

•Robert CUSHING

•Edwin DAVIS

•Elizabeth DAVIS

•J. George DAVIS

•Mary DAVIS

•Sambrooke H. DAVIS

•Catherine DICK

•George, Jr. DICK

•George, Sr. DICK

•Richard DYE

•Elizabeth EDWARDS

•Sarah EDWARDS

•William EDWARDS

•Margaretha EGG

•Thomas ELLSON

•Barbara ENZ

•Marie ENZ

•Winslow FARR

•Anna FELLER

•Anna FELLER

•Christian FELLER

•Friedrich FELLER

•Jacob FELLER

•Rosine FELLER

•Susanna FELLER

•Ann FERGUSON

•Johah M. FERRIN

•Alexander FORTIE

•Albert FRIEDRICH

•Arnold FRIEDRICH

•Bertha FRIEDRICH

•Elisa FRIEDRICH

•Jacob FRIEDRICH

•Lisette FRIEDRICH

•Elisa FRITSCHI

•Levi GARRETT

•Emma GIERISCH

•Jacob GIERISCH

•Jacob GIERISCH

•Julia GIERISCH

•Marie GIERISCH

•Ottilie GIERISCH

•Lewis M. GRANT

•John GREEN

•Ellen GREGORY

•G. GREGORY

•George GREGORY

•Harry GREGORY

•Henry GREGORY

•Mary A. GREGORY

•Rosenora GREGORY

•S. GREGORY

•Eliza HATFIELD

•Eliza HATFIELD

•Samuel HATFIELD

•Elizabeth HENDERSON

•George HOLDING

•Mary A. HOLMES

•Katharina HOLZWORTH

•Love HOPE

•William HOPE

•Anton HOPFENBECK

•Johann HOPFENBECK

•Julie HOPFENBECK

•Therese HOPFENBECK

•Mary HORROCK

•Mary Jane HORROCK

•Mary HOWSE

•Edwin Martin INGE

•Ephraim INGE

•Josephine INGE

•Alfred ISOM

•Catherine JEFFS

•Charlotte JEFFS

•Ellen JEFFS

•Oliver JEFFS

•Richard JEFFS

•Thomas JEFFS

•William JEFFS

•William, Jr. JEFFS

•Edward JENKINSON

•Elizabeth JENKINSON

•Alice JOHNSON

•G. JOHNSON

•George S. JOHNSON

•Mary JOHNSON

•Mary A. JOHNSON

•Mary A. JOHNSON

•William JONES

•William JONES

•James KENNEDY

•Cristian KIENER

•Susanna KLOSSNER

•Elise KNECHT

•George H. KNOWLDEN

•Elizabeth KREBS

•Emma KREBS

•Johannes KREBS

•Johannes, Jr. KREBS

•Rosette KREBS

•Karl KROPF

•Christian KUNZ

•David KUNZ

•Gottfried KUNZ

•Jacob KUNZ

•Johannes KUNZ

•Katherina KUNZ

•Robert KUNZ

•Rosina KUNZ

•Rosina KUNZ

•Rosina KUNZ

•Samuel KUNZ

•Wilhelm KUNZ

•Daniel LANG

•Agnes LIVINGSTON

•Alexander LIVINGSTON

•Andrew LIVINGSTON

•Elizabeth LIVINGSTON

•Elizabeth LIVINGSTON

•Joshua LUGDEN

•Richard MACE

•Karl G. MAESER

•Jessie MCBEATH

•John MCNEIL

•Isaac MEADOWS

•Louisa MEADOWS

•Mary A. MEADOWS

•Sarah MEADOWS

•Elizabeth MEREDITH

•Sarah MEREDITH

•Johan Friedich METZENEN

•Marie Louisa METZENEN

•Marie M. METZENEN

•Christian MEYER

•Emma A. MITCHEL

•Margaretha MUENGER

•Christina NELSON

•Ellen NELSON

•James NELSON

•John NELSON

•Robert PALMER

•William H. PIDCOCK

•Nephi PRATT

•Samuel M. PRICE

•Ann REYNOLDS

•Catherine REYNOLDS

•Catherine REYNOLDS

•Charles REYNOLDS

•David REYNOLDS

•Henry REYNOLDS

•John REYNOLDS

•Martha REYNOLDS

•Zillah REYNOLDS

•Joseph S. RICHARDS

•Thomas RICHARDSON

•Emma ROBERTSHAW

•James ROBERTSHAW

•John H. ROBERTSHAW

•Rebecca ROBERTSHAW

•Rhoda ROBERTSHAW

•Thomas RODGERS

•Marie ROHRER

•Amelia SAER

•William SAER

•Arnold SCHENK

•Johannes F. SCHENK

•Marie SCHENK

•Marie SCHENK

•Rosine SCHENK

•Edmund SCHOENHALS

•Ernest SCHOENHALS

•Charles SHUMWAY

•L. W. SHURTLIFF

•Henry SIMONS

•C. SMART

•Elizabeth SMART

•Ellen SMART

•Nephi SMART

•S. SMART

•Alfred SMITH

•Annie SMITH

•Catherine SMITH

•Christopher SMITH

•Eliza SMITH

•Elizabeth SMITH

•Fanny SMITH

•John SMITH

•Sarah SMITH

•Bendicht SOMMER

•Johann SOMMER

•Jane SPENCE

•Howard O. SPENCER

•Johannes STEINER

•Moroni STORER

•Henry TATTERSALL

•John THOMAS

•John, Jr. THOMAS

•Mary THOMAS

•Mary THOMAS

•Morgan THOMAS

•Henry TILLEY

•John TUDDENHAM

•Pauline VOGEL

•Richard VOGEL

•Henry WANLESS

•Mary A. WANLESS

•Jonathan WATKINS

•Anna WESTON

•John WESTON

•Joseph WESTON

•Malinda WESTON

•Mary WESTON

•Mercy WESTON

•Nehemiah WESTON

•Roseanna WESTON

•Samuel WESTON

•Margaretha WICKLI

•Margaretha WICKLI

•Ann WILLIAMS

•Barzillai WILLIAMS

•Clare WILLIAMS

•Eliza WILLIAMS

•H. Ann WILLIAMS

•James WILLIAMS

•Alice E. WRIGHT

•James WRIGHT

•Mary A. WRIGHT

•Mary A. WRIGHT

•Louisa YATES

The Manhattan

At the time of the 1870 census in Heber Utah, Alexander was still in England, about to leave for the states and Christina, at the age of 45, lived with her son Alexander (1846) age 23 (marked as a laborer) and his wife Rachel, age 22 and their daughter Amilia who was 8 months old. John, age 20, Alexander's (1846) brother, also lived with them.

Most of the Saint's who came on the ship with Alexander (1822) got to Utah in September so that is most likely when he arrived. We can assume he went to Heber to be with his family but shortly after his arrival tragedy struck. Perhaps the trip was too much or there was some kind of sickness going around but Alexander (1822) and Christina's dream of living together as a family in America came to an abrupt end. Christina died a few weeks before Christmas on 11 December 1870 at the age of 48, a year and a half after arriving in America and only a few months after Alexander (1822) arrived. She was buried in the Heber Cemetery. 

Alexander married Ann Douglas (Tomkinson) on 6 November 1871, almost a year after Christina died. Ann was 47 and Alexander was 50. Ann was born on 5 December 1824 in Glasgow Scotland. She married her first husband, Ephraim Tomkinson 18 May 1845 at the age of 20 (Ephraim was 19) and came to America with him in 1849 at the age of 24 (Ephraim was 23). She had 5 children with Ephraim, he died in 1863 at the age of 37.

The Tomkinson children are:

Ephraim - born 11 February 1847, Glasgow Scotland. Died 23 June 1924, Phoenix, Arizona. Age 77.
Douglas - born 18 Januaary 1852, Salt Lake City, Utah. Died May 1901, Ogden, Utah. Age 49.

Mary Ann - born 25 October 1854, Fillmore, Utah. Died 14 July 1860. Age 5.
Brigham - born 11 February 1857, Fillmore, Utah. Died 7 January 1926, Flowell, Utah. Age 68.
Annie Laurie - born 16 November 1859, Fillmore, Utah. Died 12 February 1893. Age 33.

Alexander and Ann lived in Filmore and were divorced according to some histiries I have read but a date was not giving. They simply said he lived in the south east part of town for the rest of his life and built coffins, including his own. He was known for the quality of his woodwork. He was also the assistant to the choir director in Fillmore. He was known as a strict disciplinarian and once sent one of Ann's sons to a dance with no shoes because he didn't have any. The boy didn't want to go and be embarrassed but Alexander hit him several times to force him to go. The boy yelled and a neighbor came over and told Alexander if he hit him anymore he would have him to deal with. The history didn't say if the boy went to the dance or not.
Another story says he once told a young man in church, who was about to take the sacrament, that he shouldn't take it because he wasn't worthy. The boy never came back to church.
It looks like Alexander had a few things to work on.

Ann died 24 August 1891 in Fillmore at the age of 66.
Alexander died 19 March 1902 in Fillmore at the age of 79. 

 - died 19 March 1900 Fillmore, Millard, Utah, United States



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Someone famous from Fife Scotland that Alexander and Christine may have known or known about.

Andrew Carnegie (25 November 1835 – 11 August 1919) was a Scottish-American industrialist, businessman, entrepreneur and a major philanthropist.

Carnegie was born in Dunfermline, Scotland and migrated to the United States as a child with his parents. His first job in the United States was as a factory worker in a bobbin factory. Later, he became a bill logger for the owner of the company. Soon after he became a messenger boy. Eventually he progressed up the ranks of a telegraph company. He built Pittsburgh's Carnegie Steel Company, which was later merged with Elbert H. Gary's Federal Steel Company and several smaller companies to create U.S. Steel. With the fortune he made from business, he later turned to philanthropy and interests in education, founding the Carnegie Corporation of New York, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Carnegie Institution of Washington, Carnegie MellonUniversity and the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh.

Carnegie donated most of his money to establish many libraries, schools, and universities in America, the United Kingdom and other countries, as well as a pension fund for former employees. He is often regarded as the second-richest man in history after John D. Rockefeller. Carnegie started as a telegrapher and by the 1860s had investments in railroads, railroad sleeping cars, bridges and oil derricks. He built further wealth as a bond salesman raising money for American enterprise in Europe.

He earned most of his fortune in the steel industry. In the 1870s, he founded the Carnegie Steel Company, a step which cemented his name as one of the "Captains of Industry". By the 1890s, the company was the largest and most profitable industrial enterprise in the world. Carnegie sold it to J.P. Morgan in 1901, who created U.S. Steel. Carnegie devoted the remainder of his life to large-scale philanthropy, with special emphasis on local libraries, world peace, education and scientific research. His life has often been referred to as a true "rags to riches" story.